29 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do In South Australia

SAhhh good.

1. Eat your weight in fresh produce at a coastal farmer's market.

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The good people of South Australia's southern suburbs have set up a delightful Saturday morning ritual that your tastebuds will thank you for. A short drive from the Adelaide CBD and you'll be at the Willunga Markets in time to grab a bite to eat or to do your weekly shop. And good news dog lovers, this one is pooch friendly!

2. Have a drink "on top" of the city.

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The city of Adelaide has had an explosion of small and medium-sized bars in the past few years with a range of experiences on offer. To indulge in a cocktail with an incredible view, visit the bar at 2KW. It's a fancy AF spot to order a drink, so be sure to frock up for your night out.

3. Pick your own punnet of strawberries.

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Is there anything better than seeing exactly where your produce comes from? Get down and dirty in the Mount Compass strawberry fields and take home a bounty of fresh, delicious fruit.

4. Freak yourself out by swimming with sharks.

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Nope. Nope. Nope. Wait, maybe? Obviously this photo is evidence that you'll survive a swim with sharks so that's a start. Just hop on a plane (or drive the 700kms from Adelaide) to Port Lincoln and muster up the courage to get in a cage, while a ginormous sea beast swims around you. #YOLO.

5. Watch people throw around a big ol' tuna.

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South Australia is known as "the festival state" so it's no wonder there's even one dedicated to the humble tuna. The people of Port Lincoln love their seafood and on the closest weekend to Australia Day, Tunarama is the place to be. The highlight of the festival? Seeing a bunch of grown ass humans in a tuna-throwing competition.

6. Stay in a fancy AF luxury island hotel.

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Look this isn't a budget situation, but sometimes you have to treat yourself. Set on a secluded coast of Kangaroo Island, the Southern Ocean Lodge sits on a cliff, and is ultimate holiday goals.

7. Live out your childhood fantasies by visiting TWO chocolate factories.

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Haigh's Chocolates Visitor Centre

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Melba's Chocolate Factory

To see how some of the finest choccies in Australia are made, drop by for a tour of the Haigh's Chocolates Visitor Centre just south of the Adelaide CBD. Melba's Chocolate Factory is about 40 minutes out of the city of Adelaide in the scenic Hills district. It's still a working factory and famous for its "cow pats", which are more delicious than they sound.

8. Get your kit off at a nude beach.

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Home to "Australia's first legal nude beach", Maslin Beach is a lovely spot for a clad or unclad dip in the ocean (just make sure you're in the right area before stripping down). Maslin's also plays host to an Olympic Games-inspired event called The Nude Games.

9. Wander around a sinkhole garden.

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Don't let the name fool you, the Umpherston Sinkhole is an attractive sunken garden located four hours outside of Adelaide in the town of Mount Gambier. Wander through the garden, get that perfect Instagram shot and let everyone know you ~survived~ a sinkhole.

10. See the deep blue of "The Blue Lake".

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Another of Mount Gambier's gems includes taking a walk around the incredible "Blue Lake". Situated in an extinct volcano, make sure you check it out between December and March for the full colour experience.

11. Hang out with dolphins in the suburbs.

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It's pretty amazing to think you only need to drive 20 minutes out of Adelaide to be sitting alongside a pod of dolphins. The Port River Dolphin Sanctuary can be accessed by anyone and there’s a range of activities to be done, from walks to boat tours and kayaking.

12. Learn about fossils or religion underground.

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The mining town of Coober Pedy, known as "the opal capital of the world", boasts some incredible underground architecture due to the searing heat. Put your claustrophobia aside, venture to the state's far north and drop by The Catacomb Church (pictured) or the Serbian Orthodox Church. If museums are more your thing, the Umoona Opal Mine and Museum documents million year old fossils, Indigenous culture and opal mining history.

13. Test your nerves on an adventure playground for adults.

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Who said playgrounds are just for kids? The people at Mega Adventure have set up an awe-inspiring wonderland for adults to challenge their skills and strengths. There's a whole range of daring options to choose from and yes, children are allowed on as well.

14. Cycle through the vineyards.

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With so many wine regions in SA to choose from why not combine a bit of exercise with a day of tasting famous whites? The Riesling Trail, through the Clare Valley wine region, is the perfect way to spend a sunny day and ~earn~ all those glasses of wine. Make sure to wear a well-fitted helmet!

15. Get lost on an Easter egg hunt through a maze.

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On the way out to the Clare Valley, why not stop past the Mintaro Maze and weave in and out of its over 800 lush green conifers. Don't miss the Easter egg hunt if you're there over the Easter long weekend.

