Are you also wondering where to go in South Australia? Easy. From the rolling vineyards of Clare Valley to the Barossa Valley and rugged coastlines of Kangaroo Island, there’s something for every type of wanderer in South Australia. The state should be at the top of your list if you’re after some mind-blowing coastlines, good wine, rugged outback sunsets, and wildlife you can’t see anywhere else. 

At CABN, we help locals and tourists unplug from city life and properly breathe in nature. We’ve been championing off-grid, eco-friendly stays across South Australia for nearly a decade, all designed to help you get your shoulders out of your ears and leave the noise behind.

So, if you want to know where to go on holiday in South Australia, buckle up. Here’s a guide on the best places to explore in South Australia.

Go Wild on Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is one of those places that makes you ask, “Is this real?”

Start at Flinders Chase National Park, where you’ll find the iconic Remarkable Rocks. These twisted granite giants look like they belong in a sci-fi film. You’ll also stumble on Admirals Arch, where you can watch long-nosed fur seals lazing about like they’ve got not a care in the world.

If you’re an animal lover, maybe just head to Seal Bay to see Australian sea lions flopping about on the sand. You can’t beat that up-close encounter.

If you’re keen on a proper local feed, there are farm gate experiences, distilleries serving up small-batch gin, and honey tastings (the Ligurian bees here are the only pure strain left in the world).

CABN has cabins dotted out throughout the island, tucked away in nature. These accommodation cabins are made to let you truly go off-grid without missing your creature comforts. You’ll feel like you’re the only person on earth.

Kick Back in the Clare Valley

The Clare Valley flies under the radar compared to its flashier cousin, the Barossa Valley, but that’s exactly why we love it. It’s all about simple pleasures: crisp Riesling, family-run cellar doors, and locals who want to have a yarn with you.

You can rent a bike from Scoot the Valley and tackle the Riesling Trail, which is an easy, scenic ride weaving past world-class wineries like Skillogalee and Sevenhill. If you’re feeling mildly (or really) hungry, many wineries whip up platters piled high with local cheeses, smoked meats, and freshly baked bread.

If you stay with CABN Clare Valley here, you’ll wake up to kookaburras laughing and spend your nights stargazing, with a wine glass in hand. That’s living.

Cosy Up in the Adelaide Hills

The Adelaide Hills are the perfect weekend escape. It’s just a short scoot from the city, but it feels like a different planet. Rolling vineyards, forest trails, and quaint towns like Hahndorf (famous for its German pastries and cheeky pretzels) make this region irresistible.

In winter, the Hills come alive with roaring fireplaces, local pinot noir, and hearty pub meals. If you’re wondering where to go in winter in South Australia, this is it.

For active types, there are endless walking trails, waterfalls, and wildlife spotting. You’ll likely bump into a few roos and maybe a sleepy koala.

CABN stays in Handhorf, Adelaide Hills, are all about blending in with the bush, offering peace and quiet but with a touch of luxury and ecological sustainability (outdoor baths, solar power, climate control, wood burners and more).

Take in the Big Skies at the Flinders Ranges

If you’ve never watched the sun set over the Flinders Ranges, add it to your bucket list right now!

The shifting colours on the ancient red rocks are unreal. It’s like watching a painting change in real-time.

Then, take that time to trek up to St Mary Peak for mind-blowing views, or take a guided cultural tour to learn about the Adnyamathanha people’s rich connection to this land.

You’ll feel small here, in the best possible way. The sense of space and silence is something you don’t get in the city, and that’s precisely what makes it more magical.

CABN currently doesn’t have accommodation cabins directly inside the Flinders Ranges itself. However, we do have cabins nearby in the Barossa Valley and Clare Valley regions, both of which are on the way north if you’re heading up to the Flinders.

These off-grid cabins are perfect for reconnecting with your thoughts and the land. Just pour a glass of local shiraz and watch the stars dance.

Seafood and Surf on the Eyre Peninsula

The Eyre Peninsula is South Australia’s adventure playground. Have you ever fancied shark cage diving with great white sharks off Port Lincoln? Or swimming alongside playful sea lions? You can do both here.

Would you prefer to keep your feet on dry land? Then, go beach hopping, fishing off the jetty, or tucking into freshly shucked oysters in Coffin Bay. You’ll be licking your fingers and asking for seconds.

There’s a raw, untamed feel to this place that makes you want to drop your phone and just explore.

Sip Your Way Through the Barossa Valley

The Barossa Valley is the heavyweight champ of world-class wine in Australia. Old vines, big bold reds, and long lunches that roll into dinners.

You could take a lazy drive between cellar doors, sample cheeses at the local markets, and pop into bakeries serving German-style sweets. You’ll leave with a car boot full of goodies and a grin from ear to ear.

Stay nearby with CABN and you’ll get the best of both worlds – indulgent days out and quiet nights in the bush.

Other Hidden Gems and Best Places in South Australia

• Yorke Peninsula: Laid-back beach camping, surfing, and fishing spots that locals guard like precious secrets.
• Murray River: Cruise on a houseboat, go kayaking, or chill riverside with a cold drink and some local prawns.
• Coober Pedy: Sleep underground in this quirky opal mining town. It’s cooler than it sounds, literally and figuratively.
• Fleurieu Peninsula: Family-friendly beaches, excellent seafood, and plenty of relaxed coastal vibes.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the prettiest place in South Australia?

Tough call. Many say Kangaroo Island wins the contest because of its wild beaches, sea lions, and those iconic Remarkable Rocks. But the Flinders Ranges and Clare Valley give it a real run for its money, especially when the wildflowers are in bloom.

What is there to do in South Australia?

A lot more than you can poke a stick at! You can surf, hike, taste your way through world-class wineries, swim with sea lions, or just kick back in a cosy off-grid cabin in the Adelaide Hills or Kangaroo Island and do absolutely nothing (we highly recommend).

Where is the Iron Triangle in South Australia?

It’s that industrial heartland up north, connecting Port Pirie, Port Augusta, and Whyalla. It’s not usually on the tourist trail, but it’s a fascinating glimpse into SA’s working backbone.

Where do you go in winter in South Australia?

Snuggle up in the Adelaide Hills with fireside reds, head to the Flinders Ranges for clear hikes, or brave the coastlines for stormy sea views and fewer crowds. CABN cabins are built for toasty winter stays.

Where to go camping in South Australia?

You’ve got endless options. You can pitch a tent along the Yorke Peninsula, drift down the Murray River, or skip the swag and rent a cabin in any of our many vineyard or coast view accommodations in SA for a plush off-grid “camping” feel for an all-the-peace and none-of-the-sleeping-bag struggles.

Final Wrap-Up

When someone asks where to go in South Australia, there’s no single right answer. The whole state is a smorgasbord of epic experiences waiting to be explored. But if you want to get off-grid, live slow, and come home with a golden glow only nature can give, you’ve got to book a spot ahead at any of our cabins in South Australia now.

Then, pack light, bring a big appetite for adventure, and get ready to fall in love with South Australia in a whole new way.