South Australia (SA) is a diverse state boasting stunning coastline, scenic mountain ranges, spectacular wine country and searing desert. The capital city Adelaide is a picturesque city with a small town feel but all of the luxuries of a large city. The South Australian coastline is famous for its stunning beaches and excellent surf breaks while the wines produced in the region are some of the best in the country. Inland SA features the beautiful Flinders Ranges and the unforgiving terrain of the Simpson Desert. South Australia’s amazing potpourri of landscapes is a tourist’s dream, providing original experiences and a variety of travel options.

Coober Pedy is one of the most unique places in SA and is a must see for those looking for something a little different. Located in the centre of SA, Coober Pedy is known as the Opal Capital of the World. Coober Pedy has a rich history, originally inhabited by Aboriginal nomads, the first opals were found in the area in 1915 by a prospecting syndicate unsuccessfully looking for gold. From then on the opal mining industry was born. The unique style of living underground was created not long afterwards to escape the oppressive heat and difficult living conditions of the area, particularly in the summer months. Nowadays the area is famous for its underground Coober Pedy accommodation and there are a number of hotels and motels offering underground rooms.

Mount Gambier, located halfway between Adelaide and Melbourne at the end of the Great Ocean Road is the major metropolitan centre for the Limestone Coast and is surrounded by caves, volcanic craters, limestone and underground aquifers. With all the facilities of a major city, including excellent accommodation and restaurants Mount Gambier has many attractions, excellent shopping and entertainment and rare natural formations worthy of exploration. The famous ‘Blue Lake’ is nestled in a volcanic crater and is known for its dramatic colour changes throughout the year. The Cave Garden in the centre of the city has been created in a large sink hole and is a sight to be seen. Stunning rose gardens are lovingly tended and viewing platforms around the rim offer magnificent views of this one off attraction. Mount Gambier Hotels are plentiful and of a world standard offering a range of choices for most budgets.

The beaches in the coastal town of Kingston are some of the most beautiful in the world and provide a huge range of water activities including fishing, scuba diving, windsurfing, swimming and dolphin watching. The firm white sand is ideal for driving on, and the gentle slope into the ocean means swimming conditions are ideal and extremely safe. The local fishing is excellent with local fishermen running charter services to take you to the best spots. The abundance of crayfish in the area resulted in The Big Lobster being built. The Big Lobster is a seafood restaurant featuring local produce with a 17 metre high lobster as a centre piece, rivalling the Big Banana and Big Pineapple as an all Australian tourist attraction. Accommodation in Kingston is varied and caters for all styles of travellers, from those looking for budget options through to those looking for more sophisticated lodgings.

Located on a sweeping bend of the mighty Murray River, the small country town of Renmark shows another completely different side to South Australia. The river town has a thriving retail and tourism sector and is a great setting for holidays and new experiences. The river offers a variety of water sports and activities and also the opportunity for a unique houseboat holiday. There are river cruises, eco tours, local wineries and a rich local arts community to explore. Renmark accommodation is plentiful with a good selection of camping options, cabins, motels and pub style hotels.

These are only a few of the amazing places in South Australia, but this selection shows SA’s incredible diversity and huge range of holiday styles. Adelaide is also a great destination with great architecture, chic restaurants and world class accommodation. South Australia with its eclectic offerings is definitely not to be overlooked when planning a holiday within Australia.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7495265