With vistas worthy of movie sets in a state bursting with character, you won’t be stuck on things to do in South Australia.

Welcome to the most contrasting landscape Australia has to offer. From lush green wine regions to chalky orange outback, the scenery of South Australia differs dramatically.

 

1.    Go to a winery

Winery in South Australia with green grass and rows of vines

South Australia boasts over 18 wine regions. Some of the world’s best wines are crafted here. What better way to explore a world-famous wine region than booking a wine tour?

With many wineries to choose from, South Australia is a sommelier’s playground. Sample boutique wines in the famous Barossa Valley (1 hour away from Adelaide), or sip on cool climate reds in the Adelaide Hills (just 15 minutes away from Adelaide).

Or head to the picture-postcard area of the Mclaren Vale wine region. There are plenty of things to do in Mclaren Vale against a backdrop of neatly lined vineyard trees that blend into rolling hills of lush green.

 

2.    Visit the small town of Hahndorf

Hahndorf Village Market wooden sign in South Australia

Nestled into the Adelaide Hills, Hahndorf is a quaint little town that oozes fairytale charm. It owes its character to see pretty buildings that have been virtually unchanged since the German settlement.

Despite its small size, there are plenty of things to do in Hahndorf.

Visit the Beerenberg Family Farm to pick your fresh strawberries (November – April) or sample a cold glass of locally-made German beer. For a slice of European architecture, take a lazy afternoon stroll down the leafy lanes of Hahndorf.

 

3.    Roam through Adelaide

Adelaide in South Australia

Despite its informal nickname ‘Rad-elaide’, Adelaide dips its toes into the finer things in life, offering sophistication and class with trim architecture. Visit over 250 stalls in the Adelaide Markets to sample South Australian produce. Or take a trip to the Adelaide Oval – voted as the world’s prettiest oval.

If you’re feeling arty, visit the Art Gallery of South Australia for a peaceful wander around some memorable pieces.

 

4.    Hike the coastline of Kangaroo Island

Seals on Kangaroo Island in South Australia

Picture a weathered, rocky coastline against an indigo backdrop. Kangaroo Island offers striking scenery and diverse wildlife. Don’t miss a boat trip around Seal Bay, which is home to around 800 seals, or spot dolphins from the bay. If you’re lucky, you might see whales.

Embark on a fun trek around Flinders Chase National Park and get a look at the unique Remarkable Rocks.

 

5.    Swim along the Limestone Coast

Girl swimming underwater

Explore the beauty of the Limestone Coast with some of South Australia’s most beautiful beaches and sinkholes. These volcanic rock formations are home to naturally occurring swimming sinkholes, perfect for taking a dip to break up a hot day.  Check out Little Blue Lake or Ewens Conservation Park for crystal-clear water.

 

6.    Visit Coober Pedy

Welcome sign of Coober Pedy in South Australia

Break up the greenery with an adventure inland to the small outback town of Coober Pedy. This tiny desert settlement welcomes visitors to Australia’s opal capital! Offering an authentic outback experience, visitors can descend into Australia’s quirky underground outback town.

 

7.    Shark diving

Shark underwater

If you’ve always wanted to see a shark at a safe distance, then check out Port Lincoln in Eyre Peninsula for its shark diving trips. Take a trip to Port Lincoln and go diving with sharks for a thrilling underwater adventure.

 

8.    Flinders Ranges National Park

Flinders Ranges National Park in South Australia

About 4.5 hours north of Adelaide, you’ll be transported from vibrant greens to red-rock landscapes with untamed rocky formations. Take a 4WD across dusty orange tracks or spend a night swag camping under a starlit outback sky.

Cameron Ward
Cameron Ward
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward began with a passion for travel and turned it into a thriving tourism business. He co-founded Sightseeing Tours Australia after starting out as a tour guide in Melbourne. Cameron delights in helping visitors get the most from their trip to Australia. Whether he's leading tours or writing about his favourite places, Cameron loves sharing his local insight with fellow travellers.

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