Start your adventure with this South Australia guide for first-timers — from exploring Adelaide’s popular city spots to swimming with sea lions and touring the national park in Port Lincoln!
When I first heard that I was going to Australia, the few cities that popped up in my mind were Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. And that’s common, people don’t immediately think of South Australia as a travel spot or know of many places in that region.
But believe me when I say that after travelling there, it has got to be one of the most beautiful regions I have visited.
There are many unique things to do such as swimming with sharks and sea lions or visiting an international dark sky reserve.
Now, if you read until here and are interested to learn more, here’s our first-timer’s guide to South Australia — introducing the best places to visit and must-dos!
Adelaide
1) Roof climb at Adelaide Oval
Most people head to observatory decks to catch city views, but here’s a unique way to experience the skyline: climbing to the top of Adelaide Oval!
Located in Adelaide city centre, this is South Australia’s largest stadium with an impressive seating capacity of 53,583.
We couldn’t resist trying this one-of-a-kind activity, as it’s not something you can do just anywhere.
The gearing-up process is thorough, with multiple safety checks and adjustments. Not to mention, a guide stays with you for the entire climb. Once you’re up there, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of Adelaide’s skyline.
*Note: You might even get to catch a sunset up here if you choose the 5PM climb slot!
A unique feature that caught my eye was the seating area midway through the roof walk. Our guide later told me that the Adelaide Oval also runs Roof Climb sessions during cricket or AFL games, allowing climbers to enjoy the match from above. How cool is that?
To top it all off, every participant goes home with a certificate, a cap, and a printed photo to remember the session!
Cost: ~S$97/adult via Klook
Opening hours: 9AM – 9:30PM
Address: War Memorial Dr, North Adelaide SA 5006, Australia
How to get there: ~13min drive from Adelaide Airport (Google Maps)
2) Visit St Peter’s Cathedral
St. Peter’s Cathedral is one of Adelaide’s most iconic landmarks, known for its 51m-high twin spires! This architectural gem has been a cherished part of the city since its completion in 1869, symbolising Adelaide’s rich history and heritage.
There are free guided tours every Wednesday at 11AM but you can also explore it on your own — with information booklets available at the back of the cathedral.
*Pro-tip: Visit the cathedral first, as it closes early at 3:30PM, before exploring nearby spots like Adelaide Oval.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 10:30AM – 3:30PM (Mon – Fri), closed on weekends
Address: 27 King William Rd, North Adelaide SA 5006, Australia
How to get there: ~13min drive from Adelaide Airport (Google Maps)
3) Channel your inner bookworm at the State Library of South Australia
While many may be familiar with the State Library of Victoria in Melbourne, I was thrilled to discover that Adelaide boasts its own treasure: the State Library of South Australia!
The library has a pretty cosy wooden interior and is lined with rows and rows of bookshelves. The place literally channelled our inner bookworms while we were there.
It features a vast array of publications, ranging from travel guides and international magazines to children’s literature and non-fiction.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 10AM – 5PM (Mon, Wed – Fri), 10AM – 7PM (Tue), 12PM – 5PM (Sat – Sun)
Address: North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
How to get there: ~13min drive from Adelaide Airport (Google Maps)
4) Shop for groceries at Adelaide Central Market
As one of the oldest markets in Australia (it’s been around since 1869!), Adelaide Central Market has an impressive selection of fresh and specialty goods.
From meats and poultry to cheeses, fruits, seafood, and more, you’ll find everything you need to cook up a meal! Plus, it’s right in the heart of the city, making it super easy to pop by for a quick grocery run.
Opening hours: 9AM – 5:30PM (Wed – Thu), 9AM – 5:30PM (Tue, Fri – Sat), closed on Sun and Mon
Address: 44/60 Gouger St, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
How to get there: ~11min drive from Adelaide Airport (Google Maps)
Day Trips from Adelaide
5) Hike at Mount Remarkable National Park
South Australia is home to many incredible natural spots, and a popular place to immerse yourself in nature outside of Adelaide is Mount Remarkable National Park!
Just a 3-hour drive from the city, this park boasts diverse wildlife, campgrounds, and walking trails of varying difficulty levels.
