Things to do & places to visit in South Australia, Australia

Whether you're a culture vulture or nature lover, South Australia offers great adventures. Get a taste of the Outback with a hike through the Flinders Ranges, sample the amazing wines of Barossa or come face to face with koalas and sea lions on Kangaroo Island. The capital city of Adelaide showcases Aboriginal antiquities at the South Australian Museum and bustles day and night with events. Rent a car to cover the most ground, as the province is four times the size of the United Kingdom.

South Australia #6 destination in Australia 2023. The average rating score is 4.54 based on 101.5k traveler reviews, of 1.306 attractions. Timezone: Australia/Adelaide, current date and time: Sunday, May 05, 2024, 12:33.

South Australia Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

73°F - 49°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Mildly cool with a gentle breeze

Feels like

Chance of rain

27.0 millimeters

Amount

14.1 mph

Wind speed

48%

Humidity

10.7

Daylight length

7:05 AM

Sunrise

5:48 PM

Sunset

73%

Cloud cover

Sweater

What to wear

Top things to do (36)

Top destinations in South Australia 100

See more 88 destinations »

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Calypso Star Charters (1.924 reviews)
- Shark dive Port Lincoln, South Australia
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Shark Diving • Boat Tours • Eco Tours

Can't fault them, the staff were outstanding. I personally dived with a broken hand and the assistance and reassurance was 1st class. The amazing Kelly cooked up so much food there's no chance of going hungry. Cheap drinks on board $1 for cans of soft drink or bottle water or use one of their cups and it's free refrigerated filtered water. Everyone was treated equal and had the same opportunity to see the sharks in the cage or on deck. Was an awesome experience I highly recommend. I also recommend you take advantage of sea sickness tablets . These are available from the Calypso office or your local chemist. Rated 10 out of 10. See more..
5.0 Flinders Chase National Park (1.752 reviews)
- Lovely to see it recovering after bushfires and covid
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM National Parks • Parks

Western end of Kangaroo Island features magnificent coastal landscapes coupled with vast wilderness areas and diverse wildlife. Flinders Chase National Park is the home of the iconic Admiral's Arch with its colony of New Zealand fur seals and the truly Remarkable Rocks. Open every day except Christmas day. See more..
5.0 Raptor Domain (1.010 reviews)
- Wonderful birds of prey display
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

Raptor Domain is open 11:00-4:00 daily (Closed Christmas Day). During SA school holidays gates open at 10.30am. We have bird presentations at 11.30am and 2.30pm where visitors can have an up close experience with free-flying birds of prey. Volunteer participation throughout the show allows visitors to interact with a range of birds but visitors can also purchase a ticket to hold a Wedge-tailed Eagle at the end of the presentation. We also have a reptile presentation at 1.00pm where visitors can get up close with a range of reptiles in a safe, educational environment. There is the opportunity to hold snakes and lizards if visitors would like to, but if not, then watching is also encouraged. See more..
5.0 Spirit of the Coorong Cruises (832 reviews)
- Cruise Mannum to Goolwa
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Boat Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

We did the cruise from Mannum to Goolwa. Thanks to Jock & Warren for looking after us on the cruise and to Gavin for the return bus trip. Both legs of the trip were informative, great seeing the river & Lake Alexandrina from a different perspective. Plenty of smiles & laughs from everyone on board! Tasty snacks & lunch provided. See more..
5.0 Admirals Arch (709 reviews)
- An amazing place to visit
Geologic Formations

This amazing area is part of the Flinders Chase National Park and is a brilliant place to visit. Firstly there is plenty of parking and the boardwalk to the Arch makes the walk easy and safe but for the mobility challenged there are a number of stairs to negotiate. Apart from the beauty of the Arch itself we were treated to a show put on by the seals that had come ashore including some curious seal pups playing up for the human audience. See more..
5.0 Kies Family Wines (541 reviews)
- A winery treasure
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Wineries & Vineyards

Kies Family Wines is the first cellar door you will visit as you drive over the hill at the Southern end of the Barossa Valley. The 1880's cottage style cellar door is nestled among vineyards and boasts scenes of the glorious rolling Barossa Ranges. See more..
5.0 Noble Tours Australia (473 reviews)
- Warning Dad jokes on this tour!
Sightseeing Tours

