South Australia (SA) occupies the southern central part of mainland Australia, sharing borders with all other mainland states and the Northern Territory. Despite covering some of the continent’s most arid regions, its landscape is diverse, ranging from rugged outback wilderness and deserts to scenic mountain ranges and a coastline stretching over 3,700 kilometers.
South Australia is also known as the “Festival State” with more than 500 events and festivals happening all year round. Notable among these are the Santos Tour Down Under (Australia’s premier cycling event), the Adelaide Festival (a highlight of Australian arts), the Oz Asia Festival (celebrating contemporary Asian arts), and the Vailo Adelaide 500 (the country’s largest domestic ticketed motorsport event).
South Australia enjoys a Mediterranean climate. Summer is hot and dry, with Adelaide often experiencing temperatures above 35°C. Winters, on the other hand, are mild. There is abundant sunshine during autumn months, and temperatures typically range from low to mid-20s. Winter is a rainy season, and average temperatures hover around 15.9°C. Spring has a pleasant weather, with an average daily temperature of 21.7°C.
Adelaide, South Australia’s capital, lies on the southern coast and ranks as Australia’s fifth-largest city. Renowned for its livability, vibrant ambiance, and affordability compared to other capital cities, Adelaide is often dubbed the “20-minute city.” Most destinations are conveniently reachable within a 20-minute radius of the city center.
Due to the affordability of housing, over two-thirds of South Australia’s residents are homeowners. Adelaide is South Australia’s commercial center and continues to be one of the most cost-competitive markets for setting up business and leasing office space. Notably, global giants such as Microsoft, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and BHP (a multinational mining and metals company) have a significant presence in the region.
South Australia attracts thousands of international students, many of whom choose to remain in the region after graduation. Adelaide is a leading education city, with established institutions across all areas of education, including universities that rank in the top 1% globally. The three public universities are Flinders University, The University of Adelaide , and the University of South Australia. Adelaide is also home to Torrens University, a private Australian institution.
In 2021, based on the responses of employed people aged 15 years and over:
The top 5 occupations in QLD are professionals, technicians and trades workers, clerical and administrative workers, managers, and community and personal service workers.
The top 5 industries of employment are hospitals (except psychiatric hospitals), supermarket and grocery stores, primary education, other social assistance services, and takeaway food services.
The median weekly income is $787 for personal, $2,024 for family, and $1,675 for household.
The city also serves as an excellent base for exploring the following attractions:
The Barossa
Internationally acclaimed for its wines, this region boasts some of the world’s oldest vines, dating back 170 years. With over eighty cellar doors, visitors can indulge in wine tasting and savor local produce.
Flinders Ranges and Outback
Stretching across 430 kilometers, the Flinders Ranges constitute South Australia’s largest mountain range. Among its notable landmarks is Wilpena Pound (Ikara), a vast amphitheater formed through millions of years of erosion. The region includes several national parks, with the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park being the largest.
Kangaroo Island
Located southwest of Adelaide, Kangaroo Island ranks as Australia’s third-largest island (seven times the size of Singapore). A haven for ecotourism, it offers opportunities to explore indigenous flora and fauna, discover massive shipwrecks, and immerse oneself in breathtaking natural beauty.
Furthermore, South Australia boasts an extensive Vocational Education and Training (VET) system. A network of vocational training providers, including TAFE SA (Adelaide’s largest provider), maintains strong industry connections. This ensures that course content promptly reflects industry developments.
According to the 2021 Census, South Australia had approximately 1.8 million residents. Nearly 4 out of 5 people resided in the Greater Adelaide area (around 1.4 million). Most South Australians were born in Australia, but 23.8% of the population were born overseas.
The top 10 countries of birth included England, India, China, Vietnam, Italy, the Philippines, New Zealand, Germany, and Malaysia. Majority of South Australians speak English at home (77.6%), followed by Mandarin (1.8%), Italian (1.3%), Greek (1.2%), and Vietnamese (1.2%).