South Australia is one of the best travel destinations in Australia for travellers looking for something a little off the tourist trail. The southern state is home to Australia’s best wine regions, including the Barossa Valley, the only Dark Sky Reserve in Australia for perfect stargazing, and the vast deserts of the Australian outback. I’ve been to South Australia multiple times and am always amazed at how accessible the state’s diverse attractions are, within a short drive from the capital city, Adelaide. Kangaroo Island, just off the coast of South Australia, has also just been named one of Lonely Planet’s Top Travel Destinations of 2024.
The best places to visit in South Australia include the Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale, and the Murray River, Lakes & Coorong Region. I love travelling in South Australia, and will definitely keep coming back – there is so much more to discover!
Barossa Valley
South Australia is home to several world class wine regions, but the Barossa Valley wears the crown. The Barossa Valley is the oldest and most prestigious wine region in Australia, dotted with grand old chateaux and filled with generations of Australian winemaking history. There are a few towns you can stay in when you visit the Barossa Valley, we stayed in a B&B in Tanundah which was well located for visiting the best Barossa Valley wineries like Seppeltsfied, Yalumba & Henschke. Two days in the Barossa Valley is ideal, but it’s also only an hour’s drive from Adelaide which makes it a great day trip from the city.
Adelaide Hills
The Adelaide Hills is one of the loveliest regions in South Australia. Just a 20 minute drive (!) from the Adelaide city centre, the Adelaide Hills are a treasure trove of spectacular wineries, charming small towns and some of South Australia’s best food. I love visiting the Adelaide Hills, it feels a bit like a fairytale! Probably in part because on our first trip, we stayed in The Manor in Basket Range, which is an estate and small castle, built in 1935.
My favourite wineries to visit in the Adelaide Hills are Nepenthe, Cobbs Hill Estate and Shaw + Smith.
Explore More: The Best Wineries in the Adelaide Hills
Murray River, Lakes & Coorong
On my most recent trip to South Australia, we visited the Murray River, Lakes & Coorong for the first time, and we were blown away. We stayed in Mannum, to go stargazing in the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve, which is one of the best places to go stargazing in Australia. It is Australia’s first accredited Darky Sky Reserve, which means it is protected from light pollution and has exceptional darkness, making it perfect for stargazing, astrotourism, astronomy and astrophotography. The Dark Sky Reserve was the reason for our trip, but the gorgeous landscapes around the Murray River were such a special surprise.
The Murray River is the longest river in Australia, and the third longest navigable river in the world! The River Murray, Lakes & Coorong Region is only 90 minutes’ drive from Adelaide, but it feels like you’re a world away from the city.
McLaren Vale
If you want to start an argument in Adelaide, ask someone which wine region is better: Barossa or McLaren Vale. The McLaren Vale is one of South Australia’s oldest and most awarded wine regions, and while it’s a little bit less world famous than the Barossa, it’s prized by wine lovers and considered one of the best – even the best – in Australia. McLaren Vale is home to 80 wineries & cellar doors, and is just 45 minutes’ drive from Adelaide. I’ve visited the McLaren Vale twice and loved it – my favourite winery is Coriole. The D’Arenberg Cube & Salvidor Dali sculptures make D’Arenberg one of the most unique wineries to visit in Australia! The rolling hills of McLaren Vale are just minutes from the coastline of the Fleurieu Peninsula, and some of South Australia’s loveliest beaches.
Adelaide
Adelaide is the charming capital of South Australia, and well worth a day or two’s visit. I was delighted to find Adelaide full of some of the country’s most interesting bars and restaurants, and loved visiting the Adelaide Central Market and the gorgeous, Harry Potter-esque Mortlock Wing of the Library of South Australia. Adelaide is much smaller, and quieter than Australia’s other capital cities like Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, but there’s plenty to discover.
When to visit South Australia
South Australia has hot summers and cold winters, but there’s no bad time to visit. I’ve visited in the middle of winter, and in spring, and had an amazing trip on both occasions. If you’re planning a trip to South Australia, make sure to hire a car if you plan on leaving Adelaide. You’ll need a car, but there are so many amazing regions within a short drive of Adelaide, which is one of the many reasons visiting South Australia is so much fun!