If you’ve experienced the beauty of South Australia, you won’t really need an excuse to spend post-covid restrictions exploring our state. Hell, we’re all about supporting our local businesses who have been closed for months and this is a fabulous way to do it. Bottom line is, support local, choose SA and holiday here this year.
Fresh off the back of the new Tourism Australia campaign “Holiday here this year”, the team at Glam Adelaide have pulled together a list of our favourite places to stay in SA, to give you plenty of amazing holiday options, whether it’s for a single night, or a proper getaway.
We’ve also included some more isolated options, if you want to take the Coronavirus preventative measure of ‘social distancing’ on board.
Best of all, these places are here year-round, so if you can’t make the trip right now, bookmark this link and put it on your to-do list for later on when you’re ready to experience the best of our beautiful state.
Airbnbs
Here are some of our favourite South Australian Airbnb listings whether you’re planning a stop-over in the middle of a trip, wanting to splurge for a special celebration, or simply need a quick get-away.
Iluka’s Eden Retreat
First up, Iluka’s Eden Retreat in Clarendon. With an easy five-star rating, this place is a private retreat with gorgeous, sweeping views across the valley. Reboot at this luxurious sanctuary while enjoying complete seclusion, a spa, and a cozy indoor fireplace.
The Treehouse In A Vineyard
This one may be our favourite on the list. Just forty minutes from the CBD stands the architect designed two-storey house completely surrounded by native trees, overlooking the vineyard all the way to the ocean. Whether you’re looking for a romantic stay or a solo escape to the countryside, this is a must-experience destination.
The Cube On The Murray River
This is definitely another favourite of ours and one we simply couldn’t forget. “The Cube” on the Murray River is a gorgeously modern and innovative concept that combines luxurious living with a bit of an odd twist.
You’ll be unwinding on a floating cube house and what better setting than the beautiful tranquility of the Murray River?
Camel Beach House
For our next stop, we’re heading over to Venus Bay, where you can experience a boutique coastal getaway. Known for its long golden sands, you’ll be able to enjoy absolute privacy while immersing yourself in the spectacular coastal wilderness. We’re not sure if you can get any more beautiful than the view of the wild Eyre Peninsula coastline.
Trader Jack’s: Coolest Space in Town
Looking for a unique and homely place to stay in Robe? Well, look no further than Trader Jack’s. Trader Jack’s Airbnb is full of Scandinavian, country charm fit with a free standing bath and fireplace.
Paddle Steamer PS Federal Retreat
Desperate to holiday off grid for a while? Check out this super cool Airbnb in Goolwa South… on a paddle steamer. Talk about an experience! If you’re still unsure, just note that you’re greeted with a bottle of wine upon arrival — who can say no to that?
Kangaroo Gully Retreat
One of the best choices for really ‘getting away from it all’ has to be this idyllically remote villa on a hill, overlooking the De Mole river on Kangaroo Island.
The capacious stay has room for eight and a lovely patio with unbroken views across the spectacular KI coastline. The first choice for holidayers seeking that solitude away from the hustle and bustle of their everyday lives, this gorgeous retreat gives visitors the peace of mind they’re looking for.
The Stirling House
A secluded bungalow nestled away in Adelaide’s foothills, The Stirling House is the ultimate destination to enjoy the impending autumnal colours of the surrounding trees. A roomy choice with space for ten and an extremely capable kitchen and entertaining area, this is a great choice for wanting to enjoy a guilty weekend with their mates. Then you can work off that excess on the adjoining private tennis court!
‘Grand Designs’ Bowden Townhouse
If you want to feel like the coolest damn tenants in Adelaide, this is the joint for you. Like walking onto the location of a Grand Designs episode, this centrally-located Bowden townhouse features crisp, modern lines and vast, airy spaces. A truly unique build, this would be an ideal selection for a evening dinner party for you and your seven mates, or even just to get for a few nights to convince your fam that you’re way more hip than you actually are.
D’Estrees Bay Beach House
We love a KI getaway destination and D’Estrees Bay Beach House has to be one of the loveliest choices on the island. A sleek, modern villa overlooking the beautiful south-eastern coast of KI, the location has comfortable accommodation for ten guests, a beautiful living area with floor-to-ceiling windows to maximise that stunning panorama, and a beautiful kitchen.
You’ll want to stock up on goods before heading out on the half-hour drive from the Penneshaw ferry, but once you arrive, you and your friends will find yourselves never wanting to leave.
The Sky House
Yep, it’s another K.I. destination, but this one’s different, promise. If you’ve ever wanted to stay in Spanish-style hacienda, but don’t want to spend the extra to actually travel halfway across the world, then The Sky House is the destination for you.
