South Australia
South Australia
Welcome to South Australia! South Australia has an extensive range of products and experiences suited to both the first time and repeat visitor.
South Australia has the WOW factor - Wildlife, Outback & Wine
South Australia (SA) is renowned for its prolific native wildlife with Kangaroo Island, Australia's own Galapagos, the jewel in the crown.
its easy access to the Australian Outback where the rich red ochre colors of this ancient landscape change by the hour; and last but not least, for its vineyards which produce over 70 per cent of all Australia's exported wine.
South Australia is a state of great diversity with its ranges, deserts, and islands. It has rolling hills and valleys, pastures, extensive vineyards, lakes and the mighty Murray River system and of course so many beaches – the coastline runs 4,800km (3,000 miles).
It is also home to the iconic regions of Kangaroo Island, Barossa and Flinders Ranges.
The histories are both ancient and dramatic. The Aboriginal people of this land practiced their skills and cultures within landscapes that ranged from the most bountiful to the most forbidding. Some of them still do.
Today, the capital city Adelaide is charming and sophisticated and offers fresh perspectives on city life thanks to the gorgeous hills on one side and dazzling seas on the other.
Experience South Australia
South Australia is a microcosm of all major key Australian experiences including wildlife and nature, wine, Outback, Indigenous culture and coastal lifestyle.
What makes it unique is the accessibility of the regions which host these experiences, from the gateway of Adelaide.
Enjoy everything a South Australian holiday has to offer - famous wine regions like the Barossa, stunning and accessible Outback, the wildlife haven Kangaroo Island, and vibrant Adelaide with its delicious 'eat streets', festivals and markets.
This is especially important to the time poor traveler that expects to experience a host of authentic Australia experiences.
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Getting to South Australia
By Air
Adelaide Airport is regarded as Australia's most modern and consumer friendly airport and it services regional, domestic and international travellers in one terminal building.
The airport is 6 kilometres (four miles) from the centre of the city, a 15-minute drive by taxi or Skylink shuttle bus.
The following airlines offer direct air access into Adelaide - Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Air New Zealand, and Malaysia Airlines.
By Rail
All interstate trains arrive and depart from Adelaide Parklands Rail Terminal, which is 3 kilometres (2 miles) west of the city centre.
Taxis and shuttle bus services meet every train. Great Southern Railway operates the following services:
· The Ghan (operates between Adelaide, Alice Springs and Darwin)
· Indian Pacific (operates between Sydney, Adelaide and Perth)
· The Overland (operates between Melbourne and Adelaide)
By Car
With its central position, South Australia is a great self-drive destination to or from interstate cities.
By Coach
All interstate and regional coaches arrive and depart from the Central Bus Station in the city centre.
Greyhound Coaches have connections to Adelaide from major Australian cities and offer travel passes designed for independent travellers.
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Getting around South Australia
By Air
Within South Australia, Regional Express, and Sharp Airlines offer daily services to some regional centres like Coober Pedy, Kingscote (Kangaroo Island) and Port Lincoln.
Luggage allowance for regional airlines within South Australia varies from nil to seven kilograms (0-15 pounds) for carry-on luggage and up to 15 kilograms (33 pounds) for checked luggage.
Locker storage facilities are available at Adelaide airport.
Car Hire
All major car rental companies have depots in Adelaide, as do many smaller, local companies - providing a range of vehicles for hire from both city and airport depots.
It is recommended to check with the car rental company before taking a vehicle to Kangaroo Island or north of the Oodnadatta Track as certain conditions apply.
By Coach
Premier Stateliner provides daily passenger services to most regions within South Australia.
Tours
Visitors can choose from a full range of seat-in-coach tours to private tours departing from Adelaide.
We've got wildlife tours, heritage tours, adventure tours, and wine and food tours - everything to discover firsthand the delights of this part of the world.
A couple of the major day tour operators are Grayline, Adelaide Sightseeing, and Prime Mini Tours.
By Ferry
There is one ferry journey in South Australia - to Kangaroo Island with Sealink (Cape Jervis to Penneshaw).
