9 Offbeat South Australia Towns To Visit In 2025

Tired of the same old tourist traps and overcrowded photo ops? If you crave something quirkier, quieter, and a whole lot more memorable, South Australia is your perfect playground. This state delivers the unexpected, with tiny towns full of creative spirit, natural oddities, and off-the-wall experiences that veer delightfully off the beaten track.

From the subterranean homes of Coober Pedy to the mind-bending Magnetic Hill near Orroroo, these places don’t just march to the beat of their own drum; they made the drum themselves. Whether you’re sipping wine on a double-decker bus in McLaren Vale or watching the stars sparkle in one of the darkest skies on Earth in Mannum, each of these destinations promises something truly unusual. Here are nine of South Australia’s most offbeat towns to visit in 2025, where the attractions are as unexpected as they are unforgettable.

Eudunda

If you love bigger-than-life murals, the Silo Art in Eudunda is calling your name. The artist Sam Brooks cleverly takes advantage of the height and natural curves of the 30 metre tall silos, creating the spines of two storybooks surrounded by characters who appear to reach out to each other from their respective silos. One silo depicts the work of local author Colin Thiele’s “Sun on the Stubble,” while the other is a Ngadjuri storybook, created in collaboration with Ngadjuri Elder, Quentin Aeguis. Both focus on the open, unbiased nature of children, with the silos acting as a conduit for the characters to share their respective cultures with one another.

South Australia’s Eudanda is also a popular destination for Thiele fans, who take the Colin Thiele Drive route to spot the "Gustav and his Dog" signage indicating sites relevant to his life. The tour ends at Centenary Gardens, where Thiele’s statue sits, pen and pad in hand, aptly joined by a pelican companion, as a nod to his novel, “Storm Boy.” On a different note, the Light Hotel is an off-the-wall choice for those who want a hotel with a somewhat notorious history. Although comfy and quaint now, in the early 1880s, stables in the back were used to house prisoners.

Coober Pedy

When you think of offbeat attractions, Coober Pedy’s subterranean town in Outback South Australia, featuring shops, accommodations, and restaurants, certainly hits the mark. On first arrival, it is hard not to be taken aback by the town’s otherworldly landscape. While you might assume noticeable piles of dirt are just piles of dirt, many are, in fact, signs of underground living.

Returning soldiers who had sheltered in the French trenches of World War I were the likely inspiration for Coober Pedy’s underground “dugouts.” As the nation’s opal capital, miners were intrigued by the idea of life below ground where they found warmth in the winter and a cool oasis in the unbearably hot summer. Half of the locals now live in homes either underground or excavated into hillsides. The subterranean structures are completely stable and even include some expansive underground mansions.

Visitors can book a stay at the Desert Cave Hotel to experience dugout living firsthand. Although the hotel does offer above-ground accommodation, this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is far more intriguing. If you’re just visiting for the day, sip drinks in their underground bar and gaming room or enjoy breakfast in their subterranean bistro. Other underground attractions include a church, a bookstore, tunnels, and the chance to tour a 1960s underground home.

Birdwood

Birdwood’s offbeat vibe begins with the town name. Originally called Blumberg, the outbreak of World War I caused unwarranted anti-German hysteria that not only interned people believed to be of German descent but also spurred the renaming of towns that sounded too German. Birdwood's new name honors Sir William Birdwood, and after the war, sentiment changed, restoring respect for the “the sincere loyalty of German-Australians.”

Moving on, for those who like something a little off-the-wall, the National Motor Museum is an homage to Australia’s love of “motoring.” Car buffs get a kick out of vintage finds, from tin signs to petrol bowsers, toys and models to nostalgic photographs. However, they will drool over the main attraction, an extensive collection of over 300 vehicles, including classic “muscle cars,” commercial vehicles, and motorbikes.

The Blumberg Hotel proudly carries the town’s original name but also shares the town’s penchant for name changes and cars. Originally called the Napoleon Bonaparte when built in 1865, a major overhaul in the 1880s added a second storey featuring an intricate ironwork balcony and an antique car later mounted out front. If your love for vintage cars extends to all things vintage, Treasures on Torrens is also worth a gander.

McLaren Vale

Wine lovers will discover unique ways to taste wine in the vibrant town of McLaren Vale. Not only is it perfectly situated between the Mount Lofty Ranges and Gulf St Vincent beaches, but it also boasts over 80 cellar doors and vineyards, including two distinctly curious wine-tasting experiences.

The first and most well-known is the d’Arenberg Cube, located in the middle of the d’Arenberg vineyard. At five stories, the cube’s design is inspired by the iconic Rubik’s Cube. It offers panoramic views of the winery’s Mourvèdre vines. The cube also offers a wine tasting space, a restaurant, and two art exhibitions worth viewing. The second is literally Down the Rabbit Hole, a winery in peaceful surroundings. Here, wine enthusiasts sample wines at the whimsical cellar door, a vintage double-decker bus purchased on eBay. Affectionately known as Lennon and completely “decked” out with whimsical glam, the bus is now a quirky yet sophisticated tasting room.

The final, yet equally unconventional wine experience in McLaren Vale is exploring the region via SUP Paddle Board. One can tour along the picturesque Onkaparinga River mouth on SUPs and end with wine sampling thanks to Gone AWOL (Another Way Of Living) tours. It might be rough keeping your balance on the return trip!

Mannum

Attention, watchers of the night sky! Mannum has boasting rights as one of the darkest places on earth, making it an ideal place for stargazers. Viewed from the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve, the area is an officially certified park preserving and protecting the Earth’s dark sites. Its location on the Murray River covers over 3,200 square kilometres, and it is known for its cloudless skies, offering an unusual way to experience Australia’s “nightlife.”

