ADELAIDE SOUTH AUSTRALIA
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Aboriginal people have made and continue to make a unique and irreplaceable contribution to the State of South Australia.
The South Australian Government acknowledges and respects Aboriginal people as the State’s First People and Nations and recognises Aboriginal people as the traditional owners and occupants of South Australian land and waters. The South Australian Government acknowledges that the spiritual, social, cultural, and economic practices of Aboriginal people come from their traditional lands and waters, and that Aboriginal people maintain cultural and heritage beliefs, languages and laws which are of ongoing importance today.
South Australia’s Aboriginal tourism operators look forward to welcoming visitors from around the world to experience and interact with their culture for a deeper understanding of our destination.
NGAUT NGAUT CONSERVATION PARK
MURRAY RIVER, LAKES & COORONG
WELCOME TO SOUTH AUSTRALIA
South Australia is a place of hidden gems, unexpected curiosities, and unspoiled vistas. You’re likely to arrive in our capital city of Adelaide. Adelaide is South Australia’s boutique capital - known for blending culture, history, food, wine and natural beauty. South Australia also borders every other mainland state in Australia, making it a central hub for travel within the country. Ready to explore the best of Adelaide and South Australia? Select a few from our must-do list:
1. Indulge in a stay at one of Australia’s best luxury lodges
2. Pull up a seat at one of Australia’s best restaurants
3. Visit Australia’s only National Park City
4. Sip wine from Australia’s only Great Wine Capital
5. Get up close and personal with our wildlife in the wild
6. Visit the world’s biggest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artefacts.
South Australia boasts diverse landscapes - ranging from lush vineyards and rolling hills to nearly 4,000 kilometres of pristine coastline and the iconic Aussie outback. Adelaide is known as one of Australia’s most accessible cities. With nature always within arm’s reach, a beautiful coastline 20 minutes from the city and our regions ready to explore in any direction.
LAKE BONNEY RIVERLAND
WHY SOUTH AUSTRALIA?
There are countless reasons to choose South Australia for your next trip away, but we have managed to narrow the list down. Here are our top five reasons why South Australia is a must-visit Australian destination:
1
Adelaide is a gateway city providing easy access to the regions on our doorstep.
4
We are home to Kangaroo Island, a true taste of Australia’s wilderness and wildlife.
South Australia is home to the world’s largest outback mountain range.
3
5 2
South Australia is home to 18 wine regions with over 200 cellar doors within an hour of Adelaide.
Visiting South Australia is the authentic way to experience the Australian way of life and warm hospitality.
D’ARENBERG CUBE
FLEURIEU PENINSULA
World-class experiences at your fingertips
Adelaide is the gateway to exploring the best that South Australia has to offer. Bursting with culture, flavour, events, entertainment and friendly locals, there is something for every traveller in our boutique city. Indulge in award-winning restaurants in the heart of Adelaide, join the party at our immersive festivals and events, or spend the night exploring our thriving restaurant and bar scene.
Weather*
Spring
September–November
11.8°C–22.2°C
Summer
December–February
16.8°C–28.8°C
Autumn
March–May
12.7°C–22.8°C
Winter
June–August 8°C–16°C
Getting Around
Adelaide Airport to the city centre 15 mins by car
Free public transport available in the city centre
Multiple ride sharing and taxi providers
Car hire available at the airport and across the city
The city centre is pedestrian friendly
*Mean daily temperature range for Adelaide. Source Bureau of Meteorology.
Once you’ve settled into your hotel, you can be at our pristine beaches in only 20 minutes! Adelaide is easy to navigate and so much of our great State is within reach, ready for you to explore.
Some of Australia’s best wine country, restaurants, hotels, wine, gin and beaches are easily accessible from Adelaide. Day trips to our surrounding regions, nature and wildlife start merely 20 minutes from the city centre. Adelaide punches well above its weight when it comes to dishing up the best but don’t take our word for it, start planning your trip to Adelaide in the pages that follow.
Scan the QR code to find out what’s on offer in Adelaide.
