City: South Australia
Top Things to do in South Australia
What to do and see in South Australia, Australia: The Best Outdoor Activities
South Australia (abbreviated as SA) is a state in the southern central part of Australia. It covers some of the most arid parts of the country. With a total land area of 983,482 square kilometres (379,725 sq mi), it is the fourth-largest of Australia's states and territories by area, and fifth largest by population. It has a total of 1.7 million people, and its population is the most highly centralised of any state in Australia, with more than 75 percent of South Australians living in the capital, Adelaide, or its environs. Other population centres in the state are relatively small.
Restaurants in South Australia
1. Sleaford Bay
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By 877geofft - Port Pirie, Australia
What a great beach for just driving to and then relaxing. The entry on to the beach is reasonably soft, so requires 4WD. Fishing and surfing would be a popular activity for this beach. Exiting the beach requires a bit of effort.
2. Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 63 reviews
Nature’s drama unfolds at every step of the 66 kilometre five-day trek, with the trail weaving its way through the most botanically unique area in all of South Australia before reaching the rugged, remote and spectacular coastline of the Southern Ocean. The unimaginable beauty of this part of the world has to be seen to be believed. Come and discover the magic for yourself.
Reviewed By joannep79
My sister and I did the trail back in April. We are experienced hikers, have done numbers of multi-day backpacking hikes and are in our early 50s. The KI Wilderness Trail isn't very challenging physically (no long, steep hills) but is an extremely enjoyable five days, broken into comfortable length hiking days. The coastal scenery is great and we loved the vegetation, but those who don't care for plants might not find it so exciting. We saw kangaroos, Tammar wallabies, koalas, Rosenburg goannas, seals, red robins, bright orange crabs, anemones, an echidna and a rouge possum at one of the camps. The facilities are new and well-maintained, with good water supplies at each campsite. The campsites are well-spaced and in interesting vegetation. There were 11 independent hikers and no guided hikers when we did the trail, and while you could easily choose not to socialise, we had a great time each evening with the other hikers. We never saw the day hikers, although we believe there were a few. This would be an awesome, entry level multi-day hike, but also very enjoyable for those more experienced hikers. We thoroughly enjoyed our five days on the Trail. Be warned though, that there are extremely exposed sections that could be very unpleasant if there was an icy, southerly wind blowing (most common in winter).
3. Adelaide Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,107 reviews
Adelaide Zoo, one of Adelaide's most iconic attractions, is home to more than 3,000 animals and 250 species of exotic and native mammals, birds, reptiles and fish exhibited over eight hectares of magnificent botanic surroundings. Situated next to the Botanic Gardens, Adelaide Zoo is open every day of the year from 9:30am to 5pm and this amazing wildlife experience is only a 15 minute walk from the city.
Reviewed By dmw447 - Sydney, Australia
Easy to get to the Zoo when staying in Adelaide, short walk from the city. Had an great time at the Zoo, saw the lions and tigers feeding time. The animal enclosures are well-designed, so even when there is a large crowd everyone gets a chance to see the animals.
4. Aldinga Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 250 reviews
Reviewed By karenm642 - Sydney, Australia
Beautiful beach. Quite vast , lovely azure ,clear seas ... amazed to see cars all over the sand. Also the poles from an old pier and caves ... A few families out there today. It was glorious
5. Riesling Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 310 reviews
Reviewed By kpiddy - Brisbane, Australia
A wonderful way to explore the Clare Valley and the vineyards on foot or bike is along the Riesling Trail, a repurposed railway line, which stretches thirty three kilometres between Auburn and Barinia. Due to limited time and extreme weather conditions, high temperatures and winds, we had to cancel our half-day plans to hike south from Clare to discover the nearby countryside and vineyards. Instead we parked our car near the 'Mob of Sheep' outdoor installation and hiked south for fifteen mnutes fortunately mostly in the shade then back. Disappointing for us but on our future travel list.
