8 South Australia Towns With A Slower Pace Of Life
South Australia may seem to revolve around Adelaide, its capital, especially since the city houses nearly 80% of the state’s 1.8 million population. However, the state is much more extensive, as dozens of towns are spread across its massive area, which is around one and a half times the size of Texas, the second-largest state in the US. These towns in South Australia are small, sparsely populated, and offer a slower pace of life, making them worthy escapes from Adelaide and other large cities in Australia. And while their tranquil reputation often precedes them, these South Australian towns hold some of the country’s most sought-after treasures. Without further ado, visit these towns in South Australia today and enjoy life at ease.
Wallaroo
This small port town on the western side of Yorke Peninsula is hailed for its mining history. It is part of Australia’s copper coast region, where copper was mined extensively in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, Wallaroo stands out for being a relaxing escape, full of coastal pleasures. The town is home to just 4,200 people and features Wallaroo Jetty, one of the best fishing spots in the state. Stretching 869 meters into the turquoise water, this jetty is also an amazing spot for birdwatching, swimming, and ship watching. At the Office Beach in town, one can enjoy the soft sands, sip wine, or just watch the waves while in a shaded area.
Meanwhile, travelers in Wallaroo can discover the town’s historic allure on the Wallaroo Heritage Walk. This self-guided tour passes through the town center, where structures dating from 1861 still stand. A few notable landmarks worth visiting on the walk include the 1862 Cornucopia Hotel and the Old Post Office, which was first built in 1865 and now serves as the site of the Wallaroo Heritage and Nautical Museum. The museum, particularly, will delight history buffs as it preserves and displays artifacts highlighting the area’s history, including its copper smelting, postal, religious, and pioneer history.
Hahndorf
Hahndorf is a delightful town in the Adelaide Hills of South Australia with a rich German history and heritage. Established by Prussian Lutherans in the late 1830s, it is considered Australia's oldest-surviving German settlement. Today, it is a slow-paced gem with a charming main street, where travelers can stroll through, admire impressive German architecture, and stop at the Hahndorf Inn to savor authentic Bavarian cuisine.
From here, one can proceed to shop for condiments and pick strawberries at Beerenberg Family Farm, or just relax at Hahndorf Hill Winery with delicious Austrian wines. Speaking of wines, Hahndorf is full of wineries, and the Sidewood Estate is another recommended option, where guests can enjoy award-winning wines and ciders. Hahndorf also has plenty of galleries to delight art enthusiasts, with the Hahndorf Academy being the most popular. This gallery is a must-visit as it displays the finest artworks by South Australians, from paintings and prints to ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and more.
Jamestown
Jamestown is a charming little town, perfect for a relaxing day-trip adventure. Located around 200 km from Adelaide and populated by around 1,000 people, this town is indeed slow-paced and hosts the Belalie Creek. Travelers here can unwind by simply strolling along the creek or picnicking on the banks. At the Jamestown Memorial Park, travelers can also picnic, plus the park has a playground where children can have fun safely. Art enthusiasts can visit Belalie Art Gallery to check out its newest exhibitions or just stroll around town, notably through Ayr Street to admire murals.
Elsewhere, the Jamestown Railway Station Museum invites visitors to admire its historic building dating to 1885, and learn about life in the town’s earliest days. Jamestown also has the Conservator’s Trail to delight hikers and bikers. This trail is around 4.6 km long and winds through the Bundaleer Forest, offering impressive scenery and cool spots for picnics.
Clare
Clare is a slow-paced gem in South Australia, famous for its wine heritage. This town is in one of the oldest wine regions in Australia and invites travelers to unwind by exploring some of its wineries, like the family-owned Jim Barry Wines and Sevenhill Cellars. These wineries offer a unique wine tasting experience and beautiful vineyards. Sevenhill Cellars is the oldest of its kind in the Clare Valley region and has some of the country’s finest wines.
In the meantime, adventure buffs have to hit the Riesling Trail for a 35 km hiking or biking adventure through the region’s most iconic natural, historic, and cultural treasures. In addition to providing access to over 30 wineries, including the award-winning Pikes Wines and Sevenhill Celars, this trail winds through charming towns, rolling hills, railway stations, and old stone structures. Elsewhere, the Bungaree Station invites travelers to experience a unique stay in a working sheep farm and learn about Australia’s pioneer history.
