6 Overlooked Towns In South Australia Worth Visiting
In a lifetime, it is easy to overlook the places that hold the most magic. South Australia, often celebrated as the Wine State and Festival State, is a place where astonishing experiences hide in plain sight. Beyond its world-famous wine regions, large ochre outback, and stunning coastlines, this area is dotted with towns that many pass by without realizing the amazing wonders they contain. These overlooked towns offer everything from sparkling blue waters and rugged landscapes to art-filled streets and encounters with Great Whites and sea lions.
Victor Harbor
Victor Harbor is one of those places in South Australia that keeps visitors entertained and engaged. Whether through events, modes of transportation, or outdoor recreation, Victor Harbor is a memorable destination that will leave a lasting impression. Take the Victor Harbor Horse Drawn Tramway, offering scenic views of the area and water, and open-air seating in one of the last horse-drawn trams in the world. Enjoy your surroundings at Granite Island Recreation Park, where visitors can spend the day walking the trails, fishing, and even taking a guided tour around the 64-acre protected area. In January, the largest outdoor art exhibition, the Annual Art Show, takes place over the course of a week, featuring thousands of works.
Hahndorf
The German-themed main street in the town of Hahndorf is a notable attraction in a place filled with farms, food, and fun. Grab a bite to eat at the Haus Restaurant, where you can enjoy a wide range of German-inspired food in either an indoor or outdoor setting. The Beerenberg Farm is a local staple; this family-run shop sells homemade chutney and jams, and from November until April, guests can go strawberry picking. A popular tourist attraction, Hans Heysen-The Cedars, offers guided tours of the home and studio of Hans Heysen, a 20th-century famed landscape painter. For a fun day out, head over to the Hahndorf Immersed Festival. This extraordinary event features tastings, artisan and food experiences, as well as workshops.
Port Lincoln
Known as Australia’s ‘Seafood Capital,’ Port Lincoln stands out as a town with natural beauty, energetic atmosphere, and food appreciation. Jump into adventure by going shark cage diving with Calypso Star Charters, where you can come face-to-face with these apex predators. The charter boat also offers a chance for individuals of all ages to swim with sea lions. Grab a bite to eat at Del Giorno, an award-winning Café and Restaurant that uses fresh, local produce and offers a chance for guests to participate in a private Masterclass Dinner, with valuable cooking tips and tricks. Celebrate the town's fishing heritage at the Bendigo Bank Tunarama Festival, a three-day event which features a street parade, tuna toss, live music, and seafood tastings.
Goolwa
Goolwa, South Australia, is located at the mouth of Australia’s largest river, the Murray River. Overlooking the river is the Murray Mouth Lookout, a vista point that provides a breathtaking vantage point of the water and the surrounding beach. Every month on the 1st and 3rd Sunday, the Goolwa Wharf Rotary Market is held, containing over 80 eclectic stalls that have a wide range of fresh produce, crafts, and other products. Another significant event in the area is the South Australian Wooden Boat Festival, a biennial event celebrating the riverport heritage of the town, with cultural activities, races, and boat building. Book a trip with the Spirit of the Coorong Cruises, where passengers get a chance to visit ancient midden sites and learn about the area.
Tanunda
In the Barossa Valley of South Australia sits the town of Tanunda, known for its wide selection of wineries and festivals. Visitors can choose from several wineries scattered throughout the area, each offering a unique and entertaining experience, such as the rustic views of Rockford Wines and the captivating grounds of Rusden Wines. Stop by the Barossa Valley Chocolate Company for a sweet treat. This lakeside shop offers family-friendly food and artisanal chocolate, and the best part is that visitors can watch the creative process through viewing windows. The Barossa Vintage Festival draws in people from across the region. This biennial celebration features around 75 events throughout the region, such as grape stomping, parties, and parades.
Kingscote
For one-of-a-kind experiences amid stunning outdoor scenery, Kingscote, located on Kangaroo Island, is the place to visit. If you want to know where some natural products come from, get a tour of the Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery, consisting of a shop with eucalyptus oil products, plus a café and local crafts. Additionally, you can learn about the honey process at Island Beehive Honey Farm, and pick up some delicious, naturally sourced honey and honey products. The island is filled with rock, bushland, nature reserves, and native animals that make every visit special. Go swimming in the Kingscote Tidal Pool, an outdoor swimming pool where seawater flows in and out, surrounded by beautiful scenery.
Make It Unforgettable
As demonstrated by the towns discussed in South Australia, the unexpected lies just around the corner. Wandering through world-class wineries, rugged coastlines, and culture-rich communities, it becomes apparent that in South Australia, the lesser-known towns hold amazing experiences that are just as bountiful as the more populated regions. These locations reward travelers with luxury and natural beauty hidden within quiet corners, a relaxed atmosphere, and unforgettable experiences that are distinct to the South Australian region. In a world where so much is often overlooked, these towns will surprise, delight, and remind visitors that meaningful experiences are ready to happen in the most unlikely of places.
