Australia

Adelaide and South Australia

South Australia is an undiscovered world that combines stunning landscapes, an abundance of native wildlife and world-class wines. ​It’s a place where authenticity greets you; where the Aussie bushland meets the vines and the vines meet the sea; and where people come together to reconnect and discover new experiences.

From the ocean to the outback, South Australia is a microcosm of Australia with Adelaide holding the title of Australia’s vineyard capital and Australia’s only national park city. Adelaide is a haven of culture, flavours, events, and entertainment. Taste your way through world-famous wine regions only minutes away from the city or soak up the sun at one of many picture-perfect beaches.

When to visit

South Australia offers incredible experiences all year round making it perfect to visit at any time.

For the best wildlife encounters and weather: 

• Visit Adelaide and the wine regions (Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale) between September – April
• Visit Kangaroo Island between March – November for wildlife and stunning coastal landscapes
• Visit the Eyre Peninsula between May – October for whale watching and between November – April for pristine beaches and seafood experiences

After landing in Adelaide grab a $20 taxi and in just 20 minutes find yourself checked into your hotel, enjoying a cocktail by the beach or indulging in a winery long lunch.

Kangaroo Island, an isolated pocket of island wilderness, offers up some of the most authentic nature experiences in Australia accessible by a 30-minute flight from Adelaide. Get back to nature on island time and roam along postcard worthy beaches, traverse ancient landscapes shaped by time, and see iconic Australian animals in the wild.

Surround yourself with ancient mountain ranges, spectacular gorges, and sheltered creeks in the Flinders Ranges, only five hours drive from Adelaide.

Did you know?

Adelaide hosts the largest Fringe Festival outside Edinburgh and embraces ‘Mad March’ which is known for a host of music and arts festivals including Adelaide Festival, Adelaide Fringe, and WOMADelaide.

Did you know?

Adelaide is one of just twelve Great Wine Capitals of the World, and it’s easy to see why. Producing over half of Australia’s bottled wine and an impressive 80% of the country’s premium wines, it’s a paradise for wine enthusiasts. Even better, there are more than 200 wineries and cellar doors within an hour’s drive of the city, meaning you’re never far from your next unforgettable tasting experience

Did you know?

Kangaroo Island is a nature lovers paradise and one of the best places in Australia to see native wildlife in it's natural habitat. Home to koalas, kangaroos, echidnas, wallabies, and rare Australian sea lions, and its waters are filled with seals, dolphins, and seasonal whales. It’s only a quick 30-minute flight from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island but be sure to spend at least a couple of days here to explore everything the island has to offer.

Did you know?

The Eyre Peninsula, a quick 45-minute flight from Adelaide, offers stunning coastal and outback landscapes and produces some of the best seafood and aquatic experiences in the world. Swim with playful wild sea lions or enjoy a seafood smorgasbord with shellfish, oysters, abalone, and more.

Did you know?

An easy 5-hour drive north from Adelaide through the wineries of the Clare Valley is the Ikara- Flinders Ranges, steeped in Aboriginal culture and home to some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the world. Head off into the bush on a 4WD adventure to see kangaroos, emus, and huge birds of prey. If it’s silence, space, and wow factor you’re after, the Flinders will deliver.

Explore Adelaide

Set between pristine beaches and world-renowned wine regions, Adelaide offers the perfect blend of city life and nature. Explore sweeping coastlines, lush parklands, and endless vineyards, while also enjoying a vibrant food scene, lively small bars, and a thriving arts culture. With its relaxed charm, friendly locals, and vibrant festivals, South Australia’s boutique capital is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

A wildlife safari on Kangaroo Island

Just a quick 30-minute flight from Adelaide, Kangaroo Island is a nature lover's paradise. See kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, echidnas, seals, rare Australian sea lions, dolphins, and over 260 species of birds in the wild. Add in spectacular natural landscapes, pristine beaches, delicious local produce, and friendly local islanders and you’ll understand why it's such a hard place to leave. 

Explore the Australian Outback

Unlike any other place in the world, the Flinders Ranges and Outback is a must visit for travellers to Australia. After an easy 5-hour drive from Adelaide, explore rugged wilderness, jaw-dropping natural wonders, and abundant wildlife. Immerse yourself in the local indigenous culture and learn about spiritual importance of this majestic region. Take to the skies for a scenic flight to truly appreciate the scale of this landscape or embark on a 4WD adventure taking in ancient gorges, a natural amphitheatre and plenty of wildlife. You can expect to soak in stunning sunsets and fall asleep under a blanket of stars.

