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12 Reasons Why You Actually Really Should Want To Go To South Australia

12 Reasons Why You Actually Really Should Want To Go To South Australia

You may have noticed a little neighbourly fighting between states of late, with a certain Premier speculating on the reasons why anyone would want to go to South Australia in the first place. All we can say is, it would be a tragedy for anyone to cross this beautiful state off their bucket list.

If  you’re also not sure what SA has to offer, here are 12 reasons why it’s actually the perfect holiday destination.

#1 The food is off the charts…

 

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From affordable, fresh oysters straight from the farm on the Eyre Peninsula to seven-course degustations in the Willy Wonka of art galleries and the oldest food market in Australia (likened to Barcelona’s La Boqueria), SA is renowned for gourmet foodie experiences.

Then there’s the ridiculous restaurant, cafe and bar scene in Adelaide. Hot spots like Africola and Restaurant of the Year, Orana are reason alone to visit this low-key, vibrant city.

#2 …and the wine is world-class

 

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South Australia is known globally for its wine regions. The Barossa Valley, the Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale, the Clare Valley and Langhorne Creek are brimming with charm as well as world-class vino. Not to mention the cheese boards and gourmet produce that accompanies a cellar door experience.

#3 It has a perfectly Mediterranean climate

 

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You might not be able to get to Italy or Greece this year, but a trip to SA could feel like it, weather wise. According to SA Tourism, the state enjoys a Mediterranean climate, “with warm, dry summers and mild winters. Generally speaking, it is hotter to the north in the Flinders Ranges, and cooler further south, on Kangaroo Island.”

Explains why the produce and wine is so fantastic.

#4 The beaches look like they belong in the Caribbean

 

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Powder-white sand and crystal waters seem to be a South Australian specialty. From Vivonne Bay on Kangaroo Island and Port Willunga (less than an hour from Adelaide) to Almonta Beach on the Eyre Peninsula, the beach scene is frankly, bananas.

There are seemingly endless secluded coves and deserted beaches to discover. Plus, some come complete with native pals like emus, goannas and kangaroos. And if you’re into surfing, you won’t be disappointed.

For those not planning on travelling across the state (tsk, tsk), there are also a bunch of nice beaches close to Adelaide.

#5 You can head into the literal outback (and it’s easy to reach)

 

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Every traveller should experience the Australian outback and just five hours from Adelaide, you’re at the incredible, millions-year-old natural amphitheatre of Wilpena Pound in the Flinders Ranges.

From here, you can decide how deep or wide you’d like to venture into the outback, but regardless, there are so many natural spectacles that await you. Glamp in the Flinders Ranges, see iconic mountain ranges glowing red in the sunset, visit martian landscapes, experience rich pioneering history, wide-open spaces and incredible Indigenous heritage.

Everywhere from famed desert town Coober Pedy to natural wonder Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre and the vast Nullabor, SA is the perfect gateway to the Australian outback.

#6 Check out yellow wonderlands in the spring

 

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Springtime is a sight to be seen, from lavender fields and blossoming almond trees, to rolling hills that transform into fields of gold thanks to canola flowers. Take a few snaps and then head to one of the multiple wineries in the Clare Valley for a glass or two, or check out Melrose in the Flinders ranges.

#7 Otherworldly pink lakes are scattered across the state

 

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You don’t need to go all the way to WA to see mesmerising, alien-like pink salt lakes. There’s no photoshop and it isn’t a trick of the eye – the lakes’ high salinity levels, combined with the presence of salt-loving algae and pink bacteria known as halobacteria turn them bright pink.

If you’re in the Eyre Peninsula, there’s Lake MacDonnell. Lake Bumbunga’s bubble gum shores can be found in the Clare Valley. Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre becomes an outback desert oasis of pale pinks, oranges and yellows at certain times of the year. On the Fleurieu Peninsula along the mighty Murray River lies the bright pink paradise, Lake Albert. The Yorke Peninsula is smattered with pretty salt lakes.

#8 Float in Australia’s answer to the Dead Sea

 

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The Pool of Siloam, a salt lake seven times saltier than the sea, is said to possess therapeutic powers. Float away your aches and pains in the buoyant water on the outskirts of Beachport.

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#9 It’s teeming with native wildlife

 

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South Australia is brimming with native fauna. Swim with sea lions and sharks off Port Lincoln or dolphins at Glenelg in Adelaide, or cuddle koalas and hand-feed roos and emus at the Cleland Wildlife Park.

Whale watchers should head to the coast (like the Eyre Peninsula) for sightings of southern right whales. And then there’s the stunning and wildlife-abundant Kangaroo Island, half of which was devastated by bushfires but its still open for business.

#10 Visit a bunch of spooky ‘Ghost Towns’

 

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In the outback, north of Port Augusta, you’ll find them everywhere: abandoned settlements, founded by free settlers in the 19th century. There are hundreds and hundreds of unmarked towns, lost stories and dilapidated structures to explore – left behind by drought.

Check out towns like Cook and Farina, and even though Coober Pedy is still technically populated, this opal mining town existing mostly underground is a must-see (including an amazing underground Serbian Orthodox Church).

#11 Adelaide is a world-class city with a village vibe

 

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Adelaide was founded in 1836 by free settlers, making it not only historic but also unique in that there were no convicts – the settlers didn’t even build a jail when establishing the city. It was quite progressive thereafter on everything from legalising weed to a woman’s right to vote.

Nowadays, Adelaide has really shaken off their old ‘boring’ reputation with a buzzing bar scene, outstanding restaurant and cafe culture, renowned markets and sporting facilities, vibrant theatre and arts scenes and cool hotels.

#12 There’s a mini Germany just outside Adelaide

 

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You don’t need to fly to Germany for a decent sausage, just make your way to Hahndorf – Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement. With stone cottages filled by pubs, restaurants, and boutiques as well as delicious German food, this is a trip to Europe without the price tag.

(Lead Image: Instagram / @southaustralia)

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