Holiday in South Australia
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South Australia is a region ripe for exploration, so travellers should select a gear and choose their own pace for adventure here. Each portion of Southern Australia reveals a new land for discovery, its liberating expanses of sky and coastline make perfect for the ultimate road trip or to explore under your own steam – whether it be hiking along the Heysen Trail or pedalling the Mawson Trail. Carved as it is like a weathered sage, this State’s timeless, rugged features are distinct – the ancient, majestic Flinders Ranges, the opal fields and troglodytic moonscape around Coober Pedy, the vast Outback and an uncluttered coastline harbouring sheltered bays and sandy beaches.
Spot southern right whales on their annual pilgrimage to Southern Australia’s waters or mingle with the migratory birds at the Coorong, Bool Lagoon and the expansive sweep of Lake Eyre in the flood. These are just some of the many opportunities here to meet and mingle with the wildlife – magical Kangaroo Island in particular offers up so much at every turn, with resident seals and sea lions, leafy sea dragons, little penguins, raucous cockatoos, wallabies and of course kangaroos.
There are great opportunites in this state to learn more about Aboriginal culture, with aboriginal presence, particularly in the desert areas remaining strong. Permits to travel are required but they are readily obtainable. The rock art at Arkaroola Gorge is accessible by permission at Arkaroola village and is fascinating and beautiful with its sheer rock walls and lovely pools.
Eighty percent of Southern Australia’s population live in the state capital, Adelaide which is a thoroughly charming city, perched between white sandy beaches and picturesque hills. In 1910 JF Fraser observed, ‘Adelaide for culture, Melbourne for business, Sydney for having a good time’. And Adelaide still evokes a sense of cultivation, enhanced by its fame as the location for the Adelaide Festival, Australia’s oldest and most successful cultural festival which takes place ever two years in March. Bookshops too abound but equally sport, the great Australian uniting force, is feverishly followed here and the chance to watch a game of cricket at the atmospheric Adelaide Oval should be taken with both hands.
Some of the best and most reasonably priced restaurants in the country are found in Adelaide. The presence from the early days of settlement of Germans has had the positive effect of nurturing a more varied cultural climate. And this ethinic diversity helps to account for Adelaide’s long-standing reputation as the home of good food and of course wine..
While staying in Adelaide a visit to the Central Market is highly recommended for the fabulous bustle, colours and aromas that are to be found there. Gourmet food and wine are a serious business of course in Souther Australia which makes a visit and exploration of its renowned wine regions such as the Barossa Valley, Coonawarra, the Clare Valley and Mclaren Vale a must.
South Australia is the starting point for many of the country’s great tourist itineraries. Outback Tarcoola is the junction for two trains of almost legendary reputation, the Ghan and the Indian Pacific. But however you end up in this state and wherever you are headed next, you will find a wealth of real Australia here, both ancient and refined and so many great memories to be made.