South Australia is known for its food, wine and festivals but the great beaches and awesome stretches of outback are the main drawcard for backpackers.
South Australia differs from other Australian states in several respects. It was colonised by free settlers without the use of convicts. Many early settlers were religious non-conformists and South Australia has led Australia in social and political reform. It was the first state to grant votes to women, first to appoint an Aboriginal governor and first to appoint a woman governor.
Known as the wine state, South Australia produces more than 70 per cent of Australia’s wine, which rivals the world’s best. There are more than 50 wineries in the Barossa Valley alone and many visitors make a day trip to the Barossa to take advantage of the free tastings offered by many of the wineries.
