South Australia is the country’s quiet achiever, witha pretty capital city,white-sand beaches, fishing villages and vast desert plains.
Start off in the stylish and progressive capital Adelaide. Stroll around the city center to soak up the relaxed vibe of this surprisingly artistic river city. Explore the inner-city Adelaide Botanic Garden and see black swans in the Torrens River. Revel in one of the city's many summer festivals, such as the famous Adelaide Fringe Festival.
On a hot day, grabyour beach towel and head to the trendy coastalsuburb of Glenelg.
Tour the scenic Barossa Valley to the north and taste shiraz at the open cellar doors of famous wineries. The valley’s vineyards are among the oldest and most lauded in Australia.
Escape into the vast Australian Outback by heading furthernorth. Admire the stunning Flinders Ranges and the natural amphitheater of Wilpena Pound. To find reprieve from the burning desert sun, stay in a dugout, an underground hotel, in the down-to-earth mining town of Coober Pedy. This is the Opal Capital of Australia, so try your luck finding some gemstones or visit the Umoona Opal Mine and Museum.
To the west of Adelaide is the Eyre Peninsula, a rugged triangle of land with dramatic coastal scenery. Indulge in fresh seafood in Port Lincoln and stroll the beach in sleepy Coffin Bay. Go snorkeling for the chance to spot the well-camouflagedleafy sea dragons.
Take a short flight or a ferry southwest to Kangaroo Island. With over a third of the island classed as nature reserve, it is teaming with Australian wildlife. Watch for koalas, echidnas, sea lions, wallabies, over 250 species of birds and, of course, kangaroos.
Try some more wines in McLaren Vale in the scenic Fleurieu Peninsula on your way back up to Adelaide.
South Australia may not be as often visited as some of its more famous neighbors, but with its unmistakable charm and wonderful experiences, the secret about this wild and wonderful state won't last for long.