State of Australia
Photo: thinboyfatter, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
South Australia has much to offer in terms of city life and culture in Adelaide, with world-class wine and other produce, friendly people, unspoilt environment and a very relaxed pace of life. Its famed vineyards are a short drive from the city, and there are spectacular nature and Aboriginal cultural experiences further out. South Australia is also home to Kangaroo Island, an internationally renowned wildlife haven. South Australia has remained culturally vibrant throughout its history and is known for its festivals.
Adelaide, the state's capital home to around 80 per cent of the state's population, and its surrounds have plenty to offer for tourists and travellers. The Adelaide Hills surround Adelaide on the eastern side and have small villages with lots of history and lots of natural wonders.
South of Adelaide, the gateway to Kangaroo Island and home to coastal villages where you can escape to.
The home of some of Australia's best wines, the Barossa Valley is the reason why many travel to South Australia. Besides wines, there's lots of history to see here too.
Where South Australians go for their holidays. Enjoy beaches, national parks, and more.
The area surrounding the winding Murray River; South Australia's fruit-growing areas.
17 km off the coast of the mainland, Australia's third-biggest island contains a vast amount of natural beauty unique to this part of Australia.
The cooler southeastern part of the state, home to the state's second-largest city, Mount Gambier, in addition to Naracoorte Caves and many sinkholes and volcanic craters. For wine-lovers, this region is also home to the well-renowned wine region of Coonawarra.
Where 2,000 kilometres of coastline and spectacular scenery meet treeless plains and desert. Home to the cities of Port Lincoln and Whyalla.
The Flinders Ranges are home to Wilpena Pound, a spectacular natural amphitheatre and a great base for walking and exploring. The Southern Flinders Ranges extend down toward the east of the city of Port Augusta and include the 6,000 hectare Mount Remarkable National Park. In the north the Simpson Desert also presents its own adventures and opportunities.
By plane
South Australia's main air gateway is Adelaide Airport, (ADL), which receives most domestic and all international flights into the state.
By train
Adelaide is the main hub for Journey Beyond, the main operator of long-distance rail services in Australia.
By coach
Interstate coach services are provided by Greyhound Australia, Firefly and V/Line, these services also serve multiple intrastate destinations on route.
By car
There are main road connections through to the other states and territories. The main routes are:
By ship
Adelaide's Overseas Passenger Terminal is at Outer Harbor on the LeFevre Peninsula in the north of Adelaide. Visiting cruise ships often dock here.
By car
The state has a well developed highway system; however, in the northern and western regions many roads are gravel or dirt roads and extra care must be taken, but very few actually drive these roads.
By coach
Statewide regional and intrastate routes are provided by several coach companies and they serve the Adelaide Hills, Mid and Far North, Mid North, Barossa, Murray Bridge, Eyre Peninsula and Far West,…
By train
There are no dedicated long-distance country rail services in South Australia.
By plane
Scheduled air services connect Adelaide with several major regional centres in South Australia.
By boat
Fleurieu Peninsula, Kangaroo Island, Yorke Peninsula and Eyre Peninsula have, or have planned ferry operations.
By bicycle
South Australia has a vibrant bicycle culture and the capital city of Adelaide has many established cycle paths and bicycle travel networks and regional trails.
By taxi
South Australia has a number of taxi companies that serve both the main city of Adelaide, regional cities and regional areas. sa.gov.au/topics/driving-and-transport/other-forms-of-transport/taxis
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Coober Pedy · Regional · CPD
Loading places around the airport…
the state capital
opal mining and underground houses
in the south-east of the state, home to the famous Blue Lake
centre of South Australia's farming area
at the top of Spencer Gulf at the very east of the Eyre Peninsula, gateway to the Flinders Ranges
at the bottom of the Eyre Peninsula and a good base for seeing this part of the state
desert frontier town, the old Ghan railway use to pass through here
coastal playground to the south of Adelaide
mining town halfway down the Eyre Peninsula

this wilderness protection area has almost nothing for kilometres on end
the mouth of the Murray River, the world's longest beach and a significant place for the local indigenous people
the Yorke Peninsula's main point of interest is a fine example of a coastal wilderness

dry, desolate town, far from any civilization with less than 50 people, this town holds a secret gem
UNESCO World Heritage Site home to some of the largest collections of mammalian fossils, most which are not seen anywhere outside Australia or New Guinea
one of the most important reserves of Australasian wildlife and a dry lake that occasionally fills up

the most visited park in South Australia's most iconic mountain range
home to Australia's largest sea lion populations and one of the most magnificent spots for whale watching
Articles and travel topics about South Australia and Australia.
Compare and apply for the Australia ETA and New Zealand NZeTA in 2026. Step-by-step mobile app guides, fees, the IVL levy, and trans-Tasman rules.
8 min read
Plan your trip to the Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia with match cities, ticket windows, domestic flights, visa rules, and budget advice.
8 min read
Discover how to use AI to find cheap flights. Learn prompt strategies, smart fare engines, open-jaw routings, and error-fare booking techniques.
6 min read
Complete 2026 guide to visa-free travel for US citizens. Learn where American passport holders can go without a visa, new eTA rules, and entry fees.
8 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.