Visit the Barossa
Best Things To Do in SA (Free and Paid)
South Australia. The land of kangaroos and spectacular wineries. But step back from that, and what else has it got? Well, we can say that it’s got plenty. From wildlife parks, to whispering walls, to jaw-dropping views – take a trip to South Australia on your Big Lap, and have the time of your life.
1. PICHI RICHI RAILWAY (Paid)
Cruise by the timeless Flinders Ranges on board the Pichi Richi Railway. This railway has been updated and restored as a working museum for the past 47 years by the dedicated volunteers of the Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society.
This is the last remaining operating portion of the “Old Ghan” railway line. Don’t miss out on this step back into the past.
The Afghan Express: A steam-hauled train built in the late 1920s. Port Augusta to Quorn (return), six hours including a two hour stop for lunch in historic Quorn.
The Pichi Richi Explorer: A steam train using South Australian carriages, some of which date as far back as the nineteenth century. Quorn to Woolshed Flat, return two hours.
You can find out more about the Pichi Richi Railway here:
https://www.pichirichirailway.org.au/
2. EDEN VALLEY LOOKOUT (Free)
Eden Valley is, at first glance, a quaint and quiet little town, but if you look closer you will see it is a hidden world of gorgeous vineyards, accompanied by scenic hillsides that produce some of the region’s most sought-after cool-climate wines.
Enjoy a picnic at the tables provided or just soak up the panoramic views. Either way, it is an experience you will never forget. And, even better, it comes at no charge.
You can find out more about Eden Valley here: https://www.toursa.com.au/listing/see-a-do-barossa-valley/eden-valley-lookout/
3. WHISPERING WALL (Free)
The Whispering Wall is the retaining section of the Barossa Reservoir, an early 20th century dam that was quite the revolutionary engineering feat for its day. This dam grabbed so much attention from across the world that it even found itself in the pages of the journal Scientific American.
But you’re probably wondering why it is in fact called The Whispering Wall. Well, this is the marvelous feature that draws visitors to it from all over Australia and the world – words whispered at one side can be clearly heard at the other, more than 100 metres away. Children especially love to test this out, so this could be a great family day out for any active travellers.
You can find out more about the Whispering Wall here: https://www.samemory.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=283
4. CLELAND WILDLIFE PARK (Paid)
Visit Cleland Wildlife Park to feed kangaroos as they laze around, wander through wetlands, and surround yourself with over a hundred species of Australian wildlife. Being one of the only few places in the world that allows visitors to hold a koala, it is no surprise that Cleland Wildlife Park is award-winning as one of South Australia’s must-see attractions. Many of the animals are also allowed to roam freely in the 35-hectare park, so be prepared to make some precious memories as you interact with South Australia’s native wildlife.
You can find out more about Cleland Wildlife Park here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleland_Conservation_Park
5. ST HUGO (Paid)
If you love wine, you’ll never want to leave St Hugo. Located at Rowland Flat in the heart of Australia’s premier wine region, the Barossa Valley, and with only an hour’s drive from Adelaide, you can delve into over 150 wineries and cellar doors in this historic destination.
If that isn’t enough to soothe your senses, take a dive into the thriving local food scene, picturesque landscapes and luxurious accommodation.
You can find out more about St Hugo here: https://www.ultimatewineryexperiences.com.au/wineries/st-hugo/
6. TWENTY THIRD STREET DISTILLERY (Paid)
Originally built in the early 1900s to make use of the flourishing Riverland fruit harvest, Twenty Third Street Distillery is steeped in history, yet still maintains a contemporary inventiveness that is refreshing for visitors. The structure of the distillery is truly breathtaking, with grandeur ornaments, high ceilings and vintage furniture. Immerse yourself in a tour of the facility, where you will learn about the art of distilling and explore the facility that has been at the heart of South Australia for decades.
You can find out more about Twenty Third Street Distillery here:
https://www.23rdstreetdistillery.com.au/
7. UMOONA OPAL MINE AND MUSEUM (Paid)
Umoona Opal Mine and Museum is home to some of Australia’s finest relics and ancient fossils from the past. The only award-winning tourist attraction in Coober Pedy, as well as the region’s largest underground attraction, the museum is a step back into what it was really like digging for opal in the olden days.
