South Australia

We were told that South Australia is the driest of the Australian states with only about one-fifth of the area receiving an annual rainfall of more than 250 mm and three deserts (Great Victoria Desert, Strzelecki Desert and Sturt Stony Desert) found within South Australia's borders. So why go there – even though we initially were not desert lovers we asked ‘why not’ especially when we knew of some of the fantastic wine growing areas.

Following the incredible Murray river into SA and arriving at Renmark one would say “what desert” especially if you can time it to arrive in time for the Tinnie Boat races on the Murray. Renmark is a great stop to explore Berri, Loxton and Barmera. If you then travel through the hidden gems of historical Burra, Peterborough for the amazing train museum then over the range to Port Augusta the vegetation becomes a little sparse. Then it does not take long if you head north from Port Augusta on the Stuart Highway for anyone to appreciate the desert ahead. We do say appreciate as the desert has more gems if you are prepared to stop and marvel at the arid landscapes such as the salt lakes including Lake Hart and the small town of Woomera. There are many free camps and caravan parks at road houses such as Pimba and Glendambo.

Coober Pedy for us is a must stop now on a number of occasions not just to buy an opal but to experience how people live, worship and retail (including a cold beer) underground has to be experienced. The desert landscape and attractions around Coober Pedy should be on everyone’s bucket list. From Coober Pedy or Mala you can also experience the Oodnadatta Track if you are keen enough.

If you enter SA from Western Australia There are also many good free camps along the Nullarbor and if you can time it right a must do stop is The Head Of The Great Australian Bight to watch the whales frolic in the deep water close to the scenic sea cliffs. Ceduna on the sea is a welcome sight arriving from the west.

The Eyre Peninsula has many small towns to explore with Port Lincoln at the southern end and Whyalla on the eastern northern side of the peninsula. There are many sea side towns waiting for the casual fisher person especially if you are chasing a good feed of calamari, snapper in summer or a feed of King George whiting.

The smaller Yorke Peninsula is also amazing to explore. The town of Ardrossan is one of our favourites where we could walk out on the pier and catch a feed of large calamari just enough for the nights dinner just to do it again the next day.

Of course the whole Adelaide area from the northern Barossa Valley and Clare Valley wine regions to my favourite Mclaren Vale wine region south of Adelaide is a must to explore especially with a nominated driver. We have stayed at Gawler and Nuriootpa to explore the Clare and Barossa as well as easy access to Adelaide. The town of Hahndorf established by many German settlers is one not to be missed but there are many towns to explore such as Victor Harbour, Goolwa, Strathalbyn, Murray Bridge. At Coorong you can take a boat cruise through a lock surrounded by seals to see the Murray River flowing into the Great Southern Ocean.

If you follow the coast towards Victoria the city of Mount Gambia will take a few days to explore. A walk down through the fantastic Umpherston Sinkhole and a drive around the Blue Lake in the crater of an extinct volcano before walking the town to marvel at the historic buildings is only a starting point.

SA may be made up of a large area of desert but do not assume it is not worth the adventure.