Things to do in South Australia

All about South Australia

When to visit

South Australia’s fall, from March to May, tends to be dry with pleasant temperatures, and paired with the harvest season, it is a wonderful time to hit wine regions and farms throughout the state. However, March tends to be busy and expensive, particularly in and around Adelaide, coinciding with the Adelaide Fringe Festival and overlapping rugby and cricket seasons. Both less busy and less expensive is the springtime, from September through November.

Getting around

Like the American West, South Australia is a large, sparsely populated state best traversed with a car. Train travel options to Adelaide include the Overland from Melbourne, The Ghan between Adelaide, Alice Springs, and Darwin, and The Indian Pacific between Perth, Adelaide, and Sydney. Kangaroo Island requires ferry service, the SeaLink (for transport with a car), or KIC (Kangaroo Island Connect) without. In Adelaide, purchase the Adelaide Metro Visitor Pass for unlimited bus, tram, and train use for three days.

Traveler’s Tips

While most people know about Australia’s most famous wine region, there is more to South Australian wines than the Barossa Valley and the Shiraz that has made it famous. Among the 18 wine regions of the state, consider the temperate vineyards of the Adelaide Hills and the McLaren Vale. Further to the north, sample the dry rieslings of the Clare Valley. In the south, the Limestone Coast boasts the Coonawarra, Wrattonbully, and Padthaway regions, home of highly respectable Cabernets.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes South Australia famous?

South Australia is a well-known destination for wineries, eateries, and fine foods, ranging from the world-class wines of the Barossa Valley to the diverse food stall offerings of the Adelaide Market. Its arid landscape encompasses the Flinders Ranges, a temperate coast, and the capital city of Adelaide, known for a wide range of cultural and sporting events.

Why do people visit South Australia?

South Australia is Australia’s most arid state, encompassing parts of the Outback, the capital city of Adelaide, world-class wine regions, and 3,200 km of coastline. Visitors come to experience the Limestone Coast, the capital city of Adelaide, the mining town of Coober Pedy, and the wildlife of Kangaroo Island.

What are the best months to visit South Australia?

South Australia has relatively mild temperatures year-round, with the fall being a popular time to visit Adelaide (March through May) and the summer (December to February) the best to experience Kangaroo Island. In general, October through April are the warmest months, with a rainy season in June through August.

What is the climate like in South Australia?

South Australia enjoys a Mediterranean climate that is relatively dry and warm. Winters throughout the state are relatively mild, with a more temperate climate on Kangaroo Island and the coast and warmer temperatures to the north in the Flinders Ranges.

Is it worth visiting Adelaide?

Yes. Adelaide is a vibrant but laid-back city boasting white sandy beaches, excellent museums, a thriving culinary scene, and a bevy of cultural and sporting events. With easy access to the Outback, Barossa Valley, Kangaroo Island, and the Limestone Coast, Adelaide is a gateway to countless Australian gems.

How many days do you need in South Australia?

You could spend months exploring South Australia and still have places left unexplored. For a complete experience, plan for at least two weeks to see the sights in Adelaide, drive along the Limestone Coast, see wildlife on Kangaroo Island, and indulge in fine foods and wine in one of the state’s 18 wine regions.

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