The days are longer, the sun is brighter, and we’re all thinking about taking a holiday after the long dark winter. Unfortunately, thanks to COVID-19, international borders are closed for the foreseeable future.
That’s why 2020 is the ideal time to explore the beautiful state you live in. Stay local and discover everything your own region has to offer. As a huge bonus, you’ll be helping out local businesses and helping your part of the world thrive during trying time.
This spring, Elders will be highlighting some of the best regional destinations in every state, starting with South Australia.
Often seen as the quiet country cousin of the more populous Eastern states, South Australia boasts excellent weather, spectacular food and wine and jaw-dropping scenery. Whether you travel to the coast or up to the outback, you can’t fail but be impressed by the splendour of this vast landscape.
Wine regions
Wine lovers are spoilt for choice thanks to South Australia’s rich soils and dry climate.
Just 50 minutes north of Adelaide lies the world-famous Barossa Valley. Explore some of the world’s best wines at over 80 cellar doors, including the multi-award-winning Peter Lehmann Wines where you can sit with a bottle of wine and a picnic platter under swaying gum trees. Gourmet delights await at Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop, where you can take a private cooking class or share a cheese platter overlooking the lake.
Slightly further north lies the pastoral beauty of the Clare Valley. Rent bicycles and cycle the winding Riesling Trail. After a day in the fresh country air, dig into a slow cooked lamb shank at the acclaimed Sevenhill Hotel.
To the east, the Adelaide Hills offers crisp roses and merlots in a string of wineries between charming villages and towns. From the historic stone buildings of Uraidla and Summertown to the boutique shops and cafes of Stirling Village, there’s plenty to do up here even if wine isn’t your thing.
Less well known, but equally special, is the southern Coonawarra region on the Limestone Coast. The unique soils down here produce unique wines like the Wynns Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. While you’re here, visit the Blue Lake at Mount Gambier – one of the state’s most beautiful natural wonders.
Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island is a newly emerging wine region, but is also worth visiting for its abundant wildlife, unique Ligurian honey, and captivating scenery. Accessible via the Sealink Ferry, Kangaroo Island was hit hard by the summer bushfires and welcomes every tourist as part of its rebuilding efforts. Sunbathe at Emu Bay, spot sea lions at Seal Bay and admire the stunning rock formations at Remarkable Rocks on the west coast.
Flinders Ranges and Outback
Drive north to the Flinders Ranges and beyond to truly experience how vast South Australia really is. Dusty red roads stretch for hundreds of kilometres: make sure you’re well stocked with water and fuel. Visit Wilpena Pound, a natural amphitheatre created over millions of years of erosion. Rent a glamping tent and lie under the magnificent stars, book a 4WD tour or take a helicopter to experience the wonders of Kati Thanda – Lake Eyre, stunning gorges and hidden creeks.
The Aboriginal Dreaming Trail can be discovered via self-drive or with an Aboriginal guide to offer insight into the rich history and culture on display. Art lovers should visit the many galleries in this region, from the Urramunja Art Centre to Hawker’s Jeff Morgan Gallery and the Wild Lime Cafe and Gallery.
Eyre Peninsula
Love seafood? The Eyre Peninsula is the source of South Australia’s legendary oysters and superb seafood industry. You can even drive the Seafood Frontier Road Trip!
Swim with giant cuttlefish in Whyalla, which gather in their thousands between May and August. Relax on the beaches and secluded coves of Lincoln National Park, which boasts some of the peninsula’s best coastline – including Memory Cove.
If you’re feeling adventurous, go on a shark cafe diving expedition at Port Lincoln with one of the many boat charters. If that’s a little too up close and personal, Adventure Bay Charters will let you view these magnificent creatures from the safety of a glass-bottomed boat.
Coffin Bay is the place to go for freshly-shucked oysters. Enjoy them with a bottle of bubbly overlooking the bay at Oyster HQ.
With so many delights to explore, South Australia has something to offer for everyone. Get out there and discover more about this amazing state.