south australian tour guide

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South Australia Tours & Trips

Discover amazing adventures through South Australia visiting places like Adelaide and Flinders Ranges, as well as the majestic Great Ocean Road . Most travellers enjoy exploring our South Australia trips in September, which has the most departure dates.

62 South Australia tour packages with 23 reviews

South Australia Outback Adventure (9 destinations)

• Christmas & New Year

Kangaroo Island Adventure

A good return visit to parts we had visited previously and some new ones.

• Coastal Walks

3- Day Kangaroo Island Adventure Tour

• Mountain Hikes
• Hiking & Trekking

6-Day Eyre Peninsula & Flinders Ranges Adventure Tour

The services are excellent. However, the weather is not perfect.

• In-depth Cultural

Great Ocean Road & Kangaroo Island Escape (7 Days)

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Wine tasting

Tour de South Australia Vineyards - Self Guided

• Self-Guided Cycling

Tour de Clare Valley - Self Guided

• Coach / Bus

Great Ocean Road and Kangaroo Island Escape (7 Days)

【Adelaide】 5 Days Explore Package

Very good tour, bit difficult due to border rules and lack of other travellers cause alot of cancellation and rescheduling tours, was a bit disappointed that the tour mention the changes so late meaning I have alot of days off with self exploring.

Outback Explorer Uluru to Adelaide (4 Days)

• Food & Culinary

The Flavours of South Australia (5 Days)

Heysen Trail and the Flinders Ranges Final Five

Best of Adelaide with Barossa Valley & Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail

7-Day South Australia Food & Wine E-Bike Tour

Reviews of south australia tours.

Wonderful trip! Highly recommend! Our guide/driver Kevin really knew Kangaroo Island and provided some flexibility in the schedule. Accommodations in both Penneshaw and Kingscote were comfortable. The breakfasts provided were very good. Favorites were Flinders Chase National Park and the Remarkable Rocks, the Penneshaw Penguins, and Seal Bay.

South Australia Tours starting in:

• Adelaide (26)
• Fully Guided (52)
• Explorer (47)
• Family (40)
• Hiking & Trekking (9)
• Bicycle (8)
• In-depth Cultural (7)
• Partially Guided (6)
• Jeep & 4WD (5)
• Personalized (4)
• Small Group (11)
• 3 Day Tours (4)
• 7 Day Tours (22)
• 10 Day Tours (5)
• Spring 2024 (20)
• Summer 2024 (18)
• Fall / Autumn 2024 (26)
• Winter 2024 / 2025 (13)
• Spring 2025 (13)
• Summer 2025 (6)
• Fall / Autumn 2025 (8)
• Winter 2025 / 2026 (7)
• March 2024 (8)
• April 2024 (14)
• May 2024 (16)
• June 2024 (15)
• July 2024 (14)
• August 2024 (17)
• September 2024 (21)
• October 2024 (20)
• November 2024 (15)
• December 2024 (11)
• January 2025 (9)
• February 2025 (10)
• March 2025 (11)
• April 2025 (11)
• May 2025 (7)
• June 2025 (5)
• July 2025 (5)
• August 2025 (7)
• September 2025 (7)
• October 2025 (7)

Other Regions in Australia

• Western Australia (373)
• Australian Outback (346)
• East Australia (269)
• Australia West Coast (145)
• Queensland (142)
• Great Barrier Reef (137)
• Tasmania (135)
• Kimberley (121)
• Australia Northern Territory (108)
• South East Queensland (95)
• Australia East Coast (87)
• Kakadu National Park (64)
• Red Centre (59)
• Central Australia (58)
• Uluru / Ayers Rock (48)
• Victoria (39)

Travel Styles

• Singles and Solo (21)
• For Couples (15)
• Seniors (15)

International Versions

• Deutsch: Südaustralien Rundreisen
• Français: Circuits en Australie méridionale
• Español: Circuitos por Australia Meridional
• Nederlands: Zuid-Australië Rondreizen

A South Australia Travel Guide Featuring Epic Itineraries

Favoured by many for its reputation as the food and wine state of Australia and adored by those who can’t get enough of its mix of dramatic landscapes, incredible coastline, vibrant cities and rugged mountain ranges, South Australia comes close to the ‘state with it all’.

Food and wine culture is very much ingrained in the life of every South Australian and is adopted quickly by those that visit. The lush valleys deliver the perfect conditions for growing an abundance of flavours. The state’s famous wine regions – namely Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley, Coonawarra and the Adelaide Hills – are where you’ll find plentiful cellar doors inviting you over the threshold. You’ll succumb to the temptation at one of the state’s food and wine festivals, of which much of South Australia travel revolves around. 

For those looking to get in touch with nature, the rugged Outback, wild landscapes of the Eyre Peninsula and hiking opportunities in and around the Flinders Ranges can be combined for an active South Australia tour. To mix it up, the vibrant capital of Adelaide followed by a few days on Kangaroo Island, where you’ll be surrounded by an abundance of free-roaming native Australian wildlife, presents the perfect combination.

While it’s not the first draw, the verdant coastline and sparkling blues of the ocean just add to what makes this part of Australia a joy to travel around. 

Fine landscapes, fine wine, fine food and fines festivals; need we say more? Read on to find out everything there is to know about South Australia travel.

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Best Time to Visit South Australia

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The driest of all the states in the country, South Australia gets very hot! Over 75% of the population of this state are based in the capital city of Adelaide – escaping the heat, anyone?

The southern part of the state, including Adelaide, has a much more Mediterranean climate with sea breezes helping to keep everyone cool. Whereas in the north, it’s much drier. Regardless, it can get very hot in both north and south during the summer. Adelaide temperatures can reach 46 degrees in the summer (from November to February). The winters (March to September) in South Australia tend to be cold and rainy. However, when we say ‘cold’, we mean ‘cold for Australians’ as it’s still around 20-30 degrees. 

Skin cancer is rife in Australia with some of the highest rates in the world, so make sure to wear sun protection. You can buy huge bottles of sun cream all over the country – applying suncream is a practise heavily encouraged by locals!

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Best Places to Visit in South Australia

One of the most diverse and intriguing states, you can have it all in South Australia  – from the southern Mediterranean climate to the arid Outback and the lush wine region. However, despite this, South Australia is left behind when it comes to favoured Aussie states to travel. The upside to this is the lack of crowded tourist spots!

If you’re looking to experience all of Australia’s best selling points in one place – nature, wine, produce and wildlife – then Kangaroo Island is the spot. Boasting 509 kilometres of coastline, Kangaroo Island is nature’s playground where you can lounge on pristine beaches, interact with local wildlife and go wine tasting. 

This 4-day Kangaroo Island tour will see you immersed in the diverse landscapes that this island is known for. 

Taking a spot on the top places to see in Adelaide list, the Adelaide Hills are just a 20-minute journey from Adelaide’s central business district but feel like you’ve entered another world. With several charming historical towns, cellar doors and marketings, the Adelaide Hills are a worthwhile day trip from the city. 

If you like the idea of staying in the Adelaide Hills, then this romantic 6-day Thorngrove Manor Getaway in Adelaide is perfect for you. 

One of the most wonderful outback destinations in Australia, ‘Flinders’, as it’s affectionately known by Aussies, is an ancient mountain range with plentiful local wildlife. From emus to kangaroos that wander across the road and yellow-footed rock wallabies, you can spot them all here. 

If you’re planning to visit South Australia, then a trip to the Flinders Ranges should be on your list if you want to experience the ‘Outback’. 

Venture away from the city and into the country to find yourself in the charming valleys of Barossa and Clare; both beautiful but different in their appeal. Barossa Valley is known as the perfect region to experience the most-renowned Australian wines and is continually hailed as one of the most romantic destinations in Australia. 

On the flip side, Clare Valley is an off-the-beaten-path experience for those seeking a little adventure accompanied by rolling countryside, verdant greenery and abundant vineyards. Explore both of these wine regions on this Adelaide tour to the Barossa and Clare Valleys .

Another worthy wine region in South Australia, the McLaren Vale is Barossa Valley’s cooler cousin. Giving off a Tuscan vibe, the vineyards and luxurious and perfect complemented by a beautifully calm coastline that makes you feel as though you have been transported to Italy. 

Experience what McLaren Vale wine tours have to offer on this 6-day Fleurieu Peninsula tour .

Face the wilderness in this great expanse of land known as the Eyre Peninsula, one part of South Australia’s stunning coastline. Home to jaw-dropping aquatic experiences such as diving with great white sharks, pristine coastline and a notable food and wine scene, the Eyre Peninsula is perfect for those that favour a watery adventure.

You can experience the Eyre Peninsula on a South Australia tour designed by one of our Local Designers . 

Encompassing the McLaren Vale and Port Eliot, the Fleurieu Peninsula is so special that it deserves a mention as a whole. On a Fleurieu Peninsula tour , you’ll spend your days tasting award-winning wines, discovering remarkable landscapes and dining at restaurants you’ll want to write home about. 

Did you know that South Australia was home to several incredible fuschia lakes?

Well, now, you do! Due to the high salinity levels, the presence of salt-loving algae and pink bacteria, South Australia is punctuated by bright pink lakes. Often fringed by verdant green fields or red ochre plains, these dreamy milkshake lakes have been stunning travellers for years. From the Outback to the Eyre Peninsula, you’ll find these lakes in many locations across the state.

A city often left out of many South Australia itineraries and Australia tour packages, Adelaide actually offers everything the rest of Australia offers but within 20 minutes of the city centre – wine regions, lush forests, pristine beaches, abundant wildlife and fine dining!

Built on a special structure so that traffic never had to be a problem, Adelaide is a dynamic city which comes alive during South Australia’s revered festival season. There are lots of cool things to see in Adelaide and with an abundance of great day trips from Adelaide available, who wouldn’t want to visit?

Just off the coast of Port Lincoln, you’ll find the Neptune Islands – one of the best places in the world to spot great white sharks. A short journey by boat and you’ll find yourself in the waters where great whites and dolphins hang out. 

To ensure the protection of the sharks and their environment, audio vibrations are used by eco-tour operations to attract the sharks. If you’re brave enough, you can be submerged in a cage before the water’s surface to have an up-close-and-personal encounter with these magical creatures.

How to Get Around South Australia

The capital, Adelaide, was built and designed with convenience in mind. Broad roads surround its central business district and great transport links whisk people around the city and out to its suburbs and beyond. The rest of South Australia seems to flow just as well as this city does. 

There are a number of ways to get around South Australia;

Driving is one of the most popular ways to get around South Australia as it allows you the freedom and the ability to stop wherever you like. For the most part, the roads in this state are well maintained, and speed limits keep drivers safe.   

If you plan to drive around South Australia, then it is best to fly into Adelaide airport and then hire a car at the airport to set off on your journey. Lots of the best places to visit in South Australia are reachable by day trips from Adelaide. 

Most major airports – Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane – are less than a two-hour flight from Adelaide. Adelaide airport also services a number of international flights and is just an easy 15-minute journey from the city centre. 

If you’re looking to visit multiple states within a trip then flying interstate is the best way. 

Adelaide is well connected to a number of major centres in Australia by bus and train. Within the state, the rail network connects Adelaide with a number of top destinations.

Bus SA is a network of bus companies which service routes to several parts of rural South Australia.

A close second, if not on par, to driving yourself, a private South Australia tour is another great way to see the state whilst also having plenty of freedom to adjust your itinerary.

This one-week South Australia trip takes you from Adelaide into the Outback, Flinders Ranges, the wine regions and to Kangaroo Island accompanied by your private driver and a local guide for the entirety of the trip. 

Where to Stay in South Australia

From Outback lodges, leafy hideaways in the mountains and beachside camping to five-star internationally renowned hotels, South Australia has a range of accommodation suitable for all travellers. 

When it comes to deciding where to stay, each region and destination brings a variety of different options.

Adelaide is a vibrant coastal city with a big draw. If you’re looking for a luxury retreat in the centre of the action, moments from world-famous restaurants and boutique bars, then Adelaide is the place to go. For more affordable accommodation, you can head out of the city to one of the nearby beaches. 

If you want to roll out of bed and be steps away from multiple cellar doors and wineries, then the Barossa Valley and Clare Valley are the perfect places to stay. From romantic escapes to family budget stays, there are all types of accommodation in these wine regions. Many of the boutique lodges boast stunning views, their own vineyards and exceptional wine and food. 

Camping, glamping, luxury resorts, cosy homesteads and more, whether you like to rough it or crave those luxuries while in nature, you’ll find something to suit you in this part of South Australia. Eco-lodges are also rising up as a great option for South Australia tours in the Outback. 

Accommodation on Kangaroo Island varies from a choice of simply lodges to cute cottages and stunning retreats and hotels. This 6-day South Australia tour features a gorgeous little Kangaroo Island lodge for the perfect mix of nature, indulgence and luxury. 

A romantic escape just 20 minutes from the city of Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills seem like a world away with its winding lanes, pretty little towns and boutique hotels. The Thorngrove Manor Hotel in the Adelaide Hills is a perfect representation of the stunning properties that you can stay in here. 

Whoever you’re travelling with, or even if you’re travelling alone, this region will present an option to you so perfect that you won’t want to leave. From charming bed and breakfasts to river houseboats and more, being close to the great outdoors is best in the Murray River, Lakes and Coorong region.

Relax, surf, wine, dine and more; the Fleurieu Peninsula is the perfect place to cosy up in your own holiday cottage or grab your camping gear and sleep in the great outdoors. On this 6-day Fleurieu Peninsula tour , you’ll spend a day in a winery so that you’re never too far from a delicious red and a cheeseboard.  

Places to Eat and Drink on Your Trip to South Australia

South Australia is a legend among the six states for its food and wine. From the bountiful Barossa Valley to the lush Adelaide Hills and everything in between, South Australia is a playground for wines and diners. Discover South Australia’s top foodie spots here;

If you were to ask a local for a restaurant recommendation in Adelaide, you’d have to prepare yourself for a tidal wave. Adelaide’s restaurants, cellar doors and local produce are world-class. Right on the coast and a short drive from Australia’s famous wine region, Barossa, Adelaide is perfect for those that want to indulge in exceptional food and wine experiences. 

It is often said, if you want the best of Australia, Kangaroo Island is your place – superb beaches, fine wine and fresh seafood. Kangaroo Island is where you’ll find ocean-to-plate experiences, beautifully crafted wines and dining experiences, including one where you dine within the branches of a 100-year-old fig tree!

If your idea of foodie heaven is to stand in the sea and slurp oysters fresh as the day with an expert guide on an oyster farm tour, then the Eyre Peninsula is your place. Join a seafood tour to sample the freshest of the fresh or upgrade your seafood experience by dining at one of the award-winning restaurants scattered across this peninsula.

One of the world’s finest wine-growing regions, the Barossa Valley is a lush, fertile, undulating stretch of land just an hour from Adelaide. For wine lovers and foodies, Barossa is the ideal place to sample vintages, dine at cellar doors and taste some of Australia’s most revered wines and dishes. 

Factoring in all the different variables, designing a tour that is within budget can feel like a bit of a headache. Luckily, our Local Designers have been doing this for years and years. They take your travel style, budget and interests and design an Australia tour that is perfect for you. 

Taking care of everything from airport transfers to rental car pick-up, hotel and restaurant reservations, guided activities and tours, our Local Designers make planning a trip to Australia, or anywhere else in the world, simple!

As an example of a trip to South Australia, this 9-day South Australia tour costs AU$2,506 per person and includes:

• Eight nights of three-star accommodation
• Seven activities
• Eight breakfasts, one lunch and one dinner
• Rental car hire
• Entrance fees
• Licensed English speaking guides at designated activities

Simple changes such as the type of accommodation and how many places you visit can adjust the cost of your trip. 

At Designer Journeys, we understand that everyone travels differently and has different interests, priorities and preferences when it comes to planning an Australia tour. You can browse our range of fully-customisable Australia trips and tailor any one of these tours to your preference or simply use the ‘ design your own trip ’ function to connect with a Local Designer who will create the perfect trip for you.

Special Events and Festivals in South Australia

Known as the ‘festival state’, South Australia does not disappoint when you look at its event calendar. Almost every month of the year features an eclectic event celebrating the state’s food, wine, arts, music or wildlife. 

One of the biggest arts festivals in the country, the Adelaide Festival occurs annually in March. Now running for more than 55 years, the festival continues to delight all those that attend with internationally acclaimed artists, theatre productions and world-class musicians.

The Adelaide Festival happens at the same time as the Adelaide Fringe Festival, the second-biggest festival in the world after the Edinburgh Fringe that happens each year in August. The Adelaide Festival brings an eclectic mix of acts to venues across South Australia.

Similar in style to that of the Edinburgh Fringe, Adelaide Fringe Festival differs from the Adelaide Festival in that the venues hosting musical, theatre and spoken word acts are spread across 500 venues in and around Adelaide for 31 days. You are sure to find something to suit at the Southern Hemisphere’s largest open-access festival.

