• Home
• Attractions-sports
• Caravan Parks
• Caravans
• Clubs
• Before setting off
• National Parks
• Lost and Found
• Caravan Shows

South Australia attractions

• Adelaide
• Barossa
• Ceduna
• Clare Valley
• Eyre Peninsula
• Flinders Ranges
• Gawler
• Gumeracha
• Kangaroo Island
• Kingston SE
• Mt Gambier
• Whyalla

 

 

---

Adelaide - South Australia

South Australia's capital city is the lovely picturesque Adelaide. Situated amongst the surrounding hills, this city is a pleasure to visit. Renown for major festivals, abundant parks, cultural attractions, Clipsal 500, surrounded by wineries, there is not much Adelaide doesn't offer.

For a capital city, Adelaide is easy driving through. Peak hour traffic is quite tame compared to Melbourne or Sydney's congestion. This is a chance to visit a big city without hassles and frustrations.

Adelaide boasts to be the Wine and Festival capital of Australia.

The National Wine Centre showcases 10,000 different Australian wines from 60 regions. This is the place to get all your questions regarding wine answered. The Wine Discovery Journey takes visitors on an interactive journey through the past, present and future of the Australian wine industry. Wine tasting is also available (Naturally). Located at the corner of Botanic and Hackney Roads, Adelaide.

Central Market is the place for fresh local fruit, vegies, meat, fish and gourmet specialties. Located between Gouger St and Grote St, trading first began in 1869. Open Tuesdays, Thursday, Friday and Saturdays.

Port Dock station was the first government owned steam railway in the British Empire between Adelaide and Port Adelaide and was opened in 1856. The National Rail Museum displays steam engines diesel locomotives and railcars. The Port Adelaide Dock Goods Shed built in 1873 forms part of the site. There are over 100 railway vehicles in the collection. Enjoy the marvelous displays and artifacts or take a ride on one of the steam trains still operating. Two locomotives used to haul the old ghan and the tea and sugar train carriages which brought supplies to the workers on the nullabor, are on display also. Located at Lipson Street, Port Adelaide.

Hop aboard the historic City to Bay Tram and visit the Bay Discovery Centre at Glenelg Town Hall. The Discovery Centre contains valuable history and culture of the Bay. The colony officially began at Holdfast Bay in 1836. Enjoy the Gallery, multimedia displays, or take one of the many walks to discover the amazing history of this area. The Tram departs the city from Victoria Square and stops in Moseley Square opposite the Town Hall.

The Art Gallery of South Australia is known to contain some of Australia's finest art collections. The Gallery collects Aboriginal art from all over Australia and has a magnificent collection of Aboriginal paintings from Central Australia. International art collections held are also believed to be some of Australia's best. The Gallery is located in on North Terrace near the University of Adelaide and South Australian Museum.

The Barossa and Clare Valley are famous winery areas and both are essential visits for wine buffs when in the Adelaide area.

Attractions
Rundle Mall (Shopping)
Aquatic Centre
Golf links
Walks
Museums (including Opals)
Historic buildings
Tram rides
Steam train rides
Galleries

Back to top

---

Barossa - South Australia
The Barossa is arguably Australia's most famous wine region. The scenery in this area is beautiful and only a hour's drive from Adelaide.

There are dozens of wineries open to the public for wine tasting, cellar door sales and tours. Famous names in winemaking such as Seppelt, Jacobs Creek, Peter Lehmann, Henschke, Yaldara, Wolf Blass, Penfolds,Yalumba and dozens of small boutique wineries are all located in the Barossa. Around 500 grape growing families supply 60,000 tonnes of grapes. The world famous Penfolds Grange owes it's fame to this area.

This are would have to be Australia’s best known Viticulture and winemaking region. Imigrants from England and Germany established the area into what is now an Internationally famous wine producing and winemaking region. The English and German influence is reflected in the historic buildings food and local culture.

The Barossa is a quaint country community. There are marvelous country markets, speciality foods, art, craft and antique galleries spread throughout the area. Historic settlers cottages and a culturally rich region, tourists and visitors are sure to find plenty of attractions here.

The Barossa Vintage Festival is held twice a year.

Barossa Farmers Market is held every Saturday morning. This is a chance to buy "real food" from farms in the Barossa area. Located behind Vintners Bar & Grill at the corner of Stockwell and Nuriootpa Roads, Angaston. Open Saturdays from 7:30am till 11:30am.

