City: South Australia
Top Things to do in South Australia
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10 Nature & Wildlife Areas in South Australia That You Shouldn't Miss
South Australia (abbreviated as SA) is a state in the southern central part of Australia. It covers some of the most arid parts of the country. With a total land area of 983,482 square kilometres (379,725 sq mi), it is the fourth-largest of Australia's states and territories by area, and fifth largest by population. It has a total of 1.7 million people, and its population is the most highly centralised of any state in Australia, with more than 75 percent of South Australians living in the capital, Adelaide, or its environs. Other population centres in the state are relatively small.
Restaurants in South Australia
1. Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By 993anitat - Forster, Australia
We had a 4WD and off road camper and decided to head out to Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park from Blinman. This road was in quite good condition and the scenery was beautiful. We stayed the night at Arkaroola before heading into the national park at Weetootla Campground. The road through the national park to the campground was quite rough and narrow and we were glad we didn't meet anyone coming the other way. Such a beautiful but very arid landscape. We walked up the gorge which crossed over the Balcanoona Creek several times. We only saw one small waterhole. Our knees only allow us to do short distances these days so unfortunately we didn't get out to see Grindells Hut. However, the area we did walk through was just so rugged, harsh and yet beautiful. It was very hot at the end of October and there were heaps of flies. Don't forget your fly veils, hat, sunscreen and lots of water when heading off. The trail has markers along the way but in some places it was quite easy to miss them and wander down the creek. We did it a couple of times. There were a few people camping at Weetootla and there is a drop toilet and water tank. Worth remembering is that you can get a free shower at the Balconoona Park Headquarters. They have interesting information boards and a great old woolshed you can wander through.
2. Mikkira Station
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By Twigirlsgowalkabout
What an incredible experience! We saw an abundance of koalas! They were literally up every tree!!! The old homestead is beautiful and the emus and other bird life made it a perfect stay! Would give it ten stars!!!!!
3. Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 63 reviews
Nature’s drama unfolds at every step of the 66 kilometre five-day trek, with the trail weaving its way through the most botanically unique area in all of South Australia before reaching the rugged, remote and spectacular coastline of the Southern Ocean. The unimaginable beauty of this part of the world has to be seen to be believed. Come and discover the magic for yourself.
Reviewed By joannep79
My sister and I did the trail back in April. We are experienced hikers, have done numbers of multi-day backpacking hikes and are in our early 50s. The KI Wilderness Trail isn't very challenging physically (no long, steep hills) but is an extremely enjoyable five days, broken into comfortable length hiking days. The coastal scenery is great and we loved the vegetation, but those who don't care for plants might not find it so exciting. We saw kangaroos, Tammar wallabies, koalas, Rosenburg goannas, seals, red robins, bright orange crabs, anemones, an echidna and a rouge possum at one of the camps. The facilities are new and well-maintained, with good water supplies at each campsite. The campsites are well-spaced and in interesting vegetation. There were 11 independent hikers and no guided hikers when we did the trail, and while you could easily choose not to socialise, we had a great time each evening with the other hikers. We never saw the day hikers, although we believe there were a few. This would be an awesome, entry level multi-day hike, but also very enjoyable for those more experienced hikers. We thoroughly enjoyed our five days on the Trail. Be warned though, that there are extremely exposed sections that could be very unpleasant if there was an icy, southerly wind blowing (most common in winter).
4. Possum Parade
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
View the friendly possums each evening at dusk on the lawns of the Renmark Riverfront, opposite the Renmark Hotel.
Reviewed By 349margaretl - Elizabeth, Australia
Very friendly possums, came down for carrots that had been attached to the palm trees for them, husband was even able to feed one by hand, also allowed a little pat before taking the carrot back up the tree, hard to photograph as you cant use flash
5. Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 188 reviews
Reviewed By suebE1152LC - Clare Valley, Australia
We arrived in Arkaroola and were greeted warmly which set the tone for our entire stay. The accommodation is comfortable with rainfall showers but we didn’t spend much time in our rooms. On Day 1 we went on the Ridge Top Tour for the morning and the scenery was breathtaking. It was was fascinating to learn about the geomorphology of the area. We really enjoyed our food each night at the restaurant and the wine list is interesting particularly for such a remote area. The wait staff were mainly European and their enthusiasm and attention to detail must be commended. On Day 2 the owner Doug Sprigg took us on a half hour our flight over the area that we had driven the previous day. Doug’s was able tell us further interesting anecdotes and had a enormous knowledge of the landscape. We also hiked along Acacia Ridge which was a gentle ascent and a pleasant 5 km. Walk. Doug Sprigg and his wife Vicki enjoy & understand hospitality . This is reflected in their enthusiasm and that of their wonderful team of staff . I highly recommend a few days at this beautiful location.
