Amazing Natural Wonders to See in South Australia

Remarkable rocks with blue and white sky, impressive landmark on Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Remarkable rocks with blue and white sky, impressive landmark on Kangaroo Island, South Australia | © Uwe Bergwitz/Shutterstock
Monique La Terra

With sunken gardens, vivid lakes and world-renowned fossil sites South Australia’s diverse landscape is relatively untouched and often overlooked. Already seen Wave Rock? Why not visit the equally impressive Pildappa Rock or how about Lake Bumbunga which rivals the Murray Sunset National Park. Here are spectacular and beautiful natural wonders to explore in South Australia. Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Umpherston Sinkhole

Mount Gambier Australia

Arguably Australia’s most picturesque sinkhole is the Umpherston Sinkhole in Mount Gambier. Known as the Sunken Garden, the sinkhole was naturally created when the limestone chamber’s roof collapsed, leaving a magnificent void. In 1886 James Umpherston transformed the cavity into a lush oasis accessible via a series of concealed steps, walkways and terraces. The garden features a fountain, hydrangeas, and tree-ferns and is home to hundreds of possums.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Jubilee Hwy E, Mount Gambier SA Australia +61 8 8724 9750

Remarkable Rocks

Remarkable rocks with blue and white sky, impressive landmark on Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Poised on the south coast of Kangaroo Island, the Remarkable Rocks are naturally sculptured landmarks formed over 500 million years by wind, rain, and sea-spray. These bizarre eroded granite boulders are stained with vibrant orange lichen which changes from rust to gold depending on the light. A wooden boardwalk with partial wheelchair access leads visitors to this Martian playground.

S Coast Rd, Flinders Chase SA Australia +61 8 8553 4450

Blue Lake

Explore natural wonders like the technicolour Blue Lake while staying at one of the best hotels in Mount Gambier

Occupying an extinct volcano crater, Blue Lake is one of the most awe-inspiring attractions in Mount Gambier. Renowned for its colour, the reservoir is cobalt blue between December and March and turns pewter during the colder months from April to November. The exact cause is still unknown but is thought to have something to do with the temperature. Surrounding Blue Lake is a 3.6 kilometer walking track with viewing platforms.

Bay Rd, Mount Gambier SA Australia +61 8 8723 1199

Wilpena Pound

Located within the Flinders Ranges, Wilpena Pound is an 800-million-year-old geological colosseum visible from space. While early 20th-century agricultural endeavours failed time and time again, the region has since proven popular with bushwalkers. Some popular trails include the Hills Homestead Walk and the Heysen Trail as well as the challenging hike to St Mary Peak which is 1,189 metres high.
Wilpena Pound Flinders Ranges SA Australia

Kati Thanda Lake Eyre

Renamed Kati Thanda in 2012, Lake Eyre, as it’s more commonly known, is the lowest point in Australia. The lake is also the largest in Australia; however, it only floods every decade or so and most of the time is a barren, flat salt pan. In fact, Kati Thanda has only been filled to capacity three times in last 160 years. The best time to visit is between April and October when the likelihood of water increases.

Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park Marree SA Australia + 61 8 8648 5300

Naracoorte Caves National Park

Recognised for its significant fossil record Naracoorte Caves National Park is South Australia’s only World Heritage Listed site. There are 28 caves within the park, four of which are open to the public. Explore the speleothem chambers in Alexandra Cave, see megafauna fossils in Victoria Fossil Cave, visit the self-guided Stick-Tomato Cave or take a Bat Cave tour. Those daring enough can also try an adventure caving tour.

89 Wonambi Rd, Joanna SA Australia +61 8 8760 1210

Lake Bumbunga

Two of hours north of Adelaide is an otherworldly site known as Lake Bumbunga which remains untouched by tourism. This taffy pink salt lake consists of three salt pans which have been mined since 1881. Named by the indigenous Parnpangka people Lake Bumbunga reportedly translates to ‘rain water lake.’ When visiting keep a lookout for the Loch Eel Monster who can be spotted from Highway 1 and be sure not to drive on the lake as you will get bogged.
LOT 15 Frances St, Lochiel SA Australia

Pildappa Rock

Pildappa Rock, Eyre Peninsula, South Australia

Resembling Western Australia’s famous Wave Rock, Pildappa Rock is located on the Eyre Peninsula. Formed 1,500 years ago this granite outcrop is stamped with deep gnamma holes, narrow pits and rillen grooves. Those who choose to climb the wave are presented with marvelous vistas of the Gawler Ranges and the Blue Sturts from the top, meanwhile at the base, there are picnic and barbecue facilities.

Pildappa Road, Minnipa SA Australia +61 8 8680 5183

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