TOP SOUTH AUSTRALIAN EXPERIENCES
LUXURY EXPERIENCES
From the coast to the outback, South Australia is a sanctuary for luxury seekers, offering an unparalleled blend of high-end accommodation options, tailored experiences and one-of-a-kind hospitality. In South Australia, we like to treat everyone like a local – so don’t be surprised if the winemaker at the cellar door offers to show you how the wine is made, or when your chef joins you at the table to explain how they grew the produce you are eating. South Australians will remember your name, while giving you an unforgettable authentic Australian experience.
With a five-star hotel, retreat or luxury private rental awaiting your arrival, South Australia promises an escape to not just a destination - but somewhere to immerse yourself in. Offering everything from boutique hotels in the heart of Adelaide to secluded lodges amidst natural wilderness, stay a while in South Australia and discover the very best of both city sophistication and off-grid escapes.
Beyond the accommodation, South Australia has many bespoke, exclusive experiences tailored for the luxury traveller. Take to the skies in a private helicopter tour of our quintessentially Australian landscapes – from wine regions to dramatic coastlines and towering outback mountain ranges. South Australia offers a diverse array of experiences that cater to every taste and desire, ensuring every moment is truly authentic.
South Australian luxury.
SOUTHERN OCEAN LODGE KANGAROO ISLAND
BAROSSA HELICOPTERS
BAROSSA
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
With a world-class festival and events calendar that spans the whole year, you’ll always find frivolity when you visit Adelaide. South Australia is known as ‘the festival state’ in Australia, thanks to the hundreds of festivals, events, performances and artistic displays that take place all over the state throughout the year. No matter when you choose to visit South Australia, there will be a uniquely Australian event taking place.
Think festivals dedicated to all things culinary excellence, Australia’s biggest cycling race, international sporting events or the world’s second largest arts festival. But, like everything in life –our events calendar has its busier seasons. There is nothing quite like visiting Adelaide between the months of February, March and April - when the city is brimming with festivals and parties, shutting down streets and splashing the city in a kaleidoscope of colour, culture and creativity – earning the season a national nickname, ‘Mad March’.
ADELAIDE MAJOR EVENTS
Santos Tour Down Under – Jan
LIV Golf Adelaide – Feb
Adelaide Fringe Festival – Feb-Mar
WOMADelaide – Mar
Adelaide Festival – Mar
AFL Gather Round – Apr
Tasting Australia – May
Illuminate Adelaide – Jul
National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant – Nov
CULTURAL & ABORIGINAL
When you visit Adelaide and South Australia, you will be visiting ancient lands that have always been the land of our First Nations Australians, who have the world’s oldest continuous living culture.
South Australia is home to more than 30 Aboriginal language groups – each having their own Country, languages, cultural practices and beliefs. Storytelling is a strong part of First Nations Australians’ culture, with creation and ancestor stories explaining how key natural landmarks and landscapes were formed within Australia.
South Australia is home to many significant sites for Aboriginal people and this gives you the opportunity to join a guided experience and hear from the custodians of these special sites. Want to learn more? Adelaide – which is the traditional land of the Kaurna peoples – is home to museums, galleries and tours that showcase Aboriginal art and culture in South Australia. Beyond the city, outstanding Aboriginal experiences and landmarks await - see rock carvings and cave paintings in the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park and hear dreamtime stories from Aboriginal tour guides.
LIV GOLF ADELAIDE ADELAIDE
SOUTHERN CULTURAL IMMERSION ADELAIDE
COASTAL & AQUATIC
Boasting more than 4,000 kilometres of pristine coastline, South Australia is home to spectacular beaches and once-in-a-lifetime aquatic experiences. Discover the seafood capital of Australia on the rugged Eyre Peninsula, where towering cliffs give way to turquoise waters teeming with marine life.
In South Australia you can:
• Taste oysters plucked straight from the ocean.
• Hop aboard a local charter and go swimming with playful sea lions or sailing alongside lively dolphins
• Go cage-diving with great white sharks –thrill-seekers can get their kicks coming faceto-face with the apex predators of the ocean!
