To the north, a gaping natural amphitheatre of rock rises from the desert. To the south, an endangered colony of sea lions lazes on the same island beach they have for thousands of years. In between, lie rolling valleys of vineyards where centuries-old winemaking traditions continue to thrive and a laid-back, beach bordered city in love with farm-to-table food.
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 sleeping under a blanket of stars in the Outback or sampling some of the world’s best Shiraz with vistas to match 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 well-kept secrets in ways that are meaningful to you.
Our ideas for exploring South Australia
With landscapes varying from the Outback to tranquil, cliff-lined coastlines 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, a luxury five-star vineyard retreat surrounded by hundreds of acres of vines... However you’d like to spend the night, our specialists can suggest stays to suit your tastes.
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![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.
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![The Louise, Barossa Valley]()
The Louise
The Louise is a luxury five-star vineyard retreat surrounded by hundreds of acres of vines overlooking the world renowned Barossa Valley.
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![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.
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![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.
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![Barossa Valley]()
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.
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![Koala on Kangaroo Island]()
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.
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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.
Read this guide -
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.
Read this guide
South Australia in pictures
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![Vineyards, Barossa Valley]()
Vineyards, Barossa Valley -
![The Ghan crossing the Elizabeth River]()
The Ghan crossing the Elizabeth River -
![Murray River]()
Murray River -
![Koala and joey]()
Koala and joey -
![Jetty, Vivonne Bay]()
Jetty, Vivonne Bay -
![The Ghan crossing the MacDonnell Ranges]()
The Ghan crossing the MacDonnell Ranges -
![Bunyeroo, Flinders Ranges]()
Bunyeroo, Flinders Ranges -
![Remarkable Rocks, Flinders Chase National Park]()
Remarkable Rocks, Flinders Chase National Park -
![Yellow footed rock wallaby, Flinders Ranges]()
Yellow footed rock wallaby, Flinders Ranges -
![Adelaide]()
Adelaide
