South Australia is a place where incredible diversity meets easy, rewarding travel. From world-class wine regions and pristine beaches to rugged outback ranges and wildlife-rich islands, the state offers something for every type of traveller. Even better, it makes multi-region itineraries simple to build.
Just a short flight from major Australian cities, clients can explore charming coastal towns, sample fresh regional produce, and meet native wildlife in its natural habitat. Wine lovers can wander through the Barossa Valley, Clare Valley and McLaren Vale, while nature seekers can hike ancient landscapes in the Flinders Ranges or explore the wild beauty of Kangaroo Island.
Authentic, welcoming and full of memorable experiences, South Australia delivers the perfect blend of culture, nature, food and adventure - perfect for clients seeking a trip with real variety.
Adelaide
The capital of South Australia, Adelaide is home to over 76% of the SA population and the gateway to the Outback, wine regions and the famous Murray River. A vibrant and dynamic city, full of cultural events, superb dining and beautiful beaches, clients will be hard pushed to find a more complete Aussie city.
Highlights of Adelaide:
- National Wine Centre of Australia: the perfect intro to Australia's 65 wine regions and a daily tasting of over 120 wines, this really is the place for clients to wet their whistle before heading out to discover the vineyards proper.
- The starting (or finishing) point of The Ghan, a magical 4 day, 3 night train journey through the heart of Australia to Darwin - not to be missed!
- South Australia Musuem: a free exhibit spread over 5 floors that showcases the largest collection of Aboriginal material in the world.
- Food, glorious food: Adelaide is known for its food festivals, from Tasting Australia in May, the Fleurieu Food Festival in August and Barossa Gourmet Weekend in September.
Perfect for:
- Cultural connoisseurs: from the Adelaide Fringe arts festival to Illuminate Adelaide, a winter light festival, it's a city with something for everyone.
- Adventurers: the city is the perfect jumping off point to explore access the Outback, coast and wine regions.
- Foodies: Adelaide isn't just about the wine, clients will love the international food scene.
Flinders Range & The Outback
Clients will most likely have heard of the Blue Mountains, just outside of Sydney, but its the Flinders Range, 200km north of Adelaide, that holds the crown of the largest mountain range in Australia. Offering the easiest access to the Outback in all of Oz, the Flinders Range has just been named on Lonely Planet's Top Places Hotlist for 2026 - don't let your clients miss out!
Monarto Safari Park:
- The largest open-range safari experience outside of Africa, it is home to more than 50 species of exotic and native animals such as lions, giraffes and meerkats.
- At over 1,500 hectacres, clients can experience a true feeling of space, yet less than an hour from Adelaide city centre.
- With up to 78 premium rooms, guests can marvel at the wildlife whilst sipping their cup of morning coffee.
- Now part of Journey Beyond, it forms a part of the unforgettable Indian Pacific train journey from Perth to Adelaide.
Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre
- From the savannah to the pale pinks, oranges and yellows of the largest lake in Australia. Usually a salt pan, it fills with water and turns pink thanks to the salt-loving algae.
- A true sight to behold, it is best seen from above - why not give clients a true 'wow' experience and add in a heli flight?
Arkaba
- Part of the Luxury Lodges of Australia, Arkaba is home to only 5 rooms, oozing intimate luxury in an unforgettable location.
- Discover the ancient landscape and learn from Arkaba's expert guides about the local flora and fauna.
- Clients can choose from unique experiences such as stargazing, fossil hunting and native food classes, and leave with memories to last a lifetime.
Wine Regions
South Australia produces just under 50% of the country's wine. Due to its sunny yet cool climate, South Australia has perfect temperature for signature grapes such as the Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Spread over a compact area of bettwen 1-2 hours from Adelaide, clients can experience: bold reds, coastal vineyards and boutique Riesling country all in one holiday - something Europe can’t match in such a compact space.
Barossa Valley
- One of Austalia's and the world's most premier wine regions, the Barossa Valley boasts more than 150 wineries and 80 cellar doors.
- Home to the world's oldest contunously growing Shiraz vines!
- Famous vineyards: Tanuda, Seppeltsfield, Jacob's Creek.
Clare Valley
- Only 1 hour from the Barossa Valley, the rugged, quiet Clare Valley is its lesser known sibling, but just as worth a visit!
- Known for its cool-climate, the Riesling grape variety thrives here, and can be tasted at over 40 cellar doors across the valley.
- Speaking of Riesling, the Riesling Bike Trail runs for 33 kilometres - perfect for a cycle wine tasting tour!
McLaren Vale
- The epicentre of the Australian wine industry, McLaren Vale is only 45 minutes from Adelaide CBD.
- Home to the futuristic D'Arenberg cube which not only offers jaw-dropping views over the vineyards but the opportunity to blend and bottle your own signature wine!
- Located within touching distance of the coast, it's the ideal choice for clients wanting to mix wine with coastal views and local wildlife.
Perfect for:
- Old Wine experts who want to experience the world of New Wine in a premium setting, without the European crowds!
- Travellers looking for an intimate experience, with winemaker-led tastings and small batch producers.
- Clients who want wine coupled with wildlife, coastal adventures and fine dining - all are in easy reach.
