South Australia Honeymoon Adventure

Honeymoon couples in search of an uncrowded getaway where uncommon adventures await may find that rustic and relaxed South Australia offers the experience they seek.

South Australia 101

Australia is made up of six states — New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania — and two territories, the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory.

South Australia, located in the south-center part of the country, offers an adventure vacation for travelers looking for something off the beaten path. There are amazing things to see — including the outback and Kangaroo Island.

A couple on a honeymoon is not likely to run into throngs of tourists, which in many ways is the appeal of South Australia. Although the state does not possess an extensive list of luxury hotels, South Australia does boast amazing wildlife and stark scenery making it well worth a visit.

Travel to South Australia

Visitors from the U.S. fly into a major Australian entry point — Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane—before connecting through to Adelaide, the capital of South Australia.

A day or two in this walkable city is a great way to explore some of the restaurants, wine bars, and the botanical gardens the city possesses. Most travelers then head to the outback and the famed Kangaroo Island for wildlife viewing.

Areas in South Australia

Adelaide
With a population of 1.2 million, Adelaide is the capital of South Australia and is cosmopolitan, yet compact in feel. In fact, it’s known as the 20-minute city — a visitor can get from point A to point B anywhere in the city in less than half an hour.

Surrounded by parklands, the city is also reputed to have more restaurants per person than any other city in Australia. For foodies, Adelaide is a real find. City streets are filled with outdoor cafes and restaurants and the grid layout of Adelaide makes it easy for honeymoon couples and other romantics to find their way around.

The Eyre Peninsula
Home to the Gawler Mountain Range, the Eyre Peninsula is one of South Australia’s most remote tourist regions. Scenery ranges from red outback to towering limestone cliffs to dramatic coves and beaches.

South Australia is the driest state in the country, so the outback is in stark contract with the beautiful coastal cities of Port Lincoln that line the Eyre Peninsula. Trips to this region typically combine wildlife bush safari with water activities, such as swimming with the dolphins and sea lions.

Kangaroo Island
After spending several days in the outback, most travelers head to Kangaroo Island, one of the gems of South Australia. Separated from the mainland about 9,000 years ago, KI, as it’s called, is one of the most unspoiled natural wonders of the world.

For animal enthusiasts, this is the place: seals bask in the sun on the beaches; dozens of koalas can be seen munching on gum trees; echidnas, a kind of Australian porcupine, can be found wandering in search of insects; and kangaroos, goannas, wallabies, penguins, and birds can be seen at every bend.

South Australia Adventures

Outback Safari
In the Gawler Mountain Range, an outback bush safari is a must for honeymoon couples and other romantics. One tour operator that offers a unique outback experience by day and rustic tents at night is Gawler Ranges Wilderness Safaris.

Days are spent exploring the outback by land and on foot. Follow the kangaroo tracks across Lake Gairdner, a salt lake devoid of water, but shining bright as snow with a floor of salt.

The Aussie team at Wilderness Safaris specializes in animal sightings and it’s not uncommon to see a large variety of birds (including vividly colored parrots), three species of large kangaroo, the elusive wombat, a cackle of the strange-looking emus, and a variety of reptiles.

The vast desert is also worth exploring. Sundowner cocktails are provided before heading back to Kangaluna Camp for a true Aussie outback dinner. Nights are spent in the large, two-bedroom tents, complete with beds and hot showers.

Swimming with Dolphins in Baird Bay
Baird Bay Ocean Eco Experience offers a unique chance to swim with dolphins and sea lions on the Eyre Peninsula. Unlike other programs in which travelers swim with these animals in a controlled setting, this eco experience allows visitors to swim with these playful creatures in their natural environment.

Animals are not fed in order to interact with humans, instead, they come willingly to play and frolic with snorkelers. Travelers board a small vessel and head to calm water, first interacting with sea lions, then further along the way with dolphins. Sure, the water may be cold (wet suits are needed), but the adventurous of heart will find this natural encounter exciting and exhilarating.

Kangaroo Island Tours
To really get the feel for Kangaroo Island, it’s wise to book a tour with experts who know the hiding places of the island’s many inhabitants. Exceptional Kangaroo Island is one operator that offers personalized soft adventure tours with naturalist guides.

Catered to each group, the tours can focus on wildlife, food and wine, agriculture (there are tours of bee keepers, eucalyptus farms, sheep dairies, and shearing fields) or a combination of all the above.

Luxury in the Wild
For those honeymoon couples and romance seekers looking for a truly special place to stay, book what many consider the most luxurious resort in all of South Australia, Lifetime Private Retreats.

Set on 100 acres of untamed land, its three private homes offer stunning views of rugged cliffs and surrounding beach. Your personal chef can make lunch for you on the beach, a romantic dinner on a cliff top, or a meal in the wilds of the forests. Meals can be taken separately (just you and your honey) or with the other guests. The private Cliff House, which boasts amazing views of the surrounding countryside, is especially romantic.

Visit South Australia more information to plan a honeymoon or romantic adventure in this exotic destination.