As published in Travel Awaits ~

South Australia is a relaxed state full of natural wonder, wine, and wildlife. As a local, these are some of my favourite places to escape to.

South Australia is a state in the southern central part of Australia. It covers 380 square miles, about the same combined area as Texas and New Mexico. The capital, Adelaide, has a population of 1.4 million which is small compared to cities in the US. We have a lot of space and not a lot of people to fill it – hence there are many regions to escape to.

Although regarded as the driest state in the driest continent, cereal crops, livestock, horticulture, wine, seafood, forests, and dairy sectors are a vital part of the state’s economy.

South Australia leads the nation in renewable energy and rich natural assets with large deposits of copper, gold, iron ore, graphite and petroleum.

And then there’s tourism. Visitors can get up close and personal with unique wildlife and immerse in swathes of ochre colored outback, dramatic coastlines, world-class wineries and historic towns and cities.

South Australia is a relaxed state full of natural wonder, wine and wildlife. Let me share some of my favorite places to escape to ~

Coffin Bay *- Photo credit: South Australian Tourism Commission*

1. Coffin Bay – Eyre Peninsula

With a coastline that stretches the distance of New York to Houston, it’s no wonder activities on the Eyre Peninsula involving the sea are popular. Endless beaches, pristine aqua-colored waters, untamed beauty, and seafood that graces the world’s finest restaurants abound.

Eyre Peninsula is the furthest region from Adelaide but is worth going the extra mile to get there. The region’s center is the city of Port Lincoln which is a seven-hour drive or a 45-minute flight from Adelaide.

Coffin Bay, a sleepy, seaside village is a 30-minute drive west of Port Lincoln. Those looking for educational but light-hearted fun will enjoy the Oyster Farm and Tasting Tour. Guests are provided waterproof waders before wading through the shallows to the semi submerged tour deck. The affable oyster grower will enlighten you with an insight into town’s history and the oyster industry.

The experience of sipping a glass of white wine, or a Bloody Mary Oyster Shot, as you’re served the freshest oysters straight from sea is truly divine. The tour can include pick up and return from your Port Lincoln hotel if you’re not self-driving.

When hunger sets in, enjoy the All-Day Tapas style menu at Oyster HQ where plenty of culinary options are available if oysters aren’t your thing.

Pro Tip: I spent all my childhood summer holidays in this little town, learned how to fish and swim, and have watched it grow over the decades. The best time to visit is during March to May when the crowds have dispersed, and the weather is calmer and kinder.

Port Lincoln Marina *- Photo credit: South Australian Tourism Commission*

2. Port Lincoln – Eyre Peninsula

The city of Port Lincoln has a population of 15,000 and is built around sandy beaches and rocky coves. It is the ‘Seafood Capital of Australia’ and the marina provides a safe haven to the commercial fishing fleet and luxury yachts. It is a destination that offers a range of escape opportunities to immerse in the beauty on land and sea. It is one of few places in the world where you can go cage diving with great white sharks.

Calypso Star Charters ticks off the pinnacle of a thrill seeker’s bucket list on their full day tours to Neptune Island, 24 nautical miles off the coast. With an 80% success rate of sightings of the great white shark; a famed creature that either fascinates or scares the pants off many. Wetsuits, gloves and booties are supplied to those guests who want to be immersed just below the surface to get a close up view from the safety of the cage. Oh, they give you scuba gear as well! However, there’s no shame if you just want to watch from the boat. You can always purchase the underwater photo packages available at the end of the tour and your friends won’t be able to tell if it is you with all the scuba gear on, anyway.

Land lubbers, don’t despair, because there’s plenty to fascinate you, too. You can either self-drive or join a tour, to hand feed local wildlife, view koalas up close, venture across sand dunes in a 4-wheel-drive vehicle in the National Park, gaze out over the Southern Ocean from limestone cliffs, or relax and taste the maritime influenced wines.

Pro Tip: I choose to stay at the Port Lincoln Hotel, with sea view balcony rooms, a restaurant, and two bars serving light meals all day, as it is perfectly located to the beach and shopping precinct.

Shark cage diving off the coast of Port Lincoln, Australia - *Photo credit: Calypso Star Charters*

Rawnsley Park Station - *Photo Credit Rawnsley Park, Jacqui May Photography*

3. Rawnsley Park Station - The Flinders Ranges

Regarded as the most accessible outback in Australia, the Flinders Ranges is a mountain range of rocky gorges and rugged, weathered peaks that start around 125 miles north of Adelaide. Stretching 265 miles northward they provide some of the most dramatic landscapes in Australia; the most significant being Wilpena Pound, an oval shaped natural amphitheatre of mountains 10 miles long and 5 miles wide.