Cruise alongside gentle giants between May to October to witness the annual migration of southern right whales . Take to the air or sea and watch these magnificent creatures make their way around the Great Australian Bight on the ultimate whale-watching experience to spot mothers and their calves playing in the deep.
• Zip up your wetsuit and get ready for a truly extraordinary underwater encounter when you swim with giant Australian cuttlefish In winter each year, these colour-changing sea creatures put on a natural light show when they migrate for breeding season. Discover the weird and wacky ways of the ‘chameleons of the sea.’
A great way to discover South Australia’s aquatic playgrounds is by embarking on one of our coastal road trips – the Seafood Frontier will take you west to the Eyre Peninsula, the Southern Ocean Drive heads southwards to waters full of Southern Rock lobsters or the Coastal Way guides your exploration of a local favourite, the Yorke Peninsula.
PEAK SEASONS
1. Dolphins (Sept-Apr)
2. Sea Lions (Nov-Mar)
3. Whales (May-Oct)
4. Sharks (Year round)
5. Cuttlefish (May-Jul)
WILD DOLPHIN SWIM ADELAIDE BLYTH
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Precinct -
SPRINGS
R OA D TRI P KE Y E P ICUREA N WAY
Food & drink
EX P LO R ERS WAY
Th e h e art of Au s t ra l ia s o u tbac k
M IGHT Y MURR AY WAY
Australia s longest river
SEAF O O D F R O N TIE R The ultimate seafood safari
SOUTHER N OCE AN D RI V E A diverse journey of natural wonders
C OAS TA L WAY
Yorke Peninsula s sandy playground
SOUTHAUSTRALIA COM/ROADTRIPS
Ren mar k M ur ra y Ri ve r La kes & Coo ro n g 3 hrs
Mario n Ba y Yor ke Pen i n s u la 3 hrs
NATURAL BEAUTY
No matter where you travel in South Australia, you’re bound to come across incredible wildlife and stunning natural settings. From the red dirt of the Flinders Ranges to the sparkling waters of the Murray River, South Australia is brimming with natural wonders just waiting to be explored.
Snap the perfect Instagram-worthy picture in front of the strawberry pink lakes on the Eyre Peninsula, where colour-changing algae creates a kaleidoscope of blue, pink and white hues throughout the year. Salinity levels and weather conditions can affect the colour of the lakes, but when they are glowing rosy pink, this natural phenomenon appears out of this world.
• Situated in a dormant volcano, the Blue Lake provides an ever-changing blue colour throughout the year. November sees the most dramatic change as the waters begin to warm. Each day’s change sees the darkest Prussian blue transform into an intense deep turquoise for the summer months. This volcanic marvel is not to be missed!
• Remarkable Rocks are an incredible rock formation that has been 500 million years in the making. Remarkable from every angle, walk amongst the ancient geological site perched above the wild Southern Ocean.
• Just outside Mount Gambier, Umpherston Sinkhole is a lush oasis below sea level, stunning from above but descend into the sinkhole and be in awe of its scale and beauty. Visit at sunset to see the possums feeding!
Head to the Flinders Ranges to see the majesty of Wilpena Pound . This marvel is best seen from the sky to appreciate its magnitude.
WILPENA POUND FLINDERS RANGES & OUTBACK
BLUE LAKE LIMESTONE COAST
WILDLIFE IN THE WILD
Buckle up for a short flight from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island , or a scenic ferry trip, and discover the cute and curious native wildlife that thrives on the isle’s shores. Spot sleepy koalas as they snooze in treetops above, or head to Seal Bay Conservation Park to see seals and sea lions lolling on the sand below. With over a third of the world-famous island covered in national parks and protected land, Kangaroo Island is the perfect place to observe wildlife in the wild.
Adelaide is home to some impressive marine life. You can join a charter to swim with dolphins, spot the wave of a seal’s flipper casually swimming along our beaches or canoe through the dolphin nursery where our resident pod come to raise their young in the safety of mangroves.
Take a short drive from the city to the Adelaide Hills where you can get up close with our most iconic native wildlife – feed the kangaroos or meet a koala with their keepers and learn about their conservation. This region is also home to some colourful birdlife.
