7 Days in South Australia

Day One

Spend the day exploring Adelaide’s city centre on foot.

Head to the Adelaide Central Market one of the biggest indoor markets in the country, to pick up some fresh local produce.

Discover the history of Adelaide at the Migration Museum where personal displays tell the story of the immigrants that have shaped the city.

Visit the Art Gallery of South Australia to see a huge range of local and overseas works, and a fine display of Asian ceramics. Don’t miss the Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery in the South Australia Museum. It has one of the best displays of Aboriginal artefacts in Australia. 

For a taste of South Australia’s renowned wine, head to the National Wine Centre of Australia.

In the evening you could take the tram to the seaside suburb of Glenelg for a walk along the esplanade. For those in town a little longer, join an early morning cruise and swim with dolphins. 

Highlights:

• Pick up some fresh local produce at Adelaide Central Market.
  
• Sample some of the country's finest wines at the National Wine Centre of Australia.
  
• See Aboriginal artefacts at the Australian Aboriginal Cultures gallery.
  
• Stroll along the esplanade in the beachside suburb of Glenelg.

Day Two & Three

You could easily spend two days or more in Adelaide, but now it’s time to head to Kangaroo Island to see our wildlife.

From Adelaide take a short flight or drive to Cape Jervis to catch the ferry across to Kangaroo Island. Drive around the island yourself, or take a tour. There is much to see, so allow at least two or three days to explore.

Highlights include walking through a colony of Australian sea lions on the beach and seeing koalas in the wild.

Then there are the thousands of New Zealand fur seals, rare birds, including the glossy black cockatoo, and breathtaking coastal scenery.

Millions of years of crashing ocean have created curious structures, including the Remarkable Rocks*, huge boulders balancing on top of a massive granite dome.

Part of the island is farming country, local produce includes honey, sheep cheese, organic lamb, wine, and beer, while the sea’s produce includes oysters and abalone. 

Highlights:

• Join a guided nature tour of the island to spot some of the more reclusive wildlife.
  
• Visit the spectacular Remarkable Rocks* rock formations.
  
• Sample some of the islands best produce at local restaurants and cafes.
  
• See endangered Australian Sea-lions in their natural environment on a guided tour of Seal Bay Conservation Park.
  
• Observe New Zealand fur seals from the viewing platforms at Admirals Arch.

*Due to bushfire activity in January 2020 on Kangaroo Island these attractions are now closed until further notice. Click here to view the latest SATC Bushfire Updates.

Day Four

By the time you are back in Adelaide you might only have an afternoon to explore, so what better place than the nearby Adelaide Hills. The area’s orchards, wineries, gardens, and historic townships are just a short drive from the city centre.

Hahndorf should definitely be on your itinerary. Settlers from Prussia created this historic German-inspired village in 1839. The architecture is very German, as is much of the food and beer. 

Highlights:

• Sample wines at the cellar door in the Adelaide Hills.
  
• Explore the historic German village of Hahndorf.
  
• Visit the house and studio of famous local artist Sir Hans Heysen ‘The Cedars’ in Hahndorf.
  
• Taste locally made beer at micro- breweries.

Day Five

South Australia is known around the world for its wine, and you are spoilt for choice when it comes to visiting a major local wine region.

One of the most influential wine regions in Australia is the Barossa, with 150 wineries. The area is famed for its Shiraz, but vineyards also produce Riesling, Semillon, Grenache, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

There are over 80 cellar doors in the Barossa offering tastings. Many of these showcase artisan winemakers. There are also wonderful accommodation options, more than 40 restaurants, and stores selling local produce ranging from chutneys and bratwurst to pheasants and crayfish. 

Highlights:

• Visit cellar doors for a taste of the famous wine produced in the Barossa Valley.
  
• Sample the regions fresh local produce at one of the many restaurants and cafes.
  
• Experience the Barossa from the air on an early morning hot air balloon ride.
  
• Follow Seppeltsfield road and discover 19 wineries including the historic Seppeltsfield Winery.

Day Six & Seven

You could head off towards Melbourne along the amazing, Great Ocean Road today. Otherwise, a ten-hour drive through the Outback would take you north to the opal-mining town of Coober Pedy. Here, most people live underground. Visitors can too, in underground hotels.

But, if you are planning to return to Adelaide by the end of the week, you can experience the Outback by driving out to The Flinders Ranges National Park.

This is rugged arid country, and the landscape is coloured orange and deep red. At the heart of the national park is Wilpena Pound, a massive circular crater. There are sheltered creeks lined with River Red Gums, and abundant wildlife.

Stay the night in the National Park to see the rocks and cliffs changing colour, and nocturnal animals coming to life. Scenic-flights over the area offer spectacular views. 

Highlights:

• Take a scenic flight over Wilpena Pound.
  
• See the desert transformed to a rainbow of colourful wildflowers in Spring.
  
• Discover Aboriginal rock art sites, fossil heritage and ruins of early European settlement as you explore Flinders Ranges National Park.
  
• Follow bush walking trails or scenic drives.
  
• Travel to Stokes Hill lookout at sunset for panoramic views of Wilpena Pound and the surrounding area.

Useful Links

• South Australia
  
• Adelaide Central Market
  
• Migration Museum
  
• The Art Gallery of South Australia
  
• Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery
  
• Kangaroo Island
  
• Barossa Valley
  
• Great Ocean Road