If you have limited time like us, you can opt for what was described as one of the “easiest” trails in the national park — the Davey’s Gully Loop Trail, which takes about an hour for a return trip.
Spoiler: The trail was not as easy as it seemed online. It was narrow and rocky, with paths that weren’t clearly marked, making it easy to get lost if we didn’t look carefully. So, make sure to stay cautious when looking at your surroundings, download an offline map and wear a good pair of hiking shoes!
Despite the minor challenges along the way, the view at the top made the hike worthwhile.
Not gonna lie, we weren’t sure what kind of view awaited us as online photos only featured a bench at the summit. However, we were pleasantly amazed at the stunning sight of the sea, mountains, and unique rock formations all at once!
Entrance fee: AU$13.50/vehicle (~S$12)
Address: Wilmington SA 5485, Australia
How to get there: ~35min drive from Melrose (Google Maps)
6) Stargaze at River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve
River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve is not only Australia’s first Dark Sky Reserve, it’s also the only Dark Sky Reserve located 90 minutes away from a capital city in the whole world!
To best appreciate the night sky, book a stargazing tour with Jungle House Experience. Led by Astronomer Joe, it includes a short introduction to astronomy and close-up views of the stars through a large telescope.
Having lived my entire life in Singapore where the vibrant city nightlife often obscures the stars, witnessing a sky full of them is a rare treat. So, when I discovered I would be visiting a destination with a dark sky rating of 21.9 out of 22 for stargazing, it was pretty unbelievable.
To say that the view was awe-inspiring is an understatement. The beauty of the night sky filled with a multitude of stars can’t be condensed into mere words.
Astronomer Joe’s passion for the stars was overflowing, which made the tour super informative as well. He pointed out the different stars and explained how many light years (the distance light travels in one year) they were away from Earth.
*Note: Phone usage is not allowed during the first part of the tour due to the blue light emitted. This blue light can affect your eye’s iris, taking about 15 minutes to adjust to the dark sky again.
Cost: From AU$100/adult for an astronomy tour (~S$87)
Meeting point: 4945 Angas Valley Road, Walker Flat SA 5238, Walker Flat Community Hall (Google Maps)
7) Spend a day on Kangaroo Island
No, Kangaroo Island does not only have kangaroos. The island has diverse wildlife, unique natural landscapes, pristine beaches and gourmet food too!
Start your adventure at Raptor’s Domain, where you’ll be able to catch the morning free-flight Birds of Prey presentation showcasing rescued owls, eagles, and more!
Next, take a trip to the Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery to see how eucalyptus essential oil is distilled.
Then, head to the lookout point at Pennington Bay to immerse yourself in breathtaking ocean views.
For a hassle-free trip, book a Kangaroo Island Sip & See Day Tour which includes an English-speaking guide, a two-course lunch at Vivonne Bay Bistro, transportation and all admission fees to the attractions mentioned.
Cost: ~S$315/adult via Klook
Meeting point: Adelaide Central Bus Station (Google Maps)
Port Lincoln
8) Tour around Port Lincoln National Park
Before you start thinking this is just ‘another national park’, let me explain. I thought the same thing before visiting, but after the tour, I can confidently say Port Lincoln National Park is a must-do for anyone heading to the town.
While you can self-drive and access certain areas of the national park with a 2WD, we highly recommend booking a 4WD tour to ensure a more comprehensive journey and access to even more beautiful spots.
We booked a half-day 4WD tour with Tour South, which included stunning sites like Stamford Bay, Wanna Lookout, and Wanna Dunes. Our guide Ben, was incredibly thoughtful and even brought along tea and cookies for breakfast.
What I appreciated about Stamford Bay was the tranquillity, as we encountered almost no other tourists there. While walking to the bay, we did some birdwatching and spotted Australian species like galahs!
The highlight of the trip was undoubtedly off-roading to Wanna Dunes. Before we could even brace ourselves, we were thrust into an adrenaline-fueled journey — absolutely epic!
Upon reaching the dunes, I was awed by the expansive beauty of the landscape before me. Ben had also prepared sandboards for us to glide down the dunes!