The rammed earth villa is located at the top of a picturesque bluff in Middle River on the northern coast of Kangaroo Island and boasts a distinctly Mediterranean style. With a spacious patio on which to knock back tall glasses of sangria, this is the ideal choice for a week-long siesta!
The Reserve, Barossa Valley
It can be tough to see all the Barossa Valley has to offer if you’re just travelling up for the day from Adelaide. The obvious solution is to book this luxurious accommodation in Nuriootpa with your friends to tour the valley at your leisure and enjoy your wine purchases in lavish environs.
There are king and queen suites for up to ten people, a wood-fired pizza oven to get your bake on, and a freaking massive jacuzzi to enjoy some bubbles in the bubbles! There’s even room for helicopters to land if you want to see the beautiful wine region from the air! How luxurious is that!
Ikonic Murray River Houseboats
This one’s for those who recognise that any view, however lovely, gets stale after a while. Why not choose accommodation that, when the mood strikes you, you can raise the anchor and motor on down to a better panorama?
Ikonic Houseboats have three and five bedroom houseboats for rental from Mannum, an hour’s drive from Adelaide. Possibly the best way to see the most of the Riverland, the company offers catered experiences complete with a captain, tours and planned trips to shore destinations along the Murray. So grab your mates, your bathers and some tinnies to enjoy a languid week of cruising!
Springmount Eco-Retreat
Situated in untouched bushland in the middle of the Fleurieu, Springmount is the destination for the environmentally-conscious that want to get away from all the trappings of modern society.
A fully self-sustained, digital-free destination, the retreat is intended to be a communal experience for the 14 guests it can cater to, encouraging social interaction and cooperation. You won’t be bored though, with several hundred acres of property to explore and plenty of board games on hand. This one’s for everyone who wants to reconnect with their friends without any modern distractions.
My Sister & The Sea, Yorke Peninsula
After a three-hour car ride (including a mandatory photo sitting on the ‘Welcome to York Peninsula’ sign), guests will pull up in the small township of Marion Bay. There sits an oh so chic weatherboard cottage. My Sister & The Sea is a whimsical 1950s Airbnb property, pulled straight from the Swedish summer beaches. The cottage itself is an easy stroll away from the beaches and a five-minute drive from Innes National Park.
My Sister & The Sea makes for an excellent place to take a small group of close friends for a weekend getaway.
Kangarilla’s Deluxe Shipping Container Retreat
Snuggle up in a converted shipping container made for two, tucked away in Kangarilla, just a short drive from McLaren Vale. The accommodation includes wifi, a queen sized bed and kitchenette.
With stunning vineyard views, friendly farm animals, an abundance of wildlife, this tiny escape offers a chance for you to unplug and unwind. You can also enjoy stunning walks through Kuitpo Forest and Onkaparinga River National Park, both of which are close by.
Point Boston Beach House Coastal Escape
If you’re looking to escape from the city, and want to head to a peaceful part of South Australia, this Point Boston Peninsula beach house, on the Eyre Peninsula could be just the ticket. The house is new, architecturally designed and has many beautiful features including uninterrupted sea views, fab sunrises, dolphins in the bay if you’re lucky and occasionally whales in the winter.
If you want to stay in, there’s an outdoor BBQ, and outdoor shower to wash the ocean away after a swim, and the combustion fireplace adds a cosy touch if the evenings are chilly.
The home sleeps six, with three bedrooms and one bathroom.
These Marion Bay Ocean Pods Offer A Truly Beautiful Experience
Tucked away at the bottom of the Yorke Peninsula, three hours drive from Adelaide, Marion Bay is the gateway to Innes National park and home to fishing and crayfish industries. It’s also home to some fun, new eco-pods, that offer an incredible, private experience, in a stunning, ocean-side location.
There are two Hillocks Ocean Pods to choose from. The contemporary designed accommodation is situated in coastal bush with magnificent views of Butler’s Beach and Hillocks Point.
Enjoy the peace and beauty of a remote coastal location with the ambiance of camping and the luxury of modern amenities.
Tiny Seaside House
The quiet rural simplicity of this getaway, with its panoramic ocean views, sunsets and kangaroos will charm you. With one queen sized bed, one double bed, and a sofa bed, the inside of this place is basically like the inside of Mary Poppins bag, and just as stylish. There’s even a decent sized bathroom, complete with a proper bath!
The comfortable fit out ensures the cleverly appointed space makes the most of every corner, and fabulous features like the woodfire pizza oven ensure your stay is filled with (delicious) memories.
Bandicoot Springs Tiny Eco House
Located at Ironbank, you can get back to nature only 25 minutes from the CBD. The private getaway caters for up to two guests in the studio accommodation, which has one bed, a bathroom, and a small kitchenette. As you’re surrounded by nature, keep an eye out for actual bandicoots, birds and other wildlife while you kick back in the super-secluded, relaxing space.