You can also discover Australia’s largest range of exclusive opal jewellery, from crystals, to black, to boulder.
You can find out more about Umoona Opal Mine and Museum here: http://www.umoonaopalmine.com.au/?satcMcId=10601576820990067413840107631160869649
8. HAHNDORF MAIN STREET (Free)
We bet you’d never expect to step into South Australia only to find yourself in the middle of Germany. Well, Hahndorf is a contemporary village that gives you that peculiar yet exciting opportunity. Explore a range of German-style smallgoods, bakeries, cuckoo clocks, wooden folk art and pubs. Or if you prefer, stroll down the picturesque main street and discover shops, galleries and studios, a cheese maker, leathersmith, jeweller, candle makers, a craft brewery, winery cellar doors, gin distillery, chocolatier, traditional sweet shops, restaurants and cafés.
You don’t want to miss out on visiting Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement, located within an hour’s drive from Adelaide.
You can find out more about Hahndorf Main Street here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hahndorf,_South_Australia
9. EXCEPTIONAL KANGAROO ISLAND – LUXURY WILDLIFE TOURS (Paid)
Kangaroo Island has it all – a touch of nature; good food; good wine; lovely views. So what are you waiting for? Tours depart daily (except Christmas Day) from Kingscote, American River and surrounds. They pride themselves in providing an amazing culinary experience, as well as bringing you up close and personal with South Australia’s wildlife. This is one heck of an experience to remember.
You can find out more about Exceptional Kangaroo Island here:
https://www.exceptionalkangarooisland.com/?satcMcId=10601576820990067413840107631160869649
10. 4WD AUSSIE OUTBACK ADVENTURES (Free)
Take a tour with 4WD Aussie Outback Adventures and find yourself in a part of South Australia that you would have never seen otherwise. This is the only way to fully experience the natural beauty of the Flinders Ranges and the spirit of the outback. Cruise through the stunning country, with extended tours available for those of you who just can’t get enough of the scenery.
4WD Aussie Outback Adventures offers tours that can be tailored to suit individual requirements.
You can find out more about 4WD Aussie Outback Adventures here:
https://www.australias.guide/sa/attraction-tour/4wd-aussie-outback-adventures/
Best Things To Do in SA (Free and Paid)
South Australia. The land of kangaroos and spectacular wineries. But step back from that, and what else has it got? Well, we can say that it’s got plenty. From wildlife parks, to whispering walls, to jaw-dropping views – take a trip to South Australia on your Big Lap, and have the time of your life.
1. PICHI RICHI RAILWAY (Paid)
Cruise by the timeless Flinders Ranges on board the Pichi Richi Railway. This railway has been updated and restored as a working museum for the past 47 years by the dedicated volunteers of the Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society.
This is the last remaining operating portion of the “Old Ghan” railway line. Don’t miss out on this step back into the past.
The Afghan Express: A steam-hauled train built in the late 1920s. Port Augusta to Quorn (return), six hours including a two hour stop for lunch in historic Quorn.
The Pichi Richi Explorer: A steam train using South Australian carriages, some of which date as far back as the nineteenth century. Quorn to Woolshed Flat, return two hours.
You can find out more about the Pichi Richi Railway here:
2. EDEN VALLEY LOOKOUT (Free)
Eden Valley is, at first glance, a quaint and quiet little town, but if you look closer you will see it is a hidden world of gorgeous vineyards, accompanied by scenic hillsides that produce some of the region’s most sought-after cool-climate wines.
Enjoy a picnic at the tables provided or just soak up the panoramic views. Either way, it is an experience you will never forget. And, even better, it comes at no charge.
You can find out more about Eden Valley here: https://www.toursa.com.au/listing/see-a-do-barossa-valley/eden-valley-lookout/
3. WHISPERING WALL (Free)
The Whispering Wall is the retaining section of the Barossa Reservoir, an early 20th century dam that was quite the revolutionary engineering feat for its day. This dam grabbed so much attention from across the world that it even found itself in the pages of the journal Scientific American.