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Accommodation
Adelaide's international-class hotels offer all room styles from standard rooms, apartments and suites to luxury penthouses with city and parkland views.
There are also many comfortable and luxurious heritage guest houses and bed & breakfast-style accommodation - many in charming North Adelaide, just a 20 minute walk from the city centre.
Motels are of a high standard and can be found throughout the city and suburbs.
Throughout the state's hills and wine regions there are appealing options such as heritage bed & breakfasts, cottage and luxury boutique accommodation.
The city's popular backpacker and youth hostels have a reputation for quality facilities, while caravan parks - many with on-site cabins - are another alternative for families and independent travellers.
Events
From cycling to cabaret and food and wine to arts and musical festivals, South Australia has an impressive string of major events and festivals held across Adelaide and regional South Australia.
Tasting Australia
A biennial national event, celebrating the best that South Australia and the nation at large has to offer in food, produce, wines and beers (6-13 May 2010).
In the 11 years since its conception, Tasting Australia has become one of Australia's most influential and best attended food and drink festivals.
The event has hosted hundreds of Australia's and the world's top chefs, sommeliers, restaurateurs, food, wine, beer and travel media - including the most highly respected television presenters and producers - and has attracted a wide cross-section of the food-loving public to Adelaide and South Australia.
Santos Tour Down Under
The first ProTour cycling race to be held outside of Europe, and also the first in the annual cycling calendar.
The Santos Tour Down Under attracts teams from Europe and the UK for seven days of racing with stages held throughout Adelaide and regional South Australia in January every year.
Adelaide Fringe
The largest Fringe Festival in the southern hemisphere, the Adelaide Fringe offers a huge twist of quirky fun and frivolity - including the legendary opening night party, the Adelaide International Buskers Festival and the Fringe Family Weekend.
With hundreds of shows and thousands of artists taking part each year, Adelaide Fringe is not to be missed.
The Fringe traditionally begins with an opening night party in the Adelaide city centre, allowing thousands of people to sample theatre, street entertainers and buzzing atmosphere of the event.
Clipsal 500
Australia's biggest motor sport event provides non-stop V8 Supercar action, on a city circuit.
Events
The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive
By day, drove 500 head of cattle through the South Australian Outback on horseback.
At night, unwind with great food, hot showers and cold beer alongside a warm campfire beneath a canopy of stars.
Join one of six tours, which last 5 days/4 nights, each with its own highlights, (30 July - 29 August 2010).
Adelaide Festival of Arts
The Festival has created a strong tradition of innovation since 1960, inspiring celebration and presenting diverse art from across Australia and around the world.
Held in the warm South Australian autumn in every 'even' year, this is a large-scale multi-arts event of extraordinary richness and diversity.
Each Festival program includes opera, theatre, dance, classical and contemporary music, cabaret and more.
WOMADelaide
A spectacular 3-day world music event celebrating cultural diversity and features musicians from across the globe.
The program spreads across six stages and also features visual arts, dance and more, staged in the perfect setting of Botanic Park, close to the city centre of Adelaide.
Sustainable & Eco Tourism
South Australia is already a leader in the field of ecologically sustainable tourism development, with around 13% of the nation's eco certified tourism products based here.
In South Australia, there are more than 40 eco tourism operators keen to share their experiences so if visitors travel with an eco tourism accredited operator, it means they're committed to nature management.
South Australia's eco-certified experiences range from swimming with dolphins to wine tasting and camel safaris through the outback.
Adelaide also has the first solar bus in the world to be recharged with 100 % solar energy, which is part of the free Adelaide connector bus.
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Adelaide
Adelaide is a charming and sophisticated state capital that relishes good living.
It’s about fine food, beautiful surroundings, excellent sporting events and festivals that challenge and delight.
It offers fresh perspectives on city life thanks to the gorgeous hills on one side and dazzling seas on the other.
Adelaide is a cosmopolitan city with plenty of restaurants fine art, world-renowned cultural attractions and excellent shopping all within strolling distance of the city’s heart.