The sound of corks popping and wine glasses filling is the soundtrack to the Crush Festival which occurs every January in the luscious Adelaide Hills. The area, renowned for producing fine wines, comes alive as the best wineries showcase their product through long lazy lunches, tasting sessions and degustation dinners. 

Showcasing contemporary Australian and international music, Laneway Festival attracts thousands each year. Not only do you find this unique festival in Adelaide, but Laneway Festival also has a regular slot in the calendars of several cities across Australia including Melbourne and Sydney. Vibrant cafes, galleries, restaurants and markets all become stages to showcase new music. 

Adelaide’s town square comes alive for ten days dedicated to celebrating South Australia’s best produce. Award-winning chefs, restaurateurs and winemakers serve up an array of goodies for a gourmet feast like no other. As one of Australia’s oldest food festivals, Tasting Australia has earned a reputation as the ultimate foodie festival. 

Tours in South Australia

Here’s our pick of the must-do tours in South Australia;

Experience what the mid-north has to offer and travel through the Flinders Ranges, Barossa Valley, Clare Valley and more on this South Australia road trip !

Experience what the McLaren Vale, one of Australia’s most iconic wine regions, and Kangaroo Island have to offer on this Fleurieu Peninsula tour !

Experience ultimate seclusion and luxury on this trip on this stay at Thorngrove Manor, one of the best places to visit in Adelaide .

Embark on a journey from Adelaide through the Outback on a fascinating adventure through desolate landscapes on this unique Australia tour . 

With Designer Journeys, you can take the hassle out of planning a trip and leave it in the capable hands of one of our 200-plus Local Designers in countries across the world. Our Local Designers in Australia know this country like the back of their hand and will take your budget, interests and travel style to design the perfect trip! Browse our gallery of fully-customisable Australia tours here or design your own Australia tour to connect with a Local Designer now!

Grace Homer

At my desk, you'll find me tapping out inspiring adventures, finessing incredible trips designed by Local Designers and focussing on all things content. Having lived in Southeast Asia between Vietnam and Bali for three years, I'm now keeping toasty with a cuppa in a little English town planning future adventures for which I have constant inspiration. Offline, there's nothing I enjoy more than long cycle rides, fueling the foodie in me and seeking out new spots - preferably all at the same time. Find me on LinkedIn or Instagram and keep an eye out for travel inspiration here!

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Touring South Australia's hidden gems

Do you seek luxury local encounters providing elevated experiences discover our range of iconic south australian tours, welcome to south australia, we help savvy travellers who want to go beyond the ordinary by delivering insightful and enriching south australian touring experiences hosted by knowledgeable locals..

Private Tailored Tours

Hand-crafted South Australian day tours , short getaways , and special events designed to be private, exclusive, and personalised to you.

Local Connections

Tour with home-grown guides and be welcomed into the everyday lives of knowledgeable locals to discover an authentic and insightful sense of place.

Enriching Encounters

Taking you beyond the ordinary, go behind the scenes and get hands-on with immersive and memory-making experiences.

The Tailor Touring Co.

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+61 (0)8 8354 4405

3 / 262 Marion Road, Netley, SA 5037, Australia

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South Australia Tours & Holidays

There’s more to South Australia than amazing wine...

But we must admit,  cycling through three wine regions  is one of our favourite ways to explore. With ancient peaks, blissful beaches, unique outback towns and some of the country’s best  wildlife encounters , South Australia offers a little bit of everything. Head west for an outback-meets-ocean adventure along the  Eyre Peninsula . Uncover thousands of years of Adnyamathanhan history in  Ikara (Wilpena Pound) , a natural amphitheatre of mountains. Or hop over the pond to  Kangaroo Island  to hang out with a colony of 10,000 fur seals.

Our South Australia trips

Let's create an exclusive trip for your group.

South Australia highlights

South australia tour reviews.

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Kangaroo Island Adventure

Melbourne to Kangaroo Island Adventure

Articles of South Australia

10 must-visit beaches in South Australia

6 of the best things to do in the Flinders Ranges

12 things to add to your Eyre Peninsula bucket list

5 things to do when you travel from Port Augusta to Adelaide

5 of the best Clare Valley restaurants

A foodie’s guide to Kangaroo Island

Raise a toast: 11 of the best Barossa Valley wineries

9 things you probably didn’t know you could do on Kangaroo Island 

Popular regions

South australia travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

When is the best time to visit South Australia?

South Australia has diverse landscapes and weather patterns. Southern regions like Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale have a Mediterranean climate with cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers. As you go further north, the weather gets hotter and drier.

Down south and along the coast, summer (December-February) is the busiest time of year thanks to warm, sunny weather and a busy festival calendar. Autumn (March-May) is the best time of year for foodies and wine lovers with all the harvest and Vintage celebrations in wine country.

Winter (June-August) is a fab time to see wildlife in Flinders Ranges National Park where wallabies, kangaroos and other native critters make the most of abundant vegetation. You can also spot humpback and southern right whales off the coast.

Spring is a great season for hiking and bushwalking as temperatures are pleasant and native wildflowers are in bloom.

What should I pack for a trip to South Australia?

Bring a trusted pair of walking shoes and a pair of thongs (flip-flops) to wear around your accommodation. Layered clothing is best, including a fleece or jumper to pop on in the evening and a rain jacket in case the weather turns. One or two smart casual outfits should be more than enough for dining out unless you plan on visiting many high-end restaurants or wineries.

How will I travel around South Australia?

Travelling around South Australia often involves a lot of time on the road. Services/amenities can be limited, so bring ample snacks and be sure to download a few podcasts for the journey.

What are some of the best beaches in South Australia?

Most people have heard about Bondi, Byron Bay and Whitehaven Beach, but South Australia's beaches are super low on the tourist radar (for now!). Some of our favourite spots include:

Maslin Beach, Fleurieu Peninsula

Glenelg Beach, Adelaide

Port Willunga, Fleurieu Peninsula

Crackalinga Beach, Fleurieu Peninsula

Vivonne Bay, Kangaroo Island

Almonta Beach, Eyre Peninsula

Cactus Beach, Penong

Perlubie Beach, Streaky Bay

Memory Cove, Eyre Peninsula

Emu Bay Beach, Kangaroo Island

Are Intrepid trips accessible for travellers with disabilities?

We are committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

South Australia Travel Guide

Let our South Australia Travel Guide help you discover why so many people start planning the second visit to the state before finishing their first. Wildlife and wine are top of the list on a visit to South Australia, but the state also offers rugged outback landscapes and stunning coastal marine parks.

Why Visit South Australia

• Eighteen world-class wine regions to wet your palate
• 5000 kilometres of almost crowd-free coastline
• The stunning South Australia outback landscapes of the Flinders Ranges – plenty of red dirt sunsets to enjoy here
• See the world heritage site Naracoorte Caves on the Limestone Coast.
• Brilliant nature reserves, including Kangaroo Island and coastal marine reserves in the Spencer Gulf and Eyre and Yorke Peninsulas

So let’s explore South Australia and start planning your escape.

Regions in South Australia

Like most states of Australia, we divide South Australia into touring regions:

• Adelaide and Adelaide Hills
• Barossa Valley
• Clare Valley
• Eyre Peninsula
• Fleurieu Peninsula
• Flinders Ranges
• Kangaroo Island
• Limestone Coast
• Yorke Peninsula
• Murray River, Lakes and Coorong

They all offer fantastic standalone short breaks or, better still, string a couple together for the ultimate South Australia road trip .

South Australia inspiration

A Guide To The Best Wine Regions Of South Australia

South australia travel planning.

If you prefer your holidays away from the big city, if you like a bit of space, South Australia might be your nirvana. The population of 1.6 million has just over a million square kilometres to share. Admittedly, like most Australians, most of them cling to the coast, but there is plenty of that too. While camping and road trips are the most popular ways to see the most amazing places in South Australia, if you don’t have a car don’t worry. There are plenty of excellent multi day tours of the state to choose from, including this 8 day tour from Adelaide to Uluru or this 5 day Kangaroo Island adventure .

Check out our best time to visit South Australia which covers weather, holiday and events.

How To Get To South Australia

International airport.

Adelaide Airport  has direct international flights from Doha, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, China, Auckland, Nadi, and Denpasar. There are many small airports around the state; Rex Airlines services 9 of them if you need to get somewhere in a hurry.

Interstate Trains

You can take trains from Adelaide to Melbourne, Alice Springs, Darwin, and Perth. The Indian Pacific, Ghan and Overland services depart from Adelaide Parklands Terminal and can be booked via  Journey Beyond .

Interstate Buses

Two companies offer travel between Adelaide and the other capital cities.

• Greyhound  offers a national bus network
• Firefly  offer routes between Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne
• Premier Stateliner 

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highlights of south Australia

How to get around South Australia

If you plan to explore the state beyond Adelaide, driving is easiest. If you prefer not to drive, you could combine some day tours to the closest regions or an extended tour around the state.

Public Transport

Buses  – A network of buses service regional South Australia, they depart from Adelaide Central Bus Station. Ferries  – Two services run between Kangaroo Island and the mainland.  Sealink  and  Kangaroo Island Connect  (KIC)

Driving distances

• Adelaide to the Adelaide Hills – 45mins
• Adelaide to Barossa Valley – 1hr
• Adelaide to Kangaroo Island – 3hrs 45m
• Adelaide to Port Lincoln – 7hrs
• Adelaide to Coober Pedy – 8 hrs 30m

Explore more of South Australia

Three Days at Wilpena Pound Resort

15 Things to do in Mt Gambier

Adelaide with Kids: 11+ Places Put on Your List

Exploring Historic Strathalbyn SA in 1 Epic Day

Kangaroo Island Itinerary: A 5 DAY relaxed pace visit

Where will you go next.

• Australian Capital Territory
• New South Wales
• Northern Territory
• South Australia
• Western Australia

Privacy Overview

South Australia travel. our way.

• Victor Harbor
• Mount Gambier
• Murray Bridge
• Port Lincoln
• Coober Pedy

Plan your trip to South Australia

We do travel a little differently. We like collecting moments, not mementos. We notice. The micro moments.  The small smile instead of the scene. We want to feel a memory being made, instead of trying to capture it. 

Dare to travel differently? Then expereince Winter. Our Way.

Get inspired Winter Our Way

Discover south australia at its most raw, rugged and real this winter..

Dare to travel differently? Then Travel. Our Way.

The best of South Australia

We are not home to the obvious. south australia is a place of hidden gems,unexpected curiosities and unspoiled vistas. a place of 'world-firsts' and 'only ins'. thinking of drafting one of those bucket lists we have a few items to add to the inventory of your life. like australia's darkest night sky and only national park city; the globe's best wine and the world's first shark cage divers; unesco world heritage sites and underwater gardens. travel our way, venture that bit further and breathe it all in – deeply..

The Festival State

With a world class festival and events calendar that spans the whole year, you'll always find frivolity on your south australian itinerary. think festivals dedicated to australia's most watched game, or all things culinary excellence; australia's biggest cycling race, international sporting debuts or the world's second largest arts festival. there's a reason why south australia is known as the festival state., gather round - 2024 toyota afl premiership season, liv golf adelaide, tasting australia presented by raa travel, 2024 adelaide equestrian festival, norwood food and wine festival, 2024 santos wheelchair rugby national championship, what to do in south australia, there's a world of new experiences and things to do in south australia. get up-close to iconic australian wildlife only minutes away from adelaide’s cbd or swim with sea lions and sharks on our eyre peninsula. adelaide is a culinary playground with a delicious mix of fine dining restaurants, award-winning cafes, bustling food markets and booming boutique bars. south australia is home to 18 wine regions and has officially been named a great wine capital of the world..

Plan A Trip

Planning a trip to south australia but don't know what to do once you get here we've got you covered. made up of 12 unique tourism regions, from the coast to the outback, there is something for everyone in south australia. the real question is, how much time do you have check out our dedicated trip planner tool that will help you build your own custom itinerary and an interactive map of your trip.

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From the outback to the coast and everywhere in between, get closer to the real south australia in our diverse regions..

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Ultimate South Australia Road Trip Guide: 1/2/3 Week Itinerary

Thinking about doing a South Australia road trip but unsure what to see and do? While South Australia is famed for having jaw dropping pristine beaches, beautiful vineyards and so much more, British expat writer Lucy Timperley is sharing her personal South Australian itinerary to help you plan your trip!

Lucy is no stranger to writing for Londoner In Sydney. You can read her epic guide for walking the entire Bondi to Manly Walk in a single weekend! Originally from Manchester, she swapped rainy days for living in Bondi Beach. You can follow her expat adventures at @lucytimperley

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Table of Contents

Why visit South Australia?

As a wine lover, Barossa Valley and McClaren Vale wine regions have been on my list for a while and following the devastating bushfires on Kangaroo Island, I really wanted to visit to try to contribute to their recovery in a small way.

Other than that, I hadn’t really considered exploring South Australia as a holiday destination. It was only when I started doing some research that I realised how much there so many things to do in South Australia, so we ended up extending our initial 1 week trip turned into a 3 week South Australian road trip!

Best time to visit South Australia

While South Australia is known for having some scorching hot days in Summer, when we visited it was unseasonably cool at 25C most days. Spring and Autumn would be beautiful times of the year to visit this underrated part of Australia.

How to logistically do a South Australian road trip

Because I live in Sydney, I flew to Adelaide Airport, and then hired a car which cost us $930 for three weeks. The car hire included payments to reduce the excess to zero and for additional drivers so we could switch it up each day.

What to do in Week 1 on a South Australia road trip

I’m going to break it down so you can see what to do in Week 1, Week 2 and Week 3 of the road trip. This is perfect for anyone looking to do a shorter trip so you can pick and choose each destination.

Days 1-3: Explore the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula

You could easily spend way more than four days exploring the stunning coastline of the Fleurieu Peninsula – some of the views from the drive around the Peninsula rivalled the Great Ocean Road!

These were some of the best beaches I have visited in Australia by far with white sand and clear blue water.

My favourite beach is Carrickalinga where we stayed in an AirBnB over the Christmas period and pretty much had the whole beach to ourselves everyday – not something you usually get on Christmas Day in Australia!

Nearby to Carrickalinga there is a lovely local brewery and restaurant, Forktree Brewery , with beautiful views over the rolling hills and the ocean. We visited on Christmas Eve and it was absolutely packed with a great atmosphere – locals had obviously travelled from far and wide to visit. The barman told us it’s that busy almost every day throughout the year so would recommend booking a table in advance.

For a special occasion, the Star of Greece fine dining Mediterranean (not Greek!) restaurant Port Willunga was exceptional. I’d recommend booking well in advance to avoid disappointment!

On the other side of the Peninsula is Victor Harbor – a lovely little town with a few shops, cafes and pubs, there’s enough to do to spend a full day here. The best way to explore this coastline is the 30km Encounter Bikeway linking Victor Harbor and Goolwa. Admittedly we did only make it about halfway to Port Elliot because we opted for a tandem which was great fun.

We hired the bike from Victor Harbor Holiday & Cabin Park . We stopped for a fish and chips lunch and well-earned beer outside the Flying Fish café in Port Lincoln before heading back to the Holiday Park.

Day 4: Sip wine in the sunshine in McClaren Vale

We used A. Rite Minibus, a family owned business, for a full day tour of McClaren Vale wineries – we were able to pick our own itinerary and they arranged the tastings for us and kindly made a lunch booking on our behalf too. We paid $75pp for the transport for the day (10am-6pm) in a minibus for 7 of us. Les, the driver was an absolute legend and was very flexible on allowing us to stay longer at wineries where the wine was too good to leave! Here’s a summary of our day:

1. Paxton Wines: a family owned winery, specialising in organic and biodynamic wine. We had a beautiful table outside overlooking the vineyards. The wines were delicious and the sommelier did a perfect job of providing us with information on each as well as leaving us time to chat and enjoy the wines.

2. Angove Family Winemakers : the setting here was beautiful with a balcony overlooking the vineyards which you can wander round. Unfortunately, neither the wine nor the service left much to be desired – it felt very rushed and impersonal, probably because they were so busy at the time, but I wouldn’t hurry back to this one.

3. Oscars Restaurant: a very yummy Italian for some carb-loading to soak up the wine. I’d recommend the arancini followed by the marinara fettuccini – unusally, the wine list wasn’t great considering we were in the heart of the wine region so probably opt for a beer here instead.

4. D’Arenburg Cube : probably the coolest/weirdest winery you’ll visit! Your entry includes a self-guided tour of the Alternate Realities Museum so make sure you allow a bit longer for this one. You can also pay a bit extra to visit the Salvador Dali exhibition on the ground floor which unfortunately we didn’t have time for. Also make sure you make a bathroom stop at this one – they are pretty cool!

