Plan Book Travel Australia

The fourth largest state (including the Northern Territory) and the driest in Australia, South Australia is a place of contrasts. In the unique position of bordering all the other mainland states, two-thirds of South Australia is dominated by a near-desert environment. Although conditions here are harsh and unrelenting, the varied landscapes of immense deserts, rugged mountains and dry lakes entice many visitors.

In contrast to the arid lands of the north and west are the gulf lands, which include the Eyre, Yorke and Fleurieu peninsulas, fringed by quiet beaches and fishing towns; the rolling hills of the Mount Lofty Ranges; and the dry south-east plains watered by the mighty Murray River, Australia's longest, as it flows to the sea. The extensive 3700km South Australian coastline offers scenic driving and walking routes along its many indentations as well as offshore islands to explore, the largest being Kangaroo Island.

Touring South Australia by car is generally easy. From the state's sophisticated capital, Adelaide, there are links to the Barrier, Sturt, Ouyen, Dukes and Princes hwys to the eastern states; the Stuart Hwy, which crosses the continent to Darwin;and the Eyre Hwy, which traverses the virtually treeless Nullarbor Plain to Western Australia.

There are many reasons to visit South Australia, including the spectacular scenery, fishing, flora, fauna and the national, conservation and recreation parks that make up over 20% of the state. However, wine is usually top of the list. South Australia's wineries are legendary - the names Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Coonawarra are recognised by most Australians and overseas visitors. Four out of every ten glasses of Australian wine are produced from vineyards in the south-east corner of South Australia.