No longer gatekeeping the hidden gem that is South Australia.
Epic coastlines, rugged outback, local wildlife and rich cultural history — yep, we’re talking about South Australia. I’ve always assumed that there aren’t a lot of things to do there, but I was delightfully proven wrong after a six-day trip to the capital city, Adelaide!
From swimming with wild dolphins to having the best glass of wine in my life, every moment there is permanently seared into my brain (and my maxed-out phone storage) 🙈
So if you’re ready to have your eyes, heart and tummy filled, here’s my list of 11 unique things to do in South Australia!
1) Visit Kangaroo Island
Did you know that Kangaroo Island is seven times the size of Singapore?
A getaway to Kangaroo Island is one of the best things to do in South Australia. If you only have a day to spend there, opt for the Kangaroo Island Sip & See day tour from Adelaide (like we did!) to check out the iconic wildlife, glorious nature landscapes and try the local produce.
The first stop was Raptors Domain, where we caught the morning free-flight Birds of Prey presentation — it featured rescued owls, tawny frogmouths, kookaburras, wedge-tailed eagles and more. I even got to interact and pet a few of the birds!
The tour also included a three-course lunch at Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery and we even had a quick look around the property. There’s a resident Joey onsite so you can technically say you met a Kangaroo on Kangaroo Island.
We then headed to Clifford’s Honey Farm to buy some organic Ligurian honey before a 10-minute stop to snap pictures of the stunning Pennington Bay.
And since it’s a ‘Sip & See’ tour, our final activity was a wine-tasting session at False Cape Wines, the largest vineyard on Kangaroo Island. I got to try eight different wines at their cellar door while overlooking the scenic green vines.
For those who prefer just wildlife and sightseeing, check out the Kangaroo Island Day Tour from Adelaide to catch highlights like Seal Bay, the Remarkable Rocks and Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park 🦘
Cost: ~S$330
Tour timings: 6:45AM – 10:30PM
Meet-up point: Adelaide Central Bus Station (Google Maps)
2) Dolphin Encounters
Wild dolphins just metres away at the front of the boat during the front swim experience.
Check a wildlife encounter off your list by hopping aboard the Temptation Dolphin cruise from Marina Pier. This is the first vessel in South Australia that’s allowed to “swim with” and study dolphins 🐬
Wetsuits and snorkels are provided, so all you need to do is rock up and have fun!
Curious dolphins might come over to you in the back swim!
On our trip, pods of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins swam up to the front of our boat to surf — and watching from the front net meant that I was just metres away. As the boat was sailing, it felt like I was swimming together behind them!
For those who prefer to stay dry, book the Dolphin Watch instead where you can spot the dolphins from aboard the same boat. There’s even a net on the boat to lounge on.
You can see dolphins year-round but Temptation only operates between Sep – Apr as it’s too cold to swim in the winter. During then, you might even spot seals and penguins if you’re lucky!
*Pro-tip: Top up an additional AU$25 for a photo and video package to get iPhone, GoPro and camera footage after the tour.
Cost: ~S$122/pax for Dolphin Swim, ~S$69/pax for Dolphin Watch
Tour timing: 8AM – 11:30 AM (Sep – Apr)
Meeting point: 1 Holdfast Promenade, Glenelg SA 5045, Australia (Google Maps)
3) Take a Half-day Tour to Adelaide Hills
Known for its scenic views and quaint towns, Adelaide Hills is only half an hour’s drive from the city. To fully explore the area, go on a half-day Adelaide Hills and Hahndorf bus tour, which covers three different spots.
The first stop is Mount Lofty Summit, the highest point in Adelaide at 710m with panoramic views of the city. We only had ~20 minutes at the lookout point before heading to Beerenberg Farm 🍓 .
There wasn’t enough time to pick their famous strawberries, so I bought a box to try! The farm also sells condiments like jams, marmalades and honey — the mini jars are only AU$1.50 each!
The bus then took us to Hahndorf where we were given ~1.5 hours to explore. It’s the oldest surviving German settlement in Australia at 185 years old and looks like a quaint town in the German countryside. There are bakeries, artisan, vintage, Christmas and souvenir shops on the main street to check out and window shop!
