Only in SA: 10 experiences you won’t find anywhere else
From painted deserts to sleeping under the stars, creating lasting memories in South Australia.
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Top 10 things to see and do in South Australia
1. River Murray Dark Sky Reserve
Explore the mysteries of the River Murray under bejewelled night skies in this rare international dark sky reserve, where clear skies and almost no light pollution create the perfect conditions to explore the cosmos. Hit a tour to connect with river wildlife, talk with Aboriginal custodians and gaze at the blazing stars from ancient clifftops above languorous Murray waters. Feel at one with the universe with a glass of bubbles in one hand and a sense of wonder in the other.
2. Kilsby Sinkhole
Immerse yourself in the crystal waters of the Kilsby Sinkhole and find yourself in inner space. The sinkhole water, filtered over eons through local limestone, emerges into this 60m deep natural basin to provide limitless visibility to divers, akin to the sensation of floating in space. Snorkellers and free divers can revel in the pristine, light-filled upper waters, while certified scuba divers can descend to test themselves in the depths, supervised by industry-certified guides. All equipment provided. Bookings essential.
3. Coorong Beach Experience
Join this exclusive small-group tour to discover the history and fresh produce of the World Heritage-listed Coorong as you’ve never seen or tasted it before. Your guide opens the doors to adventure, and an insight into local indigenous culture and wildlife on the silver sands of this unique environment. Travel in style in a customised 4WD to the place where the Murray meets the Southern Ocean. Try your hand at cockling with an expert before enjoying a sumptuous seafood lunch cooked beachside.
thetailor.rezdy.com/145227/coorong-beach-experience
4. Arkaba in the Flinders
Experience wild bush luxury at Arkaba, a gloriously remote wildlife conservancy nestled in the Flinders Ranges amid sandstone bluffs, ancient creek beds and millennia-old river red gums. Ten guests at a time relax in style at the restored 1850s Arkaba Homestead. Guests are offered twice-daily safaris, bushwalks or even a helicopter ride above the ancient ranges, where views go on forever. Get back to nature in a place dedicated to the conservation of the Ranges’ unique wildlife and birds.
5. Pink lakes
The vibrant, dreamlike hues of South Australia’s pink lakes pop from the landscape like strawberry milkshakes, stunning nature lovers and photographers alike. The phenomenon of these magenta gems is explained by high salinity levels, combined with salt-loving algae and pink halobacteria. The less water in the lake, the more concentrated the salt and the brighter the colour. Take the time to visit at least one of the state’s top five lakes on the Eyre Peninsula, Clare Valley or Outback SA.
southaustralia.com/travel-blog/south-australia-s-pink-lake-bucket-list
6. Bandicoot Springs tiny house
Only have a little time to unwind? Head to Bandicoot Springs just minutes from Adelaide but hidden deep in the hills’ bush landscape. Use the well-appointed wooden house as a base for bushwalking, birdwatching, foraging or sustainable winery hopping. Kick back on the deck and wait for the local birdlife or even an elusive bandicoot to come calling. In its gentle bush setting beside a natural spring, this tiny house offers a sanctuary for the soul.
tinyaccommodation.com.au/bandicoot-springs
7. Coffin Bay National Park
Despite its name, this miracle of nature is a place for the rebirth of tired spirits, with its remote bays, limpid rock pools and rugged coastline. Wander windswept cliffs, massive dunes and white sand beaches where yours may be the only footsteps. Take to the water or just take in the spectacular landscapes from craggy cliffs surrounded by the wildlife of this pristine environment. Four-wheel drivers can enjoy the northern beaches for some sun, surf and secluded camping.
southaustralia.com/products/eyre-peninsula/attraction/coffin-bay-national-park
8. Ewens Ponds
If drifting like a bird above a spectacular underwater garden teeming with wildlife is your idea of natural therapy, bring your snorkel and sense of wonder to Ewens Ponds in the state’s South East. This baby cousin to the Kilsby Sinkhole has three large freshwater springs, interconnected by shallow channels. Here pristine water gives unimpaired views of this amazing aquatic environment. Divers and snorkellers should bring a wetsuit and permit to enjoy this water wonderland.
parks.sa.gov.au/parks/coffin-bay-national-park
9. Oceanview Eco Villas, Kangaroo Island
Soak up the seamless connection between sustainability and luxury at Oceanview Eco Villas, where gourmet dining and luxury accommodation meet serious eco-cred. Sit and watch the world go by or take a short walk to the golden beach before heading out to see the island’s other treasures. Designed by leading eco specialists, the property is completely off grid and solar powered; even the luxe furnishings are made from recycled materials. This is five-star comfort with a minimal impact on the environment.
oceanviewkangarooisland.com.au
10. Heysen Trail
Stretching 1200km from the cool, green forests of Cape Jervis to the rugged Flinders Ranges, this iconic route is the longest dedicated walking trail in Australia. It weaves through some of the state’s most diverse landscapes from the ocean, between rolling Barossa Valley vineyards and on to the red earth of the Outback. The trail is usually tackled in sections, and walking tour companies can immerse you in spectacular scenery by day and a comfortable bed by night.
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