Adelaide is known as the 20-minute city because its shape and lack of congestion mean you can get to the beaches and hills in a 20 minute drive.
Adelaide is so easy to discover by foot as you do not have to walk more than 20 minutes walk between most attractions.
Adelaide
Walking the city (no more than 20 minute walk between most attractions)
Must See and Do:
· North Terrace - known as Adelaide's 'Cultural Boulevard'
· The South Australian Museum contains the largest collection of Aboriginal artifacts in the world in its Aboriginal Cultures Gallery
· Tandanya - National Aboriginal Cultural Institute
· Adelaide Botanic Garden - relax under the shade of the century-old
· Moreton Bay - fig trees or learn about bush tucker
· Adelaide Zoo - home to over 1800 animal and soon to be home to 2 giant panda bears, the only 2 in the Southern Hemisphere
· Gouger Street - food lovers heaven and a street devoted to dining
· Central Market - a South Australian institution and the largest produce market in the Southern Hemisphere
· Chinatown with its exotic, bustling mall and food halls
· Rundle Mall -the city's premier shopping precinct
· Hyde Park - upscale shopping, fine dining and cafes
· Historic North Adelaide
Within 20 Minutes Drive From the City
· Adelaide's lovely coast - especially Glenelg, Henley Beach and Semaphore
· Temptation Sailing www.dolphinboats.com
· Penfolds Magill Estate www.penfolds.com
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Kangaroo Island
Beautiful Kangaroo Island is a microcosm of different landscapes and environments - stunning beaches and coastal scenery, forests, desert dunes and farmland.
Kangaroo Island is the country’s premier destination for wildlife – Australia’s answer to the Galapagos.
Visitors can either take a 30 minute flight from Adelaide to Kingscote or the Kangaroo Island SeaLink vehicle and passenger ferry departs daily from Cape Jervis at the southern tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula (a 90 minute drive from Adelaide).
The ferry trip to Penneshaw on the island is about 50 minutes and transfers to the ferry terminal are available from Adelaide and Victor Harbor.
Kangaroo Island is the perfect place to see kangaroos hopping out of the bush, wander among sea lions basking on the beach, look up at koalas sleeping in gum trees, and watch Little Penguins hurry home each night.
With more than one third of the Island protected as parks, this is a place where you can gaze out over vast tracts of wilderness that look just as they have for thousands of years.
The island also offers a wealth of delicious food and wine experiences, and is home to one of the best luxury eco-retreats in the world Southern Ocean Lodge.
Kangaroo Island
Must See and Do
Sealink offer a range of coach tours visiting the major highlights of Kangaroo Island with local driver guides.
For small group touring we recommend the Sealink Platinum Tours or 4WD tours with Kangaroo Island Wilderness Tours and Exceptional Kangaroo Island
APT- Kangaroo Island Odyssey offers Italian, French and German language tours independent of English speaking tours.
· Seal Bay Conservation Park - for walking on the beach with sea lions
· Flinders Chase National Park - for wildlife and coastal scenery
· Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch
· See Little Penguins at night at Penneshaw and Kingscote
· Koalas at Hanson Bay Sanctuary
· Little Sahara sand dunes
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Barossa
The Barossa, located just over a one-hour drive north of Adelaide, is known as the wine capital of Australia.
The Barossa wines are world famous and with more than 60 cellar doors in this compact region, there are plenty of opportunities for visitors to taste and learn about the region’s most prized product.
Regional cuisine strongly reflects a blend of old and new and is a feature of the many good local cafés and restaurants.
Just over one hour’s drive north-east of Adelaide, this picturesque wine region charms visitors with its pretty countryside, rolling hills and heritage towns and villages.
It is one of Australia’s most important heritage areas, with the traditions, buildings and churches of its early German-speaking settlers lovingly preserved and still used.
