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World-class experiences at your fingertips in Adelaide

Adelaide is bursting with culture, flavours, events and entertainment. Taste the world-famous wine regions only minutes from the city or indulge in award-winning restaurants in the heart of Adelaide. Join the party at our immersive festivals and events or spend the night exploring Adelaide attractions and a thriving restaurant and bar   scene . Adelaide is a gateway to some of Australia’s best wine country and is home to Australia's official best restaurant, hotel, wine, gin and beach, Adelaide punches well above its weight when it comes to dishing up the best but don't take our word for it, start planning with our guide to the top 10 things to do in Adelaide .

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Itineraries and inspiration for the best things to do in adelaide including restaurants and bars, beaches, festivals, events and family friendly activities..

Adelaide Accommodation

From five-star luxury to boutique and budget stays, explore the best hotels in adelaide and start planning your stay., eos by skycity, sofitel adelaide, crowne plaza adelaide, mayfair hotel, hilton adelaide, the playford, atura adelaide airport, ibis adelaide, pullman adelaide, stamford plaza adelaide, stamford grand adelaide, the watson art series, holiday inn express adelaide city centre, majestic minima hotel, majestic roof garden hotel, mantra hindmarsh square, oaks glenelg plaza pier suites, the terrace hotel adelaide, intercontinental adelaide, adelaide food and drink, adelaide's city streets are literally teeming with award-winning restaurants dishing up unique, mouth-watering flavours. loosen your belt buckle and pull up a seat at one of adelaide's best restaurants., fugazzi bar & dining room, merrymaker rooftop bar, five regions restaurant, sôl rooftop, itl italian kitchen, nido bar | pasta, osteria oggi, sean's kitchen, yiasou george, bowden brewing, peter rabbit, hains & co, prohibition liquor co., restaurant botanic, threefold distilling, adelaide experiences and attractions, explore the city and experience the best things to do in adelaide including restaurants, bars, galleries, outdoor and family friendly activities., adelaide zoo, roofclimb adelaide oval, adelaide central market, andy warhol & photography: a social media, adelaide botanic garden, south australian museum, flamboyance tours, art gallery of south australia, adelaide gaol, rundle mall, treeclimb adelaide, popeye sightseeing river cruise, the beachouse, captain jolley's paddle boats, adelaide and surrounds.

No matter where your South Australian journey takes you, we’ve got you covered. With so much to see, do, taste and explore, start your trip with our regional brochures and maps.

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Must-see attractions in Adelaide

Adelaide Oval

Hailed as the world’s prettiest cricket ground, the Adelaide Oval hosts interstate and international cricket matches in summer, plus national AFL and…

Central Market

A tourist sight or a shopping op? Either way, satisfy your deepest culinary cravings at the 250-odd stalls in superb Adelaide Central Market. A sliver of…

Art Gallery of South Australia

Spend a few hushed hours in the vaulted, parquetry-floored gallery that represents the big names in Australian art. Permanent exhibitions include…

South Australian Museum

Dig into Australia’s natural history with the museum's special exhibits on whales and Antarctic explorer Sir Douglas Mawson. Over two levels, the amazing…

Adelaide Park Lands

The city centre and upmarket North Adelaide are surrounded by a broad band of parkland. Colonel William Light, Adelaide’s controversial planner, came up…

Adelaide Botanic Gardens

Meander, jog or chew through your trashy airport novel in these lush city-fringe gardens. Highlights include a restored 1877 palm house, the water-lily…

Adelaide Zoo

Around 1800 exotic and native mammals, birds and reptiles roar, growl and screech at Adelaide’s wonderful zoo, dating from 1883. There are free walking…

West Terrace Cemetery

Driven-by and overlooked by most Adelaidians, this amazing old cemetery (established in 1837, and now with 150,000 residents) makes a serene and…

National Wine Centre of Australia

Check out the free self-guided, interactive Wine Discovery Journey exhibition at this very sexy wine centre (doubling as a research facility for the…

Adelaide Gaol

Only decommissioned in 1988 after housing 300,000 inmates since 1841, this old Victorian lock-up has a grim vibe, but its displays of homemade bongs,…

Migration Museum

This engaging social-history museum tells the story of the many migrants who have made SA their home. The museum has info on 100-plus nationalities logged…

Penfolds Magill Estate Winery

This 175-year-old winery is home to Australia's best-known wine − the legendary Grange. Taste the product at the cellar door; dine at the fab restaurant…

Statue of Colonel William Light

The famous statue of Adelaide's town planner (official name Light’s Vision) sits atop the grassy flanks of Montefiore Hill in North Adelaide.

Waterfall Gully

Yes, it's a gully. And yes, there's a waterfall at the end of it – a rather spectacular 30m-tall one, too, especially if it's been raining in the Adelaide…

South Australian Maritime Museum

This salty cache is the oldest of its kind in Australia. Highlights include the iconic Port Adelaide Lighthouse ($1 on its own, or included in museum…

Innovative MOD. science museum on the University of South Australia campus races towards the future, with seven interactive, surprising gallery spaces…

Coopers Brewery

You can't possibly come to Adelaide without entertaining thoughts of touring Coopers Brewery. Tours take you through the brewhouse, bottling hall and…

Bradman Collection

At the Adelaide Oval is the Bradman Collection where devotees of 'the Don', cricket's greatest batsman, can pore over the minutiae of his legend. Check…

Bay Discovery Centre

This low-key museum in Glenelg’s 1887 Town Hall building depicts the social history of Glenelg from colonisation to today, and addresses the plight of the…

Haigh's Chocolates Visitor Centre

If you’ve got a chocolate problem, get guilty at this iconic factory. Free 25-minute tours take you through the chocolate life-cycle from cacao bean to…

Mall's Balls

Check out the infamous and very shiny Mall’s Balls sculpture in Rundle Mall (real name Spheres, by sculptor Burt Flugelman).