Head northwards to the Flinders Ranges & Outback , where at dawn and dusk you can see wallabies, emus and kangaroos against the red glow of the landscape.
MEET THE KOALAS ADELAIDE HILLS
LAKE GAIRDNER NATIONAL PARK
EYRE PENINSULA
WAYS TO EXPLORE
KANKU-BREAKAWAYS CONSERVATION PARK FLINDERS RANGES & OUTBACK
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
No Australian bucket list is truly complete without experiencing the majesty of the outback. The ‘outback’ refers to the desert regions of central Australia –the vast and seemingly endless red dirt plains and mammoth rock formations, boasting a cultural and geological history that dates to when time itself began.
Experience the warm hospitality of an outback pub. Friendly locals, unique cuisine and plenty of stories to share.
• One of the easiest gateways to explore the Australian outback is via the opal mining town of Coober Pedy . Located in the far north of the State, sleep in an underground hotel and try your luck at finding our national gemstone when you visit this quirky outback town.
• Find the world’s largest outback mountain range – the Flinders Ranges . These ranges are home to natural wonders such as Ikara Wilpena Pound , a huge natural amphitheatre created by millions of years of erosion that is best seen from the sky.
Imagine craggy mountain peaks dusted with ochre red dirt. Mountains that emit an orange glow as tangible as firelight when the sun rises and sets. Welcome to the northern Flinders Ranges
• With a geological history that dates back almost 2 billion years, the Arkaroola scenery is so rare that it has become a mecca for geologists, astronomers, mountaineers, wanderers and more. Named an official International Dark Sky Sanctuary in 2023, Arkaroola’s land and skies tell a tale of human history, as well as geological and astronomical discoveries.
PARACHILNA FLINDERS RANGES & OUTBACK
TRAIN JOURNEYS
Journey through some of South Australia’s most breathtaking landscapes onboard a lavish long-distance sleeper train. With routes between Adelaide and Perth, Darwin, Alice Springs, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, travel in luxury as you traverse the wide-open plains of the Nullarbor, admire the glow of an outback sunset and venture through the lush folds of the Adelaide Hills. Awaken each day to brand new scenery and keep your camera close by to snap your favourite views before they disappear around the next bend.
HOUSEBOATING & RIVER CRUISING
Discover a different way of holidaying, where the scenery changes from day to day and nights are spent moored on the river’s edge. Houseboating on the Murray River is the perfect way to leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind – surrounded by flowing water, limestone cliffs and river gum forests, there’ll be nothing but birdsong to distract you on this trip of a lifetime. With most houseboats tailored to large groups and families, make memories with your loved ones while taking in the magnificent sights of the river and surrounding bushland on a houseboat cruise.
WALKING TRAILS AND GUIDED HIKES
South Australia is home to some of the most scenic landscapes in Australia, so it’s no surprise that the state is criss-crossed with unmissable hiking and walking trails. Featuring two of the Great Walks of Australia, there are no shortage of hosted or independent trails available.
There are plenty of day-hikes in our many national parks that are well-marked. Speak to the helpful team at the ranger stations for recommendations on the trails suitable for all abilities and fitness levels.
DID YOU KNOW: The Heysen Trail is the longest marked walking trail in Australia and stretches all the way from the Fleurieu Peninsula coastline to the ancient mountains of the Flinders Rangesa huge 1200 kilometres!
Scan the QR code to find out more about special interest travel including walking and hiking in South Australia.
THE GHAN FLINDERS RANGES & OUTBACK
YOUNGHUSBAND
MURRAY RIVER, LAKES & COORONG
WAYS TO EXPLORE
ROAD TRIPS
There’s no better way to discover South Australia’s hidden gems than by embarking on a road trip. With six signed South Australian road trips to choose from, there’s something worth stopping for at every turn!
1. Follow the Southern Ocean Drive and discover natural wonders on the Limestone Coast, untouched wilderness on Kangaroo Island and see where vines meet the ocean on the Fleurieu Peninsula. This drive connects South Australia to the Great Ocean Road and Melbourne.