The village is also one of the best places for Autumn foliage in South Australia. That said though, the trees already had a slight orange tinge while I was there during the Summer 😍
We booked the tour via Klook and it also included a voucher for an afternoon tea set or a tasting of three German beers at the rustic Hahndorf Inn. I’m not a fan of beer so I opted for the afternoon tea set and chose the iced chai and apple strudel. Then, it was back to the bus and the city.
Cost: ~S$83.60/pax
Tour timing: 1:15PM – 5:15PM (Tue, Fri – Sun)
Meeting point: Adelaide Central Bus Station (Google Maps)
4) Explore the d’Arenberg Cube
The d’Arenberg Cube is the most recognisable icon of the McLaren Vale wine region. Situated in the centre of the d’Arenberg vineyard, the five-storey building is intentionally designed to look like a floating Rubik’s cube.
While most drop by for a tasting of the d’Arenberg wines, the Cube also has a restaurant, a private function area and two art exhibitions. The art exhibitions are the star of the show, so I recommend setting aside a few hours to uncover the whimsy inside ✨
This sculpture invites visitors to smell unexpected ingredients used in wine through the horn.
On top of winemaking and designing the Cube, the owner also creates quirky artworks and sculptures. They are displayed at the Alternate Realities Museum located on the ground floor. Stepping in feels like being transported to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory — you never expect what you’ll see and it’s an interactive and immersive experience!
The sculptures, self-portraits and wax figures are eccentric, to say the least…not even the toilets are spared 🤣
There’s also a Salvadore Dalí exhibition on the third floor. It features over 25 authentic bronze sculptures and works, making it the largest Dali collection in the Southern Hemisphere. Works by Picasso, Billich and Ted Johnson are also displayed in this exhibition.
For die-hard wine fans, the Cube also offers a wine-blending class on the top floor.
Entrance fee: AU$30/pax (incl. entry to the d’Arenberg Cube, the Alternate Realities Museum, the Salvador Dali exhibition and wine tasting)
Opening hours: 10:30AM – 4:30PM
How to get there: 40min drive from Adelaide CBD (Google Maps)
5) Join the Jimmy C Street Art Walking Tour
Adelaide is a colourful and vibrant city — literally. A quick walk around the block and you’ll spot murals on multiple building facades. But if you tend to overlook the ordinary, a walking tour is an underrated way to get to know a new place!
The Jimmy C walking tour explores Adelaide through the eyes of the artist Jimmy C, whose street art is scattered across the city. He’s a London-based artist who grew up in Adelaide, so his works are like a love letter dedicated to the city. My personal favourite is the Ophelia mural on the East End.
Jimmy C also works with local artists on murals and the painting techniques of Aboriginal art inspired this collaborative piece!
The tour is run by Katina, a local Adelaidian who is enthusiastic and informative about both the artist and the city. Exploring a new place on foot with a guide helped me see the city from a new perspective and she pointed out things I’d otherwise overlook.
Cost: From S$40/adult
Tour timing: 2PM – 3:30PM (Mon – Sat)
Meeting point: Jimmy C’s Opehalia piece, 22/26 Vardon Ave, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia (Google Maps)
*Pro-tip: Use <THETRAVELINTERN> on Klook to get 5% off activities and hotels (min. spend of S$50, discount capped at S$15)
6) Chart Constellations in Mannum
Photo credit: @blntpencil via Instagram
Here’s a cool night activity — look to the night skies in Mannum, one of the darkest places on earth, for a spectacular starry display. Watch the sunset and witness an endless blanket of stars gradually light up the sky.
Photo credit: Klook
On this stargazing tour, you’ll get to explore the Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Cultural Site and even cross the Murray River on a ferry to get to the viewing point. See the breathtaking Milky Way and chart constellations up close via telescope, with the guidance of an expert astronomer.
*Pro-tip: Bring a tripod and take photos of the stars by using the long exposure function in your phone’s camera!