Adelaide Town Hall

Built in 1866 under the guidance of architect Edmund W Wright, Adelaide's impressive stone Town Hall presides over King William St, locked in an eternal…

Tramway Museum

Up until 1957, Adelaide had an extensive network of trams spider-webbing out from the city into the suburbs. Then costs, an ageing fleet and public…

Freemasons' Grand Lodge

This towering sandstone edifice on North Tce has been a bastion of secret handshakes and funny robes since 1927. But like other things that most people…

Quality contemporary local arts and crafts and brilliant bejewelments, plus workshops and a hellishly hot glass-blowing studio turning out gorgeous glass …

Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute

Tandanya offers an insight into the culture of the local Kaurna people, whose territory extends south to Cape Jervis and north to Port Wakefield. Inside…

City of Adelaide

Wander down to the Port Adelaide docks for a look at the oldest clipper ship in the world (1864). The high-and-dry hulk of the City of Adelaide was…

St Peter's Cathedral

If not for the Adelaide Oval next door, this imposing sandstone cathedral (harking back to 1869) would be the biggest architectural object within miles…

National Railway Museum

Trainspotters rejoice! A delightfully nerdy museum crammed with railway memorabilia. The bookshop stocks as much Thomas the Tank Engine merchandise as you…

Adelaide-Himeji Garden

Exquisitely manicured, fenced Japanese gardens on a quiet reach of South Tce. A top spot for a quiet lunch/mediation/snooze in the sun. Himeji is Adelaide…

South Australian Aviation Museum

This not-for-profit collection of retired old birds (plus rockets from Woomera and a not-so-old F-111) roosts in an old hangar in the Port Adelaide back…

10 of the best things to do in Adelaide

17 February 2023

We discover South Australia’s capital city has been dubbed Radelaide for 10 very good reasons.

Laze in the sun, meander through a national park or visit Australia’s premier chocolate factory – Adelaide delivers the goods all year round. But if you really want to experience the best of the city tick off these top 10 experiences on your visit.

1. Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute

Housed on Kuarna (pronounced ‘Garna’) land, Tandanya is Australia’s oldest Aboriginal-owned and managed multi-arts centre.

The visionary and vibrant space serves as a community outlet, where all visitors can experience contemporary and traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural expressions through both visual and performing arts.

Their operations are multi-faceted and offer several opportunities for attendees to explore an ongoing commitment to honour and respect the traditional owners and custodians of this country. A must-visit for anyone in Adelaide.

Tandanya. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

2. Adelaide Central Market

All of the city’s best and brightest culminate at the Adelaide Central Market .  Attracting over nine million visitors every year, and celebrated as one of the oldest markets in Australia, the Central Market connects the entire country with fresh South Australian produce.

It also showcases Adelaide’s proud multiculturalism; you can find every cuisine under the sun here.

Central Market. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

There are shops devoted to health food, organic produce, herbs, spices and more. From Eastern European delicatessens to Asian grocers.

Adelaide Central Market is open every day except Sunday and Monday, located in the city’s CBD.

Check out more of our favourite Adelaide markets here .

Central Market. (Image: Tourism Australia)

3. Rundle Mall

In 1976, when the opening ribbon was cut at Rundle Mall , the then Premier Don Dunstan (who initially green-lit the project) arrived on horse and cart. Ten thousand people lined the streets, toasting champagne to a new era in Adelaide retail.

Over 40 years later, Rundle Mall remains the home of shopping, dining and entertainment in Adelaide, with over 24 million people a year visiting the car-free shopping strip.

It hosts over 700 retailers and 300 services, combining leading retail brands, a huge selection of things to eat and drink with rich history, prominent landmarks and a steady stream of vibrant buskers.

Rundle Mall. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

4. National Wine Centre of Australia

South Australia is responsible for almost 50% of Australia’s annual wine production. It’s also home to some of our most famous wine regions, historic estates and the oldest vines in the country. And if the state is wine’s motherland, then its headquarters is The National Wine Centre of Australia .

Housed within the famed Botanical Gardens, this free, public exhibition building showcases winemaking and its surrounding state industry. Visitors can roam an interactive permanent exhibition on winemaking for an introduction to the technology, varieties and styles of Australian wine.

To immerse yourself fully in the experience, follow it up with a visit to the Wined Bar and take your pick from over 120 wines dispensed from the Enomatic wine system, then finish it off with a meal from the seasonal menu.

5. The Adelaide Botanical Gardens

While you’re in the area – and perhaps a tad tippled from an afternoon of wine tasting – take the time to wander through the surrounding Adelaide Botanic Gardens .

Comprised of a 51 hectare public garden, this is a wonderland for those with a green thumb, and for anyone who just likes to marvel at lush outdoor spaces.

Wander through whimsical rows of blooms at the International Rose Garden, follow the winding path along the First Creek Wetland, marvel at the rainforest in the Bicentennial conservatory and visit the Victorian-era Palm House greenhouse.

Botanical Gardens. (Image: Frankie The Creative)

6. Art Gallery of South Australia

Soak up the state’s art, history and culture at the Art Gallery of South Australia .

Housed in the iconic North Terrace building in the city’s arts precinct, the gallery showcases carefully curated exhibitions for a unique and memorable experience.

Roam the huge collection of over 40,000 paintings, sculptures, prints, sketches, photographs, textiles and design works from all around the world.

Art Gallery of South Australia. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

7. Visit one of the beautiful beaches

Adelaide has so much food, culture, art and wine to offer, that many forget it’s also home to some A+ beaches.

Family-friendly Glenelg Beach is one of the most popular and is accessible via tram from the city to Moseley Square. Henley Beach is a high-end option, with the surrounding restaurants, cafes and shops catering to the luxury traveller. For history buffs, Semaphore Beach is surrounded by Art Deco architecture. Be sure to check out the iconic 1920s Palais bathing pavilion while you’re there.

Henley Beach. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

8. Morialta Conservation Park

You’ll find Morialta Conservation Park just 10 km north-east of Adelaide city centre.

The park is home to three striking waterfalls, all linked by three hiking trails ready to be explored at your leisure. If you’d like to tick off all three, the 7.5km hike will take about four hours.

Kids will love the brand new Mukanthi nature play space, or the chance to climb the Birds Nest, discover an Aboriginal fire pit at Frog Island, find the secret tunnel at Great Snake, and reach the peak at Eagles Perch.

Morialta is also one of the state’s most popular spots for rock climbing, with options that vary in difficulty for both beginners and experts.

Morialta Conservation Park. (Image: Joel Durbridge)

9. Take a walking tour around Port Adelaide

Self-guided walking tours are a great way to explore and get a feel for a place, and Port Adelaide is an exceptionally beautiful place to do just that.

It may be renowned for its mighty AFL team , but Port Adelaide is also the city’s rejuvenated industrial district, home to the South Australian Maritime Museum , South Australian Aviation Museum and National Railway Museum .

The suburb’s central hub, Hart’s Mill, plays hosts to music and art events and a Sunday food market, as well as the Fishermen’s Wharf Markets which sells collectibles and vintage clothes.

