6 Most Hospitable Towns In South Australia

The Australian state of South Australia is unquestionably one of the most beautiful places in the world. The state's vast size is home to a diverse collection of the nation's famed wildlife, beautiful weather, incredible coastlines, and an overall laid-back lifestyle. Throughout South Australia's rugged landscape, there are also a plethora of unique and welcoming small towns that are perfect for a day trip, weekend getaway, or perhaps a longer stay. Join us as we take a virtual walkabout of our own and take a look at some of our favorites.

Strathalbyn, South Australia

Located along the shores of the River Angas, you'll find the town of Strathalbyn. Founded in 1839, the town is home to beautiful historic architecture, including the Strathalbyn Post Office. Built in 1912, the still-functioning post office is a wonderful example of classical Edwardian architecture. For those of you whose blood type is motor oil, make sure to race to the Gilbert's Motor Museum, featuring a variety of cars and motorcycles. To really enjoy the area's beautiful weather, you can take a relaxing stroll by the lake before having a delicious meal at The Vault Strathalbyn, before doing some shopping at Strathalbyn's legendary Antiques Bazaar.

Kingscote, Kangaroo Island

Founded in 1836, the beautiful Kingscote, on Kangaroo Island, is South Australia's oldest European settlement. Currently home to around 1,915 people, the town boasts beautiful scenery mixed with old-world charm. During your time in Kingscote, you can visit historic Reeves Point, the very site of the area's first European settlers who made their home. Imagine what they were thinking as they looked at the awe-inspiring scenery around them. From there, you can view some wonderful local artwork at the Kangaroo Island Gallery before soaking up the sun on Kingscote Foreshore. Lie back and forget all your worries as you relax at one of Australia's legendary beaches. Just don't forget your sunscreen.

Port Broughton, South Australia

Around 170 kilometers (105 miles) from South Australia's capital of Adelaide, you'll find the laid-back town of Port Broughton. While you're there, you can catch views of the area from the historic Port Broughton Jetty, which extends into the waters off the Yorke Peninsula. Back on land, you can enjoy a delicious meal at Palette 2 Palette, the town's premier restaurant/art gallery. To learn about some of Port Broughton's amazing history, you can spend time at the Port Broughton Heritage Centre before retiring for a relaxing night at the seaside Port Broughton Hotel. The town's friendly people will make you feel like a local in no time.

Burra, South Australia

Beautiful Burra, South Australia, sits in the heart of the area's Bald Hills Region. But don't worry, you don't have to be bald to travel there. During your time in Burra, you can feel the sun on your face as you walk down the streets of this former mining hotbed. To learn more about Burra's amazing history, you can visit the historic Burra Rail Station Bed & Breakfast. Built in 1870, going to the Burra Rail Station is like getting two yolks in one egg since you learn some amazing history, but you can also stay in one of the B & B's restored rooms.

Going for a self-guided tour of the Burra Mine Historic Site will let you see firsthand what was one of the beating hearts of the area, without having to wear a hard hat. A trip to the mine will allow you to learn about how much of an art form mining is. To see a different type of art, you can visit the Burra Regional Art Gallery. Housed in the town's historic post office, the gallery features artwork from local and regional artists.

While you're in the area, you can take a quick trip to nearby Baldina to see some of Mother Nature's artwork at the Red Banks Conservation Park, where you'll get to view beautiful golden brown rock formations. You might even run into some Aussie wildlife while there, so keep your camera ready.

Port Lincoln, South Australia

Resting along Boston Bay is Australia's "Seafood Capital” of Port Lincoln. Thankfully, there is no shortage of restaurants in town, such as Del Giorno's Cafe & Restaurant, featuring delicious, fresh seafood. If you have ever wanted to get face-to-face with some of our underwater friends, then make sure you visit Calypso Star Charters. The company offers the opportunity to interact with friendly, playful sea lions.

However, if you have ever wanted to come face-to-face with a genuine apex predator, have nerves of steel, and consider "Jaws" to be a comedy, then consider Calypso's "shark cage diving experience." It allows visitors to get into a very safe shark cage and go under the sea into the shark's world. It's an experience you will never forget.

For an experience that will allow you to have fun while dry, you can visit the Axel Stenross Maritime Museum to learn more about the area's aquatic history. Since you may have already been underwater looking up towards the town, you might enjoy a different perspective when you visit the awe-inspiring Winters Hill Lookout in nearby Hawson

Goolwa, South Australia

Around 85 kilometers (53 miles) from the state capital of Adelaide, you'll find the beautiful, laid-back town of Goolwa. Currently home to about 2,350 people, this community is a wonderful place to relax and unwind. Listen to nature's soundtrack of the waves breaking along the shoreline as you walk on the golden sand of Goolwa Beach. Go shopping or grab a snack at the Goolwa Wharf. The seaside space hosts monthly "At The Wharf" nights with music, food, and libations.

Founded in 1853, Goolwa is home to some incredible history, some of which you can learn about yourself while staying at the Australasian Goolwa Boutique Hotel. To learn even more about Goolwa's incredible history, stop by the Goolwa Museum, which features remarkable artifacts. You may be far from home when visiting Goolwa, but the town's friendly people will make you feel like a local in no time.

South Australia is an enormous space with almost as many unique small towns as there are stars in the sky. The amount of variety these towns offer is a little something for everyone. Prefer being by the sea? Check. Prefer something a bit farther inland? Check.

No matter whether you enjoy art from a paintbrush or from nature, Australia is a living art gallery, and regardless of which town you choose to visit, you're sure to create memories that will last a lifetime. Though hopefully you'll end up less sunburned than you remember.