5 Things You Can Only Do In South Australia
So you’ve just finished making some incredible memories on our Welcome To Australia: East Coast tour and you find yourself
Australia Travel Inspo
South Australia
All you need to know about South Australia
Not many people venture to South Australia on their Working Holiday Visa, and we’re here to change that! We’re actually quite surprised because South Australia is such an underrated state with so much to see and explore. It has beaches, epic coastlines, vibrant cities, outback landscapes and a delicious food and drink culture. What more could you want, hey? Not to mention, it’s the driest state in Australia, perfect for those who want to avoid seasonal depression (most of us). From diving into crystal-clear waters, to hiking through ancient gorges and swimming with Seals, Dolphins or even Sharks… *gulp* South Australia offers endless opportunities to make unforgettable experiences.
Plan Your Adventure
Not sure how to go about exploring this amazing state? Join us on our annual Welcome to Uluru & The Outback Community Tour or chat to our community team to plan your own epic personalised adventure.
South Australia Destinations
Adelaide
Coober Pedy
Kangaroo Island
Flinders Ranges
Eyre Peninsula
"South Australia is the perfect place for those who want to see some unreal natural beauty."
Lily
Adelaide
Key Characteristics
Adelaide is often overlooked when backpackers get to Australia, but there is a lot more to it than meets the eye. Imagine lush green parks, botanical gardens bursting with colour, and beaches that stretch for miles. And let’s not forget the nearby award winning wine regions with rolling hills and vineyards as far as the eye can see. Whether you’re hiking, chilling on the beach, or sipping wine, Adelaide’s has a unique feel and shouldn’t be missed on your travel itinerary.
Backpacker Tips
Adelaide is a great blend of city life, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences.
Wanting to soak up the sun and enjoy beachside cafes and bars? 🙋♀️ Head to Glenelg or Henley Beach. For a taste of local culture, head to the Adelaide Central Market on a Friday night for Fork on the Road – a food truck extravaganza that offers a delicious array of street food from around the world. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, venture out to the Adelaide Hills for a hike through stunning landscapes and a visit to charming towns like Hahndorf, where you can sample delicious German cuisine and locally brewed beers.
And let’s not forget about the surf! Adelaide’s beaches are a paradise for wave riders of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to catch your first wave, spots like Middleton Beach and Sellicks Beach offer excellent surfing conditions and a welcoming community of fellow surfers.
But the best part? Many of Adelaide’s beaches and city attractions are easily accessible by public transport or on foot, so you can spend less time worrying about logistics and more time making memories, stress free.
Visit South Australia on These Tours
Welcome to Travel holds an annual Community Tour to South Australia and up through the Northern Territory. Don’t miss booking one of our upcoming ones in June 2024!
10 Days / 9 Nights
Welcome to Uluru & The Outback
Explore South Australia and the Northern Territory on this annual Community Tour.
Coober Pedy
Key Characteristics
Did you know that Coober Pedy is the Opal mining capital of the world? 💎 Or that the whole town is built underground?! Beneath the blazing Australian sun, residents carve out homes and businesses underground to escape the heat, creating a unique community. Here you can dive into opal mining tours, explore underground museums, and experience a night’s sleep in a cosy dugout. Coober Pedy isn’t just a destination – it’s a journey into the depths of Australia’s outback spirit.
Type Of Traveller It Suits
Coober Pedy is an ideal destination for adventurous travellers seeking a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience. Backpackers, in particular, will find plenty to love about this underground town, from its fascinating history to its unconventional way of life.
Backpacker Tips
For backpackers looking to explore Coober Pedy, here are some insider tips. When it comes to transportation, consider renting a car or joining a guided tour to easily navigate the vast desert landscape and visit nearby attractions such as the Breakaways Conservation Park or the Moon Plain. Many accommodations in Coober Pedy also offer underground stays, providing a cool and comfortable escape from the desert heat. Be sure to experience a local opal mine tour, where you can learn about the history of opal mining in the region and even try your hand at fossicking for opals.
Coober Pedy promises a one-of-a-kind adventure for backpackers eager to explore the rugged beauty of the Australian outback and uncover the hidden treasures of this underground town. If this is something you’d like to explore yourself, you can get in touch with our Community Team who can personalise a trip based on your budget and timeline!
Kangaroo Island
Key Characteristics
Those who have been to Kangaroo Island describe it as unfiltered, untamed and untouched. Well, we agree that there’s no better way to describe such an unbelievable landscape like this.
Type Of Traveller It Suits
An easy 2 hour drive from Adelaide, Kangaroo Island is a paradise for nature-loving travellers. Its most iconic features are the stunning coastline, towering cliffs, hidden coves, and white sandy beaches. Here, you can marvel at ancient rock formations like the Remarkable Rocks, or relax on secluded beaches. Our favourite is Stokes Bay, a secluded beach with stunning rock formations and a natural rock pool perfect for swimming!