A self-guided tour allows you to take in all of this, plus the 1800s buildings and heritage pubs, along with art galleries and the chance to catch a glimpse of the only inner-city dolphins in the world.

Maps can be downloaded from the tourism authority, here .

Port Adelaide. (Image: @adelaide.drone)

10. Taste Adelaide’s greatest export

It was 1st May 1915, when Alfred E Haigh opened the doors of the very first Haigh’s Chocolates store at 34 King William Street, Adelaide. In 1917 Alfred bought a family home and land at Parkside, where he built a small factory.

Fast forward to today: Haigh’s is one of Australia’s world renowned chocolate companies, and that modest factory is now a Visitors Centre, open to the public for free tours and tastings.

Chocolate lovers are able to see the team of confectioners in action, using artisan skills to create and hand finish the delicious range of chocolate. There are opportunities for tastings (thank god) and also an extensive gift shop to ensure you leave with a bag full of edible souvenirs.

Haighs. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

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© Australian Traveller Media 2024. All rights reserved.

12 December 2022

Full travel guide to adelaide, south australia.

The vibrant city of Adelaide, South Australia is bursting at the seams with experiences and places to see. Our full travel guide can help you plan your perfect visit...

How to get there and around

Explore on two wheels (South Australian Tourism Commission)

Adelaide is a buzzing, diverse city – and it’s as easy to reach as it is thrilling to explore. Airlines such as Qatar Airways fly straight here from London, Manchester and Edinburgh with just one stop in Doha . They call it the 20-minute city – this being the common journey time from the city centre to the airport, the beaches, and the Adelaide Hills wineries – making it the perfect place to start your Aussie adventures. The city also serves as a natural gateway to the many other riches of South Australia, from Kangaroo Island to the Flinders Ranges, with self-drive options simple to arrange. While exploring Adelaide itself, don't miss  EcoCaddy's   pedicabs, a fun and sustainable way to see the city. 

If you only do three things in Adelaide

Restaurant Botanic (Jonathan van der Knaap)

1: Soak up its sustainability experiences 

Adelaide recently became only the second place worldwide to be officially designated a National Park City, and this green ethos extends to the mindset of the locals. Its best restaurants – among them Etica, Restaurant Botanic and Peel St  – all place sustainability to the fore, while countless other companies play their part too. EcoCaddy is a prime example: the operator not only offers carbon-negative tours by pedicab, guiding you through Adelaide’s green spaces and street art, but also makes city-wide collections of food scraps. And with parklands, beaches and hills all forming part of Adelaide’s everyday landscape, there’s nature wherever you turn.   

Art Gallery of South Australia (South Australian Tourism Commission)

2. Get a taste of its art and culture

Adelaide has soul, spark, and serious style. From the thriving food scene of Adelaide Central Market and the world-class collections at the Art Gallery of South Australia to the relaxed beach vibes of Glenelg and the laneway bars of the city centre, this is a city that packs your days with authentic Aussie experiences. There’s good reason why it routinely features in lists of the world’s most liveable cities.      

WOMADelaide (Grant Hancock)

3. Join in with the festivals

Often dubbed the Festival City, Adelaide is known across the globe for its vibrant large-scale events. Top billing goes to Adelaide Festival and Adelaide Fringe, held more or less concurrently in the Australian summer – the former is known for its pre-eminent programme of dance, literature, music and more, while the latter is a glittering six-week romp of comedy, cabaret, theatre and other delights, second in size only to the Edinburgh Fringe. Want more? You’re in luck. Try the fantastic WOMADelaide, which draws world-famous musicians and artists to Botanic Park, or one of the many high-quality food festivals that turn the city into a gourmet’s paradise.  

Gastronomic experiences in Adelaide

Shobosho (Josie Withers)

Wine is one of Adelaide’s chief pleasures. Penfolds has an estate in the city itself, while more than 200 other cellar doors sit within easy reach. The wineries of the Adelaide Hills, where you can sample the award-winning produce from the likes of Mount Lofty Ranges Vineyard and The Lane Vineyard , are just 20 minutes away. Also close by, where the sea meets the vines, you’ll find the coastal vistas of the McLaren Vale wine region, home to organic and biodynamic wineries, boutique cellar doors and world-renowned wine brands . And as if that weren’t enough, the one and only Barossa can be visited as a day-trip.

Australia’s restaurant of the year

When Gourmet Traveller named Adelaide’s Restaurant Botanic as its Australian Restaurant of the Year in September 2022, it came as little surprise to the locals. Chef Justin James, formerly of Copenhagen’s Noma, is a household name in these parts, thanks to his ground-breaking tasting menus (expect an unforgettable four-hour dining experience) and his devotion to regional produce. The restaurant is set in the Adelaide Botanic Garden and features dishes such as emu cured on salt rock with sunrise lime, and dry-aged Murray cod steamed in paperbark with celeriac and garum butter. A phenomenal wine list adds to what is a remarkable restaurant.

Must-try dishes

It says plenty that for some travellers, Adelaide’s food and drink alone are fine enough reasons to come calling. When you consider the bounty that the region provides – from glorious goats’ cheeses and plump king oysters to fresh veggies and delicious berries – that’s little surprise. And while refined dining most definitely has its place here (just count those gourmet awards), the most iconic local dish is still the pie floater: a crusty meat pie served in a thick, tasty pea soup. This being a hugely cosmopolitan city, you’ll also find top-notch options for everything from Vietnamese to Italian.   

Where to stay in Adelaide

Hotel Indigo Adelaide

Eos by Sky City

A new luxury property forming part of a high-end entertainment complex, this five-star hotel offers everything you’d expect and more: spa treatments, signature restaurants, opulent suites, a premium pillow menu and even an on-call mixologist. It’s one for the high-rollers, or those celebrating a special occasion.     

Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets

Enjoying a fantastic location in one of the city’s liveliest and most eclectic neighbourhoods, this arty boutique hotel is just the spot for a memorable stay in Adelaide. You’ll find colourful décor and a classy restaurant on site – as well as a rooftop bar – and you won’t need to wander far to enjoy the city’s cultural scene.   

Ibis Adelaide

Offering a good-value alternative in the heart of the South Australian capital, the 311-room Ibis Adelaide has floor-to-ceiling windows, modern furnishings and a location in the central business district. There’s a good fitness centre and the hotel also has its own restaurant and bar. All in all, it’s an enjoyable base for a stay.   

