South Australia, Australia

South Australia is the spiritual home of the Australian wine growing industry. The capital of South Australia is Adelaide which is set on the shores of St Vincent Gulf, along the river Torrens and below the Adelaide hills. Adelaide is a beautifully planned city alive with culture and surrounded by parklands, historic buildings, wide streets, cafes and restaurants. In the nearby Adelaide hills there are many scenic routes and interesting destinations. Villages like Woodside, Stirling, Gumeracha, Bridgewater, Birdwood and Macclesfield all offer interesting attractions for the tourist. There are spectacular views over the city from Mt Lofty and you can cuddle a koala at the Cleland Wildlife Park.

The South Australian wine growing areas are the oldest and best known in the country. The Barossa valley is the oldest wine growing area in the country. There are over 60 cellar doors in the region and many are household names. Visit the Wolf Blass visitors centre or any of the others with names like Peter Lehmann, Henschke, Seppelt, Yaldara and Yalumba to choose from. Close to the Barrossa you will find the Clare valley. Once again the region is riddled with vineyards and over 35 cellar doors. On the Fleurieu peninsular the wine industry again dominates the landscape. Some of Australia's most famous vineyards lie in the McLaren Vale district. Wines from the Langhorn creek estates are specially sought after. The town of Strathalbyn is also worth a visit to view the historic and heritage buildings.

Further to the south lies the limestone coast and Mt Gambier with its volcanic lakes. This region includes the Coorong National Park, Naracoorte caves and the limestone coast wine trail which will reward the wine lover with some fabulous vintages. Just to the south and across Backstairs Passage lies the wonderful Kangaroo Island. This is the wildlife buffs paradise. Colonies of seals, Koalas, Echidnas, Kangaroos, Goannas, Penguins and Wallabies abound. It is a bushwalkers paradise with around 480 kilometers of coastline and over half of the island has never been cleared.

To the west of Adelaide lie the Eyre and Yorke Peninsulas. Here the tourist can delight in the pleasures of dining on some of the world's finest seafood. Hand pick you own crayfish and sample the magnificent Coffin Bay oysters. This area is also renowned for whale watching with regular visits from southern right wales as they come close to the cliffs to give birth and suckle their calves. There are also magnificent caves in the region and the Gawler Ranges offer spectacular scenery as well as the opportunity to see the southern hairy nosed wombat. The Flinders ranges also lie in this region and these lead on to the Simpson Desert, Wilpena Pound on into the great outback studded with mining towns like Coober Pedy. Lake Eyre is another icon attraction in this region and should not be missed.

The Murray River forms the border between Victoria and South Australia and the Riverlands and Murraylands area should not be missed. Once again the area is crowded with wineries producing some of Australia's finest wines. A cruise on the Murray River on an old paddle steamer is a never to be forgotten experience and should be tried by all. In this website you will find information on South Australian accommodation, campervan and motor home rentals, hotels motels and apartments.
together with holiday specials and packages. www.satravel.net.au is your one stop shop for all your South Australian holiday needs.