Your Post-COVID South Australia Travel Bucket List

(content by Veselina)

For us avid travelers, the past year has been quite a challenge. We love our freedom, so to have this taken away has been difficult, to say the least. Slowly but surely, we’re seeing things return to normal, with many countries allowing some form of international travel.

Today we’re looking at the land down under. In particular, South Australia. There’s something majestic about Australia; its diverse landscape, eclectic wildlife, big cities, vast desert, pristine beaches – the list goes on. Heading straight to the South lets you see all the beautiful things Australia is famous for.

If you live in Australia or New Zealand, lucky you! Your trip to South Australia could happen at any time. For the rest of us, we can add these incredible South Australia destinations to our travel bucket list. It’ll be well worth the wait.

The question is, where will you go first?

Barossa Valley

Head to Barossa Valley for a true feast for the senses. Abundant in wineries and home to over 40 wine grape varieties, it’s clear what Barossa Valley is famous for. The wine is amazing, but the valley has so much more to offer. If you’re flying into Adelaide, Barossa Valley is only a 50-minute drive northeast.

Barossa Valley’s natural scenery is unlike anywhere else in the world. Parks, bushland, hiking trails, lookouts and gardens showcase the wine-producing area’s natural diversity. Rich in indigenous heritage, Barossa is deeply connected with the culture and stories of the region’s aboriginal people.

There’s no doubt that the reason to visit Barossa Valley is for the food and wine. Cycle between wineries and eateries for a belly full of Australia’s best food and wine, or step outside your comfort zone and take a cooking class using the region’s best local produce.

Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is a natural marvel. Wild, rugged and incredibly beautiful, a trip to Kangaroo Island is one for the memory bank for years to come.

With 509 km of coastline, Kangaroo Island is surrounded by pristine ocean and white sandy beaches. There is so much to see and do here that you’ll be tempted to extend your stay.

The wildlife and scenery are what captures the eyes of the tourists. Spot stone curlews, boobook owls, echidna, possums, wallabies, penguins, seals and – of course – kangaroos. Local guides offer nocturnal tours to see the island’s fascinating creatures come out to play at night when they think no one’s watching.

Stroll along the beach, dip your toes in the clear water or head into the bush to tackle one of the many walking tracks. Many activities at Kangaroo Island are free to enjoy, but if you want to tap into your adventurous side, go quad biking, kayaking, sandboarding, or take a ride on a dune buggy.

After a day of adventure, be sure to taste some of Kangaroo Island’s culinary pleasures. Known for its fresh oysters, rare honey, award-winning wines and meticulously distilled spirits, you’re in for a treat at Kangaroo Island.

Murray River

All 2,520 kilometres of the mighty Murray River are spectacular. With an indigenous history that goes back over 40,000 years, the world’s largest redgum forest and a length that spans three states – Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia – the Murray River is a true majestic beauty.

The best way to see the Murray River is to get out onto the water by river cruise, paddle boat or kayak. If you want to see a massive variety of Australia’s famous wildlife, you’re going to see it here. Kangaroos, goannas, emus, koalas are all here, not to mention the Murray cod that can grow up to 1.8 metres in size.

The rich soil, wetlands, and thick forest is a haven for birdlife, making the Murray River a birdwatcher’s paradise.  Visit Barmah National Park, Coorong, and Gluepot Reserve to see some of the country’s most diverse birdlife, including pelicans, swans and the rare superb parrot, wedge-tailed eagle and azure kingfisher.

Avid golfer? The Murray River region is the perfect place for a golfing holiday, boasting over 41 stunning courses along the river.

Adelaide

Adelaide, South Australia’s charming capital, is a must-visit on your trip to the ruggedly beautiful state. Now that we’re emerging from COVID-19, Adelaide is rejoicing in its cultural highlights once again. From frequent festivals to world-class concerts, Adelaide’s event calendar is always filled to the brim.

For the full Adelaidian experience, grab a hotel room in Adelaide’s city centre so you’re close to all of the main attractions including the Adelaide Oval, Central Markets, and Rundle Shopping Mall as well as Adelaide’s vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene.

Considered the great wine capital of the world, Adelaide is a wine lover’s playground. With a vast range of varieties to match the smorgasbord of cuisines, Adelaide’s food and wine scene are sure to ignite the taste buds.

Mount Gambier

Mount Gambier is home to the Blue Lake, a natural phenomenon formed inside a crater. Every November, the lake turns from a dull grey to a magnificent sapphire blue, showcasing the mystery of this geological wonder.

Part of South Australia’s incredible Limestone Coast, Mount Gambier is the state’s second-largest town. Here you’ll find all your impressive heritage buildings, boutique shopping and an enticing restaurant and café scene that visitors love to enjoy after a day exploring the region’s natural surroundings.

Mount Gambier and the Lime Coast have an extensive volcanic history that formed most of the region’s landscape. With 50 sinkholes, large caves, and stunning lakes, visiting Mount Gambier is a product of a force of nature that reshaped the landscape thousands of years ago.

Many visitors come to Mount Gambier to visit Kilsby Sinkhole. Considered one of the world’s best dive sites for its breathtaking clear water and unmatched visibility. Unlike other sinkholes, Kilsby welcomes snorkelers and free divers and offers guided dive tours to untrained visitors.

Coober Pedy

Coober Pedy, also known as the Opal Capital of the World, is a unique mining town in the South Australian outback. The outback is a world of its own. Vast, red and baron, heading to the outback feels like taking a step back in time.

Years of opal mining in Coober Pedy have created underground “dugouts” used as homes, churches, restaurants and accommodation. Living underground has long been a way to escape the heat of the desert. Today, over 60% of the town’s locals live underground, and many tourists come to experience the Coober Pedy life in an underground hotel.

So what’s there to do in the middle of nowhere? Plenty! Explore the hilly desert terrain, fossick for opals, gold and other fascinating gems, tour the mines or visit the opal fields. Be sure to dine and stay underground for the full Coober Pedy experience.

It’s almost time to start travelling again

We’re slowly getting back on track, and soon, we’ll be flying around the world to visit our dream destinations once again. For the ultimate scenic diversity, be sure to add South Australia to your post-COVID travel bucket list.