South Australia, or “SA” as many call it, is the fourth-largest state in Australia and is renowned for its ochre outback, dramatic coastline, premium wine regions and historic towns. 

South Australia occupies the southern central part of Australia and contains some of the most arid parts of the country. 

It also has the second most centralised population in Australia with 77% of South Australians living in its capital city (Adelaide) and surrounds.

If you love wildlife, good food, art, culture and fine wine, you’re sure to enjoy everything that South Australia has to offer.

Click here to learn more about Adelaide & the top things to do.

Top Things to See & Do in South Australia:

  • Art Gallery of South Australia
  • Adelaide Zoo
  • Adelaide Central Market
  • Rundle Mall
  • Adelaide Botanic Garden
  • Barossa Valley Wine Region
  • Flinders Chase National Park
  • Kangaroo Island
  • Adelaide Oval
  • Migration Museum
  • South Australian Maritime Museum
  • Fleurieu Peninsula
  • Port Lincoln
  • Mount Gambier
  • Cleland Wildlife Park
  • Mount Lofty
  • Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park
  • The Riverland

Weather Overview (SA)

Hottest months:  Jan – Feb
Average temp: 29.5°C
Coldest months: June – July
Average temp: 15-16°C
South Australia is generally a good all-year-round destination.
During, Autumn, Spring and Summer you will get the best weather, seeing more sunshine and warmer daily temperatures in the low to mid 20s.
If you’d love to see lots of vibrant colour and wilflowers blooming, then Spring (Sept – Nov) will be an ideal time of year to go. 
Winter (June – August) is probably the least recommended time to visit South Australia given the increase in rainfall and colder daily temperatures (particularly in the city and Mount Lofty Ranges).
Overnight temperatures can also drop down to 0°C in some locations in Winter, making for some very cold nights!

Given the sheer size of South Australia, the best way to get around the entire state is to hire a car and road-trip.

However, if you’re only planning to stay in Adelaide, the city is pretty small so you can walk to and from most places or catch public transport.  

For added convenience, Adelaide Metro provide several free public transport options that run within the city and North Adelaide.

Best transport options in Adelaide:

  • Walking
  • Hire a bike
  • Catch public transport
  • Hire a car
  • Book a Taxi/Uber

Between Destinations:

  • Hire a car, 4WD or campervan
  • Local bus/coach
  • Interstate Train (to Perth, Darwin, Broken Hill and Melbourne)

The Best Adventure Activities in South Australia include:

  • Hiking
  • Rock Cimbing & Abseiling
  • Kayaking
  • Quad bike tours on Kangaroo Island
  • Hot air ballooning over the Barossa Valley
  • Adelaide Oval rooftop climb
  • Skydiving
  • Rally Driving
  • Swimming with dolphins
  • Fishing charters
  • Surfing at the many coastal beaches
  • Segway Tours
  • Cost of Living 70% 70%
  • Safety 90% 90%
  • Landscapes & Scenery 80% 80%
  • Tourist Attractions & Things to Do 80% 80%
  • Adventure Rating 80% 80%

Disclaimer: Always check the smartraveller.gov.au website (or related) before travelling overseas, for their latest safety updates, advice and recommendations.

LATEST ARTICLES

MY TOP 3 RECOMMENDED GEAR FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Travel Gear for Namibia

Closed-toed Hiking Shoes

Given South Australia is renowned for its National Parks, there’s going to be a lot of opportunities to go hiking.

Closed-toe hiking shoes will ensure that your feet remain protected against the varying and rugged landscapes of Western Australia.

Learn more here >

Packing Cell for Solo Travellers

Clothes Packing Cell

Clothes packing cells are great because they allow you to organise your clothes into different sections.

That way you can find an item you want, without having to pull out EVERYTHING within your bag (eg. a warm jumper).

Personally, I loved using different packing cells – one for my warm clothes and another for my Summer clothes.

Learn more here >

Recommended travel Gear for Namibia

Sunscreen

Australia has some of the highest levels of UV radiation in the world.

In fact, the UV radiation here is so strong, that it can even cause sunburn in as little as 11 minutes (on a fine summer day).

This is why sunscreen is a critical item to add to your travel gear packing list. 

This is particularly important if planning to travel around WA in Summer. 

Solo Travel Tips

SOLO TRAVEL TIPS

Thinking of travelling solo?

Amazing! Ensure to check out our Solo Travel page that is loaded with important advice & tips to know before you go.

They will help you to prepare for the journey and overcome any personal obstacles you experience during your trip.

Travel Gear

TRAVEL GEAR

Need help or guidance on what to pack?

Finding the right gear for your trip can be overwhelming and expensive – especially if you don’t know where to start.

On our Travel Gear page, I list my favourite travel gear and accessories to help you narrow down the field, save money and buy quality gear at reasonable prices. 

How to Plan & Book Your First Solo Trip

PLAN & BOOK YOUR TRIP

Ready to take the big leap?

There’s no doubt that planning and booking your trip is the most exciting part for any new adventure.

Here I outline 20 steps that you need to know in order to plan and book a successful trip & have fun whilst doing it.  

Start Planning Your Journey Today!

If you're interested in trying something new, or planning your next adventure, ensure to check out our latest articles for inspiration.

If you're ready to take an even bigger jump and would love to travel solo overseas, ensure to grab your copy of our FREE Solo Travel Starter Pack for Beginners.

This pack includes:

  • A breakdown of how to book your first solo trip overseas and all the steps you need to consider
  • Solo travel tips for beginners
  • A pre-travel Planner, Tracker & Budget Template

Get yours for free today!

FREE
Solo Travel Starter Pack
FREE
Solo Travel Starter Pack

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