Search Destinations

South Australia
South Australia REGION

What is your idea of the real South Australia? Explorers, dreamers and legends? You’ll find what you’re looking for in the Flinders Ranges and South Australian outback. The land is a country of thick, gnarled gum trees, growing alongside stony creeks. There are ruins of farms left by pioneers, beaten back by the harsh landscape. The Flinders Ranges is an ancient and unique part of the world. It is where you’ll find Australians who live hundreds of kilometres from their nearest neighbour. They wait for the twice-weekly delivery of mail and goods from the outside world, brought by a postman and the few lucky tourists accompanying them. There are magnificent mountains, glowing red in the sunset, with caps of lichen covered rocks and razored edges. Feel part of nature with emus and kangaroos passing by your campsite. Experience the peace and darkness at night in the bush. Wedge-tailed eagles soar above the horizon as you tackle the deep, red sand and spinifex of the Simpson Desert or Strzelecki Track. The eyes of the desert lizards will watch, as you stop to see the beauty of Lake Eyre in flood. Feel the burr of the cattle grids under the wheels of your car and mark your journey across this wilderness. Waterholes and narrow gorges of red rock hide yellow-footed rock wallabies and tiny Lake Eyre dragons. Walk, explore and watch. Listen to Dreamtime stories under the shade of gumtrees. It’s vast, ancient and seemingly empty. It is full of adventures and a world far removed from any modern city. There’s the strange beauty of the giant, natural amphitheatre, Wilpena Pound and the siren call of the opal fields. It’s like stepping into a different world.

South Australia
South Australia CITY

There's a real buzz in the Angaston main street - cafés, cheese makers, wine bars, cellar doors, smart little antique and retail shops and traditional shops. Blond Coffee is a Mecca for the locals that visitors should not miss: a modern coffee shop that offers fresh light lunches, great coffee, and a selection of local and imported produce. Similarly, just a minute from the main street. The South Australian Company Store offers visitors a truly regional experience, stocking a large range of Food Barossa products as well as a sensational dining experience, compliments of renowned local chef Chris Wilksch. Both businesses typify the way the Barossa constantly reinvents itself to reflect the best contemporary culture while keeping its feet still firmly rooted in tradition. The Barossa Farmers Market on the edge of town is another example. Held each Saturday morning, it showcases real food produced in the homes and farms of the Barossa. Local food producers offer the freshest of home grown produce, from fruit and vegetables to meat, poultry and free-range eggs, along with a huge variety of locally manufactured food products. But history is never far away. With a population of around 2000, Angaston is at the "English" or eastern end of the Barossa and was named after one of South Australia's founders, George Fife Angas, who sponsored many of the region's early German settlers. The Angas family was a major influence here for many generations, with one of their homes, Collingrove, now providing accommodation and a popular tourism attraction. There is a terrific selection of bed and breakfasts, both hosted and self-contained, as you'll need a rest after all of the activity Angaston has to offer.

South Australia
South Australia CITY

One of the sweetest beach settings in South Australia, Port Elliot is a popular place to visit. Port Elliot is a model seaside village, it has cafes, antique and gift shops along The Strand. Feel the sand between your toes at picturesque Horseshoe Bay - its large beach and safe swimming conditions which makes it a hit with the children. If you like surfing, Boomer Beach is the place to go, it lies on the western edge of the town. Jump aboard the Cockle Train to nearby Goolwa or Victor Harbor - other popular seaside destinations - or try the cliff-top walking path for stunning views of the coast. The Encounter Bikeway weaves its way through Port Elliot's streets. Port Elliot has a wealth of holiday accommodation to relax in. You'll find some great places and you may even want to bring your four-legged friend! Port Elliot was selected by Governor Sir Henry Edward Fox Young in 1850 as the site for the ocean port of the Murray River trade. He named the place after his friend, Sir Charles Elliot. The township was proclaimed in 1854, the same year in which the first railway line in South Australia was opened between Goolwa and Port Elliot. The Governor's choice was unfortunate because the bay was not well enough protected. After several shipwrecks, the anchorage was transferred to the lee of Granite Island at Victor Harbor in 1864.