How to spend two days in Adelaide

Adelaide Central Market (Tourism Australia)

Adelaide goes by many descriptions. It gets called The Festival City, The Twenty Minute City and The Vineyard City – names well warranted in all cases – and in more recent times it’s become something of a cocoon city, emerging post-Covid as somewhere more relevant and attractive than ever.

Start your wanderings at the excellent Art Gallery of South Australia, one of the best of its kind in the country. You’ll gain a sense of the region’s long and rich Indigenous heritage, as well as being able to admire classic, contemporary and abstract works from across Australia and beyond.

Then head to Adelaide Central Market, which has been drawing in food-lovers and culture-seekers since 1869. It’s full of life year-round, with more than 70 independent traders operating from the famous red-brick market hall. You’ll find fresh produce from around the state, as well as some of the city’s best lunch spots.

RoofClimb Adelaide Oval (John Montesi)

They love their sport Down Under, and Adelaide is no exception. The city’s crowning glory is the Adelaide Oval, where the Ashes stadium’s much-photographed, century-old cricket scoreboard contrasts with the ultra-modern stands around it. If there’s not a match on (Aussie rules is played here, as well as cricket), join a guided tour of the ground to see the venue up close. There’s even the option to do a RoofClimb, an experience that treats you to 360-degree views of the city.

Too much like hard work? Head instead to the Adelaide Botanic Garden, an oasis of calm covering more than 50 hectares. Carefully landscaped and showcasing plants from right around the country – and the world – it incorporates areas of wetland, forest and native vegetation, as well as dedicated rose and dahlia gardens. There’s even a global collection of cacti and succulents. It’s also where you’ll find Restaurant Botanic, named Australia’s best in 2022. 

Hains & Co (South Australian Tourism Commission)

For an evening meal elsewhere, tap into Adelaide’s international flavours – try the wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas at Etica, the Spanish pintxos at ‘Udaberri , or the African-inspired grills of Africola – or go more local by opting for a table at Fishbank, which specialises in seafood, or Press Food & Wine, where the emphasis is on high-quality, modern Australian cooking. 

Then lose yourself in the city’s lively laneways, where street art and speakeasy bars create a heady atmosphere for a night out. Recent years have seen small, lovingly run drinking holes becoming a major part of the city’s nightlife. Top choices include Clever Little Tailor, which has groaning shelves of liquor bottles and sharply togged staff; Hains and Co, where cocktails and cigars both figure prominently; and the Pink Moon Saloon, which bills itself as a ‘house of fire and drink in the West End’.

Morialta Conservation Park (Michael Waterhouse)

Adelaide is ringed by handsome Australian countryside, but few of its outdoor gifts are as reachable or rewarding as the Morialta Conservation Park. Just 12km from the city, it’s a verdant swathe of creeks, woodlands, gorges and waterfalls, complete with walking trails and native animals, from koalas and kookaburras to honeyeaters and thornbills. In spring or winter you’ll see the waterfalls at their best, although a visit at any time of year holds scenic rewards.  

In the city proper, the long-standing Adelaide Zoo is a well-known wildlife draw – housing giant pandas as well as Aussie critters – but out here in Morialta, it’s all about the more visceral appeal of being out in nature. Bushwalking trails range from easily manageable paths to more intense half-day hikes, and there are further adrenaline kicks in the shape of rock-climbing and mountain-biking. Just the thing to get you going in the morning.     

Mt Lofty Ranges Vineyard (South Australian Tourism Commission)

From Morialta it’s a short drive to reach the wineries of the Adelaide Hills region, where among the steep hills and winding roads, more than 50 cellar doors are waiting to be discovered. As well as tastings, many offer tours, master classes, food-pairing experiences and even – in true South Australian style – fully fledged fine dining. Mount Lofty Ranges Vineyard is one of many examples, with head chef Jesse White making the most of premium local produce, and wide views across the estate elevating the dining experience even further. Other top gourmet options include The Lane and Sidewood Estate.

But it’s the wine itself that takes top billing. This is the leading region in the state for Pinot Noir, a light-bodied tipple that tends to be silky-smooth with notes of strawberry and cherry. Other cool-climate varieties, such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, also do well here. There’s little, in other words, not to love.

Moseley Beach Club (South Australian Tourism Commission)

Having freshened up back in the city, take the 20-minute tram ride out to Glenelg, Adelaide’s most popular city beach, which looks out across St Vincent Gulf towards Kangaroo Island. Being wide and west-facing, this is a glorious spot for sunsets, and you’ll find all manner of cafes and bars in which to enjoy the night in style – in many cases, you won’t even have to take your feet out of the sand.

Leading back inland from the beach, the kilometre-long strip of Jetty Road acts as Glenelg’s lively main drag, with regular events and yet more places to eat and drink. Alternatively you may prefer to stay down by the surf, watching the stars appear overhead – Adelaide is a destination of many pleasures, but this much-loved beachside suburb is as enjoyable a corner of the city as any.    

Make it happen

Qatar Airways

Fly to Adelaide with   Qatar Airways , named World’s Best Airline at the 2022 Skytrax Awards. Stretch out in comfort, onboard one of the youngest fleets. While you dine, sleep or watch some of the 4,000-plus entertainment options, you’re sure to enjoy the inflight experience. 

Trailfinders

A 12-night holiday to Australia with Trailfinders including flights, 9 days car hire, 3* and 4* hotels in Adelaide, Barossa, Clare Valley, Victor Harbor, Kangaroo Island and Sydney costs from £2,799 per person (based on two sharing). Includes Adelaide city tour, Ultimate Winery experience and ferry transfers to Kangaroo Island. Call Trailfinders on 020 7368 1354.

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16 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in South Australia

Written by Karen Hastings Updated Mar 22, 2022

South Australia has captured the imagination of artists and adventurers for centuries. Sprawling wilderness, a stunning coastline, and stark desert beauty inspire all who visit, and the state capital, Adelaide, sits on the brink of all these natural wonders. Parks and gardens punctuate the city, and venerable 19th-century buildings grace the wide, tree-lined streets of this culture-rich capital. But this sparsely populated state has a trove of other tourist attractions.

Quaint country villages steeped in European charm, emerald hills, and cobalt crater lakes are some of the unique places to visit in South Australia. Along the coast, you can bask on beautiful beaches; picnic in secluded coves; or commune with wildlife on Kangaroo Island, one of the country's much-loved tourist gems.

