13 best things to do in South Australia
With stunning beaches, wide open landscapes, world-famous wine, and plenty of family fun, South Australia is a treasure trove of experiences. From Adelaide to the outback, Kangaroo Island to the Clare Valley, this state delivers adventures you’ll never forget.
Planning a family holiday in South Australia? Discovery Parks is perfectly placed across the state with waterparks, pools, beachfront cabins and pet-friendly stays.
Here are 12 of the best things to do in South Australia, plus where to stay while you Do It All.
1. Adelaide
There’s no better place to start your journey through the festival state than the city itself. Home to LIV Golf, AFL Gather Round, the Adelaide Festival and Fringe, Tour Down Under, and WOMADelaide. The most anticipated event coming this year, the bp Adelaide Grand Final, will take place o the 27-30 of November and promises high energy entertainment for all.
But Adelaide isn’t just about events. Visit Adelaide Zoo and its famous pandas, paddle on a dolphin sanctuary tour, let the kids run free in the Botanic Gardens, take a tour of Adelaide Oval, or stock up at the Central Market.
Stay nearby: Discovery Parks – Adelaide Beachfront is just 30 minutes from the track. A Deluxe 3-Bedroom Cabin is ideal for families, and with a pool and playground on-site you can mix city days with beachside evenings.
Supercars Finals Series. Image Credit: bp Adelaide Grand Final
2. Clare Valley
The Clare Valley is famous for its Riesling, but there’s more here than wine. From hiring a bike and cycling the Riesling Trail through the local countryside, to bushwalking and sampling the best their award-winning country pubs and bakeries have to offer, you won’t be disappointed.
For a great meal, the Watervale Hotel has won international awards but it’s also very down to earth. You can expect to encounter the hotel pooch roaming among the tables, making new friends. With over 30 cellar door experiences dotted through the Valley, you’ll find every reason to make your stay just a little longer. And with Discovery Parks, your kids will too.
Stay nearby: Discovery Parks – Clare Valley is a kid’s paradise. The waterpark, playground, swimming pool, bouncing pillow, and bike hire mean they may never want to leave. Parents can relax while the kids splash under tipping buckets and slides.
Check out the waterpark here, on South Aussie with Cosi.
Discovery Parks - Clare waterpark. Image Credit: @zarah-davey
3. Flinders Ranges
Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park is 800 million years old, with dramatic peaks, ancient fossils, Aboriginal rock art, and wildlife at every turn.
Walk into Wilpena Pound, take a scenic flight for jaw-dropping views, or join an Aboriginal guided cultural tours to learn the stories of Country. Need more adrenaline? Mountain biking and 4WD adventures are calling.
Stay nearby: Discovery Resorts - Wilpena Pound is the only accommodation inside the national park — think safari tents, cabins, and adventure at your doorstep.
Safari Tent at Discovery Resorts - Wilpena Pound
4. Coober Pedy
Heading north of Adelaide? We’ve got your itinerary covered. First is Coober Pedy. Its stark, sun-beaten landscape has forced most of the locals to live underground - and that’s where you’ll find 'the fire in the stone’, Coober Pedy’s glorious opals. Try “noodling” (sifting) for small pieces of opal at Tom’s Opal Mine, pop into the Umoona Opal Mine and Museum.
Take a drive to the Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park to see spectacular colourful hills that glow at sunrise and sunset.
Stay nearby: Discovery Parks - Roxby Downs is your gateway to the region (and offers discounts for Andamooka attractions). Discovery Parks – Port Augusta is another family-friendly base for Cooper Pedy… and the fourth attraction on our list.
Tom's Working Opal Mine. Image Credit: South Australia Tourism Commission
5. The Riverland
The river calls! Jump on a cruise or DIY with a hired canoe. Barmera’s lake is so serene, Loxton has a historic village to explore and Berri, Renmark and Waikerie are all full of riverside charm. But for kids of all ages, you can’t miss the Monash Adventure Park. It’s big! It’s epic! It’s so much fun!
Stay nearby: At the end of a long day, head back to Discovery Parks - Lake Bonney and watch the sun set over the lake.
Monash Adventure Playground. Image Credit: South Australia Tourism Commission
6. Renmark
Technically part of South Australia’s Riverland region, this spot deserves a shout-out of its own. Set right on the Murray River, Renmark blends river adventures with a relaxed country vibe. Cruise on a paddle steamer, hire a kayak, or stroll the Renmark Riverfront Trail before stopping by Twenty Third Street Distillery for a local gin tasting. History lovers can visit Olivewood Historic Homestead, while nearby Cooltong Conservation Park offers great birdwatching and bushwalking.
Stay nearby: Discovery Parks – Renmark Riverfront sits right on the Murray with a waterpark, pool, and riverfront cabins — a family favourite for sunny days and sunset barbecues.
7. Barossa Valley
Big, bold shiraz and family fun collide in the Barossa. From Adelaide, go via the Big Rocking Horse in Gumeracha, the Whispering Wall at Williamstown and Barossa Bowland and Mini Golf and you will win the Parents Of The Year Award.
