South Australia Car Hire

Things to do in South Australia

South Australia has a lot to offer for all kinds of travellers, There are stunning beaches for those seeking some sun, sands and surf; mountains and wilderness for those looking for a nature adventure; and cultural attractions for the artistically-inclined.

Spend time in Adelaide

Adelaide, Australia’s fifth-largest city and the capital of South Australia, is most likely to be your first stop. Beautiful urban green spaces and elegant 19th-century buildings are set to a backdrop of skyscrapers, in a glorious meeting of past and present. Australia is perpetually high on cricket spirit, and if you are too, then The Adelaide Oval is the stadium where you could catch a match. To get close to Aussie natives like kangaroos, emus, and wallabies, the Cleland Wildlife Park will keep kids and adults alike equally entertained.

Natural scenery & wildlife

Escape the commotion of the city and take a tram from downtown to Glenelg, a seaside village offering a lively summer vibe. Stay in one of the boutique hotels and enjoy a hot cup of coffee at one of many cosy sidewalk cafes. Kangaroo Island is another top natural attraction and a must-visit for all tourists. It boasts pristine beaches, interesting rock formations, mysterious caves, and indigenous wildlife. You can spot koalas, penguins, sea lions, seals, and a variety of native birds that inhabit the third-largest island in Australia. If you're on the hunt for local delicacies, make sure you don't miss tasting Liguruan (Spring Flora) honey which is sourced from the earth’s most genetically pure honeybees. Located on the western tip of Kangaroo Island is Flinders Chase National Park, a sanctuary for endangered species. You can find animals like echidna (one of the only two egg-laying mammals on earth) and the western grey kangaroo here.

Enjoy water activities on the Murray River

You might be interested in checking out the Murray River, the longest river in Australia. The river also creates the perfect soil conditions for the irrigation of citrus fruits. Some of the fun outdoor activities awaiting you at Murray River include boating, swimming, fishing, and water-skiing. After all the fun and frolic, amble over to the town of Renmark, meaning "Red Mud" in the language of the Naratle Aboriginal tribe. Due to water from the Murray River being used to inundate this red soil, it has led to excellent conditions to plant orchards, particularly for rose. The town hosts a Rose Festival every October.

Drive to Innes National Park

Innes National Park is a hidden gem situated in the Yorke Peninsula. A 3-hour drive from Adelaide, it's a popular weekend getaway for the city folks looking to get away from the urban bustle and breathe fresh air tinted with the natural aroma of eucalyptus and wattle trees. The prizes waiting for you are a beautiful blue sea with stunning beaches, jagged seascapes and abundant wildlife. Those looking for adventure activities like surfing, scuba diving, camping, boating, and fishing are going to be especially happy with the clear and calm waters with abundant marine life. The park is also home to 150+ species of birds including the famous ospreys and hooded plovers. Kangaroos are often spotted in the park, and at the coast, you might notice seals, dolphins or southern right whales.

Discover natural wonders

Mount Gambier is a natural spectacle, composed of an extinct volcano with four crater lakes. If you want to witness magic, visit the Blue Lake during November and you’ll see a bright cobalt blue lake instead of a dull grey one. The Umpherston Sinkhole, also known as the “sunken garden”, is a remarkable natural wonder that was formed when the roof of a cave collapsed, giving rise to a lush garden filled with flowers like calla lilies and hot pink hydrangeas. Finally, do not miss the only World Heritage Site in South Australia- Naracoorte Caves! Take in the soul-stirring scenery, fascinating fossils, and copious numbers of bats.

Eating out in South Australia

Seafood in South Australia

Close to the cellar door of Coriole Vineyard in McLaren Vale lies the marvellous Gather restaurant founded by chef Tom Tilbury. With his creativity blended with sensibility, he presents in-house seasonal produce to highlight their inherent flavours and colours, paired with a wonderful mix of local meats and seafood. If you can’t get enough of the seafood, swing by Orana in Adelaide, where Chef Jock Zonfrillo creates inspired dishes such as Murray River cod with leek and eucalyptus and crocodile with Australian botanicals.

The seafood feast has not yet ended if you are yet to taste the dishes of Fish Bank in Adelaide. Here you will find more than 30 distinctive seafood varieties on the menu. Even the post-dinner cocktails revolve around the sea theme. The best part is, they're open seven days a week.

Asian & African cuisine

At the centre of Adelaide’s CBD lies Shobosho Bar and Restaurant, famous for its traditional Japanese and Korean fare as well as fusion dishes. If you have an appreciation for the grill, you’ll find that the chef uses the traditional Japanese Yakitori method. The most popular dishes on the menu include the wood-roasted lamb belly and Korean BBQ beef short ribs. Another Adelaide CBD attraction for the foodies is Africola, where Chef Duncan Welgeoed boasts North African delicacies including the peri peri chicken with boom chakalaka and charcoal hearts and corong short rib with afro-pickles and monkey-gland sauce.

Italian restaurants in South Australia

If Italian cuisine is calling your name, Nido Bar + Pasta on King William Road serves the most delightful gnocco fritto, meaning golden pillows of fried gnocchi bread. Alternatively, you will find that Osteria Oggi will satisfy all your pasta cravings. Situated on Pirie Street in Adelaide's CBD, the joint is known for its fresh hand-made pasta. It also serves gratifying slow-roasted meats and luscious Italian desserts.

Transport in South Australia

Airports in South Australia

Adelaide International Airport serves South Australia and is the fifth busiest airport in Australia. It has seen the most growth internationally among all the other Australian ports. Once you've landed at the airport, take a JetBus (operated by Adelaide Metro) to various destinations in central Adelaide.

Driving in South Australia

Alternatively, if you're skipping the city to head straight to the surrounding tourist attractions, consider taking a taxi or hiring a car. Car hire is available near the terminal building of the airport. The city centre is a 20-minute drive from the airport. Hiring a car is a great idea if you want to visit multiple locations at your own convenience. Some of the most popular hire companies serving Adelaide are Alpha, Hertz, Europcar, Hertz, and Alamo.

If you want to enjoy the summer sun, opt for a convertible that will let you poke your head through the sunroof and feel the breeze. If you just want to drive within the city, a compact car such as the Hyundai Accent or Kia Rio can save on gas cost. Make sure to maintain the speed limit as they are strictly enforced.