Once known as the ‘City of Churches’, today Adelaide is better recognised for its sophistication, charm and cosmopolitan feel. South Australia’s capital is a hub of festivals and art galleries; it enjoys a vibrant nightlife and live-music scene; plus there is plenty of shopping, including gorgeous opals, to be done; and gastronomic delights to be enjoyed. Pop into the Art Gallery of South Australia to view indigenous art, or the South Australian Museum devoted to natural history; take an amble in the Adelaide Botanic Garden; or if you’re up for a hike, find out about the trails on the Mount Lofty Ranges.
Victor Harbor is located 80 kilometres, just under an hour's drive, due south of Adelaide, South Australia. Victor Harbor is one of the most popular coastal playgrounds in South Australia and has been a favourite holiday destination with families since the late 1800s. The town overlooks the beautiful Encounter Bay with a coastline featuring the huge rock outcrop of The Bluff and the very popular Granite Island. The island is made special by having the world's only daily horse-drawn tram service that began operating in 1886. Visitors travelling from the eastern states, along the Great Ocean Road, can access Victor Harbor by crossing the Murray River at Wellington. The area’s Mediterranean climate and its close proximity to Kangaroo Island, the River Port of Goolwa and the Southern Wine Region makes this a choice location to base a holiday.
Kingscote is the largest town on South Australia’s beautiful Kangaroo Island, set on the gorgeous Nepean Bay. A wonderfully idyllic tidal pool allows hours of leisurely swimming in the warm waters, and neighbouring Emu Bay provides a spectacular stretch of powdery sands lapped by clear turquoise waters. An array of wineries, breweries, and top-notch restaurants make the town popular with food lovers, while a fantastic selection of shops, art galleries, and lively regular markets add appeal. History enthusiasts will delight in the numerous heritage buildings here, with Reeves Point (Old Kinngscote) being one of the highlights. Head to nearby Busby Islet Conservation Park for some excellent hiking trails and the chance to spot Little Penguin, Australian Pelicans, and Sooty Oystercatchers.
Situated in South Australia, the charming 19th-century village of Hahndorf boasts a rich German heritage and a number of wonderful wineries dotting nearby Adelaide Hills. As Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement, this colonial enclave beckons visitors back to an old world era filled exotic vegetation, colourful blooms and traditional ‘fachwerk’ timber-frame architecture. Visitors flock here from all corners of the globe to visit the collection of wonderful cafes and bars, stroll down the picturesque main street, enjoy incredible shopping opportunities, and sample authentic German cuisine and other top-notch artisanal food. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn about the settlement’s ancient folklore and Lutheran migrant history with a visit to the German Migration Museum.
Resting at the foot of the Mount Gambier volcano in the southeastern corner of South Australia, the city of Mount Gambier is known for its impressive geographical features. Numerous sinkholes are scattered around the town, including the incredible Umpherston Sinkhole, which contains a lush, sunken garden. The Blue Lake, which turns cobalt in summer, is one of the primary attractions. The landscape is volcanic, and scattered with crater lakes and limestone outcrops. The nightly sound and light show in the Cave Gardens tells visitors about the Aboriginal Dreamtime (religious and cultural) stories connected to the Cave Gardens, featuring magnificent displays against the cave walls accompanied by an ethereal soundscape. Other attractions include: ‘The Big Lobster’, a huge lobster sculpture accompanied by an award-winning seafood restaurant, and the Centenary Tower, which provides magnificent views of the town and coast.
If pristine beaches and great surf are what you’re looking for, Warrnambool is the place to visit. Located on the Great Ocean Road, the city is set on the wide cobalt expanse of Lady Bay, on a plateau sheltered by a steep bluff. Much of life revolves around the ocean here, with surfing, s all high on the agenda, but this former port town also has much of historical interest to offer. Don’t miss a visit to the award-winning Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, where you can tour a 19th-century precinct that includes the Lady Bay Lighthouse, Warrnambool Garrison and a coastal port harbour with an entire town. The rivers and wetlands that surround the area also present a unique natural splendour – particularly Lake Pertobe Adventure Playground and Hopkins River Estuary.
Situated southwest of Melbourne, Geelong is the second-largest city in Victoria (after Melbourne) and combines the best elements of a cosmopolitan city with some of the world’s most magnificent surf beaches just a stone’s throw away. Boasting a large commercial centre, it offers visitors the chance to explore popular beach-front attractions such as Eastern Beach with its swimming enclosure; the picturesque Steampacket Gardens; and various excellent the dining options. Locations of interest include the National Wool Museum, the Old Geelong Gaol, the Botanic Gardens at Eastern Park, and a number of other museums, galleries, and historical buildings. Make sure to spend an evening taking in the sunset from the pier, and look out around town for the bollards depicting historic characters.
