Q&A: What’s New With South Australia

When heading Down Under, many travelers may consider visiting Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. But Emma Terry, CEO of the South Australian Tourism Commission, is encouraging clients to take a closer look at South Australia, home to myriad opportunities for wildlife lovers, oenophiles and urban dwellers alike.

And now, a new United Airlines flight from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), launching this month, will make the region even easier to discover.

Soon, travelers will have a direct flight from SFO to Adelaide via United Airlines. What will this new service mean for South Australia tourism?

This new direct service is transformational, making it easier than ever for North Americans to reach Adelaide and all the wildlife, wine and Outback experiences we have to offer. The flight will operate from December to March, connecting the U.S. West Coast with South Australia’s vibrant summer season. South Australia delivers in spades when it comes to the traveler’s desire for experiencing the simple pleasures while traveling — from fewer crowds and cultural connection to embracing slow travel.

What are some of the most exciting development in store for South Australia in 2026?

The United flight arrives just as Adelaide undergoes a $400 million transformation of its iconic Central Market and prepares to host another record-breaking Adelaide Fringe, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest arts festival. We also have exciting sporting events and experiences launching in 2026, with the return of LIV Golf Adelaide and The Cliffs Kangaroo Island, a new luxury golf resort.

Our accommodation portfolio is also expanding, with boutique vineyard rentals in nearby McLaren Vale and the Barossa. Additionally, several new hotels are in the pipeline, including the resort at The Cliffs Kangaroo Island and Crystalbrook Sam in Adelaide, which will be situated three streets south of Adelaide Central Market.

Adelaide’s dining scene has never been more exciting, from the standout Japanese izakaya Shobosho — offering salmon tataki on an indoor yakitori grill — to the soon-to-debut Restaurant Aptos, a new genre-defying culinary landmark housed in a 156-year-old Adelaide Hills church.

What offerings does South Australia have for oenophiles?

South Australia is one of the world’s great wine regions, yet it’s relatively undiscovered by the American oenophile. What sets South Australia apart as a wine tourism destination is its 18 distinct wine regions, many of which are within an hour’s drive from Adelaide. Home to more than 600 wineries and some of the oldest grape vines in the world, South Australia produces 80% of Australia’s premium wine. Varietals range from premium heritage shiraz in the Barossa Valley and standout riesling in Clare Valley to biodynamic wines made in the Adelaide Hills.

What experiences can visitors expect if they’re interested in nature and wildlife? 

People frequently travel to Kangaroo Island to see wild koalas, kangaroos, sea lions and other native fauna.

Regions like the Flinders Ranges and Outback offer Aboriginal-led walking tours featuring breathtaking landscapes and sightings of species such as wedge-tailed eagles, rockwallabies and emus.

The Baird Bay Experience, along the Eyre Peninsula, offers the opportunity to swim with sea lions and dolphins, and the region is home to an annual cuttlefish migration that draws scuba divers from across the globe. In the Murraylands region, visitors can experience unexpected wildlife immersion at Monarto Safari Park, the largest safari experience outside Africa, which is home to more than 50 animal species.

For U.S. visitors with limited time in South Australia, what’s an ideal itinerary to make the most of a short visit? 

For epicureans and oenophiles, plan a few relaxing days exploring the Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale and Barossa Valley, visiting cellar doors, artisanal shops and wellness retreats. For adventurers, plan a road trip to Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, a certified Dark Sky Sanctuary, for unrivaled stargazing in the Flinders Ranges. For a relaxing trip that allows clients to truly unplug, visit the recently opened, private island eco-resort Rumi on Louth, off the Eyre Peninsula. Finally, for a luxurious wellness retreat, hop over to Kangaroo Island and stay at Southern Ocean Lodge.

Why is South Australia a strong entry point to the country for the first-time visitors? 

South Australia offers a more relaxed, navigable introduction to Australia — even more so with the new United direct flights. Adelaide is also an incredibly walkable city, with attractions and a compelling arts and culinary scene. What distinguishes South Australia is that it offers depth without sacrifice. You can go deep into wine, food, Indigenous culture and ecosystem variety while using Adelaide as a comfortable, friendly base.