6. Oodnadatta Track
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
Reviewed By Imelda6450 - Alice Springs, Australia
That's how my American wife described the Oodnadatta Track. The flies were atrociously plentiful even on a day when the wind was blowing at close to gale force. The Explorer's Way was traversed from William Creek to Marree, which was the recommended route given us by a tour bus driver! They recommended coming from north to south from the top of the Lake Eyre basin down to the more ancient top end of the northern Flinders Ranges. I'm so glad we followed that advice, too. We hired an SUV to complete the journey and certainly the higher clearance is absolutely beneficial. The area has enjoyed rain in recent months and we were fortunate to cross a creek, called Margaret Creek, on the edge of Lake Eyre south and there were hundreds of seagulls, flocked there! Made us wish we had the fish and chips to share!!!! There are interesting places to visit along the track and there was even a guy trying to ride a bicycle on the track; although the gale force winds and dust storm we experienced the day we passed through, meant that the best he could do was walk his bike. Brave guy. Definitely made us appreciate the fact that we would do the journey in one day and we had the comfort of air-conditioning and a great vehicle. Take it easy. Meet the amazing cast of characters who call that landscape home and practice gratitude and celebrate and savour every opportunity. The Oodnadatta Track is an amazing journey to undertake; whether in part or in full. Be prepared. Take your time. Help others. Enjoy
7. Horseshoe Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 116 reviews
Horseshoe Bay is a protected swimming beach which is very popular with families during the summer holidays. You can fish from the Jetty, watch the kids play in the playground or go for a swim in this sheltered bay. Why not follow the rugged cliff around the coast and explore the little bays and beaches. Horseshoe Bay has been a favoured destination for visitors to the Fleurieu Peninsula for a long time come and experience this very popular destination. During the months from June - October each year the cliffs surrounding Horseshoe Bay provide a great vantage point for spotting Southern Wright Whales as the protected coastal waters become a whale nursery. Or you may spot Seals and Dolphins in the protected bay while enjoying a picnic or riding along the Encounter Bikeway that passes through Horseshoe Bay. The historic township of Port Elliot is situated on the coastline between the towns of Victor Harbor and Middleton. While your in Port Elliot take the time to explore The Strand area with its many historic buildings, cafes, restaurants and shops.
Reviewed By rogerbK5020BF - Adelaide, Australia
A great place for families to relax at this very safe beach with the Surf Life Saving Club right next door.
8. Monarto Safari Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 504 reviews
Monarto Safari Park, formerly known as Monarto Zoo, will be the largest safari experience to exist outside of Africa. Spanning more than 1,500 hectares and home to more than 50 species of exotic and native mammals, birds and reptiles, you can actually fit every major zoo in Australia in Monarto Safari Park and still have land left over! Monarto Safari Park is home to many of Africa’s most impressive animals and also one of Australia’s largest lion prides and giraffe herds. The park is located 60 minutes (70 kilometres) from South Australia’s capital city Adelaide and is the gateway to the picturesque Murraylands region. Monarto Safari Park opened in 1983 as a breeding and pasture area. Since officially opening to the public in October 1993, the park is now home to more than 500 animals roaming in vistas as far as the eye can see. It’s an escape from the city that immerses visitors in a natural safari-style setting.
Reviewed By Mandas01 - Adelaide, Australia
Well love love loved monarto, we went Good Friday as there isn’t a great deal to do on a public holiday let’s be honest and we love the challenge of becoming a tourist in our home town at least one day a year! All I can say is why have I waited so long.... monarto zoo was fantastic very well organized, the animals are well looked after the bus takes you up close and personal. We were lucky enough to see the baby giraffe just 48 hours old. The gorilla’s were a bit frisky so we saw way more than we bargained for there lols! I’ve said family with small kids but really this place fits any type so much to see and do you can easily spend the whole day and access is so the very young and the very old or mobility impaired can enjoy! We didn’t do any of the animal experiences but we were lucky to have the bus go past the lion 3D experience so saw it from another perspective Definitely will go back and a must see for visitors and residence alike
9. River Torrens Linear Park Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 395 reviews
Reviewed By GlobalAdventureTrips - Adelaide, Australia
I love riding the River Torrens Linear Park Trail. I often ride along this path all the way from Henley Beach to the start of the hills near Gorge Rd. It’s so picturesque along the river. Sometimes the path can be extremely busy with pedestrians, dogs, families, cyclists which is great to see. There are multiple spots for BBQ options & few water stations along the path. There are playgrounds and fitness parks along the way too.
10. Maslin Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 139 reviews
Reviewed By shaneo443 - Maroochydore, Australia
The 1st official nudist beach in Australia (good on ya SA). The stark cliffs and curving bay make this a unique beach. Clearly signed 'nude' bathing areas, and plenty of space for 'non-nude' beach-goers. Definitely worth a look! An easy drive from Adelaide, and accessible by Metro too.
