South Australia is more than wine and churches; it’s home to rich culture, wondrous hills and valleys, and extreme wilderness. Jessica Abdo suggests six reasons why you should visit this southern gem.
Adelaide
Adelaide is South Australia’s cosmopolitan coastal capital. It is home to renowned museums, majestic wineries and world-class art and music. The city offers a diverse range of activities spanning from the coast to the city with numerous aquatic, wildlife and opportunities to enjoy great food and wine.
Established in 1869, the Adelaide Central Market is a thriving hub enhanced with food, culture and some of Adelaide’s most popular cafes and eateries. With over 80 traders under one roof, the Central Market has a huge range of fresh foods to sample, including fruit and vegetables, meat and poultry, seafood, cheeses, bakery and health foods.
Adelaide Hills
Known for its cool-climate wines, the Adelaide Hills are dotted with beautiful villages, gorgeous gardens, and scenic vineyards and orchards. This serene destination includes a variety of landscapes, quality local food and wine, abundant wildlife and a very rich community culture – making for an engaging and memorable journey.
Housed in a historic 1860s flour mill, the Bridgewater Mill is an iconic restaurant and lounge bar that serves seasonal share platters and fresh produce from its own organic garden. The space is decorated with an expansive deck, lounges and an open fire that can be admired with an award-winning wine or a cocktail in hand.
Barossa
One of the world’s greatest wine regions, the Barossa is bursting with new discoveries and hidden gems. Experience some of Australia’s finest food and wine, immerse yourself in the region’s fascinating cultural heritage dating back to the early 19th century, or plan a grand adventure for the whole family.
Set on a 42-hectare site with a picturesque bike track that weaves between the vineyards, Jacob’s Creek cellar door is located in the Jacob’s Creek Visitor Centre. Within the centre, visitors can sample a variation of original wines and cellar-door exclusives, while taking in the sweeping views of the vineyards and hills.
Kangaroo Island
Australia’s third largest island, Kangaroo Island, caters to all kinds of travellers; adventurists, beachcombers and outdoor lovers. The island has plenty to offer, but is most famous for its beautiful scenery, secluded beaches, diverse wildlife and delicious food, including cheese, honey and, of course, wine.
It took 500 million years for rain, wind, and pounding waves to create the aptly named granite boulders – Kangaroo Island’s Remarkable Rocks. Located within the Flinders Chase National Park, the rocks are made up of black mica, bluish quartz, and pinkish feldspar and are there to see all year round.
Flinders Ranges
The rugged, weathered peaks and rocky gorges of the Flinders Ranges in Outback South Australia form some of the most stunning landscapes in the country. It’s a place rich in Indigenous history and home to a vast array of wildlife. Following the scenic roads, 4WD tracks and walking trails that crisscross this wild countryside, will take you on a remarkable trip.
Set in the heart of the Flinders Ranges National Park, Wilpena Pound is a natural landscape comprising of dramatic mountains and extraordinary rocks. It is one of South Australia’s most popular sites and tourists can participate in a number of activities, including: rock climbing; bush walking; camping; and scenic flights.
Eyre Peninsula
Swap the crowds for pristine landscapes, rich wildlife and great seafood on the Eyre Peninsula. This must-see destination allows you to embrace space and nature with a plethora of exciting activities, which include: exploring coves and bays; venturing through national parks; or taking part in a 4WD safari to check out the unique and rare native species.
Providing a wonderful eco experience, Baird Bay offers tourists an astonishing opportunity to swim in the ocean alongside both sea lions and dolphins. A family-owned business starting in 1992, Alan and Patricia run morning and afternoon tours that are suited to both swimming/non-swimming adults and children.
All images courtesy of South Australian Tourism Commission
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