South Australia
South Australia CITY

Geranium is a pretty farming town named after the wild geraniums that grow in abundance there. The town has a hall, two churches, store, garage, extensive sporting facilities and the only bowling green in the area, making it an important local centre and an attractive township for retiring farmers. In an era of centralisation to big towns, Geranium’s future as a small centre seems assured. In 1999 the Geranium was named South Australia’s Tidiest Town. The town still consistently features among the top achievers in these annual awards. Geranium went on to compete in the National Finals of Australia’s Tidiest Town and won an Award of Excellence for Environmental Action and Education. Geranium lies on the far western border of the Southern Mallee. The Geranium residents put in many hours to achieve this award, indicative of the communal spirit of South Australians, who have the highest participation in the tidy town judging of any state in the nation. Geranium won the competition from a huge field of 316 separate communities and 220 schools, competing with many towns far greater in size and population.

South Australia
South Australia REGION

The Riverland town of Waikerie offers one of the longest stretches of accessible riverbank in South Australia. The width of the river makes it popular for water sports, fishing, and relaxing houseboats. This community is surrounded by more than a million fruit trees, making Waikerie the centre of the citrus and fruit industry in South Australia. The town also boasts an 18-hole, bunkerless golf course. Gliding In recent times, the birds have been joined in the skies by gliders, with pilots worldwide raving about the thermals on which they soar. The best way to understand their fervour is from the front seat of a glider: the Waikerie Gliding Club arranges joy flights. The views of the river and waterways are inspiring. Ride the Ferry The ferry crossing at Waikerie is one of the few remaining on the Murray. A trip across the ferry and a turn to the right will take you on a clifftop scenic drive of the river with great views. Clifftop Walk Head off on the 2 kilometre clifftop walk from the Waikerie Ferry for spectacular views of the river. Fauna Park A fauna reserve near the caravan park allows close contact with Australian animals. Murray River Queen Dine and stay the night on a floating motel. The Murray River Queen offers great river views from its fine restaurant or on deck at the café where you can try some Riverland boutique wines. With 52 renovated cabin rooms to suit any budget, this will be an experience to remember. Camel and Boat Safaris Why not head off in the bush on a camel or take to the river on a boat safari – or do both! Camel and boat safaris operate from October to April. Bird-watching at Gluepot Reserve North from the town is Gluepot Reserve, renowned for prolific birdlife and great camping. Visit the new Michael Hyde Interpretive Centre to get all the information you need for a great wildlife experience. Collect the key to the reserve at the Shell Service Station in Waikerie. Visitor Information The Waikerie Visitor Information Centre is on Sturt Hi

South Australia
South Australia CITY

Surrounded by apple and cherry orchards, Norton Summit is home to beautiful 19th century homes and quaint cottages, some of which offer bed and breakfast accommodation. At the centre of the Norton Summit is the Scenic Hotel. Its balcony offers stunning views over the Hills to Adelaide. At nearby Ashton, Marble Hill is now privately owned and there are plans for it to be rebuilt. There are several public open days each year, including the gourmet food and wine picnic at Marble Hill in November. For more information please see the Marble Hill website. Further afield, bushwalkers will enjoy a visit to the Horsnell Gully Conservation Park, while Morialta Conservation Park is popular with rock climbers. More information on what to see and do in the area can be found at the Adelaide Hills Natural Resource Centre in Norton Summit. One of the oldest towns in South Australia, Norton Summit was settled in 1837 just months after European settlement by Englishman Robert Norton. The town is also a family home of former South Australian Premier Sir Thomas Playford.

South Australia
South Australia CITY

Carrieton was named in 1878 after the daughter of Governor Jervois. This small but extremely enchanting town is surrounded by gum lined creeks. Carrieton has many attractions nearby, including the Yanyarrie Whim, Moockra Tower and the Horseshoe Range. The annual Carrieton Campdraft, held in November each year, is one of the biggest and most popular in South Australia. Thousands of people come from all over Australia to either participate in, see, or soak up the atmosphere of the Carrieton Campdraft.

