South Australia Holidays 2021 / 2022

South Australia? Sorted.

Holidays to South Australia are sometimes unfairly overlooked in favour of what appear to be more exciting regions of Australia. Centrally located between Western Australia and the heavily populated eastern seaboard, yet easily accessible to all, South Australia is a major destination in its own right, with enough interesting attractions to tempt you to linger for a couple of weeks.

If there is one place you can't miss on a holiday to South Australia it has to be Kangaroo Island. Easily accessible by ferry, this picturesque island is home to pristine beaches, a thriving gourmet scene, native bushland and a laidback vibe. But the jewel in Kangaroo Island's crown has to be it's wildlife. Walk amongst endangered Australian sea lions at the Seal Bay Conservation Park, spot wild koalas, kangaroos, wallabies and even platypus in Flinders Chase National Park, plus you can swim with wild dolphins and seals off the coastal town of Penneshaw.

Of course, no holiday to South Australia is complete without a trip to the state capital Adelaide. Once known for having a reputation of being a bit straight-laced, recent decades have seen the city transform. You’ll now find it's home to arguably the most exciting food scene in Australia, along with world-class art galleries, sporting events, street art and music venues. Just 20 minutes from the city centre are the magical Adelaide Hills, home to fairytale villages such as Hahndorf and Lobethal. Here you’ll be able to explore leafy streets, wineries and mouth-watering restaurants. And then you have the Barossa Valley, a renowned wine region with over 80 cellar doors where you can taste some of the most celebrated wines not only in Australia, but in the world.

If you’re looking for the rugged outdoors, the Flinders Ranges and the Outback will provide it in spades. For a real Outback experience, visit Coober Pedy where 70 per cent of the residents live underground to escape the heat. Like a scene out of Mad Max, this is the centre of Australia’s opal mining industry.

Kangaroo Island

Barossa Valley

Things to do

Best time to go

Kangaroo Island

With outstanding natural beauty, diverse landscapes, endless beaches, a thriving food scene and a host of native wildlife, Kangaroo Island provides visitors a true microcosm of Australia. Flying here from Adelaide takes just 30 minutes, and car ferries also operate from Cape Jervis on the mainland. Seven times bigger than Singapore, Kangaroo Island is 155 kilometres long and 55 kilometres wide so you’ll need some wheels to get around. You can take cars and campervans across on the ferry or hire on arrival at the airport. There are also a host of touring options with local guides and wildlife experts to ensure you see the best the island has to offer.

Show Less

As you drive around, you’ll discover soaring cliffs, dense bushland, towering sand dunes, peaceful wetlands, and diverse beaches. Walkers are well catered for with plenty of trails, ranging from 30-minute strolls to eight-hour hikes. On the water, you’ll be equally well entertained, with endless beaches for snorkeling, surfing, swimming and sunbathing. Communities are full of art galleries, cultural events and great restaurants – and incredibly friendly locals.

Show Less

Barossa Valley and wine tasting

Australia is renowned as a wine producer, but the 80 vineyards of Barossa are arguably the jewel in the country’s crown. The Barossa region is one of those rare places where you can immerse yourself in nature until late afternoon, and then enjoy some of the world’s best wines and mouth-watering cuisine in the evenings. The Barossa is home to some of the biggest names in wine, like Jacob’s Creek, Penfolds and Wolf Blass – as well as a host of small batch wine makers, offering something for all tastes.

Show Less

Hikers will want to walk sections of the long-distance Mawson, Heysen and Kidman trails which meet in the town of Kapunda. For those seeking a leisurely option, the Barossa’s dedicated cycling tracks mean that you can explore the region without having to ride on busy roads. Alternatively, hire a car and follow a tasting trail. The Barossa Butcher, Baker, Winemaker Trail winds its way through Barossa’s very best food and wine experiences, and is the perfect way to spend a relaxing day. Day tours with expert guides are also available and are an ideal way to get behind the scenes, meet the winemakers and enjoy delicious cuisine along the way.

Show Less

Things to do in South Australia

Although not as well known for its beaches as some other Australian states, South Australia's 3,800 kilometres of glistening coastline is not short of its own incredible beaches. Adelaide has some outstanding beaches just 20 minutes drive west of the city centre, particularly around the suburb of Glenelg, and you'd be forgiven for thinking that some of the beaches on the Fleurieu Peninsula had been taken straight out of a desert island.

