There are many experiences across Australia that appeal to all kinds of travelers. From snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef to climbing the Harbour Bridge in Sydney, vacation-goers will rarely run out of things to do. But for the traveller who wants to experience the real “Artisan Australia”, and to understand the Australian way of life through gourmet food and wine, adventures, wildlife encounters, the Outback and rich aboriginal culture; it’s all easily accessible within one state, South Australia!
- Aboriginal and cultural experiences – From guided tours to various museums and galleries, many culture-seekers can delight in South Australia’s rich Aboriginal history, which dates back 40,000 years. Visit the South Australian Museum and interact with the most extensive collection of aboriginal materials in the world. Or travel to Wilpena Pound, an 800 million year old landscape and accommodation complex. Enjoy walking tours offered by the Adnyamathanha people as they share their history of the place they’ve called home for tens of thousands of years.
- Delicious, award-winning food-and-wine – If you’re staying in Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia, you’re in for a treat; enjoy diverse dining experiences with a vast range of cuisines along well-known street names to Foodies like Rundle Street (known for outdoor alfresco dining and wine bars) and Peel Street (known for cultural cuisine infusions). Can’t forget about the wineries! South Australia is known internationally for their wine production in regions like Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale. And, over 200 wine cellars are within a 2-hour drive of Adelaide, just waiting to be explored.
- Meet unique wildlife up-close – Hop on the ferry from mainland South Australia to Kangaroo Island, or fly there in just 20 minutes, to see kangaroos and see kangaroos as well as Australian sea lions lazing about and getting their tans on along the beach! There are a variety of animal encounters within the state that are brimming with native animals, many of which aren’t found anywhere else in the world. Visit Flinders Ranges to catch a glimpse of the rare Yellow-footed Rock wallaby, or Eyre Peninsula to catch whales (seasonally, between May and October).
- Outback exploration – Hop on the Ghan, the renowned iconic Australian train, and travel north while you watch stunning scenes unfold in the incredible outback. Flinders Ranges is one of the oldest mountain ranges on earth and where you can find the most complete significant geological and fossil sites in the world. If it’s adventure you seek, the state boasts more than 300 reserves (making up 21% of the state!) as well as a wide range of park activities, including bushwalking trails and four wheel drive tracks.
- Beaches and aquatic adventures – no vacation is complete without a trip to the beach. Luckily, the state of South Australia has many of these. If it’s diving and snorkelling you seek, you’ll love the paradisal, temperate and uncrowded waters with its unique marine life. Explore caves beneath ancient limestone, shipwrecks off its coast, or simply to relax and kick back and make time stand still at one of the remote beaches (Limestone Coast and Yorke Peninsula for example). Other ways to lay low on your trip for a few days include perusing some of the markets like Adelaide Central Market, Mount Pleasant Farmer’s Markets or Victor Harbor Markets or by checking out one of the state’s many festivals like Tasting Australia, Santos Tour Down Under cycling event, Adelaide Fringe, or the Barossa Vintage Festival.
I feel it’s important to visit South Australia as they’ve got diverse landscapes, an incredible history, vast outback scenery and unique wildlife!
Written by: Sawyer, Destination Specialist
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