South Australia

South Australia (SA)

A state rich in dramatically different landscapes, South Australia is often understated despite houseing some of Australia’s best-kept sightseeing secrets. The laid back capital city Adelaide is home to beautiful grassy parklands, thriving beachside suburbs, a lively pub and restaurant scene and some of Australia’s most exciting festivals, whilst the regional areas offer everything from world-class wineries, rugged coastlines, immaculate sandy beaches, arid desert, opal mines, the popular Riverland and more.


Adelaide

One of Australia’s most relaxed major cities, you can get around the whole of Adelaide city by car in under 20 minutes. Adelaide prides itself on being a big city without frustrations. The CBD is laid out between sprawling parklands and wide streets and set upon the banks of the River Torrens, between the roaming Adelaide Hills and the crystal waters of the Gulf St Vincent. Known as ‘The Festival State’, locals are constantly enjoying fine food, wine, art and the ‘good life’.


Points of Interest:

Adelaide Central Markets

Established in 1869, the Adelaide Central Markets provide an amazing shopping experience where you will find an extensive range of fresh produce all under one roof. Fruit and vegetables, meat and poultry, organic foods, sweets, breads, gourmet cheeses, nuts, oriental ingredients and much more, shoppers can enjoy international shopping in a vibrant atmosphere. Closed on Mondays and Sundays, check their website for official retail hours.


North Terrace

North Terrace in central Adelaide is the city’s epicentre, where you can find  historical buildings, statues, plaques, memorials, museums, hotels, the Art Gallery, Adelaide Railway Station, the State Library, Government House, Adelaide University, the Casino, Royal Adelaide Hospital and Parliament House. Easily accessible on foot or by public transport, North Terrace lies within close proximity to Adelaide’s shopping hub Rundle Mall, the Festival Theatre, River Torrens, the Adelaide Zoo, premier cricket ground Adelaide Oval and the Botanic Gardens.


Glenelg

Commonly known to locals as ‘The Bay’, Glenelg is Adelaide’s primary beachside suburb and only a 20 minute tram ride away from the city centre and a five-minute drive from the airport. With white sandy beaches, multinational eateries, buzzing cafes, boutique shopping, kids entertainment complex, five star hotels and stellar sunsets, Glenelg is the place to be during summer. Enjoy an ice cream whilst strolling out to the end of the jetty on a warm summer’s night.


Regional South Australia

Adelaide Hills

Charming farmlands, inspiring views, quaint towns and numerous sightseeing opportunities have attracted budding artists, writers, poets, and of course tourists, to the region for generations. A mere 20 minutes by car from Adelaide City, the Adelaide Hills are a great day trip out of town offering enjoyable driving tours, walking and cycling trails, endearing pubs, cafes and bakeries, sprawling wineries, local produce, German Village Hahndorf, and a range of accommodation to suit all needs.


Victor Harbor

Head South from Adelaide for an hour and you will pass through sprawling vineyards, rolling hills and eucalypt bordered farmlands before reaching the pleasant seaside community of Victor Harbor. Known for its surf beaches, penguins, steam train and winter whale watching, the area is also a great place to hunt for antiques. There’s plenty of accommodation options for every traveller as well as a great range of classic Australia style pubs to enjoy a pint or two.


Kangaroo Island

Known to locals and South Australians as ‘KI’, Kangaroo Island is a diverse natural wonder offering so much to see and do. Visit seals lazing on pristine beaches and koalas shading themselves in the Eucalypts, see unique natural rock formations and historical caves, walk through the thick bushland or relax by the shores of some of Australia’s most pure waters. Kangaroo Island is similarly known for its gourmet produce, so be sure to keep your taste buds in check by visiting many of the local restaurants and cafes.


Barossa Valley

Australia’s premier wine region and one of the best in the world, ask any Aussie about wine and they will tell you to head straight to the Barossa Valley. Treat your palate at over 60 different wineries spread amongst breathtaking landscapes of elegant vineyards, ridges, and historical villages. There are plenty of wine tour options available as well as all kinds of accommodation ranging from romantic bed and breakfast properties to five star resorts.


Innes National Park

A great short escape out of Adelaide is over at Innes National Park, on Yorke Peninsula. A favourite holiday destination for many South Aussie families, Innes National Park boasts historical cottages, abundant wildlife, challenging bushwalking trails, excellent fishing, white sandy beaches and a relaxed country lifestyle. Rugged cliffs hug secluded ocean beaches and big swells make the area popular with surfers. Strong storms have caused havoc on the surrounding seaboard, and as a result there are over 40 shipwrecks off the coast of Yorke Peninsula and Innes National Park that set the stage for great photography and experienced level diving.


Flinders Ranges

Experience the real Aussie Outback so easily accessible from Adelaide. Named one of Australia's outstanding national landscapes, the Flinders Ranges proposes amazing outback adventures and once in a lifetime experiences. Spend some time camping and walking around the natural amphitheatre that is Wilpena Pound, take a 4WD tour throughout the deserted outback, ride on the Pichi Richi Railway or follow the Brachina Gorge Geological Trail with 600 million years of history and evolution.


More Information on SA:

Tourism South Australia, www.southaustralia.com
Adelaide Central Markets, www.adelaidecentralmarket.com.au
Glenelg, www.glenelgaustralia.com.au
Victor Harbor, www.tourismvictorharbor.com.au
Kangaroo Island, www.tourkangarooisland.com.au