South Australia weekend getaways and things to do

This gem of a state is home to more than just opal; it’s where world-class wine regions sit minutes from pristine (and empty!) beaches, where the red dust of the outback meets the sophisticated hum of a festival city and where pink lakes dot the horizon.

Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover your own backyard or are planning your first trip to South Australia, this state offers a wealth of experiences that are as diverse as they are unforgettable. It’s often skipped over for the west coast or the east, but South Australia is certainly worth the stop.


Inspiration for things to do and weekend getaways in South Australia

Outback experiences in South Australia

If you’re looking for a taste of the South Australian outback, a few places we recommend going are:

  • Wilpena Pound
  • Coober Pedy

Beach breaks in South Australia

Home to soft-sand beaches with crystal-clear water, South Australia’s beaches are often skipped over in favour of Queensland’s or Western Australia’s. But, here, you’ll find some of the most beautiful beaches in the country that are unbelievably quiet, too. Here’s where we recommend going in South Australia for the beach.

Wine regions in South Australia

When most travellers thing of going to South Australia for a weekend, they immediately think of the wine regions. And with very good reason. It’s home to some of Australia’s best vineyards. In fact, there’s 680 of them in total, with regions starting as close as just 30 minutes from Adelaide.

  • Barossa Valley
  • Clare Valley
  • McLaren Vale
  • Adelaide Hills

Written by:

  • Alex Keshen

    Alex has been working in the travel content space for more than 15 years and has become an expert at stretching every dollar and annual leave day when travelling. She’s worked for and written content on sites including Travelzoo, Finder, the Huffington Post, Travel Daily and Explore Travel. As long as it fits within her budget and paid time off constraints, she spends her weekends anywhere a flight sale will take her or within driving distance of Sydney.

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