From outback adventures in stunning desert landscapes to chilling on secluded beaches along the coast, we share our favourite things to do in South Australia.
The Flinders Ranges are home to sacred caves, cattle stations, country pubs and outdoor adventures galore.
Sacred Canyon is one of the only sites in the Flinders Ranges National Park where you can see authentic Aboriginal art. The artworks are not paintings, but stone engravings believed to be between 30,000 and 40,000 years old. It’s a relatively easy walk to the canyon, and very picturesque with ancient red gums and riverbeds along the way.
The Kanyaka Station ruins comprises two main historical sites: the old woolshed which was once the largest in the state and the homestead which housed the manager, his family and the servants. Take a walk through history from the waterhole to the ruins.
Noodling (also known as fossicking, but that’s less fun to say) is the sifting for small pieces of precious opal accidentally discarded by miners. What better place to try your hand at noodling than Coober Pedy, the Opal Capital of the World?
There’s a seemingly endless supply of breathtaking scenic lookouts scattered throughout the Flinders Ranges: Razorback, Wilpena Pound and Station Hill to name just a few. But half the fun is jumping in a 4WD and finding some special spots of your own, stopping for some tucker in local pubs along the way.
Leafy towns surrounded by sprawling woodlands, lush gardens and world-class wineries and fruit orchards make Adelaide Hills a scenic retreat from the bustle and heat of the capital.
Adelaide Hills’ winding mountain roads are an irresistible temptation for mountain bikers of all skill levels, and Escapegoat Mountain Bike Tours offers a fantastic range of tours and training programs in this beautiful part of South Australia.
South Australia is home to a number of orchards that provide some of the freshest and yummiest fruit and veg in the country. At Stella Creek Orchard, you can even roll up your sleeves and spend a couple of hours cherry picking, or head over to Lenswood Orchard for juicy apples.
Cuddle a koala; see crocodiles, wombats and dingos; walk among the kangaroos and wallabies; and explore the reptile house at Gorge Wildlife Park.
Immerse yourself in European culture in the township of Hahndorf and meet the adorable animals at Hahndorf Farm Barn.
Peruse rows upon rows of kids’ books at Matilda Bookshop.
The summer playground of Adelaideans for years, the Fleurieu Peninsula offers an exciting mix of kid-friendly beaches, historic towns, wineries and aquatic activities.
Spot dolphins, seals, sea lions and whales with The Big Duck Boat Tours.
The Flying Fish Cafe in Port Elliot is named after an old two masted schooner which was wrecked in the bay in 1860. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy an early morning coffee or perhaps their famous fish ‘n chips served in a cone.
You can meet all sorts of animals with feathers, fur and fins at Urimbirra Wildlife Park, located in Hindmarsh Valley just a few minutes from Victor Harbour.
For a coastal journey to remember, ride along the oldest steel-railed railway in Australia dating back to 1887.
Take the Horse Drawn Tram to Granite Island – you can even collect the business card from the horse that pulled you across!
Just minutes from the mainland yet seemingly worlds away, Kangaroo Island is the place to visit for close encounters of the furry kind.
Hire a sandboard at Little Sahara and hit the dunes for thrills, spills and massive fun!
Check out these endangered animals as they hunt, surf, rest, interact with their pups and defend their territory at the Seal Bay Conservation Park.
Admirals Arch is a natural rock arch created by amazing forces of nature in Flinders Chase National Park. Take an easy stroll along clifftop boardwalk to the viewing platform overlooking the arch to take in its full scope and maybe even spot some lazy fur seals lounging on the rocks.
Visit owls, kestrels, falcon, eagles and others at this favourite tourist destination.
Balmy weather, red river gums, quaint riverside beaches and towns, and nights spent camping under the stars… what’s not to love about the spectacular Murray River region?
Hire a houseboat to cruise down the river or jump aboard a paddle steamer.
Hire canoes and explore the side rivers that aren’t accessible via big boat!
Hire some equipment or sign up for a tour and give water skiing a try or take a ride on a sea biscuit.
It doesn’t have to be go, go, go all the time. Spend a lazy afternoon on shore fishing, barbecuing and swimming.
Visit Monarto Open Range Zoo, Australia’s largest open range, home to giraffes, rhinos and chimpanzees.
The seaside city of Whyalla combines the natural beauty of the coast, outback landscapes and a rich heritage, plus an average of 300 days of sunshine each year.
Don a captain’s hat and toot the ship’s horn on a tour of HMAS Whyalla at the Whyalla Maritime Museum.
What better spot to take in a classic SA sunset than from the 360-degree lookout at Hummock Hill?
Put on your snorkels and wetsuits to witness the annual migration of the Australian giant cuttlefish in the months of May and August.
Spend an afternoon dolphin spotting at the Whyalla Marina and laugh at their playful antics.
Meet friendly locals at the Tanderra Craft Village and delve into local history at the Mount Laura Homestead Museum.
Whyalla is also known as ‘Steel City’ thanks to its production of steel and ship building heritage. Observe the spectacle of red hot coals emerging from the massive coke ovens touring the Whyalla Steelworks.
Main image © Tourism Australia
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