Known to many as the home of koalas and kangaroos, Australia can offer travellers so much more if they just know where to look. With famous cities like Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast thronged with tourists from all over the world, why not discover the road less travelled and go where not many have explored before?
Enter Adelaide – South Australia’s boutique coastal capital famous for its amazing fresh produce market, boutique shopping at Rundle Street or Mall and surrounded by lush green parklands.
Not only will you be able to immerse yourself in Adelaide’s city culture – think laneways filled with cafes and boutique retail shops - but you can also discover the real Australia by exploring the State’s bustling regional attractions. As South Australia is a state that “rewards wonders” – the more you roam, the more fascinating discoveries you’ll find.
Whether you’re travelling with your family or friends, a road trip is the best and most convenient way to move between regional cities. If you’re already planning to visit the iconic Great Ocean Road – an Australian National Heritage, stretched along the south-eastern coast of Australia between the Victorian cities of Torquay and Allansford – why not keep driving and explore what Adelaide and South Australia has to offer?
These are some of the must-visit places in South Australia to add to your road trip:
- Umpherston Sinkhole
Discover one of the many unique natural beauties of South Australia. Photo: South Australia Tourism Commission
One of the most spectacular gardens located in the regional city of Mount Gambier is the Umpherston Sinkhole. Once a typical limestone cave, formed due to the corrosion of limestone rocks by seawater waves, the sinkhole was naturally created when the chamber's roof collapsed.
Created in 1886, this sunken garden oasis includes viewing platforms, benches, sculptures and walking paths. Surrounded by lush greenery and home to a local colony of possums, this sink hole is unlike any other and perfect for capturing that Insta-worthy shot.
- Bellwether Wines
Choose glamping for the ultimate outdoor adventure. Photo: South Australia Tourism Commission
One of the many ways to really enjoy Australian nature is camping. But why choose camping when you can opt for glamping? A portmanteau of “glamorous” and “camping”, it is a style of camping with amenities like power, WiFi and hot water bathrooms.
Bellwether Wines, created by Sue Bell, is a winery based at the 1868 Glen Roy Shearing Shed in Coonawarra which offers glamping alongside wine tasting. Visitors are also invited to witness and get involved in the wine making process!
- Softfoot Alpaca Farm
Get up close and feed the alpacas while experiencing true farm life. Photo: South Australia Tourism Commission
Only an hour away from the capital city of Adelaide, Softfoot Alpaca Farm offers a unique outdoor experience like no other. Home to award-winning alpacas, now is your chance to meet, feed and cuddle-up to these furry animals.
Here you will get to explore a dramatic 242ha of picturesque Hindmarsh Valley, South Australia while experiencing genuine Australian alpaca farm lifestyle and exploring the dynamic countryside in 4x4 all terrain buggies.
- Monarto Safari Park & Cleland Wildlife Park
Be sure to take plenty of photos when cuddling with the koalas at Monarto Safari Park & Cleland Wildlife Park. Photo: South Australia Tourism Commission
Animal lovers should take a trip to Monarto Safari Park and Cleland Wildlife Park to meet the local wildlife.
Did you know that Monarto Safari Park offers the largest safari experience outside of Africa? The safari park is the largest open-range zoo in the world and is home to more than 500 animals and 50 exotic and native mammals, birds and reptiles. Get closer to giraffes, lions, apes and more.
Visiting Cleland Wildlife Park is also a must for any Australian animal lover as you have the chance to feed friendly kangaroos and cuddle koalas. Get your cameras ready, these critters are not shy!
- Hahndorf Inn & Adelaide Central Market
Indulge on South Australia’s award-winning taste of Bavaria while being entertained. Photo: South Australia Tourism Commission
After visiting the furry animals, make your way to the historic village of Hahndorf – a historic German settlement where you will get to learn about history, heritage and experience the fine hospitality of the Hahndorf Inn, South Australian’s award winning taste of Bavaria.
That’s not all, head into the city of Adelaide if you’re a big foodie and opt for a tour with Food Tours Australia, who operate out of the Adelaide Central Market to indulge in all the local delicacies and cuisines of South Australia.
At the Adelaide Central Market, the largest undercover fresh produce market in the Southern Hemisphere, with one million kg of fresh produce delivered to the market and sold every month, you will get to feast your eyes and your taste buds on all kinds of local produce and seafood available.
- d’Arenberg Cube
Be amazed with the fascinating architectural design of d’Arenberg Cube. Photo: South Australia Tourism Commission
Inspired by the iconic Rubik’s cube, d’Arenberg Cube is a five-storey building situated within the d'Arenberg Winery vineyards in the wine region of McLaren Vale, South Australia.
Developed by d'Arenberg's chief winemaker Chester Osborn, he is of the fourth generation of the Osborn family which established the vineyards in 1912.
Visit the tasting room and enjoy panoramic views across the McLaren Vale region or book in for the opportunity to blend your own version of their ‘Dead Arm’ Shiraz variety. For those foodies who like to go all the way, book a degustation at the restaurant.
- Down The Rabbit Hole Wines
Sip on a glass of wine while watching the sunset with your loved ones. Photo: South Australia Tourism Commission
Another winery worth visiting is the Down The Rabbit Hole, which aims to inspire imagination with an attitude of adventure. Also located in McLaren Vale, this Instagram-worthy vineyard will surely keep you in awe with its powder blue double decker bus (which doubles as a tasting room!) and hungry for more of its wholesome food served.
For more information on South Australia, click here. You may also follow their social media pages on Facebook (@SeeSouthAustralia), Instagram (@southaustralia) and Twitter (@southaustralia) to learn more.
