South Australia is undoubtedly a beautiful and unique part of Australia. On my travellers I stumbled across some really unique places which I feel deserve to be mentioned on their own blog! These places are a bit off the beaten track and not on your typical South Australian itinerary. However, if you have a fair bit of time in South Australia, I highly recommend you add these to your itinerary!
Blue Lake, Mount Gambier
Located in the centre of Mount Gambier lies on of the bluest lakes I have ever visited. Mount Gambier is the first major town you will visit if crossing the Victorian border to South Australia via Princes Highway. This town is known for its unique sinkholes and crater lakes. It’s a little out of the way if you are travelling from West Australia or the Northern Territory, but I think it is definitely worth the detour.
The Blue Lake is a large, monomictic, crater lake which is located in a dormant volcanic maar. Early each November, the lake turns a bright blue colour, almost mysteriously overnight. This colour remains until late February, where from late March it turns a sombre blue. There is a 3.6km walking trail which leads around the lake, as well as multiple viewpoints. If you are looking for a unique place to visit on your South Australian itinerary, be sure to add this one to the list!
Little Blue Lake, Mount Gambier
Another magical volcanic sinkhole located near Mount Gambier. It is located in the Kanawinka volcanic area between Mount Gambier and Mount Schank, along Mount Salt Rd. If you didn’t know the crater was there, it’s really easy to miss! Even after I parked at the parking area, I nearly missed it and you could easily drive past it. It’s a 15 min drive out of Mount Gambier and worth a visit.
Little Blue Lake is a popular spot for diving and swimming! The lake has a diameter of 40 metres, with a maximum depth of about 47 metres. There are stairs and a floating pontoon, to improve safety and public access into the lake. Beware, the lake is freezing.
The Kanku-Breakaways, Coober Pedy
This place is out of the world! The landscape and rainbow mountains almost make you feel like you are walking on Mars. There are several viewpoints in the Kanku-Breakaways and permit will need to be purchased at the Visitor Centre prior to arrival. This conservation area forms part of the traditional country of the Antakirinja Matuntjara Yankunytjatjara people. It is 25 km north of Coober Pedy, with access via the Stuart Highway. The access road is a dirt road and a 4WD is recommended.
You have high viewpoints and low views points to explore. This is where you access the Moon Plains and Dog Fence. The roads conditions can change after heavy rains and the roads are subject to closure. Check the conditions with the Visitor Centre prior to visiting. Always stick to the paths when exploring the Kanku-Breakaways.
Coward Springs
Coward Springs is located along the Oodnadatta Track in Outback South Australia. This was by far my most favourite campsite in the whole of South Australia. When I first arrived I found a little welcome reservation sign on my campsite, which was a very cute touch! The history of the land is very interesting to learn at the little museum located on the property. The hot shower, which you heat up with a fire, was very unique and I loved! The hosts are very kind and welcoming. Even though I was the only visitor, they opened up the coffee stand just for me, so I could get a nice cup of joe in the morning.
A special mention to the hot springs tub, which I won’t lie, was the main reason I travelled out to Coward Springs. It was well worth it. This ‘natural spa’ sits on the edge of the wetlands and is about 29 degrees C and high in mineral salts. I enjoyed that tub for about 30 mins and felt very refreshed afterwards. The tub is open 24 hrs, so you can try it under the stars or in the early morning mist. Another reason to visit Coward Springs? For the desert sunrise and sunsets. Trust me when I say there is nothing like the colour of a desert sky at dusk or dawn.
Sellicks Beach, Fleurieu Peninsula
This is in my top 5 favourite beaches in South Australia. I mean…look at it? The unique cliffs that meet the turquoise waters, is something I have never seen on my travels. This is a great place if you are a photographer, you will great some great drone shots. You can drive onto the beach too, and it is dog friendly! This is a great place to spend the day and it’s only a short 1 hr drive from Adelaide. Make sure you explore the beach but also the paths that run onto top of the cliffs. Be careful when exploring above and dont go off the main paths, as the cliffs are unstable.
Want to know about more amazing places on the Fleurieu Peninsula? You can check out my guide here.
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