South Australia is a state of Australia in the south of the country between Western Australia to the west and Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria to the east, and south of the Northern Territory. It was first split off from New South Wales and proclaimed a colony in 1834, and unlike the other states in Australia was never a penal colony, instead being settled entirely by free settlers from Britain from the 1830s onwards. Following the British settlement, waves of settlers also began to come in from other parts of Europe, most notably Ireland, Germany, Italy, Greece and Poland. With nearly 1.6 million people, however, the state comprises less than 10% of the Australian population and ranks fifth in population among the states and territories. However, the state covers a vast amount of land area, including some of the most arid parts of the country. With a total land area of 983,482 square kilometres (379,725 sq mi), it is the fourth largest of Australia's six states and two territories. The state also includes Kangaroo Island, Australia's third largest island which lies off the coast of the mainland in the south-east of the state.
South Australia Travel Guide
Top Destinations in South Australia
Adelaide, Australia
Mornings in Adelaide unfold gently, with sunlight filtering through eucalypt branches and the faint tang of sea breeze sweeping in from Gulf St Vincent. Tram ... more
Kangaroo Island, Australia
Morning mists burn off to reveal cliffs and bushland, soft sea breezes stirring the scent of eucalyptus and wildflowers. There is a hush here broken by birdsong... more
Victor Harbour, Australia
Victor Harbor is a city on the coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula, about 80 km south of Adelaide, South Australia. The city is the largest population centre on the... more
Mclaren Vale, Australia
Early sun spills gold across rolling vineyards, the air tinged with the green scent of eucalyptus and the distant trace of salt from the Gulf St Vincent. ... more
Mount Gambier, Australia
Located in South Australia, Mount Gambier is a hidden gem perfect for travelers seeking natural wonders and unique landscapes. Famous for its vivid Blue Lake, ... more
Robe, Australia
Robe is a town and fishing port on the South East Limestone Coast of South Australia. The town's distinctive combination of historical buildings, ocean, fishing... more
Tanunda, Australia
Tanunda is a town situated in the Barossa Valley region of South Australia, 70 kilometres north-east of the state capital, Adelaide. The town derives its name ... more
Penneshaw, Australia
Penneshaw is a township on the northeast coast of the Dudley Peninsula on Kangaroo Island in South Australia, and is the island's main ferry port with regular ... more
Kingscote, Australia
Kingscote is the largest town on Kangaroo Island, South Australia, serving as the island's gateway for tourists. It is known for its friendly atmosphere, local ... more
Port Augusta, Australia
Port Augusta, dubbed as the "Gateway to the Outback", is in South Australia. It is also known as the "Crossroads of Australia", being situated the major east-... more
Coober Pedy, Australia
The desert unfolds around you in rippling ochre sands as the sun blazes mercilessly above, throwing sharp shadows across the barren ground. A restless, ... more
Whyalla, Australia
Whyalla is a city on northeastern Eyre Peninsula, which was developed around the steelworks, port and nearby iron ore deposits in the early 20th century. Today ... more