Must See and Do
· Butcher, Baker, Winemaker Trail - over 60 wineries with cellar doors and complimentary wine tasting
· Local produce at Maggie Beer's farm shop
· Penfolds Make Your Own Blend - enter the Winemakers' Laboratory to make your own wine and take it home
· Jacobs Creek Winery & Visitor Centre
· Hot Air Ballooning
· Barossa Farmers Market in Angaston
· Helicopter flights over the Barossa
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Flinders Ranges
A comfortable five-hour drive north of Adelaide, this is one of the oldest landscapes on earth, and it's here that the very essence of the Outback begins.
The Flinders Ranges is dominated by sharply rising ridges and peaks, tree-lined gorges, creeks and red soil and Aboriginal legend says these landscapes were shaped by the ancient serpents and giants of the Dreamtime.
The focal point of this extraordinary national park (and certainly South Australia's best-known natural landmark) is Wilpena Pound, an amphitheatre of mammoth proportions.
Well-signed bushwalking tracks inside Wilpena Pound and around the ridges of its massive rim make exploration easier.
And there are thrilling scenic flights over the Pound and surrounding ranges, as well as fully escorted four wheel drive safaris into hidden gorges adorned with rare and sacred Aboriginal rock art and lined with stunning River Red Gums.
The Flinders Ranges have been identified as an iconic landscape and are part of Tourism Australia's National Landscapes program.
This places the Flinders Ranges among Australia's best natural and cultural landscapes, offering a rich environment for you to experience on your Outback holiday.
Wilpena Pound Resort or Rawnsley Park Station provide you with the perfect base for exploring the Flinders Ranges.
As an alternative to driving you could ride the legendary Ghan or Indian Pacific - both stop in Port Augusta. Rex Airlines can also take you to Whyalla, to get you closer to the Flinders Ranges and Outback region and Sharp Airlines fly daily from Adelaide to Port Augusta.
Flinders Ranges
Must See and Do
· Explore Wilpena Pound and Flinders Ranges National Park's ancient mountain ranges and gorges with Banksia Adventures, Bookabee Tours or Heading Bush
· See abundant wildlife, including the yellow footed rock wallaby Arkaroola Resort & Wilderness Sanctuary
· Outback Pubs - stop for a cold beer and a chat with the locals at the Prairie Hotel in Parachilna
· Station stays - there is no better way to really experience the outback than on working cattle or sheep stations such as Arkaba, and Angorichina, along with the Prairie Hotel's own Sunset, Saddles and Shiraz cattle drive experience
· Take a Camel to Candle light dinner with Pichi Richi Camel Tours
· Scenic flights to get the best view of the impressive Wilpena Pound
· Discover the Aboriginal Dreaming Trails - leading you through the dramatic and ancient landscape of the Flinders Ranges to key sites and special places.
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Outback
The Outback is Australia's most legendary countryside, with vast dramatic landscapes, huge horizons and skies, unique towns and people.
It is a region of outstanding natural attractions, a unique Indigenous culture over 45,000 years old and is easily reached from Adelaide.
The frontier town of Coober Pedy is recognized as the largest producer of precious opal in the world.
It is famous for its underground homes (dugouts), accommodation, churches, opal mines and other tourist attractions.
South Australia has the three most famous Outback tracks in Australia, the Birdsville, Strzelecki and Oodnadatta tracks.
The Birdsville Track (which was formerly a stock route), links Marree in South Australia with Birdsville in Queensland.
The Strzelecki, close to Australia's famous Dog Fence, runs from Lyndhurst to Innamincka.
On the Oodnadatta Track, which runs from Marree to Marla, is William Creek, one of South Australia's smallest towns (population 10).
Accommodation options are very limited along these tracks. Drivers need to be well prepared and have adequate food and water.
Outback
Must See and Do
· Stay in one of Coober Pedy's underground hotels, such as the Desert Cave Hotel
· Visit the Old Timers Mine and Umoona Opal Mine and Museum, Coober Pedy
· The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive;
· Take a scenic flight over the Painted Desert or Anna Creek Painted Hills with Wrights Air
· Visit Outback Pubs and meet local characters
· Travel across the Simpson Desert via Outback Driving Tracks Mine for your own opal
· Discover underground homes and churches and noodle for your own opal in Coober Pedy
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Eyre Peninsula
Eyre Peninsula’s waters offer the sort of encounters that most people dream about.
