South Australia, along with its capital Adelaide is often misunderstood as a travel destination. Previously thought to be a quiet and slow-paced state, these days SA is anything but. Laced with wineries, spectacular views, and stellar R&R, along with a tonne of outdoor experiences for adventurers, this great southern state is jam-packed with activities perfect for all sorts of travellers. Whether you head there for a weekend or a week, get yourself ready for a simply amazing holiday with an epic balance of food, nature and culture.
South Australia is a paradise for wine-guzzlers and beer appreciators
With more than 200 cellar doors just a stone’s throw away from the capital, South Australia is easily the nation’s haven for fine wine and quality beer. While most visitors head straight to the famous Barossa Valley or the Clare Valley, we recommend starting in McLaren Vale and checking out the Alpha Box & Dice vineyard. With a rustic setting and tasting room filled with all sorts of quirky antiques, it’s the perfect spot for a boozy afternoon – just make sure you sample a glass of their ‘Golden Mullet Fury’! The semillon viognier white wine is served at room temperature and tastes just like a red – you won’t believe your tastebuds. If wine isn’t your thing, there’s no going past the iconic Coopers Brewery, the largest Australian-owned brewery, where you’ll find the perfect pint. Alternatively, quench your thirst with the Sip and Stroll Walking Bar Tour or, simply pick a winery and take a guided tour.
It’s got some mindblowing landscapes… and some downright strange ones too
The South Australian landscape offers picturesque scenery as far as the eye can see, from the rugged Wilpena Pound to the rolling hills of Kangaroo Island and the coastal vibes of Glenelg. However, there’s also some seriously bizarre sightseeing to do too. We recommend heading to the infamous Coober Pedy – an entire town built underground (including The Desert Cave pub, which claims to be the only underground bar in the world). Once you’re done sinking beverages with Coober Pedy locals, switch to the outback underground to discover Adelaide’s secret tunnels and stormwater drains, riddled with edgy street art and graffiti (enter at your own risk). If you’re still looking for unusual sights, check out the bizarre Black Stump of Paringa – it’s the largest of the state’s 11 black stumps and a downright weird sight to be seen.
It truly is Australia’s ‘Festival’ State
If the above reasons haven’t got you packing your bags, South Australia has been named Australia’s Best Event State which means there are festivals, events and parties all year round. The city comes alive during ‘Mad March’, as it’s affectionately known, with key events such as the Adelaide Fringe Festival and Clipsal 500, the country’s largest motorsport event, held in the capital. Satisfy your culinary cravings at the impressive Central Market which runs all year round, Tuesdays-Saturdays, or get cultured with WOMADelaide at Botanic Park- also a part of ‘Mad March’- and get involved with the live conversations, haphazard international musical performances or maybe try the Zero-Waste Life Hack workshop.
If you’re an adventurer, it’s impossible to get bored – the state is jam-packed with outdoor activities
Attention, thrill seekers: despite popular misconception, South Australia is buzzing with adventure both above and below the sea. Chase that adrenalin rush by diving with Great White Sharks at Port Lincoln or go windsurfing on the beach at Glenelg. The South Australian coastline is also home to over 800 mysterious shipwrecks so go for a scuba dive and discover the secrets lying below the water. For some land-based action, hit the beaches in a four-wheel drive, take on the rally track or visit the Adelaide Mega Adventure Park.
Its history and cultural makeup will have you wanting to learn more
As the only state that was not established as a penal colony, there has been significant effort to preserve the heritage of both the Indigenous inhabitants as well as its English and German settlers – and the South Australians have done a bloody good job. Experience 160-year-old villages by taking a stroll down the Heritage Trails of the Clare or Barossa Valley, or visit Hahndorf; lined with stone cottages, chateaus, churches and olive trees, this German-influenced town will have you thinking you’re in Europe. If you’re interested in experiencing the Indigenous history of the land, the Tjilbruke Dreaming Track is a coastal walk lined with monuments that are integral to the oral history of the Kaurna people.
*The hotel prices above are for double occupancy (including taxes and fees) and were found on KAYAK.com.au on 13 February 2017 for travel in March 2017. Prices are in AUD, may be subject to change and offers may no longer be available.
(**The flight prices shown above are for one return economy seat (including taxes and fees, excluding baggage fees) and were collated on KAYAK.com.au on 13 February 2017 for travel in March 2017. Prices are in AUD, may be subject to change and offers may no longer be available.)
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