From remote wilderness to wine country, beach breaks and more, South Australia has loads to offer city-dwellers looking for a fabulous short break. Here are the 11 best destinations to relax and unwind at on your next long-weekend getaway.
Luxury lodge or remote camping? Kangaroo Island has it all from pristine white-sand beaches, wild surf, natural wonders and wildlife to local products from olive oil to honey, vinegar, spirits, wine and wellness goods. It’s the best of both worlds.
A road trip to remember, the five-hour drive to the Flinders Ranges from Adelaide may seem like a commitment, but the payoff is access to one of Australia’s greatest natural treasures. Rich in Indigenous culture and storytelling with extraordinary landscapes, pitch a tent or hire a cabin and enjoy a renewing break in this wilderness wonderland.
One of Australia’s oldest wine regions, McLaren Vale is home to more than 80 wineries and excellent places to eat (and drink!). Only 45 minutes’ drive from Adelaide, ditch the car when you get there and opt for two-wheeled transport. The 9km Shiraz Trail takes you past wineries to the beach, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning Fleurieu Peninsula views.
Did anyone say oysters? You can’t visit Coffin Bay without making a beeline for an oyster farm or taking an oyster tour. And the best place to enjoy them? Right on the beach where crystal clear waters meet the white sand. Once you’ve had your fill, explore the national park. It’s ideal for boating, fishing, sailing, and scuba diving.
Close to the Victorian border, Mount Gambier is famous for its sinkholes, collapsed caves created over millennia through water erosion. Take your togs to the Little Blue Lake for a swim and check out the beautiful garden at the Umpherston Sinkhole.
The superstar of the Australian wine industry, if you love wine then the Barossa must be on your long weekend bucket list. Make a base in Tanunda, then create a bespoke wine tour from the more than 150 wineries and 80 cellar doors in the region. You won’t go hungry either; the valley has a renowned food culture.
A classic beach break only an hour’s drive from Adelaide, pretty Port Elliot offers sun-soaked swimming in turquoise seas, coastal walks, a jetty for jumping (and fishing) and a charming main town with everything from casual to fine dining.
One of South Australia’s favourite getaways, the Adelaide Hills offer pretty landscape views, great food and wine and accommodation ranging from ultra-luxe to (much) less. Berry, cherry, and apple picking is a fun family activity, and a range of festivals, markets and events throughout the year mean it’s always a good time to visit.
On South Australia’s Limestone Coast, Coonawarra is famed for its red soil, “terra rossa,” and the wines that grow in it, particularly cabernet sauvignon. Book a glamping tent in the vines and sip a red under the stars; it’s the perfect way to finish a day of touring.
A desert break in Coober Pedy isn’t your ordinary weekend away. For starters, you’ll be sleeping underground, like the opal miners who came before you. Explore their fascinating history, browse the stunning rocks, and then emerge from the earth to witness the spectacular daily sunset.
Naracoorte is as popular with families as it is with couples. Its World Heritage-listed caves contain 500,000-year-old megafauna skeletons, a magnet for anyone interested in fossils and dinosaurs. Beyond the caves, the Naracoorte heritage trail tells a more recent history, the story of its settlement 150 years ago.
