Best of both worlds
Discover an abundance of experiences on beautiful beaches and in the vast outback of South Australia.
OH, South Australia.... It’s a picture perfect land where beautiful beaches meet ochre- coloured outback. But don’t think it’s remote just because its oceanfront capital Adelaide is a gateway to the invigorating waters of the Southern Ocean. This southern- central Australian state shares more borders with its counterparts than any other, making it easy to access from all directions.
With an endless spread of mainland coastline courtesy of three stunning peninsulas – Fleurieu, Yorke and Eyre – it’s easy to be seduced by views of the ocean.
Talking about waves, Kangaroo Island is THE place to be if you want to catch those surfing breaks. Make a stop at D’Estrees Bay, which also happens to be the locals’ pick. Mind you, it’s not the place for firsttime surfers; but if you’ve done this before, you’ll appreciate how the brisk north- westerly wind produces one of the best surf breaks in the country.
For something more serene, check out the waters off Kingscote’s beaches. Below the crystal turquoise surface, you’ll find one of the world’s largest colonies of leafy sea dragons, which are delicate creatures similar to sea horses. There are also sea lions, multicoloured corals and more than 200 species of fish. And in season, instructors will bag any crayfish or abalone they come across for a seafood feast.
Kangaroo Island’s immaculate surrounds provide the perfect backdrop for incredible natural wonders. One of which you will find at Flinders Chase National Park. Remarkable Rocks – a group of granite boulders perched precariously atop a southern cliff that has been eroded by wind, sea and sand over millions of years – will no doubt serve as the background of your new Facebook profile photo.
But perhaps the most wonderful experience of Kangaroo Island is its definition of the term “fresh”. The abundant coastline and relative proximity of towns ensure that seafood is served within just hours of being caught. Or you can go straight to the source: Ferguson Australia’s depot at Kingscote allows for “fishing” on terra firma.
Want something a little more outback? Then head to the Eyre Peninsula, a magical place with night skies that sparkle like diamonds. Everything about this peninsula is big – sky, land, sea – and so too are the servings of delicious, fresh seafood!
If you have any curiosity at all about sharks, Port Lincoln should be on your itinerary. It’s here that the particularly adventurous can jump on board a boat to see sharks, and even jump in to join them in close proximity – but only under the watchful eye and within the protective cage of a professional tour company, of course.
Otherwise, swim with a sea lion and you’ll understand why they’re affectionately known as the puppy dogs of the sea.
For more spectacular adventures, drive one hour directly south of Adelaide and you’ll be in the heartland of the Fleurieu Peninsula. The place is a delightfully bohemian region adored for its world- class wines, sensational shoreline and focus on organic food.
Come on down to South Australia and see for yourself what the best of both worlds, beaches and outback, truly means.
Sourced from tourism Australia. Malaysia Airlines has four weekly flights between Kuala Lumpur and Adelaide. For bookings, go to malaysiaairlines.com.