A Guide to Spring in South Australia

Spring in South Australia is a season of transformation, one of my favourites too as gardens burst into colour, country fields glow with golden crops, and native wildflowers light up the outback landscapes. If you’re a photographer like me chasing that perfect shot or simply someone who loves soaking up natural beauty, this is honestly one of the best times to explore the state. From late-August through November, here are some of the must-visit spots for spring blooms in South Australia.

Magnolia and Rhododendron Blooms at Mount Lofty Botanic Garden

Mount Lofty Botanic Garden is one of Adelaide’s most beautiful spring destinations. Somewhere between late-August and September, the Magnolia Gully comes alive with dramatic pink and white blooms, creating a magical setting for a morning walk or photo shoot. As the season progresses, Rhododendron Gully takes centre stage, where you can enjoy that area with its bright floral displays right through to October.

Almond Blossoms on the Fleurieu Peninsula

The Fleurieu Peninsula becomes a pastel dream in early spring, with almond trees blooming across McLaren Vale, Papershell Farm, and O’Halloran Hill. These delicate blossoms only last a few weeks, so it's always good to keep an eye out for when they start blooming and plan your visit accordingly.

Canola Fields Across the Regions

For a striking burst of gold, the canola fields of South Australia are hard to beat. Stretching across regions like Auburn, Callington, the Barossa, Clare Valley, and the Yorke Peninsula, these fields make for incredible backdrops. The vibrant yellow blooms usually peak in late winter to early spring, offering a countryside scene that feels like it belongs in a painting. It's also important to remember not to enter these fields as they are a form of income for our farmers and we should always ensure we do not damage their crops! Enjoy these fields from afar, they are just as glorious.

Wildflowers in the Flinders Ranges

Nature lovers should head north to the Flinders Ranges, where wildflowers bring colour to the rugged landscapes. Keep an eye out for species like fringe lilies, fringe myrtle, salvation jane and guinea flowers, each adding their own unique splash of colour to the region’s red earth.

Cherry Blossoms Around Adelaide

As the season progresses, delicate cherry blossoms appear across Adelaide. The historic Carrick Hill estate is a standout, with its garden paths lined by blossoms, but you’ll also spot these blooms in suburban streets and even scattered throughout the CBD.

Jacarandas in Full Bloom

Spring rounds off with one of Adelaide’s most iconic sights: the purple jacarandas. From November onwards, suburbs like Black Forest, Blair Athol, Goodwood, and central Adelaide burst into a sea of purple as the trees flower in unison. Walking or driving beneath these canopies is a seasonal tradition for many locals like me, and it’s a favourite subject for photographers across the state. One thing I look forward to each year is seeing stunning photos all across my feed during this time!

Plan Your Spring Adventure

South Australia in spring is full of colour and charm, from the beauty of botanic gardens to the wide-open fields of the countryside. It's truly the season to grab your camera and immerse yourself in some of the state’s most stunning natural displays - flowers!