Robe
Robe is a charming town on the Limestone Coast region, with picturesque scenery amplified by the turquoise waters of Guichen Bay. A true paradise, this town is the perfect place to get away from it all, especially as it hosts Long Beach, one of the longest in Australia, stretching over 10 km. This sandy beach is the perfect place to surf, boat, picnic, and fish all day long, plus it is one of the few beaches in the world where driving is allowed. More gorgeous beaches are in Robe to help travelers unwind, with the Town Beach being among the most popular with its soft sand beach and calm waters.
Robe also has a couple of wineries to delight wine lovers, one of which is the Cape Jaffa Wines. This family-owned winery serves some of the region’s best wine and beer, plus it has a deck seating with impressive views of the vineyard. Furthermore, Robe is an excellent place from which to explore the natural beauty of Australia, as it is near the Little Dip Conservation Park, an area defined by a rugged coastline, thick groves of coastal Mallee and Melaleuca, dunes, and coastal lakes. Facilities in the park include four campgrounds, a 1.7-mile loop trail, picnic tables, and opportunities for surfing, fishing, and birdwatching.
Goolwa
Located on the Murray River, Goolwa is a cool place in South Australia that offers a laid-back waterfront experience. The town is home to Goolwa Beach, one of Australia’s most exciting white sand beaches, and a paradise for surfing, fishing, and beach driving. Meanwhile, a short drive from town is Goolwa Animal Farm, where one can see and pet typical farm animals such as sheep and goats, alongside some of Australia’s native animals, including kangaroos, bunnies, and emus (which once fought a war with the country). Besides the animals, the farm is also just a great place to picnic and enjoy hot or cold drinks.
Back in town, Richard Ballard Park is the perfect place to walk, bike, picnic, and watch children play, while soaking in the views of the river and boats. Furthermore, travelers to this town will be met with Goolwa Wharf, a bustling waterfront spot featuring everything from historic structures dating to the 1840s to cultural centers and food and wine establishments. The wharf is also just a great place to watch birds and fish, and stroll with views of the Murray River and the eye-catching Hindmarsh Island bridge.
Strathalbyn
Strathalbyn is a lovely town on the Angas River, where time seems to move slowly, making it the perfect escape from Adelaide, which is just 60 km away. This town also flaunts a couple of charming attractions, and the River Angas Walkway is at the top of the list. This walkway offers a five-kilometer adventure along the river and through a bridge and green areas. Along the walk, one can stop to picnic at the Soldiers Memorial Gardens, or take a detour to the Strathalbyn National Trust Museum to admire the 19th-century structure and learn about the area’s history.
The Stationmaster's Art Gallery is also a short distance from the walkway and invites art lovers to admire the creative works of local artists, including jewelry, paintings, and sculptures. For history buffs, the Gilbert's Motor Museum is a must-visit as it displays a diverse collection of vintage cars and motorcycles, reflecting the rich automotive history of South Australia and Strathalbyn.
Victor Harbor
Victor Harbor is one of the best destinations for a peaceful coastal experience in South Australia. Located on the Inman River and Encounter Bay, this town boasts Granite Island, a picturesque coastal area that can be reached via a short stroll or horse tram ride over a causeway. On the island, opportunities abound for fishing, picnicking, wildlife watching, and coastal hiking with views of giant boulders and crashing waves. Victor Harbor is also in proximity to a couple of beaches, including Waitpinga Beach, an amazing place for surfing and fishing.
For bikers, the town features the Encounter Bikeway, a 31 km path that follows the coastline of the Southern Ocean en route to the town of Goolwa. This bikeway is incredibly beautiful and also great for hiking, scootering, and skating. And last but not least, Urimbirra Wildlife Park, one of Australia’s highlight attractions, is a five-minute drive from Victor Harbor. This attraction alone is worth a visit to the area as it offers a chance to get intimate with over 400 Australian animals, including snakes, kangaroos, and koalas.
Enjoy True Relaxation In These South Australian Towns
Once in a while, an escape from the buzz, hustle, and bustle of big cities to experience life slowly can be the catalyst for improved physical and mental well-being. South Australia offers some of the finest towns in the country to fulfill this demand, with some perks. In addition to their low populations, these towns are full of unsullied natural endowments and artificial features that underscore the rich history and cultural diversity of Australia. On top of that, most are full of wineries and vineyards, highlighting South Australia’s reputation as the top wine-producing state in the country. Head to these towns in South Australia today and enjoy true relaxation.