Backpacker Tips
What makes Kangaroo Island truly unique is its pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife. As one of Australia’s last unspoiled wilderness areas, the island provides a sanctuary for a diverse array of wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, and more.
On the southern coast of Kangaroo Island, head to Seal Bay Conservation Park, to observe endangered Australian sea lions in their natural habitat. They can be seen resting in the sun and nursing their young after feeding for three days at sea. Another hidden gem is Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can spot koalas in their natural habitat and enjoy scenic bush walks.
If you’re eager to get up close and personal with dolphins, consider booking a dolphin-watching cruise around Kangaroo Island’s pristine coastline. Set sail and keep your eyes peeled for pods of dolphins swimming alongside the boat! Our fingers will be crossed for you and hopefully you’ll have a chance to see them leaping and playing in the waves. A core memory for sure.
Don’t miss the chance to connect with nature in its purest form on this remote island paradise!
Flinders Ranges
Key Characteristics
Welcome to Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, where time stands still amidst ancient landscapes! Home to the Adnyamathanha people and spanning over 540 million years of geological history, picture towering red cliffs, rugged gorges, and vast horizons. Discover ancient Aboriginal rock art, hike scenic trails, and camp under starry skies. With its rich history and stunning scenery, Ikara-Flinders Ranges offers backpackers a unique adventure into Australia’s rugged outback.
Type Of Traveller It Suits
Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park caters to adventurous backpackers seeking an authentic outback experience. If you’re a traveller who craves rugged landscapes and immersive wilderness, or even if you’re seeking solitude in nature, this is your spot.
Backpacker Tips
Guided tours in the area provide a fascinating insight into one of South Australia’s oldest pastoral settlements, viewed through the lens of the Adnyamathanha people. As you delve into the region’s heritage-listed sites, you’ll encounter remarkably preserved remnants of early station buildings, offering a glimpse into the pioneering spirit that shaped the land.
For classic trails, the Arkaroo Rock Trail is a must, offering stunning scenery and ancient Aboriginal rock art. Bunyeroo Gorge is also a great spot with its towering cliffs and panoramic views. For thrill-seekers, abseiling down the rugged cliffs or take to the skies on a scenic flight and view from above the sheer scale and geological wonders of this ancient terrain!
But the wonders of the Flinders Ranges don’t end when the sun sets. In fact, they truly come alive under the cover of darkness. Stay at the Wilpena Pound Resort, where light pollution is minimal, and stargazing becomes an otherworldly experience. Whether you’re snuggled up in your swag or simply taking a moment to look up at the celestial display above, the Flinders Ranges offers some of the finest outback stargazing in all of Australia.
Eyre Peninsula
Key Characteristics
Located to the west of South Australia, the Eyre Peninsula is definitely SA’s wild side and is full of rugged beauty, marine life and hidden coves along pristine beaches. From thrilling encounters with Great White Sharks to serene moments swimming alongside playful sea lions, this location boasts some of the most unique experiences in Australia.
Backpacker Tips
If you don’t have much time to visit the whole Eyre Peninsula then your first priority should be visiting the beaches. As many as you can! One of our favourites is Memory Cove on the East Coast (whitest and bluest waters ever!!), or if you want to find some rock pools and a gorgeous sunset to match then head to Greenly Beach on the West Coast.
If wine tasting sounds like a bit of you then head to Boston Bay Wines and spot dolphins in the nearby water whilst enjoying a glass of Rose. If you have time, pass through Lincoln Estate Wines and enjoy a glass whilst feeding kangaroos by hand at the same time – Is this real life?! 😭
Heading over to South Australia in the winter? Then from June to September, make sure to hit up Fowler’s Bay as between these months it transforms into one of the largest Whale nurseries! Book a Whale Watching tour and we promise it’ll be one of the most unforgettable experiences of your life!
For the foodies reading this, the whole of the Eyre Peninsula is known as the Seafood Frontier and the best place to experience it is at Coffin Bay National Park. Not only can you enjoy freshly shucked oysters, there are also a few scenic trails to explore too! The Eyre Peninsula truly has something for everyone and is the perfect cultural coastal experience.
Visit South Australia on These Tours
Welcome to Travel holds an annual Community Tour to South Australia and up through the Northern Territory. Don’t miss booking one of our upcoming ones in June 2024!
10 Days / 9 Nights
Welcome to Uluru & The Outback
Explore South Australia and the Northern Territory on this annual Community Tour.
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Want To Know More About South Australia?
We love to hear from you and help you with your travel plans. If you have any questions at all then feel free to get in touch. Not only can you message us, we also offer free travel advice calls meaning you can have a real conversation with a real person that’s been in your shoes.
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