Camping South Australia: Four best places to pitch a tent
Sleeping under the stars. It’s a simple pleasure that goes unbeaten in our own backyard. But this little spot is a step above the rest.
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Sleeping under the stars. It’s a simple pleasure that goes unbeaten in our own backyard.
From pitching a tent on the coast to catch an early morning sunrise, to curling up around a campfire in winter and toasting the occasional marshmallow — camping in Australia is without fail one of the best ways to immerse yourself in all our country has to offer.
While every state and territory offers something different for a happy camper, South Australia really knows how to turn it on in the nature stakes.
From hiking, to see wildlife, practising your photography skills or jumping in a canoe — the beauty of camping is endless.
With an area of 983,482 km², exploring the state of South Australia is no day trip. With a sprawling wilderness, stunning coastline, and stark desert beauty the state is filled with natural wonders at every turn.
Also a haven for foodies (and let’s not forget the wine-drinkers among us), there is great fresh produce for you take on your journey and some of the country’s best seafood to cook up on the campfire.
DISCOVER THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA
So if you’re keen to have some time in nature – here’s some of our favourite spots around this great state!
BEST NATURE-LOVERS EXPERIENCE
Eyre Peninsula & Flinders Ranges 6 Day 5 Night Tour
It’s the best part about camping. Swapping four walls with four much thinner walls, letting every sound of nature in to lull you to sleep.
If you’re game for a trip slightly longer than a weekend, this 6-day tour offers the best of Australia’s south, taking you on a magical journey through the Eyre Peninsula and Flinders Ranges.
The trip is a combination of coastal beauty and incredible attractions, with each day jam-packed with activities, like snorkelling at Baird Bay or exploring Flinders Ranges National Park and Alligator Gorge.
The trip includes all meals (5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners), transport in airconditioned minibus, two nights of accommodation at a bush camp and three nights camping with basic facilities included.
A popular trip for all ages, some highlights include the Southern Flinders Ranges, Alligator and Warren Gorge, Locks Well ‘Staircase to Heaven’, Mikkira Station, Dutchman’s Stern and
Venus Bay.
BEST GLAMPING EXPERIENCE
Seaside Glamping Stay in Lincoln National Park
If you’re keen on camping but don’t want to sacrifice all the comforts of home, this stay is for you.
Sleep by the seaside at September Beach in a cosy glamping tent for two nights at this incredible glamping stay on the Eyre Peninsula.
Swim, fish, wander and stargaze to your heart’s content at this incredible spot where the sound of the ocean will send you to sleep and wake you gently the next morning.
Guests stay in a stunning Belle tent just moments from the beach, with the comfy bed keeping the fun in camping without sacrificing on the creature comforts.
By day, guests can explore all the hidden gems of the Eyre Peninsula’s coastline, whether that be swimming, fishing or lazy beach hangs. And by night, return to the glamping site and snuggle up in your cosy tent, watching the night sky fill with stars. There’s nothing quite like sleeping by the sea.
SLEEPING UNDER THE STARS
Flinders Ranges Glamping with Dinner and Breakfast
Staying with the ‘glamping’ theme, there’s no better way to experience the beauty of the night sky than a stay in the outback.
The luxury safari tents at the Ikara Flinders Ranges have all the modern comforts and the views are extraordinary. This package includes a delicious three-course meal in the evening and a breakfast the next morning to keep you fuelled for a few days of hiking, birdwatching and taking in the picturesque landscape.
The Ikara Safari Camp at Wilpena Pound Resort blends into the landscape and is the perfect setting for a relaxed, glamping getaway, with the natural amphitheatre of mountains 17km long and 7km wide surrounding your tent.
The camp is five hours north of Adelaide and set in South Australia’s most majestic mountain range — making this no ordinary camping trip.
CAMP ON A SHEEP STATION
Camp of caravan stay on Rawnsley Park Station
Swap your glamping tent for the comforts of a caravan at Rawnsley Park Station. Located on a 30000 acre sheep station just below the spectacular Wilpena Pound, Rawnsley Park Caravan Park offers a unique accommodation or camping experience that will not be forgotten.
Guests have recommended the site for its clean facilities, fantastic onsite activities, a general store with the basics, and proximity to local attractions including the Woolshed Restaurant.
The park runs approximately one sheep per six acres, with a stocking capacity of around 3000 sheep. Shearing time is around March each year and the wool is then baled and sent to Adelaide for auction.
In 1968 the first cabin was erected and sheep shearing demonstrations began. Originally tourism was developed as a sideline to grazing, however, tourism is now the major enterprise at Rawnsley Park.
From walking the Flinders Ranges, to 4WD tours and helicopter flights – you won’t run out of things to do.
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO SOUTH AUSTRALIA?
Most consider March through May and then September through November to be the best times to visit South Australia. The autumn period typically has a low possibility of rain and it’s an excellent chance to explore Simpson Dunes with daytime temperatures in the mid-20s.
WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR ATTRACTIONS IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA?
No trip to South Australia is complete without a visit to the capital city of Adelaide, which is Australia’s fifth-largest city.
Popular Adelaide attractions include the cultural precinct of North Terrace, which has must-visit museums and galleries. Next, you should check out Adelaide Central Market which is a shopping institution.
Visitors to South Australia should also head to the Barossa Valley, just an hour’s drive from Adelaide. The valley is one of Australia’s oldest grape-growing regions and a haven for foodies wanting to pair wine with the region’s famous produce.
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