5. Maxwell Wines : we didn’t do a tasting at this one and instead just took a couple of bottles of wine down to the vineyard where they have a couple of picnic benches and logs you can sit on. Pretty wined-up by this point we had a great time racing against each other in the maze outdoor maze too!

I’d love to try Down the Rabbit Hole winery next time as it’s been recommended by so many people but unfortunately, it’s closed on Wednesdays when we visited so plan around that!

What to do in Week 2

Days 5-7: pick up a camper van and travel round kangaroo island.

We had two full days on Kangaroo Island and managed to get around pretty much everything we wanted to see in that time but you might want to do three days to do things at a slower pace. It may be because we were at peak season over the Christmas break but I would recommend booking your ferries early because the car spots get really booked up.

The ferry is also not cheap (we paid nearly $400 return for two adults with the camper) so factor that into your budgeting! We picked up a campervan for this part of the trip because we couldn’t find any accommodation at all on the island. A campervan is definitely a great way to see the island and was such a novelty for a few days. I’d recommend filling up with fuel before you board the ferry as it’s not cheap on the island!

Kangaroo Island is Australia’s third largest island so the size shouldn’t be underestimated! Also, a lot of the roads are unsealed so choose an appropriate car/van and make sure your insurance covers unsealed roads. I’d recommend staying the first night on the east and exploring that side of the island then staying further west towards Flinders Chase National Park for the second night. This interactive map is a great source of information and allows you to plan and save your own itinerary.

We were on the last ferry out of Cape Jervis so arrived late and headed straight to the Penneshaw Hotel for a lovely pub dinner. We stayed at one of the free council campsites at Vivonne Bay on the first night, around a 1 hour drive from the ferry – this has no facilities (no toilets, showers etc.) so might not be for everyone but it’s totally free and we were the only ones there!

In hindsight, we probably should have just stayed near Penneshaw that evening as we ended up heading back over that way anyway the next day.

We started the day at the famous Seal Bay – you actually can’t see any seals unless you pay which we didn’t realise… you can take the boardwalk tour or $16.50 or a guided tour on to the beach for $37 which only goes at certain times. We actually saw loads of seals on Day 2 at Flinders Chase, so unless you’re desperate to see them up you might want to miss this.

If you’

For lunch, we headed back to Penneshaw to a cute little café – Millie Mae’s Pantry . They have a range of yummy salads and sandwiches and a quirky little shop inside too. We had booked a 2 hour dolphin and seal snorkelling trip with Ocean Safari in the afternoon but given we didn’t get lucky unfortunately!

We needed a drink so we headed to KI Spirits , a craft gin distillery after our unsuccessful snorkelling trip. You could try a flight of 5 gins with tonic for $20 which were all great – my favourite was the Mulberry gin – and they also do gin masterclasses which I bet would be amazing!

We stayed at Western KI Caravan Park for the second night. The park had great amenities as well as wild kangaroos and koalas roaming around! We headed off early the second day to Flinders Chase – this is really where you start to see the impact of the bushfires as the Western side of the island was most badly affected with 96% of the park burnt.

It was great to see some green regrowth coming through and they have done a fantastic job of rebuilding the National Park infrastructure. You will be charged a National Park entry fee of $11pp and given a map of the route to the 5 key stopping points.

The rock formations at Remarkables Rocks and Admirals Arch are truly incredible and the coastline is stunning.

At Admirals Arch, you can see hundreds of seals playing on the rocks and in the water too!

We headed to the north of the island for lunch at Rockpool café in Stokes Bay. From here we drove to Emu Bay, about 40 mins. Emu Bay is a beautiful long stretch of white sand – we went for a walk down the beach. If you have a 4×4 you can drive along the beach here too.

Our last stop before the ferry back was Bay of Shoals winery near Kingscote where we had a tasting of 5 wines of our choice for $5 (bargain!). The views are stunning overlooking the water and was the perfect way to end our Kangaroo Island leg of the trip!

Days 8-9: Pitstop at Port Willunga and drive to Port Lincoln

As we arrived back on a late ferry from Kangaroo Island, we stayed the final night in the camper van at the Big4 Port Willunga Tourist Park .

Without flying, the quickest way to get to Port Lincoln from Fleurieu Peninsula is to drive up to Wallaroo and cross the Spencer Gulf by ferry to Lucky Bay. This avoids needing to drive all the way around the peninsula to go back down to Port Lincoln. We paid $185 for 3 people and a car for a one-way trip.

The drive from Port Willunga to Wallaroo took us about 3 hours with a comfort break and dropping off the camper van on the way.

The ferry itself is a couple of hours and then the drive down to Port Lincoln is another couple of hours. It does end up being quite a long day so don’t plan too much for the evening of your arrival in Port Lincoln!

Days 10-14: Dive with sharks and eat oysters in Port Lincoln

On our first day in Port Lincoln, we walked up to Boston Bay Wines (get a cab instead as there’s no view on the walk). The winery is in a lovely setting and we paid $20 for a flight of wine – given we’d walked so far they even stayed open a bit later so we could have another bottle of wine which was much appreciated. The owner, Tony, had some great jokes to keep us entertained…

On day two we had an early start for great white shark cage diving. This is an absolute must and Port Lincoln is the only place in Australia where you can do it! We went with Calypso Star Charters and paid $535 each. Calypso are the only company who are allowed to use bait for the sharks, so you have more chance of seeing them. If you don’t see one, you get the next trip for free, but pre book as we missed out on swimming with sea lions because it was booked up.

The boat departs at 6am and it takes around three hours to get out to near South Neptune Islands. Bring sea sickness tablets as it can get quite choppy out there.

We were very lucky that a great white started circling the boat almost as soon as we arrived and they started to get each group in. If you can, try to put your name down for one of the first groups into the water – that way there is less chance that the shark will disappear before your chance to get in.

No diving experience is necessary – the regulators are all attached to the top of the cage and you just put it in your mouth and get in. You are provided with a wetsuit, boots, goggles and weights to weigh you down in the cage.

You get around 25 minutes in with the sharks which was terrifying and incredible in equal parts.

I was literally centimetres from a great white shark which felt so surreal! This was easily one of my highlights of Australia so far.

We also spotted a few pods of dolphins off the side of the boat too. You have to wait for around 8 groups to get into the water but we just had a nap (and got very sunburnt!) whilst we waited and then you have a 3 hour trip back. We arrived back at around 6pm although I understand this could be as late as 9pm if you are a bit more unlucky with the shark spotting.

On our last day in Port Lincoln, we drove across the Eyre Peninsula to Coffin Bay (about a 45 minute drive away). We stopped for coffee and a bite to eat at the buzzing Beachcomber Café before heading into the National Park. The beaches around here are stunning white sand with shallow blue water, almost like a lake. We hopped between Yangie Bay and Long Beach. If you have a 4-wheel drive you can also drive along the length of Long Beach.

In the afternoon, we went on the “short & sweet” oyster farm tour booked through Experience Coffin Bay . This 90 minute trip takes you out into Coffin Bay with a brief history of the oyster industry provided by oyster farmers Chris and Linda and you get half a dozen freshly shucked oysters included too. This was an excellent tour and well worth doing to pick up some tips on how to shuck oysters and the best time to buy!

What to do in Week 3

Days 15-17: head out to the flinders ranges.

We set off early for the 5 hour drive up to Flinders Ranges, stopping at Port Augusta on the way to stock up on food for the few days – I would definitely recommend doing this because there’s really not in terms of shops once you reach Flinders! We stayed 3 nights at Rawnsley Park Station in a two-bedroom apartment which had a pool – a life saver as it was really hot out there.

The receptionist recommended we climb up one of the hills for sunset which was absolutely incredible. You could see sunset on one side and the full moon rising on the other side. We had dinner at the onsite restaurant, the Woolshed, on the first night with kangaroo on the menu!

In the morning, we embarked on a couple of scenic drives through Bunyeroo and Brachina Gorges and an 8km hike through a gorge. The drives plus the walk took us way longer than we had expected, about 5/6 hours, so make sure you allow plenty of time and take enough food and water.

The scenery is pretty spectacular, somewhat similar to Uluru with the red rock and we didn’t see any other people or cars for miles!

On our second day we decided to check out the historic town of Blinman, around an hours drive from Rawnsley Park. With a population of 35(!) there isn’t much going on but it is a pretty cool place to check out as on of the main settlements in the South Australian desert.

You can do an underground mine tour (unfortunately we had missed the last one for the day!) which sounded cool. We had lunch at the North Blinman Hotel, a really great local pub – we had a lovely afternoon here playing cards and looking at the tons of historic photos and paintings lining the walls.

Days 17 – 18: More wine at the Barossa Valley

We headed down to the Barossa Valley early with an idea to stop at one of the instagrammable pink lakes, Bumbunga Lake, en route. The pink lake was, well… not pink and very disappointing. Check out our guide for the 10 Best Pink Lakes in Australia!

10 Mind-Blowing Best Pink Lakes In Australia 2024 Guide

We stayed one night at the Barossa Weintal Hotel in Tanunda, one of the main towns in the Barossa region. I wish we’d stayed longer as I really loved it here. We booked in for lunch at Casa Carboni , a delicious pasta restaurant where you can also do pasta making courses. The food was SO good and great to line the stomachs for a big day of wine tasting.

We booked tastings at Chateau Tanunda and Yalumba which were both absolutely stunning venues with delicious wines. After the tastings, we headed to the main street in Tanunda to Z Wine which is a cool little wine bar with live music on – it had such great vibes! We had dinner at 1918 which was really yummy with a lovely garden at the back of the restaurant and finished off with a few drinks at Musque , a cool little gin bar which stays open til midnight!

Days 18 – 20: Finish off with a city break

I have to admit – I didn’t have high hopes for Adelaide, but I think it gets a really bad rep. We had a couple of nights here to finish off the trip.

On the first day we went on the Temptation snorkelling with dolphins cruise which was a real highlight.

For the most part of the trip, you are snorkelling, holding on to a rope on the back of the boat being pulled along and the dolphins swim underneath you – it really is incredible. One tip is there is no food on board the ship and nothing open in the area when the trip starts so make sure you eat beforehand!

After the trip, the Glenelg Beach area has a really nice vibe. The Moseley Beach Club is really great with deck chairs on the sand and live music – you could spend all day here! I felt like I was in a European resort rather than Australia.

For dinner, we ate at Shobosho in the laneways. Oh my – the food is amazing – 10/10 would recommend! There’s also lots of intimate bars in the laneways area – my favourite was the Biblioteca Bar and Book Exchange which has an extensive cocktail list as well as a whole library of books!

Looking for more places to visit in Adelaide?

Check out our complete guide for the Best Things To Do In Mount Gambier which is an amazing town full of incredible sink holes you can go diving in. It’s an awesome place that it totally underrated!

18 Amazing Things To Do In Mount Gambier 2024 Guide

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South Australia, the driest state of the driest continent, is split into two distinct halves. The long-settled southern part, watered by the Murray River, with Adelaide as its cosmopolitan centre, has a Mediterranean climate, is tremendously fertile and has been thoroughly tamed. The northern half is arid and depopulated, and as you head further north the temperature heats up to such an extreme that by the time you get to Coober Pedy, people are living underground to escape the searing summer temperatures.

Around Adelaide

The far north: marree and beyond, the flinders ranges and northeast, kangaroo island, the mid-north, port augusta, the riverland, canoeing and kayaking, the southeast, mount gambier, travelling around the south australian outback.

Some of the highlights of southeastern South Australia lie within three hours’ drive of Adelaide. Food and especially wine are among the area’s chief pleasures: this is prime grape-growing and winemaking country. As well as vineyards the Fleurieu Peninsula , just south of Adelaide, has a string of fine beaches, while nearby Kangaroo Island is a wonderful place to see Australian wildlife at its unfettered best. Facing Adelaide across the Investigator Strait, the Yorke Peninsula is primarily an agricultural area, preserving a copper-mining history and offering excellent fishing. The superb wineries of the Barossa Valley , originally settled by German immigrants in the nineteenth century, are only an hour from Adelaide on the Stuart Highway , the main road to Sydney. Following the southeast coast along the Princes Highway , you can head towards Melbourne via the extensive coastal Coorong lagoon system and enjoyable seaside towns such as Robe, before exiting the state at Mount Gambier , with its deep-blue crater lakes. The inland trawl via the Dukes Highway is faster but less interesting. Heading north from Adelaide, there are old copper-mining towns to explore at Kapunda and Burra , the area known as the mid-north, which also encompasses the Clare Valley , another wonderful wine centre, famous for its Rieslings.

In contrast with the gentle and cultured southeast, the remainder of South Australia – with the exception of the relatively refined Eyre Peninsula and its scenic west coast – is unremittingly harsh desert , a naked country of vast horizons, salt lakes, glazed gibber plains and ancient mountain ranges. Although it’s tempting to scud over the forbidding distances quickly, you’ll miss the essence of this introspective and subtle landscape by hurrying. For every predictable, monotonous highway there’s a dirt alternative, which may be physically draining but gets you closer to this precarious environment. The folded red rocks of the central Flinders Ranges and Coober Pedy’s postapocalyptic scenery are on most agendas and could be worked into a sizeable circuit. Making the most of the journey is what counts here though – the fabled routes to Oodnadatta , Birdsville and Innamincka are still real adventures.

Rail and road routes converge in Adelaide before the long cross-country hauls west to Perth via Port Augusta on the Indian Pacific train, or north to Alice Springs and Darwin on the Ghan – two of Australia’s great train journeys.

Brief history

The coast of South Australia was first explored by the Dutch in 1627. In 1792 the French explorer Bruni d’Entrecasteaux sailed along the Great Australian Bight before heading to southern Tasmania, and in 1802 the Englishman Matthew Flinders thoroughly charted the coast. The most important expedition, though – and the one that led to the foundation of a colony here – was Captain Charles Sturt ’s 1830 navigation of the Murray River, from its source in New South Wales to its mouth in South Australia. In 1836, Governor John Hindmarsh landed at Holdfast Bay – now the Adelaide beachside suburb of Glenelg – with the first settlers, and the next year Colonel William Light planned the spacious, attractive city of Adelaide, with broad streets and plenty of parks and squares.

Early problems caused by the harsh, dry climate and financial incompetence (the colony went bankrupt in 1841) were eased by the discovery of substantial reserves of copper . The population of Adelaide boomed over the following decades, while the state’s tradition of civil and religious libertarianism that was guaranteed to the early settlers continued; in 1894, South Australia’s women were the first in the world to be permitted to stand for parliament and the third in the world to gain the vote (after the Isle of Man and New Zealand).The depressions and recessions of the interwar period hit South Australia hard, but the situation eased following World War II when new immigrants arrived, boosting industry and injecting fresh life into the state.

South Australia had an important, though controversial role during the early years of the Cold War. In 1947 an Anglo-Australian project founded the Woomera rocket range, site of British-run atomic bomb tests in 1950. The Woomera area later became part of the US space programme, and in 1947 launched Australia’s first satellite.

Aboriginal South Australia

When European settlers arrived in 1836, South Australia was home to as many as fifty distinct Aboriginal groups , with a population estimated at fifteen thousand. Three distinct cultural regions existed: the Western Desert, the Central Lakes, and the Murray and southeast region. It was the people of the comparatively well-watered southeast who felt the full impact of white settlement, and those who survived were shunted onto missions controlled by the government. Some Aboriginal people have clung tenaciously to their way of life in the Western Desert, where they have gained title to some of their land, but most now live south of Port Augusta, many in Adelaide.

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Escaping Adelaide for a day or two is easy and enjoyable. Close at hand are the Adelaide Hills , southeast of the city, which are popular for weekend outings and have numerous small national and conservation parks. To the south, the Fleurieu Peninsula extends towards Cape Jervis and has plenty of fine beaches and around fifty wineries at McLaren Vale.

If wine is your priority, head for McLaren Vale first, then the Barossa Valley , Australia’s premier wine-producing region, with another sixty or so excellent wineries within 50km of Adelaide. The valley is easily visited in a day from the city, but is also a great place to chill out for a few days. The Yorke Peninsula , across the gulf from Adelaide, is often ignored by foreigners, though many locals holiday here: as well as the wonderful beaches, it’s home to the remains of an old copper-mining industry and an excellent national park.

The Adelaide Hills

The beautiful Adelaide Hills are the section of the Mount Lofty Ranges that run closest to the city. Many people have set up home in the hills to take advantage of the cooler air, and there are some grand old summer houses here as well as sleek contemporary weekenders. You can access the towns and some stunning walks via short bus or train rides from Adelaide, but having your own car opens up a lot more of the area, notably the Torrens River Gorge. Leaving the city by Glen Osmond Road you join the South Eastern Freeway , the main road to Melbourne – there’s an old tollhouse not far out of the city at Urrbrae and several fine old coaching hotels.

The Heysen Trail , a long-distance walk from Cape Jervis to Parachilna Gorge, cuts across the hills, with four quaint YHA hostels along it; most are run on a limited-access basis and you’ll have to pick the key up first from the office at the Adelaide Central YHA .