South Australia is also a haven for foodies . The state's wild seas and picturesque pastoral land, fed by the mighty Murray River, produce a bounty of fresh produce–from citrus fruits and grapes to hand-made cheeses and some of the country's best seafood.

Further afield, in the west and northwest, the arid wilderness meets the pink-tinged peaks of the Flinders Ranges , the opal mines of Coober Pedy , vast deserts crossed by famous 4WD tracks, and the legendary Nullarbor Plain . Find the best places to visit in this diverse Aussie state with our list of the top attractions in South Australia.

1. Kangaroo Island

2. adelaide's art & culture, 3. barossa valley, 4. adelaide botanic garden, 5. clare valley, 6. flinders ranges, 7. the fleurieu peninsula, 9. the eyre peninsula, 10. murray river, 11. mount gambier & umpherston sinkhole, 12. dhilba guuranda-innes national park, yorke peninsula, 13. coober pedy, 14. the oodnadatta track, 15. adelaide oval, 16. adelaide central market, map of attractions & places to visit in south australia.

Kangaroo Island off the Fleurieu Peninsula is the third largest island in Australia and one of the country's top natural jewels. This beautiful island is a must-do on your South Australia itinerary.

Sparkling cerulean seas, pristine beaches, rugged coastal scenery, and fascinating rock formations and caves are some of the island's top draws. Top things to do on Kangaroo Island center around these beautiful wilderness areas. Enjoy close-up encounters with the namesake marsupial, as well as koalas, seals, penguins, sea lions, and a diversity of birds in their natural habitat. Surf down giant sand dunes, or dive the clear waters. Scuba divers frequently spot sea dragons in the temperate waters, and many wrecks lie sunken offshore.

In Flinders Chase National Park , the wind-sculpted boulders of the Remarkable Rocks and the eroded curve of Admiral's Arch are striking geographical features. The island is also known for its bounty of fresh produce including fresh seafood, free-range eggs, and Ligurian honey.

Wondering how to get to Kangaroo Island? You can fly direct to the island from Adelaide, or hop aboard a ferry from Cape Jervis on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, is Australia's fifth-largest city and one of its most charming. Thanks to the city's affluent heritage, arts and culture thrive here – from opera and symphony to a vibrant live music scene.

Culture vultures should head to North Terrace first. Visiting the museums, galleries, gardens, and gourmet restaurants along this beautiful tree-lined boulevard are among the top things to do in Adelaide.

One of the cultural treasures on North Terrace is the Art Gallery of South Australia. Housed in a colonnaded Victorian building, it hosts one of Australia's finest art collections. Other must-sees include the Migration Museum; the State Library of South Australia ; and the adjacent South Australian Museum, renowned for its Aboriginal heritage collections.

Adelaide's architectural highlights reside along here, too. Don't miss Parliament House , with its grand colonnade, and the Mitchell Building, on the main campus of the University of Adelaide – it's one of the city's best examples of Gothic Revival style.

Prefer live performances? Opera, symphony, and a flourishing music scene lure aficionados from around the country, and you'll find an impressive line-up of performances and events at the Adelaide Festival Centre .

Read More: Top Attractions & Places to Visit in Adelaide

The Barossa Valley, about an hour drive from Adelaide, is a favorite day trip from the capital. Blessed with fertile soils, this verdant valley is one of Australia's oldest grape-growing regions and a haven for foodies, who are lured by the high-quality fresh produce and artisan foods.

German and English immigrants originally settled the valley, and their history and culture is still palpable today in the historic buildings, heritage trails, museums, and European-style cuisine.

In addition to all the historic attractions, the Barossa Valley offers plenty of other things to do . You can shop at the popular farmers markets, attend cookery schools, feast at the fabulous restaurants, relax at the day spas, and browse the many gift shops and art galleries.

Green thumbs take note: Adelaide Botanic Garden is one of the best free things to do in South Australia. You'll find it at the east end of North Terrace behind wrought-iron gates.

Established in 1855, Adelaide Botanical Garden features a bevy of themed botanical beauties. Medicinal plants, a Mediterranean garden, and Australian native species are among the impressive collections. Interested in water conservation? The garden also hosts a wetland designed to sequester enough water to eventually irrigate the entire grounds.

Save time to visit the Santos Museum of Economic Botany . Here you can learn about the critical role plants play in everyday life.

Other garden highlights include Australia's oldest avenue of Moreton Bay fig trees, the Bicentennial Conservatory, the palm house, and the magnificent night-flowering Amazonica water lilies.

Mini green thumbs will love the Little Sprouts Kitchen Garden with fruit and veggies, compost, and a worm farm.

Still haven't got your green fix? Head to Mount Lofty Botanic Garden to admire cool-climate plants and a heritage rose garden, or get your Zen on at Himeji Garden amid lily-topped ponds and fountains.

Address: North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia

Official site: https://www.botanicgardens.sa.gov.au/visit/adelaide-botanic-garden

Along with the Barossa Valley , the Clare Valley is another famous Australian grape-growing region, about 136 kilometers north of Adelaide. Picturesque pastoral landscapes provide a perfect setting for romantic weekend retreats, and the region is known for its flourishing gourmet food culture. Polish, English, and Irish immigrants originally settled the valley, and their culture and customs are still evident in the charming heritage towns and historic bluestone buildings.

Named after County Clare in Ireland, the main town of Clare is one of the best country towns in South Australia for a weekend getaway. Explore the region's history in the town's museum, housed in a mid-19th century courthouse, or visit nearby Sevenhill, named for its rolling countryside reminiscent of the hills around Rome. From here, you can take the scenic drive to Polish Hills River Valley and visit the Polish Hill River Church Museum (open the first Sunday of every month), or bike the old railway route.

From 1845 to 1877 copper mining brought prosperity to the area around Burra , which has preserved its rich history in mine buildings, stone dwellings, and museums along Burra's Heritage Passport Trail. The English-style heritage town of Mintaro is home to Martindale Hall, a Georgian-style mansion, which you can tour.

Popular things to do in the Clare Valley include exploring the beautiful Skilly Hills; dining at the excellent cafés and restaurants; and browsing the local markets, gift shops, and art galleries. Each year in May, foodies flock here for the annual Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend , a celebration of the region's abundant fresh produce.

Named for famous explorer Matthew Flinders, the Flinders Ranges are a delight for nature lovers, photographers, and artists. In the shifting light of day, the arid landscapes provide a striking play of colors–from pale pink and burnished gold to vibrant burnt orange.

Despite the dry conditions, the area is home to a surprising abundance of wildlife. Emus, yellow-footed rock wallabies, and flocks of brilliantly colored parrots are frequently spotted.

The mountains run from north to south through the eastern part of South Australia, stretching northward for 400 kilometers into the scorched outback. Due to the high summer temperatures, it's one of the best places to visit in South Australia during winter. In Flinders Ranges National Park , the most scenic area of the region, a rich growth of vegetation cloaks the sheltered valleys, and wildflowers carpet the parched earth in spring, which is another great time to visit.

Top tourist attractions in the Flinders Ranges include the natural amphitheater of Wilpena Pound with St. Mary's Peak at its highest point, Aboriginal art at Arkaroo Rock, and interesting fossils. You can also hike part of the long-distance Heysen Trail , named for the famous German-born Australian artist, Hans Heysen.

The picturesque Fleurieu Peninsula sits on a spur of land projecting southwest from the Mount Lofty Ranges. It's a popular place to visit for foodies and outdoor enthusiasts. Fishing, boating, bushwalking, whale watching, surfing, and swimming are just a few of the things to do here on and off the water.

Nature is a star attraction in the Fleurieu Peninsula. Beautiful scenery, wildlife reserves, and superb beaches lure visitors here year-round. The sheltered sandy inlets in Gulf St. Vincent are ideal for a relaxing day by the sea.

Victor Harbor is one of the most popular beach resorts on the peninsula. Connected by a long causeway, Granite Island, protects it from the turbulent Southern Ocean and is a haven for kangaroos and penguins.

Goolwa is another favorite destination. It sits on the narrow channel at the outlet of Lake Alexandrina, into which the Murray River flows. In its heyday, it was known as the "New Orleans of Australia" because of the numerous paddle steamers plying the river. Off Goolwa, Hindmarsh Island is a favorite haunt of bird-watchers.

Other popular places to visit on the Fleurieu Peninsula include the surfing hot spot of Port Elliot and the vine-draped hills of McLaren Vale , a prime grape-growing region. Exploring these areas is one of the top things to do south of Adelaide.

From Cape Jervis, at the tip of the peninsula, tourists can hop aboard a ferry service to Kangaroo Island.

Calm waters, soft white sand, family-friendly attractions, and a fascinating history are the top reasons to visit Glenelg. It's only a 25-minute trip from Victoria Square in Adelaide, and the journey is as fun as the destination. Most people take the Glenelg tram , Adelaide's only surviving tram, right to the beach. Best of all, the trip is free.

Glenelg is the oldest European settlement on mainland South Australia , and it's not hard to see why these free settlers disembarked here. One of the top attractions is the beautiful white-sand Glenelg Beach , lapped by the calm waters of Gulf St. Vincent.

Traveling with kids? Take them to The Beachouse , an amusement park with exhilarating rides, including a giant waterslide, bumper boats, and a Ferris wheel, and stroll along Glenelg Pier with an ice-cream cone in hand.

Aquatic activities are also popular in this picturesque seaside village. Cast a fishing line off the pier, go sailing, or book a dolphin spotting cruise.

Rimmed by a rugged and ravishing coastline of cliffs and sheltered beaches, the triangular-shaped Eyre Peninsula is one of Australia's least crowded coastal stretches. It's also one of its most beautiful.

The Eyre Peninsula is located east of the Great Australian Bight. Water sports are a top thing to do here, and cage diving with great white sharks scores top billing on the list of aquatic adventures. You can also snorkel with giant cuttlefish near Whyalla, or swim with balletic sea lions at Baird Bay . Whale watching is another popular activity during May through October, when southern right whales migrate along the Great Australian Bight Marine Park.

Coffin Bay is known for its superb seafood and stunning national park. Occupying the southern tip of the Eyre Peninsula, Lincoln National Park offers spectacular scenery with rugged cliffs and abundant birds, and Port Lincoln is becoming an increasingly popular holiday resort. Its fishing fleet, the largest in Australia, produces some of the country's best seafood.

Inland, you can explore the bushland and wildlife of the Gawler Ranges, or venture into the outback across the legendary Nullarbor Plain for a serious 4WD adventure through the scorched desert.

The mighty Murray is Australia's longest river . It flows from its source in the New South Wales Alps to the Southern Ocean in South Australia. Sandstone cliffs and tall eucalyptus trees fringe the river, and its wetlands are important habitats for many water birds.

Once home to the Ngarrindjeri and Nganguraku people, today the river irrigates a vast citrus-growing industry and agricultural region and provides a wealth of water-based activities, from fishing, boating, water-skiing, and swimming to gliding along on a paddle steamer.

Peppered with colorful gardens and fragrant roses, the riverside town of Renmark lies at the point where the states of South Australia, New South Wales, and Victoria meet and is home to huge plantations of citrus fruits. From here, you can tour the Olivewood Historic Homestead and Museum, organize a river cruise, or hire a houseboat.

Another popular place to visit is Loxton . The "garden city" of the Riverland region brims with galleries and historical sites. Here, on the banks of the river, the Historical Village takes visitors back in time with a faithfully recreated late-19th century buildings and artifacts.

Northwest of Loxton, the little town of Waikerie is a popular spot for gliding, and offers a pretty cliff-top walk.

Located along the Limestone Coast , Mount Gambier is an extinct volcano with four beautiful crater lakes, as well as sinkholes and gardens. A curious natural phenomenon occurs on the Blue Lake annually in November. The color of the lake transforms from dull gray to a brilliant cobalt blue. A scenic drive with spectacular views runs round the crater.

While you're in the area, stop by the Umpherston Sinkhole. Created when the roof of a cave collapsed, this popular tourist attraction was transformed into a beautiful "sunken garden" by James Umpherston in the 1880s. Ferns, hot pink hydrangeas, and calla lilies flourish in the gardens, and lush plants cascade over the lip of the sinkhole, imbuing the space with a magical feel. In the evenings, lights illuminate the gardens, and friendly possums congregate here looking for a meal.

South of Mount Gambier, you can explore South Australia's only World Heritage Site: Naracoorte Caves . This is one of those hidden places in South Australia that is worth visiting – especially for its fascinating fossils. But you'll also see colonies of bats, and haunting subterranean scenery.

Other attractions on the Limestone Coast include the grape-growing region of Coonawarra , the former whaling station of Beachport, and the historic beach resort of Robe. Nature lovers will also enjoy the bird-rich lagoons and coastal dunes of the Coorong , a chain of lagoons and salt lakes between Lake Alexandrina and the sea.

