South Australia
Holidays in South Australia
If you’re looking for Australia’s hidden gem, you’ll find it in South Australia. Here, the days are long, the locals are friendly, and the landscapes stretch from pristine beaches to the ochre heart of the outback. Start in Adelaide - a vibrant coastal capital known for its thriving food scene, festivals and nearby wine country. Within an hour, you can be tasting world-class Shiraz in the Barossa Valley or exploring where the rolling vineyards meet the ocean in McLaren Vale.
Venture further afield and you’ll find nature at its most unforgettable. Kangaroo Island is a haven for an abundance of native wildlife, from sea lions basking on the beach to koalas in the treetops. To the north of Adelaide, the ancient Flinders Ranges reveal dramatic mountain scenery and rich Aboriginal culture. Whether you’re road-tripping along the coast, meeting the locals, or sharing a glass with a winemaker at sunset, South Australia invites you to slow down and discover something truly special.
South Australia Holidays
A year round destination
South Australia is at its most inviting between October and April, when warm days and clear skies make outdoor adventures irresistible. Summer months (December–February) are perfect for beach-hopping along the Fleurieu Peninsula, wine tasting in the Barossa, and soaking up Adelaide’s festival season. Autumn (March–May) brings a mellow charm, with golden vineyards, harvest celebrations, and ideal conditions for scenic drives through the Clare Valley. Spring (September–November) is a vibrant time, with wildflowers blooming across Kangaroo Island and wildlife emerging in national parks. Winter (June–August) offers a quieter, more contemplative pace—think misty mornings in the Adelaide Hills, cozy cellar doors, and dramatic outback landscapes in the Flinders Ranges.
Where is the best place to stay?
Adelaide is the perfect base if you want to wake up in a stylish city, stroll to galleries and gardens, and enjoy easy access to nearby wine regions. For vineyard views and gourmet indulgence, the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale offer boutique stays nestled among rolling hills. Kangaroo Island is ideal for nature lovers, with eco-lodges and beach houses that bring you closer to wildlife and windswept shores pristine coastlines. If you’re craving outback adventure, the Flinders Ranges is filled with provide rustic iconic outback lodges, luxury eco villas and guided walks through ancient terrain. Coastal dreamers will find charm in the Fleurieu and Eyre Peninsulas, while the Clare Valley and Limestone Coast offer farm stays and country hospitality—especially rewarding if you’re exploring by car.
Adelaide
Stroll through the buzzing local produce stalls of Adelaide Central Market, climb the rooftops of the Adelaide Oval for sunset views across the city to the ocean, and admire masterpieces at the Art Gallery of South Australia. For nature lovers, the Adelaide Botanic Garden provides a peaceful space within the bustle of the city. Just minutes from the city, relax on the golden sands of Glenelg Beach or hike the Waterfall Gully trail to Mount Lofty, spotting koalas and kangaroos along the way. Adelaide’s compact layout and laid-back vibe make it the perfect launchpad for South Australian adventures.
Eyre Peninsula
Dive into adventure with cage diving amongst great white sharks off Port Lincoln, or swim with playful sea lions at Baird Bay. Taste freshly shucked oysters straight from the sea in Coffin Bay, then explore the surreal granite sculptures of Murphy’s Haystacks and the wave-carved Woolshed Cave. Whether you're spotting whales at Head of the Bight, fishing off the shores of Ceduna, or driving the dramatic coastal route past Cummings Monument, the Eyre Peninsula offers raw beauty, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences.
Why is South Australia the perfect destination for travellers
From the stunning turquoise blues of endless coastlines of Kangaroo Island to the dramatic rusty reds of the Flinders Ranges and Outback. South Australia has offers the complete Australian experience you’ve always dreamed of.
Why do food and wine lovers choose South Australia time and again?
Exceptional wine experiences in picturesque wine regions renowned as Australia’s vineyard city – there’s over 200 cellar doors within an hour’s drive of Adelaide. Perfect for wine lovers and foodies alike
What makes South Australia feel like the authentic heart of Australia?
Connect with locals, from meeting wine makers to joining a local guide on a wildlife safari, South Australia is a warm and welcoming authentic Australia.
Roadtrip?
Explore the Great Ocean Road connecting Adelaide and Melbourne, one of the world’s best road trips
McLlaren Vale
Just 40 minutes from south of Adelaide, this renowned wine region offers over 80 cellar doors where you can sip shiraz with sweeping views or explore the architectural wonder of the d’Arenberg Cube. Indulge in farm-to-table dining, browse the Willunga Farmers Market, or sample craft spirits and brews tucked between the vines. Beyond the glass, discover walking trails through National Parks or relax on one of the many nearby beaches known by the locals for having crystal clear water and incredible sunsets. McLaren Vale blends Mediterranean culture with South Australian soul—perfect for a gourmet escape or a scenic adventure.