Wineries in the hills

Less than thirty minutes’ drive from the city, the Adelaide Hills’ wineries may not be as famous as those in the neighbouring Barossa Valley, but they are gaining popularity and are definitely worth a trip. The cool weather (this is the coolest wine-growing region on mainland Australia) contributes to wonderful Sauvignon Blancs and fresh Chardonnays and you can even expect a superb cool-weather Shiraz.

Hahndorf Hill Winery hahndorfhillwinery.com.au . Hahndorf Hill Winery makes an award-winning Sauvignon Blanc and a rosé of rare German grapes; it’s also great for lunch overlooking the valley.

Petaluma Bridgewater Mill www.adelaidehills.org.au . Apart from being an excellent winery, Petaluma Bridgewater Mill , in an 1860 mill, has won prizes for its restaurant and is well worth a visit.

The Barossa Valley

The Barossa Valley , only an hour’s drive from Adelaide, produces internationally acclaimed wines and is the largest premium-wine producer in Australia. Small stone Lutheran churches dot the valley, which was settled in the 1840s by German Lutherans fleeing from religious persecution: by 1847 over 2500 German immigrants had arrived and after the 1848 revolution more poured in. German continued to be spoken in the area until World War I, when the language was frowned upon and German place names were changed by an act of parliament. The towns, however – most notably Tanunda – still remain German in character, and the valley is well worth visiting for the vineyards , wineries, bakeries and butcher’s shops, where old German recipes have been handed down through generations. With around eight hundred thousand visitors each year, the valley can seem thoroughly touristy and traffic-laden if you whizz through it quickly, but the peaceful back roads are more interesting, with a number of small, family-owned wineries to explore.

The first vines were planted in 1847 at the Orlando vineyards, an estate that is still a big producer. There are now over sixty wineries with cellar doors, from multinationals to tiny specialists. Because of the variety of soil and climate, the Barossa seems able to produce a wide range of wine types of consistently high quality; the white Rieslings are among the best. The region has a typically Mediterranean climate, with dry summers and mild winters; the best time to visit is autumn (March–May), when the vines turn russet and golden and the harvest has begun in earnest. Much of the grape-picking is still done by hand and work is available from February.

Barossa wineries

While there is a mind-boggling array of wineries in the Barossa Valley, this selection should start you off on a good footing.

Bethany Wines bethany.com.au . A hillside winery set in an old quarry, with views over the village; the Schrapel family have grown grapes here since 1852 and produce consistently good wines. Very good reds (the Shiraz is outstanding) and a decent Semillon.

Langmeil Winery langmeilwinery.com.au . This was the original Langmeil village, built in the 1840s; the little vineyard you can see from the tasting area was planted in 1843, and prints of nineteenth-century photos document the local industry. An outstanding winery with excellent reds, particularly the Shiraz – try the increasingly popular sparkling variety.

Peter Lehmann peterlehmannwines.com . A pleasant spot for a picnic as well as a tasting, with some excellent varieties such as the Eden Valley Riesling and the more expensive Stonewall Shiraz. The wines satisfy several price points and palates.

Pindarie Wines pindarie.com.au . One of the valley’s newer cellar doors, Pindarie offers some interesting alternative blends. Set on the western ridge of the Barossa, the family-friendly restaurant and gorgeous heritage function-space offer stunning views.

Richmond Grove richmondgrovewines.com . Large, historic winery with a lovely picnic area alongside the North Para River. It’s a big producer, sourcing grapes widely, and does a decent Watervale Riesling.

Rockford Wines rockfordwines.com.au . Excellent winery with outstanding wines by Robert O’Callahan, produced using old-fashioned techniques. The wines are hard to find, so snap up the Basket Press Shiraz, the amazing fizzy Black Shiraz or the Eden Valley Riesling.

St Hallett’s Winery sthallet.com.au . Medium-size, quality producer whose star wine is Old Block Shiraz, sourced from vines 80–100 years old, with an intense flavour and a velvety softness.

Taste Eden Valley tasteedenvalley.com.au . Ten boutique Eden Valley wineries (an area internationally renowned for its Rieslings and cool-climate reds) are represented in this intimate family-kitchen-like setting. The friendly and knowledgeable staff can walk you through the wines, many of which are available only at the cellar door.

Yalumba Wines yalumba.com . Largest and oldest family-operated Barossa winery, established in 1849, set in a lovely building and gardens.

The Fleurieu Peninsula

The Fleurieu Peninsula , thirty minutes south of Adelaide by car, is bounded by Gulf St Vincent to the west and the Southern Ocean to the south, the two connected by the Backstairs Passage at Cape Jervis (where ferries leave for Kangaroo Island). There are fine beaches on both coasts and more wineries inland in the rolling McLaren Vale region. It’s a picturesque area: many of the towns were settled from the 1830s, and there’s a lot of colonial architecture, much of it now housing restaurants or B&Bs.

Cycling across the Fleurieu Peninsula

The Fleurieu Peninsula is a good place to cycle. The 24km Encounter Bikeway follows a scenic 30km stretch of coast between Victor Harbor and Goolwa . Parts of the route are on-road and slightly inland, but mostly it follows the coastline and is for cyclists and walkers only. The return trip can be completed comfortably in a day; the most scenic – and hilliest – section is between Dump Beach in Victor Harbor and the town of Port Elliot. Unfortunately, there’s no bike rental available in Goolwa, but on Sundays you can take your bike on the Cockle Train between Victor Harbor and Goolwa and cycle back.

The Heysen Trail

The spectacular Heysen Trail is Australia’s longest dedicated walking trail, spanning a 1200km route between Cape Jervis and Parachilna Gorge . En route it takes in the Fleurieu Peninsula, the Mount Lofty Ranges, Mount Bryan, and the Flinders Ranges. Walking the full trail, which is open May to November, takes around 60 days, but there are countless shorter strolls, day-hikes and multiday options. For more information, including maps, contact the Friends of Heysen Trail , which has an office and shop in Adelaide ( heysentrail.asn.au ).

McLaren Vale wineries

Listed here are six favourites from a wide choice of excellent wineries.

Chapel Hill chapelhillwine.com.au . A small but very civilized winery in an old stone chapel with nice views over the vineyards.

d’Arenberg darenberg.com.au . A family winery set up in 1928, well-known for its prize-winning reds and excellent restaurant (see d’Arry’s Verandah).

Kay Brothers Amery Wines kaybrothersamerywines.com . A wonderful family winery established in 1890; old photos of the Kays and the surrounding area cover the oak casks containing port. It’s renowned for its Block 6 Shiraz from vines planted in 1892 (it tends to sell out quickly). The winery also has a picnic area set amid towering gum trees.

Lloyd Brothers Wine & Olive Company lloydbrothers.com.au . Third-generation vignerons producing some of the finest hand-picked Shiraz wines in the region. The cellar door also has a large selection of top-notch olives and olive products from the on-site grove – one of the oldest commercial olive groves in Australia. The Kalamata mustard is fantastic.

Oxenberry Farm Wines oxenberry.com.au . Small, historic cellar door with a relaxed atmosphere and lovely views across the surrounding vineyards and wetlands. It shares its premises with the award-winning Bracegirdle’s House of Fine Chocolate and there’s charming accommodation in a restored 1940s cedar cottage.

Wirra Wirra wirrawirra.com . A large, classic ironstone building provides the setting for an impressive range of reds (especially Shiraz) and whites (try the Chardonnay).

The Yorke Peninsula

Just ninety minutes’ drive from Adelaide, the Yorke Peninsula offers a peaceful weekend break as well as good fishing and surfing . The north proudly upholds its Cornish heritage with the three towns of the Copper Triangle or “ Little Cornwall ” – Kadina, Wallaroo and Moonta – hosting the Kernewek Lowender (Cornish Festival) over a long weekend in May during odd-numbered years.

The highlight of this region is Lake Eyre, a vast, awe-inspiring salt flat. Marree is the closest settlement and the starting point for two epic journeys: the Birdsville and Oodnadatta tracks. There’s no public transport in this region, so you’ll need your own vehicle.

The Birdsville Track

Tearing north from Marree, the distant tips of the Flinders Ranges dip below the horizon behind, leaving you on a bare plain with the road as the only feature. Look for the MV Tom Brennan , a vessel donated to the area in 1949 to ferry stock around during floods, but now bearing an absurd resemblance to a large grey bathtub. Before the halfway house at Mungerannie Gap, a scenic variation is offered by the Natterannie Sandhills (150km). The Mungerannie Hotel provides the only services on the track. In a 4WD you can head west from the roadhouse to Kalamurina campsite near Cowarie Homestead (58km) for the thrill of desert fishing on Warburton Creek.

Back on the track, a windmill at Mirra Mitta bore (37km from the roadhouse) draws piping-hot water out of the ground beside long-abandoned buildings; the water smells of tar and drains into cooler pools, providing somewhere to camp. By now you’re crossing the polished gibber lands of the Sturt Stony Desert , and it’s worth going for a walk to feel the cool wind and watch the dunes dancing in the heat haze away to the west. The low edge of Coonchera Dune to the right of the track (190km from the roadhouse) marks the start of a run along the mudpans between the sandhills; look for desert plants and dingoes. In two more hours you should be pulling up outside the Birdsville pub.

Lake Eyre is a massive and eerily desolate salt lake caught between the Simpson and Strzelecki deserts in a region where the annual evaporation rate is thirty times greater than the rainfall. Most years a little water trickles into the lake from its million-square-kilometre catchment area, which extends well into central Queensland and the Northern Territory. However, in 2009, 2010 and 2011 major floods in Queensland and New South Wales filled the basin, transforming it into a massive inland sea. A hypnotic, glaring salt crust usually covers the southern bays, creating a mysterious landscape whose harsh surrounds are paved by shiny gibber stones and walled by red dunes – in 1964 the crust was thick enough to be used as a range for Donald Campbell’s successful crack at the world land-speed record.

Some wildlife also manages to get by in the incredible emptiness. The resident Lake Eyre dragon is a diminutive, spotted grey lizard often seen skimming over the crust, and the rare flooding attracts dense flocks of birds, wakes the plump water-holding frog from hibernation and causes plants to burst into colour.

Timber at the lake is sparse and protected, which means that there’s little shade and no firewood. There’s no one to help you if something goes wrong, so don’t drive on the lake’s crust – should you fall through, it’s impossible to extricate your vehicle from the grey slush below. This isn’t a place to wander off to unprepared, but if you wish to grasp the vastness and emptiness of the state, don’t miss it.

MARREE consists of a collection of tattered houses that somehow outlived the Old Ghan ’s demise in 1980, leaving carriages to rust on sidings and rails to be used for tethering posts outside the wonderful big old pub. Although it was first a camel depot, then a staging post for the overland telegraph line, and finally the point where the rail line skirted northwest around Lake Eyre , today all traffic comes by road and is bound for the Birdsville Track into Queensland or the Oodnadatta Track , which follows the former train route to Oodnadatta and beyond into the Northern Territory or Simpson Desert .

The Oodnadatta Track

The road from Marree to Oodnadatta is by far the most interesting of the three famous Outback tracks, mainly because abandoned sidings and fettlers’ cottages from the Old Ghan provide frequent excuses to get out of the car and explore. Disintegrating sleepers lie by the roadside along parts of the route, otherwise embankments and rickety bridges are all that remain of the line.

The Simpson Desert

Apart from the track out to the Stuart Highway, the area north of Oodnadatta is strictly for 4WDs, with Dalhousie Hot Springs in the Witjira National Park a worthwhile destination, or the Simpson Desert for the ultimate off-road challenge. The route directly north, towards Finke and the Northern Territory, is relatively good as far as Hamilton Homestead (110km), though Fogarty’s Claypan, around halfway, might present a sticky problem. From Hamilton the route is via Eringa ruins (160km) and Bloods Creek bore on the edge of Witjira National Park.

From Bloods Creek you can detour 30km northeast to Mount Dare Hotel . In winter the homestead is busy with groups of 4WDs arriving from or departing for the desert crossing; it’s at least 550km to the next fuel stop at Birdsville in Queensland.

The Simpson Desert crossing

Crossing the approximately 550km of steep north–south dunes through the Simpson Desert between Dalhousie in South Australia and Birdsville in Queensland is the ultimate challenge for any off-roader. In late September, 4WD groups are joined by bikes attempting to complete the punishing Simpson Desert Cycling Classic (desertchallenge.org). In winter, a steady stream of vehicles moves from west to east (the easier direction since the dunes’ eastern slopes are steeper and harder to climb), but there’s no help along the way, so don’t underestimate the difficulties; extensive 4WD experience is required. Convoys need to include at least one skilled mechanic and, apart from the usual spares, a long-handled shovel and a strong tow-rope. You’ll also need more than adequate food and water (six litres a day per person), and of course fuel – around a hundred litres of diesel, or two hundred litres of petrol, if you take the shortest route.

The enjoyment is mostly in the driving, though there’s more than sand to look at: trees and shrubs grow in stabilized areas and at dusk you’ll find dune crests patrolled by reptiles, birds, small mammals and insects. Photographers can take advantage of clear skies at night to make timed exposures of the stars circling the heavens. At the uncapped spout of Purni Bore, 70km from Dalhousie, birdlife and reeds fringe a 27°C pool; camping facilities here include a shower and toilet. A post battling to stay above shifting sand at Poeppel Corner (269km) marks the junction of Queensland, South Australia and the Northern Territory. After the corner the dunes become higher but further apart, separated by claypans covered in mulga and grassland. Big Red, the last dune, is also the tallest; once over this it’s a clear 41km run to Birdsville.

The Simpson Desert Regional Reserve , linking the Witjira National Park to the Simpson Desert Conservation Park, is closed in summer (Dec–March). As with other areas, a Desert Parks Pass is required ( environment.sa.gov.au/parks ).

Recognized as one of Australia’s oldest natural landscapes, the rugged peaks and tranquil bush scenery of the Flinders Ranges stretch over a distance of 400km from Port Pirie, 220km north of Adelaide, to Lake Callabonna in the far northeast of the state.

From Mount Remarkable National Park and the picturesque town of Melrose in the southern Ranges, the roads bear west to the hub of Port Augusta or north to the quaint villages of Quorn and Hawker from where you can take an adventurous route through the spectacular Flinders Ranges National Park to the off-the-beaten-track settlement of Blinman in the Northern Flinders . From here it’s 200km of dirt road to the Gammon Ranges from where you can carry on to the isolated Strzelecki Track and the far-flung settlement of Innamincka , or head back to the highway to the Outback town of Marree.

The Acraman meteorite

In the mid-1980s a band of red earth from 600-million-year-old deposits in the Flinders Ranges was bafflingly identified as coming from the Gawler Ranges, 400km away. Investigations and satellite mapping suggested that 35km-wide Lake Acraman in the Gawler Ranges was an eroded meteorite crater, while Lake Gairdner and fragmented saltpans (such as Lake Torrens) further east were set in ripples caused by the force of the strike. Estimates suggest that to have created such a crater the meteorite must have been 4km across; the mystery band in the Flinders Ranges was dust settling after impact. Though there is fossil evidence of animal life prior to this event – notably the Ediacaran fauna – recent research indicates that the Acraman meteorite may well have killed it all. It’s certainly true that the ancestors of almost all species living today evolved after this impact.

Flinders dreaming and geology

The almost tangible spirit of the Flinders Ranges is reflected in the wealth of Adnyamathanha (“hill people”) legends associated with them. Perhaps more obvious here than anywhere else in Australia is the connection between landscapes and Dreamtime stories , which recount how scenery was created by animal or human action – though, as Dreamtime spirits took several forms, this distinction is often blurred. A central character is Akurra, a gigantic serpent (or serpents) who guards waterholes and formed the Flinders’ contours by wriggling north to drink dry the huge salt lakes of Frome and Callabonna. You may well prefer the Aboriginal legends to the complexities of geology illustrated on boards placed at intervals along the Brachina Gorge track, which explain how movements of the “Adelaide Geosyncline” brought about the changes in scenery over hundreds of millions of years.

Flinders Ranges National Park

The procession of glowing red mountains at Flinders Ranges National Park , folded and crumpled with age, produces some of the Outback’s most spectacular and timeless scenery, rising from flat scrub to form abrupt escarpments, gorges and the famous elevated basin of Wilpena Pound , a colossal crater rim rising from the plains. The contrast between sky and ranges is softened by native cypresses and river red gums; and in spring the land is burnished by wild flowers of all colours and there are more kangaroos than you can count. Bushwalkers, photographers and painters flock here in their hundreds, but with a system of graded walking tracks ranging in length from a few minutes to several days – not to mention roads of varying quality – the park is busy without being crowded. Most tracks lead into Wilpena Pound, though you can also pick up the Heysen Trail and follow it north from Wilpena for a couple of days around the ABC Range to Aroona Ruins on the northern edge of the park.

