South Australia is the driest state in the country, and has earned a reputation for celebrating the finer things in life. The region is relaxed, welcoming and quietly beautiful, with excellent food and wine, lively festivals and striking natural scenery.

Adelaide, the state capital, lies in the fertile coastal south where most of the population lives. It's an easy-going city with stylish boutiques, great restaurants and a thriving small-bar scene. The long, sandy beaches that line the coastline are close by, and the famous vineyards of the Barossa Valley and the Adelaide Hills are only a short drive away. This makes Adelaide a comfortable and attractive base for exploring the state's best food and wine regions.

As visitors travel north, the landscape becomes far more arid. Wide plains and rugged low ranges replace the green coastal areas, creating the classic outback scenery that defines much of inland South Australia. Visitors can explore the dramatic rock formations of Ikara-Flinders National Park or head towards Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, Australia's largest salt lake. The lake's vast white surface and the surrounding desert create a powerful sense of space and isolation. These contrasting environments, from gentle coastal plains to the wide-open outback, show why South Australia remains such an interesting and rewarding place to visit.