South Australia

The state of South Australia borders Victoria, Western Australia, New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. With Adelaide as its capital, South Australia (SA) sits proudly in the centre of the south of the continent on the Southern Ocean.

South Australia's climate is extreme and claims the title of the driest state in the whole of Australia. Summer months regularly see temperatures in excess of 35 degrees, especially in the harsh red centre of the north. Summer months also see cold nights in these areas. Winter months are not often cold, but temperatures are much more bearable than the winter months.

SA coastline stretches from east to west along the southern Ocean and is spectacular. Much of the coastline is rugged and remote, especially the coast of the Nullarbor plain where the views of the Great Australian Bight, are truly breath taking. Excellent swimming beaches are found at Brighton and Glenelg with South Australia's most popular surf beach, Cactus Beach is situated further west.South Australia is famous for its desert conditions and hot, dry climate, but it also has some of Australia's finest national parks and scenery.

 The Murray River provides beauty and excitement for the visitor, and plays host to some fabulous wildlife. The wine making areas are some of Australia's most famous and produce world recognised wines. The Flinders Range also provides the visitor with some of the best hiking in the country.  One of the states most famous attractions is Kangaroo island, where you can spend days surfing, fishing or observing the wildlife including vast quantities of Australia's most famous animal, the kangaroo.

Most travellers backpacking Australia use SA as a base for travel to the west (usually Perth), or north to the red centre and therefore only experience Adelaide. Although Adelaide is a beautiful city with excellent beaches and nightlife, the state has so much more to offer if you take the time to scratch the surface. You can spend hours exploring lazy settlements such as Victor Harbour and Port Lincoln, or take a trip inland to Coober Pedy, Australia's opal capital.

There is a lot to see and do in South Australia and things not to miss are hiking in the Flinders Range which will leave you awe struck. Lazy days on or around the Murray River can be very satisfying. Soak up the culture in Adelaide and then cool off at one of Adelaide's fabulous suburb beaches, or take a trip to the Simpson Desert, where temperatures top 50 degrees to see Australia's opal capital Coober Pedy.

As with the rest of the country, South Australia backpacker hostels are reasonably priced and easy to find. Adelaide youth hostels are all vying for your custom so great deals can be found on every corner.