1. Adelaide CBD

It was once the case that the South Australian went hard during The Fringe, The Festival and Womadelaide then took the rest of the year off to recover. That is history. The compact CBD now thrums with activity and enticements year round. A slew of new hotels such as Vibe, Tryp and Sofitel have recently opened in the city and cater to a variety of budgets. Peel Street is a bona fide food and cocktail mecca and Rundle Mall rivals any shopping strip in the country (be sure to turn into Ebenezer Place for the super cute Hey Jupiter and excellent vintage clothing.) Just as Sydney has done with Vivid and Melbourne has with Rise, the South Australian capital has also concocted a dazzling festival of light, Illuminate Adelaide (pictured), which runs from July 4-21 and includes free and ticketed events.

2. Clare Valley

Just two hours north of Adelaide, Clare Valley is the perfect weekend getaway, with rolling vineyards, winding walking trails, local produce and country town charm. Cruise along the Riesling Trail on bikes (the area is known specifically for this type of wine), taste the local grapes, beer and cider, or picnic among the vines. Clare Valley is two hours north of Adelaide.

3. Beachport

There’s a trip for everyone on the Limestone Coast, 3.5 hours southeast of Adelaide. Whether you’re looking for The Big Lobster and wineries in Kingston, a seaside wind-down in Robe, acclaimed wineries in Coonawarra, or the Riverland at Coorong, you’ll find what you’re after on this coastal stretch. Picture: Mark Fitzpatrick

4. Adelaide Hills

An easy 20-minute drive from the state’s capital and you’ll land in the Adelaide Hills, a green rolling space nestled between the Barossa and McLaren Vale. So it’s no shock, with those two as neighbours that the Hills are bursting with delicious food, and wine. Head to Hahndorf for European charm, Mt Lofty Summit for panoramic views, pick sweet strawberries at Beerenberg Farm, or drop into one of 60-plus cellar doors that surround the region. Picture: The Lane Vineyard

5. Barossa Valley

The Barossa is world renowned for its plentiful high quality vineyards, specifically their world famous big bold shiraz, and their abundant high quality local produce. Eat your way along the valley, visiting artisan butchers, bakers, cheesemakers, award-winning vineyards and breweries. Accommodation ranges from vineyard B&Bs and luxury retreats, to caravan parks. The Barossa is one hour north of Adelaide.

6. Kangaroo Island

Renowned for its abundant wildlife and beautiful coastal scenery, Kangaroo Island is the perfect getaway. Whether meeting the seals at Seal Bay, visiting Remarkable Rocks, sand boarding on the Little Sahara sand dunes, or walking the Flinders Chase National Park trails, you’re all set. While there, sample the local delicacies; cheese, oysters, gin, whiting, wine and honey. Kangaroo Island is just 30 minutes by plane from Adelaide or a 45-minute ferry from Cape Jervis (which is a two-hour drive from Adelaide).

7. Victor Harbour

Just over an hour from Adelaide lies the seaside town of Victor Harbour on the Fleurieu Peninsula. This is where sand, surf and wildlife intersects. Enjoy fish and chips on the beach, head to Granite Island, home of the little penguins, or join a boat tour to see Southern Right whales from June to October. There’s a range of accommodation available, from B&Bs, to catered apartments and farm stays.

8. Coonawarra

Accessible by both car and plane, and around four hours southeast of Adelaide, the Coonawarra region is renowned for its delicious wines, particularly its cabernet sauvignon. Penola is one standout place to go for your tipples, and to admire the famous rich, red terra rossa soil, which is what gives the wine region its incredible grapes. Head over in May for the Arts Festival, to sample fine food, wine and browse fabulous art, for which the town is closely linked. Picture: South Australian Tourism Commission / Milton Wordley

9. McLaren Vale

Head to the renowned McLaren Vale to sip some of the country’s finest. There are several types of trails; the organic wine trail, family trail, Langton Trail, Southern stars trail and walking trail. Experience the Shiraz Trail in its entirety; from the sea in Willunga to the vines in McLaren Vale, and stop off at the best wineries along the way; d’Arenberg, Mitolo Wines, and Wirra Wirra are only to name a few. If you’re all wined out, instead opt for woodfire pizza at Pizzateca, or travel further into the Fleurieu Peninsula for a camel ride in Victor Harbour, go diving at a historic shipwreck off Port Willunga. McLaren Vale is just under an hour south of Adelaide.