Baird Bay and Port Lincoln are one of the few places in the world where you can swim with wild Australian Sea Lions and dolphins.
And how about taking a boat from Port Lincoln to an outer island to cage-dive with Great White Sharks? Or entering giant off-shore nets to swim with large, fast (and very valuable) tuna?
Or for a truly bizarre experience, try snorkeling with Giant Cuttlefish (May to September) - a chance to wonder at these 'strobelights in the shallows'.
Eyre Peninsula
In addition to these amazing opportunities to get closer to creatures of the deep, Eyre Peninsula offers some of the best, freshest and most mouth-watering seafood in the world.
Must See and Do
· Whale watching at Head of Bight (May to October)
· Swimming with Tuna in Port Lincoln
· Great White Shark cage dive
· Seafood and Aquaculture Trail along the coast
· Swimming with dolphins and sea lions at Baird Bay
· Swimming with sea lions offshore from Port Lincoln
· Explore Gawler Ranges National Park with Gawler Ranges Wilderness Safaris
Fleurieu Peninsula
Just an hour's drive from Adelaide, the Fleurieu Peninsula will enchant you with its long sandy beaches backed by hilly vineyards and rich pasturelands.
Its wineries are part of the McLaren Vale region, famous for its red wines.
When you've drunk your fill, head for pretty seaside towns such as Port Elliot and Victor Harbor, with their charming mix of fresh local produce, artisan crafts, antiques and art.
Beaches along the Peninsula's coast range from family-friendly shallows to rugged coves perfect for surfing, and the region's landscape includes tracts of bushland with superb bushwalking trails.
Fleurieu Peninsula
Must See and Do
· Wine tasting at the many cellar doors around McLaren Vale
· Visit Willunga Farmers Market
· Coorong River Cruises - which depart from Goolwa at the mouth of the Murray River
· Coorong National Park - a remarkable strip of coastal wilderness
· Explore Granite Island and meet the penguins at sunset Whale watching (May to October)
· Deep Creek Conservation Park - a wonderful mix of bush and beach
· Surf beaches at Goolwa, Middleton and Port Elliot
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Clare Valley
The Clare Valley, just a two hour drive north of Adelaide, is one of Australia’s most picturesque wine regions, set in a landscape that combines Australian bush and well-kept charming vineyards.
The Riesling Trail, the valley’s walking and cycling trail, links one end to the other, with detours to wineries and other attractions.
Visitors to the Clare Valley are surprised at the extent to which they find themselves surrounded by creative people and their endeavours.
Year-round, the work of Clare Valley artists and craftspeople is displayed in galleries, restaurants and pubs.
The region offers plenty for visitors to justify a stay of a couple of nights.
It is also the ideal place to break the journey from Adelaide to the Flinders Ranges with an overnight stay, adding a wine element to an outback adventure.
Must See and Do
· Visit some of the local wineries including historic Sevenhill Cellars
· Cycle or walk along the 33 kilometre long (20 miles) Riesling Trail, a pathway between the cellar doors and townships
· Visit Martindale Hall - grand 19th century mansion in Mintaro
· Burra Heritage Passport Trail in Burra - armed with a guidebook and your own key, you'll have access to 65 historic sites.
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Limestone Coast
Stretching along the Southern Ocean from the Coorong National Park, where a full quarter of Australia’s wading birds settle during summer, to the majestic Glenelg River on the Victorian border.
The Limestone Coast also reaches inland through lush farming country, famous wine districts, unique wetlands, volcanic landscapes and underground wonders.
This diverse region offers a brilliant blend of adventure and variety and is very popular amongst visitors traveling from Melbourne to Adelaide on a self drive itinerary.