2. The Seafood Frontier will take you to the rugged Eyre Peninsula, where you can shuck your own oysters, cage-dive with great white sharks and swim alongside playful sea lions. The azure blue waters around Port Lincoln and Coffin Bay are literally teeming with seafood, so make the most of the local produce and dig into shellfish, mussels and tuna caught fresh each day. This drive takes you to the border of South Australia and Western Australia via the iconic Nullarbor Road, so you can continue your Australian adventure by visiting Perth.
3. Navigate Australia from bottom to top! Explorers Way takes travellers on a journey through the South Australian outback. Winding from the vineyards of the Clare Valley to the vast plains of the Flinders Ranges, this route continues through the furthest reaches of the desert, past Uluru to finish in Darwin.
RAPID BAY
FLEURIEU PENINSULA
NARACOORTE CAVES LIMESTONE COAST
4. Foodies, rejoice – the Epicurean Way road trip is perfect for those who like their adventures served up on a plate. Set your GPS for gourmet heaven and venture through the iconic wine regions of McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, Barossa and Clare Valley. Make room in the car for all the home-grown produce you’ll find at the network of road-side stalls. Be sure to complete your shopping at the boutique cellar doors along the way.
5. Follow the Mighty Murray Way to take in the ever-changing landscapes of the Riverland and Murray River, Lakes and Coorong. Be immersed in rich Aboriginal culture, explore quirky towns along the banks of this magnificent waterway and taste your way through the region’s cellar doors and microbreweries.
See all our Road Trips marked on the centre map, pages 12 & 13.
LAKE BONNEY RIVERLAND
WINE REGIONS
South Australia is widely celebrated as the wine capital of Australia (and one of the Great Wine Capitals of the World!) with 18 wine regions spread out across the State, many just a short drive from Adelaide. More than just a tasting, in South Australia you can blend your own wines (or gin), taste a century old wine, tour a working cooperage and much more! Set against the backdrop of rolling hills, lush valleys, thick forests, glistening coastlines and charming country towns, South Australia’s wine regions are overflowing with more than just exceptional wine.
Adelaide Hills
Where? 15 minute drive from Adelaide.
TOP TIPS : Visit in autumn for the most spectacular scenery.
The closest wine region to Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills are unlike any other South Australian wine region. Wind your way through this picture-perfect leafy haven, where the forest meets the vines, and discover the magic of this unique wine region. Located approximately 700 metres above sea level, you can expect cooler temperatures here – perfect for producing cool climate wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Celebrated for its crisp whites and complex, delicate reds, taste test some of the best Australian wine before a day of exploration through fairy-tale villages, leafy lanes, hiking trails, gourmet dining and historic sites.
Barossa
Where? A one hour drive north-east of Adelaide.
Home to more than 90 cellar doors, the Barossa is synonymous with world-famous wine, boasting a rich wine heritage dating back to the 1840s. Renowned for its Shiraz, the region also excels in producing beautifully mastered varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Riesling and Semillon. Aside from its wine, the Barossa is known for its picturesque landscapes - including rolling hills, vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see
and charming historic towns. The area also offers a wide range of culinary experiences to complement award-winning wines, with equally impressive eats from restaurants, farmers’ markets, cheese shops, chocolate factories, bakeries and more.
TOP TIPS : Don’t miss the opportunity to take a helicopter or hot air balloon over the vineyards.
The Barossa attracts visitors interested in exploring its cultural heritage, enjoying its natural beauty and experiencing its warm hospitality, stay in one of many boutique luxury accommodations or explore the independent retail stores.
HAHNDORF ADELAIDE HILLS
SEPPELTSFIELD BAROSSA
McLaren Vale
Where? A 40 minute drive south of Adelaide.
