Let the locals lead the way

While Africa usually springs to mind when contemplating a safari holiday, South Australia is a superb alternative that lends itself perfectly to a myriad of captivating adventures, from the ocean to the outback and the world-renowned wine regions that lie in between. With its diverse blend of striking landscapes, abundant native wildlife, rich Aboriginal culture and prestigious wine-making heritage, it’s a true microcosm of Australia – and there’s no better way to explore it than through the eyes of its people. Below, we highlight a selection of South Australia’s unique safari offerings, each led by local guides who offer a truly authentic, personal experience.

Food and wine safari – Adelaide and wine regions

Two Hands Wines, Barossa Valley (Credit: Tourism Australia/South Australia Tourism Commission)

Be guided by your tastebuds – and local experts – as you embark on a delectable culinary journey through South Australia, visiting farmers’ markets and cycling through lush vineyards that produce some of the country’s very finest wines. A small-group safari is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the state’s flourishing food and wine scene, affording you the opportunity to not only savour a fabulously varied palette of flavours – from world-class seafood to exquisite cheeses – but to meet the artisanal producers and winemakers themselves, and to learn about their craft first-hand. Over 200 wineries can be found within an hour’s drive of Adelaide, so whether you’re drawn to the full-bodied reds of the Barossa Valley, the Mediterranean blends of McLaren Vale or the cool-climate whites of the Adelaide Hills, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Spotlight on the locals: South Australian local Matthew Kurko is the visionary behind Small Batch Wine Tours, a specialist tour provider showcasing some of the finest vineyards throughout McLaren Vale, the Barossa Valley and the Adelaide Hills. Matt's passion for these wine regions has led him to creating intimate, authentic experiences that not only take guests to specially selected wineries, but also offer the chance to personally connect with the winemakers and discover the intricacies of how each variety is made – and including the crucial role of the local climate and soil quality, as well as the human touches that contribute to every bottle. Each tour is designed to match your individual preferences, ensuring a truly exceptional, bespoke experience that'll leave you with a much deeper understanding and appreciation of South Australia's winemaking culture.

Recommended safari touring & accommodation: The Louise and Barossa Shiraz Estate

Walking safari – Murray River

Murray River Walk (Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Flowing over 2,500 kilometres from source to sea, the Murray River is Australia’s longest river, snaking along the border between New South Wales and Victoria before crossing over into South Australia, where it eventually spills into the Southern Ocean. Its South Australia portion is a wonderful place to reconnect with nature and encounter native wildlife on two of Australia’s greatest multi-day wilderness hikes: the Murray River Walk and the Arkaba Walk. Accompanied by local guides, you’ll meander between ancient red gum forests, ochre-hued cliffs and tranquil creeks, gaining a fascinating insight into the Murray River’s geology, ecology and Aboriginal heritage as you go. Each night, you’ll stay right among the region’s wild, unspoilt landscapes, either on a custom-built houseboat or in a luxury riverside lodge – from which you’ll take in glorious sunrises and sunsets and enjoy delicious, hearty meals.

Spotlight on the locals: Proud Riverland local Tony Sharley launched Murray River Trails in 2016, harnessing his local knowledge and passion for the Murray River to create an eco-tourism business with sustainability at its core. Since then, Murray River Trails has celebrated its inclusion in the Great Walks of Australia collective and in 2022, Tony oversaw another major milestone with the construction of a brand new, purpose-built eco-lux houseboat, which now features as guest accommodation on all tours.

Recommended safari touring & accommodation: Murray River Trails and The Frames

Island & wildlife safari – Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo at Middle River, Kangaroo Island (Credit: Ben Goode)

Just off the mainland of South Australia, Kangaroo Island invites you to discover an extraordinary variety of free-roaming native species, a plethora of pristine beaches and spectacular rock formations carved over millions of years by the wind, rain and sea. It’s accessible by a scenic 30-minute flight from Adelaide or, alternatively, a 45-minute ferry from Cape Jervis, which can be easily combined with a small-group wine safari along the McLaren Vale coast. On Kangaroo Island, ranger-led walks will bring you up close to the likes of Australian sea lions, koalas, wallabies and, of course, kangaroos, while marine safaris offer the chance to swim alongside pods of wild dolphins with local marine biologists – a truly unforgettable experience. Wildlife aside, the Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch stand sentinel as awe-inspiring geological wonders on the coast of Flinders Chase National Park.

Spotlight on the locals: Established in 1986, family-owned business Exceptional Kangaroo Island has earned a reputation as one of Australia’s most acclaimed eco-tour operators. In 2021, founder Craig Wickham was named the winner of Wanderlust’s ‘Best Specialist Guide’ award, in recognition of his dedication and expertise in showcasing the very best of Kangaroo Island and its extraordinary wildlife. Craig’s tours prioritise utmost care for the animals and their habitats, offering a far more immersive and informative wildlife experience on Kangaroo Island than you’d have on an independent self-drive.

Recommended safari touring & accommodation: Southern Ocean Lodge, Sea Dragon Kangaroo Island, Oceanview Eco Villas, Ecopia Retreat

Outback safari – Flinders Ranges

Rawnsley Park Station, Flinders Ranges (Credit: Emile Ristevski)

Around a five-hour drive north of Adelaide via the Clare Valley or Barossa wine regions lies the Flinders Ranges, where soaring peaks, dramatic escarpments, ancient gorges and rugged plains set the scene for all manner of soul-stirring outback adventures. It’s a region brimming with ancient fossils and native wildlife, such as emus, echidnas, kangaroos and the endangered yellow-footed rock wallaby, which can be spotted on guided wilderness hikes and 4WD tours – all while learning about the culture of the local Adnyamathanhan people along the way. A sightseeing flight, meanwhile, allows you to appreciate the Flinders Ranges’ geological splendour from the ultimate vantage point, including the majestic natural amphitheatre of Wilpena Pound. By night, the Flinders Ranges is a dark sky hotspot, perfect for stargazing, astrophotography and marvelling at the Milky Way; you could even join an overnight heli-hiking tour, sleeping in a cosy tent beneath the star-studdied skies.

Spotlight on the locals: Tony and Julie Smith took control of the operation of Rawnsley Park Station in 1985 and have steered its hugely successful transformation from a small sheep station into a flourishing eco-tourism destination that now receives around 20,000 visitors each year – while still functioning as an active sheep farm. Together, they share a deep sense of pride in the Flinders Ranges and are passionate about inviting people to discover its awe-inspiring landscapes, flora and fauna in an environmentally responsible manner. Indeed, they were among the first tourism operators in South Australia to gain official eco-tourism accreditation and have won multiple State and National Tourism Awards over the years.

Recommended safari touring & accommodation: Arkaba Homestead, Eco Villas at Rawnsley Park, Arkaba Walk