With a Mediterranean climate, South Australia is lovely all year round. The state offers more than 2,500 hours of sunshine per year, making the summer months spent in South Australia a special experience. Frolicking by the beautiful beaches that dot the coastline is what living down under is all about. In autumn, vibrant hues of orange and red take over. The cooler winter months bring in the opportunity to get cosy by a fire with a glass of the local drop.
Three hidden spots in South Australia: overview
- South Australia’s hidden gems are within a short drive
- Hidden spots in South Australia: swim at Glenelg beach
- Heritage listed German treasure: Hahndorf
- Hidden places to visit in South Australia: Barossa Valley
- Discover hidden places in South Australia on a guided small group tour
Photo credit: Dennis Bunnik
South Australia’s hidden gems are within a short drive
Adelaide is consistently ranked amongst the top 10 most liveable cities in the world. Located close to the state’s coastline, South Australia’s capital was once considered a sleepy city. Having experienced a tremendous transformation in recent times, complete with a vibrant, emerging bar scene; award-winning food and wine; and a festival calendar that is arguably the best in Australia, South Australia is full of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered.
Photo credit: Dennis Bunnik
Hidden spots in Adelaide: swim at Glenelg beach
Nicknamed the ’20 minute city’, everything within Adelaide is nearby! Thanks to the tram system that connects the city to the beach, you can go from exploring hidden places in South Australia to relaxing in the sun at Glenelg Beach within half an hour! Glenelg is one of Adelaide’s favourite spots, for locals and tourists alike – with quaint cafes, restaurants and shops forming the main street.
Photo credit: Italo Vardaro (South Australian Tourism Commission)
Heritage listed German treasure: Hahndorf
About an hour from Adelaide, you’ll stumble across some of South Australia’s best-kept secrets. The picturesque German heritage-listed town of Hahndorf is the kind of place that can make you forget what country you’re actually in! Traditional German architecture lines the main street, housing cafes, bakeries, specialist confectionary stores, boutiques, and artists.
Photo credit: Adam Bruzzone (South Australian Tourism Commission)
Hidden places to visit in South Australia: Barossa Valley
Barossa is one of Australia’s most well-known and highly regarded wine regions – and it’s right here in South Australia! Located on the outskirts of Adelaide, some of the world’s oldest vines and spectacular cellar doors are only a short, scenic drive from the city centre. Some special experiences await, including a tour of the Centennial Cellar at Seppeltsfield and a taste of tawny directly from the barrel. The Barossa's neighbour, the Clare Valley, is another award-winning wine region, boasting strong heritage and delicious Riesling. There’s no need to go to Tuscany when this spectacular region is in your backyard!
Photo credit: Dennis Bunnik
Discover hidden places in South Australia on a guided small group tour
With a plethora of things to do and places to discover in South Australia, it truly is a destination just waiting to be explored. Combine perfect year-round weather, delicious food and wine, glorious beaches and so much more, South Australia makes for a relaxing holiday destination!
Want to discover South Australia? Check it out on our 12-day small group tour Discover South Australia.
As a family-owned South Australian- based business we’re proud to partner with the South Australian Tourism Commission and showcase what our great state has to offer.
FAQs
What shouldn’t I miss when I visit Adelaide, South Australia?
Sports lovers should plan to include Adelaide Oval, home to cricket and football matches in South Australia. Not a fan of sports? Brave the roof climb for an exhilarating 360-degree view of Adelaide, a panorama that takes in the ocean and the hills.
There’s no need to leave anything out when you visit Adelaide. The beach and wine regions including the Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale are all within an hour’s drive.
What are the must-see sites in Adelaide?
Start your day with a trip to the Adelaide Zoo to see the pandas and other wildlife. Adelaide Central Market is a must-see spot for lunch. You will find delicious cuisine at cafes and restaurants at the Market and nearby Chinatown. In the afternoon you can unwind with a relaxing stroll and afternoon tea in the Adelaide Botanic Garden.
How tourist-friendly is Adelaide, Australia?
Adelaide is a very safe and secure tourist destination. Adelaide offers short drives or public transport to many key locations for sight-seeing and exploring. The city is walkable, you can also hire an e-scooter in the central business district to travel between locations.
The risk of natural disasters is low in the city itself. There is some chance of bushfires during dry, hot summers in the surrounding rural areas.
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