With wineries abound, this iconic location is heaven for wine lovers. After satisfying your hunger at Maggie Beer's Farm, the Barossa Farmers Market and the Barossa Valley Chocolate Company, drive up to Menglers Hill lookout at sunset for the ‘golden hour’. Then wander back to Discovery Park - Barossa Valley to enjoy a well-earned glass of red.
Stay nearby: With family-friendly fun and an adults-only glamping area, Discovery Park - Barossa Valley has the perfect accommodation to suit any kind of holiday. Kids love the splash park, swimming pool and pedal karts around the main park, and for parents, the short walk into Tanunda is the cherry on top.
The Farm Eatery. Image Credit: South Australia Tourism Commission
8. Hahndorf
Close to Adelaide – as in, an easy 30-minute jaunt – is picturesque Hahndorf. Discover (and taste) the town’s strong German traditions as you wander down the main street. Think strudel, bratwurst, lolly shops and trendy boutiques.
Let the kids explore Misty Hollow Fantasy Cave and Beerenberg Farm, famous for its pick your own strawberries experience. You can eat in a wide range of cafes, pubs and restaurants, or head out of town to the local wineries that have dining rooms looking over the vines.
Stay nearby: Just out of the hustle and bustle, Discovery Parks – Hahndorf makes unwinding after a long day as easy as eins, zwei, drei.
Beernberg Farm. Image Credit: @gypsyandherwild
9. Goolwa
If you’re looking to head south, the Fleurieu Peninsula offers everything you need for an unforgettable holiday, serving up endless beaches, seaside culinary experiences and adventure at every turn. Turn a beach day into an adventure with pipi hunts, surfing, sailing and kayaking.
It’s also one of the best whale-watching spots (May–Oct), or dolphins and seals if you’re lucky! Birdwatchers will love the nearby Coorong wetlands, home to over 230 species, and even the endangered Hooded Plovers.
Ride the Cockle Train to Victor Harbor, cycle the Goolwa–Victor bike path, or head inland to McLaren Vale for wineries, dining, and the quirky d’Arenberg Cube. The greater Fleurieu area is also a foodies playground where you can enjoy everything from fish and chips on the beach, to a Swiss-inspired cooking class at Foodbuilder, a SA Tourism Awards finalist. And don’t forget a ride on the Cockle Train that runs between Goolwa and Victor Harbor
Stay nearby: Discovery Parks – Goolwa is the perfect base to do it all. A short distance Goolwa Beach, families love the pool, cabins, and the easiest access to all the fun.
Discovery Parks - Goolwa swimming pool. Image Credit: @gypsyandherwild
10. Kangaroo Island
Just a ferry ride away, Kangaroo Island (KI) is one of the state’s most beloved destinations. It’s a haven for wildlife, with dolphins and kangaroos galore, and Vivonne Bay has previously been voted Australia’s best beach, with glassy waters and white sand.
But a real highlight is a guided tour of Seal Bay. It’s been described as “one of the most exceptional nature-based experiences in the world” because guides lead you deep into the heart of the seal colony itself. If you prefer to keep your distance, you can DIY on the boardwalk and viewing platforms. A KI trip is never complete without a visit to the Flinders Chase National Park and don’t forget to get photos at the Insta-famous Remarkable Rocks.
Stay nearby: Discovery Parks - Kangaroo Island is the perfect base for your next island adventure.
Seal Bay Converstaion Park. Image Credit: Kangaroo Island Tourims Alliance
11. Coffin Bay
On the Eyre Peninsula, Coffin Bay is known for its calm, pristine waters - the perfect setting for water fun in all it’s forms from fishing, sailing, swimming, or even waterskiing.
But the real star? Oysters. Slip on waders for an oyster farm tour and eat them fresh from the shell. From here, you’re also close to Port Lincoln where you can swim with sea lions, or head west to see Southern Right Whales at the Head of Bight marine park (May–Oct).
Stay nearby: Discovery Parks – Coffin Bay is right in the middle of this seafood lover’s paradise.
Oyster Farm Tours. Image Credit: South Australia Tourism Commission
12. Robe
Robe is a favourite getaway for SA locals that flies under the radar of many interstate visitors. Enjoy fish ‘n’ chips on long sandy beaches or dine in one of the town’s eateries. You can also drive on to Long Beach which is a 4WDers dream – all 14km of it – but stay on the packed sand so you don’t get bogged!
Known as the gateway to the Coorong National Park that stretches for 140km, Robe won’t be a destination you’ll be forgetting.
Stay nearby: With its indoor heated swimming pool and stunning beachfront location, there’s no better place to stay than Discovery Parks – Robe.
Canoe the Coorong. Image Credit: South Australia Tourism Commission
13. Houndsville
Okay, so there’s no such place as Houndsville but what if you want to bring your pooch on holiday? Many parts of SA welcome pets and here’s a list of some of the parks that let you bring your fur baby.
Ready to Do It All in South Australia?
South Australia is packed with experiences - from fast cars and festivals to outback adventures, wildlife encounters, and coastal escapes.
With Discovery Parks across the state, you’ll always have a comfy cabin, pool, or campfire to come home to after a big day out.
Book your South Australia holiday with Discovery Parks today
