Epic’s Australia Inbound team recently discovered the best of South Australia thanks to South Australia Tourism Commission. Here are 3 reasons to visit this beautiful part of Australia…
Food & wine lovers paradise – Adelaide & SA Wine regions
By Pedro O’Connor
Adelaide, City of Churches is the capital of South Australia. It has a vibrant arts and food & wine scene and stately colonial architecture lining the terraces and tree-lined streets. The stately buildings along North Terrace house the Art Gallery of South Australia and the South Australian Museum, home to the largest collection of indigenous aboriginal and South Sea Islander artefacts in Australia.
The city is surrounded by some of the best wine regions and quintessential Australian landscapes in the country. I ventured into the Barossa and Clare Valleys to experience some of the fine food and home grown wines SA has to offer. The Jacobs Creek Visitor Centre and Seppeltsfield Winery are two major establishments that give an insight into the pioneering spirit that created the world class reputation the region holds today. Seppeltsfield provides the opportunity to sample vintage port that is 100 years old! A special treat is sampling the vintage from your birth year.
There are so many wineries to choose from and local knowledge is paramount when tailor making a wine tour to an individual’s specific palate.
I discovered some boutique gems where the wine maker is happy to take clients into his cellar and spend time regaling the passion they have for turning grapes into wine.
The newly renovated St Hugo Wines provides a standout wine tasting and dining experience. They cater to any weather condition, be it inside around a log fire or in the outdoor courtyard. This is classic Barossa.
The small, historic town of Mintaro is home to Reillys Wines, one of the tastier drops to seek out if you venture into this beautiful part of Australia.
Getting there:
From Adelaide – 1 hour private transfer to the Barossa / 1.5 hours to Clare Valley.
Outback Australia & the Flinders Ranges
By Kirstine Dawson
Just a short 30 minute flight from Adelaide, we arrived in Hawker, a conveniently located airport that is the gateway to the Flinders Ranges and South Australia’s Outback.
After a 20 minute overland drive, we were on the doorstep of one of Australia’s most exclusive properties, Arkaba Station, a 5 bedroom luxury homestead.
Originally a sheep station, this property is now solely dedicated to the conservation of Australia’s unique wildlife and birds.
This “all inclusive” property includes daily exploration of their 60,000 acres with field guides, bush walking, 4WD safaris, wildlife spotting, and ancient Aboriginal sites to visit. Or just soaking up the sights and sounds of the Australian bush.
Picnic under magnificent River Red Gums, track native wildlife, learn the stories of early European settlement or take a scenic flight over Wilpena Pound, a spectacular natural amphitheatre of mountains, and part of the iconic Flinders Ranges.
Getting there:
Private guided air and road transfers available from Adelaide.
Natural wonders of Kangaroo Island
By Leigh Squire
Minutes from the South Australian mainland but a million miles away, Kangaroo Island is a sanctuary for wildlife and rugged, natural beauty.
Discover soaring cliffs, dense bushland, towering sand dunes and massive arcs of pristine white beaches. More than one third of the island has been declared National or Conservation Park, and it is truly a natural gem of South Australia. The local seafood, fresh food and wine produce are amazing and so are the friendly locals who inhabit this island.
Kangaroo Island is bigger than most imagine – “We didn’t realize how large the island was!” is a frequent comment from visitors. It is the third largest island off the coast of Australia – 155 km (96 mi) long and up to 55 km (34 mi) wide – and covers an area of 4,416 sq. kms / (2,743 sq mi.)
We spent 2 days on the island and were privately guided by Craig Wickham of Exceptional Kangaroo Island. Craig’s passion and knowledge of the island provides a unparalleled perspective on why the island is so unique. Private touring offers a personal experience away from the crowds at island attractions like Remarkable Rocks, Admiral’s Arch and Seal Bay. This tailored experience provides an up close and personal encounters with island wildlife and local artisans.
Whether you are looking for ultra-luxury at Southern Ocean Lodge, a private beachfront home or an eco-villa in the wilderness, Kangaroo Island has it all.
This is an authentic Australian experience with locals delighted to welcome you to their world.
Getting there:
30 minute flight from Adelaide
South Australia has so many treasures to experience. Let us know what interests you and we will design the perfect itinerary to suit.