Cost: ~S$256/pax
Tour timing: 4:30PM – 10:30PM
Meeting point: 9 Randell St, Mannum SA 5238 (Google Maps)
7) Food Tasting at Adelaide Central Market
They say food is the best way to learn a country’s culture — so what better way than a trip to Adelaide Central Market?
Opened in 1869, it’s one of the oldest markets in Australia! There are overflowing displays of fresh produce, meat, seafood and cheese from around South Australia. The best part is that they are super affordable!
The market is also home to dozens of international stalls, reflecting Australia’s multiculturalism. Think Korean, Italian, Turkish and even Nepalese cuisine.
*Pro-tip: Book a guided food tour on Klook to sample the delicious produce — I had the best pastrami of my life there 🌚
Aside from the delicious food tastings, participants can also learn about the history of the market. Did you know that it’s one of the largest undercover markets in the Southern Hemisphere? It also has a sustainability policy so it composts and donates all food waste.
The market is overflowing with brightly coloured fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood and cheese so do bring a cooler bag cause we promise you will be tempted to buy 🤤
Cost of tour: S$74.80/pax
Opening hours: Varies
Tour timing: 9:30AM – 11:30AM (Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat)
How to get there: 3min walk from Victoria Square (Google Maps)
8) Catch Interesting Festivals
Contrary to popular belief, there are things to do in Australia at night — you just need to know where and when.
Adelaide’s nightlife ramps up every March, where summer events such as the Adelaide Festival, WOMADelaide and the Adelaide Fringe all happen during the same period — and yes some shops close later during this time too.
Music lovers should catch WOMADelaide, a four-day festival celebrating music, performance art and dance at the Botanic Garden. There are both international and local acts and past headliners include Corinne Bailey Rae, Florence & the Machine and Bon Iver 🤩
LIMBO – The Return is a dazzling show with acrobats, cabaret, fire-breathing, burlesque, tap and more!
But my favourite was the Adelaide Fringe, which features acts that veer from the mainstream such as comedy, theatre, cabaret, circus, drag and more! It’s unfiltered and unapologetic — unlike anything you’d see in Singapore!
I was lucky enough to catch three shows — LIMBO – The Return, Maho Magic Bar and Swamplesque.
There are multiple event grounds for the Fringe but the highlights for me were The Garden of Unearthly Delights and Gluttony. The former has more theatrical and comedy shows whereas the latter features risque acts like burlesque and drag! Both venues feature carnival games, food stalls and many circus tents where the shows are held.
Festivals are happening in South Australia every season so do check online to time your trip accordingly.
9) Wine Tasting at Penfolds Magill Estate
Fun fact: South Australia is responsible for 80% of the premium wine production in Australia! So obviously, you’d need to go for a wine tasting at one of the biggest names there — Penfolds.
One of the most renowned Australian wine labels, Penfolds’ cellar door is just a 15-minute drive from Adelaide’s city centre.
While they have a larger patch further out in Barossa Valley, this cellar door in Adelaide offers the exclusive Ultimate Penfolds Experience — which includes a tour around the cobblestone estate and into the underground drives that house dozens of wooden barrels and pricey vintages!
The tour concludes with the Ultimate Tasting Flight wine-tasting session in one of their private rooms. I got to try six glasses including bestsellers like the RWT, Bin 149, and the legendary Grange.
As an amateur wine connoisseur, the Grange might be the best red wine I’ve ever tried — but FYI, a bottle retails up to S$1,000 🥲
Cost: S$154/pax
Tour timing: 11AM – 1PM
Meeting point: 78 Penfold Rd, Magill SA 5072, Australia (Google Maps)
10) Check out the Free Roaming Animal Safari
Photo credit: Monarto Safari Park
Did you know that South Australia is home to the largest safari park outside of Africa?
Monarto Safari Park is not like your usual zoo with small enclosures. It spans vast open landscapes, mimicking the natural habitats of its animal residents where they can roam freely! Over 500 animals live on this 1500-hectare land, including zebras, cheetahs and hyenas.
Take the free Zu-loop bus that will bring you through large open-range habitats where you can spot animals grazing and frolicking. Alternatively, the park has seven walking trails of varying difficulty levels and views.
