South Australia – One of the best-kept secrets Down Under

Ask most people what comes to mind when you mention Australia, and the responses typically include Sydney Harbour, the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the Great Barrier Reef or Uluru. What they’re unlikely to say is Adelaide, the Barossa Valley or indeed anywhere in Australia’s fifth most populated state, but that’s all part of its attraction.

As its name suggests, the state of South Australia is located in southern central Australia. Around 75 per cent of its 1.75 million residents live in the capital city of Adelaide and its surrounding suburbs. South Australia may not feature as prominently on the tourist route as the nation’s larger capital cities and better known attractions, but don’t let that put you off. From its pristine beaches to its world-class wine-producing regions and desert interior, there’s plenty to offer the traveller.

What’s the attraction?

A pretty city surrounded by green parklands, Adelaide boasts a thriving sporting and cultural scene. Within the compact city centre, you’ll find historic sandstone buildings, the bustling Adelaide Central Market and established restaurant and café strips. The recently renovated Adelaide Oval attracts huge crowds to support its two resident Aussie Rules football teams, and last year hosted the first ever day-night test cricket match.

In January, South Australia welcomes professional cyclists from around the world for the Tour Down Under, the biggest cycling event in the Southern Hemisphere. Throughout the six-day event, competitors race through the city’s leafy suburbs, beachside tourist destinations like Glenelg and Victor Harbor, and the famous wine and food producing regions of the Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale. For those who prefer four legs to two wheels, the Australian International Equestrian 3-Day Event takes place each November within the city’s parklands.

At the end of summer, the city puts its cultural credentials on show with Adelaide Fringe, the nation’s largest open-access arts festival. A little more refined, but no less entertaining, the Adelaide Festival is a celebration of all things creative, including world-class theatre, music and dance productions, visual arts and writing. For lovers of world music and dance, WOMADelaide provides a feast of culturally significant performances from around the globe.

When it comes to natural attractions, South Australia more than holds its own, and the warm, dry climate means you can enjoy the outdoors all year round. With almost 4000 kilometres of coastline, you’re sure to find a beach that suits you, be it city-side cosmopolitan or totally secluded. An hour and a half southeast of Adelaide you’ll find Kangaroo Island, home to a huge range of local wildlife, including its namesake marsupials and a large colony of sea lions. In stark contrast, the ancient outback landscape of the Flinders Ranges, approximately 200 kilometres to the north of the capital, is one of breathtaking and unique beauty.

Putting down roots

Adelaide doesn’t just offer plenty for the traveller, it’s also a very easy and affordable city in which to live and work, making it a logical choice for both working holiday makers and residents to base themselves in Australia. Its comparatively smaller population means it provides all the attractions of a major capital city while avoiding many of the common drawbacks. One big advantage is the lack of traffic congestion compared to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, which means less time wasted commuting to and from work.

And when it’s time to move on, the rest of Australia is within easy reach. You can fly to Melbourne in an hour for as little as $49 or to Sydney for $94 in just over two hours. Or, for a completely unforgettable experience, you could board the Indian Pacific train bound for Perth across the famous Nullarbor Plain.

Vet work in South Australia

Veterinarians are in high demand in South Australia, both for short-term locum work and ongoing permanent positions. The majority of practices are spacious, purpose-built and modern, and are well supported by a range of specialist and emergency referral centres around Adelaide, which often means no or little after hours work for surrounding clinics. In addition to general practice small animal positions, vacancies often exist in emergency and other specialties, including internal medicine, diagnostic imaging, dermatology and surgery.

There is also an opportunity for genuine mixed practice work much closer to the city than in other states, owing to the relatively high proportion of hobby farms and lifestyle properties on the city fringes. Large animal only work is also available for equine and production animal vets.

Such is the demand for veterinarians, many practice owners are willing to assist with sponsorship (a work permit) for overseas vets looking to settle in longer-term roles.

How Vetlink can help

Vetlink has been helping veterinarians find work in Australia for 27 years. If you would like more information about working in South Australia – or anywhere else in Australia – you are always welcome to contact us.

Last Updated: May 2024

DISCLAIMER: The above information is for guidance purposes only. Vetlink takes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information, which is not intended as immigration advice. We recommend you take immigration advice from a suitably qualified professional.