The Barossa is South Australia’s most famous wine region, and with over 150 wineries and cellar doors in the area, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Enjoy a leisurely feast of wood fired breads and local hams against a backdrop of verdant rolling hills, or take a fully guided group tour. Sample Riesling, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon – all produced in the region – before sitting down for a luxurious two course lunch at Lambert Estate. Stay to breathe in the awe-inspiring views over the valley from Mengler Hill.
Holidays in South Australia are perfect whether you seek pleasure or hardy outdoor adventurers. Blessed with some of the country’s greatest natural wonders, this region is bursting with luscious green flora, fauna, and dramatic rocky landscapes that have many stories to tell.
From the rugged, red mountains of the Flinders Ranges steeped in Aboriginal culture to the shocking pink colours of Australia’s largest salt lake, Lake Eyre, you can explore some of the world’s most fascinating landscapes by hot air balloon or on a 4x4 drive.
South Australia is the unsung hero when it comes to spectacular, uncrowded beaches, with places such as Brighton and Glenelg offering a variety of fabulous brunch spots by the sea.
Intriguing sights and luxury experiences await in Adelaide, one of the most vibrant creative cities in Australia. If you’re in search of the good life, book a wine tour and indulge in plenty of artisan food and drink at the wineries of Barossa Valley.
South Australia Holidays bring memorable moments
Just six miles north of Adelaide lies Morialta Conservation Park, offering a bewildering network of hiking trails over chunky rock faces and past magical waterfalls. If you’re a wildlife lover then you will love the Southern Ocean Adventure from Victor Harbour, where you’ll visit various islands, home to New Zealand fur seals, Australian sea lions, dolphins, and southern right whales.
Combine your holiday in South Australia with a trip to the north, and travel in style through the outback on the Ghan. Call our Destination Specialists today and they’ll help you to handpick the perfect jaunts for your South Australian holiday.
Explore South Australia
Kangaroo Island
No nature lover’s travels around South Australia would be complete without a trip to Kangaroo Island. Pack a picnic and set out to encounter wild wombats, kangaroos and koalas. Wander barefoot on the sandy shores and keep an eye out for seals basking in the sun. Divers, fishermen and surfers will all feel at home in this island haven. You can’t miss the island’s signature geological rock formations, including Admiral’s Arch and the granite Remarkable Rocks, which have been shaped by wind and water over millions of years.
City Life in Adelaide
The state capital of South Australia, Adelaide, is a sophisticated city offering a wealth of charming cosmopolitan experiences. History and culture can be found on tree-lined North Terrace, where you can explore Aboriginal cultural artefacts at the South Australian Museum – and Indigenous Australian and colonial art at the Art Gallery of South Australia. Rundle Street is home to stylish clothes shops, while the Central Market is the animated heart of the city’s bustling foody scene.
Best time to visit South Australia
South Australia can be enjoyed all year round and the weather is dependent on the region. In general, South Australia’s weather is quite hot and dry during the summer period between December to February. The best time to go to South Australia is between March and May, the tail end of the city's dry summer months. Whale watching season is between June and September.
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“Snorkel with Australian giant cuttlefish at Stony Point. From May to August, thousands of these alien-like creatures gather along a small stretch of the South Australian coastline, using the millions of colour cells in their skin to put on a dazzling light show. This gathering happens just metres from the shoreline, so it’s surprisingly easy to witness."
“The Second Valley self-guided heritage walk in the Fleurieu Peninsula is something of a local’s secret. This is a small slice of shoreline that time has seemingly forgotten, left sheltered from the crowds because of the craggy hills rising behind it.”
Events & Festivals
Festivals and events are wonderful to include during your South Australia holiday, offering a glimpse into the country’s authentic culture and traditions. South Australia offers a huge selection of fun events held throughout the year that can be enjoyed by everyone.
Adelaide Fringe
The Adelaide Fringe is the world's second-largest annual arts festival. For one month, between February and March, over 5,000 artists from around Australia visit Adelaide to perform in cabaret, comedy, circus, dance, film, theatre, puppetry, music, visual art, magic. There are also digital and interactive talks and shows across the city.
Adelaide Festival
The Adelaide Festival is based in Adelaide city centre and runs for two weeks in March. This festival is made up of several events including opera, theatre, dance, classical and contemporary music, cabaret, literature, brimming with visual art and new media.
Local Cuisine
Get a flavour of the local culture through your palate during your South Australia holiday. When it comes to food and drink, South Australia truly is the land of legends, offering a culinary playground with a plethora of cuisines on offer. Steeped in history and drenched in class, this Australian state has been named one of the Great Wine Capitals of the World, with award-winning chefs creating incredible dishes made with locally sourced produce. Here are a few of our favourite dishes.
Fresh Seafood
South Australia’s pristine waters are home to some of the world's most sought-after seafood. The Seafood Frontier Touring Route takes you on a journey from Whyalla to Ceduna, where you can sample fresh local oysters, abalone, prawns, tuna, rock lobster, and countless other delectable cold-water fish.
German-style Mettwurst
Mettwurst is a garlic-infused sausage made with cooked and cured beef and pork. The recipe for mettwurst first came to South Australia with the early German migrants during the late 1830s.
Pie Floater
An Adelaide favourite, a pie floater is a traditional Australian meat pie served in a thick pea soup that can be topped with tomato sauce.
Koala Australia
Adelaide
Remarkable Rocks, Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Koala, South Australia
a herd of zebra walking across a dry grass field
a man standing on a rocky beach
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