South Australia
South Australia CITY

Loxton is a charming, vibrant town - the thriving centre of one of the most productive agricultural and horticultural regions in South Australia. Established by its pioneers as the Garden Town of the Riverland, Loxton’s beautifully maintained gardens explode in a riot of colour all year-round and are testament to the proud community spirit that exists in this country town. The town often hosts Garden Alive weekends. Make sure you visit the award-winning Loxton Historical Village with more than 38 fully furnished buildings and sites exhibiting farm equipment, machinery and household items used by early settlers. Loxton Historical Village springs to life on each of its regularly scheduled 'Alive Days' – not to be missed. You will also want to visit The Pines Loxton Historical Home and Garden, displaying antique furniture, silverware, paintings and more. It is lovingly maintained by volunteers after being bequeathed to the community in 2002. Loxton Golf Course is ranked in South Australia's top 10 and opens to visitors, as are numerous other sporting facilities. The Loxton Community Hotel offers golfing accommodation packages and following its recent renovation, there is now an excellent variety of dining options as well. You'll also find several motels, farm stays and bed and breakfast properties in the area. The Loxton Riverfront Caravan Park offers water's edge camping and modern amenities. Don't miss the astounding 'Tree of Knowledge'– a living chart with markers recording flood levels, right up to the extraordinary 1956 flood. It sits on the riverfront opposite the Loxton Caravan Park and is one of the few river red gums to survive severe flooding since the all time high flood of 1956. Each Christmas the town lights up when more than 350 houses take part in a brilliant Christmas lights display. Local guides offer bus transport around the town and people come from great distances to join in the fun.

South Australia
South Australia CITY

Edithburgh is a delightful holiday destination, just 233 kilometres from Adelaide and with a population of around 450. Once the third busiest port in South Australia, today it is a popular tourist and fishing village, making it the perfect place for a family holiday. There are nearly 200 hundred lakes, most of which are salt, in the Edithburgh area. It is no wonder that this town was once a major salt provider to South Australia. Today, the town is known as being an excellent location for keen fishermen, with mullet, yellow fin, whiting and larger fish being found in its waters. Fishing is available off both jetty, beaches - try Sultana Point Beach, which is great for those with kids and boats, as it has an all weather boat ramp. Edithburgh is the perfect place to take the family for a holiday, with great swimming beaches and a tidal swimming pool with a shallow area for kids. The sandy beaches are perfect for fishing, swimming, scuba diving or snorkelling and sail boarding. Why not have a picnic or BBQ on the foreshore, or enjoy one of the many walks ranging from historical to scenic and coastal. Edithburgh and Troubridge Island are home to a number of shipwrecks, one of the worst being the 'Clan Ranald' where close to 40 lives were lost. Their graves can now be found in the cemetery. A short drive from Edithburgh, south-east along Sheoak Beach Road, is the Wattle Point Wind Farm. A newly constructed viewing area allows visitors to stand right underneath one of these amazing 68m high structures. Learn about how they capture nature's renewable resource. Established in 1869, Edithburgh is Southern Yorke Peninsula's oldest town. Edithburgh was named after Governor Sir James Fergusson's wife, Edith and the two main roads after his daughters, Edith and Blanche. The town was laid out with terraces and parklands allowing for a beautiful environment. The Jetty was built in 1873 and salt, gypsum and lime were shipped off to Adelaide. Salt was one of the major industries of this tow

South Australia
South Australia CITY

Largely regarded as the gateway to the Adelaide Hills, Crafers is one of the oldest towns in the region. Adelaide’s highest peak, Mount Lofty Summit (710 metres), is a three minute drive from Crafers and there is an excellent Visitor Information Centre and cafe at its peak. Other Crafers attractions include the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens - which has an extensive collection of deciduous trees, rhododendrons and a fern gully - and wonderful Cleland Wildlife Park, where you can see and interact with South Australian wildlife, including koalas and kangaroos. The nearby market gardens and vineyards of Piccadilly and Summertown provide an ideal backdrop for a scenic drive, and the picturesque Mount Lofty Golf Course is nearby. Crafer's first building was the Sawyers Hotel, built by David Crafer in 1839 – just three years after South Australia was settled. The gathering place of ‘tiersmen’ (timber cutters) who worked the Stringy Bark forests that covered the hills, the pub was a popular haunt for the colony’s cattle thieves, sly grog merchants and bushrangers, who took refuge in the relative isolation of the Hills. A village quickly grew around the pub and, in 1840, Crafers built a second inn – the Norfolk Hotel, but this burnt down in 1926. In 1880 the Crafers Inn was built and it has remained a popular watering hole to this day.