Chateau Barrosa and Rose Garden are magestic viewing with 12 acres of rose gardens having 30,000 bushes and 2,000 different varieties.

Mengler Hill Lookout has wonderful views of vineyards, farms and the surrounding landscape. The Lookout is East of Tanunda and West of Angaston.

The Whispering Wall is a 36 metre dam wall built in 1902 for the Barossa Reservoir. It has a very unique acoustic effect that allows sound to travel around the wall to the other side 140 Metres away. Words whispered at one end of the dam wall sound amplified and can easily be heard at the other end. Enjoy the superb views while visiting.The Arch wall was an engineering marvel at the time of construction being the first concrete Arch Dam wall built in the world. The wall holds back 4,510 million litres of water. The Engineer was A.B. Moncrief and is a National Engineering Landmark. Location is Yettie Road, Williamstown. Signage is poor and the road is easily missed.

A nearby attraction is The Big Rocking Horse at Gumeracha. Click here for more information.

 

Back to top

---

Ceduna - South Australia (population  4,000)
Ceduna is located on the West Coast of South Australia 800 kilometres from Adelaide. Situated on the coast of the Great Australian Bight, Ceduna is known for it's spectacular sandy beaches, rugged bays, superb bush land, gypsum and salt mining and large grain farming areas.

Over 200,000 tourists visit Ceduna each year. Situated 480 km from Port Augusta and 1200 km's from Norseman.

The annual Oysterfest is Australia's largest seafood festival, held over the October long weekend.

Art & Cultural Centre contains Aboriginal Art and souvenirs, paintings, pottery and ceramics.

Kongwirra repeater station is vital for communication in Australia. The wind powered station is available for inspection.

Denial Bay was once known for the second longest jetty in South Australia. It is a great spot for fishing.

Museum
Swimming
Fishing
Bush walking
Snorkeling
Diving

Back to top

 

 

---

Clare Valley- South Australia
This area is renown for it's wine growing. It is 1 hour 30 minutes drive from Adelaide. Clare Valley boasts a vast range of activities for visitors. Food, wine, historic towns, antiques, arts, festivals, cellar door wine tastings and sales are some of the attractions of the region.

Sevenhill Cellars was established in 1851 to produce sacramental wine to churches. The winery still supplies churches across Australia and overseas markets.

Burra is a beautiful heritage town which was once popular for South Australia's copper. Check out the Redruth Gaol, Mine and the Burra Heritage Trail.

Clare Valley historic towns of Auburn and Clare have world-renowned boutique wineries and are famous for their Riesling wines. There is some amazing scenery through these parts also.

Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend is held each year in May.

Martindale's Hall is a restored mansion that featured in an Australian film "Picnic at Hanging Rock". Tours are connducted through this famous 1879 mansion.

The historic town of Mintaro is heritage listed and previously home of the famous Australian poet, C.J. Dennis.

Visitors to this area should not overlook the Barossa Valley while in Clare Valley. Ther Barossa is another famous area for winegrowing, historic significance, culture, arts, galleries and only a short drive away. Click here for more information on The Barossa region.

Attractions
Cellar door wineries
Historic buildings
Horse rides
Cycling
Wildlife
Museums

 

Back to top

---

Eyre Peninsula- South Australia
The Eyre Peninsula borders on part of the Great Australian Bight and Spencer gulf. It is situated between Yorke Peninsula and Fleurieu Peninsula.
Southern Right Whales, Giant Cuttlefish, Tuna, Bottlenose Dolphins and Sealions all frequest the seas of this area.
Seafood is somewhat of a specialty in the Eyre Peninsula and is very popular with the seafood connosseurs amongst us.

Port Lincoln is the southern most major town.
Cage dives are on offer for the adventurous wanting the thrill of diving with Great white sharks.
Fishing charters are also a popular attraction while in this area.
Hand feed or swim with Tuna fish for something different and unusual.

Baird Bay
Swim or play with Dolphins and Sealions.

Back to top

---

 

Flinders Ranges- South Australia
One of Australia's great attractions is the Flinders Ranges. The Flinders and Outback has fantastic landscapes, bushwalking tracks and amazing diversity. Many of the Flinders Ranges towns have valuable historic significance. The Flinders Ranges covers 80% of South Australia.

Overland telegraph, Wilpena Pound, Simpson Desert and the Ghan railway are well known historic treasures.