Hiking is restricted to the cooler winter months between May and October, due to significant bushfire danger and summer temperatures that often exceed 40°C. Don’t underestimate conditions for even short excursions: you’ll need good footwear, a hat, sunscreen and water – at least a litre per hour is recommended. Note that the weather is very changeable; wind-driven rain can be a menace along the ridges, especially for campers, and heavy downpours cause roads to be closed (check conditions on 1300 361 033).

Wilpena Pound

Nestling up against the edge of Wilpena Pound, WILPENA is a good place to orient yourself for a range of accommodation, fuel and food. Wilpena Pound’s two main walks are the Hills Homestead Walk (6.6km, 2hr) from the visitor centre, and the Wangara Lookout Walk (7.8km, 3hr). Consult the visitor centre before attempting the less publicized full-day hikes to St Mary’s Peak on the rim, and Edowie Gorge inside the pound, or any overnight trips.

The Strzelecki Track

The 460km Strzelecki Track between Lyndhurst and Innamincka is the least interesting of the Outback tracks offering little variety in scenery and some rough-as-guts sections of heavily corrugated, single-lane track that can be treacherous after rain; it’s restricted to 4WD vehicles by the state’s Road Transport Authority.

You need to be completely self-sufficient and carry plenty of water and food and extra fuel. Start at Lyndhurst by filling the tank – the next fuel is at the other end of the track. The drive first takes you past the northern tip of the Flinders Ranges; once you pass them, the journey becomes flat and pretty dull.

Around 190km from Lyndhurst, the road from Arkaroola connects within sight of Mount Hopeless (a pathetic hill, appropriately named); the next place to stop and perhaps camp is at the hot outflow from Montecollina Bore , 30km on. From here the scenery improves slightly as the road runs between dunes, and it’s hard to resist leaving footprints along one of the pristine red crests.

At Strzelecki Crossing there’s a fork in the road: to the east is Cameron Corner , where there’s a store with fuel, a small bar and a campsite; and to the north, Innamincka via Moomba. Within an hour you’ve crossed into the Innamincka Regional Reserve and are approaching Innamincka’s charms.

Cooper Creek , which runs through Innamincka, is best known for the misadventures of explorers Burke and Wills, who ended their tragic 1861 expedition by dying here. INNAMINCKA was later founded on much the same spot before the town was abandoned in 1952. Now the area falls within the three-million-acre Innamincka Regional Reserve and Coongie Lakes National Park and the increase in popularity of recreational four-wheel driving has led to a renaissance. With a vehicle you could strike out 20km west to Wills’ grave or 8km east to where Burke was buried (both bodies were removed to Adelaide in 1862). Another 8km beyond Burke’s cairn is Cullyamurra waterhole , the largest permanent body of water in central Australia, and a footpath to rock engravings of crosses, rainbow patterns and bird tracks. If the roads are open, you can also tackle the 110km 4WD track north to the shallow Coongie Lakes , where you can swim and watch the abundant birdlife. An hour’s drive east of Innamincka along a rather poor track is Queensland, the Dig Tree and a fuelless route to Quilpie.

As you head towards Cape Jervis along the west coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula, KANGAROO ISLAND (or KI), only 13km offshore, first appears behind a vale of rolling hills. Once you’re on the island, its size and lack of development leave a strong impression. This is Australia’s third-largest island (after Tasmania and Melville Island), with 450km of spectacular, wild coastline and a multitude of wildlife including kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, platypuses, Little penguins, fur seals, sea lions and, in passing, southern right whales.

To see Kangaroo Island properly you’ll need at least three days, though most people only visit the major south-coast attractions – Seal Bay, Little Sahara, Remarkable Rocks and Flinders Chase National Park . Although promoted as South Australia’s premier tourism destination it’s still unspoilt; only in the peak holiday period (Christmas to the end of Jan, when most of the accommodation is booked up) does it feel busy. Once out of the island’s few small towns, there’s little sign of human presence to break the long, straight roads that run through undulating fields, dense gum forests and mallee scrub. There’s often a strong wind off the Southern Ocean, so bring something warm whatever the season, and take care when swimming – there are strong rips on many beaches. Safe swimming spots include Hog Bay and Antechamber Bay, both near Penneshaw; Emu Bay, northwest of Kingscote; Stokes Bay, further west; and Vivonne Bay, on the south side of the island.

Coming by boat, you’ll arrive at Kangaroo Island’s eastern end, at the small settlement of Penneshaw . The airport is a little further west in Cygnet River near Kingscote , the island’s administrative centre and South Australia’s second-oldest colonial settlement, though little remains to show for it. Between Penneshaw and Kingscote, sheltered American River is another good base. From here, the Playford Highway and South Coast Road branch out to traverse the island, entering Flinders Chase National Park from the north and south respectively. The national park and surrounding wilderness protection area cover the entire western end of the island.

Stretching north of Adelaide up to Port Augusta and the south Flinders Ranges is the fertile agricultural region known as the mid-north . The gateway to the region is the town of Kapunda , 16km northwest of Nuriootpa in the Barossa Valley, which became Australia’s first mining town when copper was discovered here in 1842. Kapunda can also be reached as a short detour from the Barrier Highway en route to Broken Hill in New South Wales, a route that continues through the larger mining town of Burra , and close to Peterborough, the self-proclaimed “frontier to the Outback”. The centre of the mid-north’s wine area, Clare , is 45km southwest of Burra on the Main North Road, the alternative route to Port Augusta.

In 1851 the “Monster Mine” at BURRA , an hour’s drive north of Kapunda, was the largest in Australia, producing five percent of the world’s copper and creating fabulous wealth. However, when the mines closed in 1877, Burra became a service centre for the surrounding farming community, and nowadays takes advantage of its heritage to attract visitors. Plenty of money has been spent restoring and beautifying the place, and it’s now a popular weekend escape between March and November, before it gets too hot. The mine is in the northern part of town, while the southern section has the shopping centre, based around Market Street.

The Clare Valley

In the cool uplands of the North Mount Lofty Ranges , the Clare Valley is really a series of gum-fringed ridges and valleys running roughly 30km north from Auburn to the main township of Clare , on either side of Main North Road. The wine industry in the valley was pioneered by Jesuit priests at Sevenhill in the 1850s. There’s no tourist overkill here: coach tours are not encouraged, and because it’s a small area with just over forty cellar doors , you can learn a lot about the local styles of wine (the valley is especially recognized for its fine Rieslings). You’ll often get personal treatment too, with the winemaker presiding. Several sheep stations can be visited among beautiful historic villages, well-preserved mansions, quaint old pubs, and there’s plenty of atmospheric accommodation, as well as numerous superb restaurants attached to wineries.

Clare Valley wineries

Crabtree crabtreewines.com.au . The pick of the four wineries at Waterville, and one of the most enjoyable to visit in the valley.

Eldredge Vineyards eldredge.com.au . Located in a small farmhouse fronting a dam, with a good restaurant.

Jim Barry jimbarry.com . A friendly, family-run place founded by a pioneer winemaker.

Knappstein Winery & Brewery knappstein.com.au . Housed in an ivy-coloured sandstone building with a veranda. Taste fine wines, and equally good lager.

O’Leary Walker Wines olearywalkerwines.com . Relatively new vineyard, founded in 2000, with some fine Rieslings.

Paulett Wines paulettwines.com.au . This winery has fabulous views, with a veranda overlooking the “river” – a dry creek for eleven months of the year.

Reilly’s Wines reillyswines.com.au . Housed in an 1856 Irish bootmaker’s buildings. There’s a great restaurant, as well as vintages from 1994 onwards.

Sevenhill Cellars sevenhill.com.au . The oldest winery in the valley, still run by a religious order that mainly makes sacramental wine, though the brothers have diversified into table wines, sweet sherry and port. There’s a charming sandstone tasting room, and an old Catholic church in the grounds.

Skillogalee Winery skillogalee.com . Occupying a wonderful spot set against a backdrop of a clunking windmill, bush-clad hill and vineyards, with tastings by the fire in an 1850s cottage. Good restaurant too.

Heading to KAPUNDA from the Barossa, the landscape changes as vineyards are replaced by crops and grazing sheep. The discovery of copper here (and in Burra) in the 1840s put the region at the vanguard of Australia’s mining boom, attracting huge numbers of Cornish miners; today as you come into town, you’re greeted by a colossal sculpture of a Cornish miner entitled Map Kernow , “Son of Cornwall”. However, the boom ended as suddenly as it began, as resources were exhausted – mining finished at Kapunda in 1878.

A place that once had its own daily newspaper, eleven hotels and a busy train station is now a rural service town, pleasantly undeveloped and with many old buildings decorated with locally designed and manufactured iron lacework, as well as the ruins of the mine.

How you see PORT AUGUSTA depends on where you’ve come from. Arriving from the Outback, the town’s trees, shops and hotels can be a real thrill, but compared with the southeast of the state, there’s little here. Its role as a transport hub has saved the town from destitution, while recent developments have made the foreshore area with its city beach more attractive. While you’re deciding where to head next, there are a couple of brilliant sights to see in town and some good bushwalking country around Mount Remarkable, at the tail end of the Flinders Ranges.

Port Augusta sits at the tip of the Spencer Gulf with the Outback all around. Despite the name, the docks closed long ago, while the power station and railways were drastically scaled down during the 1980s. The centre of town overlooks the east side of the Spencer Gulf , more like a river where it divides the town. Shops, banks and the post office are clustered along narrow Commercial Road . During summer, you should make the most of the swimming beach at the end of Young Street or escape the dust and heat at the attractive foreshore – the old wooden pile crossing, now a footbridge, and a 100-year-old jetty, all that remains of the port, make good perches for fishing and there are barbecue facilities and swimming pontoons in the water.

The Riverland is the name given to the long irrigated strip on either side of the Murray River as it meanders for 300km from Blanchetown to Renmark near the Victorian border. The Riverland’s deep red-orange alluvial soil – helped by extensive irrigation – is very fertile, making the area the state’s major supplier of oranges, stone fruit and grapes. Fruit stalls along the roadsides add to the impression of a year-long harvest, and if you’re after fruit-picking work it’s an excellent place to start; contact the HarvestTrail service. The area is also a major wine-producing region, though the high-tech wineries here mainly make mass-produced wines for casks and export. Many are open to visitors, but their scale and commercialism make them less enjoyable than those in other wine regions. The Sturt Highway , the major route between Adelaide and Sydney, passes straight through the Riverland and Premier Stateliner runs a bus service along it.

The Murray River

The Murray River is Australia’s Mississippi – or so the American author Mark Twain declared when he saw it in the early 1900s. It’s a fraction of the size of the American river, but in a country of seasonal, intermittent streams it counts as a major waterway. Fed by melting snow from the Snowy Mountains, as well as by the Murrumbidgee and Darling rivers, the Murray flows through the arid plains, reaching the Southern Ocean southwest of Adelaide near Goolwa. With the Darling and its tributaries, it makes up one of the biggest and longest watercourses in the world, giving life to Australia’s most important agricultural region, the Murray–Darling basin. Almost half of South Australia’s water comes from the Murray; even far-off Woomera in the Outback relies on it.

Historically, the Riverland was densely populated by various Aboriginal peoples who navigated the river in bark canoes, the bark being cut from river red gums in a single perfect piece – many trees along the river still bear the scars. The Ngarrindjeri people’s Dreamtime story of the river’s creation explains how Ngurunderi travelled down the Murray, looking for his runaway wives. The Murray was then just a small stream, but, as Ngurunderi searched, a giant Murray cod surged ahead of him, widening the river with swipes of its tail. Ngurunderi tried to spear the fish, which he chased to the ocean, and the thrashing cod carved out the pattern of the Murray River during the chase.

The best way to appreciate the beauty of the Murray is from the water itself. Several old paddle steamers and a variety of other craft still cruise the Murray for pleasure. The PS Industry is one of the few wood-fuelled paddle steamers left on the Murray, and cruises on the first Sunday of the month (bookings through the Renmark visitor centre). Murray River Cruises ( murrayrivercruises.com.au ) has a range of two- to seven-day cruises, many of which start from the lower river town of Mannum, an hour’s drive east of Adelaide. Other cruises from Mannum can be booked through the visitor centre ( mannum.org.au ).

Riverland Leisure Canoe Tours (riverlandcanoes.com.au) rents out kayaks and canoes, and arranges guided day-tours.

Renting a houseboat is a relaxing and enjoyable alternative, available in most towns on the river. All you need is a driving licence, and the cost isn’t astronomical if you get a group of people together and avoid the peak holiday seasons. A week in an eight-berth houseboat in the high season should cost around $3500–6000. Contact Oz Houseboats ( houseboatbookings.com.au ) for details and reservations.

Most travellers en route between Adelaide and Melbourne pass through southeast South Australia as quickly as possible, which is a shame, as the coastal route offers wild, pristine beaches and tranquil fishing villages, while inland there are a couple of brilliant wine regions.

From Tailem Bend, just beyond Murray Bridge some 85km out of Adelaide, three highways branch out. The northernmost, the Mallee Highway , is the quintessential road to nowhere, leading through the sleepy settlements of Lameroo and Pinnaroo to the insignificant town of Ouyen in Victoria’s mallee country. The second, the Dukes Highway , offers a fast but boring route to Melbourne via the South Australian mallee scrub and farming towns of Keith and Bordertown , before continuing in Victoria as the Western Highway across the monotonous Wimmera. It is, however, well worth breaking your journey to visit the Coonawarra and Naracoorte , in between the Dukes Highway and the coastal route: the former is a tiny wine-producing area that makes some of the country’s finest red wine ; the latter is a fair-sized town with a freshwater lagoon system that attracts prolific birdlife, and a conservation park with impressive World Heritage-listed caves.

The third option, the Princes Highway (Highway 1), is much less direct but far more interesting. It follows the extensive coastal lagoon system of the Coorong to Kingston SE , and then runs a short way inland to the lake craters of Mount Gambier before crossing into Victoria. There’s another possible route on this last stretch, the Southern Ports Highway , which sticks closer to the coast, plus a potential detour along the Riddoch Highway into the scenic Coonawarra wine region.

Set close to the border with Victoria, MOUNT GAMBIER is the southeast’s commercial centre and South Australia’s second most populous city. The city sprawls up the slopes of an extinct volcano whose three craters – each with its own lake surrounded by heavily wooded slopes and filled from underground waterways – are perfect for subterranean diving.

The Stuart Highway: Woomera and beyond

North of Port Augusta, the Stuart Highway and the New Ghan rail line travel through progressively drier scenery to the Northern Territory. The first place of any consequence is the town of Woomera, from where you can visit the mining centres of Roxby Downs and Andamooka, and the salt flat of Lake Torrens; you’ll need your own vehicle to visit these three destinations. Northwest of Woomera, the Stuart Highway heads up to the isolated, iconic settlement of Coober Pedy.

Coober Pedy

COOBER PEDY is the most enduring symbol of the harshness of Australia’s Outback and the determination of those who live there. It’s a place where the terrain and temperatures are so extreme that homes – and even churches – have been built underground, yet it has managed to attract thousands of opal prospectors. In a virtually waterless desert 380km from Woomera, 845km from Adelaide, and considerably further from anywhere else, the most remarkable thing about the town – whose name stems from an Aboriginal phrase meaning “white man’s burrow” – is that it exists at all. Opal was discovered by William Hutchison on a gold-prospecting expedition to the Stuart Range in February 1915, and the town itself dates from the end of World War I, when returning servicemen headed for the fields to try their luck, using their trench-digging skills to construct underground dwellings.

In summer Coober Pedy is seriously depopulated, but, if you can handle the intense heat, it’s a good time to look for bargain opal purchases – though not to scratch around for them yourself: gem hunting is better reserved for the “cooler” winter months. At the start of the year, spectacular dust storms often enclose the town in an abrasive orange twilight for hours. Coober Pedy has a bit of a reputation as a rowdy township. This is not really surprising considering the extreme climate, alcohol problems, access to explosives and open mine shafts to fall down.

The local scenery might be familiar to you if you’re a film fan, as it was used to great effect in Mad Max 3 , among other films. There’s not much to it, just an arid plain disturbed by conical pink mullock (slag) heaps, and dotted with clusters of trucks and home-made contraptions, and warning signs alerting you to treacherously invisible, unfenced 30m shafts. Be very careful where you tread: even if you have transport, the safest way to explore is to take a tour, follow a map, then return on your own.

Finding and buying an opal

Opal is composed of fragile layers of silica and derives its colour from the refraction of light – characteristics that preclude the use of heavy mining machinery, as one false blow would break the matrix and destroy the colour. Deposits are patchy and located by trial and error: the last big strikes at Coober Pedy petered out in the 1970s, and though bits and pieces are still found – including an exceptional opalized fossil skeleton of a pliosaur (the reptilian equivalent of a seal) in 1983 – it’s anybody’s guess as to the location of other major seams (indeed, there may not be any at all).