Visit the aquatic paradise of the Eyre Peninsula

A short 45-minute flight from Adelaide, the Eyre Peninsula is perfect for seafood lovers and adventure seekers alike. Rugged coastlines, outback vistas, untouched national parks, and crystal-clear waters combine offering breathtaking scenery and bucket list aquatic experiences. Dive into the ocean to swim with playful wild sea lions and dolphins, spot majestic whales during migration season, or shark-cage dive with Great White Sharks. Famous for its incredible seafood—savour freshly shucked oysters in Coffin Bay and indulge in locally caught abalone and crayfish whilst soaking up sunny skies.

Sip world class wine in the Barossa

When it comes to food and wine, South Australia truly is the land of legends. Named a Great Wine Capital of the World, South Australia is home to an all-star cast of world-famous chefs, winemakers, and producers. Visit the Barossa Valley famous for its bold Shiraz wine, just a 50-minute drive from Adelaide to sip a local drop that's as old as you or soar over some of the oldest vines in the world. Wander into over 80 cellar doors, tasting some of the most awarded wines in the world and digging into sumptuous local produce set in the stunning vineyard vistas.

Restaurant botanic – Adelaide

Named Gourmet Traveller’s Australian Restaurant of the Year for 2022, Restaurant Botanic is the crowning jewel in Adelaide’s glittering foodie scene. Nestled amongst the greenery of Adelaide Botanic Gardens, this fine-dining destination is a reflection of its environment –Chef Justin James serves up the senses of the garden, and tells the stories of unique native ingredients like marron, green ants, and finger limes.

Star of Greece

Located less than an hour’s drive from Adelaide, Star of Greece sits pretty atop the limestone cliffs of Port Willunga, boasting spectacular views of the azure waters and white sandy beach below. While the vibes are Mediterranean, the cuisine here is modern Australian with Asian and European influences.

The Prairie Hotel – Flinders Ranges

Located five hours north of Adelaide in the remote town of Parachilna (which boasts a population of five), this outback pub has a few culinary surprises up its sleeve – and a top 100 gourmet experiences title to boot! Artfully marrying the fine and the feral, the Prairie Hotel serves up a bizarre bush menu – think 'roo' pastrami, wild boar ragu, and emu sausage.

Coffin Bay Oyster Farm Tours – Eyre Peninsula

Known as Australia’s Seafood Frontier, it’s no surprise that the Eyre Peninsula’s remote, pure waters produce multi award-winning, globally revered oysters. But what sets Oyster Farm Tours apart are their immersive, ocean-to-plate tasting tours. Wade through glassy waters, pluck your lunch straight from its source, and wash it down with a glass of South Australian wine.

Fino Seppeltsfield – Barossa

At Fino Seppeltsfield in the Barossa, the menu showcases regionality and seasonality whilst supporting small-scale, sustainable producers. With 95% of the restaurant’s produce sourced locally, this deep connection to provenance and the Barossa region is evident on every plate.

Rawnsley Park Station – Flinders Ranges

Stay on an operating sheep station in the iconic Australian Outback and experience the natural beauty and wildlife of this ancient landscape. Enjoy majestic views of Wilpena Pound, an 800-million -year-old natural amphitheatre from the private verandah of your eco-villa.

Southern Ocean Lodge – Kangaroo Island

Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island offers an unparalleled sense of solitude, where tranquillity and privacy reign supreme—you’ll feel as if you have the entire coastline to yourself (and you just might). Striking architecture seamlessly blends with the untamed beauty of the landscape, while all-inclusive gourmet dining, fine wines, and curated experiences add a touch of indulgence. Signature experiences include a trip to nearby Seal Bay to see its sea lion colony, a guided coastal walk, or koalas & kangas sunset session.

Sequoia Lodge – Adelaide Hills

Sequoia is an intimate adult only, luxury lodge, nestled in the glorious Adelaide Hill, just a 20-minute drive from the heart of Adelaide. Embraced by nature and sitting atop of Adelaide’s Mount Lofty, affectionately known as Koala Mountain, Sequoia Lodge’s 30-acre nature setting blends into the Adelaide Hills Botanic Gardens on one side of the peak and thousands of acres of national park on the other.

Kingsford the Barossa – Barossa Valley

Kingsford the Barossa is an exclusive retreat in South Australia’s iconic Barossa Valley. As a heritage-listed property blending historic charm with contemporary luxury, Kingsford offers a secluded haven amidst rolling vineyards and stunning vistas. Situated less than an hour’s drive from Adelaide, Kingsford is your gateway to the ultimate Barossa experience, surrounded by 225-acres of South Australian countryside.

Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets

Located next to the Adelaide Central Markets, this boutique hotel celebrates the various festivals of Adelaide combining exceptional food and wine with locally sourced fresh ingredients. As the sun dips head up to the rooftop bar Merrymaker for a menu that showcases the best of South Australian seafood and charcuterie along with creative cocktails, fine wines, and craft beer.