Perhaps the most underrated state in Australia, South Australia tends to get overshadowed by the bigger, more well-known parts of Australia, like Uluru, the Sydney Opera House, and the Great Ocean Road.
In the same way that New South Wales has the Sydney Opera House, and the Northern Territory has Uluru, there isn’t a famous landmark or monument in South Australia that is the same.
This might be because South Australia doesn’t have a specific landmark in the same way that the other states might.
Here’s why South Australia might surprise you, and why it’s the most underrated state in the country. Whether you’re there for a few days, or you’ve got a bit longer – there’s plenty of reasons why you should spend more time in South Australia.
The landscapes vary dramatically
The landscapes of South Australia are perhaps the most dramatically different in the whole country. In one area, there are gentle hills of the Adelaide wine region, and then on the other side, you’ve got enormous pink lakes, and then the biggest mountain ranges in the country. Not to mention the town that’s so hot that it’s based underground.
There’s a subterranean town called Coober Pedy
A huge stretch of 5000 miles north of Adelaide, you’ll find a famous opal mining town called Coober Pedy. It’s got over 70 different opal fields, which all supply some of the world’s most expensive, sought-after gems.
But it’s more than a famous opal mining town! This town is an underground mining town that sits comfortably underneath the desert floor. With overbearing summer heat, its inhabitants have to go underground during the height of summer. When it’s too hot to be outside, its inhabitants continue to go about their daily lives, underground! It is home to over a whopping 70 different opal fields which supply the world’s opal – and it’s gem-quality material, which is what the town is most famous for.
The astronomy in South Australia is unparalleled
The Flinders Ranges have some of the darkest skies in Australia, which makes it a perfect spot to go stargazing. Named the International Dark Sky Sanctuary in 2023 the Flinders Ranges even have their national park – in the sky!
Pink lakes
Did you know, South Australia is home to a whole array of pink lakes? There a five well-known pink lakes in South Australia. Lake Macdonnell, Lake Eyre, Lake Hart and Lake Bumbunga.
World-famous wine
Sample the delicious wine in South Australia, and take a visit to the Barossa Valley. There are some world-famous, unparalleled wines here that aren’t found anywhere else in the world! Half of the wineries in Australia are in South Australia! Sip for yourself! Check out South Australia’s world-class wine on one of our iconic wine tours.