Holiday houses & accommodation in South Australia

Family Holidays in South Australia

Located near the Torrens River, Adelaide Zoo is a favourite destination for family outings. From the city centre, a leisurely walk through the Adelaide Botanic Gardens brings you to the zoo. Perfect for a full day excursion with the whole family, the highlights of the zoo include guided tours, a nature playground, and the children's petting zoo.

Other great outings for families include a historic tram ride to the seaside suburb of Glenelg, as well as boat tours on the Torrens River. Adelaide’s major cultural institutions, the Art Gallery of South Australia and the Museum of South Australia also offer free creative and educational activities for youngsters of all ages. For loads of child-friendly entertainment, be sure to check out the annual Royal Adelaide Show, which brings animal shows, fun rides, and street food to the city every September.

There are also plenty of options for a great family getaway outside of Adelaide. The spectacular underground caves of Mount Gambier, located about 440km southeast of Adelaide, attract young nature lovers and adventurers. Alternatively, Coober Pedy is a fascinating opal mining town, where travellers can search for remaining gem stones and visit unique underground buildings called dugouts, which were built to protect miners from the harsh outback climate.

What to Do in South Australia

Barossa Valley is South Australia's most renowned wine region. Located to the northeast of Adelaide, this idyllic valley offers fantastic wineries where you can learn about local production methods and sample the best vintages. Other highlights of a visit to this area include fine restaurants, quaint cafes, antique shops, and art galleries. Alternatively, head to Kangaroo Island, 112km southwest of Adelaide. Another popular wine tasting destination, this island is beloved for its pristine natural environment and prolific wildlife. About a third of the island is a protected nature reserve that serves as a habitat for numerous native animal species including kangaroos, koala bears, wombats, Australian sea lions, and little penguins.

History lovers enjoy the nostalgia of South Australia's riverboat heritage, which features prominently in country towns such as Renmark, Mannum, and Murray Bridge. Short cruises along the Murray River provide insight into the excitement and challenges of sailing down Australia's inland waterways during the late 19th and early 20th c. If you're seeking more of an adrenaline kick, try shark cage diving at Port Lincoln, on the Eyre Peninsula. For a less scary encounter with other species, you can join a boat tour that will bring you out on the ocean to watch Australian sea lions playing in the water.

Beach Holidays in South Australia

South Australia is home to some of the continent's most beautiful beaches, including several popular ones right in the capital city of Adelaide. Trendy eateries, a lively cultural life, and gorgeous sandy beaches, make Glenelg Beach Adelaide’s most popular seaside destination. Don't miss the Beachouse Amusement Centre, which features arcade games, fairground rides, and water slides when you visit this atmospheric beach resort.

Of course, there are plenty of further alternatives for great beaches in South Australia. South of Adelaide, you will find the Fleuieu Peninsula, which offers numerous secluded beaches surrounded by nature. Great family beaches on the peninsula include Horseshoe Bay Beach and Port Willunga Beach. Alternatively, Boomer Beach and Middleton Beach are ideal for older kids and teenage surfing enthusiasts. Finally, if you really want to get far away from the crowds, head out to Coffin Bay on the Eyre Peninsula, or discover the many beautiful beaches on Kangaroo Island.

Best Holiday Destinations in South Australia

Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with plenty of holiday houses to choose from to enjoy an independent getaway. The fifth-most populous city in Australia, Adelaide offers a wide variety of accommodation in South Australia. Start off your visit at the Museum of South Australia. This historical institution houses an impressive collection of Aboriginal Australian artefacts, as well as ethnographic objects from Papua New Guinea, Asia, and the Pacific. Nearby, you will find numerous other cultural attractions, including the Adelaide Central Market, the Art Gallery of South Australia, and the Adelaide Botanic Garden.

Located in the Adelaide Hills about 15km east of the city, Mount Lofty is a popular destination for nature lovers visiting South Australia. Depending on your level of fitness and experience, choose an easy trail gently scaling the mountain, or a more challenging path. The mountain summit offers breathtaking views over Adelaide and it's a great place to stop for a picnic. If you're prepared to travel further, head out to the Flinders Ranges National Park, located about 400km north of Adelaide. It's a bit of a journey, but this secluded area of wild nature delights serious outdoor enthusiasts.

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