The Limestone Coast has a lot to offer - go on a caving expedition at the World Heritage-listed fossil site of Naracoorte Caves National Park, dive among shipwrecks and sample glorious, fresh seafood at a pretty seaside resort.
Marvel at a lake in Mount Gambier that turns from a steel grey color in winter to a brilliant turquoise blue in summer.
Sample some of Australia’s most acclaimed wines at Coonawarra cellar doors.
It’s all on the Limestone Coast.
Limestone Coast
Must See And Do:
· Visit the Blue Lake in Mount Gambier
· Explore World Heritage listed fossil site at Naracoorte Caves
· Coorong National Parkwith itslong, shallow, salty lagoons - stretching more than 100 kilometres - are a haven for birdlife
· Enjoy theaward winning wineries of Coonawarra and Padthaway
· Enjoy the coastal fishing villages - Robe, Beachport and Kingston
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Murray River
The Murray River is Australia's great river, stretching from the Snowy Mountains near the Eastern Coast, through South Australia and into the Southern Ocean.
Its holiday attractions are many and varied: water activities such as cruising on houseboats, skiing, boating, relaxed country towns and remarkable natural landmarks to see from water or the land.
The Murray River is an important habitat for a large variety of native birds and other animals.
Must See and Do:
· Hire a Houseboat with Unforgettable Houseboats or Quality Houseboats
· Odyssey River Cruises - offering 3, 4 and 6 day cruises
· Cruise aboard the Murray Princess or River of Australia Expeditions
· Visit Banrock Station and Wetland Centre- Vast wetlands with abundant birdlife
· Visit Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Site or Monarto Zoological Park
Aboriginal
Aboriginal Experiences
South Australia's rich indigenous heritage dates back 45,000 years.
Before the arrival of European settlers in 1836, more than 10,000 people from 43 language groups inhabited the area.
Adelaide - visit the Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery at South Australian Museum and Tandanya - National Aboriginal Institute, or book a bush food tour in the Botanic Gardens.
Eyre Peninsula - visit the Interpretive Centre on Yalata Aboriginal Lands on the Nullarbor.
The Flinders Ranges and Outback are the traditional home of many Aboriginal societies and rock art can be found throughout the ranges.
Take a 4WD tour with Indigenous guide to see this region through the eyes of its earliest inhabitants.
The Coorong National Park, on the Limestone Coast, is of spiritual significance and has many archaeological sites attesting to Aboriginal occupation.
Bookabee Tours allows you to discover the ancient journeys, geological sites and dreaming stories that have been passed down through generations for more than 50,000 years.
Learn first-hand about Aboriginal culture while traveling through breath-taking South Australian scenery.
Go on a two or five day tour through the Flinders Ranges and camp out under the stars or experience the Cleland Wildlife Tour to gain a new perspective of Australian land and wildlife.
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Adelaide
Adelaide is a fantastic destination in its own right.
It’s an elegant and gracious city close to some of the best metropolitan coastal beaches in Australia, all in view of the beautiful Adelaide Hills.
The city centre, surrounded by parklands, is a blend of wide streets, historic buildings, street cafes and restaurants.
It is known as the 20-minute city because its shape and lack of congestion mean you can get to beaches and hills in a 20 minute drive or if on foot, the city's attractions are all within walking distance.
Visitors can also ride around the city centre on a free bike supplied by the Adelaide City Council.
The Connector free bus service links the leafy North Adelaide and the Adelaide city centre.
In 2009 Adelaide Zoo will also become home to two Giant Pandas, the only Pandas to be found in the Southern Hemisphere.
Coastal Lifestyle
With more than 4800 kilometres (2893 miles) of varied coastline, and the Murray River weaving through 650 kilometres (404 miles) of the state, South Australia provides a great range of coastal marine and water based experiences.
South Australia's beaches are regarded as being some of the best in the country, with Kangaroo Island's Vivonne Bay voted Australia's best beach in recent times.
Adelaide's metropolitan coastline offers safe swimming beaches where visitors can enjoy a swim with dolphins, and there are many 'footprint free' beaches along the Limestone Coast, Fleurieu and Eyre Peninsulas.
