The Best of South Australia

Discover pretty Adelaide’s rich cultural and artistic heritage, perhaps visiting the lovely fountain-filled Botanic Gardens, the fascinating natural history exhibitions at the South Australian Museum, or, if you time it right, one of the numerous arts festivals held throughout the year. Adelaideans love to eat out, and they’re spoilt for choice, with entire streets dedicated to dining. With world-class vineyards right on the doorstep, the city’s cellars are full of the finest wines and dishes made with the freshest local produce, which can also be purchased from the stalls of Adelaide Central Market.

Accommodation at 5* Peppers Waymouth Hotel 

Take your hire car on board the ferry and sail across to the wildlife-rich paradise of Kangaroo Island. This spectacular island is one of the best places in Australia to encounter the local wildlife, and is home to kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, echidnas and penguins, as well as having seals, sea lions and southern right whales frolicking in its seas. The island’s undulating surface is dotted with numerous intriguing geological formations, with the highlights being the iconic Remarkable Rocks and the limestone caves of Kelly Hill. This unspoiled, crowd-free island really is a must for nature enthusiasts.

Accommodation at 4* Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge

A far cry from the hustle and bustle of Adelaide, just an hour’s drive away, the Barossa Valley is one of Australia’s most famous and iconic wine regions. Sip full-bodied, chocolatey red wines among lush green hills and manicured vineyards, and learn more about the complex wine-making process. Visiting some of the world’s most famous wine makers, where you can sample fine Shirazes and Rieslings and discover the gorgeous boutique wineries to enjoy their unique flavours and experiences.

Accommodation at 4* Rawnsley Park Station

Head for the jagged peaks of the breath-taking Flinders Ranges National Park for a full day tour. Here, the ochre-red, other-worldly landscapes offer some excellent walking tracks of varying length and difficulty.  Wildlife is thriving in this region, so expect to see emus, wedge-tailed eagles, three different types of Kangaroo and even yellow-footed rock wallabies!

Accommodation at 4.5* Rawnsley Park Station

Explore the boutique wineries of the beautiful Clare Valley, famous for its top-notch Riesling. Smaller and more personal than the Barossa Valley, this delightful region still retains an idyllic rural feel. It’s one of Australia’s oldest wine regions, with over 40 wine estates, many of which are family-run. Tour the vineyards, wine-tasting as you go, then walk or cycle the trails past old cottages, colonial mansions, art galleries and countless sheep in this pastoral region.

Accommodation at 4* Clare Country Club

Arrive into charming Glenelg, one of Adelaide’s most popular suburbs. Come down to the seaside where a glorious golden-sand beach lined with cafés and restaurants is a lovely place to round off your trip. Find a shady spot, grab your deck chair and soak up the sun, staying to watch the sunset over Holdfast Bay. Glenelg is home to a pod of wild dolphins, and a boat trip in search of these amazing creatures is a must-do – you can even swim with them, an unforgettable experience.

Accommodation at 4.5* Oaks Glenelg Plaza Pier Suites