Located between lush rolling hillsides and pristine coastline, McLaren Vale is one of the most popular wine destinations in South Australia. Home to world-class wines and culinary experiences, pristine coastlines and luxury accommodation, McLaren Vale makes for a must-see destination. The region’s Mediterranean climate is reflected in more than just its wine style and diverse food culture, with some of South Australia’s best beaches located a short 10 minute drive away. Best known for producing red wine varieties such as Shiraz and premium Grenache, you’ll also find Spanish and Italian varieties such as Fiano, Vermentino, Tempranillo and Sangiovese. Whether you’re embarking on a day trip or a weekend away, prepare your palate and sip your way through over 80 cellar doors in McLaren Vale – including one shaped like a giant Rubik’s Cube!
Coonawarra
Where? A four hour drive south-east of the Adelaide.
Connecting travellers going between Adelaide and Melbourne, Coonawarra makes an ideal stopover destination for lovers of bold red wine, this picturesque wine region is famous for its red soil – terra rossa – producing some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz and earning it the title of South Australia’s red centre. You will be rewarded for travelling off the well-worn winery trail when you visit Coonawarra, with less crowds, a smaller geographical area to cover and 24 cellar doors to hop between. Spend a day tasting your way around renowned wineries before sleeping under a blanket of stars, surrounded by rolling vineyards, in a glamping tent or retreat.
TOP TIPS: The old railway has been converted into a 19 kilometre bikeway for visitors to enjoy. Suitable for all abilities, it’s flat all the way. Pack a picnic to enjoy the lush surrounds.
Ditch the car and follow the Coonawarra Wineries Walking Trail that connects wineries and eateries via vineyards.
Clare Valley
Where? Just under two hours north of Adelaide
Celebrated for its crisp whites, particularly its Riesling, Clare Valley is Australia’s Riesling capital and home to some of Australia’s oldest wineries.
Clare Valley’s cellar doors promise a historically rich and authentic experience. From stone cottages inside heritage listed buildings, to brand new state-of-the-art venues, get your taste buds ready to experience a wine region that ranks among the finest in the world. One of the best ways to explore the region is by cycling through picturesque valleys on the Riesling Trail, a 32 kilometre trail between the towns of Auburn and Clare. From postcard perfect scenery to a tantalising tasting journey, the Clare Valley is an unforgettable – yet incredibly accessible – South Australian destination.
MCLAREN VALE
FLEURIEU PENINSULA
MINTARO MAZE CLARE VALLEY
FOOD & DINING
With a vibrant paddock-to-plate scene, South Australia is a destination where fresh, local produce stands at the heart of culinary excellence. Blessed with rich soils and diverse climates, step into lush orchards and sun-drenched fields to pick your own fruits and vegetables.
Continue the adventure offshore, where pristine waters offer an abundance of seafood. If time is not on your side, head to our vibrant markets across the city and regions to sample South Australia’s best in one place.
From cozy cafés in quaint towns to high-end restaurants in the heart of Adelaide, the focus on local and seasonal ingredients is evident. Dining in South Australia is not just a meal; it’s a journey through the State’s rich agricultural heritage, offering a taste of the land and sea at every turn.
South Australia’s Dining Scene
Boasting an ever-evolving dining scene, Adelaide and South Australia are fast becoming the most exciting foodie hot spots in Australia. From the picturesque vineyards of the Barossa, where chefs are serving up farm-to-table fare alongside world-renowned wines, to the eclectic restaurants of Adelaide’s laneways, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
A visit to Adelaide is incomplete without dining at one of our many dining precincts, where you’ll find delicious collaborations between internationally renowned chefs and an abundance of incredible South Australian produce. South Australia boasts a rich cultural tapestry, with people immigrating here from across the globe, bringing with them an eclectic range of cuisines.
If you’re looking for something a little more off-themenu, we’ve got just the thing; from fine-dining amid the branches and foliage of a 100-year-old fig tree, to a campfire meal only accessible via helicopter, there’s no shortage of once-in-a-lifetime dining experiences in South Australia.
ADELAIDE’S DINING PRECINCTS
WEST END
Leigh Street
Peel Street
Waymouth Street
Gouger Street/Chinatown
EAST END
Vardon Avenue/Ebenezer Place
Rundle Street
Pirie Street
Hutt Street
East Terrace Key Seasons
Scan the QR code to get our guide to Adelaide’s best restaurants.
COFFIN BAY
EYRE PENINSULA