Overlooking the southern side of Wilpena Pound is Rawnsley Park Station, a working sheep station that has transformed into an award-winning tourist destination attracting 20,000 visitors a year. With a choice of hiking and mountain bike tracks to discover, scenic flights, 4WD tours, unique photo opportunities, swimming pool or a shady tree to read a book under, there are many ways to escape here.

Accommodation options include camp sites, the Rawnsley Homestead for 2 couples or a family, self-contained holiday units, to the luxury eco villas where the ceilings retract offering night-sky viewing from the comfort of your bed. With no artificial light to interfere with the dark night sky, the Australian outback is one of the most impressive skies in the world to star gaze.

Modern Australian cuisine is on the ever-changing menu at the onsite Woolshed Restaurant, situated in an authentic Australian woolshed. With a focus on local produce and native ingredients, I recommend their home-grown lamb or the Pepperberry Roo.

Pro Tip While I suggest you spend a few days here, there is a package available for those on limited time. Priced from $1998 AUD per couple, it includes 2 nights in an eco-villa, a 30-minute scenic flight and a full day 4-wheel-drive tour including lunch.

An e-bike tour to wineries in the McLaren Vale Wine Region of South Australia - *Photo credit: South Australian Tourism Commission*

4. Port Noarlunga – Fleurieu Peninsula

Port Noarlunga is a beachside suburb 40 minutes south of Adelaide, and one I know really well because I live there!

I’m fortunate to live on the stretch of the Onkaparinga River less than half a mile from where it flows gently against oche colored cliffs to the sea. This section is tidal, so the usually crystal clear, calm saltwater makes it popular for kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding, and swimming. Dogs love it, too, as they are allowed off the leash here with their owners choosing this location for their regular walks.

An easy stroll across the river on a boardwalk, then through sandhills, provides access to Southport Beach. Voted as Australia’s eighth-best beach, it is an excellent surfing beach for board riders and body surfers. Incidentally, the criteria used to judge the best beach included international suitability, beach safety, engagement with authentic Aussie locals, and how

In Port Noarlunga,a heritage-listed reef lies just off the end of the pier. The reef provides a unique natural marine reserve, perfect for scuba divers. The town offers excellent food options with restaurants overlooking the sea, casual cafes for coffee and breakfast, a bakery, hotel and bespoke shopping outlets. If you don’t like getting your feet sandy, you can follow the dedicated walk/cycle path along the river. Be prepared for cyclists and walkers to call out g’day as they meet you.

The Onkaparinga is not a wordly river. It is not mighty nor majestic or grand. But it brings pleasure, exercise, fresh air, a sense of community, and a way of life for me and an escape for many others.

Pro Tip: I recommend the E-bike and Wine Tour conducted by Gone AWOL Tours. Meet at nearby Moana, then take a casual ride to the McLaren Vale Wine Region. First stop is for coffee then on to wine tasting and lunch. The tour continues on a mini bus, so you can enjoy the world-class wines and cuisine without worrying about a return ride.

Cuddling a koala on Kangaroo Island - *Photo Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission*

5. Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island lies 8 miles off the mainland of South Australia, southwest of Adelaide, and is approximately 1700 square miles; about two fifths the size of Hawaii. With a population of less than 5,000 it is a nature lover’s paradise. With abundant native wildlife including sea lions, koalas, echidnas, penguin colonies and diverse bird species, it receives 140,000 visitors each year.

They say the further you travel away from the mainland the more life seems simpler and your troubles seem so far away. Kangaroo Island is definitely somewhere to escape to. You can be as active or lethargic as you like. There are only 3 main towns and plenty of stunning coastline, natural bush and farmland in between.

There is an array of accommodation options on the island including beachside cottages, lighthouse keepers’ cottages, stunning hotels and retreats. Those with an immersive desire might choose glamping or a farm stay to get to know the locals. No matter where you’ll stay, you will find art and culture, local wines, fresh produce and honey and friendly people around every turn.

Pro Tip: While you’re very likely to see a range of native animals in the wild, I recommend a visit to Kangaroo Wildlife Park to see and learn about over 150 species of Australian native animals, reptiles and birds – and a chance to cuddle a koala.

Many international travellers put Sydney and Melbourne and the East Coast of Australia on their list when planning a trip Down Under. South Australia is often thought of as the forgotten cousin but I can assure you, it punches above its weight in the tourism stakes and you won’t find more friendlier people anywhere.

I hope to see you here one day soon.