16. Sandboard across a mini desert.

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Known as Little Sahara, these sand dunes found on Kangaroo Island are the perfect spot to carve it up on a board all year round. There's no need for a "good snow season" when you're careening down these sandy hills.

17. Test out your snorkel skills on a natural reef.

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Turns out Queensland's not the only place you can go for a snorkel. A short drive (or train ride) down south and you can jump straight in at Port Noarlunga to see the fish. Parts of the reef are exposed and you can actually walk on top of it, but if stand-up paddle boarding is more your thing, that’s also a popular way to spend the arvo.

18. Overindulge on mountains of cheese.

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🚨🚨🚨 CHEESEFEST IS AN ENTIRE FESTIVAL DEDICATED TO CHEESE 🚨🚨🚨.

That's right, during October, in the heart of the Adelaide CBD you will find cheesemongers and cheese lovers united under the trees getting cheesy with cheese sweats. So many samples, so many purchases and so much cheese.

19. Enjoy watching whales frolicking in their natural habitat.

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A day out in Victor Harbor or the idyllic Port Elliot (the bakery is a must visit) wouldn't be complete without a spot of whale watching. There's no guarantees so keep an eye on the sightings log. Alternatively, if you're on a road trip across the Nullabor, don't miss checking out the Head of Bight viewing platforms.

20. Picnic at a celebrity cook's farm.

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Visit Maggie Beer's farm in the historic Barossa Valley and munch away on some of the best produce the state has to offer. There's all sorts of food combinations for your picnic spread or just browse the store for cooking inspiration. Maybe you'll even bump into Maggie over an olive or two?

21. Tell all your secrets to the "Whispering Wall".

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To actually hear science, swing past the Barossa Reservoir's "Whispering Wall", stand either side of the dam and talk quietly across to the other side. Due to the shape of the massive structure, either side will be able to hear what's being said. Well worth stopping just to whisper naughty words to your mates across a giant reservoir.

22. Balloon over the picturesque Barossa.

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You might have sampled one or two reds from the Barossa region, but how about seeing the famous Shiraz and Grenache grapes from the sky? The quiet calm of a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards is perfect for the thrill seeker who wants a little less thrill and lot more seeking.

23. Expand your mind with literary speakers.

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One of the humble, but revered, heroes of the Adelaide Festival of Arts program is Adelaide Writers' Week. The event is completely free and set in the calming surrounds of the Pioneer Women's Memorial Gardens. Grab a program and plan your week to hear a range of incredible authors from around the world.

24. Fly over the largest inland lake in Australia.

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When Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre is full of water, it's an incredible sight to behold. At ground level, it's hard to take it all in, so if you really want to see this expansive body, jump in a plane and take an overhead trip to experience the rich colours of South Australia's stunning landscape. Situated 700kms out of Adelaide, this one is a roadtripper.

25. Relax in the surrounds of a stunning library.

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Named as one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, the Mortlock Wing of the State Library of South Australia is perfect for exploring, studying or living out all your Harry Potter fantasies.

26. Get acquainted with the art of glass blowing.

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The Jam Factory, in Adelaide's west end, is a hub for artists and lovers of art alike. You're likely to catch a fiery glass blowing display most days, but call ahead to be on the safe side. Take a guided tour of the exhibitions or simply wander around and discover some of South Australia's wonderful up and coming artists for yourself.

27. Go back in time with a trip on an historic railway.

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Who even knew steam engines still existed? With trips from Quorn or Port Augusta, you can have the full Pichi Richi Railway experience. There's a variety of trips to choose from so you can spend a half or full day turning back the clock.

28. Spend an arvo drinking beers you've never heard of.

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The Wheatsheaf Hotel (or "Wheaty" to the locals) is an excellent pub with the added bonus of no pokies, TAB, or shit beers. Just west of the Adelaide CBD, the owners brew their own beer as well as stock a wide range of interesting frothies and whiskeys. If you're hungry, grab a cheese platter, see what food truck is out the front or get a pizza delivered to your table in the beer garden. And for the musos, this pub actually uses its band room for gigs.

29. Escape to "Japan" in the Park Lands.

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One of the hidden treasures in the Adelaide Park Lands, the Himeji Gardens, gives you a Japanese experience right in the heart of an Aussie city. Just head to the south end of the Adelaide CBD and take a moment of your time to relax in the peaceful surrounds.