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Food and Wine
South Australia is known as the heart of Australia's wine and food and home to famous names and cult labels, such as Penfolds Grange.
There are more than 270 cellar doors across 17 official wine regions.
The Barossa, Coonawarra, Clare Valley, Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale are the best known wine regions nationally and internationally.
There are also fast-growing wine regions on Kangaroo Island, Eyre Peninsula,the southern Fleurieu and on the Limestone Coast.
There is no shortage of places to eat in South Australia. The wine regions have restaurants and vineyard cafes with imaginative local produce menus.
Seaside eateries offering the catch of the day and across the state are bakeries, butchers selling regional specialties.
Adelaide - Penfolds Magill Estate offers tours of its historic buildings followed by a tutored tasting.
In the Adelaide Hills you find over 30 cellar doors and a wide variety of places to dine.
Barossa - the most famous wine region with over 60 cellar doors and wine experiences like 'Make Your Own Blend' tour at Penfolds.
The Clare Valley offers more than 30 cellar doors offering wines sought-after internationally.
On the Fleurieu Peninsula, McLaren Vale alone has over 50 cellar doors and produces fine olive oils and almonds.
Limestone Coast (Coonawarra) - has about 20 cellar doors and is known as the 'Bordeaux of Australia'.
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Nature and Wildlife
One of South Australia's major selling point is nature and wildlife.
Most of it can be found in its natural habitat, without fences and cages, in environments that vary from coastal and river waters, arid deserts and native forests to majestic ranges.
Adelaide - enjoy swimming with wild Bottle-nosed dolphins. For visitors wanting to cuddle a Koala - Cleland Wildlife Park in the Adelaide Hills is the place to be.
On the Eyre Peninsula visitors can swim with sea lions, dolphins and tuna or watch the Southern Right Whales from the Head of Bight.
Another place to see the wildlife in the wild is the Gawler Ranges National Park with its 140 species of birds.
Another prime whale watching spot is Victor Harbor on the Fleurieu Peninsula - also home to over a thousand little Penguins (Granite Island).
Arguably Australia's best place to spot the wildlife is Kangaroo Island, where visitors can get close to Australian sea lions lying on the beach at Seal Bay.
Blue Lagoon on the Limestone Coast and Murray River are a bird watchers paradise with the Birds Australia Gluepot Reserve UNESCO listed as Riverland Biosphere.
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Outback
South Australia's Outback is a remote and vast area which borders the Northern Territory, Queensland, Western Australia and New South Wales.
Adelaide provides an ideal and accessible gateway to the Outback (only 5 hours drive to Wilpena Pound).
The desert areas vary in different parts of the state.
In the north the outback becomes red as it nears the Northern Territory border, in the north-east it is stony with some lush vegetation on the banks of the Cooper Creek in Innamincka, and in the west there is grey sandy desert with sparse vegetation.
In the heart of South Australia's Outback desert country there lies a fragile landscape that can only be seen from the air.
Anna Creek Painted Hills is a spectacular and recently discovered section of the pristine Breakaways country in the far north of South Australia.
Breakaway country appears around Coober Pedy, Oodnadatta, Copper Hills, Arckaringa Hills, William Creek and Evelyn Downs. It is a rocky outcrop of large and small hills, which emerge suddenly out of a flat, desert landscape.
These arid, dissected plateaus are created by severe erosion, which reveals mesa or pedestal rocks and the richly colored underlying strata.
The area is often referred to as a "fragile lunar landscape" because of its unspoilt nature.
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Backpacker and Youth Travel
It's easy to get around South Australia and you won't find yourself battling crowds of tourists.
This is where you can get off the beaten track and discover the adventure, wildlife and fun that make up the best backpacking holiday.
And if you run out of money, South Australia is a great place to top up your money and extend a Working Holiday Visa with some regional employment.
Popular work for backpackers includes fruit picking in the Riverland, pruning vines in the Adelaide Hills and pouring beers in Adelaide.