6. Aldinga Scrub Conservation Park
7. Gorge Wildlife Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 438 reviews
A place where people and animals get together. See all your favourite Australian animals such as wombats, dingoes and Tasmanian devils. Feed the kangaroos and wallabies and cuddle a koala daily at 11.30am, 1.30 & 3.30pm
Reviewed By 912nicholasw - Colchester, United Kingdom
Spent a very pleasant four hours at this small wildlife centre. Very good value at $19 each plus another $10 for the ‘hold a koala’ experience. The holding session was well organised and the koala diligently posed with a number of visitors whilst concentrating on their eucalyptus leaves. Overall the centre appears to have approximately 50% of the wildlife roaming free whilst the majority of the caged animals and birds appeared to have enough space. Great variety of birds, animals and reptiles including native Australian species and others from overseas. The park is small enough to walk round in an hour but we found the more you looked the more you discovered. Only a short drive from Adelaide so easily fitted into a holiday schedule. Additionally worth a mention is the friendliness of the staff who mix in with visitors and were helpful throughout.
8. Thorndon Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 85 reviews
A large, shaded junior/toddler play park with a liberty disabled swing provide fun for all. Multiple barbeques and picnic settings beckon invitingly across the shady grassed expanse. Walking trails take you throughout this photographic location and past unique attractions like the natural wetlands and giant chess board. A small heritage museum is open each weekend adjacent to the kiosk. Both the kiosk and museum are proudly operated by the Rotary Club of Morialta. Thorndon Park is open to the general public at all hours. Please note, dogs are prohibited in the park at all times and the car park is locked between the hours of sunset and sunrise each day. Hire Spaces include an Amphitheatre, Rotunda and Oval Area that can be used for performances, community events, weddings, birthdays, sports days and other major events. For more information please call 8366 9222.
Reviewed By robertdF3787MY - Greater Adelaide, Australia
Thorndon Park keeps improving. There really is something for everyone - playground, BBQ, undercover areas (BYO chairs), kiosk, grass parks for ball games, birds galore, the occasional koala, the 1450m circular walking track, summer moonlight markets, writing, photography, painting, fitness training; hey, sit and just do nothing. Carpark has completed major improvements. Love it.
9. Cleland Wildlife Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,302 reviews
Reviewed By EdiBa683 - Switzerland, null
The day at the park was awesome. I enjoyed to walk through the huge enclosures of the different kangaroos and wallabies. To hand feed the kangaroos was a great experience, to be close to them and to sit down and look at the kangaroos. Fantastic was also the Koala "close-up" experience in the morning. To enjoy this you have to be there minimum a half an hour before they start because there is a limited number of people who can do it and if you like they take photos with your own camera. And, There are a few other Koalas on eucalyptus trees, if you don't like to wait in line I spent a long time next to my favourite animal the Wombats. I saw my first white wombat and he was moving around. That was a memorable event for me. I was so fascinated by the wildlife and walking around there are also echidnas, potoroos, emus, birds and much more. It is a great Park to see lots of Australian Wildlife.
10. Seal Bay Conservation Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,002 reviews
Seal Bay offers one of the most exceptional nature-based experiences in the world. Fees are invested into ongoing research and conservation efforts and through these efforts we hope to preserve the natural habitat of a wild Australian sea lion colony for generations to come. Our tours are designed to suit a wide variety of visitors - you can stay all day if you want to! There are no enclosures or cages at Seal Bay. Instead, you will be taken into the heart of the colony where our experienced guides will teach you more about these endangered animals. Visitors given a unique insight into how these endangered animals fish, surf, rest, interact with their pups and defend their territory.If you prefer, you can set your own pace on the wheelchair accessible 300 metre boardwalk which meanders through the dunes to a number of viewing platforms.
Reviewed By giddyin0z - Adelaide, Australia
Yes, you can see New Zealand Fur Seals at Admirals Arch in Flinders Chase National Park for free (once you have paid for your Parks Pass). And it is definitely not cheap to visit Seal Bay. However, I still think it is worth it! If you do the self-guided tour at Seal Bay, you see Australian Sea Lions quite close from the boardwalk. Much closer than I've ever seen the Fur Seals at Admirals Arch. If you can afford the guided tour, you get to walk on the beach, hear about the Sea Lions, can ask your guide all the questions you like, and the self-guided walk on the boardwalk is included in the price as well. I've done the tour twice by now, with a few years inbetween, and it is still a highlight to me. The guides I had were knowledgeable and passionate. I definitely recommend visiting Seal Bay.
