About 70 per cent of South Australia is outback, and most of it is a very long way from the nearest playground. That scale is the first thing to understand about Outback South Australia holidays with children.
The region is dry, remote and thinly settled, but it holds some of the most colourful scenery in the country. We have pulled together what the region offers families, what needs permits, and what to plan for before you go.
Outback South Australia holidays: what the region is
Locals call it the Far North, or the Arid Lands. It covers roughly the northernmost 750 kilometres of the state and runs across its full width of about 1200 kilometres. Colloquially, South Australians treat anywhere north of Port Augusta as the Far North.
It is the least populated part of the state. The landscape is mostly rugged wilderness and desert, among the most arid parts of the continent, with a hot desert climate. The Simpson, Tirari, Painted and Pedirka deserts lie in the north-east, and the Great Victoria Desert sits to the north and north-west.
For families, this means big skies and few services. Children who enjoy space, rocks and colour tend to do well. Those who need constant stops and shops will find it harder.
Family-friendly sights and experiences
The region has plenty of national parks and reserves, though the attractions are widely scattered. The experiences that suit children best, going by what the region offers, include:
- farmstays on sheep stations
- native plants and animals that you will not see in the cities
- a museum and underground accommodation in an opal mining town
- natural springs
- salt lakes, sandstone tablelands and vividly coloured hills
Underground accommodation is the sort of thing children remember. We would put it near the top of any family list, though you should check the details of each place before booking. You can browse the region on our Outback South Australia attractions page.
A day in the Painted Desert
The one tour we list for the region that suits a full family day is the Full day Painted Desert tour. It runs on Saturdays with the Outback Mail Man, takes 10 hours, and is priced from $320.
| Tour | Length | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Full day Painted Desert Tour | 10 hours | from $320 |
What the day covers
The route heads into remote country north of Coober Pedy. You cross the Moon Plains and pastoral stretches to reach the Arckaringa Hills. The layered geology there was shaped by ancient seas and thousands of years of weathering, and it shows strong reds, ochres and earth tones.
Walking
Walking tracks let you move through the landscape on foot. That breaks up the driving and gives children somewhere to stretch their legs.
Is it right for your children?
Ten hours is a long day. We reckon it suits school-age children better than toddlers, but you know your own family best. Pack for heat and bring plenty of water and snacks.
Permits and passes to sort out first
Permits are required to enter Aboriginal-owned land. As of 2023, a National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia Desert Parks Pass was also needed for the Simpson Desert Conservation Park and Regional Reserve, and for the part of Witjira National Park east of Dalhousie Springs. A tourist pass was also required to enter the Woomera Prohibited Area.
Rules change, so confirm current requirements before you leave. The South Australian Tourism Commission is the official state tourism site and a sensible place to start.
Roads and distances
Several significant roads cross the region:
- the Stuart Highway, from Port Augusta to Alice Springs
- the Oodnadatta Track
- the Birdsville Track, to Queensland
- the Strzelecki Track, also to Queensland
Because so much of the region is unincorporated, services outside the main council areas are provided by the South Australian Government through the Outback Communities Authority. The council areas are Port Augusta, Coober Pedy, Flinders Ranges, Roxby Downs and the APY lands. Expect long gaps between towns, and plan fuel, water and rest stops with children in mind.
If you would rather not drive, look at our Outback South Australia tours and transfers pages. The Outback South Australia map helps show how far apart things are.
Where to stay
Options include farmstays, underground rooms where opal is mined, and more ordinary stays in the towns. Our Outback South Australia accommodation page lists what is available, and there is a separate page for hotels. For general background on the region, see the Far North (South Australia) entry on Wikipedia.
Frequently asked questions
Is Outback South Australia suitable for children?
Yes, with planning. Farmstays, underground accommodation, springs, coloured hills and guided walking tours all suit families, but distances are long and services are sparse.
Do we need permits to visit?
Some places do. Permits are required for Aboriginal-owned land, and as of 2023 a Desert Parks Pass was needed for the Simpson Desert reserves and part of Witjira National Park. Check current rules before you travel.
Is there a family tour we can book?
We list the Full day Painted Desert Tour, a 10-hour Saturday trip from $320 north of Coober Pedy, with walking tracks through the Arckaringa Hills.