Hotels in South Australia

South Australia has a more laid-back pace of life than other parts of the continent. Renowned for its fine wine, the south has a mild climate supporting acres of vineyards. The regional capital of Adelaide can be found here, providing a relaxed and sophisticated urban centre from which to explore the Australian heartlands. The northern half of the region is a harsher desert landscape, with arid bedrocks and salt lakes bringing the adventurous at heart face to face with Australia’s wild side.

Hotels in South Australia

Hotels in South Australia are comfortable, well-priced, and welcoming. The region offers a wide range of accommodation, including elegant traditional buildings and quirky alternative options. Luxury hotels are available in Adelaide at very reasonable rates, while the outback and coastal areas offer high-end 5-star options for once-in-a-lifetime getaways. Backpackers will find cheap accommodation in South Australia in Adelaide’s hostels, which provide a great base from which to explore the area. Meanwhile, roadside motels and guesthouses in areas such as Coober Pedy provide access to spectacular desert landscapes at discount prices, and a place to shelter from the midday sun.

Things to see in South Australia

South Australia is home to some of the island’s most recognisable landscapes. The ochre mountains of The Flinders Ranges house a huge collection of Aboriginal cave art and the remains of any number of colonial villages and ranches which crumbled under the sweltering heat of the beating desert sun. Perhaps best known as the backdrop to the ’70s movie Jaws, the Eyre Peninsula plays home to some of Australia’s better known sea-life, including southern right whales and Australian sea lions. Visitors who are brave enough to enter the ocean might just spot the iconic great white shark—be sure to do it from the safety of a shark cage though! Relaxation and respite can be found in the shaded streets of Adelaide. Historically known for its churches, the city now contains a growing selection of hipster coffee shops and trendy cocktail bars. South of Adelaide, Kangaroo Island is a haven of seals, dolphins, echidnas, and, as the name suggests, kangaroos!

Where to stay in South Australia

South Australia hotels vary according to the local landscape. Intrepid explorers will find numerous exciting accommodation choices around the Flinders mountain range. Enjoy a real outback experience with rooms available in cattle and sheep stations, as well as numerous bed and breakfast and camping options. For those wanting to drink in the view without sacrificing on comfort, luxury hotels in South Australia can be found on Kangaroo Island, and the Barossa and Clare Valleys. Adelaide has its fair share of 4- and 5-star hotels, as well as more modest options including motels, backpacker hostels, and informal bed and breakfasts.

How to get to South Australia

Travel in South Australia is best done by car if you’d like to really get to know the outback. The region’s central transport hub is the city of Adelaide, which houses a large international airport providing access to the rest of the continent as well as numerous international destinations by air. From here, car hire is easy and affordable. There is a good public transport network, connecting the different areas of the region by bus and train. In Adelaide itself, cycling is very popular and is encouraged by a vast network of local cycle lanes. Nearby Kangaroo island can be reached by ferry from Cape Jervis, which is accessible from Adelaide by coach.