Sponsored by Phil Hoffmann Travel
Written by Nicole Edwards on 15 May 2020
In my opinion, we are all the luckiest people in the world to call the beautiful and varied state of South Australia our home. A quick 30-minute drive from the city and you can escape to another world! Visit the rolling valleys of the Adelaide hills, the vast pastoral lands of the North, the vineyards of the South, or one of the many world-class beautiful beaches that line our coast! Venture further and delve into the hidden wonderlands dotted all over the state, now these secrets aren’t so secret, but they are places we never give ourselves time to explore, now is the time! Join us as we dive into South Australia and explore all the wonderful destinations we have on offer.
Take a quick flight or a short ferry over to Kangaroo Island, our very own island escape, just down the road has so much to see and explore. We recommend a couple of nights minimum to take in all the glory of KI, discover the rugged beauty, native wildlife, and mouth-watering food and wine experiences all topped off by the incredible hospitality of the friendly locals. Visit one of the many outstanding wineries and cellar doors, pick up a handmade creation from a local store, stock up on fresh oysters or marron, visit the lavender or honey farm for a quintessential taste of KI and don’t forget to visit the brewery and KIS distillery for a tasting. Now we could spend days tasting our way through the many establishments of the island, but we still have more to see and do. Venture down to Seal Bay, meet the puppies of the sea, as they laze about on the beach. Make your way along the coast to Vivonne Bay to swim in the crystal waters and if you’re lucky you might be joined by the resident pod of dolphins! As you journey further across the island you will be in awe of the rugged coastlines; enter the Flinders Chase National Park and experience the exceptional beauty of the bush regrowth post the recent devastating bushfires. Wander down to Remarkable Rocks and marvel at the natural phenomena of the sky-high stacked granite boulders. Don’t forget Admirals Arch and sit in wonder as the seal pups play in the waves. Visit the island of many wonders and see all the beauty Kangaroo Island has to offer.
Venture inland to South Australia’s very own mountain range the Flinders Ranges, stay for a weekend on an epic experience, like glamping at the Wilpena Pound Resort or Heli-Swagging at Rawnsley Park Station! Dwell a little longer and immerse yourself in a 4WD adventure or hike for days through the valleys, to fully experience the vast beauty of the ranges for yourself. Spend your nights under a starry sky where you can truly see all the stars! Learn about Aboriginal culture and the legend of the serpent who shaped the land. Experience the red sand and history of Australia only a short trip from Adelaide.
Spend your days indulging in the Fleurieu Peninsula, like a scene pulled from a painting, marvel at the ochre layered hills, as they roll into the seas of the south coast. Set up for a day of swimming on the beautiful Port Willunga beach and enjoy the crystal-clear waters. Venture inland 10 minutes from the ocean and find yourself lost in a sea of vines as the vineyards roll over the hills as far as the eye can see. Kick back for a wine tasting or two, enjoy exceptional regional platters, and eats that are so great they cannot be described in words alone but must be experienced by all. Dive into a Fleurieu Peninsula escape and indulge in the simple pleasures of life.
Time for a road trip to the Eyre Peninsula, an 8-hour drive or short flight from Adelaide, and you will find yourself in the best of the west. You will need a car to explore the ins and outs of this wonderful region, grab a rental from the Port Lincoln airport if you fly in, and give yourself a couple of days minimum to explore the area. You are now in the epicenter of the South Australian seafood industry, visit Pure Coffin Bay Oysters and take an Oyster Farm Tour, see how oysters are grown, and taste the freshest produce plucked straight from the sea. In Winter embark on a whale discovery eco-tour, set out to sea, and watch as these beauties swim by on their migration route. Discover the other ocean locals with a long list of marine experiences, swimming with the sea lions, dolphins or cage dive with the great white sharks. Prefer to be above the sea rather than below? How about a fishing charter, catch yourself a feed and learn tips from the locals who have fished these waters their whole lives. The adventure doesn’t stop at fishing, add an overnight camping stay on the Sir Joseph Banks group of Island or a twilight sunset cruise to your charter for an out of this world experience! Get up close to the native wildlife in the National Parks and cuddle koalas in their natural habitat at Mikkira Station. Travel further out of the township and explore some exceptional 4WD tracks whether you are travelling in your own 4WD or a tour is more your speed, there are options for everyone! Join Australian Coastal Safaris for an immersive ocean to plate experience, snorkel for abalone, four-wheel drive through sand dunes to reach a deserted beach, and enjoy your fresh catch. Enjoy South Australia’s seafood capital, and dive into an ocean exploration like never before in the Eyre Peninsula.
Winter is for the Adelaide Hills and surrounds, enjoy a glass of local vino whilst the open wood fire crackles beside you, creating a warmth and ambience that is second to none. Visit one of the many cellar doors and treat yourself to a wine tasting and delicious lunch or delve a little deeper into the comfort of the Adelaide Hills and stay a night or two in one of the exceptional accommodations, whether you stay at the prestigious Mount Lofty House, spend a night in a bed and breakfast in Hahndorf or find yourself if a cottage nestled amongst the rolling hills you will feel embraced by the Adelaide Hills.
How about a weekend away in the beautiful Barossa or Clare Valley, wine and dine your way through one of the beautiful wine regions of the North! Discover the tastes of the region through a cellar door tasting or wine master class. But wine is not all there is on offer, treat yourself to a visit to the Barossa valley gin distillery, spend a couple of hours, and create your very own take-home bottle of gin. Rise early for a morning before dusk and float above the vineyards on a sunrise hot air balloon ride. Prefer to keep your feet planted firmly on the ground? How about a luxury car tour taking you from winery to winery. Indulge in world-class wines within an hour from the city.
Float your troubles away on the Murray River, travel in style aboard a historical river Steamboat or private Houseboat, and see the river for so much more than a water source. Watch in awe as you cruise past the contrasting landscapes, from sandy beaches to sheer cliff faces every glance will show you a new beauty of this diverse destination. Surrounded by fertile lands, the towns of the Riverland showcase exceptional produce, visit a local farmers market, and indulge in the local citrus it is second to none!
Image credits: South Australian Tourism Commission and various other photographers: Meaghan Coles, Isaac Forman (Serio), Ben Goode, Mark Elbourne, Adam Bruzzone, South Australia Museum, John Montesi, Elise Cook, Natalie Homna, Megan Crabb, Calypso Star Charter, Maxine Coquard, Lyndon O’Keefe, Ryan Cantwell, Andy Rasheed, Ian Routledge, Dimitra Koriozos, Barossa Distilling Company/TCS Productions, Josie Withers and Atze’s Corner Wines Estate.
