If you’re an Instagram user, you’ve no doubt seen some locations that capture your attention because of their sheer beauty. Perhaps like me though, you’ve been disappointed when they don’t live up to the photos when you visit them in person. The old Instagram Vs Reality curse.

If you’re visiting South Australia or live here, I think I’ve found some of the most scenic areas that actually do live up to the highlight reels and don’t disappoint. Best of all, these picks are all only an hour or so from Adelaide, so are easily accessible for a day trip. In no particular order, here are my top 7 picks for scenic South Australia.

1. Coastal Drive – Normanville to HMAS Hobart Memorial Lookout

Just over an hour south of Adelaide, Main South Road hugs the coast in a winding section of road which is lined with huge pine trees on this scenic drive. Make sure to pull into the parking area for the HMAS Hobart Memorial lookout and you’ll have more time to see this beautiful part of the coast and the cliffs that continue further south.

The lookout area has interpretive signage and the ships anchor which lies pointing in the direction of where the wreck lies in Yankalilla Bay, after it was decommissioned and scuttled in 2002.

HMAS Hobart was one of Australia’s greatest naval destroyers and a combat ship which was deployed to fight in the Vietnam War. It also assisted in relief efforts following cyclone Tracy in Darwin 1974. It was decommissioned in 2000, and scuttled on the 5^th of November 2002 and has now become a premier eco-tourism dive site and a declared marine reserve.

2. Street Art – Adelaide City

Grab a copy of this handy guide to street art in Adelaide and take a stroll through our easily navigable city. (Adelaide street art map)

The city streets and laneways are full of incredible art pieces and the guide will give you information on the artists as well as where to find the art. Being spread out through the city, there are plenty of cafes and dining options along the way where you can take a break.

3. Vineyard Views – McLaren Vale

Summer and autumn are the perfect times to take a drive to the southern vales for spectacular views of vineyards and interesting cellar doors, from historic buildings to quirky architectural stand outs. Just make sure to pay attention to signage and don’t go wandering through the vineyards.

McLaren Vale is around 45 minutes from Adelaide.

4. Coastal Walk – Port Elliot

There is stunning coastal scenery with hidden beaches and wave worn rocky outcrops to see along the way as well as dolphins and at the right time of year, whales. From the car park next to the Flying Fish Café at Horseshoe Bay, take the clifftop walk that winds around to Knights Beach, a favourite for body boarders. The pathway is easy to negotiate for any fitness level and there are bench seats to take breaks and watch the waves rolling in.

Continue the walk heading back towards The Strand, and through the Soldiers Memorial Garden where you get another great view over Horseshoe Bay. Port Elliot is around an hour from Adelaide.

5. Gardens – Mt Lofty Botanic Garden

A beautifully cool spot to meander around a network of paths across 97 hectares in the Adelaide Hills, only around half an hour from the city. There are gullies full of ferns, flowering shrubs, tall trees and a spectacular collection of Rhododendrons in a gully full of colour when they are in bloom from August through to October.

There’s also a peaceful lake to relax next to and have a picnic, and artworks and sculptures to find throughout the gardens.

6. Kangaroos – Myponga Reservoir

One place that has never disappointed for finding kangaroos in the wild is around the Myponga Reservoir, a little over an hour from Adelaide.

You can take a leisurely walk in the reserve next to the reservoir and it’s here that you will spot kangaroos. Take your time and look carefully, they can camouflage quite well. This map shows a series of walks of different lengths that you can take. Myponga Reservoir walks

7. Pelicans and Seals – Goolwa

For another fantastic wildlife encounter, visit Goolwa, the town at the end of the Murray River. If you go for a walk out along the barrage that separates the river from the Coorong and Southern Ocean, you’ll be rewarded with the sight of hundreds of pelicans feeding and resident seals lolling about in the sun on the wooden structures.

Goolwa is a little over an hour from Adelaide and as well as the river you can take a drive down to, and even along the beach, provided you have a high clearance 4WD. There is a beach car park and food, drinks and views to see from the Kuti Shack or Surf Lifesaving Club.

Enjoy the views,

Glenys