An Ancient Past

Ancient Civilization

South Australia is home to a number of Aboriginal groups that includes the Kaurna (Adelaide Plains), Adnyamathanha (Flinders Ranges) and Ngarrindjeri (Lower Lakes of the Murray River) people.

Adelaide and The Hills

Start your discovery of Aboriginal culture at the Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery in the South Australian Museum. It is home to the world’s finest collection of indigenous artifacts, including hunting spears and boomerangs.

Tandanya National Cultural Aboriginal Institute is an art, performance and meeting space in Adelaide. Meet Aboriginal people, enjoy cultural performances of the didjeridu and shop for authentic art and craft.

In the township of Hahndorf, in the Adelaide Hills, visit the Ancient Earth Gallery for a fine collection of Aboriginal artworks.

Flinders Ranges and Outback

Learn about the outback’s Australian Aboriginal history by following the self-drive Aboriginal Dreaming Trail as part of the Explorer’s Way.

The Trail gives an insight into the formation of the Flinders Ranges as told by the local Aboriginal Dreamings. There is a series of interpretive sites and places to see ancient rock art.

Kangaroo Island Wildlife

South Australia is home to many native animal species including kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, echidnas, sea lions, seals and birds. Kangaroo Island is the best place to encounter these amazing creatures first-hand in the wild. Kangaroo Island is a 30-min flight or 3-hr drive & ferry ride from Adelaide.

Cleland Wildlife Park

Cleland Wildlife Park in the Adelaide Hills is a wildlife wonderland. Feed kangaroos as they graze the grasses; cuddle a koala; and surround yourself with over 130 species of Australian wildlife. This intimate wildlife encounter is just 20 minutes from Adelaide.

The award-winning Cleland Wildlife Park is one of South Australia's must-see attractions. Cleland offers memorable opportunities for you to discover a large number of South Australia's captivating wildlife in a natural bushland setting. Many animals are free-roaming in the 86 acre park.

You can even hold a koala and have this special experience captured with a souvenir photo.

More Wildlife Parks

See Australian animals and birds at Gorge Wildlife Park. The park is about a 45 minute drive from Adelaide. See wombats, dingoes, kangaroos and koalas, alligators, meerkats and emus.

Urimbirra Wildlife Park is home to Australian wildlife, including freshwater and saltwater crocodiles, snakes, lizards and wedge-tailed eagles.

Take in a penguin tour at the Granite Island Recreation and Nature Park in Victor Harbor. Watch the little penguins make their way to the burrows at dusk, after a day’s fishing.

Nature Parks and Reserves

There are national parks and wetlands throughout South Australia. South Australia’s national parks are perfect for nature walks and active hikes. Walk among white sand dunes and thick, wooded forests, or climb up to the ancient peaks of the outback.

Camp under the stars amid landscapes in the heart of the outback or along dramatic coasts. Be surrounded by stunning, natural beauty.

Lakes and Caves

There’s more ancient history in the Naracoorte Caves National Park. You’ll find one of the world’s premier fossil sites in these World Heritage Listed caves.

Flooding rains transform the salt pan in Lake Eyre National Park into Australia’s largest salt lake. There are impressive wetlands in Coongie Lakes National Park, where the bird life is phenomenal.

Zoos

Adelaide Zoo in the city is home to almost 2000 animals, including Wang Wang and Funi, Australia’s only giant pandas. To avoid the lines, book a panda viewing time online before you arrive. For something extra-special, go on a behind the scenes tour.

Monarto Zoo is a safari experience. Monarto is an open-range zoo and is home to animals from all over the world. Stroll around the park on the walking trails or take the Zu-Loop Shuttle. See lions, cheetahs, elephants and more. Rare animals include the black rhinoceros, Prezwelki’s horse, addax and African painted dogs. The zoo offers behind the scenes tours, where small groups can get up close to the animals.

Gardens

The stunning Adelaide Botanic Gardens are among the most beautiful in Australia. See water lilies as tall as you are (maybe taller), Amazonian water lilies, and rare trees once thought to be extinct.

You can also visit the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens in the Adelaide Hills. There are miles of nature walks and a pretty lake to lounge alongside. At the Wittunga Botanic Gardens in Blackwood, you’ll discover water-wise plants and delicate butterflies.