A broad spectrum of Australian pleasures is on offer in South Australia all within reach of Adelaide its gateway city.

Adelaide is a pretty city with spacious boulevards, interesting architecture and lush gardens. During your holiday to Adelaide you can immerse yourself in the culture of the city's North Terrace, with its museums and libraries, indulge in retail therapy at Rundle Mall, or sample the variety of tastes on offer at the famed Adelaide Central Market. You might also like to hop onto the vintage tram to the seaside suburb of Glenelg and take a walk on the prom.

There is plenty to do around Adelaide too, with many of South Australia’s highlights within a few hours drive or short flight away. Many of these are worth a few days or if you are short of time in a day

The Barossa and Clare Valley are just a short scenic drive out of the city; it’s one of the oldest wine growing regions of Australia with famous named wines such as Peter Lehman or Penfolds.  Alternatively 40 kms south of Adelaide is the Mclaren Vale region with rolling vine-covered hills feed over 50 small, very individual wineries such as d’Arenberg and the rustic Wirra Wirra, one of the premium wine producers in the area.

Kangaroo Island is a short flight from Adelaide and is one of the best places in the country to see the widest range of Australian native animals in their natural habitat. Dramatic coastal scenery and secluded pristine beaches are also a feature.

A visit to Seal Bay is a must. A boardwalk and lookout provide great opportunities to linger and view the stunning coastal landscape, observe sea lions as they rest play or surf onto the beach, watch coastal birdlife and the variety of other animals that live in this environment. Flinders Chase National Park is another highlight where you’ll visit Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch which reveal the amazing wild forces of nature. Sitting atop a smooth granite dome on the cliff face, the impressive Remarkable Rocks form what appear to be a cluster of precariously balanced boulders. Admirals Arch, another of nature's wild sculptures, where New Zealand fur-seal can be seen frolicking in the waters or resting on the rocks. Explore the European heritage of the park at Cape du Couedic Lighthouse and Weirs Cove, the original landing site for the lighthouse settlement.

The Island can be explored on a day tour from Adelaide but we’d recommend taking a couple of days to explore on a small group or privately guided tour with at least one night on the island itself. Alternatively stay in one of the islands luxury lodges which includes a touring programme.

The Flinders Ranges are a 4 – 5 hour drive from Adelaide but well worth the long drive if you allow  two or three nights in the region. You can also take a privately guided tour or a charter flight into Hawker. The rugged landscapes offer an authentic taste of Australia’s outback with spectacular red rock scenery. During your holiday in the Flinders Ranges you can walkup to the rim of Wilpena Pound, a huge natural amphitheatre, or soar over it on a scenic flight.  Hike to the top of Parachilna Gorge on part of the Heysen Trail. See fossils in ancient sea beds at Brachina Gorge, study Aboriginal art at Arkaroo Rock and explore the area’s pastoral past at Wilpena Pound Station.

You can choose to stay in an authentic outback station such as Angorichina hosted by the owners or Arkaba which is built on an original sheep station. Alternatively Rawnsey Park Station has luxury eco villas for self catering, while Wilpena Pound resort offers more modest hotel rooms. Any of these options offer local touring options and will arrange transfers from charter flights into Hawker for those who are not coming by their own self drive vehicle.

For details of Adelaide, Kangaroo Island & South Australia accommodation or any South Australia tours click on the links on the right. Our experienced consultants can easily build any of these experiences into a tailor-made Australia holiday quote for you.