Nothing beats a weekend escape, and for those lucky enough to live or be visiting South Australia, you’re in for a treat. The state offers endless experiences and activities for all types of travellers, with many being no more than an hour’s drive from the bustling CBD.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior craving adrenalin, a nature lover who wants to camp under the stars at night, a family looking for wholesome activities or a solo backpacker hoping to discover more about South Australia, there is something for everyone in this great state.
To make life easier when it comes to choosing your short break, we’ve collected some of the best weekend getaway spots in South Australia for your enjoyment below.
McLaren Vale
Eat and drink your way through one of Australia’s oldest wine regions. Just a short 45-minute drive from Adelaide, the best way to experience McLaren Vale is by trading your car for a bike and following the Shiraz Trail. This 9-kilometre track along mostly flat ground takes you past various wineries—including Primo Estate, Wirra Wirra Vineyards and Hardy Wines—where you can stop, rehydrate and learn about the storied history of the area.
If you’ve got a designated driver, other notable wineries worth ticking off include Down the Rabbit Hole, Alpha Box & Dice and the Instagramable cube-shaped D’Arenberg. At the same time, lovers of the amber liquid will want to stop by Vale Brewing and Swell Taphouse for a taste of the local lager.
Being so close to the city means you can make a day of it and be home in time for dinner, but if staying the night tickles your fancy, we recommend the shipping container complex Hotel California Road or the blissful Ukiyo House.
Limestone Coast
The Limestone Coast is a bit of a trek (3 and a half hours outside of Adelaide) but well worth scoping out for adventure lovers. Go underground and marvel at the World Heritage-listed Naracoorte Caves National Park, explore the 40-million-year-old Umpherston Sinkhole or go scuba diving at Kilsby Sinkhole and discover an untouched underwater wonderland.
The Limestone Coast is also home to several art museums and six wine regions, with our top tip for a tipple Wangolina Cellar Door. And if you’re visiting during autumn (May to June), take a guided tour through Glencoe Forest and be dazzled by the ghost mushrooms that illuminate the forest.
There are plenty of great caravan parks and camping spots on the Limestone Coast (Lakeside Tourist Park is hard to go past), but if you’re after creature comforts, book a few nights at Stony Rise Lodge near Robe and enjoy modern accommodation in a warm country setting.
Victor Harbor
Just over an hour south of Adelaide, Victor Harbor has many activities aimed at families. Take a ride on the world-famous Cockle Train from the town centre to Goolwa, ride a Clydesdale-drawn cart along the causeway to Granite Island and go penguin spotting or enjoy the stunning coastline by walking along part of the Heysen Trail that extends all the way to the Flinders Rangers.
If beach life is more your thing there are dozens of fantastic spots to sunbake or take a dip a short drive from town, including Port Elliott Beach, Boomer Beach and the picturesque Basham Beach.
Regarding a night out, Hotel Elliot caters for those looking for a pub feed while Yeo Haus, an independent clothing brand that doubles as a brewery, is the place to go for craft beer and a cheeseburger.
Kangaroo Island
Four years on since horrific bushfires decimated the region, Kangaroo Island is once again thriving as a tourist hotspot. A ferry ride across Investigator Strait, the rejuvenated area was recently named Lonely Planet’s second-best regional travel destination for 2024, providing the best of the mainland in one accessible area.
Hire a car and venture across the island exploring nature at its finest, from natural wonders such as Admiral Arch and the Remarkable Rocks to Australia’s third-largest sea lion colony at Seal Bay Conservative Park.
As well as nature, Kangaroo Island is a foodie’s paradise, with the Enchanted Fig Tree—a gastronomic delight hidden inside a 120-year-old fig tree—a must-visit. There are also plenty of great pubs, wineries and breweries found in the region, with Kangaroo Island Brewery the pick of the bunch. Be sure to try the Sparkling Ale.
Barossa Valley
South Australia’s other most famous wine region boasts over 80 cellar doors, so you’re sure to find your new favourite drop. Along with the usual wine tours and culinary experiences, the Barossa is home to many unique activities.
Take a helicopter or hot air balloon ride over the region, take a stroll through the Barossa Sculpture Park, play 18 holes at the Barossa Valley Golf Club or indulge your sweet tooth at the Barossa Valley Chocolate Company.
If you want to make the most of your weekend stay, we recommend booking one of the 15 luxury rooms at boutique hotel The Louise. Each suite comes with a private courtyard, opulent bathroom and access to the hotel’s Appellation restaurant where your tastebuds will be rewarded with one of the most satisfying meals you’ll ever consume in South Australia. The 9+ Wagyu Striploin is to die for.
Flinders Rangers
This is the weekend getaway for those who want to get back to nature and experience the outback without needing to drive all the way to the Red Centre.
Bring your walking shoes and spend your day exploring the incredible Ikara-Wilpenia Pound, climbing St Mary Peak and taking the Blinman Mine Tour before stopping at the Prairie Hotel. Here you can snack on roo pastrami and camel sausage rolls or order the Feral Feast Banquet consisting of a set menu that’s as appetising as it sounds.
When it comes to accommodation, nothing beats camping out under the stars. Several established campgrounds are easily accessible and allow you to truly immerse yourself in the beautiful natural surroundings of the Flinders Rangers. Stargazers will want to explore the nearby Arkaroola International Dark Sky Sanctuary, where some of the greatest views of the universe can be found.
Murray River
Sometimes you just want to escape the drama of everyday life and spend your weekend sitting around doing nothing. Enter the Murray River. A major source of water for local farmers, Australia’s longest river weaves its way through several states and is a haven for water sports.
The best way to experience all it offers is by hiring a houseboat and spending a few days floating down river cracking cans, swimming, kayaking and enjoying the scenery. There are several major towns—Mannum, Renmark, Mildura among others—along the river where you can start your journey.
You don’t need to spend all your time on the water either, with many exciting attractions dotted along the Murray River for those who prefer land. Visit Monarto Safari Park and mingle with wild animals, check out the Karoonda Silo Art or get back to nature at Mannum Waterfalls.
Adelaide Hills
Everyone harps on about the Barossa and McLaren Vale, and rightly so, but the Adelaide Hills is another wine region that’s severely underrated. Heirloom Vineyards, Shaw + Smith and Bird in Hand Winery are just three of our favourites providing tasty wines paired with scrumptious meals made from natural produce.
Once you’ve had your fill of wine, walk the historic streets of the local German settlement Hahndorf, learn about local animals at Cleland Wildlife Park, pick fresh strawberries at Beerenberg Farm and take a stroll through the stunning Mount Lofty Botanical Garden.
If planning a romantic weekend away, look no further than Mount Lofty House. This decadent boutique hotel was built in 1852 and provides an indulgent retreat in Australia’s most-awarded hotel.