What a cracker tour! Aaron made sure we had a great time, he told stories as we travelled around Coober Pedy, he made sure we that we learned why people loved the place and stayed, and why people left. He told us the indigenous stories and how they explained how the land was created, but also what the science is. He has a deep love and understanding of the area and does a great job of making sure you understand why. Thanks Aaron amazing tour. See more..
4.5 Glenelg Tram (4.049 reviews)
- So easy
Trams

We rode the tram to Glenelg just for the experience, even though we had a car. So instead of paying for city parking, we parked for free for 4 hours on Peacock rd near the park & caught the tram a couple of stops from the city. We did forget to pre-purchase a metro card, so tapped our visas which was convenient but did mean we paid adult price for our child. Also keep in mind if paying this way you need a different credit card for each person traveling. We later learnt some trams still have paper ticket options on board. See more..
4.5 Adelaide Botanic Garden (3.986 reviews)
- Gorgeous, majestic gardens
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Gardens

In the heart of the city but another world away ... Take time out to explore the beauty and diversity of plants from across Australia and around the world. Spend an hour or spend the day among the 50 hectares of magnificently maintained gardens and stunning architecture. Relax in the shade or enjoy a coffee among some of Australia's finest plant collections. See more..
4.5 Adelaide Central Market (3.822 reviews)
- Fun tour of the Adelaide Central Markets.
Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Flea & Street Markets

With over 70 traders under one roof, the Adelaide Central Market is one of the largest undercover fresh produce markets in the southern hemisphere, buzzing with life and colour all year round. The Market offers a huge range of fresh food including fruit and vegetables, meat and poultry, seafood, cheeses, bakery, smallgoods and health foods, along with some of Adelaide’s most popular cafes and eateries. With over 9 million visitors every year, the Adelaide Central Market remains Adelaide’s premier food destination for multicultural cuisine and fresh produce. See more..
4.5 Adelaide Zoo (3.216 reviews)
- Panda Day, and much more!
Sunday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Zoos

Adelaide Zoo, one of Adelaide's most iconic attractions, is home to more than 3,000 animals and 250 species of exotic and native mammals, birds, reptiles and fish exhibited over eight hectares of magnificent botanic surroundings. Situated next to the Botanic Gardens, Adelaide Zoo is open every day of the year from 9:30am to 5pm and this amazing wildlife experience is only a 15 minute walk from the city. See more..
4.5 Adelaide Oval (3.076 reviews)
- Guided tour of Adelaide Oval
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Arenas & Stadiums

Adelaide Oval has long been one of Australia’s most recognisable and prestigious venues and hosts cricket, football, concerts, functions and major events at the highest level. Its prominent location as the centrepiece of the Adelaide CBD’s revitalised riverbank precinct makes Adelaide Oval an outstanding destination. Known the world over as a beautiful and historic sporting venue, the Oval attracts visitors in their thousands from within South Australia, interstate and overseas. Along with sports fans, the Oval has enormous appeal to visitors with an interest in history, culture, food and wine, as well as a large contingent of business travellers. See more..
4.5 Seal Bay Conservation Park (2.101 reviews)
- An intimate experience.
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

Seal Bay offers one of the most exceptional nature-based experiences in the world. Fees are invested into ongoing research and conservation efforts and through these efforts we hope to preserve the natural habitat of a wild Australian sea lion colony for generations to come. Our tours are designed to suit a wide variety of visitors - you can stay all day if you want to! There are no enclosures or cages at Seal Bay. Instead, you will be taken into the heart of the colony where our experienced guides will teach you more about these endangered animals. Visitors given a unique insight into how these endangered animals fish, surf, rest, interact with their pups and defend their territory.If you prefer, you can set your own pace on the wheelchair accessible 300 metre boardwalk which meanders through the dunes to a number of viewing platforms. See more..
4.5 Art Gallery of South Australia (1.877 reviews)
- Lots to see
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Art Museums

A must-see in the city of Adelaide not only because it holds one of Australia's finest art collections, but also because it offers a variety of activities for all ages. See more..
4.5 The Blue Lake (1.532 reviews)
- Beautiful, even for just a few minutes
Bodies of Water