Kangaroo Island
Just a short ferry from the mainland at Cape Jervis or an easy 30 minute flight from Adelaide, the island is often referred to as the Galapagos of Australia offering unforgettable encounters with native Australian wildlife. Visit Seal Bay Conservation Park to join a ranger guided walk on the beach among a colony of rare Australian sea lions. koalas nestled in eucalyptus trees, and kangaroos bounding across open fields plus wallabies, echidnas, dolphins, seals, seasonal whales and over 260 species of birds. The landscapes are equally breathtaking, from the surreal granite formations of the Remarkable Rocks to picturesque beaches and coves and Admirals Arch where colonies of fur seals reside. Add in local honey farms, boutique distilleries and wineries, and plenty of friendly locals and you’ve got a destination that feels like Australia in miniature.
Barossa Valley
Barossa Valley is a paradise for wine lovers and foodies alike.
Under an hour’s drive from Adelaide, this iconic region is home to some of the oldest vines in the world and produces bold, world-class Shiraz. Spend your day hopping between cellar doors, enjoying long lunches at vineyard restaurants, and sampling artisan cheeses, breads, and preserves. The Barossa isn’t just about indulgence-it’s about connection, with passionate winemakers and producers eager to share their craft in a setting of rolling hills and charming villages.
Flinders Ranges
Located an easy 5 hour drive north of Adelaide via the Barossa or Clare Valley wine regions, this vast area is rich in Aboriginal history and geological wonders, with highlights like Wilpena Pound-a natural amphitheatre of mountains - and the ochre-coloured Bunyeroo and Brachina Gorges. Whether you’re hiking rugged trails, spotting yellow-footed rock wallabies, or stargazing under some of the clearest skies in the Southern Hemisphere, the Flinders Ranges offer a deep, immersive experience of Australia’s wild heart. Join a locally guided safari tour to explore the best of the region or take to the skies on a scenic flight to truly appreciate the majestic beauty of the Flinders Ranges.
Things to see and do
Explore South Australia’s culinary scene
South Australia’s food scene is bold and beautifully grounded in fresh produce, native ingredients, and world-class wine. When it comes to food and drink, South Australia can satisfy any craving. Embark on an epic degustation in a giant Rubik’s cube, feast on award winning wagyu steak at Mayura Station, and slurp oysters straight from the source as you stand in waist-deep water. Meals are best enjoyed slowly: at a vineyard lunch, a seaside bistro, or a market stall in Adelaide. And don’t miss the coffee culture—South Australians take their brews seriously, often with a view of leafy courtyards or heritage streets.
Arts & culture
South Australia loves a party and our world-class events are our way of showcasing our exceptional food, wine, sport, art and boutique capital. Adelaide hosts the annual Fringe Festival, the second largest Fringe after Edinburgh, Tasting Australia showcasing the state’s culinary heart and the Tour Down Under cycle event. The party doesn’t stop in Adelaide though. Our regions will find any excuse for a celebration, with regional events and festivals showing-off the best of our state's food, wine, fashion, art and design all year round.
Nature & adventure
South Australia is home to some of the most unbelievable natural wonders in the world. Rainbow-coloured lakes, flourishing gardens deep below the earth’s surface and ancient mountain ranges older than time itself. From the farthest reaches of the outback to sitting literally on Adelaide’s doorstep, South Australia’s landscape reveals untold wonders that have to be seen to be believed.
Wildlife
Wildly friendly folk. Ever wanted to swim with pups of the sea? Or cuddle a koala? Or have lunch with a kangaroo? South Australia is the place to do it all. And while you’re at it, add whale watching, outback emu encounters and dolphin diving to the to-do list. South Australia is one of the best places in the world to get up-close and personal with iconic, native Australian wildlife.
Road trips
With roads weaving a line through scenery fit for a postcard, to feeling as though you are driving through the sunset as it melts into the ocean, South Australia is the place to take that quintessential road trip. Start your Adelaide to Darwin road trip via the Explorers Way through outback towns, drive from Perth to Adelaide along the Seafood Frontier, or road trip from Adelaide through South Australia's famed wine regions. There's a path for everyone.
South Australia Weather
Average monthly temperature in South Australia (°C)
- Jan 31°C
- Feb 29°C
- Mar 26°C
- Apr 22°C
- May 17°C
- Jun 14°C
- Jul 13°C
- Aug 15°C
- Sep 19°C
- Oct 23°C
- Nov 26°C
- Dec 29°C
Travel guide
South Australia is a haven for wine lovers, wildlife seekers, and road trippers craving sun-drenched landscapes and laid-back charm. From rugged coastlines and world-class vineyards to desert ranges and island escapes, it offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and adventure.
- Best time to visit: March-May
- Average flight time: 23 Hours
- Most suited for: Everyone
- Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)
- Time Difference: +9 to 10 hours
Get in touch and book your perfect holiday with Hays Travel
With so much choice out there, stop the endless searching - our experts at Hays Travel will find the perfect holiday for you. Speak with an expert now, find a branch near you, search online for great deals, or enquire today to start planning your dream getaway.
Call our experts
Contact the Hays Travel holiday experts today for personalised advice and unbeatable deals on your next getaway.
Enquire today
Submit an enquiry today and one of our experienced Hays Travel holiday experts will get back to you as soon as possible.
Visit us in branch
Visit the Hays Travel holiday experts in branch today for personalised advice, inspiration, and unbeatable deals on your next getaway.