Adelaide is a delight for foodies with countless small bars and restaurants throughout its street-art-lined laneways and arcades. The Adelaide Central Market is a must for all the best local gourmet ingredients. The city is at its most vibrant during festival season. From February-April each year you can catch a host of events, including Adelaide Fringe – the second largest of its kind after Edinburgh.

Show Less

Further west is the vast coastline of the Eyre Peninsula, with crystal-clear waters, wildlife-filled national parks and mouth-watering seafood. The Peninsula’s main hub of Port Lincoln is a must-visit for adventurers. Just a 50-minute flight from Adelaide, this acts as a great base to explore the region and join tours to swim with sea lions or cage dive with great white sharks. It’s also a great spot for fishing trips. For a freshwater adventure, take a relaxing cruise along the Murray River – Australia’s longest – or you could even hire a houseboat.

Show Less

Best time to visit South Australia

South Australia’s climate is best characterised as Mediterranean. The winter – which runs from June to August – is generally mild, but tends to be a bit wet. The highest rainfall is around Adelaide and the Mount Lofty Ranges. In the Australian summer, temperatures rarely exceed 25°C in Adelaide, so you can see the sights in comfort. And, if you’re looking for some beach time at this time of year, you can expect the sea temperature to be around 20°C. Further north in the Outback, summer temperatures can soar towards 40°C, but the nights can feel a little chilly, whatever the time of year.

Show Less

Autumn stretches from March to May, and this is a great time to go on holiday to South Australia. Temperatures hover in the low twenties and it’s very sunny. Spring shows the state off well, too, with plenty of blooming flowers and wildlife on show.

Show Less

Kangaroo Island

Show Less

Barossa Valley

Barossa Valley and wine tasting

Show Less

Things to do

Things to do in South Australia

Show Less

Best time to go

Best time to visit South Australia

Show Less

Chat With Our AUSTRALIA Experts

With 40 years in travel and hundreds of experts ready to help you realise your dream holiday.

020 3553 7339

We Recommend

Adelaide and Adelaide Hills

Adelaide is home to some of the best cultural events, music venues, architecture and restaurants in Australia, with easily accessible city beaches.

We Recommend

Kangaroo Island

Only 15 kilometres from the mainland, Kangaroo Island is full of wildlife, outdoor activities and laidback communities, plus some great beaches.

We Recommend

Beaches

Both the Yorke Peninsula and further west the Eyre Peninsula have fabulous beaches characterised by particularly clear water. Kangaroo Island has a wide variety of coastal stretches.

We Recommend

Barossa Valley

Visit 80 world-class wineries and try gourmet food in this bucolic setting close to Adelaide. You can drive or hire a bike to explore.

We Recommend

The Outback

Discover underground dwelling and opal mines at Coober Pedy, and marvel at the Flinders Range with its Mars-like landscape, ravines and outcrops.

You might also like...

Take a look at these other popular places in Australia

Adelaide

Regional South Australia

Northern Territory

Victoria

ITINERARIES

Hotels

How to do South Australia

Let our destination experts tailor your South Australia trip to suit you

Luxury

Unique

Rail

3 Day The Ghan – Adelaide to Darwin

3 days From £1299pp

The Ghan northbound itinerary takes you from the coast in South Australia through the fiery red centre to Darwin in the tropical north. This coast to coast train journey on the Ghan is an unforgettable adventure with immersive off train experiences and all-inclusive meals and beverages along the way.

Luxury

Unique

Rail

4 Day Ghan Expedition

4 days From £1699pp

TOUR ONLY

The Ghan Expedition is a truly unique adventure that travels south to Adelaide and boasts an assortment of wonders and allows intimate access to the spectacular landscape through the centre of Australia.

Explore

Motorhome

Wildlife

12 Day Adelaide and Beyond Campervan Explorer

From £1338pp

Includes one free night in Adelaide

Embark on a South Australian adventure in the comfort of your own campervan. Discover incredible wildlife, amazing wine and out of this world landscapes.

Luxury

Unique

Rail

4 Day Indian Pacific Perth to Sydney

From £1239pp

TOUR ONLY

The Indian Pacific is an enchanting journey that showcases a unique perspective of the Australian landscape and spans the full width of the country taking 65 hours coast to coast.

Beach

City

Multi-centre

12 Day Great Ocean Road to Great Barrier Reef

12 days From £1749pp

Explore Australia’s beautiful landscape, vibrant cities and natural landmarks on this adventure that shows off what the country has to offer.

Escorted Tour

Adventure

Explore

15 Day Western Wonderland

15 days From £3899pp

Spanning one third of the whole of Australia, planning a holiday to the state of Western Australia might feel a little daunting, however 15 Day Western Wonderland allows you to sit back, relax and be shown the very best of WA on an escorted tour with a highly knowledgeable drive guide.