But you’re probably wondering why it is in fact called The Whispering Wall. Well, this is the marvelous feature that draws visitors to it from all over Australia and the world – words whispered at one side can be clearly heard at the other, more than 100 metres away. Children especially love to test this out, so this could be a great family day out for any active travellers.
You can find out more about the Whispering Wall here: https://www.samemory.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=283
4. CLELAND WILDLIFE PARK (Paid)
Visit Cleland Wildlife Park to feed kangaroos as they laze around, wander through wetlands, and surround yourself with over a hundred species of Australian wildlife. Being one of the only few places in the world that allows visitors to hold a koala, it is no surprise that Cleland Wildlife Park is award-winning as one of South Australia’s must-see attractions. Many of the animals are also allowed to roam freely in the 35-hectare park, so be prepared to make some precious memories as you interact with South Australia’s native wildlife.
You can find out more about Cleland Wildlife Park here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleland_Conservation_Park
5. ST HUGO (Paid)
If you love wine, you’ll never want to leave St Hugo. Located at Rowland Flat in the heart of Australia’s premier wine region, the Barossa Valley, and with only an hour’s drive from Adelaide, you can delve into over 150 wineries and cellar doors in this historic destination.
If that isn’t enough to soothe your senses, take a dive into the thriving local food scene, picturesque landscapes and luxurious accommodation.
You can find out more about St Hugo here: https://www.ultimatewineryexperiences.com.au/wineries/st-hugo/
6. TWENTY THIRD STREET DISTILLERY (Paid)
Originally built in the early 1900s to make use of the flourishing Riverland fruit harvest, Twenty Third Street Distillery is steeped in history, yet still maintains a contemporary inventiveness that is refreshing for visitors. The structure of the distillery is truly breathtaking, with grandeur ornaments, high ceilings and vintage furniture. Immerse yourself in a tour of the facility, where you will learn about the art of distilling and explore the facility that has been at the heart of South Australia for decades.
You can find out more about Twenty Third Street Distillery here:
7. UMOONA OPAL MINE AND MUSEUM (Paid)
Umoona Opal Mine and Museum is home to some of Australia’s finest relics and ancient fossils from the past. The only award-winning tourist attraction in Coober Pedy, as well as the region’s largest underground attraction, the museum is a step back into what it was really like digging for opal in the olden days.
You can also discover Australia’s largest range of exclusive opal jewellery, from crystals, to black, to boulder.
You can find out more about Umoona Opal Mine and Museum here: http://www.umoonaopalmine.com.au/?satcMcId=10601576820990067413840107631160869649
8. HAHNDORF MAIN STREET (Free)
We bet you’d never expect to step into South Australia only to find yourself in the middle of Germany. Well, Hahndorf is a contemporary village that gives you that peculiar yet exciting opportunity. Explore a range of German-style smallgoods, bakeries, cuckoo clocks, wooden folk art and pubs. Or if you prefer, stroll down the picturesque main street and discover shops, galleries and studios, a cheese maker, leathersmith, jeweller, candle makers, a craft brewery, winery cellar doors, gin distillery, chocolatier, traditional sweet shops, restaurants and cafés.
You don’t want to miss out on visiting Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement, located within an hour’s drive from Adelaide.
You can find out more about Hahndorf Main Street here:
9. EXCEPTIONAL KANGAROO ISLAND – LUXURY WILDLIFE TOURS (Paid)
Kangaroo Island has it all – a touch of nature; good food; good wine; lovely views. So what are you waiting for? Tours depart daily (except Christmas Day) from Kingscote, American River and surrounds. They pride themselves in providing an amazing culinary experience, as well as bringing you up close and personal with South Australia’s wildlife. This is one heck of an experience to remember.
You can find out more about Exceptional Kangaroo Island here:
10. 4WD AUSSIE OUTBACK ADVENTURES (Free)
Take a tour with 4WD Aussie Outback Adventures and find yourself in a part of South Australia that you would have never seen otherwise. This is the only way to fully experience the natural beauty of the Flinders Ranges and the spirit of the outback. Cruise through the stunning country, with extended tours available for those of you who just can’t get enough of the scenery.
4WD Aussie Outback Adventures offers tours that can be tailored to suit individual requirements.
You can find out more about 4WD Aussie Outback Adventures here:
