The Most Picture-Perfect National Parks in South Australia
From the depths of a forest to crystal clear coastlines, adventure awaits outside of Adelaide in these dreamy national parks in South Australia
South Australia is blessed with what mother nature gave her – mountains carved by history, turquoise waters lapping white sand and an abundance of unique Australian wildlife. For adventurous souls, there is nothing better than getting back to nature, recharging your batteries, and finding gram-worthy moments when you make your next weekend getaway a little more... rugged.
These South Australian National Parks will have you itching to explore the natural beauty found outside of Adelaide. From the stunning coastal wonders to lush green oases, these natural gems promise enchanting hikes, picturesque vistas, and a chance to connect with the great outdoors.
Gawler Ranges National Park
A spectacular national park steeped in history and culture, Gawler Ranges National Park is a must-add to your list. Take the long drive up before stretching your legs as you hike the famous Organ Pipes, formed over 1500 million years ago as a result of volcanic eruptions. When it's time to call it a night, set up camp under the canopy of unpolluted night sky, in one of the best places for stargazing and dreaming in South Australia.
Photo Ops: Organ Pipes. Striking red sunsets that contrast with a whimsy blue blanket of stars.
Park Entry: $11 per vehicle per day
Barns Road, Gawler Ranges
Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park
Nature lovers, assemble. Situated at the tip of Yorke Peninsula, Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park can be reached in little over three hours by car from Adelaide, making it the perfect option if you have no problem turning this into an overnight trip. A popular spot for camping, fishing and surfing, the national park has no shortage of activities for an adventurous day. When it comes to accommodation, pick from camping spots or cabins alongside picnic spots and BBQ facilities.
Photo Ops: Incredible Australian wildlife and glistening beaches.
Park Entry: $11 per vehicle per day
Inneston, Yorke Peninsula
Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park
Do you have a few days of annual leave to use? Take the 5-6 hour drive to the Flinders Ranges and live your best outdoor life. There’s a range of accommodation options for all adventurous types, as well as BBQ and picnic areas, so don't fret if you can’t quite manage without electricity and running water. The rugged, mountainous landscape is expansive, so it’s a good idea to opt for the guided tours available if you’re a newbie.
Photo Ops: Think quintessentially Australian outback, with wide-stretching landscapes great for a mantlepiece-worthy couples shot.
Park Entry: $11 per vehicle per day
Blinman, Flinders Ranges
Murray River National Park
Walk, bike, canoe or take a self-guided drive around the 14,879 hectares of Murray River National Park and become acquainted with the endless wetlands and the wildlife that call it home. Made up of six individual parks across the area, each landscape offers something unique. Think kangaroos and koalas, campfires, picnic areas to refuel and camping options galore.
Photo Ops: The river's crystal-clear waters and aquatic life make for fun, memorable snaps.
Park Entry: Free
Katarapko
Mount Remarkable National Park
Remarkable by name and by nature, this park has fast become a family favourite. There are bushwalks suited to all ages and abilities, easy-to-access picnic and barbeque facilities, and a unique landscape of rocks, forest and stunning viewpoints as you make your way up the 960m high Mount Remarkable Summit.
Photo Ops: Update the family photo album with a self-timer shot set amongst the striking rock formations.
Park Entry: $11 per vehicle per day
Melrose
Coffin Bay National Park
Go for the famous oysters and stay for the crystal-clear water that can only be seen in Coffin Bay. This waterfront haven has endless activities, including surfing, boating, canoeing, scuba diving and windsurfing – if the weather allows. Enjoy a picnic in one of the designated spots, keep an eye out for a whale passing by and take a bushwalk if you can drag yourself away from the water!
Photo Ops: Whale spotting makes for the perfect pastime and picture-worthy activity.
Park Entry: $11 per vehicle per day
Coffin Bay, Eyre Peninsula
Coorong National Park
Driving down Robe way? Take some extra time to soak up the serenity at Coorong National Park. A perfect pit-stop, overnight stay or to recharge your batteries over a few days and nights, Coorong is full to the brim with European and cultural history. You can explore the park on a four-wheel drive tour, by boat, kayak or canoe, or maybe just on your own two feet.
Photo Ops: You may recognise this park and its pelicans from the film adaptation of the Australian novel Storm Boy, so keep an eye out for a feathered friend or two!
Park Entry: Free entry
Park Hours: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Coorong
Lake Gairdner National Park
This is one you’ve likely seen crop up on Instagram before. Surrounded by the picturesque red foothills of the Gawler Ranges, Lake Gairdner is one of South Australia’s most famous salt lakes surrounded by red sand hills. You can pitch a tent and camp for free - but do your research beforehand, as it’s fairly limited on facilities. Pack plenty of food and drinks in advance and check out where the toilets are so you’re not caught short.
Photo Ops: Lake Gairdner stretches over the horizon to provide a jaw-dropping, shimmering backdrop to your unique picture.
Park Entry: Free entry
Lake Gairdner
Flinders Chase National Park
No round-up of South Australia’s national parks would be complete without mentioning Flinders Chase on Kangaroo Island. There are endless natural beauty spots from the Remarkable Rocks to Admirals Arch, alongside plenty of seals, koalas and – you guessed it - kangaroos.
Kangaroo Island is the ultimate spot to take some time away and feel like you’ve actually gone on holiday while supporting the island's recovery from devastating bushfires in recent years.
Photo Ops: The diversity of wildlife will have you snapping throughout your spectacular stay.
Park Entry: $14 per person
S.Coast Road, Flinders Chase, Kangaroo Island
Canunda National Park
If a trip to the coast with surfing, bushwalking and breathtaking views sounds like you, plan a weekend at Canunda National Park. There are endless opportunities for fishing from the shore and snorkelling over reefs, and 4WDs are permitted to drive along Geltwood Beach – talk about getting prime views on your road trip. There are several walking trails, and campsites are close to the beach, making this perfect for summer getaways.
Photo Ops: The limestone cliffs and turquoise waters are begging to be snapped for the gram.
Park Entry: Free entry
Canunda
Deep Creek National Park
The largest remaining portion of natural vegetation on the Fleurieu Peninsula, Deep Creek National Park is home to an abundance of wildlife, from grey kangaroos and birds to little echidnas.
Taking it to the coast, whales are regularly spotted making their annual migration from June through to September, and the 15 walking tracks and heritage-listed mines from the 1800s will keep you busy throughout the day before setting up camp at one of the campsites scattered throughout the park.
Photo Ops: The views across to Kangaroo Island from Cobbler Hill Picnic Area are spectacular.
Park Entry: $11 per vehicle
Deep Creek, Fleurieu Peninsula
Nullarbor National Park
You may want to rise early for this one. Make your way west from Adelaide and get comfortable, because you are in for a long (but totally worth it) drive to Nullarbor National Park. In about 10 hours you will hit the Nullabor Wilderness Protection Area and be blown away by the sheer amount of vast flat landscape and the huge Bunda Cliffs that drop into the sea below.
The ocean below sees whales in winter, and wombats are the resident locals on land. While this may only be a stop along the way to WA, it’s a great spot to stretch your legs and breathe in that crisp ocean air.
Photo Ops: Capture the Bunda Cliffs at sunset for a photo that will impress your friends on socials.
Park Entry: Free Entry
Nullarbor
Looking for an outdoorsy adventure a little closer to home? Check out things to do during a weekend at Victor Harbour or keep it local at the best wineries in the Adelaide Hills.