Remote and refreshingly uncrowded, Innes National Park is an under-rated, raw slice of nature. It sits at the tip of the spectacular Yorke Peninsula, about a three-hour drive from Adelaide. If you look at a South Australia map, the Yorke Peninsula is the boot-shaped claw of land jutting out to the west of Adelaide, and it makes a wonderful weekend getaway from the capital .

Rugged seascapes, wildlife, and windswept white-sand beaches lapped by dazzling blue seas are the prime attractions. You can explore the park on hiking trails or by car , stopping at the empty beaches along the way.

Popular things to do in Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park include surfing the remote breaks, camping, boating, fishing off the ravishing beaches, and diving the many wrecks scattered along this tempestuous stretch of coast. To learn more about the region's fascinating shipwreck history, visit the rusted hull of the Ethel , and follow the maritime interpretive trail along the coast.

Wildlife is abundant. Emus and kangaroos are among the most frequently spotted animals in the park, and you might also spot southern right whales, dolphins, seals, and sea lions off the coast. The park is also home to more than 150 species of birds, including ospreys, malleefowl, and hooded plovers.

Official site: https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/find-a-park/Browse_by_region/Yorke_Peninsula/innes-national-park#see-and-do

The opal-mining town of Coober Pedy lies in the heart of the South Australian outback. The name of the town comes from an Aboriginal phrase meaning "white fellows in a hole." It's an appropriate name since most of the inhabitants live in underground dwellings (dugouts) to escape the fierce heat of summer and the extreme cold of winter. This is definitely not one of the top things to do in South Australia in December or January when the summer temperatures soar.

In 1911, gold miners found valuable white opals here. Since then, opal mining has converted the desolate countryside around Coober Pedy into a lunar-like landscape. To capture some beautiful photos of this stark beauty, head to Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park . It's home to haunting, arid landscapes and around 60 native plants, as well as red kangaroos, echidnas, and numerous birds.

Want to find some opals? You can still try your luck looking for these pearlescent beauties after obtaining a prospecting permit from the Mines Department in Coober Pedy.

The Old Timers Mine & Museum displays exhibits on the history of prospecting for precious stones. Sightseers can also tour underground homes and the subterranean Catacomb Church .

If you're up for a rugged South Australia road trip, look no further. The legendary 620-kilometer Oodnadatta track is one of the most unique things to do in South Australia. It cuts through the heart of this vast state, following the historic route of the old Ghan Railway. Rust-red desert, otherworldly moonscapes, and weather-beaten outposts provide eye-popping photo ops along the way, and the wide-open spaces evoke an exhilarating sense of freedom.

Highlights include the quirky town of William Creek . With a population of around 10 people, it looks like it could be a movie set from Crocodile Dundee . You can also soak in artesian springs; camp by remote waterholes; and drive by Lake Eyre South and the largest cattle station in the world (it's larger than Belgium).

The Oodnadatta Track starts at Marree in South Australia and stretches northwest through the tiny outback town of Oodnadatta before circling back to the Stuart Highway at Marla. A 4WD vehicle is highly recommended. This is one of the top things to do in South Australia in winter, when the temperatures are milder.

Adelaide Oval is more than just a sports stadium, It's a much-loved part of the city's history.

Established in 1871, the stadium sits in the center of Adelaide's Riverbank Precinct. Its first test cricket match was played here in 1884, and it has since hosted more than 16 different sports, including AFL, cycling, hockey, lacrosse, archery, and tennis. You can also catch a music concert here.

Book a tour to get the most out of a visit to this historic venue. Highlights include the old heritage-listed scoreboard and century-old Moreton Bay fig trees.

Better still, if you have time, catch a cricket match or AFL game here, or buy tickets for a special event.

Are you a cricket fan? Stop by the Bradman Museum to see memorabilia on the life of Australia's most famous cricketer. if you're looking for unique things to do in Adelaide, this is a top option.

Official site: https://www.adelaideoval.com.au/

Adelaide Central Market is a shopping institution. Founded in 1870, it's one of the oldest indoor markets in the world . Come hungry. The stalls here brim with fresh fruit, veggies, baked goods, cheeses, health food, meat, seafood, and a tantalizing array of culinary treats. It's also a wonderful place to purchase a vibrant bouquet of flowers.

Prefer to eat sitting down? You'll find some of Adelaide's top cafés and restaurants here, and Chinatown is right nearby with even more culinary gems.

Market days are Tuesday through Saturday . But for the best bargains, try to visit on Saturday afternoons, when some vendors cut prices. Don't forget to bring your own shopping bags or baskets.

Location: Between Gouger and Grote Street, Adelaide, South Australia

Official site: http://www.adelaidecentralmarket.com.au/

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Glasshouse Rocks, Narooma, New South Wales © Destination NSW

7 family adventure holidays in Australia 

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Grab your crew and get outdoors. On land or sea, these active experiences will make unforgettable family memories.

By Amy Fraser and Sue White

With epic vistas, dense rainforest and sandy beaches, adventurous souls will love the Great Ocean Road near Melbourne . A road trip is a great way to see the sights, but why not experience the area’s beauty on two feet? Along the three-day guided 12 Apostles Lodge Walk , you’ll cover stretches of the walk, spotting native wildlife and enjoying gourmet meals every evening. The best part? You only have to carry your daypack.

Guide to the Great Ocean Road

Experience the rugged beauty of one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives.

Read time • 4min

Learning to catch a wave is an unmissable Australian holiday experience. Famous city beaches such as Bondi Beach and Manly have ample surf schools to enjoy, but you’ll find surfing towns all along the east coast of New South Wales. Seek them out on the Legendary Pacific Coast road trip. Or in Byron Bay , check out The Pass, a calm, protected cove that produces slow waves perfect for new surfers.

The Legendary Pacific Coast Route

From world-class wine to sparkling beaches and ancient rainforest walks, the Pacific Coast is a drive to be savoured.

Does your family dream of secret beaches, uninhabited islands and days filled with discovery? If so, you’ll love a guided sailing holiday in the Whitsunday Islands, a spectacular archipelago comprised of 74 islands along the Great Barrier Reef . Set sail from either Hamilton Island or Airlie Beach . If you just can’t get enough of the islands, extending your family trip is easy at one of the region’s island resorts .

