The Changing Landscapes of South Australia

Why South Australia is the most unique state in Australia

Australia has a lot of changing landscapes, but South Australia definitely has the most variety.

Put it this way – at the top of the state, you’ll find arid, red and dry conditions full of venomous snakes and crazy insects, whereas its southern counterparts have gentle rolling hills and cute marsupials.

Ranging in colours, all the way from burnt oranges to oceanic blues, the land morphs from outback to coast. The landscapes are rugged and ancient, the countryside is soft and gentle, and the limestone coast is dramatic with plenty of swim-friendly beaches!

Desert and Outback

Landscape highlights: Flinders Ranges National Park

The Flinders Ranges are dry, red, and vast. Situated right in the middle of South Australia, the Flinders Ranges are some of the oldest changing landscapes in the country. Over millions of years, wind and rain have formed a dramatic landscape rich with mountains, ridges and open plains. There’s not much civilisation here, and this stretch of open desert land gets extremely hot during the summer months, so travel through it with caution. If you want to see the desert, we recommend hopping on a multi-day tour!

Coastal

Highlights: Limestone Coast

Along the Eyre Peninsula, you’ll find a coastline that offers a completely different natural vibe from the north. As the cliffs meet the ocean, the white sandy beaches stretch for many kilometres. Erosion has reshaped shorelines, creating unique rock formations and hidden coves.

The ocean is teeming with marine life that thrives in nutrient-dense water. There’s plenty to see if you’re snorkelling. For underwater explorers, the Limestone Coast is a marine playground – with plenty of opportunity for snorkelling, spotting sea lions, scuba diving, and cage diving with white sharks!

The sands are white, the ocean is bright blue, and the limestone cliffs offer a sheer, rugged drop. The Limestone Coast is volcanic, with lots of different crater lakes filled with blue waters in the area.

Countryside

Highlights: Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale

Welcome to the wine region of the Barossa! Check out the rolling green hills of the Adelaide Hills, punctuated with cute little South Australian towns like the German settlement town of Hahndorf.

Life seems to move a little slower here, although it’s not too far from Adelaide.

From Adelaide, the Barossa Valley is only a 70-minute drive away, making it easily accessible from the city. These surrounding wine regions are popular getaways for those looking for a quiet weekend in wine country.

The climate is definitely more forgiving here, and the landscape appears a lot gentler. The vineyards here are lush, creating some of the tastiest grapes in Australia. Wine regions like the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale have produced some of the nicest wines in the country, such as the famous South Australian Shiraz.

Volcanic Regions

Highlights: Mount Gambier

Then, of course, there are the volcanic regions of South Australia. The volcanic areas of South Australia could be a set from Jurassic Park! The Southeastern areas of the Limestone Coast are full of places to go and explore dormant volcanoes, swim in blue crater lakes, and enjoy outdoor hikes across some fascinating scenery.

Wild Island Landscapes

Highlights: Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is a dramatic island landscape that appears to withstand almost anything. The bushfire of 2019-2020 destroyed much of the bushland here.

But nature came back fighting, and lots of the bushland grew back. There are lots of restoration projects that are regenerating the wildlife and the bushland in Kangaroo Island. Visit Kangaroo Island to spot seals in their natural habitat, explore the Remarkable Rocks, and go sandboarding.

Adelaide is a great base to explore all of these iconic South Australian gems – although there’s plenty to do in the city too!