South Australia

This is Australia’s most arid state, and consequently offers some of the most extreme environments in the form of the stunningly beautiful Flinders Ranges, one of the oldest landscapes on earth.

One of Australia’s major attractions can be found 15 km off the mainland shore of Southern Australia. Kangaroo Island, the Australian equivalent of the Galapagos, is teeming with wildlife of all shapes and sizes. Nearly three times the size of London, it boasts everything from secluded beaches, vineyards and gourmet dining, to kangaroos, Seal Bay, Little Penguins and much more. Whatever you do while in Australia, don’t miss out on a visit to this fascinating island.

South Australia Facts

Capital	Adelaide
Population	1.6 million (of which 1.2 million live in Adelaide)
Size	983,482 sq km (379,725 sq miles)
Climate	Australia’s driest state, the average temperature range is 15 degrees Celsius up to 29 degrees Celsius; daily temperatures in some areas can hit 48°C
Visitor Site	South Australia

Other diversions in the state are the Barossa Valley vineyards, where some of Australia’s finest vintages are produced, the capital of Adelaide, with its grand buildings, expansive boulevards and fantastic shops, and the nearby Adelaide Hills and the beaches of Glenelg.

Lovers of all things aquatic should head for Murray River, the perfect location for a cruise, waterskiing, boating or canoeing. With some fantastic landscapes surrounding you, soak up the atmosphere from the deck of a restored paddlewheeler, or from the shores surrounding the lake where you’ll find the Monarto Zoological Park, the Banrock Station Winery and the Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal site.

For stunning coastlines and the clearest blue waters you’ll ever see, visit the Eyre Peninsula, the home of national parklands and the world-renowned Nullarbor Plain. Perfect for sailing, fishing, swimming or sunbathing on one of the many superb beaches, you can sample some of Australia’s finest seafood on the Seafood Trail - 60% of the state’s seafood comes from here.

For a flavour of something truly ancient, head for the Limestone Coast, where you’ll discover a rugged coastline that is over 26 million years old. Part of the spectacular Great Ocean Road that links Melbourne and Adelaide, here you’ll find ancient volcanic craters, six of Australia’s leading wine labels, a World Heritage Fossil site, and the windswept sand dunes of Coorong National Park.

For a truly laid-back Aussie experience, head for Southern Australia, home to some of the country’s finest visitor sights and most dramatic coastline. To find out more about what this fantastic state has to offer, visit the South Australia tourist information site for a virtual tour around the state and plenty of holiday ideas, plus special deals on adventure tours in the area!

Thinking of moving to South Australia? Then look no further than our guide to living in Australia, packed with information from getting a place to live to education and healthcare. If there’s an issue we haven’t covered, then the members of our friendly Australian community would be glad to help, whether you need travel tips or advice on Australian visas, post a question and you have your answer within minutes!