Do you want to...
- Sightsee in the country's largest outback mountain range?
- Taste wine from the world's oldest continually producing vineyard?
- Explore a National Park City in Australia?
- Go wildlife spotting in Australia's 'zoo without fences'?
- Visit the Opal Capital of the World?
- Go shark cage diving where the shark cage was invented?
- Stargaze in some of the darkest and clearest skies in Australia?
- Eat in the Seafood Capital of Australia?
Only in South Australia!South Australia may be a bit off-the-beaten-path, but it's filled with extraordinary experiences. The terrain is as varied as the activities as you explore the lush rolling hills of lush vineyards to the vast and sparsely-populated outback to the nature lover's paradise teeming with wildlife. Below are some South Australia highlights selected by Ian Swain, President and Owner of Swain Destinations and native Aussie.
AdelaideThe gateway to South Australia, Adelaide is a hub of culture, flavor, and entertainment. With a strong history of parks and green spaces, Adelaide became the second National Park City in the world in 2021. The city is also known for its luxury accommodations, wine, restaurant and bar scene, festivals, incredibly friendly people, and - according to our very own Ian Swain - exceptional tour guides. Some of our favorite Adelaide tours include the Central Market, a city tour, and (of course!) wine touring.
Wine RegionsSouth Australia has 18 wine regions and has been internationally recognized for making some of the best wine in the world. A short drive from Adelaide, Barossa has more than 80 wine producers and is home to some of the oldest vines on the planet. Swain itineraries also venture to the rolling vineyards of
Adelaide Hills to explore the creativity of alternative grape varieties. All told, you'll find incredible wines throughout South Australia, including the relatively new boutique winemakers on Kangaroo Island.
Kangaroo IslandThere is so much more on Kangaroo Island than kangaroos! With nearly one-third of the island being protected, the natural wildlife habitats support an array of wildlife, including sea lions, seals, koalas, cockatoos, wallabies, penguins, enchidnas, platypuses, dolphins, whales and, yes, kangaroos. Visit one of the best beaches in Australia according to Tourism Australia or explore the 350 miles of coastline to find your favorite. Then sample wines, spirits, and ciders made from native fruits and botanicals grown on the island. Any time spent on Kangaroo Island is sure to be a wildly great time!
Flinders RangesThis breathtaking expanse of steep cliffs and deep craters is located in the outback of South Australia. Explore the tremendous mountains and surrounding area from the air, on the road, or by foot - we recommend all three to get a true sense of the magnificence of the Flinders Ranges. An overnight stay at Arkaba (pictured above) or Rawnsley Park Station allows the opportunity take in the panoramic views by day and the star-filled sky by night.
Eyre PeninsulaFrom wildlife encounters to fresh fish counters, the Eyre Peninsula is brimming with incredible experiences. Where else can you cage dive with sharks, swim with seal lions, and whale-watch by day and indulge in the Peninsula's legendary oysters, fresh-caught seafood, and local wines by night?
South Australia is a land of many once-in-a-lifetime experiences and Swain Destinations is here to help plan your beyond-bucket-list trip.