10. Ceduna

Eight hours northwest by road or 90 minutes by air, Ceduna is a great base to explore the far west coast of the state, from the Head of Bight to the Nullarbor. The sweet seaside town is renowned for its fishing, so slurp back some oysters before swimming in Murat Bay, or jumping off the jetty, in one of the state’s, if not the country’s, most remote coastal towns.

11. Flinders Ranges

Get a taste of true outback life and head on a road trip 5.5 hours north of Adelaide, to the Flinders Ranges. At the heart of the Flinders, nestled in the middle of a ring of mountains, is historic Wilpena Pound. Rawnsley Park Station has accommodation options, from eco luxury villas, to camp grounds. For amazing views of the rugged mountain landscape, head to Yacca Lookout.

12. Burra

Just over two hours north of Adelaide lies the idyllic rural town of Burra. Take a look at the former mining towns’ historic Unicorn Brewery, police lockup and stables, miners’ cottages, and smelting paddock. The cottage pictured was famously on the cover of a Midnight Oil CD cover. In town, check out the regional gallery, and the boutique cafes dotted around the Market Square. Picture: Johnny-Janusz Kamma

13. Oodnadatta

An outback road trip brings to mind images of a road stretching for miles, supplies, mostly water, jammed in the back, and endless games of eye spy. But Oodnadatta is anything but — it’s the ideal track for first-time off-roaders. Oodnadatta itself is a fascinating small town in the middle of nowhere, with a railway museum, general store, and local Transcontinental Hotel. Picture: Julie Fletcher

14. Port Lincoln

For a mixture of wildlife, beach and seafood, head to Port Lincoln, the seafood capital of Australia. Glen Forest Tourist Park and Vineyard, is a 161ha farm, with 28ha dedicated to animals, and 36ha to the Lincoln Estate Vineyard. Get up close with cuddly animals, before trying a crisp local chardonnay. Afterwards, head to turquoise Spalding Cove to cool off. Port Lincoln is seven hours from Adelaide, around the Spencer Gulf.

15. Mount Gambier

Historically a volcanic area, Mount Gambier is surrounded by pine tree plantations, and home to the famous Blue Lake. The large dormant volcanic crater is filled with striking blue water, and walking trails surround it. Just south of Gambier, Piccaninnie Ponds has iconic freshwater for swimming, diving and snorkelling and visibility is clear for up to 80m below the surface. Mount Gambier is 4.5 hours south of Adelaide.

16. Nullarbor

The iconic Nullarbor Plains which stretches along the coast of the Great Australian Bight, with the Great Victoria Desert to its north, is 14 hours drive west of Adelaide. It is the perfect road trip camping break, and while the elements are extreme, and there’s no doubt that it requires proper prep, it’s a holiday that you will never forget. Camp out under the stars, watch the sunrise, and stop off at quintessential Aussie towns, like Fowlers Bay by the water.

17. Port Elliot

For a quick beach break, head to Port Elliot, an hour south of Adelaide. Bob in the turquoise water of the beach, learn to surf, snorkel, or visit Oceanic Victor to swim with tuna. On land, head to the Urimbirra Wildlife Park to get up close to our native animals, or head for Granite Island, a 20-minute drive away, to see the local penguins. Picture: Jesse Ehlers

18. Cactus Beach

A surfer’s paradise Cactus Beach, is a highlight for those road tripping the Great Aussie Bight. Camping and combi vans go hand-in-hand here, with the beach just metres from the bush. For the swimmers out there, there’s a netted bay around the corner called Port Le Hunte, and a wharf there to dangle a fishing rod off too. Cactus Beach is just over nine hours northwest of Adelaide. Picture: Michael Waterhouse Photography

19. Peterborough

Three hours north of Adelaide lies Peterborough, a former steam train trading hub of the state, steeped in history from its 20th century glory days. Today only a few trains amble along the tracks, but the town museums that dot the main streets tell the stories of times past. During road trips north, stop in at Peterborough for rural-charm, and a quintessential relaxed country break. Picture: District Council of Peterborough

20. Naracoorte

Get under the Earth’s skin, at Naracoorte Caves, 3.5 hours southeast of Adelaide. Wander the underground passages, exploring the World Heritage-listed stalactites and stalagmites. Above ground, visit local wineries, walk the winding path above the Bool Lagoon, and stay in the picturesque town centre.

21. Coober Pedy

About nine hours northwest of Adelaide, lies the desert-climate opal capital of the world, Coober Pedy. The town is remarkable because of its underground residences, called dugouts, which were built to escape the extreme daytime heat. Tick sleeping below ground off your bucket list, with a range of heritage-listed dugouts available for all budgets.

See also:
11 best things to see and do in SA
10 best beaches in South Australia