From hiking ancient outback landscapes to exploring underwater worlds and ghost hunting on the Limestone Coast, there’s no need to hibernate in cool-weather South Australia. Warm up with our top unique adventures in South Australia, best experienced on a chilly winter’s day.

1. Kilsby Sinkhole, Limestone Coast

Nestled under a rural farm property 15 minutes from Mount Gambier is a magical underwater world. The Limestone Coast’s Kilsby Sinkhole is world renowned as one of the best sinkhole diving sites, with crystal clear water and breathtaking visibility. Embark on a scuba, snorkel or site tour and explore this serene underwater wonder with a qualified guide. While you’re there, be sure to sample the other local miracle, Sinkhole Gin, produced from crystal-clear limestone-filtered water and local native plants.

2. ARKAROOLA RIDGETOP TOUR, FLINDERS RANGES AND OUTBACK

Drive off the beaten path and explore ancient Arkaroola in an open-top 4×4 on a Ridgetop Tour. Experience some of the most breathtaking rugged country on earth as you drive through the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, where granite mountains and golden Spinifex-covered hills give way to sweeping views of Freeling Heights, Lake Frome and the desert at the -of the. Stop for morning tea overlooking the Streitberg ridge and soak up the 360 ​​degree panorama of the hinterland. Not your average commute.

3. Cage diving with sharks, Eyre Peninsula

Only in South Australia can you come face to face with one of the world’s most impressive predators. The turquoise waters of the Eyre Peninsula are the only place in Australia where you can (safely) dive to the depths with great white sharks. The world’s most iconic shark species, Great Whites can be up to seven meters long, weigh over 3,000 kilograms and reach speeds of up to 32 km/h, for unforgettable encounters… from the safety of an impenetrable steel cage!

In fact, it was in South Australia that the very first shark cage expedition took place when Rodney Fox, shark attack survivor turned researcher, was recruited in 1976 by JAWS producers to use his cage. tailor-made to shoot live footage for the movie. . Today, the crystal clear waters off Port Lincoln are one of only two places in the world where you can cage dive with sharks with white sharks. Board a full-day charter boat from Port Lincoln with Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions or Calypso Star Charters and explore otherwise inaccessible places where great whites are abundant. Wildlife lovers will also appreciate that each operator is eco-certified.

4. Murray River International Dark Sky Preserve, Murray River and Coorong Lakes

A sea of ​​stars will greet you in South Australia’s darkest and clearest skies at the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve. Nestled just 90 minutes’ drive from Adelaide on the banks of the Murray River, starry solitude awaits stargazers with low rainfall, clear skies and virtually no light pollution, creating the perfect conditions for exploring the cosmos. Australia’s only official Dark Sky Preserve and one of only 15 in the world, you won’t find a better place to settle in for a sleepover with the stars. The best way to figure out which part of the universe you’re actually marveling at is to hop in a chauffeured vehicle with Juggle House Tours or book a nighttime starry sky tour with Big Bend. Alternatively, take a self-guided stargazing tour. Depart before sunset and head to the quaint riverside town of Swan Reach. The road is dotted with a number of parking lots and viewpoints where you can pull up, put your cover on the hood of your car, and watch the nighttime spectacle. Check out our guide to the best places to stargaze in South Australia.

5. Heli-camping experience, Flinders Ranges and Outback

Imagine being airlifted to your own secluded campsite perched above the Flinders Ranges. See the beauty of the outback from the air with an epic overnight helicopter camping experience with Rawnsley Park Station. Climb aboard your own private helicopter and take in views of Rawnsley Bluff and Wilpena Pound before landing at your epic Chace Range campsite. Watch the setting sun and marvel at the Milky Way in the clear winter sky before enjoying a two-course meal and falling asleep under a blanket of stars.

6. ARKABA WALK, FLINDERS RANGES AND OUTBACK

Swap your UGG boots for hiking boots and experience the rugged beauty of the Flinders Ranges on a 3-day walking tour through some of Australia’s most breathtaking bushland. Traversing Wilpena Pound and 60,000 acres of private wildlife conservation, the Arkaba Walk features some of the most spectacular scenery, from rugged mountain ranges to dramatic gorges and of course the ancient walls of Wilpena Pound. Learn about the region’s ancient indigenous culture and the unique geology, flora and fauna of the hinterland. Fall asleep under the stars in your cozy swag camp and wake up to breathtaking views. Relax in luxury on the final night at Arkaba’s beautifully restored farmhouse.

7. Ghost Mushroom Lane, Limestone Coast

It’s South Australia’s most exclusive light show and mushrooms are in the spotlight. Crouch down, grab your torch and go ghost hunting on the Limestone Coast as the eerie green glow of ghost mushrooms lights up Glencoe’s pine forest. The result of a chemical reaction between fungal enzymes and oxygen, ghost mushrooms typically emerge after late autumn rains, with the glow-in-dark phenomenon lasting only a few magical weeks a year, usually in May and June. The best of all? Access to Ghost Mushroom Lane, about 10 miles outside of Mount Gambier, is completely free.

8. Dalhousie Springs, Witjira National Park

The South Australian version of a hinterland oasis. Watch steam and mist mingle and rise from the glassy surface of this desert pool, located 900 kilometers northwest of Port Augusta. Located on the edge of the Simpson Desert, Witjira National Park has over 120 spring mounds, including the national heritage-listed Dalhousie Springs. Springs have been used for thousands of years by the traditional owners of the land as a source of food, shelter and medicine. Regardless of the time of year, the springs remain at 37 degrees – with the main pool open to swimmers.

9. Arkaroola, Flinders Ranges and Outback Astronomy Tour

Deep in the South Australian desert lies the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary: a fully accredited ecotourism hotspot known for its incredible stargazing and astronomy tours. Famous for having some of the clearest skies in the Southern Hemisphere and home to one of Australia’s largest private astronomical observatories, Arkaroola has front row seats for the world’s most spectacular light show. Take a tour of the observatory to observe distant galaxies up close using impressive professional telescopes. Winter is the best place for stargazing with longer nights and generally cloudless conditions, so wrap up and prepare to marvel at the Milky Way.

10. Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens, Adelaide Hills

From waterfalls to wildlife, the cooler months are the perfect time to head to the Adelaide Hills and explore the 97 hectares of verdant paradise at Mount Lofty Botanic Garden. With winding paths through some of South Australia’s most beautiful and diverse plant life, streams and camellias in full bloom, you’ll be walking through a winter wonderland full of autumn colors.

Discover more of South Australia this winter…

Embrace the best winter activities and experiences South Australia has to offer and check out our tips for the coziest winter hideaways.

/Courtesy of SA Tourism. This material from the original organization/authors may be ad hoc in nature, edited for clarity, style and length. The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors.