In my spare time I’ve been keeping the travelling dream alive brushing up on my destination knowledge, connecting with Tour operators, Accommodation providers and Tourism organisations. I thought I’d write a few words about completing South Australia Tourism’s Specialist programme, but it was turning into a book, so I’ve summarised some of the holiday options for South Australia below. If South Australia’s on your mind, we need to talk and ensure you don’t miss some of the amazing experiences on offer.
Image credit Sven Kovac/South Australia Tourism Commission
The Oval Hotel opened in 2020, connected to Adelaide Oval. A boutique luxury destination, of course it’s ideal for AFL and cricket fans, but also a great base for a South Australia getaway, join the Adelaide Oval Roof Climb for an adventure and great city views or a behind the scenes tour of the Oval.
Image Credit Ultimate Winery Experiences
Wine
There are 200 cellar doors within a one hour drive of Adelaide – and 18 wine regions around the State!
In the Adelaide Hills, join Penfold’s Twilight tour of Magill Estate which includes a 7 course degustation experience matched with their finest wines.
In McLaren Vale, Gemtree Wines is an organic and biodynamic winery. They’ll take you on a tour of their Biodynamic ‘Hut’ to learn about their wine making process.
In The Barossa, Jacob’s Creek will set you up for a picnic amongst their vines, with a basket full of local goodies – and a bottle of Jacob’s Creek wine of course!
Explore the Clare Valley region riding The Riesling Trail or join a tour to meet the locals and discover their favourite winery.
I tell you all these great experiences hoping that when you decide to go, and start planning your South Australia wine and foodie themed itinerary, you engage my services to organise it!
Image credit Adam Bruzzone/South Australian Tourism Commission
Active Adventures
For active holidays you’ll have to choose what not to do. If you’ve seen the iconic Australian movie, Storm Boy, then you might like kayaking in the Coorong National Park (above).
Along the Murray River National Park there’re options for self-guided or fully inclusive guided hiking and houseboat holidays. Enjoy guided daily hikes, with a focus on wildlife and birdwatching, and at the end of the day relax and enjoy dinner on a houseboat, your accommodation for the tour.
Snorkelling with giant cuttle fish off the coast from Whyalla, swimming with sea lions off the Eyre Peninsula and whale watching are all on offer for a South Australia holiday.
My favourite active itinerary is a 6 day wine and food exploratory through McLaren Vale, the Barossa and Clare Valley, by bicycle.
The list goes on. How long have you got and what are your interests?
Image Credit Megan Crabb
Kangaroo Island was devastated by the bushfires on 2020. The Island and Community have recovered well and is well and truly open for business.
Ride fatbikes through the sand, go sandboarding or ride in the buggy above at Little Sahara Adventure Centre
Wildlife abounds on Kangaroo Island, wander along the sand amongst the sea lions at Seal Bay (escorted only) or have a chat to the eagle that lands on your arm at Raptor Domain .
KI is also a foodies delight with wineries, a garlic farm, honey and gin for starters!
Kangaroo Island is 155 kilometres long, allow at least three or four days. Talk to me about organising your day to day self drive itinerary with accommodation or join one of the excellent local tour operators and let them show you their island. There’s an airport at Kingscote so you’re able to fly in and pick up a rental car or, if you’re on a road trip, take the 45 minute ferry over from Cape Jervis.
Image credit Aaron Citti
Luxury Getaways are dotted throughout South Australia, from the sea to the hills to the outback and and wine regions. Here are a few suggestions…
Enjoy sunrise yoga, stargazing evenings or relax in the infinity pool at Sequoia Lodge (above) in the Adelaide Hills. Sequoia Lodge took top spot in Australian Traveller’s recent article “Top 100 Unique Stays in Australia’.
In the heart of Adelaide, there’s great anticipation for the luxury Sofitel, scheduled to open in November 2021.
Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island was destroyed in the bushfires of 2020. The site has been cleared for rebuilding, read about their progress here
Arkaba Homestead is a luxury outback experience located on 60,000 acres of privately owned wildlife conservancy in the Flinders Ranges. Listen to the story of Arkaba here
Airship Orchestra, Artist ENESS. Image credit Jiayuan Liang/Illuminate Adelaide 2021
South Australia is known as the Festival State for a reason, I think they may have more Festivals than any other Australian State? While most have heard of WOMADelaide and The Adelaide Festival there are over 600 events listed on their “What’s On” website here – something for everyone!
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