'This holiday spot has flown under the radar for far too long'
For too long, Queensland and WA have dominated the popularity votes when it comes to the best places in Australia.
Sure, they both have a lot to offer. But I'm here to vouch for South Australia, which I strongly believe to be - by a huge margin - the best state in the country.
It's got world-class beaches. It's got wine. It's got Outback, it's got hiking, it's got breath-taking national parks and a fun, buzzy capital city.
This year, perhaps it's time to consider giving SA a little more credit.
South Australia has flown under the radar for too long. Getty Images/iStockphoto
I'm not the only one who thinks that South Australia is underrated and full of hidden gems.
A recent study by ROLLiN found the best Aussie spots that are still flying under the radar and not saturating social media - and four of the top ten spots were taken by South Australian locations.
While I don't fancy myself a South Australia tourism expert by any means, I've certainly been there enough times to feel confident in my recommendations.
Whether you want to explore the rugged coastlines of the Eyre Peninsula, have a fun weekend in Adelaide, take a road trip south to the pristine beaches of Fleurieu, quaff wine in the Barossa, or adventure through the Outback to the Flinders Ranges, SA truly has it all.
So if you need some recommendations for things to do and see in the great state, I've got you.
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Head to the Flinders Ranges for off-grid adventure. Getty
Top things to do in South Australia
Well, this is impossible to answer succinctly, but I'll try.
If you want unforgettable wildlife experiences:
- Kangaroo Island. Visit Flinders Chase National Park to see the Remarkable Rocks and Admiral's Arch. Don't miss Seal Bay, where you can walk among a colony of wild Australian sea lions. If you're into food, then you'll be in heaven.
- Eyre Peninsula. Base yourself in Port Lincoln, where you can cage dive with great whites or swim with playful sea lions.
- Monarto Safari Park. Just outside Adelaide, spend a night at the largest open-range safari park outside of Africa. Wake up tothe sound of lions roaring and watch giraffes saunter past your window.
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Watch zebras while you swim at Monarto Safari Park. Frankie the Creative / Supplied
For a real outdoorsy adventure:
- Flinders Ranges. Head north for ancient outback landscapes like Wilpena Pound, a massive natural amphitheatre best seen from a scenic flight. Spend a few nights here, either in a tent or a lodge.
- Mount Gambier. See the vibrant Blue Lake (which changes colour seasonally) and the Umpherston Sinkhole, a beautiful sunken garden that has recently gone viral online.
If food and wine are more your thing:
- Winery hopping. Your choices here are endless. Barossa Valley is just an hour from Adelaide, and is famous for bold reds. McLaren Vale is south, where the wineries meet the ocean for the best of both worlds. Or, Adelaide Hills is known for cool-climate wines and the charming German-heritage town of Hahndorf.
- Adelaide city break. Take a tasting tour at Adelaide Central Market, treat yourself to lunch or dinner at Apoteca, and spend a night bar-hopping along Peel St, Leigh St, and Gilbert Place in the CBD. Coincide your visit with Adelaide Fringe and you'll never want to leave.
Adelaide offers plenty of food and drink spots. South Australian Tourism Commiss
What month is the best time to visit South Australia?
There's no real 'good' and 'bad' time to visit - it all depends on what you want.
If you're looking for a single "best" month, March is widely considered the gold standard for South Australia. It hits the perfect trifecta of mild weather, the peak of festival season, and the start of the wine harvest.
Winter is the best time to visit for wildlife experiences, as whales migrate along the coast and Kangaroo Island is lush and green. It's also the ideal time for a trip to the Flinders Rangers, when the weather is cooler.
If your goal is the turquoise waters of the Eyre Peninsula or a weekend at Glenelg Beach, summer is for you. SA rarely gets humid like the east coast, so expect hot and dry temperatures, and long evenings where the sun doesn't set til 9pm.
Swim in the Greenly Beach Rock Pools then camp right by the sand. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Hidden places to visit in South Australia
Shhhhh, don't tell everyone. But here are some secret spots to add to your hit list.
Little Blue Lake: A locals-only swimming hole set inside a volcanic crater near Mount Gambier. A deep, cool, and perfectly circular natural pool.
Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary: Tucked in the far northern Flinders Ranges, a rugged and remote part of the Outback. It's an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, making it one of the best places on Earth for stargazing.
Innes National Park: A quieter alternative to Kangaroo Island. Head to Dolphin Beach where you'll rarely see another soul.
Langhorne Creek: The state's "underrated" wine region, with some of the oldest Cabernet vines in the world and a much more laid-back, rustic vibe.
Greenly Beach: A rugged, wild beach with crystal-clear rock pools overlooking the Great Australian Bight.
Monarto Safari Resort opens its Safari Lodge on 1 April. Journey Beyond
New openings to get excited about
- Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge: following regular demand and ever-increasing visitor numbers, the lodge has expanded its offerings to include eight new luxury villas that offer full-service hotel accommodation.
- Adelaide's Urban Rest Hackney Hotel opens: featuring 72 rooms, on-site parking, a gym, and a standout food and beverage offering operated by the same talent behind Restaurant Botanic in the Adelaide Botanic Gardens.
- Treehouse hotel Adelaide: Treehouse Hotel will open its first property in Australia featuring 248 rooms, and will be part of the $400m Market Square development in the South Australian city.
- Monarto Safari Resort opens its Safari Lodge on 1 April: expanding its resort offering to include the ultimate luxury safari escape. Safari Lodge is all-inclusive, featuring 20 premium tents overlooking a waterhole, a centrally-located lodge with restaurant, swimming and plunge pools, gym, an outdoor lounge and more.