Unless you’re serious (in which case you’ll have to buy a Miner’s Permit from the Mines Department to peg your 50m-by-50m claim), the easiest way to find something is by noodling over someone’s diggings – ask the owner first. An area on the corner of Jewellers Shop and Umoona roads has been set aside as a safe area for tourists to poke about freely without danger of finding open mine shafts. Miners use ultraviolet lamps to separate opal from potch (worthless grey opal), so you’re unlikely to find anything stunning – but look out for shell fossils and small chips.

The best time to buy opal is outside the tourist season, but with about fifty dealers in town, it’s up to you to find the right stone; reputable sources give full written guarantees.

Lake Torrens

A thirty-minute 4WD ride away from Andamooka is Lake Torrens , a sickle-shaped salt lake related to the Acraman meteorite that gets popular with birdwatchers in wet years. The lake is also renowned in paleontological circles for traces of the 630-million-year-old Ediacaran fauna , the earliest-known evidence of animal life anywhere on the planet, first found in Australia and possibly wiped out by the meteorite. Delicate fossil impressions of jellyfish and obscure organisms are preserved in layered rock; the South Australian Museum in Adelaide has an extensive selection, but rarely issues directions to the site, which has been plundered since its discovery by the geologist Reg Sprigg back in 1946.

When travelling through the Outback, water is vital: with few exceptions, lakes and waterways are dry or highly saline, and most Outback deaths are related to dehydration or heatstroke – bikers seem particularly prone. As always, stay with your vehicle if you break down. Summer temperatures can be lethally hot, and winters pleasant during the day and subzero at night; rain can fall at any time of year, but is most likely to do so between January and May. Many roadhouses and fuel pumps take credit and/or debit cards, but it’s essential to carry cash as well.

To find out about road conditions in the Outback, call 1300 361 033 or visit the South Australia Transport website ( transport.sa.gov.au ). If you’re not driving, it is possible to travel through the region by bus services run by Greyhound ( greyhound.com.au ) and Premier Stateliner ( premierstateliner.com.au ). Flying can save you a lot of time and energy; Regional Express ( rex.com.au ) is the most useful carrier in the area.

RAA road maps are good but lack topographical information, so if you’re spending any time in the north, pick up the excellent Westprint Heritage maps and the Gregory’s 4WD maps. Hikers traversing the Flinders on the Heysen Trail need topographic maps of each section and advice from the nearest DENR office. Conditions of minor roads are so variable that maps seldom do more than indicate the surface type; local police and roadhouses will have current information.

A Desert Parks Pass is required for legal entry into Innamincka Regional Reserve, Lake Eyre National Park, Witjira National Park and the Simpson Desert: $150 per vehicle allows unlimited access and use of campsites for twelve months, with copies of the detailed DENR Desert Parks Handbook and a map thrown in. Passes are available from agencies throughout the north, can be purchased online ( environment.sa.gov.au/parks ; allow 7 days), or bought at the Port Augusta visitor centre .

West of Port Augusta the Eyre Highway runs 950km to the border of Western Australia; the journey can be made more interesting by taking a detour around the coast of the Eyre Peninsula , which has sandy white beaches, aquamarine sea, excellent fishing, and Australia’s finest seafood . Once past Ceduna , on the eastern edge of the Nullarbor Plain , there’s little beyond you and the desert. The Indian Pacific train traverses the Nullarbor further inland, through even more extreme desolation.

The Eyre Peninsula

Long appreciated by Adelaidians as an antidote to city stress, the Eyre Peninsula ’s broad triangle is protected by the Gawler Ranges from the arid climate further north. The area was first farmed in the 1880s, fishing communities sprang up at regular intervals and iron ore, discovered around 1900, is still mined around Whyalla . The drive around the coast passes stunning scenery and superlative surfing and beach fishing , especially where the Great Australian Bight’s elemental weather hammers into the western shore.

The Nullarbor Plain

Nullarbor , from the Latin “Nullus Arbor” or “treeless”, is an apt description of the plain, which stretches flat and infertile for over 1200km across the Great Australian Bight. Taking the train brings you closer to the dead heart than the road does, which allows some breaks in the monotony of the journey to scan the sea for southern right whales, or playing a few holes of golf on the Nullarbor Links ( nullarborlinks.com ) – an eighteen-hole, par-72 golf course between Ceduna and Kalgoorlie in Western Australia. At 1365km, it’s the world’s longest and arguably the most unusual golf course.

From Ceduna to the Western Australian border it’s 480km, which you can easily cover in under five hours; the Dalí-esque fridges standing along the highway in the early stages of the drive are actually makeshift mailboxes for remote properties.

Top image: Wilpena Pound in the Flinders Ranges, South Australia © kwest/Shutterstock

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Top Places To Visit On A South Australia Road Trip

From wine tasting in mclaren vale or the clare valley, to hiking in flinders ranges national park, this south australia road trip itinerary highlights the best of the state..

South Australia is filled with amazing sights, gastronomic experiences, culture and wildlife. One day you can be wine tasting in McLaren Vale or the Clare Valley, and the next you can be hiking through epic rock formations in the Ikara-Flinders National Park or learning about native plants in Adelaide Botanic Gardens!

One of the best things about a trip to this Australian state is that you can create a varied itinerary across a week, which doesn’t involve spending the majority of time driving! If you haven’t spent much time in Australia before, you might be surprised by how vast some of the distances can be (I was!!) But in South Australia, you can have a true ocean to outback experience in a matter of hours.

We kicked off our road trip in the vibrant city of Adelaide, then headed north through some of Australia’s most beautiful wine regions in the Clare Valley, before reaching the Ikara-Flinders National Park. It worked well to break the journey up with lots of stops, and added lots of variety to the trip.

After spending a few days in Flinders Ranges, we drove south again, this time passing beyond Adelaide to finish off our South Australia road trip in the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula and top wine region, McLaren Vale. 

This was my first time in Australia and it felt like such an amazing introduction to the country. From city life to beach towns and deserted outback locations, the road trip had a bit of everything! My only real disappointment was that because I was 5-months pregnant, I had to skip a few of the wine tasting experiences (next time…!) To be honest though, I didn’t feel like I was missing out completely as many of South Australia’s wineries are in such stunning locations and often serve great food too, so even if you’re the designated driver, you can still have a great time!

This South Australia road trip itinerary would work well as a 7-10 day trip. At the end you’ll also see an option to visit Kangaroo Island (an absolute must in South Australia in my opinion!) This is THE destination for wildlife, including seals, sea lions, kangaroos, koalas and more!

The Ultimate South Australia Road Trip Itinerary

I’ve divided this road trip itinerary into four sections to make it easy to follow. I’ve included a few of my top experiences in each destination plus lots of recommendations for places to eat and drink . You’ll also find some tips for seriously cool accommodation too!

South Australia Road Trip Itinerary: Map

Click here to see a more detailed map itinerary for this South Australia road trip.

Stop 1: Adelaide and Adelaide Hills

Kick off your trip in the vineyard city of Adelaide! This is a small yet vibrant city, with lots of lovely green spaces, colourful murals and great dining experiences. It’s also under an hour from several great wineries in the Adelaide Hills. I found it to be a friendly and walkable city, and it offered a relaxed introduction to South Australia as a whole.

Visit Adelaide Central Market

If you’re a food lover, you’re going to fall in love with South Australia. This is a state that takes food seriously! All the restaurants we visited focused on sourcing local ingredients, and many even incorporated interesting native plants and ‘bush foods’ into their menus.

Adelaide Central Market offers a great introduction to the state’s culinary scene. The stalls here sell everything from fresh fruit and vegetables, to seafood, bread and sweet treats. There’s even a stall dedicated to the fabulous produce from Kangaroo Island, which includes Ligurian honey, gin and sticky fig syrup!

For a greater understanding of the state’s bountiful produce, I’d recommend booking a tour with Food Tours Australia . We learned so much from Cheryl, who introduced us to native foods including the fruits quandong and kakadu plums, sea blight (similar to samphire) and ‘bush meats’ such as emu, camel and kangaroo. We even sampled some green ants! There are several tasty stops on this food tour of the market, but I found learning about the native ingredients the most intriguing! 

Take an Eco Caddy Tour of Adelaide

Many cities around the world have had an injection of colour in the form of murals. I’m happy to say that the same is true of Adelaide! There are beautiful murals covering the exteriors of so many buildings. Many are of cultural significance, created by Aboriginal artists, or showing the cultural blend of South Australia too.

While you’ll spot many of these artworks as you wander the city, a great way to learn more is to go on an Eco Caddy Tour of Adelaide. These tours are on passenger bikes, which are electric and pedal powered. They’re eco-friendly, sustainable and open-air, and can reach spots that cars can’t, giving you a really immersive experience!

Walk around Adelaide Botanic Gardens

One of the highlights of my time in Adelaide was visiting the city’s amazing botanic gardens. I loved it so much on day one, that we nipped back on day two to see a few bits that we’d missed! The gardens span 50 hectares and have lots of different areas, including ponds, a palm house, a rose garden and more. It was wisteria season when we visited, making for some beautiful photos!

We also enjoyed a tour here with Hayden, the cultural director of tour company Bookabee . He specialises in tours that put this region of Australia in the context of its native people and their connection with the land. It was surprising to learn that just 200 years ago, the Botanic Gardens weren’t there. The area would simply have been filled with native plants and trees, such as eucalyptus, macadamia, Illawarra plum and grass trees.

You don’t need to go on a guided tour to appreciate the beauty of Adelaide Botanic Gardens, but it will give you a deeper understanding of South Australia. The relationship between the land, the people and the culture of today’s modern Australia is such an intriguing mix.

Visit the wineries in Adelaide Hills

South Australia is one of the best regions in the world for wine lovers, and while McLaren Vale and the Barossa Valley attract a lot of tourists, it turns out you don’t have to travel far from Adelaide to be in vineyard territory! In fact, there are over 200 cellar doors within an hour’s drive of Adelaide city centre, dotted through the Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale.

Golding Wines is one of the best to visit in Adelaide Hills, not just for their wines, but also their delicious cuisine. Spanning across 200-acres and launched around 20 years ago, Darren and Lucy Golding have created a wonderful family-run winery. You’ll even find pictures of the family on some of the bottles!

You can visit for tours and tastings, stop by for a casual pizza / salad lunch or book in for something more special such as the Nido Experience. This is Golding’s gastronomic degustation menu, usually served inside their unique birds-nest structure overlooking the vines.

On the day we visited, the weather was a little wet so we couldn’t cosy up inside the nest, but we still enjoyed the full tasting menu in the restaurant. My favourite course was a quirky take on mushroom soup. It was a delicious mushroom consommé, with a mix of wild mushrooms and a unique ‘teabag’ made from vegetables. It was like something from Alice in Wonderland – a little bit of theatre and magic to the meal!

Adelaide Restaurant Recommendations

With such a gourmet reputation, you’re guaranteed to have lots of great meals in Adelaide. Here are a few pointers for where to visit!

Peter Rabbit Café – An ideal option for brunch in Adelaide, with a lovely garden space, great coffee and delicious egg-based dishes.

Fugazzi – Located on Leigh Street (one of the city’s best laneways for drinking and dining), this restaurant serves decadent Italian cuisine with a sophisticated touch. Along with a range of snacks and large bowls of pasta, don’t miss the ricotta, honey and fried bread dish – it’s absolutely delicious!

Daughter In Law – In the heart of Rundle Street, this youthful and colourful restaurant serves flavoursome Indian dishes.

Adelaide Hotel recommendations

Sofitel – This 5-star hotel is located in the heart of Adelaide, walking distance from the vibrant nightlife of Peel and Leigh Streets, as well as the shops of Rundle Street Mall. It’s chic and sophisticated inside, with a pool, gym, cocktail bar and everything you could need for a relaxing stay.

Hotel Indigo – Cool vibes await at this stylish hotel moments from Adelaide Central Market. One of the biggest perks about staying here? The brunch dishes are to die for!  There’s also a very cool rooftop bar with views over the city.

Road Trip Information

Distance from Adelaide to the Clare Valley: 150 km / 90 miles. Time: Under 2-hours’ drive.

Stop 2: The Clare Valley

No doubt you’ve heard of the wine mecca that is the Barossa Valley, but the Clare Valley is another great region to visit if you’re partial to a glass of vino. The region spans around 40km, with more than 50 cellar doors dotted throughout. The Clare Valley is famous for Riesling, but these days winemakers are branching out and producing a number of different wines.

Go wine tasting at Pikes Wines

Pikes is one of the most famous wineries in the Clare Valley. Not being as elevated as the Adelaide Hills, but having cool nights and warm days make for excellent for Rieslings here. You can just turn up to Pikes ‘ cellar door and enjoy a free 50-minute tasting experience of up to five wines. They also have a great restaurant (Slate) if you fancy spending a little longer eating and drinking.

I adored Pikes’ Riesling; it’s what they’re known for and it really is excellent! We also really liked the Viognier and Sangiovese.

A quick note on wine tasting in this region. We visited several wineries throughout our road trip through South Australia, and while there’s no obligation to purchase, it’s unlikely you’ll try and not want to buy a few bottles at the end!

Also be aware of Australia’s strict drink driving law of 0.05% blood alcohol concentration. As a very rough guide that equates to around one 100ml glass of wine for women or two for men. The best rule is not to drink at all if you’re driving, or find a designated driver for your wine tasting trip!

Visit Shut The Gate for a casual wine tasting experience

To contrast with Pikes, swing by Shut The Gate . Compared to some of the modern and sophisticated cellar doors in the Clare Valley, this one has a feel of walking into your gran’s house! Mismatched furniture, chintzy ornaments and an all-round retro vibe make this a quirky but welcoming stop. Oh, and obviously the wine is great too!

Check out the shops in Clare

Clare is one of the main towns in the Clare Valley, and has a high street filled with lovely independent stores, boutiques and restaurants. Stop by Anneva for women’s clothes, Grace and Maple for homewares and Seed for local produce.

Enjoy the views of the Clare Valley

The road trip from Adelaide to the Clare Valley is spectacular! As you get closer to Auburn, you’ll start seeing the rolling hills lined with vines. For one of the best views over the region, drive up to Quarry Hill Lookout. The panoramas from up here are absolutely breath-taking!

Stay at Bukirk Glamping

If you’re a fan of unique accommodation, I’d recommend staying at Bukirk Glamping in the Clare Valley. Home to several beautiful belle tents and a few quirky coops, this peaceful spot is great for those who love to be immersed in nature.

The owner even has a few farm animals including chickens, sheep, a cow and a large pot-bellied pig named Kevin Bacon!

I’ve always adored unique accommodation like this. Falling asleep to the sounds of wildlife, seeing bright constellations above, and waking up to see kangaroos bouncing past the fence – what an experience!

Clare Valley Restaurant Recommendations

Many of the local cellar doors offer great dining experiences, but here are a few restaurants not to be missed.

Seed Winehouse + Kitchen – You’ll find lots of Clare Valley produce on sale at this deli store including wines, cheeses and meats. Of course, the local produce is the heart of the eat-in menu too, which features large charcuterie platters, Italian pizzas and tasty salads.

Watervale Hotel – Looking back on our entire South Australian road trip, I think this is where I had my favourite meal (and there’s a lot of stiff competition!) The dining concept here is all about sharing. Order a mix of small plates and big plates, and get stuck in!

I adored the range of dishes, which included roast chicken with smoked garlic mash, charred broccoli with spiced yogurt and honey roasted beetroot with feta. The restaurant space is beautiful too, with a huge open kitchen, outside courtyard and smart dining area. 

Distance from the Clare Valley to Flinders Ranges National Park: 285 km / 180 miles. Time: Approximately 3 hours 20 drive.

Stop 3: Ikara-Flinders National Park

The drive from the Clare Valley to Flinders Ranges is like one of those epic road trip routes you see in movies! Watching the scenery change from lush green countryside dotted with vines, to craggier and rockier terrain was magical. Gradually the rocks turned redder and redder until we reached the outback.

I’d always assumed that to reach the Australian outback you’d be travelling for days, yet this is just 5-hours from Adelaide!

The landscapes here date back 800 million years are more reminiscent of images I’ve seen of Mars! With huge gorges, deep craters, soaring mountain peaks and the natural rock amphitheatre of Wilpena Pound, Flinders Ranges is a must-visit on your South Australia road trip. Coming up are a few suggestions for places to visit, but for more info, take a look at this big guide to the best things to do do in Flinders Ranges .

Go on a four-wheel drive tour through the Ikara-Flinders National Park

Rawnsley Park Station offers a fun four-wheel drive experience, which takes you off-road and up onto the ridge-line at Chace Range. Our rental car wouldn’t be suitable for any of the 4WD roads (of which there are many!) so this was a great way to see some epic Flinders panoramas and spot some wildlife too.

The tours take place just before sunset, so not only do you get to see some stunning views of the rock formations, you also get to see the beautiful golden rays illuminating the red rocks.

