Milky Way nights, pink lakes and safari adventures: The side of Australia most tourists never see

In a world where tourist hotspots are often synonymous with long queues and selfie stick-wielding crowds, South Australia feels like a breath of fresh air. Here, time doesn’t just slow down – it stretches out before you like the endless horizons of the Australian Outback, inviting you to relish every moment.

This is where you can be among the few stargazing under the darkest skies in Australia, where stars don’t just twinkle – they explode across the night in a cosmic ballet that leaves you gaping in awe.

Picture yourself strolling into world-class cellar doors without a reservation, greeted by winemakers eager to share their latest vintage. Envision cuddling a koala without jostling through a throng of tourists, the furry beloved icon all yours to appreciate in peaceful solitude.

This is South Australia – where experiences feel tailor-made for unhurried explorers.

Adelaide, your gateway to this slow-travel paradise, sits at the heart of it all. A city where rush hour is more of a gentle suggestion than a gridlocked reality, its compact charm means you’re never more than a 20-minute drive from your next adventure. The free tram zone in the city centre is the cherry on top, letting you glide effortlessly between attractions without reaching for your wallet.

But don’t let Adelaide’s laidback vibe fool you – this is a launchpad for experiences that will linger in your memory long after you’ve returned home. A six- to eight-day itinerary strikes the perfect balance, allowing you to soak in the city’s vibrant culture before venturing out to the surrounding regions at a pace that feels just right.

For families seeking bespoke experiences or professionals desperate to disconnect from the digital world, South Australia offers a canvas as vast as it is varied.

From the rolling hills of the Barossa wine region to the rugged coastlines of Kangaroo Island, every day brings a new opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, culture and culinary delights that define this unique corner of Australia.

Singapore Airlines offers direct flights to Adelaide, with onboard amenities that set the tone for your relaxed getaway. Unlimited complimentary Wi-Fi on Business Class and for KrisFlyer members means you can plan your adventures or simply unwind with the extensive in-flight entertainment, arriving refreshed and ready to explore.

Discover pristine natural wonders

Once you’ve touched down, prepare to be amazed by experiences you won’t find anywhere else. The River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve – Australia’s first and one of only 21 worldwide – offers stargazing so spectacular, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet.

From celestial wonders to striking landscapes, South Australia’s natural beauty continues at Lake Bumbunga. Located 90 minutes by car from Adelaide near the town of Lochiel, this salt lake transforms with the seasons – shifting between vibrant pink pristine white and soft blue depending on the salinity levels and water depth. Against the backdrop of the Hummocks Range, these cotton candy-hued waters are a photographer’s dream.

South Australia’s wildlife experiences truly shine on Kangaroo Island, stretching seven times the size of Singapore. Here, nature unfolds in dramatic fashion with the sculptural Remarkable Rocks and the sweeping dunes of Little Sahara creating picture-perfect views. The island’s Seal Bay stands as a testament to conservation success, where Australia’s third-largest colony of endangered sea lions – some 800 of them – can be observed in their natural habitat, offering an intimate encounter that feels worlds away from commercial attractions.

When hunger calls after a day of exploration, Adelaide’s Central Market makes for a perfect pitstop for some culinary discovery. As the largest under-cover market in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s a sensory overload in the best possible way. Artisanal cheeses, fresh produce, and multicultural cuisines compete for your attention – and yes, even those viral Dubai chocolates have made their way here.

Wander through fragrant gardens, get up close with animals

For families, South Australia is a natural playground. At Jurlique Farm, children and adults alike can explore the biodynamic gardens that fuel one of Australia’s most celebrated skincare brands. Here, you can tour the fragrant flower and herb gardens and enjoy a unique retail experience that connects you to the source of luxury.

Just down the road, Beerenberg Farm invites families to join in the fun of strawberry picking from November to April, with scone-making workshops featuring freshly made strawberry jam adding a delicious finish to the day’s adventures.

If you’re an animal lover seeking extraordinary encounters, you’ll find your heart racing at Monarto Safari Park, the largest open-range safari park outside Africa. The park’s signature Lions 360 experience reverses the traditional zoo dynamic – placing you inside a protective cage while majestic lions prowl and play mere inches away. The attraction does more than just thrill – it supports conservation efforts including ranger patrols in Kenya to protect lions in the wild.

Meanwhile, Cleland Wildlife Park offers a gentler but equally memorable approach to animal encounters. Set among the lush Adelaide Hills, this spacious sanctuary invites you to cuddle koalas, hand-feed kangaroos and meet native Aussie animals in natural bushland settings. Unlike more commercialised destinations, Cleland’s thoughtful design allows for unhurried interactions with the furry and feathered residents.

Throughout your South Australian journey, you’ll find yourself fully immersed in each distinct experience. Whether you’re gazing at the galaxy in the Dark Sky Reserve, feeling the Southern Ocean breeze ruffle your hair on Kangaroo Island or simply savouring the aroma of freshly brewed coffee in an Adelaide laneway, this is a destination that rewards those who linger, offering deeper connections with both the landscape and its welcoming locals.

As your journey through South Australia comes to an end, you’ll find yourself changed – not by the frenetic pace of typical travel, but by the gentle rhythms of a place that values quality over quantity, experiences over checkboxes.

Hotspots for your Gram

South Australia offers countless Instagram-worthy moments waiting to be captured.

Adelaide’s vibrant street art transforms city walls into open-air galleries, with guided walking tours from operators such as Flamboyance Tours revealing the stories behind the art.

In Hahndorf, a German settlement village that feels like a European postcard, autumn paints the main street in golden hues while a year-round Christmas store adds a touch of festive magic. 

Literary fans should not miss the Mortlock Wing of the State Library of South Australia, whose grand Victorian architecture and towering bookshelves could easily pass for a set from Harry Potter. 

Wine enthusiasts will marvel at d’Arenberg Cube in McLaren Vale, an architectural wonder that’s part winery, part modern art installation, where multi-sensory wine experiences and whimsically designed spaces create photo opportunities at every turn – there’s also a Sensorial Circus cafe where you can fill up on modern Australian food surrounded by whimsical art.

Plan your unhurried escape to South Australia here