South Australia is a state defined by extreme wilderness. It's home to the 100km-long Bunda Cliffs facing the Great Australian Bight, the empty expanse of the arid Nullarbor Plain and the red dunes of the Simpson Desert. Its capital, Adelaide, nicknamed “City of Churches” and known for its rich culture, is neighboured by Barossa Valley vineyards and sheltered beaches of the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Aside from the Barossa Valley, the Adelaide Hills and Clare Valley regions are renowned for fine wines, with diverse red and white grape varieties, along with gourmet cuisine incorporating German culinary traditions. Coastal regions offer uncrowded beaches and seafood specialties. Houseboats float on Australia’s longest river, the Murray. Kangaroo Island is known for wildlife spotting of penguins, sea lions, koalas and kangaroos. Highlights of the Outback include the red Flinders Ranges and the opal-mining town of Coober Pedy, much of which was built underground to beat the daytime heat.