Murray River
The longest river in Australia at over 2,500km long, it winds its way through New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia through a wide variety of landscapes.
It also serves as the perfect jumping off point to explore the cultural heritage of the area, such as the Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Site, the home of the Nganguraku People.
The Murray River is also Australia's only officially designated Dark Sky Reserve, and one of only 21 in the world. Clients can gaze up in wonder at the star-strewn sky, an experience they are sure to remember forever.
Highlights of the Murray River:
- All aboard: we work with a prestigious company running luxurious 4 day trips on the Murray River, offering guests the chance to immerse themselves in the tranquility on the water.
- All round experience: venture off the boat to visit wineries, discover local history and learn about the rich Australian birdlife.
- Walkers' paradise: we are proud to offer the Murray River Walk, an easy 40km walk offering a mixture of walking and river cruising. Clients can wind down on the luxurious houseboat accommodation and marvel at the wetland wildlife.
Perfect for:
- Nature seekers, who want an immersive river cruise.
- Premium experience seekers who want something special to celebrate a memorable occasion.
- Photography buffs who want a glimpse of untouched Australia.
Kangaroo Island
A short 30 minute flight or 3 hours on the ferry sees clients departing the Aussie mainland for the third largest island in Australia - Kangaroo Island.
Often described as the Australian Galapagos, the island is home to an abundance of wildlife (not just kangaroos!) that can be observed in their natural habitat and offers some of the best wildlife viewing in Australia.
A truly underrated destination that many describe as the jewel of South Australia, Kangaroo Island offers clients the chance to see a different side to Australia, without the crowds.
Kangaroo Island perfectly compliments South Australia itineraries due to its easy access - give your clients that extra special experience and add it into your itinerary today.
Highlights of Kangaroo Island
- Pristine white beaches, turquoise waters and dunes perfect for sandboarding, whether your clients wants activity or chill time, Kangaroo Island offers both.
- Wildlife: Walk amongst sea lions at Seal Bay, swim with wild dophins and try to spot a sea eagle, clients will be immersed in nature from start to finish of their stay.
- Relax in a luxury lodge - Southern Ocean Lodge, part of Luxury Lodges of Australia, is the perfect place for guests to unwind and sample the best food and wine of South Australia.
Perfect for:
- Nature lovers, who will love the guided eco tours and conservation focussed experiences.
- Active travellers: hiking, sandboarding or taking on the 5 day Kangaroo Wilderness Trail, clients can throw themselves into the adventures on offer.
- Special occasion clients: honeymooners, signature occasion groups, the luxury accommodation of Southern Ocean Lodge ensures guests will leave with forever memories.
Practical Information for Agents
Driving Tips
The main roads in South Australia are all sealed and well-maintained, so perfect for a self-drive itinerary! Adelaide traffic is usually a lot lighter than other Aussie cities, so clients can use their time sightseeing rather than sitting in a traffic jam!
Adelaide Aiport → Adelaide CBD: 20 minutes
Adelaide → Flinders Ranges: 5 hours 30 minutes
Adelaide → Barossa Valley: 1 hour
Barossa Valley → Clare Valley: 1 hour 15 minutes
Adelaide → Murray River: 6 hours
Adelaide → Kangaroo Island: 3 hours drive, 3 hours ferry/30 minutes flight
Festivals
If there is one thing that South Australia loves, it's a festival, and has been referred to as the Fesitval State due to its jam-packed festival calendar!
January: Tunarama Festival, which celebrates Port Lincoln's tuna fishing heritage.
February: Adelaide Fringe, full of comedy and the arts.
March: Adelaide Festival, from opera to dance and everything inbetween!
May: Tasting Australia, one of Aussie's longest running food and drink festivals.
October: Harvest Rock, a music festival showasing the best of local and global talent.
If your clients are travelling in the dates of a particular festival, make sure to book early before accommodation sells out!
When To Travel
December to February
Best for beaches and the freshest seafood, as well as making the most of the many festivals on offer in the height of summer. Definitely a season for the coast, as inland can get up to temperatures of 35-45°C.
Shoulder
March to May & September to November
Perfect for exploring the vineyards during harvest season, and undertake a long-distance walk on Kangaroo Island. Temperatures are manageable and the wildflowers start to bloom, its the ideal time to visit. 'Mad March' is festival season, but the rest of the state will be pretty much crowd free.
Off-peak
June to August
The quietest travel period with the lowest temperatures (0-18°C), where Outback travel becomes more comfortable, and cosying up in front of the fire at Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island becomes a must-do!
Unique Selling Points
Accessibility: South Australia is known as the 'easy' destination, due to its relatively short distances and ability to access both the Outback and the coast. Adelaide is known as the '20 minute city' due to its compact layout, so is perfect for first-time Australia travellers who want a stress-free experience.
Authentic wildlife without the crowds: from swimming with sea lions, cage diving with great white sharks and seeing koalas, echidnas and wallabies in the wild, clients can see the best of Aussie wildlife in serenity.
Better value, less stress: South Australia is the ideal location for families to explore, with something for everyone, and also offers better value for money than its more expensive neighbours (looking at you Melbourne and Sydney!)
South Australia offers clients multi-experience itineraries without even leaving the state, meaning you can offer them the Aussie dream holidays without the crowds or price tags.
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