The Blue Lake/Warwar in Mount Gambier occupies one of the craters of the extinct volcano after which the city has been named. Early each November, the lake's sombre blue, which is in evidence during the winter months, mysteriously changes to an intense deep turquoise blue almost overnight. The colouring remains until late February, when it gradually changes. From late March, it returns to a distinct sombre blue colouring that remains until the following November. The 3.6 kilometre road and walking track around the circumference of the Blue Lake/Warwar provides access to many viewing points, the most popular being the underpass between the Blue Lake/Warwar and the Leg of Mutton Lake/Yatton Loo. See more..
4.5 South Australian Museum (1.425 reviews)
- Giant Squid
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Natural History Museums • History Museums

The South Australian Museum has been committed to making Australia’s natural and cultural heritage accessible, engaging and fun for over 150 years. It is a place where families can learn and grow together. Today the Museum is one of the most visited museums in Australia and holds collections of national and international significance, including the world's most comprehensive collection of Australian Aboriginal cultural material. It is a leader in remote and regional community engagement, and in Australian Aboriginal heritage and scientific research. See more..
4.5 Umpherston Sinkhole (1.344 reviews)
- Unique & amazing sinkhole during the day and night time
Geologic Formations

We came during the daytime and night time to appreciate the unique beauty. During daytime, you can see the beautiful garden growing over the cave like a picture frame to the sky. Looks picturesque enough to have a garden wedding but mind the stairs . Night time we came armed with vegetables and fruits (note do not feed possums with breads) to feed the possums. Managed to feed a mother with the joey & pat the possums. That was the highlight of the trip. See more..
4.5 Cleland Wildlife Park (1.319 reviews)
- Memorable day spent at Cleland Park
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Being a smaller park we spent more time here than anticipated. Just loved the way that we spent interactive time hand feeding kangaroos, wallabies, emus, bandicoots, native geese and ducks. We booked the koala hold experience which was so inexpensive compared to other zoos/parks that I was able to treat my daughter. I was very impressed with the kiosk/cafe staff managing a busy day with covid protocols See more..
4.5 Granite Island (1.045 reviews)
- Iconic tourist spot in S.A
Spent 1-2 hours Islands

Take a short stroll or horse tram ride over the wooden causeway that connects the mainland at Victor Harbor to Granite Island Recreation Park. Enjoy the coastal scenery and discover the island's interesting history along the Kaiki Walk or go fishing from the jetty, or causeway (no fishing from breakwater). You may even spot a southern right whale between June and October. See more..
4.5 d'Arenberg (825 reviews)
- Beautiful spot, great value
Sunday: 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards

The idea to build the d'Arenberg Cube came to Chief Winemaker Chester Osborn in 2003. Inspired by the complexities and puzzles of winemaking, Chester created the idea of a cube-shaped building. Each of the five levels have been carefully designed to entice and excite the senses, including features such as a wine inhalation room, a virtual fermenter, a 360degree video room, and many other tactile experiences. Visitors are encouraged to explore the Alternate Realities Museum, located on the ground floor, and view the many art installations on display. The tasting room is located on the top floor, and is open 7 days a week 10am - 5pm. See more..
4.5 Beerenberg Farm (742 reviews)
- Great great great
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Farms

Beerenberg Farm is a "must visit" for all food lovers visiting the Adelaide Hills. One of Australia's oldest family-owned jam, condiment and sauce producers, it is now run by the sixth generation of the Paech family on their Hahndorf farm. Open all year round, 7 days a week (except Christmas Day), the farm shop is open 9am to 5pm. Enjoy a leisurely browse through the complete collection of farm-made products in the delightful farm shop. During strawberry season (November to April), bring the family and pick your own strawberries from 9am to last field entry at 4.15pm. Patch entry is $5.00 per adult (13 years and under are free). Strawberries you pick are then weighed and are $10.95/kg. See more..
4.5 The Rundle Mall Pigs (720 reviews)
- Hi Wilbur & Friends
Spent < 1 hour Monuments & Statues

These very cute sculptures in the middle of Rundle Mall put a smile on everyone's faces. The cheeky pigs were one of the first things we saw when entering the mall when recently visiting Adelaide. We loved them. See more..
4.5 Adelaide Metro Free City Connector Bus and Tram (697 reviews)
- Adelaide Transport Gem
Sunday: 9:30 AM - 7:15 PM Trams • Public Transportation Systems