I loved this experience. It was so magical up there! We also saw loads of kangaroos on the adventurous drive up the rocks! It turned out to be a real bucket-list moment on our South Australia road trip.

Hike to Arkaroo Rock

If you love hiking, you’ll be in your element in the Ikara-Flinders National Park! There are absolutely loads of trails throughout the region, suitable for both walking and cycling. One of our favourite hikes was to Aboriginal rock art site, Arkaroo Rock.

The hike is around 3 km (a looped route) which took us around two hours in total. It’s pretty steep In parts, passing over streams and up craggy paths. At the end of the trail are several ancient Aboriginal rock paintings in charcoal and ochre. They’re thought to date back around 5,000 years. I found it hard to get my head around the history!

See wildlife in Flinders Ranges National Park

This was my first trip to Australia, so I’ll be the first to admit that one of the things I was most excited about was the wildlife! I knew I’d feel emotional seeing my first kangaroos, but in Flinders Ranges, they were everywhere! We saw loads as we explored the trails around Rawnsley Park Station! There were even a few hopping right past our eco-villa!

I also loved the moment we spotted a big herd of emus by the entrance to Wilpena Pound. I’d never seen them in the wild before. They look so unusual and prehistoric. It was a really exciting moment!

We also spotted a few other creatures during our few days in Flinders Ranges, including eagles and shingleback lizards. While the landscapes are the biggest reason to visit this part of South Australia, the wildlife is a close second!

Go on a walking tour near Wilpena Pound with an Adnyamathanha guide

I was keen to learn about native aboriginal culture throughout my time in South Australia. This group tour organised by Wilpena Pound’s visitor centre offered a really interesting background to the native people from the Ikara-Flinders National Park.

The Adnyamathanha people (which is pronounced adnar-mart-na and means ‘rock people’) have lived here for tens of thousands of years. Over that time, they’ve carved important messages into the rocks. We saw rock carvings which are thought to date back over 30,000 years, signifying things such as water, shelter and weapons.

Our guide also taught us about some of the native plants and trees that his ancestors would have used. I was fascinated by this tour, not least because it was hosted by a passionate Adnyamathanha descendant in his 20s, who was continuing to spread the word of his ancestors.

It’s so important that this lesser-documented history isn’t lost, so hearing people like him sharing stories of his relatives was very moving.

Take a scenic flight over Flinders Ranges National Park

Our trip was impacted by unusually high winds, so unfortunately we were unable to go on the helicopter tour we had booked. Rawnsley Park Station offer scenic flights in small planes as well as helicopter tours over the landscapes.

I’d seen the amazing photos of the natural amphitheatre of Wilpena Pound from the skies, but it’s impossible to get the scale or perspective from the ground. If you’ve got a little disposable cash and fancy a bucket list experience in the outback, I’d definitely recommend taking to the skies!

Flinders Ranges Hotel recommendations

Rawnsley park station.

We stayed in a luxury eco-villa here, which provided the perfect base for our adventurous days out in the ranges. The villas were really smart inside, with full working kitchens, a large lounge and dining area, outdoor BBQ and a balcony.

This is an ideal place for anyone wanting to self-cater, but there’s also the option of visiting the on-site Woolshed Restaurant if you fancy a night off. We also liked the fact that the station organises a number of tours, so you can relax as much or as little as you fancy!

Prairie Hotel

For something a little different, how about staying at a famous hotel in a very remote town?! 11 people live in this town, and nine work at the hotel and restaurant!

It’s somewhere that offers a memorable outback experience, with its fun ‘feral foods’ menu (think kangaroo, emu and camel). It’s more of a destination hotel, than a classic outback pub. The food is excellent and there’s even a micro-brewery on-site. It’s also in a great location for hiking, 4WD drives, visiting the gorges and more.

Distance from Flinders Ranges National Park to the Fleurieu Peninsula: 470km km / 300 miles (although this will depend on whether you travel from the Wilpena Pound area or from the Prairie Hotel). Time: Approximately 5 hours 30 mins drive.

Stop 4: Fleurieu Peninsula and McLaren Vale

I’ve grouped these two together, as they’re both south of Adelaide and best visited together. The Fleurieu Peninsula is famed for its amazing beaches, with highlights including Sellicks Beach, Port Willunga and surf hotspot Middleton Beach.

Meanwhile, McLaren Vale is one of the most popular wine regions in South Australia. Who wouldn’t want to spend the final days of their South Australia road trip beach-hopping and wine tasting?!

Visit Sellicks Beach

One of the most popular beaches for Adelaide’s population to visit, when you see it, you’ll understand why! This is a magnificent beach with rugged reddish rocks undulating along the coastline. Follow the ocean road and then drive your car right onto the sand for a proper Aussie beach day.

Surf at Middleton Beach

Australians love surfing, so why not add a surf lesson into your South Australian road trip? Macca loved his time catching some waves with Jake from a Surf & Sun on Middleton Beach. After running through some basic techniques, they hit the surf together, with Macca returning a couple of hours later absolutely buzzing!

Spend an afternoon at d’Arenberg Winery

Have you seen photos of the iconic Cube in McLaren Vale? Well, it’s the centrepiece of highly-regarded d’Arenberg Winery . The Rubik’s cube architecture represents the complex puzzle of winemaking. The interiors are as wacky as the outside too!

You’ll find different attractions on each of the five levels, with the Alternate Realities Museum on the ground floor, which shows a little of the history of the vineyard and the winemaking process in a Willy Wonka style!

On level two is a Dali exhibition, level 3 has the kitchens and toilets (which are brilliantly quirky too!) Head on up to level four for Asian restaurant Singapore Circus, or to the top floor to taste d’Arenberg’s wines.

The Cube is one of the most popular places to visit near Adelaide, and you could easily spend half a day here.

Go on an eco-tour at Gemtree Wines

For a completely different wine experience in McLaren Vale, how about joining a Wuldi Cultural Experience with Ngarrindjeri Elder, Mark Koolmatrie, through the eco-trail at Gemtree Wines .

Gemtree are doing interesting things with their land, paying respect to the indigenous people, and preserving some of the native flora and fauna. These efforts not only protect it for generations and continue a long and important history, but also improve the biodiversity locally, which in turn benefits their vines.

At the end of the eco-tour, we sat down and tucked into a platter of native foods featuring ingredients such as saltbush, quandong and muntries, accompanied by a selection of Gemtree’s biodynamic wines.

Shop for fresh produce at Willunga Farmers Market

Every Saturday, Willunga Farmers Market takes place in the grounds of Willunga High School. When we stopped by there were over 50 stalls selling everything from huge boxes filled with ripe strawberries, to freshly baked sourdough loaves and homemade jams. Many of the fresh items are brought from local farms within the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Listening to live musicians while watching families and kids playing in the schoolyard made me appreciate the sense of community in this part of South Australia. If you’re self-catering in the area, I’d recommend picking up some fresh produce here.

Fleurieu Peninsula Restaurant and Accommodation recommendations

Lost Phoenix Farm – A lovely spot for a bite to eat, with a selection of delicious small and large plates designed for sharing. The burrata salad here was amazing! There’s also a distillery on-site.

Star of Greece – Don’t let the name fool you, this isn’t a Greek restaurant! It actually serves modern Australian cuisine. It’s named after the shipwreck which is located just off the coast in Port Willunga.

This restaurant has an incredible reputation for fine dining, and it’s totally justified! Prepare for delicious dishes such as lobster laksa, kingfish sashimi and chargrilled wagyu eye fillet with Fleurieu mushrooms. The added bonus is the view – it’s one of the best restaurants on the beach in South Australia!  

Stay at Ukiyo House – I absolutely love modern architecture, so when we had the chance to stay in this Japanese-inspired accommodation, I was over the moon. There’s a feeling of zen as you open the front door and see through to the open plan kitchen/lounge.

Clutter-free, Ukiyo House features endless clever design elements including a smart TV that looks like a canvas, innovative draw designs, cupboards hiding knick-knacks, remote-controlled blinds and a smart toilet! There was even a fridge filled with amazing produce to create tasty breakfasts and snacks.

There’s a peaceful garden, countryside views and trees filled with native birds all around too. All of this, plus it’s under ten-minutes’ walk to the beautiful beach at Port Willunga. I just wished we’d had longer as I felt so relaxed from the moment I stepped through the door!

Distance from the Fleurieu Peninsula to Adelaide: 45 km / 28 miles. Time: Approximately 45 mins drive.

Stop 5: Kangaroo Island (optional addition)

If you can spare 2-3 extra days, I’d recommend continuing your South Australia road trip in Kangaroo Island. Car ferries run regularly from Cape Jervis on the tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula to Penneshaw, and take 45 minutes. Alternatively, if you’d rather book a guided tour (I’d recommend contacting Kangaroo Island Touring Company ), you can book a flight from Adelaide directly to Kangaroo Island.

Kangaroo Island is one of the best places in Australia to see native wildlife. From koalas in the trees, to kangaroos hopping through the fields, Australian sea lions on Seal Bay in Flinders Chase National Park and echidnas strolling down the roads, it really is an amazing place to visit. I’d recommend reading this detailed guide to the best things to do in Kangaroo Island , which includes everything you need to know about visiting.

I hope you’ve enjoyed following my South Australia road trip. From the Barossa Valley wine region and the spectacular Eyre Peninsula, to the Murray River, Mount Gambier and Lincoln National Park, there are plenty more great places to visit in the state, but I think my route gives you a great introduction to the food, culture, history and landscapes in SA.

If you’re a foodie like me, don’t miss my guide to the best food and drink experiences in South Australia . From wineries to native foods, I’ve included lots of great tips to make the most of your time down under!

A big thanks to the South Australia Tourism Commission for inviting us to explore this amazing region. You can find plenty of useful info to plan your adventure on their website. As always, all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

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Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

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SOUTH AUSTRALIA ITINERARY: 2-3 WEEKS ON THE ROAD

It’s time to uncover another big Australian state: South Australia . With an area of almost one million square kilometres (roughly the size of Germany, Italy and UK combined!) and its position in the south centre of the nation, South Australia uniquely shares borders with each Australian mainland state. Landscapes in South Australia change dramatically from hills and wine regions to dry salt lakes, from the arid outback to some of most amazing coastlines of Australia. That’s why it’s particularly important to plan your itinerary ahead before leaving your safe base in the capital city Adelaide . You don’t want to miscalculate the distances and find yourselves in the middle of the Nullarbor. Or perhaps you do!? Find out more below in our South Australia itinerary guide.

READ ALSO: QUEENSLAND EAST COAST ITINERARY

WHAT TO SEE IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA IN 2-3 WEEKS

The first thing you should keep in mind is that anything less than two weeks will not be enough to have a proper trip in South Australia (aka SA). Travelling in South Australia requires lots of time to cover thousands of kilometres on the road. Completely different from tiny Tasmania that we visited right after our trip to SA. As a matter of fact it would take more than a month and over 3,000 km to visit all the places we are listing next. However, it makes more sense to choose some and exclude some other when planning your way, and for this reason we are including distances and suggested days of stay for every location. For ease of reference we’ll list the destinations from east to west, which is ideal if you’re driving to South Australia from Melbourne and Sydney , or if you’re flying to Adelaide , that lies in the southeast of the state.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA ITINERARY GUIDE MAP

MOUNT GAMBIER & LIMESTONE COAST

Deep in the south-eastern corner of South Australia, Mount Gambier is a small town full of natural wonders . Discover the Blue Lake of volcanic origin, the incredible sunken garden at Umpherston Sinkhole (Cenote), and visit stunning Englebrecht Cave located right in the town centre. Mount Gambier sits only half an hour away from the Limestone Coast , a charming side of South Australia offering beautiful beaches and a gorgeous coastline. We loved camping by the beach here, taking long walks and also having the chance to drive our van right on the water’s edge. Staying 3 days in the area would be ideal. You might want to consider flying straight to Mount Gambier to cut travel times from Adelaide. But if you are driving this way and especially if you are coming from Melbourne, Victoria, we strongly recommend to pay a visit to Mount Gambier and drive along the Limestone Coast rather than taking the busy main highway inland.

FLEURIEU PENINSULA

Due to its proximity to Adelaide and offering a wide variety of activities, Fleurieu Peninsula is a must visit destination in South Australia . Only 45 minutes south to the capital, it can be visited on a day trip or over a couple of days if driving all around it. The drive itself will reward you with fantastic views over St Vincent Gulf and its rugged coastline, including amazing beaches as Port Willunga or Sellicks Beach . Take a break at one of the many charming towns along the way, or head inland to the popular McLaren Vale , home to sustainable wineries and dining venues, in order to indulge in a proper gastronomic trip. Locals proudly consider the Fleurieu Peninsula drive to be the South Australian answer to the Great Ocean Road in Victoria. Although it may be shorter it is still fascinating, and will take you right to Cape Jervis where you can board the ferry to reach our next destination on the list. TIP : in McLaren Vale modern wineries and art galleries give plenty of options to spend your days. Head Down the Rabbit Hole to have a glass of wine while sitting in a double-decker bus or visit the d’Arenberg Cube to combine art and sipping.

KANGAROO ISLAND

Named by British explorer Matthew Flinders in 1802 for the endemic species of grey kangaroos found in the area, Kangaroo Island is the biggest island in South Australia . Aboriginal people used to live here before the last glacial era that caused the rise of sea level and consequent isolation of Kangaroo Island from the mainland. Since then it remained uninhabited and raw, which contributed to its wild and untouched aspect of nowadays. Come here to unwind for a few days and discover unique wildlife and crystal clear waters. Kangaroo Island is quite big and not your usual islet that can be done in half day. To make it worth the cost of the ferry crossing, consider staying at least two full days.

TIP: the ferry leaves daily all year round from 6am to 7pm, taking about 45 minutes. Prices start from 200$ per vehicle return, 100$ per person return. More info here.

ADELAIDE – CAPITAL CITY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA

The capital of South Australia is a vibrant hub of culture, gastronomy and festivals. Adelaide has a population of just slightly more than 1 million, which makes it easy to explore. Everything is nearby in the CBD, including the historic Adelaide Central Market , the South Australian Museum , the Art Gallery of SA , and the lush Botanic Gardens . Adelaide boasts an excellent dining scene, and has a perfect spot to hang out in the beachside suburb of Glenelg.

The city’s yearly main event is the Adelaide Fringe Festival , a month-long celebration happening between February and March every summer, which sees 6,000+ artists coming to town to perform and entertain the crowds. Hundreds of thousands of visitors gather here from all over Australia and from overseas to enjoy spectacles of theatre, comedy, circus, music and visual arts. We recommend to spend three days in Adelaide , either at the beginning or at the end of your South Australia itinerary. It can also be used as base to visit nearby Flerieu Peninsula and wine region. READ MORE : What to see&do in Adelaide, South Australia

BAROSSA & CLARE VALLEY, WINE REGION

Whether you’re a wine expert or a casual social drinker, the valleys north to Adelaide have something in store for you. The most famous destination in this sense is undoubtely the Barossa, a globally known and multiple award winner wine region . Spreading around the towns of Tanunda, Angaston and Nuriootpa, there are over 80 cellars to choose from to taste some of the best wines in the world. Should you be hungry – or we should say thirsty – for more, add in 50+ more cellars spreading along a 40 km corridor in beautiful Clare Valley . Around here it’s common to see farm gate stores, where you can grab the freshest delicacies straight from the producers. Being so close to Adelaide, a day trip to the wine region or a one night stop-over on your way north should be enough to satisfy your taste buds.

YORKE PENINSULA

Yorke Peninsula may be less popular than its bigger sister to its west Eyre Peninsula (see below), however being located just over an hour drive away from Adelaide and home to a whopping 700 kilometres of pristine coast , makes it an excellent seaside destination in SA. You won’t believe your eyes when you’ll see the colours of the water at many beaches around Yorke Peninsula. Reach the coast at Point Turton , Corny Point or at Innes National Park to understand what we are talking about. The long sandy beaches offer opportunities for swimming, surfing and fishing. Innes National Park at the southern tip of the peninsula is a true gem for bushcamping and spotting wildlife. You can also learn some history at Innes ghost town and walk right through its beautiful salt lake (see our Instagram picture). Not many tourist come down here outside weekends or holidays, so if you do you’ll be rewarded with a tranquil experience in nature. Spend one night or two in the national park.

Visualizza questo post su Instagram Un post condiviso da Ambra&Edo│Travel Couple 🇮🇹 (@amilliontravels)

FLINDERS RANGES & SOUTH AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK

Venturing anywhere north of Port Augusta, the land starts becoming red and dry. The wild outback covers nearly 80% of South Australia, but not even 1% of the state population lives here. So what to do and see in the outback? Simply be amazed by the astonishing scenery, varying from dusty red roads to deep craters, from endless lakes to a night sky show as good as it gets. The Flinders Ranges are the most interesting region morphologically speaking, featuring rocky gorges and weathered peaks. It’s a great place for hikers and adventurers , approximately 5 hours drive from Adelaide. Salt Lake Torrens isn’t too far away, but the most famous one in the state is Lake Eyre , the largest lake in Australia when subject to seasonal flooding. The lake is so big and remote that taking an aerial tour is the best way to appreciate it. Finally, since most of the towns in the South Australian outback are mining centres, why not pay a visit to Coober Pedy , the nation’s most known opal mining town, where locals live in underground houses. A detour to the places listed above in the centre-north of the state will require around 2-4 days. READ MORE : Coober Pedy, life underground in the outback .