Beach

Adventure

Multi-centre

13 Day Sydney, Rock and Reef

13 days From £1969pp

1 free night

This classic first time itinerary takes you to Sydney and the city beaches as well as the iconic Red Centre and the Great Barrier Reef.

Beach

Adventure

Motorhome

13 Day Perth and Beyond Campervan Explorer

From £1799pp

12 nights including 3 night Perth hotel stay, 10 day Britz Venturer Campervan & flights

Embark on a WA adventure in the comfort of your own campervan. Journey through bustling cities, charming townships and scenic landscapes.

Beach

Adventure

Multi-centre

13 Day East Coast Island Hopping

13 days From £1839pp

1 free night in Cairns and free room upgrade of Fraser island - Add on a Whitsundays sunset cruise from £65pp

Spend 13 days following Queensland’s East Coast southbound from Cairns to Sydney. Discover stunning beaches and explore some of Queensland’s outer lying islands including, Hamilton Island, Fraser Island and Great Keppel Island all of which offer you something unique.

Escorted Tour

12 Day East Coast Adventure

12 days From £4099pp

Save up to £800 per couple

An excellent way to enjoy one of the greatest coastlines in the world, as you explore the sights on a journey from Sydney to Cairns; including a visit to the Great Barrier Reef.

Beach

Adventure

Multi-centre

11 Day Perth, Rock and Reef

From £2289pp

Two free nights - Includes a Great Barrier Reef snorkelling excursion - Add on a Rottnest Island day trip from £75pp

Experience Perth and surrounding areas including Swan Valley and Rottnest Island, before heading to the Red Centre where you'll spend a few days exploring the iconic sites. Your final destination is Port Douglas in North Queensland which includes a trip the Great Barrier reef.

City

Adventure

Self-drive

11 Day Great Ocean Road Trip

11 days From £1399pp

Explore the states of Victoria and South Australia as you travel along one of the worlds most iconic and beautiful coastal drives. Once you leave Melbourne you’ll see the contrast between the rugged coastline and the lush forest that sit side by side each. Visit wineries in Barossa Valley before heading to Adelaide

Luxury

Adventure

Motorhome

11 Day Cairns & Queensland by Camper

11 days From £1299pp

Includes 20% saving on the campervan - Save up to £200 per couple

Embark on a Queensland adventure in the comfort of your own campervan. Travel at your own pace and choose your own itinerary. As Queensland is home to many of Australia’s most iconic attractions, there is plenty to see and do

Escorted Tour

Adventure

Explore

10 Day Tasmanian Wonders

10 days From £2799pp

This ten day tour will pack in the many delights that Tasmania has to offer as you visit the towns of Hobart and Launceston and explore the beauty of Cable Mountain and the Freycinet National Park

Beach

Adventure

Multi-centre

10 Day West Coast & Whale Sharks

10 days From £2429pp

Includes one FREE night in Perth, Rottnest Island Day Trip, Whale Shark Snorkelling & 7 days car hire

Experience the best of Western Australia. Explore Perth and take the ferry to Rottnest Island, before picking up your car to head south to the Margaret River region. Enjoy a whale shark adventure tour

Escorted Tour

Adventure

Explore

22 Day Highlights of Australia and New Zealand

22 days From £5699pp

This epic 22 day escorted tour showcases the iconic landmarks and experiences of both Australia and New Zealand. Travel with like minded companions in the company of a dedicated driver and experienced guide.

Escorted Tour

Adventure

Explore

9 Day Essence of the Kimberley

9 days From £3899pp

Save up to £800 per couple

The Kimberley is a place where fiery red landscapes and emerald flora are set off against cobalt skies. There are secluded gorges hiding ancient rock art and welcoming waterholes to be discovered not to mention a plethora of indigenous flora and fauna to uncover.

Escorted Tour

Explore

Adventure

3 Day Uluru and Kings Canyon Unearthed

From £639pp

Discover the Red Centre on this three day escorted tour. Visit three areas in three days and get an insight into a unique and rich area.

Escorted Tour

Explore

Wildlife

3 Day Kakadu & Litchfield National Parks

3 days From £639pp

Explore the national parks of the Northern Territory from Darwin. The Parks in this part of Australia are like nowhere else in the country and offer a different experience which is truly spectacular.