Gemstone fossicking. Search for Opals among the beautiful red rocks.

This area is full of adventure just waiting for you to explore. This ancient land gives Aboriginal Dreamtime real meaning. View amazing sights, abundant wildlife, kaleidoscope of amazing rock colours, wildflowers or watch a beautiful sunset.

The Aboriginal Dreaming Trail starts at Arkaroola on to Chambers Gorge, Wilpena and Copley.There are rock art sites at:Yourambulla caves and Scared Canyon. The interpretive sites are: Arkaroola, Balcanoona, Chambers Gorge, Nepouie Peak and Wilpena Pound.

Pichi Richi Railway operates between Quorn and Port Augusta in South Australia's Flinders Ranges region. The Pichi Richi Railway was built in the 1870's, is narrow gauge and is the last remaining operating section of the famous old Ghan railway. The Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society is a volunteer group which has restored and operates the railway as a working museum. The Afghan Express is a Steam Train returned to service in 2000. The Coffee Pot is claimed to be the only Steam Railcar still working. It was built in England in 1902. Click here to go to Pichi Richi website

Hawker
South of Hawker, the Yourambulla Caves are well known for the wonderful indigenous artworks found at the cave sites.

The Birdsville Track & The Oodnadatta Track are famous Australian icons.

Lake Eyre is a huge lake in a sparsly populated area.  It covers 8,500 square kilometres when flooded. The lake is a National Park and is a bird lovers paradise.

The Outback is the place to watch the stars at night. Far from city lights, the stars are amazingly bright. Superb sunrises and sunsets are a common sight without buildings interupting their view.

Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary is where Australia's largest privately owned Observatory. Also the site of Aboriginal Dreaming Trail.

Relax under a Coolibah tree

Attractions
4WD tours
Camel Treks
Train rides
Walks
Aboriginal drawings

Back to top

---

 

Gawler - South Australia
Gawler city is located 45 km's from Adelaide and was one of the first major settlements north of Adelaide. It was established in 1839 as a stopping point at the foot of the Mount Lofty Ranges on the Adelaide and Murray River route.

The pretty town is considered one of South Australia's most historically important towns. A section of the original town has been declared a State Heritage Area to preserve the historic streetscapes.

Gawler is the western gateway to the famous Barossa Valley, a world renown wine growing region.

The town is a major commercial and agricultural centre situated where the North Para River, flowing from the Barossa Valley, meets the South Para.

The riverside parks are great places for picnics. Anglers can try their luck at the local reservoirs or rivers.

Back to top

 

---

 

Gumeracha - South Australia

The Big Rocking Horse at Gumeracha is claimed to be the biggest in the world. Standing over 18 metres high and weighing 25 tonnes, it is an oversized replica of actual Rocking horses made at the Toy Factory. The factory is the largest producer of wooden toys in Australia.

 

Back to top

 

---

 

Kangaroo Island - South Australia
Kangaroo Island is one of the most unspoilt natural wonders of the world. It is Internationally renown as a world-class nature tourist destination. Approximately 150,000 tourists visit the island each year, a large proportion being International travelers.

Kangaroo Island is 15 km off the coast of South Australia. It is Australia's third largest island. It is 150 km long and 55 km wide. One third of the island is protected as conservation and national parks, and half the island is covered by native vegetation.

You will find an abundance of wildlife. Koalas, echidnas kangaroos, wallabies, goannas, platypus, penguins, sea lions, seals and birds.

Seal Bay on the South coast of Kangaroo Island, is a popular area for viewing Australian Sea Lions. Tours are conducted daily.

Little Sahara is close to Seal Bay and has some wonderful Sand Dunes.

Flinders Chase is on the Western side of the island and has stunning coastal views, mallee woodlands and marine wildlife.

Also look for Cape Willoughby Light station and Kelly Hill Caves

 

Back to top

 

---

 

Kingston South East - South Australia

The Big Lobster is a landmark to signify Kingston as one of Australia's prime Lobster (Crayfish) fishing areas. The fibreglass icon stands 18 metres high, with a restaurant and tourist shop below.

Old Gaol and Police Station is now Justin's Antiques. Located in Cooke St, this historic building was the town's police station and gaol.