In the capital city, Adelaide, you'll find plenty of nightclubs within walking distance of each other.
And you can join the crowds at events like the Tour Down Under, Fringe Festival and Clipsal 500.
There's friendly budget accommodation - award-winning backpacker hostels right in the heart of the city and seaside caravan parks where there are cheap and cheerful lodgings by the ocean.
And there's the food of the world at the Adelaide Central Market, free daytime buses driving around the Adelaide city centre, plus two-hour free Bike Hire, and lots of beautiful parks and beaches to relax in.
In regional South Australia there's adventure aplenty.
Try our surfing beaches, swim with sea-lions and dolphins, explore the Outback or learn more about great Australian wine at our many cellar doors.
For extended tours departing from Adelaide we suggest the following companies:
Nullarbor Traveller
Heading Bush
Adventure Tours
Groovy Grape
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Adventure
From the coast to the Outback, every part of South Australia has adventure activities to get the adrenalin pumping.
Along the coastal regions, visitors could learn how to surf or dive through the wreckage of a scuttled Navy destroyer.
South Australia with its uncrowded waters and unique marine environment is a diver's paradise.
The marine life is unique - the Leafy Sea-dragon,
Australian Sea Lions and Giant Cuttlefish are among the stars.
The Limestone Coast is home to some of the finest freshwater sinkhole and cave diving in the world offering premier caving experiences.
The adventure could be water-skiing and jet boating on the mighty Murray River.
Visitors could hike the formidable Heysen Trail, which stretches from the southern tip of South Australia through to the Flinders Ranges.
South Australia is a brilliant destination for bushwalkers with its mix of environments and dedicated trails ( Heysen Trail, Riesling Trail, Torrens Trail and Yurrebilla Trail).
Or perhaps cycle along the Mawson Trail from the Adelaide Hills, through the Barossa, all the way to the Outback town of Blinman.
Several tour operators run bike tours to the state's regional areas.
if serious thrills are wanted, adventure seekers can explore subterranean caves, hike ancient mountain ranges, or even hop in a cage and go diving with some of the most fearsome sharks on the planet, the Great Whites.
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Shopping and Markets
South Australia has some fabulous food markets such as the Adelaide Central Market, where visitors can enjoy fresh aromas, a conversation with local producers, and a chance to grab that special jar of goodies that simply cannot be found on any ordinary supermarket shelf.
The Adelaide Farmers Market is a vibrant place where farmers and producers sell their goods every Sunday.
The Willunga Farmers' Market on the Fleurieu Peninsula features 30 stalls with a special emphasis on organic produce.
Mingle with Adelaide Hills locals as they pick up everything from fresh fruit and vegetables, to olives, jams, breads, cheeses, chutneys and chocolate at the Adelaide Hills Market.
Visitors can hear the real stories behind traditional Barossa delicacies like wood-oven breads, smoked meats and olive oils at the Barossa Farmers Market, a food-only market in Angaston.
Seafood is on the menu at the Eyre Peninsula Farmers Market as is matching regional wine with fresh local food at the Limestone Coast Farmers Market.
Shopping
Rundle Mall - explore its elegant arcades including Adelaide Arcade, its department stores and boutiques, cafes and flower stalls. This is Adelaide's shopping mecca.
Jam Factory Contemporary Craft and Design - one of Australia's leading contemporary craft production and exhibition spaces.
RM Williams known as the Australian bushman's outfitter and is famous for saddlery and boots that were traditionally for stockmen in the Outback.
Now clothes and accessories made by this famous South Australian company are worn both in the city and the Outback, in Australia and around the world.
King William Road at Hyde Park - for fashion and design.
Glen Osmond Road at Eastwood - for designer seconds and clearance shops.
The Parade at Norwood - for cafes, restaurants and boutiques.
Jetty Road at Glenelg - a good excuse to mix shopping with a stroll on the beach.
Harbour Town - for factory outlet shopping.
For More Information visit www.southaustralia.com
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