Cost: AU$149/adult (~S$129)
Address: Donington Road, Sleaford SA 5607, Australia
How to get there: ~30min drive from Port Lincoln Airport (Google Maps)
9) Swim with Australian Sea Lions and Great White Sharks
Snorkelling with Sea Lions
If there are two things that Port Lincoln is famous for, they are swimming with sea lions and great white sharks.
In fact, it’s one of two places in the world (the other being Jurien Bay, Western Australia) where you can swim with Australian Sea Lions! We also found out that these sea lions are the most endangered of their kind!
The boat ride to the breeding island takes about 1.5 hours. The tour package includes breakfast, wetsuits, fins, wet boots, goggles (including prescription options), and snorkels.
If you’re not a confident swimmer, don’t worry! Noodles are provided to help you float, or you can observe the sea lions from the tender boats.
There are also certain areas where the water is shallow, making it easy to stand. However, take note that the ocean waves might drift you away from the shallow areas at any moment!
Just look at this! The sea lions were suuuuuuperrrr adorable and playful in real life…they might just be swimming beneath you, unnoticed!
Cage Diving with Sharks
Now onto the great white sharks, Port Lincoln is the only place in Australia where you can dive with them.
The journey takes approximately 12 hours, with a 3-hour boat ride (one-way) to the Neptune Islands, where shark sightings typically occur. But no worries — you’ll be well taken care of onboard with breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea provided.
At the site, groups of up to eight take turns entering the cage after a quick briefing and gearing up.
Sightings aren’t guaranteed as these are wild animals, but we were blessed to spot a magnificent great white shark during our dive in October! Be prepared for icy waters and some serious cage movement while you’re in the cage though.
*Pro-tip: Check the records of past shark sightings online to know when’s the best time to come.
Besides the great white shark, you might also see other wildlife like seals, waterbirds and other fishes during the tour!
Cost: From AU$215/adult (~S$188) for sea lion tour, From AU$562.80/adult (~S$483) for one day great white shark tour
Meeting point: 10 S Quay Blvd, Port Lincoln SA 5606, Australia (Google Maps)
10) Interact with cute animals at Glen Forest Animal Park
We get it — encountering Australian wildlife up close can be a rarity — sometimes you may not even spot any during the trip. For those looking to interact with some kangaroos or koalas, head over to Glen Forest Animal Park!
We paid AU$18 per person for entry, plus an additional AU$3 for a packet of animal feed. The park is expansive, featuring a variety of animals from wombats and sheep to donkeys and koalas, all in different corners.
Besides that, the park has other activities to keep you entertained like a mini golf and a maze for an additional cost!
Entrance fee: AU$18/adult (~S$16)
Opening hours: 10AM – 5PM
Address: 877 Clarkes Ln, Green Patch SA 5607, Australia
How to get there: ~15min drive from Port Lincoln Airport (Google Maps)
Tanunda
11) Take photos at Lyndoch Lavender Farm and Cafe
Lyndoch Lavender Farm and Cafe is a multi-award-winning destination, renowned for its diverse lavender varieties, including French Lavender. Visit during late November to January to witness its peak blooming season — we came in late October and there wasn’t much colour yet :’)
The lavender farm also provides tours for visitors interested in learning about lavender and its farming process.
After strolling through the farm, don’t forget to browse their unique souvenir shop, which features a variety of lavender products. From lavender hand and body lotion to fragrant oils, insect repellents, and delicious lavender honey, you might find a special item to take home.
You can also indulge in the cafe’s unique lavender dishes! Some of our favourites were the lavender scones (AU$8.50), rich chocolate brownie (AU$6.90), and refreshing lavender ice cream (AU$8.50).
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 10AM – 4:30PM (farm), 10AM – 4PM (cafe)
Address: Hoffnungsthal Rd &, Tweedies Gully Rd, Lyndoch SA 5351, Australia
How to get there: ~7min drive from Lyndoch (Google Maps)
12) Savour chocolate at Barossa Valley Chocolate Company
Photo credit: Barossa Valley Chocolate Company
For those with a sweet tooth, savour over 150 handmade chocolate delights at Barossa Valley Chocolate Company! They are made with premium, sustainable couverture chocolate (a certain type of high-quality chocolate).
