Bram ReusenEven in 2025, Australia’s southernmost state still conjures images of the red-dusted Outback, but South Australia surprises at every turn with its 3,800 km of rugged coastline, world-class wine regions and pristine beaches. From the rolling vineyards of the Barossa Valley and the surf-worthy sands of the Fleurieu Peninsula to the ancient gorges of the Flinders Ranges and the lunar landscapes of the Nullarbor Plain, this vast land delivers contrasts that beg exploration.
Whether you’re chasing wildlife across Kangaroo Island, diving among great whites off Port Lincoln or unearthing opals in Coober Pedy’s subterranean town, South Australia offers a blend of coastal charm, culinary delights and desert adventure that is uniquely its own. Here are the top 10 best places to visit in South Australia in 2025!
Also read: Places in Australia: 10 Surreal Hidden Gems You Need to See
1. Flinders Ranges National Park
Image credit: Michael | Flickr
Arguably one of the most impressive national parks in Australia (and that says a lot), Flinders Ranges National Park is a place of tall mountain ranges, arid plains, dried up riverbeds, Aboriginal heritage and huge numbers of classic Australian wildlife, from kangaroos and emus to brightly coloured parrots.
2. Adelaide
Image credit: Rexness | Flickr
Laid-back Adelaide is a city of parks, wide streets and a lively and energetic atmosphere. It is dotted with historic buildings and fantastic museums and flanked by hills in the east and beaches in the west. Unlike Perth, Sydney and Melbourne, Adelaide wasn’t founded as a convict settlement and therefore not built by criminals. It prides itself for its history of freedom.
3. Nullarbor Plain
Image credit: Chris Fithall | Flickr
An absolutely enormous semi-arid plain in the southwestern corner of the state, squeezed between the colossal cliffs in the Great Australian Bight and the Great Victoria Desert, the Nullarbor Plain is the largest limestone karst landscape in the world. Covering an incredible 200,000 square kilometres, the plain is crossed by only one road and one railroad, both offering remote journeys of epic proportions.
4. Barossa Valley
Image credit: Graeme Churchard | Flickr
The Barossa Valley, one of the world’s finest wine regions, lies only a two-hour drive outside of Adelaide. This vineyard-dotted region is home to more than eighty wineries, rolling hills, spectacular panoramic views and award-winning restaurants. It’s the perfect day trip from South Australia’s capital.
5. Port Lincoln
Image credit: ccdoh1 | Flickr
Port Lincoln is on the coast of the Eyre Peninsula, which is sometimes referred to as the ‘seafood frontier’ of Australia. Many fine seafood restaurants are found all over the area, including Port Lincoln. However, what brings most visitors to this coastal town is its shark-infested waters. This is arguably the best place in Australia (or the world for that matter) to go shark cage diving, which is a fantastic and safe way to get up close to great white sharks. Additionally, you also want to go swim with sea lions or fish for bluefin tuna.
6. Fleurieu Peninsula
Image credit: Jocelyn Kinghorn | Flickr
A relatively short drive from Adelaide, the Fleurieu Peninsula summarises the best that South Australia has to offer. There are fantastic beaches suitable for both surfing and swimming, impressive coastal cliffs, pretty historic villages and the world-renowned McLaren Vale, a huge wine valley that is famed for its Shiraz.
7. Coorong National Park
Image credit: ECO IMAGES PTY LTD | Flickr
The 130 kilometre-long Coorong is a region on the South Australian southeastern coast. It includes the mouth of the mighty Murray River and is made up of lagoons, inlets and lakes, salt flats, and sand dunes and beaches. This is a less-visited destination, making it ideal for people who want a quiet vacation, and an excellent place to go for head-clearing walks on the beach, or to go fishing, canoeing, bird watching and off-road driving.
8. Coffin Bay
Image credit: Robyn Jay | Flickr
Coffin Bay is famous for two things: oysters and beaches. Located at the southern tip of the Eyre Peninsula, Coffin Bay offers astonishing views of white sandy beaches, expansive bays, picturesque waterways, sailboats bobbing in the calm ocean and long sand dunes. A rather quiet destination, it makes for the perfect beach getaway.
9. Kangaroo Island
Image credit: Peter | Flickr
Australia’s third-largest island after Tasmania and Melville Island, Kangaroo Island features pristine wilderness areas, abundant wildlife and fun activities a short ferry ride from the South Australian mainland. The perfect place for a day trip, it is home to beautiful coastal scenery, rolling hills and bushlands.
10. Coober Pedy
Image credit: Benjamin Jakabek | Flickr
Coober Pedy is one of the world’s unique towns. Situated in the heart of the outback in the far north of South Australia, this town is almost entirely underground. To escape the blistering desert heat, the town’s inhabitants have sought refuge in underground dwellings: there are churches, shops, houses and even hotels below ground level. Additionally, Coober Pedy is renowned for its precious opals. It is the self-proclaimed ‘Opal Capital of the World’, a title that’s most likely not far from the truth.
Pack Your Bags for South Australia
Ready to trade city lights for starry Outback skies, and coastal road trips for cellar-door discoveries? Hit the highway from Adelaide to the undulating hills of McLaren Vale, then head north into the ochre heartland where the mighty Murray meets the Coorong’s tranquil lagoons. Wander among ancient river red gums, toast a Shiraz at sunrise on Kangaroo Island and sleep beneath a canopy of Southern Cross. In South Australia, every turn reveals a new vista. So buckle up and prepare for a journey that marries rugged wilderness, gourmet indulgence and unforgettable memories!
Also read: Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk: The Best Thing to Do in Sydney, Australia
