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When heading Down
Under, many travelers may consider visiting Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. But
Emma Terry, CEO of the South Australian Tourism Commission, is encouraging
clients to take a closer look at South Australia, home to myriad opportunities
for wildlife lovers, oenophiles and urban dwellers alike.
And now, a new
United Airlines flight from San Francisco International Airport (SFO),
launching this month, will make the region even easier to discover.
Soon, travelers
will have a direct flight from SFO to Adelaide via United Airlines. What will
this new service mean for South Australia tourism?
This new direct
service is transformational, making it easier than ever for North Americans to
reach Adelaide and all the wildlife, wine and Outback experiences we have to
offer. The flight will operate from December to March, connecting the U.S. West
Coast with South Australia’s vibrant summer season. South Australia delivers in
spades when it comes to the traveler’s desire for experiencing the simple
pleasures while traveling — from fewer crowds and cultural connection to
embracing slow travel.
What are some
of the most exciting development in store for South Australia in 2026?
The United flight
arrives just as Adelaide undergoes a $400 million transformation of its iconic
Central Market and prepares to host another record-breaking Adelaide Fringe,
the Southern Hemisphere’s largest arts festival. We also have exciting sporting
events and experiences launching in 2026, with the return of LIV Golf Adelaide
and The Cliffs Kangaroo Island, a new luxury golf resort.
Our accommodation
portfolio is also expanding, with boutique vineyard rentals in nearby McLaren
Vale and the Barossa. Additionally, several new hotels are in the pipeline,
including the resort at The Cliffs Kangaroo Island and Crystalbrook Sam in
Adelaide, which will be situated three streets south of Adelaide Central
Market.
Adelaide’s dining
scene has never been more exciting, from the standout Japanese izakaya Shobosho
— offering salmon tataki on an indoor yakitori grill — to the soon-to-debut
Restaurant Aptos, a new genre-defying culinary landmark housed in a
156-year-old Adelaide Hills church.
What offerings does
South Australia have for oenophiles?
Emma Terry, CEO of South Australian Tourism Commission (Photo Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission)
South Australia is
one of the world’s great wine regions, yet it’s relatively undiscovered by the
American oenophile. What sets South Australia apart as a wine tourism
destination is its 18 distinct wine regions, many of which are within an hour’s
drive from Adelaide. Home to more than 600 wineries and some of the oldest
grape vines in the world, South Australia produces 80% of Australia’s premium
wine. Varietals range from premium heritage shiraz in the Barossa Valley and
standout riesling in Clare Valley to biodynamic wines made in the Adelaide
Hills.
What
experiences can visitors expect if they’re interested in nature and wildlife?
People frequently
travel to Kangaroo Island to see wild koalas, kangaroos, sea lions and other
native fauna.
Regions like the
Flinders Ranges and Outback offer Aboriginal-led walking tours featuring
breathtaking landscapes and sightings of species such as wedge-tailed eagles,
rockwallabies and emus.
The Baird Bay
Experience, along the Eyre Peninsula, offers the opportunity to swim with sea
lions and dolphins, and the region is home to an annual cuttlefish migration
that draws scuba divers from across the globe. In the Murraylands region,
visitors can experience unexpected wildlife immersion at Monarto Safari Park,
the largest safari experience outside Africa, which is home to more than 50
animal species.
For U.S.
visitors with limited time in South Australia, what’s an ideal itinerary to
make the most of a short visit?
For epicureans and
oenophiles, plan a few relaxing days exploring the Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale
and Barossa Valley, visiting cellar doors, artisanal shops and wellness
retreats. For adventurers, plan a road trip to Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary,
a certified Dark Sky Sanctuary, for unrivaled stargazing in the Flinders
Ranges. For a relaxing trip that allows clients to truly unplug, visit the
recently opened, private island eco-resort Rumi on Louth, off the Eyre
Peninsula. Finally, for a luxurious wellness retreat, hop over to Kangaroo
Island and stay at Southern Ocean Lodge.
Why is South
Australia a strong entry point to the country for the first-time visitors?
South Australia
offers a more relaxed, navigable introduction to Australia — even more so with
the new United direct flights. Adelaide is also an incredibly walkable city,
with attractions and a compelling arts and culinary scene. What distinguishes
South Australia is that it offers depth without sacrifice. You can go deep into
wine, food, Indigenous culture and ecosystem variety while using Adelaide as a
comfortable, friendly base.
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