Regional studies and diamond exploration activities conducted in the Nackara Arc region of South Australia demonstrate that it is a favourable tectonic environment for diamondiferous kimberlitic pipes to occur which is similar to that of the AK1 diamond pipe in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Pre- late Permian and Jurassic kimberlites are recognised. The Nackara Arc, a subdomain of the Delamerian Fold Belt, occurs at the G2-G7-G9 gravity lineament triple junction. Composed of Adelaide Geosyncline units, the Arc is considered to be of Early Ordovician age. The presence of deep crustal fractures capable of providing pathways for upwelling of mantle-derived magmas is implicit. Lesser magnitude structures in the area reflect these pre-existing features. The distribution of products of igneous activity reflects the macrostructure of the Arc. A large, regional Nackara Arc diamond and diamond indicator anomaly (17,500 square km in extent), detected in drainage heavy mineral samples and loam sampling work, has within it disproportionately few known kimberlite intrusions, of which only one is a proven primary diamond source. Present landform features that conceal bedrock, and deep recessive weathering, make kimberlite detection difficult, ensuring that many kimberlite pipes remain to be found and tested. Evaluation of the existing mapped geological data and magnetic imagery of the Nackara Arc has, for the first time, revealed the systematics of major strike-orientated 'faulting' and its influence on mafic igneous activity and, by association, kimberlite emplacement. Kimberlites are more common within the meridional zone than elsewhere. Diamond exploration should therefore be structurally based. Complexity of pipe morphology, and variable lithology, require that investigations be conducted with care. Local multiple re-distribution of indicator minerals and recessive weathering during the last 200 Ma need to also be considered, along with flooding of contemporary drainage regimes with transported soils. The locations of kimberlite volcanic vents in the Nackara Arc are closely related to strike-parallel macrofaults, and are likely to be proximal to mafic intrusive rocks. North-westerly orientated fracturing is likely to have been a secondary influence on the location of vent sites and on the geometry of kimberlite pipes. Mapping the geology of unconsolidated superficial deposits is necessary to underpin diamond indicator mineral (DIM) sampling programmes and thereby allow explorers to follow dispersion trails to potential source areas. The Beatrice Diamond Prospect is a prime exploration target that complies with the above model and is supported by a DIM and microdiamonds dispersion trail. The Beatrice example demonstrates that careful consideration of existing data at local and regional scales can lead to recognition of new, innovative, viable exploration targets in areas where a superficial examination would almost certainly result in rejection of a diamond prospect. Application of the models and concepts presented can provide the basis for evaluating historical exploration data to advance kimberlite detection and diamond exploration throughout the Nackara Arc. Elsewhere, the discovery of commercial diamonds has resulted from a systematic evaluation of many kimberlite pipes in a cluster group. Therefore potential diamond source recognition and detection are critical elements of success. A change in the adopted exploration paradigm has proved successful in propelling Canada to the forefront of recent diamond discoveries. Building on the exploration philosophy outlined here could do the same for arid/semi-desert landscapes such as the Nackara Arc region and elsewhere in South Australia.