Sundial of Human Involvement and Sculptures is located at Maria Creek.
There is a blue-tongued lizard, seal,cub and a crab carved from large granite rocks. There is a lizard behind the Wood Hut craft shop, a mulloway at the Lions Park and a kangaroo near the Aboriginal burial ground. Maria Creek Island has a memorial to the area's last full blood Aboriginal, Queen Ethel who died in 1954.

Cape Jaffa is the place to see crayfish fishing boats return around 1 pm each day with the day's catch.

The Cape Jaffa lighthouse was originally built on Margaret Brock Reef. It was rebuilt on it's current site. Opened 2.00 p.m. - 4.30 p.m. on holidays. The lighthouse has an unusual steel frame and included an eight bedroom house. One of the magnifying lens is 2 tonnes in weight.

The Butchers Gap and Mount Scott Conservation Parks are ideal places to go bushwalking and enjoy the native wildlife.

Long Beach is famous for Surf Fishing and a Surf Fishing competition is held on Australia Day weekend each year. The beach is extends for 100 kilometres.

Attractions
Bush walking
Historic buildings
Self Guided Walk
Fishing
Museum
Swimming
Wineries
Nature studies

 

Back to top

 

---

 

Mount Gambier - South Australia    (population 24,000)
Mount Gambier is known as the Blue Lake City. Located between Melbourne and Adelaide, it is South Australia's second largest city. It is surrounded by volcanic craters, caves, lakes and underground aquifers.

Blue Lake is situated in an extinct volcanic crater. The water enters the Lake naturally filtered by passing through limestone deep below the surface. Blue Lake's colour changes  at different times of the year. In November the lake's colour is a dull blue to a wonderful turquoise blue in March. The reason for the colour change remains a mistery.
The Lake supplies Mount Gambier's fresh water needs, is 80 metres deep and stores 36,000 million litres. As it is the city's water supply, no diving or swimming is allowed.

There is a walking track around the lake which has many viewing points. A tunnel beneath the road links Blue Lake and the Leg of Mutton Lake. Leg of Mutton Lake is popular for it's walking tracks.

An Aquifer tour takes visitors in a glass panelled lift down a well shaft which was used to extract water. A walk through the tunnel takes the visitor to a close up view of Blue Lake.

The Crater Lakes and Blue Lake are part of the region's Volcanoes Discovery Trail. The Blue Lake Reception Centre provides details of the volcanic significance.

Engelbrecht Cave is a huge complex of limestone caves under the city. Only cave divers who have specialised training get to explore this site fully.
45 minute guided tours are available which show visitors two of the chambers where divers enter to dive under the city. A short video shows details of cave diving.

Umpherson Sinkhole was formed when the top of the cave collapsed. It now contains a beautiful garden area. It is floodlit for night viewing also. A BBQ and shelter is provided.

Cave Garden is in the city centre. It contains a sinkhole which was the water supply for early settlers. It is truly a beautiful spot and is well known for the splendid roses. There is a walking path down into the cave and suspended viewing platforms. Lit for night viewing.

The Softwoods timber industry is a major contributor to the local economy

Being close to the Eastern border of South Australia, it is a short drive over the Victorian border from Mt Gambier to The Grampians or toward the coast to the Great Ocean Road.

Attractions
Walks
Historic buildings
Fishing
Museum
Swimming
Nature studies
Diving
Volcano Discovery Trail

 

 

Back to top

 

---

 

Whyalla - South Australia
Whyalla is situated on the coast with parks, wetlands, rugged coastal views and great fishing. It is the northern gateway to the Eyre Peninsula.

Whyalla is known as the Cuttlefish Capital of the World. Hundreds of thousands of Cuttlefish frequent the waters from May to August to spawn.

Australian Amateur Snapper Fishing competition is held at Easter time each year. This event attracts enthusiasts from all over Australia.

Whyalla Show is a major event in August.

The Leisure Centre is a wonderful complex  with heated pool, spa, waterslide, sauna, gym, squash courts and climbing wall.

Steelworks tours. Book through the VIC

The Marina covers a 8 hectare area and is well used by boat owners, fishermen and the , local yacht club.

The Point Lowly Lighthouse was built in 1883. This area is popular for fishing and sight seeing. Often Dolphins are seen in the area. The beach is a favourite in summer.

Attractions
Museum
Swimming (indoor heated pool)
Ten pin bowls
Fishing
Diving
Windsurfing
Sailing
Speedway
GoKarts
Marina

 

Back to top

---