Photo credit: Monarto Safari Park
Monarto Safari Park also offers animal experiences like the Lions 360 (AU$70/adult), where visitors can get up close with the resident lions within the safety of a 360° cage. For braver souls, book the Lions 360 feed package to get even closer and feed these big cats 🦁
Entrance fee: AU$45/adult
Opening hours: 9:30AM – 5PM
How to get there: 1hr drive from Adelaide CBD. Alternatively, take the LinkSA connecting bus from Adelaide (Google Maps)
Read also: Unique Australian Wildlife Encounters — 8 Places to Get Up Close with Wild Animals
11) Hop on a Road Trip Through South Australia
Lake MacDonnell, Eyre Peninsula. Photo credit: South Australia Tourism Commission
South Australia is the fourth largest territory in Australia and there are many underrated and hidden gems outside Adelaide city. Yes, we’re talking tourist-free coastal, outback and riverscapes!
You can rent a car via Klook for a fuss-free and epic adventure from Adelaide to the Eyre Peninsula. A road trip will give you more flexibility and convenience over your itinerary — with plenty of unique things to do across the country!
Photo credit: South Australia Tourism Commission
Cruise down wide open roads and stop by vineyards in Mintaro, then witness the world’s largest gathering of 250,000 giant cuttlefish in Port Augusta. Dive off Port Lincoln and encounter a Great White Shark up close, or slurp freshly-shucked oysters on an oyster farm tour!
Cost of car rental: From ~S$43/day
Read also: 11 Boujee Things to do in Australia to Add to Your Next Road Trip Itinerary
Tips for planning your trip to South Australia
1) Pre-book your travel essentials
Insurance: As some of the experiences on this list tend to be on the adventurous side (e.g. dolphin encounters, animal safaris, road-tripping etc), insurance is necessary for peace of mind.
Connectivity: Stay connected online with a high-speed eSIM. Plus, you can seamlessly activate it directly through the Klook app on your phone!
Activities: Secure your activity and tour slots by booking them on Klook before your trip for ease of mind and discounted prices.
Accommodation: Pre-book your accommodations online before your trip! On my previous trip there, I stayed at ibis Adelaide’s Superior Room, Queen Bed with City View (from ~S$150/night). Adjacent to Rundle Mall in the city centre, the hotel is a 3-minute walk to supermarkets, arcades and bus stops.
*Pro-tip: Keep a look out for exclusive Klook promo codes and deals for more savings before your trip to South Australia!
Flights: Singapore Airlines is the only carrier that flies direct from Singapore to Adelaide! There’s only one outbound flight a day and it’s a 6.5-hour overnight flight so you can comfortably sleep on board before landing at 7:30AM. Then you’re all ready to explore the town.
2) Take note of the weekend surcharge
Plan your budget and itinerary accordingly as some F&B establishments have a 10 – 15% surcharge for dining out on the weekends and public holidays in Adelaide — look out for notice signs in the shops!
This includes restaurants, casual dining eateries and even drink stores like Gongcha 🫠
3) Plan your trip according to the seasons
While there are many things to do in South Australia, make sure you’re booking your trip during the right season to avoid disappointment! Experiences like strawberry picking, wild dolphin encounters and beach clubs are closed during the Winter (Jun – Aug).
Try timing your trip to the festival seasons to catch shows or during autumn (late Mar – May) for the fall foliage.
Planning a trip to South Australia? Check out these South Australia guides and itineraries:
– Ultimate 6-Day Adelaide Itinerary — The Best of South Australia’s Underrated Capital City and its Surrounds
– 23 Best Places to Visit in Australia Whether it’s Your First, Second or Nth Time– 16 Unique Experiences to Add to Your Next Australia Itinerary
– 16 New And Undiscovered Experiences For Your Next Australia Itinerary
– Cultures Explained: Australia — Why are Strangers Asking How’s My Day?
First published: 15 November 2022 (written by Shairel Foo)
Which experience in South Australia are you excited about? Tell us in the comments!
This post was brought to you by Klook.
