Explore South Australia’s national parks this summer!

1. Dhil­ba Guu­ran­da-Innes Nation­al Park

A favourite for camping, fishing and surfing, the iconic Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park is a short 5.3 km drive from Marion Bay on the southern tip of the Yorke Peninsula.

Immerse yourself in SA’s tumultuous maritime history with a visit to the park’s operating lighthouses at Cape Spencer and West Cape, or head to Ethel Beach where you might be lucky enough to see the Ethel shipwreck.

For a gnarly time, try and catch a wave at Pondalowie Bay, or, for the more experienced surfer, head to Chinaman’s Beach to catch a break.

If fishing is more your speed, cast your line from the surf on Browns Beach for a chance at catching salmon – but check out the recreational fishing regulations before you go.

2. Naracoorte Caves

Did you know Naracoorte Caves are a constant 17 degrees all year round? This makes them the perfect summer holiday destination.

About 3.5 hours from Adelaide, this World Heritage site has plenty to keep you busy, like the UNESCO-recognised Victoria Fossil Cave and the Wonambi Fossil Centre.

Unsure of which tour options might suit you best?

Whether you want to head underground for a unique and enlightening cave tour or are keen to try something a little more challenging, there’s an itinerary to suit everyone. Check out our guide to help you get the most out of your next visit.

Not keen to head underground? The award-winning Roof Top Loop Walk is fully accessible and provides wheelchair and pram access.

3. Seal Bay

For a nature-based tourism experience like no other, head down to Seal Bay on the south coast of Kangaroo Island.

With its stunning coastline and windswept cliffs looking out to the Southern Ocean, there’s plenty to point your camera at. But it’s the colony of Australian sea lions that really steals the show.

Unique to South Australia and Western Australia, the species is endangered with a total population of approximately 10,500, about 800 of which live at Seal Bay. It’s home to the third-largest colony of Australian sea lions and is one of the only places in the world where you can see them up close. Especially adorable during breeding season, you’ll get to see new pups play on the sand and in the shallows.

This world class attraction gets popular! Book your tour in advance to avoid disappointment. View the range of tours available.

4. Deep Creek National Park

Locat­ed with­in 100 km of Ade­laide, and home to a wide array of native wildlife such as western grey kangaroos, short-beaked echidnas and 100 species of birds, is Deep Creek National Park.

For stunning coastal views across the eastern and western sections of the park, jump in your 4WD and head along one of the 2 tracks in the park.

The Boat Harbour track winds through stringybark forest with steep descents and ends at a small carpark where you can stop driving and walk to Boat Harbour Beach.

The Blowhole Beach track is as steep as it is rocky and provides access to a sandy beach with distant views of Kangaroo Island.

Looking for somewhere to stay the night? The park has 5 campgrounds with sites suitable for tents, caravans, camper vans and camper trailers – but be sure to check availability and book online before you go.

If you want to stay in the park but aren’t a fan of camping, Southern Ocean Retreats has you sorted with a range of accommodation options, from rustic cottages to architecturally designed eco-retreats.

6. Newland Head Conservation Park

With its rugged coastal cliffs and pristine beaches, Newland Head Conservation Park offers the ultimate opportunity to reconnect with nature. Located approximately 100km from Adelaide, the park is a pop­u­lar des­ti­na­tion for bird watch­ing, surf­ing, fish­ing and is home to one of the most mem­o­rable sec­tions of the Wild South Coast Way.

Within this natural haven, you'll find two beautiful beaches, Waitpinga and Parsons, along with the breathtaking Waitpinga Cliffs and the surrounding mallee heath vegetation. Embark on scenic walks alongside rolling sand dunes and rugged cliffs, where you’ll discover panoramic views of Waitpinga Creek, Encounter Marine Park, the Pages in Backstairs Passage, and even Kangaroo Island on the horizon.

Please note, the beaches are not suitable for swimming due to strong rips and hidden gutters. However, there's no shortage of other incredible experiences waiting for you!

7. Coorong National Park

Coorong National Park is a haven for those who appreciate the quieter side of adventure. It's an ideal spot for bird watching, peaceful boating, gentle kayaking, leisurely fishing, and tranquil camping.

The park stretches 150 km from the Goolwa Barrage, following the coastline and lagoon south-east towards Kingston. For those travelling between Adelaide and Mount Gambier, or even towards Melbourne,, the Coorong offers a delightful detour. Its accessibility by 2WD vehicles makes it an accessible destination, and allows everyone to experience the serene beauty and rich cultural history of this unique area.

8. Flinders Chase National Park

Flinders Chase Nation­al Park is essen­tial for any Kan­ga­roo Island adven­ture. This expan­sive wilder­ness fea­tures icon­ic Remark­able Rocks, Admi­rals Arch, and a long-nosed fur seal colony.

Despite the bush­fires that affect­ed 96% of the park, much of the infra­struc­ture and sur­round­ing areas have been restored. A new vis­i­tor cen­tre offers a beau­ti­ful space to learn about the park and local his­to­ry, with an inter­pre­ta­tion gallery that helps vis­i­tors con­nect with the area.

Don't forget, Flinders Chase Nation­al Park is home to the recent­ly restored May’s Home­stead (sleeps 4) and Postman’s Cot­tage (sleeps 2). These her­itage-list­ed cot­tages offer high-stan­dard accom­mo­da­tion and are per­fect for groups or indi­vid­u­als seek­ing privacy.