Guide to the Whitsundays

Blue waters, snorkelling and coastal views more beautiful than a postcard – it’s all waiting for you in the Whitsundays.

Get active while providing your children with the opportunity to explore the ancient cultural ties of the first inhabitants of Shark Bay – the Nhanda and Malgana Aboriginal People. Kids will love Darren "Capes" Capewell as he enthusiastically shares knowledge about the land that has been passed down for thousands of years. Seek out bush foods, learn about medicinal plants and kayak around turtles, rays, sharks, fish and the elusive dugong (when in season).

Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Cultural Adventures

https://www.wulagura.com.au/tours/kayak-wildlife-tour

Canberra isn’t just a treat for foodies; the city’s beautiful surroundings are a mecca for adventurous activities. One of the most iconic spots is picturesque Lake Burley Griffin , where you can get the adrenaline pumping on a segway tour, or cruise around on a GoBoat. For a nature fix, explore Corin Forest – a snowy playground during the winter months. To spot koalas, platypuses, emus, birdlife and kangaroos, wander the Koala Path Walking Trail at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve .

Guide to Canberra

Find a mix of history, art and the outdoors in Australia's capital city.

From an inland sand dune named Little Sahara (created over 17,000 years ago) to mesmerising natural attractions and oceans teeming with playful marine life, active families won’t be short of things to do on Kangaroo Island. Race down the dunes on a sandboard , feel the wind in your hair on a quad bike tour or join Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari to swim and snorkel with dolphins and seals.

Guide to Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is a nature lover's paradise.

Cradle Mountain’s dramatic landscape is brimming with wildlife wonders and family-friendly walking trails – with jaw-dropping vistas waiting at the top. Start in Launceston , where you can ride the world’s longest chairlift at Cataract Gorge before driving two hours to Cradle Mountain. Marvel at the scenery, spot wombats and wallabies along the Enchanted Walk and meet adorable Tasmanian devils at Devils @ Cradle .

Guide to Cradle Mountain

Tasmania’s majestic mountains make for the perfect wilderness escape.

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We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

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Man found dead in floodwaters at Greenbank, with Bureau of Meteorology forecasting widespread rain across Queensland

A 71-year-old man who died in floodwaters south of Brisbane is being remembered as a "kind soul" and a car enthusiast.

Peter Wells died after his car was swept away by floodwaters on Begley Road in Greenbank overnight.

Police were called to conduct a welfare check at a private property around 5:20am and found the body of a 71-year-old man nearby.

His white ute was located around 50 metres down a river embankment, wedged between trees off Begley Road.

Friends have paid tribute to the grandfather, who was loved and respected in the community. Local man Keith, who only wanted to use his first name, said he'd known Peter for around eight years.

"We had a really good friendship and really bonded, we always helped each other out," he said.

He said Mr Wells was known around the world for collecting vintage Chevrolets.

Floodwaters have now receded but tall grass, which surrounds the river embankment, was completely flattened by the strength of the current.

Locals in the semi-rural area said the suburb was blanketed in heavy rain on Wednesday night, and that they'd never seen anything like it.

One man said he stopped counting his rain gauge after it hit 100 millimetres in one hour.

On Wednesday night 150 millimetres of rain fell in Ipswich, west of Brisbane, while other parts of the Scenic Rim recorded between 50 and 100 millimetres. 

A major flood warning has been issued for the Bremer River at Walloon, with moderate flooding already developing in the area.

Acting Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said an investigation was underway into the man's death.

"It's a tragic incident," he said.

"Our investigation's underway as to what the circumstances were – whether it was in fact on the road, or in a private property.

"Early days on that yet but clearly an absolutely tragic circumstance."

He said emergency services had to perform another rescue after people became trapped in floodwaters in the same area.

"We see this every time, people don't recognise the risk, they don't assess the risk, and they take risks by driving into floodwaters or areas that they're not certain about," he said.

'Never seen it like this before'

Lower Landsowne, about 60 kilometres south of Tambo, had more than 200mm of rain in less than a day, property manager Andrew Turnbull said. 

"I woke up this morning to see a mob of rams stranded on a bit of an island so I went over and sorted them out," he said. 

"I've never seen it flood like this before."

The consistent rain has been welcomed by graziers in the state's south-west, although many in the area between Tambo and Augathella will be flooded in.

Mr Turnbull expects it'll be up to three weeks before he can get out, but has prepared for it. 

"If anything else is needed desperately, hopefully the river will come down enough that I can cross it.

"If the river is still up then I will probably just get a chopper in to get us supplies."

Widespread rain is forecast for the remainder of Queensland's school holiday period, with the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) predicting drenching falls in parts of the south-east.

The BOM's Harry Clark said big falls could also hit the southern interior — with totals of 200 millimetres or more forecast — due to the threat of isolated, stationary storms.

The worst wet weather will last right into next week and cause possible flooding in Charleville, Roma, St George and Goondiwindi.

Flooding out west

A flood watch for that region was issued by the BOM late on Wednesday afternoon and the Landsborough Highway was closed on Thursday morning near Augathella, north of Charleville. 

"With the majority of rainfall [predicted] to enter through inland Queensland, there is a higher risk of flooding for the south-east as well", Mr Clark said.

The State Emergency Service area controller in Charleville is warning people not to drive on dirt roads

"There's no need to travel on dirt roads, apart from cutting up the road and getting yourself bogged, it just causes long term damage," area controller John Wallace said.

On Wednesday afternoon, BOM was monitoring a potential low as it headed south.

A high-pressure system was directing moist easterly winds onto the New South Wales and Queensland coast.

Mr Clark said that would combine with an upper trough/low to bring rain and thunderstorms to southern Queensland and much of eastern NSW.

"Queensland is on the tail end of the system, but it is more likely to bring some heavier rainfall for NSW going into Friday," he said.

"There is a chance they will see falls there of 200 to 300mm, and possible flooding."

Where will it rain?

Holiday-makers on the Gold Coast have been warned to brace for heavy falls, of up to 75mm a day, through the weekend.

Meanwhile, the sun in Brisbane will shine more than it did last week, but the forecast predicts isolated showers of up to 20mm over the next four days.

Anyone heading up north to Cairns will enjoy better weather, after the onslaught of ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasmine and weeks of rain into Easter, with just a few scattered showers forecast this week.

Although Mr Clark warned of off-shore winds of up to 45 kilometres per hour, just below the strong wind warning level.

"Certainly would feel it out on the water, so probably not the most pleasant of conditions on the open ocean," he said.

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