More than half of Australia's wines are produced in the South Australian wine regions. Also, more than 65% of Australia's seafood, comes from the waters around the state’s Eyre Peninsula.
South Australia is an underrated destination in Australia that is actually bursting with culture, food and wine, stunning scenic landscapes and a busy year-round calendar of events and entertainment. With world-class wine regions at Adelaide’s doorstep, award-winning restaurants throughout the state and the best beach in Australia (yep, you heard right), South Australia is a fabulous place to enjoy at any time of the year.
One of the most alluring aspects of South Australia is that renowned wine regions, rugged coastlines and stunning Outback destinations, are all easily accessible and close to the capital city, Adelaide, reducing long travel trips and arduous excursions. With friendly people and a slower-paced feel to the city, Adelaide is a place where you’ll want to stay for more than a day, to truly experience all the city has to offer.
‘Radelaide’
Once known as the ‘sleepy city of churches’ Adelaide has come a long way, and is now a bustling metro with festivals and events, as well as a vibrant food scene. Believe it or not, it is also home to Australia’s best hotel, restaurant, wine, gin and beach. Need we say more? The city itself is easy to get around and you cannot visit Adelaide without a trip to the Adelaide Central Market, the many museums and art galleries and the the Botanical Gardens. It’s also compulsory to indulge in a food and wine experience at one of the many world-class dining and drinking establishments.Â
Located just off the Fleurieu Peninsula, south of Adelaide, Kangaroo Island is the third largest island in Australia and has recently been voted as having the country’s best beach, offering:
In Flinders Chase National Park, the wind-sculpted boulders of the Remarkable Rocks and the eroded curve of Admiral’s Arch, are striking geographical features and better yet, Kangaroo Island (where yes, you will see kangaroos), is also known for its’ plethora of fresh produce, fresh seafood, free-range eggs and Ligurian honey.
Wine, wine, wine
Only an hour or so drive from Adelaide, and blessed with fertile soils, the Barossa is one of Australia’s oldest wine regions. Renowned for its red and white varietals, historical architecture, heritage trails and a top notch foodie scene, the Barossa should be on your bucket list.Â
The Clare Valley, 136 kilometres north of Adelaide, is yet another well-known wine region of South Australia. Picturesque landscapes provide a perfect setting for romantic weekend retreats, and akin to the Barossa, the region is known for its flourishing gourmet food culture. Polish, English, and Irish immigrants originally settled the valley, and their culture and customs are evident in the charming heritage towns and historic bluestone buildings, making it yet another must-see destination.
The Flinders
Named after the famous explorer Matthew Flinders, the Flinders Ranges are an incredible sight to behold. In the shifting light of day, the arid landscapes provide a striking play of colours, from pale pink and burnished gold, to vibrant burnt orange. Yet, despite the relatively dry, desert-like conditions, the area is home to a surprising abundance of wildlife, namely emus, yellow-footed rock wallabies, and brilliantly coloured parrots.
The 400 kilometre mountain range runs from north to south, through the eastern part of South Australia and into the Outback. The Flinder’s natural amphitheatre of Wilpena Pound, First Nation’s artworks and interesting fossils, are just some of the region’s main attractions.
Head underground
The opal-mining town Coober Pedy lies in the heart of the South Australian outback. Its name comes from an First Nation’s phrase meaning, ‘White fellows in a hole.’ Given the majority of the inhabitants live underground to escape the extreme climate(and perhaps reality), it’s a fitting name. In 1911, gold miners discovered valuable white opals in the area and since then, mining has exploded (literally) and as a result, the desolate countryside has been converted into a lunar-like, starkly isolating, landscape.
Coober Pedy is chock full of historical exhibits and quirky locals, and if you fancy a closer look underground, the subterranean Catacomb Church is the place for you.
Mount Gambier
Located within the Limestone Coast region, Mount Gambier is an extinct volcano, with four beautiful crater lakes, as well as sinkholes and gardens. However, the Blue Lake is where the real magic lies. In November, expect to see the lake change colour  from a dull grey to a vibrant blue, a natural phenomenon that Liv Australia believe you should see at least once in your lifetime.
South of Mount Gambier, the Naracoorte Caves, South Australia’s only World Heritage Site, offers interesting fossils, bat colonies and unique scenery that will stay in your mind forever.
There is also the Coonawarra wine region, the former whaling station of Beachport and the historic beach resort of Robe, making the Limestone Coast a place worth putting on your agenda.Â
For help planning your South Australian itinerary, get in touch with Liv Australia and book a free consultation to make your holiday dreams a reality.
South Australia has a Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and cool winters. Generally speaking, it is hotter to the north, in the Flinders Ranges, and cooler further south, on Kangaroo Island. Autumn is one of the best times to visit South Australia, as the cooler temperatures and sunny days make exploring a truly pleasurable experience.
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