South Australia Travel Guide
Let our South Australia Travel Guide help you discover why so many people start planning the second visit to the state before finishing their first. Wildlife and wine are top of the list on a visit to South Australia, but the state also offers rugged outback landscapes and stunning coastal marine parks.
Why Visit South Australia
- Eighteen world-class wine regions to wet your palate
- 5000 kilometres of almost crowd-free coastline
- The stunning South Australia outback landscapes of the Flinders Ranges – plenty of red dirt sunsets to enjoy here
- See the world heritage site Naracoorte Caves on the Limestone Coast.
- Brilliant nature reserves, including Kangaroo Island and coastal marine reserves in the Spencer Gulf and Eyre and Yorke Peninsulas
So let’s explore South Australia and start planning your escape.
Regions in South Australia
Like most states of Australia, we divide South Australia into touring regions:
- Adelaide and Adelaide Hills
- Barossa Valley
- Clare Valley
- Eyre Peninsula
- Fleurieu Peninsula
- Flinders Ranges
- Kangaroo Island
- Limestone Coast
- Riverland
- Yorke Peninsula
- Murray River, Lakes and Coorong
They all offer fantastic standalone short breaks or, better still, string a couple together for the ultimate South Australia road trip.
South Australia inspiration
south Australia Travel Planning
If you prefer your holidays away from the big city, if you like a bit of space, South Australia might be your nirvana. The population of 1.6 million has just over a million square kilometres to share. Admittedly, like most Australians, most of them cling to the coast, but there is plenty of that too. While camping and road trips are the most popular ways to see the most amazing places in South Australia, if you don’t have a car don’t worry. There are plenty of excellent multi day tours of the state to choose from, including this 8 day tour from Adelaide to Uluru or this 5 day Kangaroo Island adventure.
Check out our best time to visit South Australia which covers weather, holiday and events.
How To Get To South Australia
International Airport
Adelaide Airport has direct international flights from Doha, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, China, Auckland, Nadi, and Denpasar. There are many small airports around the state; Rex Airlines services 9 of them if you need to get somewhere in a hurry.
Interstate Trains
You can take trains from Adelaide to Melbourne, Alice Springs, Darwin, and Perth. The Indian Pacific, Ghan and Overland services depart from Adelaide Parklands Terminal and can be booked via Journey Beyond.
Interstate Buses
Two companies offer travel between Adelaide and the other capital cities.
- Greyhound offers a national bus network
- Firefly offer routes between Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne
- Premier Stateliner
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highlights of south Australia
How to get around South Australia
If you plan to explore the state beyond Adelaide, driving is easiest. If you prefer not to drive, you could combine some day tours to the closest regions or an extended tour around the state.
Public Transport
Buses – A network of buses service regional South Australia, they depart from Adelaide Central Bus Station.
Ferries – Two services run between Kangaroo Island and the mainland. Sealink and Kangaroo Island Connect (KIC)
Driving distances
- Adelaide to the Adelaide Hills – 45mins
- Adelaide to Barossa Valley – 1hr
- Adelaide to Kangaroo Island – 3hrs 45m
- Adelaide to Port Lincoln – 7hrs
- Adelaide to Coober Pedy – 8 hrs 30m
