11 tourism regions in SA have been awarded $20 million in grants – and Glam Adelaide has the intel on which ones and what’s happening – so you can start planning those road trips ahead of time.
Here’s the breakdown. Since the effects of the Covid on-again off-again border closures, lock-downs, lock-ins, and the increase in everyones ability to work via-the-net, South Aussie’s started exploring their own backyards – creating what has been a record-breaking regional tourism boom!
This triggered a whopping amount of grant funding – a total of $82.7 million to be exact – from the “Tourism Industry Development Fund” since September 2020, which is being used to update and upgrade regional destinations.
Off-grid accommodation, tiny homes, a boutique gin distillery, and luxury coach tours are some of the latest tourism projects to be funded through the Tourism Industry Development Fund.
The South Australian Tourism Commission has fully allocated the $20 million Fund, awarding grants to 114 projects across the state.
Premier Steven Marshall said the 114 projects supported by the Fund are expected to inject an additional $74.5 million to the state’s visitor economy each year, boosting businesses and creating jobs.
There’s 60 new projects to be completed this year alone, with these new grants improving tourism infrastructure, accommodation places, products and experiences, with an aim to grow the visitor economy.
Here are the latest grant recipients and the exciting updates that are unfolding:
| Region | Project | Grant | Total project value |
| Adelaide Hills | Woodside Luxury Lodges – Development of two new off grid luxury lodges on a working sheep farm including development of a helipad for additional access and touring options. | $415,909 | $1,386,365 |
| Barossa | Barossa Dreams and Ultimate Barossa Retreats – Upgrade of facilities including the purchase of a new vehicle to allow for luxury guest transfers and itineraries. | $46,795 | $155,984 |
| Barossa | Seppeltsfield – Renovation of the Display room, Trophy room, Underground Joseph Room and Dining Hall to increase seated capacity and flexibility of the tasting spaces. | $176,617 | $643,333 |
| Eyre Peninsula | Port Lincoln Cabin Park – Refurbishment of 18 cabins and corporate business facilities for guests. | $89,110 | $297,034 |
| Eyre Peninsula | Eyre Way – Build of four new sustainable accommodation ‘tiny homes’ on the Eyre Peninsula. | $166,683 | $555,612 |
| Fleurieu Peninsula | See Adelaide & Beyond – Purchase of a dedicated 20 seater bus to increase capacity and implement a daily “Taste the McLaren” tour. | $20,000 | $66,737 |
| Flinders Ranges & Outback | Almerta Station – Upgrade of a stone cottage into off grid accommodation, upgrade of camping facilities and installation of water access infrastructure. | $32,857 | $109,525 |
| Flinders Ranges & Outback | Bendleby Ranges – Upgrade of existing homestead accommodation, amenities block, 8 new campsites, new 4WD track and camp shelter. | $28,518 | $95,061 |
| Kangaroo Island | Wander on Kangaroo Island – Development of five new off grid ‘pod’ accommodation. | $500,000 | $1,729,106 |
| Kangaroo Island | Stowaway KI – Construction of two new lodges to double the accommodation capacity and construction of a reception/guest welcome centre. | $356,186 | $1,187,289 |
| Murray River, Lakes & Coorong | Big 4 Holiday Park The Bend – major upgrade of park including construction of 10 one-bedroom self-contained cabins, mini golf-course, multi sports area with basketball half-court, soccer nets and BMX park, establishment of a nature trail and construction of a recreation room. | $500,000 | $1,697,597 |
| Murray River, Lakes & Coorong | Harbour Mannum – Renovation of 160-year-old historical buildings into six self-contained accommodation suites, one with disability access. | $105,000 | $350,000 |
| Riverland | Rustons – Conversion of part of existing building into a boutique distillery and providore. | $75,008 | $250,027 |
| Riverland | Par Five – Development of 15 new accommodation units in Berri. | $500,000 | $2,186,231 |
Wander on Kangaroo Island will receive a $500,000 grant for a $1.7 million development to build five new luxury eco-aware WanderPods. The one and two bedroom pods are completely self-sufficient and include solar and water harvesting while offering guests the opportunity to use the travel experience to think differently and live more sustainably.
Cassandra Sasso, Wander CEO and Co-Founder said the project will provide visitors to Kangaroo Island with unique, eco-accommodation that invites them to reconnect with the land and the story of the local community.
“We are so excited to be opening our next Wander location on Kangaroo Island. There is so much passion found in the community, and we are honoured to be a part of this special place. The opportunity and support from the SATC will allow us to invite all Australians to discover the same island magic we have fallen in love with, further boosting visitation to the region and state.”
Limestone Coast operator, Drink Ottelia + Eat Fodder received a $214,685 grant last year for a $715,618 redevelopment of its restaurant and cellar door.
Speaking about the recently completed project, John Innes, owner, Ottelia said the end result was beyond their expectations.
“Our grant funding helped us complete our project to a very high standard. The new Ottelia has been embraced by the Coonawarra community and is now a key destination for visitors to the region.
“The SATC’s initiative in regional SA has been hugely successful, with many projects similar to ours being undertaken. This creates an immediate stimulus through the construction phase and an enduring economic benefit to the region.”
And Just like that – locals and visitors alike have even more reasons to see South Australia.
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