Photo credit: Barossa Valley Chocolate Company
There’s also plenty to keep you engaged during your visit. Get involved in their chocolate tasting sessions, browse the shop’s many chocolate varieties to find your favourites or unwind in the cafe with a dessert and drink. For a more hands-on experience, join a chocolate-making workshop!
It’s the ultimate stop for chocolate lovers right in the heart of Barossa Valley.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 10AM – 5PM
Address: 64 Burings Rd, Tanunda SA 5352, Australia
How to get there: ~5min drive from Stone Well (Google Maps)
13) Sip delicious wines at Rolf Binder
Barossa Valley is famous for some of the world’s top wineries, with one being Rolf Binder Wines!
Opt for their Icon Tasting and Gourmet Pizza session where you can savour six wine varieties — Chardonnay, Shiraz, and more — paired with three gourmet pizzas with flavours like smoky bacon, pepperoni, and cheesy garlic.
Knowing next to nothing about wine, it felt almost ironic to find myself at a vineyard, sampling different wines. But with South Australia’s reputation for world-class vineyards, I had to visit one to see if it truly lives up to the acclaim.
Personally, I leaned towards white wines like Chardonnay for their light and smooth profile. Red wines like Shiraz, had a beautifully rich and velvety taste, with layers of bold flavours that lingered on the palate.
Cost: From ~S$35/pax via Klook (min 2 pax)
Opening hours: 10AM – 4:30PM (Mon – Sat), 12PM – 4PM (Sun)
Address: 185 Stelzer Rd, Stone Well SA 5352, Australia
How to get there: ~2min drive from Stone Well (Google Maps)
Essential Tips for First-timers
South Australia stands out as a truly memorable destination for me due to its beautiful natural landscapes, adorable wildlife and fun activities to do there!
That said, we know that travelling to a new place for the first time can feel unfamiliar — you might not know where to begin or what essentials to bring. To make things easier, we’ve put together a list of tips to help you plan your South Australia trip!
1) Apply for an Australian Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)
Before travelling to Australia, remember to apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) through the Australian ETA app. There’s an application fee of AU$20 (~S$17.50).
The ETA allows multiple entries into Australia over a 1-year period, with each stay lasting up to 3 months.
*Note: Apply for your ETA at least four weeks before your trip, as additional details might be requested!
2) Purchase Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for every trip, providing peace of mind when you’re overseas. We recommend Klook travel insurance for its comprehensive coverage, including protection for adventurous activities like hiking and scuba diving on your Australia trip!
3) Get a Reliable E-SIM/Physical SIM Card
With so many eSIM/SIM card options available, finding one that provides reliable coverage throughout your trip can be hard. In Australia, having connectivity in suburban and rural areas is essential, as signals can be weak out of the city.
Optus is a decent service provider, offering service on some countryside roads — ideal for travellers venturing beyond the city. However, keep in mind that service may still be unavailable inside national parks.
4) Rent a Car!
Rent a car if you’re planning to tour South Australia beyond the city, as the towns are spread far apart. Choose your car rental company based on whether you are picking up and dropping off your car at the same location or a different one.
For example, our road trip began in Adelaide and ended in Port Lincoln, where we took a domestic flight back to Adelaide. Since we were taking a plane back, we chose Europcar (from ~S$135/day) as it was one of the few rental companies that allowed us to drop off the car in a different city from our pick-up location.
For those doing a round trip solely by car without taking domestic flights, there are more options (and often cheaper ones) like Klook (from ~S$21/day), Budget (from ~S$45/day), Thrifty (from ~S$45/day), and Avis (from ~S$64/day).
*Pro-tip: Avoid driving in Australia at night as limited street lighting and wild kangaroos hopping onto the road can make it risky.
Want to explore more of South Australia? Be sure to read these guides and itineraries too:
– 11 Unique Things to Do in South Australia
– Ultimate 6-Day Adelaide Itinerary — The Best of South Australia’s Underrated Capital City and its Surrounds
Which activity in this South Australia guide are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments below!