Also known as the "Birthplace of the Murray River Paddle Steamers,” there are several interesting ways to enjoy the river. The PS Marion, built in 1897, offers short and long cruises throughout the year. The town is also known for its houseboats for hire, with something for everyone, whether you plan to cruise the river with friends, are on a romantic getaway, or are looking for a more whimsical way to enjoy family fun.

However, the grande dame of the waters is The PS Murray Princess, the southern hemisphere’s largest authentic inland paddlewheeler. It takes 120 passengers on a nostalgic journey, taking in views of the Australian outback from the lounge's two-story windows. The PS Murray Princess is laid back and low-key, making it ideal for older couples who appreciate taking life at a slower pace. Meanwhile, land lovers can stay at The Pretoria Hotel, a 100-plus-year-old landmark on Mannum’s main drag known for its old-fashioned hospitality, comfortable accommodations, pub grub, and great river views.

Monarto

South Australia’s tiny town of Monarto happens to be home to the largest safari park outside of Africa. As you explore the open plains of Monarto Safari Park, it is hard to believe you are surprisingly close to Adelaide. Known for its animal experiences ranging from viewing giraffes at a distance to up-close and personal encounters with lions at feeding time, this offbeat attraction is the closest you will come to viewing these majestic animals in their natural settings without venturing to Africa. The site is also home to many endangered species, such as the Tasmanian devil, American bison, black rhinoceros, and scimitar-horned oryx, making it a vital habitat for wildlife.

For even more customized experiences, the Monarto Safari Resort offers world-class accommodation overlooking different vantage points of the park. You can also participate in exclusive dawn and sunset safaris with special admittance after hours for a far more intimate visit with the wildlife.

Admittedly, these are the primary attractions in town, but nearby Murray Bridge offers another unusual attraction in the summer, focused on the Murray Bridge ARtWalk. For example, during Murray River Glows event, you might experience a mash-up of art and leading-edge augmented reality.

Orroroo

Orroroo has quite a few off-the-wall attractions that are not likely to appeal to the average tourist. The first, the 1896 Rock Poem, features two poems carved in the rockface by D. McDonald. The most poignant marks his departure from the town to introduce his chainless pushbike to America. The second, Bid Red Railway Bridge, erected across Pekina Creek, displays rare engineering ingenuity for its time, making a striking contrast against the landscape.

The third, and perhaps hardest to detect is the famed Goyder’s Line which was considered a distinct landmark indicating the border between the lush farming lands from the less fertile lands impacted by chronic drought. If you love anomalies, head to the quirky giant magnet situated between Pekina and Black Rock to find a real head scratcher. Known as Magnetic Hill, this phenomenon makes it appear as though vehicles in neutral are driving themselves uphill. The optical illusion is almost guaranteed to blow your mind.

Glenelg

Although this charming beach town is a tourist destination, it has its own assortment of offbeat must-see attractions. The town’s whacky sculpture titled the "Sesquipedalian Sea Squirt," is an interactive installation that lights up or weeps water when approached by passersby. The bizarre little figure seems to be all eyes and coral, as a nod to the unique sea life common to local waters.

Vintage toys: whimsical or creepy? Regardless of how you view them, if you are fascinated by all things automated and windable, Archer’s Acadia in Glenelg is old-time central. A good mix of restored and newly created installations are sure to get a good chuckle while offering a nostalgic look at the era of hand-cranked inventions. For more offbeat fun, one can visit the Old Gum Tree, which is said to be the birthplace of South Australia, where settlers and the local Kaurna population witnessed the proclamation establishing South Australia as a British province. Truth be told, it is not an actual gum tree, and instead, the preserved decayed husk is encased in concrete.

Lochiel

This might seem like a bit of a cheat, as Lochiel itself is not what one might consider offbeat. However, its nearby attractions are certainly a little off-the-wall. For example, the startling magenta shores of Lake Bumbunga make an interesting contrast against the lake’s unexpected pink shades, ranging from white to vivid bubblegum. Home to the “Loch-Eel Monster,” the offbeat structure made of rubber tyres and pipes is said to have mysteriously appeared in the 1980s. Even the most loose-lipped locals play mum when it comes to the monster’s origins.

Since the local pub was lost to a fire, if you fancy a drink, just over 30 minutes away, Sevenhill Cellars has an unusual history tied to the Jesuits of the 1600s. Around 1850, Jesuit Fathers travelled to Clare Valley where they established their mission, Sevenhill. They planted their first grapevines in 1851, and in 1858, Sevenhill Cellars won first prize at the Auburn Agricultural Exhibition. Today, Jesuits continue to create award-winning wines, offer tours, and share tastings at the winery.

Furthermore, the rooms at historic Hummocks Station are an unusual choice for overnight stays. The ironstone homestead is actually located in nearby Snowtown, where guests relax in restored shearers’ quarters with views of pastoral farmland, hillsides, and pristine night skies ideal for stargazing.

Offbeat Fun In South Australia

South Australia’s history, natural wonders, creative communities, and wine country culminate in unique experiences that both enrich and entertain. The towns with the best attractions off the beaten trail offer unconventional destinations full of surprises. From the campy Loch-Eel Monster of Lochiel to a subterranean community in Coober Pedy, optical illusions in Orroroo, and unconventional cellar doors in McLaren Vale, these offbeat Australian towns offer an abundance of off-the-wall, bizarre, and unexplained adventures to experience in 2025.