South Australia is bursting with nature-based activities ready to be explored this spring. From pink lakes to ship graveyards, from the edge of the coast to the red sand of the desert, we have listed a few of our favourite - and free - outdoor activities for all to enjoy.
- Admire the fields of gold in the Clare Valley
Each spring, the hills of the Clare Valley transform into fields of gold as canola flowers bloom a vibrant yellow. Take a trip to the Clare region – about a two-hour drive north of Adelaide – and once you've admired the fields you can enjoy a bike ride along the Clare Valley Riesling Trail, or explore the Red Banks, Spring Gully and Mokota conservation parks.
- Head to the historic town of Burra
While you’re in the Clare Valley region, why not head to the nearby historic town of Burra, about a 30-minute drive away. Burra has a great selection of walking, cycling and driving trails, as well as historic attractions to explore including Midnight Oil House, which features on the band's ‘Diesel and Dust’ record, the Burra Town Hall and Burra Railway Station, which dates back to the 1800s.
- Kayak through a ships' graveyard
Take to the water and paddle through the remains of 25 abandoned vessels hidden within the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary, in the Port River. The Garden Island Ships’ Graveyard Maritime Trial is the largest and most diverse graveyard in Australia, home to the final resting place for dredges, barges, pontoons, ferries, sailing ships and steams.
- Head to the River Murray and look up at the stars
The River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve has been described as one of the darkest places on earth – which makes for incredible viewing of the night sky. Located about 90 minutes from Adelaide and covering more than 3200sq km, the reserve is one of only 15 in the world. While you're there, explore the many towns, trails and water activities on and in and around the River Murray.
- Explore the Flinders Ranges
One of South Australia’s most iconic destinations, the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park is full of ancient and rugged landscapes which can be explored from a variety of walking trails. Starting about 200km north of Adelaide and stretching for more than 430km, there is plenty to explore, including the picturesque Alligator Gorge in the Mount Remarkable National Park and Ikara-Wilpena Pound.
- Botanic Gardens abound
Spring is a great time to explore the Adelaide Botanic Garden and Mount Lofty Botanic Garden, full of blossoming flowers, regrowth and new plant species.
- Pink lakes aplenty
As the weather warms, the salt dries on South Australia’s pink lakes, which turn a vibrant shade during the warmer months. You can drive along or even walk on some of the state's salt lakes to marvel at their natural beauty – from Lake MacDonnell on the Eyre Peninsula, Lake Bumbunga in the Clare Valley, to Lake Eyre and Lake Hart in the Outback.
- Hit the Heysen Trail
More than 1200km long, the Heysen Trail is Australia’s longest marked walking trail, attracting keen hikers from all over the world. Stretching from the Fleurieu Peninsula to the Flinders Ranges, this trail passes through a myriad of scenery, from coastal bushland to rugged mountain ranges.
- Get around the reservoirs
South Australia has more than 10 reservoirs that are open to the public for activities including walking, picnics, fishing and canoeing and kayaking. Dotted across the state, from Mount Bold to the Barossa, SA’s reservoirs are a great place to explore the outdoors.
- Grab your bike and hit the track
What better way to enjoy nature, than to mountain bike up and down hillside tracks. There are lots of free and accessible mountain bike trails across the state, from the popular O’Halloran Hill and Cobbler Creek, to the Melrose Town Trails.
