7 Off-The-Grid South Australia Towns To Visit In 2025
Looking for a place to disconnect? There is nothing quite like escaping the daily grind and getting in touch with the beauty of nature and a place’s history. South Australia is home to some of the finest small towns, the friendliest locals, and the most captivating off-grid experiences in the country. The Wine State really lets you kick back and sip at your own pace; its semi-arid climate brings hot summers and mild winters, while the coast enjoys a Mediterranean feel. Tourists typically enjoy wine tasting in the Barossa Valley, exploring Kangaroo Island, and heading out to the Flinders Ranges for outback adventures. This is your chance to embark on a journey to explore a land that has been a cradle of human life for over 20,000 years, and find out why South Australia is one of the best places to go off-grid!
Coober Pedy
A small town in the vast outback, Coober Pedy is known as "the opal capital of the world" because of the many precious opals mined there. This place truly is a gem, and you can learn more about its rich history with a visit to the rather popular Umoona Opal Mine & Museum, which doubles as both a major tourist attraction and an underground museum!
Speaking of underground living, Faye's Underground Home is also a museum that showcases how off-grid people lived, even back then. The entire town feels like a living museum; and if you continue heading southeast, you will come across the Stuart Monument, which honors the first European explorer to chart the area.
Marree
Marree sits at a remote crossroads, where you can still enjoy accessibility even off-grid. Just west of town, you will find the vast expanse of Lake Eyre South and the great Marree Man, a massive geoglyph etched into the desert landscape. If you did turn west, or if you are still making your way down the Oodnadatta Track, you might stumble upon Mutonia Sculpture Park—a must-see for anyone interested in how creative artists can make things with just about anything! This small community of only 150 enjoys remote desert peace, but the town is quite accommodating, and you can enjoy local spots like the Marree Telecentre—a historical museum—as well as the Marree Historic Sites to learn more about this outback settlement.
Quorn
The small town of Quorn can be quite off-grid, yet it remains surprisingly accessible! As a historic railhead, it lies near several fascinating heritage sites. The town center is where you will find the main attraction: the Pichi Richi Railway. From there, you can hop on these restored timber cars and experience the Rocky Mountain passes by train!
On that note, there are at least three incredible spots you can see by train—or by any means you prefer. Groves Road Railway Crossing lies to the northeast, just before the Acacia Creek Rail Bridge. To the southwest, on the other hand, you will find another site called Gerald's Leap. The entire area is chock-full of adventures at every turn!
Port Germein
Want your getaway to have a seaside view? Port Germein lies over a hundred miles from the state capital, Adelaide, but offers a decent range of amenities. If you parked near Port Germein Caravan Park, you are within close range of Port Germein’s main attraction: the Port Germein Jetty. Aside from breathtaking sights of the Spencer Gulf on the horizon, this spot also holds a quiet touch of history. Both attractions are within walking distance. Whether you wish to see the Lighthouse or the Tide Clock first, you can even go fishing—all in the same afternoon with a visit here. The Baroot Creek Bridge, located to the northeast of the area, is also worth exploring if you ever visit this welcoming community.
Hawker
As remote as it gets, this town served as a basecamp for exploring Wilpena Pound and is now a great place to discover ancient landscapes and Aboriginal rock art. You can start in the town center by checking into a nearby inn, conveniently close to The Gables Maternity Home monument—a poignant historical landmark. From there, you can head to Castle Rock Lookout, where endless panoramic views stretch across the rugged landscape!
Finally, the main attraction is the Jeff Morgan Gallery on Cradock Road. If you are a fan of art that can hold your gaze for hours, this centrally located spot is well worth a visit!
Blinman
Blinman, Australia’s highest town, is surrounded by the rugged Parachilna Gorge and features a landscape that seems to go on for miles without end, along with some fascinating copper mining relics! The Blinman Heritage Mine Tour is one attraction you cannot miss (unless you have a fear of tight spaces), so the Blinman Mine Ticket Office should be your first stop. It is located right next to William’s Cottage—a quaint little historical museum with a lot of character, and even more cultural significance. If you prefer more open spaces, though, a hike to Memorial Cairn to the east will reward you with one of the best scenic spots in the region. Sweeping panoramic views and comfortable solitude are what this small town is all about.
Andamooka
About 500 kilometers north of the capital, Andamooka is one of the most remote communities, and its vast landscape is rivaled only by its cultural significance to the Kokatha people. The best way to experience the best this place has to offer is by making a sweep of its incredible sights, starting from the south at the Andamooka Opal Fields. It is a great starting point thanks to the information boards, and you can fill up on breakfast before heading north to Dunstan's Dam, where you would be halfway done with the tour.
If you have already explored the town, you can head southeast to Blue Dam. This stunning reservoir is the perfect spot to experience the beauty of the outback. The surrounding area is perfect for off-road adventures, with great plains that make for an unforgettable experience, whether you are driving or riding!
Final Thoughts
When it comes to off-the-grid adventures in Australia, expect exactly what you would imagine: peace, solitude, and vast, open plains begging to be explored. Along the way, you will find fascinating cultural sites that will add flavor to your journey, as the Festival State more than lives up to its name, and is so much more than just a getaway spot! Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast eager to explore the trails or simply seeking a peaceful spot to unwind with a book, this destination has something for everyone. It is the perfect place to disconnect and recharge, giving you a much-needed break from the daily routine!