Eco friendly, hoping there are more of these buses to join the fleet The free City Connector bus service runs on two loops – an inner city loop and an extended loop around North Adelaide providing a link to popular city attractions and shopping, dining and services destinations. Route 98A and 98C link the city and North Adelaide every 30 minutes, seven days a week and routes 99A and 99C link the main city destinations every 30 minutes on weekdays. Together routes 98 and 99 provide a coordinated 15-minute frequency on weekdays from North Terrace to Hutt Street, Hurtle Square, Whitmore Square, China Town, Central Market and Victoria Square. The service runs from early in the morning until 7.15pm daily, with extra services running on Friday until 9.15pm. The buses are air conditioned and wheelchair and pram friendly. Drivers are knowledgeable about attractions and the best stop to get off See more..
4.5 Old Timers Mine (688 reviews)
- Great museum and pricing respectable
Sunday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Relive history and step back in time to 1916 with this original opal mine, historical museum and underground home, designed to give you the ultimate underground experience. Continuous self guided tour and maps available in different languages. Come and see some of the first opal found by Willie Hutchison in 1915. Try your luck and look for opal in our noodling pits. Kids will love it. • Explore an historic 1916 Opal Mine • See the natural seams of opal and fossils • Admire opal with UV lights • Walk through original underground homes • Continuous self-guided tours • Underground gift-shop • Historic museum • Opal jewellery • Noodle in the pits • Large range of souvenirs See more..
4.5 Chateau Tanunda (686 reviews)
- The weight of history and wonderful wine
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Wineries & Vineyards

The most superb winery experiences in the Barossa can be found at iconic Chateau Tanunda. Lovers of fine wine appreciate the rare blends found in this historic winery, while those looking for the perfect holiday escape relish the beauty and grandeur of the estate. Home to some of Australia's most highly awarded wines, including the collectible Old Vine Expressions from vines over 50, 100 and 150 years old. With beautiful views overlooking the surrounding vineyards and the Barossa ranges, Chateau Tanunda is a must-visit in the Barossa. The Cellar Door offers a range of traditional and fine wine tasting experiences, alongside a range of tours and platter offerings. See more..
4.5 Seppeltsfield (660 reviews)
- Wonderful Experience
Wineries & Vineyards

“The most historic winery and greatest showpiece of the Barossa Valley” - James Halliday. Discover more of Seppeltsfield: wine, food, art, design & beauty. See more..
4.5 Glenelg Beach (647 reviews)
- Worth a visit - Wont disappoint
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Beaches

Glenelg is a popular beach-side suburb of the South Australian capital of Adelaide. Located on the shore of Holdfast Bay in Gulf St Vincent, it has become a popular tourist destination due to its beach and many attractions, home to several hotels and dozens of restaurants. See more..
4.5 North Terrace (598 reviews)
- Have a very beautiful and interesting walk.
Historic Walking Areas

This mile-long avenue has a number of historical buildings, including an 1838 church, the colonial-era Ayers House and the Adelaide Casino in a restored 1920s railway station. See more..
4.5 Naracoorte Caves National Park (579 reviews)
- Amazing and Unforgettable Experience
National Parks • Caverns & Caves

The caves have preserved an outstanding fossil collection. The Wonambi Fossil Centre offers visitors the opportunity to discover what the area was like over 200,000 years ago. See more..
4.5 Monarto Safari Park (547 reviews)
- Roartastic Day
Sunday: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM Spent More than 3 hours Zoos

Monarto Safari Park, formerly known as Monarto Zoo, will be the largest safari experience to exist outside of Africa. Spanning more than 1,500 hectares and home to more than 50 species of exotic and native mammals, birds and reptiles, you can actually fit every major zoo in Australia in Monarto Safari Park and still have land left over! Monarto Safari Park is home to many of Africa’s most impressive animals and also one of Australia’s largest lion prides and giraffe herds. The park is located 60 minutes (70 kilometres) from South Australia’s capital city Adelaide and is the gateway to the picturesque Murraylands region. Monarto Safari Park opened in 1983 as a breeding and pasture area. Since officially opening to the public in October 1993, the park is now home to more than 500 animals roaming in vistas as far as the eye can see. It’s an escape from the city that immerses visitors in a natural safari-style setting. See more..