Escorted Tour

Adventure

Culture

3 Day Kings Canyon Uluru Explorer

3 days From £319pp

Spend 3 days at the Red Centre and take in the sights of Uluru, Kings Canyon and Kata Tjuta. Explore the surrounding area and learn about the Aboriginal culture.

Escorted Tour

Explore

Adventure

3 Day Red Centre Experience

3 days From £1069pp

Explore the iconic sites of Uluru and Kata Tjuta by day and night. This remarkable tour of the unique Red Centre will leave you with amazing memories and you’ll learning a thing or two about this exceptional region.

Beach

Adventure

Self-drive

16 Day Queensland Pacific Coast

16 days From £1899pp

Upgrade to Premium Economy one way from £530pp*

The Pacific Coast from Brisbane to Port Douglas is one of the most spectacular in the world. Buckle up and get ready for the road trip of a lifetime.

Beach

Explore

Multi-centre

17 Day Australia Made Easy

17 days From £3159pp

FREE room upgrade in Perth & board basis

If you’re looking to tick off all the icons of Australia and visit four different states, look no further than our Australia Made Easy itinerary.

Rail

Beach

Campervan

19 Day Australia Coast to Coast

19 days From £3339pp

Save up to £500 per couple

Explore Western Australia by campervan before taking an epic journey on the transcontinental Indian Pacific railway from Perth to Sydney. Take in the city sights before moving on to stunning Hamilton Island.

Explore

Beach

Multi-centre

19 Day Ultimate Pacific Adventure

19 days From £2599pp

See the best of Sydney before heading to Cairns to explore the Daintree rainforest and Great Barrier Reef. Fly to New Zealand to take in Auckland and Queenstown before heading for a relaxing stay in Fiji

Escorted Tour

13 Day Australia Highlights

13 days From £4259pp

Experience cosmopolitan Melbourne, enjoy a taste of Outback life in Alice Springs and cruise the Great Barrier Reef on a trip taking in some of the main highlights that Australia has to offer

Adventure

City

Multi-centre

14 Day Singapore and Australia

From £1549pp

Includes two free nights in Port Douglas, includes one free night in Singapore. Includes return flights.

Singapore is one of the most popular stopover destinations en route to Australia, and is the ideal combo for getting a flavour of Asia before arriving Down Under.

Beach

Couples

Family

Bay Villas Resort 4

Call to book

Port Douglas is a Queensland treasure. It’s the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the region’s lush Daintree Rainforest. Expect beautiful beaches, turquoise waters and some of the oldest trees in the world on your doorstep.

City

Beach

Pullman Cairns International 5

Call to book

You’ll have everything on your doorstep for your Cairns adventure at Pullman Cairns International. Poised right by the harbour, this hotel gives you unbeatable views of the boats sailing past and bustling city life.

Adventure

Culture

Desert Gardens Hotel 3

Call to book

Desert Gardens Hotel is the ideal place to soak up Central Australia’s indigenous culture. It’s the only hotel in the Ayres Rock Resort, with a selection of rooms that overlook Uluru.

Beach

Family

Seashells Scarborough 4

Call to book

Seashells Scarborough puts convenience at the heart of everything it does. With different apartment options, you can choose the space to suit you, safe in the knowledge that you’ll have everything you need right at your fingertips.

Family

City

Luxury

Crown Metropol Perth 5

Call to book

Crown Metropol Perth is something of a foodie’s paradise, with 19 restaurants, bars and lounges on site. No matter the time of day, you’ll be spoilt for choice when you fancy a bite to eat here, as you’ll find everything from steak to seafood to tapas to teppanyaki.

City

Family

Holiday Inn Darling Harbour 4

Call to book

You’ll find Holiday Inn Darling Harbour in the heart of Sydney’s lively Darling Harbour, close to the city centre. So there are lots of bars, shops and attractions on your doorstep.

City

Luxury

InterContinental Sydney 5

Call to book

You’d be hard pushed to find a better Sydney location. Situated in Circular Quay’s dress circle, InterContinental Sydney is opposite the Royal Botanic Gardens, around the corner from the Museum of Sydney, and just a stone’s throw from the Sydney Opera House.

Couples

City

Luxury

Crown Promenade Melbourne 4

Call to book

Crown Promenade Melbourne is located in the heart of the city’s Southbank area. It’s a sophisticated place to base yourself, with galleries, bars, restaurants, boutique shops and more on your doorstep.

City

Majestic Roof Gardens 4

Call to book

Just around the corner from buzzing Rundle Street, Majestic Roof Gardens provides a tranquil escape in the centre of Adelaide.

