South Australia is widely known for its churches, wine regions and serial killers, but it’s also a fantastic holiday destination thanks to the abundance of laidback country towns found throughout the state.
Whether you’re looking for a beach retreat, a countryside getaway or just passing through and looking for a bite to eat, you’ll discover good food, historical sites, friendly people and more when visiting SA’s best small towns.
Read on and add these awesome small towns to your list next time you’re looking for somewhere to explore in South Australia.
Angaston
Just under a two-hours drive from Adelaide, Angaston is the jewel in the crown of the exceptional Barossa Valley wine region. Settled in 1842, it’s one of the oldest towns in the state and the perfect place to base yourself for a weekend of wining and dining at some of South Australia’s most acclaimed cellar doors, including Saltram, Brockenchak and Yalumba wineries.
Once you’ve had your fill of vino, stroll through the beautiful town centre and marvel at the historic buildings, enjoy a bike ride along the Barossa cycle track or browse the wide range of specialty stores dotted around the town.
Culinary fiends will also want to make the short trip to Maggie Beer’s The Farm Eatery and Cooking School where you can grab a meal or hone your kitchen skills with a cooking class.
Smoky Bay
It might be an eight-hour drive from Adelaide, but Smoky Bay is the place to go for oysters. While most visit the more recognised and closer Coffin Bay, if you’ve got the time, add Smoky Bay to your list of places to visit in SA.
Nearly half of the state’s oysters come from Smoky Bay, with the waters of the Great Australian Bight giving the oysters a unique salty taste. While there, take an oyster deck tour and learn how to shuck fresh oysters on the one-of-a-kind viewing platform above SA Premium Oysters’ massive farm.
With a town comprising around 300 people, there isn’t much else to do in Smoky Bay than eat oysters, fish for King George whiting or knock the top off a few at the Smoky Bay & Districts Community Club while sharing a yarn with the locals. But it does make for a quiet and relaxing base for exploring the west coast of SA, including towns like Ceduna and Streaky Bay.
Coober Pedy
Visiting Coober Pedy is like landing on Mars. It’s a desolate and harsh environment resembling something out of a science fiction film. The subterranean community living here spends more time below the surface than above to escape the incredible heat.
Home to one of the world’s largest opal mining operations, experience underground churches, art galleries, restaurants and hotels in one of Australia’s most unique small towns.
Those brave enough to tackle the daytime heat—with temperatures often reaching more than 50°C during summer—can try their hand at opal mining, play a round of golf at the grass-less Coober Pedy Opal Fields Golf Club or watch a movie at one of the country’s last remaining drive-in cinemas.
Elliston
The Eyre Peninsula is dotted with small coastal towns that make for a fantastic weekend escape from the hustle and bustle of Adelaide. While there isn’t a lot going on in Elliston, a common theme among SA country towns, it makes a great locale for those who love catching a wave or want to explore further along the peninsula.
There’s fantastic surf along the coast and several renowned nature spots close by, including Woolshed Cave and Walkers Rock. The Anxious Bay Cliff Top Loop—a famous walk along the cliffs that features sculptures every few hundred metres—is a must, while the town centre mural is one of the largest in the country.
Kapunda
The first thing that greets you when entering Kapunda is Map the Miner, a giant statue of a prospector. Why? Kapunda was the birthplace of Australia’s first successful commercial copper mine, something the locals are quite proud of.
As well as ticking off one of SA’s Big Things, get a lesson on Australia’s mining history waking the Kapunda Mine Trail before popping into the Kapunda Museum to find out more about Bagot’s Fortune.
You can also check out locations featured in the TV show McLeod’s Daughters and take a ghost tour of North Kapunda Pub, one of Australia’s most haunted regional spots.
Port Broughton
With a population of just over 1,000, Port Broughton fits the bill when it comes to the best small towns in South Australia. This seaside settlement is ideal for those who want to spend their time fishing, swimming or relaxing at the Port Broughton Hotel, the only watering hole in the town.
Those with kids can keep the rugrats entertained at Splash Park or the Funky Monkey Ninja Playground, while day trips to Port Pirie, Wallaroo and Jamestown allow you to explore more of what the Yorke Peninsula has to offer.
Berri
Named after the local Aboriginal tribe, Meri, which means “a wide bend in the river,” Berri is an agricultural and viticultural hotspot in the beautiful Riverland region of SA. When it comes to sightseeing, check out the Berri Lookout Tower, Berri Bridge Mural and the Big Orange.
Close to the Murray River, you can take part in various water activities – from fishing to jet skiing – or go the whole hog and hire a houseboat for the weekend. And be sure to stop off at the many fruit stalls you’ll pass cruising around the town and taste some fresh local fruit.
Melrose
The oldest town in the Flinders Rangers is one for the outdoor types. While the outback locale has several historic landmarks worth checking out—including the Courthouse Heritage Museum and War Memorial—it’s the surrounding trails that attract thrill seekers.
There are several walking and bike trails for all skill levels that give you the chance to take in the rural beauty of the area while keeping fit. Melrose is also a haven for bird watchers, with 117 native species living in the surrounding country.
And like any small town worth its salt, there are several wineries a stone’s throw from Melrose while the Northstar Hotel is a great spot for a few bevvies after a long day on the trails.
Hahndorf
Settled by Lutheran migrants in 1839, this German village is one of the state’s largest tourist attractions. The town has art galleries and museums, historical sites, German-themed stores and several first-class pubs where you can feast on German food and beer.
You’ll also find the award-winning Prancing Pony Brewery and Ambleside Distillers just a short drive from town, as well as a wide range of cellar doors. If you’re more health-conscious, pick your own strawberries at Beerenberg Farm or enjoy Spanish fine dining at Comdia.
William Creek
Smack bang in the middle of nowhere, William Creek is the definition of a small town. Found on the 32,500 square-kilometre Anna Creek Station, it’s recognised as Australia’s only solar-powered town, with one pub, an outdoor museum, a caravan park and an airstrip.
Most people who visit are passing through so there isn’t a lot to do sightseeing-wise. We suggest taking a flight and viewing the region in all its beauty from the air, or for those who like to keep grounded, go for a walk along the Old Ghan Railway line. Then end your day at the pub where you’re bound to meet some colourful characters more than willing to share some stories over a few froths.
Robe
Robe is another small town adventure lovers will want to check out. Surfing, 4WDing, mountain biking and snorkelling are just some of the fun activities on offer at this Limestone Coast town.
The historic port town has several significant buildings and a smorgasbord of shops selling local wares. Robe is also close to the world heritage-listed Naracoorte Caves, Coorong National Park and Larry the Lobster, another of the state’s famous Big Things.
Port Lincoln
Located on Boston Bay, the largest natural harbour in the country, Port Lincoln has transformed into a tourist hotspot over the past two decades. One for the foodies, Port Lincoln is Australia’s seafood capital and has some of the best restaurants in the state, from the must-visit The Line & Label at Peter Teakle winery to the acclaimed The Fresh Fish Place.
When it comes to activities, you can go cage diving with sharks, explore the area’s picturesque sandy beaches, experience life on an oyster farm or go trekking through Lincoln National Park.