Bed In A Shed, Clare
Bed in a Shed and Bed in a Shed Too are luxury getaways situated in the glorious Clare Valley. The accommodation sits in an acreage vineyard property with vast views of the surrounding countryside. Artistic and quirky, the interior features corrugated iron walls and an eclectic mix of furniture that only adds to the cosiness.
Hideyhole Wildlife Hut, Ironbank
For a very affordable $79 a night, Hideyhole is a space for people who love nature, but still want to be close to the delights of Adelaide Hills cafes and wineries, or Adelaide’s festivals and culture. The 15sqm, tiny, rustic space embedded within nature is a teensy bit remote, but that’s what we love about it.
Earthship Eco BnB, Ironbank
Earthship Ironbank is a passive solar earth shelter that’s made of both natural and up-cycled materials including as earth-packed tires.
The greenhouse gives you a wonderful outlook from the main living area, which also features a queen sized bed, and kitchen with a double gas burner, under bench fridge (with tiny freezer compartment), microwave and wood oven/stove ideal for making pizzas (although not recommended for use during summer months).
CABN, Adelaide Hills
Located in the picturesque Adelaide Hills in a secret location thirty minutes from the city, this sustainable, 2.5 by 6 metre eco hideaway is something special.
Think bushwalking, forest, creeks, waterfalls and bird watching. Expect kangaroos, drop bears and bandicoots. Wake up to the sound of magpies and kookaburras heralding the dawn. Gaze up at the night sky, with a warming nip in hand. Depending on the time of year, cuddle around the fire pit and talk into the long night with your loved ones. Get back to nature’s circadian rhythms.
Hotel California Road
McLaren Vale’s Inkwell Wines opened Hotel California Road last year and it’s truly one of the most unique accommodation options we’ve seen in SA. Set in the vineyard, the micro-hotel has only three suites, each with its own private deck and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Carlisle Alpaca Farm Stay B&B
Just past Nairne in the Adelaide Hills lays the Carlisle Alpaca Farm Stay B&B. Your accommodation is located right next to the paddocks where a group of gorgeous Alpacas live, so you can kick back on the deck with a glass of wine, and enjoy gazing at your new furry friends, who are happy to come up to the fence and say hi.
The B&B consists of a large queen size bedroom with walk in robe and attached ensuite. The second room has a fully equipped kitchenette and lounge overlooking the deck and beautiful rose gardens.
Ode to the Orchard, Adelaide Hills
Located in Lenswood in the Adelaide Hills, Ode to the Orchard is a cosy, private, two bedroom orchard cottage up on a hill, with only distant neighbours in sight. As an added bonus, it’s still nice and close to the region’s finest wineries.
Cadole Avalon: Luxury Accommodation Pod
Located at the luxurious Vineyard Retreat, Cadole Avalon offers a new kind of escape for those looking to enjoy the best of the McLarenVale, while having their own sanctuary to relax in.
The open plan layout features a dining and lounge area with wood burning combustion fire place, fully functioning kitchen, king size bed, separate bathroom and storage room. Kick back on the high end leather Transforma lounge, while you soak in the sweeping views across the vines, to the hills beyond.
Mill Cottage & The Abode
Mill Cottage is a c1853 three bedroom cottage, located just off the Main Street in the heart of Goolwa. Featuring quality furnishings and finishes you can revel in, the simplicity of its original architecture shines through without missing out on modern luxuries. Mill Cottage balances the warmth and comfort of home with the premium indulgence of luxury living.
The Abode shares the same prime location as Mill Cottage, however, offers a little more privacy, being discretely tucked behind. This home boasts a large open plan living/dining area, featuring a modern kitchen, perfectly crafted for a lazy breakfast or a Fleurieu inspired feast.
Tomfoolery Wines B&B
The Villas Barossa
PS Julie Fay Paddle Steamer B&B
Castles
If you’ve ever wanted to live like the aristocracy in a period drama, here are some accommodations within our state that will make you feel like a royal — or simply transport you to another time and place.
Thorngrove Manor Hotel
Glenside Lane, Stirling
While this small luxury hotel is only twenty minutes from the city and a seven minute walk to the historic village of Stirling, you would easily be forgiven for thinking you had just been transported back in time.
Thorngrove Manor has been built to look just like a baroque castle. With six bespoke, individual rooms, each with their own theme and architectural design and artistic decorations, this hotel is as unique as they come.
Specifically designed for couples, Thorngrove doesn’t accept larger groups. Stating on their website that ‘privacy is an absolute,’ it’s possible that you may never even see the other guests.
The Manor Basket Range
762 Lobethal Rd, Basket Range
Located just thirty minutes from the city, this unique and eclectic venue looks like magic and royalty to all that stop by.