City

Pan Pacific Perth 5

Call to book

If you want to experience the hustle and bustle of central Perth while enjoying calming waterfront views, head to Pan Pacific Perth.

Beach

Family

Honeymoon

Reef View Hamilton 4

Call to book

Part of the Whitsunday Islands, Hamilton Island is one of Australia’s most desirable holiday destinations. Just a stone’s throw from the Great Barrier Reef, the island is fringed by bright coral reefs and surrounded by tropical fish.

City

Family

Rendezvous Hotel Sydney The Rocks 4

Call to book

You’ll find this modern hotel in The Rocks – a neighbourhood steeped in history, against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour Bridge.

City

Family

Rydges Sydney Harbour 4

Call to book

Rydges Sydney Harbour lies between two of the city’s most famous landmarks. From the rooftop pool, you’ll be able to enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House.

City

Seashells Fremantle 4

Call to book

Seashells Fremantle provides a home away from home with its range of self-contained apartments. Rooms are bright and airy with large windows overlooking Perth, while plants and greenery bring the outdoors in.

Beach

Couples

City

Villa San Michelle 4

Call to book

Villa San Michele serves up a slice of the Mediterranean in the centre of Port Douglas – a tropical town near the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.

Beach

Couples

Family

Whitsunday Apartments, Hamilton Island 4

Call to book

Whitsundays Apartments is the ideal base for your Hamilton Island getaway. Wherever you wander, you’ll always have views across the turquoise Coral Sea and verdant Whitsunday Islands.

Part of the Dnata family

Travelbag is part of dnata – one of the world’s largest air and travel services providers.

Good Housekeeping

In recognition of our knowledgeable team and great customer service, we’ve been named Good Housekeeping Reader Recommended.

ATOL Protected

Travelbag is covered by ABTA, ATOL and IATA, so you can rest assured that your holiday is safe and secure.

Platinum Service

Thanks to excellent feedback from our customers, we’ve received Feefo’s Platinum Trusted Service Award.

Still surfing for inspiration?

Sign-up today to get expertly curated holiday deals straight to your inbox.

Please enter a valid email address

Privacy notice

Out There Made Easy

Every day, our travel experts help people realise their dream holidays. We take care of all the details, to make your experiences easy and hassle-free.

Knowledge

Between them, our travel advisors can boast almost 800 years of holiday expertise.

Ease

Our tailor-made packages make it easy for you to discover more of the world.

Value

Whether you're looking for luxury or simplicity, we've got the perfect holiday for you.

Trust

Travelbag is fully protected by ATOL and ABTA, so your booking is completely secure.

Knowledge

Between them, our travel advisors can boast almost 800 years of holiday expertise.

Ease

Our tailor-made packages make it easy for you to discover more of the world.

Value

Whether you're looking for luxury or simplicity, we've got the perfect holiday for you.

Trust

Travelbag is fully protected by ATOL and ABTA, so your booking is completely secure.

AUSTRALIA

Holidays to South Australia

Food

Nature

History & culture

South Australia? Sorted.

Kangaroo Island

Barossa Valley

Things to do

Best time to go

Kangaroo Island

Barossa Valley and wine tasting

Things to do in South Australia

Best time to visit South Australia

Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island

Barossa Valley

Barossa Valley and wine tasting

Things to do

Things to do in South Australia

Best time to go

Best time to visit South Australia

Chat With Our AUSTRALIA Experts

We Recommend

Adelaide and Adelaide Hills

We Recommend

Kangaroo Island

We Recommend

Beaches

We Recommend

Barossa Valley

We Recommend

The Outback

You might also like...

Adelaide

Regional South Australia

Northern Territory

Victoria

ITINERARIES

Hotels

How to do South Australia

Luxury

Unique

Rail

3 Day The Ghan – Adelaide to Darwin

3 days From £1299pp

Luxury

Unique

Rail

4 Day Ghan Expedition

4 days From £1699pp

Explore

Motorhome

Wildlife

12 Day Adelaide and Beyond Campervan Explorer

From £1338pp

Luxury

Unique

Rail

4 Day Indian Pacific Perth to Sydney

From £1239pp

Beach

City

Multi-centre

12 Day Great Ocean Road to Great Barrier Reef

12 days From £1749pp

Escorted Tour

Adventure

Explore

15 Day Western Wonderland

15 days From £3899pp

Beach

Adventure

Multi-centre

13 Day Sydney, Rock and Reef

13 days From £1969pp

Beach

Adventure

Motorhome

13 Day Perth and Beyond Campervan Explorer