EYRE PENINSULA

After the outback, it’s time to head back to the seaside. Distances become even longer and driving can get exhausting, especially if you’re travelling during scorching South Australian summer. Luckily Eyre Peninsula offers heaps of amazing spots where to take breaks and cool down by the sea. Once you make it to the very south at Port Lincoln , you’ve reached South Australia’s world famous acquatic hub . Here you can experience a thrilling shark cage dive, play with sea lions and watch whales. Not far away, Coffin Bay is the place where to taste the best oysters and seafood in SA. On top of that the two national parks at Port Lincoln and Coffin Bay are home to a spectacular coastline, featuring both sandy beaches and towering cliffs. Don’t miss the opportunity to stay overnight and improve your chances to spot wild emus and kangaroos right next to your tent or campervan. Go back up the west coast of the peninsula for more dramatic shores at Elliston , Venus Bay and Streaky Bay . As mentioned it takes a while to get to and around Eyre Peninsula, so allow 5-7 days to make sure you enjoy your time there. TIP : if you want to reduce your driving hours, the Lucky Bay-Wallaroo ferry is a good way to cut the trip between Eyre and Yorke peninsulas. The crossing takes about 2.5 hours and the ticket is 165$ per vehicle including driver, but will save you the 400-km-drive around the Spencer Gulf and cost of petrol. More info here.

NULLARBOR PLAIN

It may be hard to believe it but once you reach the northwestern tip of Eyre Peninsula at Smoky Bay, you are barely halfway through South Australia! From here, the state extends for other 1,000 km north towards the Northern Territories and about 500 km west to the border with Western Australia, across the Nullarbor Plain. As the name suggests – from Latin nulla arbor = no trees – there isn’t that much to see around here. But that’s the point: it’s one of very few places in the world where you can actually drive on a sealed road in the middle of a treeless, flat, seemingly endless plain. And you can do that for hours and hours. The A1 highway has also become increasingly popular among the community of road trippers for its 90-mile or 146-km-long straight, Australia’s longest straight road. To be fair, we’re not suggesting to include the Nullarbor Plain in your South Australia itinerary unless that is your specific goal or you are on the way to Perth, Western Australia. In that case, since you’ve made it that far, you could add a detour to the coast and take in the majestic views over the Great Australian Bight. From Ceduna to the SA-WA border it’s roughly 1,000 km return. Plus you still have to drive all the way back to Adelaide to conclude your trip. Drive carefully, take frequent breaks and allocate at least 3-4 days for the whole feat.

HAVE A GREAT TRIP IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA!

Our South Australia itinerary post ends here. Remember to keep yourself hydrated, particularly if you’ll be here during heatwaves or summer months, between November and March . Always carry a spare fuel tank and water reserve if you travel by van and plan to be camping. ENJOY SOUTH AUSTRALIA! READ ALSO: TOP BEACHES IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA 5 OF THE BEST WATERFALLS IN TASMANIA FREE CAMPING AND REST AREAS IN AUSTRALIA

BEST STAYS IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA

• You can book all accommodation in South Australia with free cancellation   here.
• Adelaide Caravan Park: conveniently located just 4 km away from the CBD. Villas and cabins other than camping spots and caravan powered sites. Services include swimming pool and barbecue areas.
• Oaks Glenelg Plaza Pier Suites: lovely location in Glenelg, offering superior seaview suites.
• Blue Seas Motel: excellent value for money option in the heart of the Eyre Peninsula.

HOW TO GET AROUND?

• Drive here or fly and rent a private car to be free to reach any place in South Australia. The cheapest options start from 39€/day, and fuel in Australia is less than 1€ per litre! (1.50AUD). Check your best rental car options in Australia here.
• Airplane: daily flights to Adelaide, from anywhere in Australia. Local flights connect the capital with Mount Gambier, Port Lincoln, Coober Pedy.
• Ferry: Kangaroo Island ferry; Lucky Bay to Wallaroo.

WEATHER&SEASONS – WHEN TO GO TO SOUTH AUSTRALIA?

South Australia’s climate is generally warm and dry all year round. Mild winters distinguish the southern edges of the state. During summer months from November to February it can get torrid all around SA, with temperatures easily going over 40°C. However, keep in mind that the outback areas are subject to an extremely variable daily temperature range, with cold nights as low as 10°C. Don’t forget your sunscreen when travelling in South Australia.

ONLINE IDP – INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMIT We recommend getting an International Driving Permit online if you’re planning to drive a vehicle abroad. The International Drivers Association offers a reliable online service that allows to get a digital+physical licence even if you’re already travelling, valid and accepted in 150+ countries worldwide. More info on the official website .

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Never leave home without a reliable travel insurance. Better safe than sorry. We recommend two options for you to compare. Get a quote with Worldnomads here , and get up to 20% off your travel insurance  with Heymondo here.

Disclaimer: this post contains links to products and services for which we may be compensated, at no additional cost for you. Thanks for your support that helps us keep our blog free and operating!

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The Best Wine Tasting & Tours In South Australia

Browse through the best selection of south australia wine tours.

Jacob's Creek Picnic Perfect

Life is great laying on a picnic rug, taking in the stunning views, enjoying great food and a glass of Jacob’s Creek wine in Barossa Valley

Jacob's Creek Double Barrel Signature Tasting Experience

Unlocking the magic of Jacob's Creek double barrel wines: a unique sensory experience in winemaking in South Australia

Jacob's Creek Double Barrel Signature Experience & Harvest Kitchen Lunch

A journey of wine discovery through an in-depth sensory experience of Jacob's Creek Double Barrel series of wines. Complete your experience with a sumptuous lunch with the winery's restaurant partner

St Hugo Garden to Table Experience

The connection between wine and food is central to the philosophy at St Hugo. This can be explored to another level through the Garden to Table experience in Barossa Valley

St Hugo & Riedel Masterclass & Dining Experience

A sensory journey in Barossa Valley: Riedel Glassware masterclass and wine tasting experience with St Hugo, followed by a gourmet 3-course lunch

Gemtree Being Biodynamic Winery Tour

Learn about the ins and outs of biodynamic grape growing and wine making during a relaxed tour of Gemtree’s Biodynamic Hut in McLaren Vale

Winery Tour of Ubertas Wines

Taste wines from the wine barrels: experience the art of winemaking from grape crushing to barrel tasting in Barossa Valley

Wine tasting at Woodstock Wine Estate

Savor the flavors of Woodstock wine estate in the stocks tasting room and picturesque courtyard in McLaren Vale, South Australia

Wine Tasting at Tapanappa Cellar Door

Enjoy wines in the cool climate of South Australia

Wine Tasting at Reillys Wines Cellar Door and Restaurant

Know about the history and winemaking while having a wine tasting of unique wines and a tour at Reillys Wines Cellar Door in Clare Valley

Wine Tasting at Hart of the Barossa

A beautiful place to enjoy wines in Barossa Valley; a rustic 'grape to glass' tasting experience in a vineyard's historic blacksmith workshop

Wine Tasting at Cooper Burns Wines

A refreshing wine experience in Barossa Valley; discover winemaking mastery and redeem your tasting experience with premium wine purchases

South Australia Wine Tours Offered by Local Guides

Discover South Australia's wine scene together with knowledgeable local wine tour guides.

Clare Shared Wine Tour

Book your seat. This tour is designed for those who don't mind sharing with other likeminded...

Barossa: Share your Barossa Valley Wine Tour

Experience luxury, intimacy, and expert guidance on a day trip, visiting renowned wineries and savoring the region's uniqueness in South Australia

Wine Tasting in McLaren Vale - Premium Full Day Tour

Mclaren Vale wine discovery: boutique winery exploration with expert guides & gourmet lunch in South Australia

Wine Tasting in the Barossa - Premium Full Day Tour

Barossa boutique winery tour: explore with a local guide, enjoy top wines, and a chef's lunch at one of the best restaurants, perfect for red wine enthusiasts

Immerse Yourself in Coonawarra - Full-Day Wine Tour With Gourmet Lunch

Get to know the real Coonawarra with this all day super special bundled tour. We will take you to...

Coonawarra Highlights Half-Day Wine Tour With Lunch

If your time in Coonawarra is limited why not take up the option of a Coonawarra highlights...

Historic Port Adelaide, Adelaide Winery Tour

Explore historical Adelaide and scenic wineries: a delightful tour of Port Adelaide, semaphore, Adelaide CBD, Mount Lofty, and local wineries

Historic Port Adelaide, Adelaide CBD, Mount Lofty & Handorf

Relaxing history, food & wine tour: explore port Adelaide, Adelaide CBD, Mount Lofty, historic Handorf, boutique winery, with lunch and wine tasting included

Golf And Wine Tour (Two Dy Package)

Golf & wine experience: tee off with scenic views, followed by wine tastings. Choose from Tanunda Pines or Barossa Valley Golf Club

Coastal Tour

Coastal drive & wine tour: experience breathtaking views along Adelaide's coast and indulge in wine tasting at McLaren Vale's boutique wineries

Barossa Wildlife and Wine Tour

Explore Barossa & wildlife: Koala cuddles, wine tasting, and regional lunch included in this immersive tour experience

Bespoke in the McLaren Vale

An Exciting Tour of South Australian Wines!

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Cheese & Wine Tastings in South Australia

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Best cities to visit in south australia, australia.

South Australia Wine Map

How to reach wine tasting experiences in south australia.

Wine tasting tours in South Australia are easily accessible by different means of transportation.

Looking for a more specific destination?

Read more about south australia, everything you need to know before you take a tour to south australia.

When we talk about the wines of Australia, the famous Shiraz immediately comes to mind, not to mention the countless choice of wine tastings and tours in South Australia. It is one of the most important wine regions in the country, with its wine industry providing more than half of the production of all Australian wines. South Australia has a huge variety of geography and climate, which makes it possible to successfully grow a variety of grape varieties — from Riesling to Shiraz, therefore wine tours South Australia are booming. Here is a surprising amount to see and do during the wine tastings and tours in South Australia. Check out the vineyards with spectacular views, visit Kangaroo Island, and taste local savoury foods with a glass of excellent local wine. Book the best wine tastings and tours in South Australia with us!

The best season to experience wine tastings and tours in South Australia

South Australia  is the best spot to get out from the cold. It experiences mild winters and humid, dry summers. Summer  can be considered one of the pleasant times to visit wineries in South Australia. People flock to the beach in the summer, so coastal towns are popular, and many of them dine al fresco. It is important to note that not all beaches are allowed for swimming.

What to do in South Australia?

When you are lucky enough to get to this wine region, be sure to visit  Kangaroo Island , which is a heaven for nature lovers with its pristine beaches and wilderness, unspoiled nature, and of course kangaroos. Experience the charm of the former seaport at  Port Augusta  and make some unforgettable memories in the magical city of  Adelaide .

What to taste in South Australia?

• Shiraz : The wine is rich garnet color with a purplish sheen. The bouquet of the wine opens with the aromas of oriental spices, plum, rosemary, and grilled steak.
• Riesling : The bright bouquet is dominated by tones of white flowers and yellow fruits, lemongrass, coriander, and spices. Refreshing and quite rich in taste with a bright fruit dominant, excellent acidity, and hints of lemon meringue in the aftertaste.
• Cabernet Sauvignon : The wine has a brilliant ruby color, in the bouquet of which you can get notes of ripe black currant and chocolate. Perfect with beef cheeks and grilled vegetables.

What is typical wine tasting and tour in South Australia like

During your  wine tastings and tours in South Australian wineries,  you can enjoy a supervised tasting of their estate-grown wines with their cellar door party. You will try a selection of their wines depending on your personal tastes. You will learn about their heritage, vineyards, and the winemaking process. Some wineries with centuries-old wine roots have outdoor terraces with stunning views where visitors are welcomed. If you plan to spend some time at the winery, there is  accommodation  available in some wineries as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most frequently asked questions by our visitors, which are the best experiences for wine tours & tastings in south australia.

• Wine tasting and tour at Reillys Wines Cellar Door and Restaurant
• Wine tasting and tour at Levrier by Jo Irvine
• Wine tasting and tour at Balnaves of Coonawarra
• Wine tasting and tour at Raidis Estate Coonawarra

Which places provide the best Wine tours & tastings in South Australia for kids and families?

• Leconfield & Richard Hamilton Wines
• The Lane Vineyard
• Balnaves Of Coonawarra
• Hastwell & Lightfoot

Which places provide the top Wine tours & tastings in South Australia for couples?

• Wine tasting and tour at Simon Tolley Wines
• Wine tasting and tour at Salena Estate Wines

Which places provide the best wine tours & tastings in South Australia for groups?

• Smidge Wines
• Wine tasting and tour at Smallfry Wines
• Levrier by Jo Irvine
• Raidis Estate Coonawarra

Which places provide the best wine tours & tastings in South Australia for travellers on a budget?

• Wine tasting and tour at The Standish Wine Company

Which places in South Australia provide the top wine tasting and tours if I like organic wines?

• God’S Hill / lzi Wines
• Smallfry Wines
• The Standish Wine Company

What do you normally do during Wine tastings and tours in South Australia?

Which places provide the best private wine tastings and tours in south australia.

• Wine tasting and tour at Leconfield & Richard Hamilton Wines
• Wine tasting and tour at Hastwell & Lightfoot
• Wine tasting and tour at Smidge Wines

Are there any exclusive and premium wine tastings and tours in South Australia?

• Simon Tolley Wines

Are there any wine tastings and tours close to Adelaide, Gawler orKangaroo Island?

Are you interested in reading more about south australia.

If you are looking for organized tours, check out our list of guided wine tours .

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Join our newsletter now to receive our free guide on how to plan the perfect wine tour

• Travel Updates

Terrifying moment wild bull elephant attacks a safari tourist bus

A huge bull elephant tried to flip a tourist bus during a safari with the wild footage caught on film.

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The terrifying moment a bull elephant charged and tried to flip a safari vehicle has gone viral, with the moment caught on video from a bystander.

The footage starts with the elephant approaching the front of the vehicle where the guide sits in the driver seat, before the animal starts nudging the bonnet with its trunk.

The open-air truck, which has passengers seated in the back half of the vehicle, is lifted off the ground as the elephant pushes again and again in an attempt to flip the truck off its wheels.

The video pivots to the point-of-view of a passenger, who is filming from within the vehicle, showing the driver frantically backing away from the elephant as it continues to charge towards him.

From this viewpoint, the male elephant is just centimetres away from the driver’s face — with the pair separated only by glass.

While some on social media described the vision as “traumatising” and blamed the driver for getting too close to the wild animal, one anonymous poster claimed they’d received video that revealed a little more detail in defence of the guide.

“Unfortunately the video only shows the end of the story and not the complete story,” the anonymous poster wrote alongside the video on YouTube.

“The elephant entered the car park while guests were both on foot in the open and on the walkway (fairly secure).

“The guide sat there quietly with his engine off until the elephant started to approach the vehicle. The elephant didn’t back off and kept coming closer, not responding to warning shouts and door slamming and slapping as they normally will.”

The anonymous poster claims in a desperate bid to scare the elephant off, the guide started his engine and revved the truck.

“Whether or not the guide took the correct action next is not for me to say,” they wrote.

“He started his engine and revved it, hoping the elephant would leave the car park.

“I hope the full video is released because I am sure you will all feel some compassion towards the guide and how absolutely terrified he must have been, while taking actions to protect others in a very difficult situation.

“I have no doubt that the guide and guests have been traumatised by this event.”

It’s not the first time a tourist vehicle has got a little too close to one of these majestic creatures in the wild.

Last year, a Perth family were lucky to walk away uninjured after they were ambushed by a female elephant in search of food.

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In the footage filmed by the Basnayake family, who were holidaying in Sri Lanka at the time, the elephant called Nitra suddenly emerges from the trees along the side of the road and heads directly for the van.

In a split second, Nitra smashes the driver’s window with her tusks and plunges her trunk through the window, rummaging for food.

In the footage, father-of-two Kasun Basnayake says “it’s okay, it’s okay” to calm his children as the giant elephant sniffs for food.

A Qantas passenger who uploaded a photo of their meal has left online users scratching their heads over what exactly it is.

A tourist has shared the moment he was subjected to a spray of racist abuse while travelling through Western Australia.

Police have unleashed on a pair of “clowns” who were found on a beach in Florida, but it’s what they did that’s left authorities furious.