The Manor has a rustic yet elegant and enchanting feel. There are twelve townhouse-style accommodation suites available. They all include a separate sitting room, kitchenette, bedroom and bathroom with balcony seating areas. Breakfast provisions are provided with a selection of local produce.
Martinsell Manor & Cottage
55 Wirra Wirra Road, Martinsell, Pewsey Vale
Noble titles are few and far between in Australia, but you can still put on airs if you stay up at this majestic location in the Pewsey Vale wine region.
A historic manor with room for four nobles that has been refurbished in keeping with the old world charm, you’ll be able to stroll around the gardens under a lace parasol or duel with flintlock pistols for the affection of your beloved. There’s even a pool on the greens for a damp Colin Firth to tumble into. You’ll have to supply your own butler, though.
More information about the manor and cottage can be found here.
Glamping
South Australia is a beautiful place with so many rugged, natural, and often isolated destinations to visit and explore. Some of us, however, don’t love the idea of roughing it. Luckily, there are quite a few sensational glamping options within reach!
Wilpena Pound Ikara Safari Tents
Jump in your car, head north five hours from Adelaide, and you’ll discover the beautiful Flinders Ranges and Wilpena Pound — a fantastic camping destination which forms a base for many bushwalkers and bush tours. In a secluded spot away from the main campground, 15 roomy tents with king-size beds, tiled bathrooms and timber decks are set among majestic red river gums and native pines.
With floorboards, solar power, running hot water, king size beds, fluffy towels, bedside reading lights, fresh coffee, ceiling fans and gas heaters, every creature comfort is catered for.
Each tent faces the eastern wall of the Pound, a rocky, rust-colored natural amphitheatre created by hundreds of millions of years of erosion.
Guests can choose from two options — a standard tent which sleeps two people, and family safari tents which sleep up to four and have all the luxuries of the couples tents, with an annex added for the extra people.
Wandering Souls | Kangaroo Island Glamping
Have you ever wanted to stay in a glamp tent like this one? Well here’s your chance! With the full outdoor experience of fresh air, looking at the stars and gathering around a campfire roasting marshmallows and telling ghost stories, you also have the full luxury experience once you enter your glamp tent at Kangaroo Island. It’s the best of both worlds, and it is guaranteed to make you the envy of your friends!
Kangaluna Camp
The luxury safari tents at Kangaluna Camp are set in the stunning mallee wilderness region of the Gawler Ranges in South Australia.
The Gawler Ranges, 600kms to the north west of Adelaide on the Eyre Peninsula, is outback Australia at its best. The diverse terrain changes from semi-desert to arid to eucalypt woodland, while the age old volcanic landscape is spectacular with its gorges and weathered rocky outcrops.
This is perfect for the nature lover who really wants to be away from tourist areas and experience some of South Australia’s finest scenery and wildlife.
Kangaluna Camp consists of three two-bedroom tents and a “swagon” – a renovated covered wagon with a Swag bed where you can gaze at the stars all night long. The roomy tents have a queen-size bed in one room and two single beds in the second. They also feature hot showers and flushing toilets (halleluiah).
The curved roof on the safari tent helps to cool the tents, as they always keep the air flowing. No vegetation has been removed from the site but the camp was designed and built using the natural fire breaks that the trees in this place create for their own protection.
Email [email protected] for more info.
Arkaba Walk & Glamping
The Arkaba Walk is redefining the classic Aussie ‘bush walk’, adding luxury touches to a four-day private hike in the Flinders Ranges. Traversing an ancient landscape and private wildlife conservancy, you’ll be immersed in the story of the land.
The Arkaba Walk package is inclusive of two night’s camping in deluxe swags on one of their signature star beds and one night in the 1850s Arkaba Homestead, in a Homestead Guestroom with ensuite.
At the end of each day trekking around the Outback, you’ll enjoy a three-course, chef-prepared supper under the stars.
Bellwether Wines, Coonawarra
Glamping is also on the cards in the fabulous Coonawarra region!
Erected on a timber deck and furnished with creature comforts, you can enjoy the bell tend year-round and be snug in winter, but still enjoy the sound of the kookaburras and cockatoos. There are six tends available, four with queen beds and two set up as twin singles.
Queens are $200/night and twin singles are $180/night, both including a bottle of Coonawarra Cabernet.
The Eco Tent, Adelaide Shores
Definitely on the more affordable side of glamping, the Eco Tents are located at Adelaide Shores Big4 Caravan Park in West Beach.
With a double bed and bunks, this four-person tent does the important things like keeping the bugs out, while keeping you cool with a fan above the beds. With wifi on hand, it’s quite a convenient way to experience glamping. Plus, it’s on the beach. Winning!
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