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Admirals Arch, Kangaroo Island

South Australia by rail

Admirals Arch, Kangaroo Island

To the north, a gaping amphitheatre of rock rises from the desert. To the south, rare species like the glossy black cockatoo shelter among the she-oaks of an island wildlife sanctuary. In between lie rolling valleys of vineyards where you can still hear German dialect and a laid-back, beach-bordered city in love with farm-to-table food. Journeying along one of the state’s railways, you’ll experience it all at a slower pace.

The Ghan and The Great Southern snake through the quieter corners of the Outback, giving you a front-row seat to both vine-woven hills and mountainous outback, and letting you hop on and off to explore. Boarding at Adelaide, you’ll have plenty of time to soak up the easy-going ambience of this leafy, forward-looking city.

You could make 2025 the year you find yourself stargazing from your swag bed on a guided bushwalk or sampling some of the world’s best shiraz in the Barossa Valley. We’ll shape your trip around what you’re passionate about. Your specialist will handpick every aspect of your itinerary, including the best experiences and stays, so you can dig deep into South Australia’s lifestyle and customs in ways that are meaningful to you.

Our ideas for exploring South Australia

With landscapes varying from the Outback to eucalypt forests and cosmopolitan Adelaide, South Australia offers near-endless possibilities for exploring. Our best-loved trip ideas aim to inspire your travels in the state, both on and off the train.

Where to stay in South Australia

A sleeper train that sweeps through the Red Centre, a homestead set in the shadow of the mountains, restored cottages on a historic sheep farm… However you’d like to spend the night, our specialists can suggest stays to suit your tastes.

  • Arkaba Homestead, Flinders Ranges

    Arkaba Conservancy

    At Arkaba, the five rooms provide an oasis of comfort and style amidst an exacting and rugged landscape, where guests enjoy a taste of true Australian hospitality on a fully hosted, expertly guided experience in the Outback.

  • Stranraer Homestead, Kangaroo Island

    Stranraer Homestead

    Stranraer is a handsome country homestead that offers an authentic way to experience the unique wildlife and welcoming hospitality of Kangaroo Island.

  • The Ghan, Alice Springs

    The Ghan Train

    Operating between the south coast in Adelaide and the north coast at Darwin (and vice versa) the Ghan offers the most comfortable way to see the Red Centre of Australia.

Best things to do in South Australia

Before you roll through the desert on The Ghan, you can gain a taste of South Australia in a range of expert-led experiences — including a wildlife-focused tour of Kangaroo Island and wine tasting in the world-class Barossa Valley.

  • The Ghan, Darwin

    The Ghan — Great Southern

    The Ghan completed its first journey from Adelaide through the ruggedly beautiful Red Centre to Darwin in 2003, reviving a dream born in the colonial era.

  • Barossa Valley, South Australia

    Wine Tour of the Barossa Valley

    Tailor your own personal guided tour to the heart of Australia's wine industry, sampling the food and wine that interests you the most as you journey into the Barossa Valley.

  • Koala, Kangaroo Island, South Australia

    Exceptional Kangaroo Island

    Twelve thousand years ago Kangaroo Island was part of mainland Australia. The Ice Age and low sea levels allowed the Island to be populated with an amazing array of wildlife. Kangaroo Island’s plants and animals are now isolated and are clearly different from their mainland relatives.

More inspiration for your South Australia trip

We’ve journeyed along South Australia’s railways, discovering the experiences you can have en route. Our specialists share their highlights and recommendations in the travel guides below to help you start planning your trip.

  • Classic railway journeys in Australia: The Ghan vs the Indian Pacific
    The Ghan, Darwin

    Classic railway journeys in Australia: The Ghan vs the Indian Pacific

    Classic railway journeys in Australia: The Ghan vs the Indian Pacific

    Australia by train? Yes: the country hosts two of the world’s greatest routes, The Ghan and the Indian Pacific. But, what are the differences between them? Our specialists explain. Either way, expect Outback scenery and great on-board dining and hospitality.

    6 min read

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  • Shining a spotlight on South Australia's wildlife & landscapes
    Wild koala on Kangaroo Island

    Shining a spotlight on South Australia's wildlife & landscapes

    Shining a spotlight on South Australia's wildlife & landscapes

    Holidays to South Australia can include scenic drives and hikes as well as close-up wildlife viewing, explain Audley specialists Tom and Matt. They highlight the best places to go in the region — Kangaroo Island and Flinders Ranges — and why.

    10 min read

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South Australia in pictures

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