Chill Out with the Best Winter Holidays in South Australia

South Australia may be severely underrated when it comes to the beautiful beaches that burst to life in summer, but did you know it's filled with destinations that make the perfect escape in the cooler months, offering plenty of cosy delights?

With stretching wine regions and heritage listed beauty to discover, topped off with charming country town main streets and pubs complete with a roaring fire to settle down in front of, you'll be booking a trip in no time with our guide to the best winter holidays in South Australia.

Adelaide Hills

A short 20-minute drive out of Adelaide CBD can feel a hundred kilometres away when you begin the ascend into the gorgeous Adelaide Hills.

Explore the unique delights in the German town of Hahndorf, treating yourself to a cheese fondue at Udder Delights, and catch the Winter Reds Weekend held on the last weekend in July each year for a glass or two of local reds. Rug up and stroll through the Mount Lofty Botanic Garden and enjoy the vibrant colours of the leaves as they change from green to red in the cooler months.

Where to Stay:

Check out Cladich Pavillions and Ode to the Orchard for a dreamy and cosy stay, or take yourself completely off-grid with a tiny CABN. The chilly mornings making it a perfect time to visit - and a great excuse to get the fireplace cracking.

Check out our guide to the Adelaide Hills here.

Kangaroo Island

All aboard the SeaLink to spend some cool, bright days on the one and only Kangaroo Island. Take the time to wander the bushwalking trails throughout the island and in conservation parks and keep an eye out for the natural spectacular of blue whales, humpbacks, sea lions and bottle-nosed dolphins across various spots on the 155km long island.

Start your day at Millie Mae's Pantry, stop off at KIS Distillery for a gin tasting and end the day at Dudley Wines - a cellar door perched on the clifftops.

Where To Stay

Find accommodation like no other at the stunning Hamilton and Dune, the luxurious secluded Stowaway or the striking One Kangaroo Island all boasting views so good that you'll momentarily forget about the winter chill.

Check out our guide to Kangaroo Island here.

Flinders Ranges

If you want a winter voyage where the weather is the perfect trekking temperament, head to the rugged outback that awaits at the Flinders Ranges.

Spectacular sunrises welcome you into your day with sunsets to match, and increased rain allows nature and wildlife to make a grand appearance within the Ikara Flinders Ranges National Park. Keep an eye out for wallabies, dingoes and western grey kangaroos.

Where To Stay

Book a couple of nights at the Arkaba Conservancy for a decadent outback experience where you explore everything from air safaris to culinary adventures, or discover the magic of Wilpena Pound Resort, where guests are encouraged to take part in guided tours from the lands Traditional Owners, the Adnyamathanha people.

Check out our guide to the Flinders Ranges here.

Eyre Peninsula

The Eyre Peninsula is known for its sensational seafood, stunning nature and beautiful scenery any time of the year, but did you know that it also happens to be a top place to go for one of the best winter holidays in South Australia?

While some may favour the Yorke Peninsula in the warmer months, Eyre becomes somewhat of a winter wonderland when the temperature drops. It is the perfect time for whale watching, spotting great white sharks from Port Lincoln, and for those brave enough to get in the water (in a thick wetsuit of course), and swim with the wonderfully weird giant cuttlefish that head to Whyalla.

Where to Stay

Your luxury accommodation needs are met with the intimate Tanonga eco-lodges, providing 360° panoramic views to Boston Bay, and for those who want to make the heart Port Lincoln their base for an epic holiday, don't look past the stylish Port Lincoln Hotel.

Check out our guide to Port Lincoln here.

McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Peninsula

One of South Australia’s favourite wine regions continues to be a top holiday location throughout the chilly winter season, offering cosy days warming up in front of the fireplace, sipping your way through a tasting or two in cellar doors.

Head to Currant Shed for gourmet eats with a glowing atmosphere, hit up Pizzateca for a relaxed afternoon of pizza and wine, or perhaps stop in at the famed d’Arenberg Cube for wine mixing and art from Salvador Dali.

Head a little further south to discover the seaside charm of Victor Harbor and Goolwa, and be sure to pop into Port Elliot Bakery for one of their famous pies or donuts... or both!

Where To Stay

Escape from it all by booking a stay at the luxurious pod Esca. Called Nest & Nature, it's the luxury winter holiday in South Australia you've been waiting for. If you prefer to be further south, book in for a night or two at the chic Pago Middleton.

Check out our guide to McLaren Vale here.

Barossa Valley

Head to the South Australian home of red wine and spend a few days in the Barossa Valley, following the Shiraz Trail to victory and delicious drops. Wander through the locals' favourite Barossa Farmers Market to pick up produce, learn Italian cooking at Casa Carboni followed by a drink or two at their fabulous wine bar, or tuck into The Eatery’s 5+ course FEAST menu for an experience like no other.

Where To Stay

Stay in style at the compact and lavish The Villas Barossa, or go all out and treat yourself at The Louise for a night of extravagance - go on, you deserve it.

Check out our guide to the best Barossa Valley wineries here.

Clare Valley

Go slightly further afield and you'll hit the beautiful Clare Valley, known for its award-winning Riesling and scenic surroundings. Travel down all 30km of the Riesling Trail, stopping off at one of the 30+ cellar doors as you go. Stop in to warm up and dine at Watervale Hotel for a farm feast, wine flight or cooking classes. The next day, savour the dishes served up by the winners of Best Country Dining in South Australia four years in a row - Sevenhill Hotel.

Where To Stay

All the exploring requires a cosy bed to rest in. Tuck up for the night, glamping style, in one of Bukirk’s bell tents and fancy Coops to get that outdoorsy feel without losing luxury amenities. Glamping not your thing? The Clare Country Club has all the creature comforts you could hope for, plus a swimming pool and golf course to practice your swing.

Check out our guide to the best Clare Valley wineries here.

Limestone Coast

Take the long road down the spectacular coastline this winter, enjoying the many offerings of the glistening Limestone Coast along the way. You'll start in the nature-packed Coorong, then head to the delightful coastal wine region Robe, continuing down to the natural wonders and famous sinkholes of Mount Gambier.

One of the best road trips out there, filled with natural wonder, this is easily one of the best winter holidays in South Australia, with plenty of places to warm up along the way. Each stop offers top-quality food and drink such as Pipers of Penola, and cultural offerings from South Australia’s newest winter festival Illuminate Adelaide.

Where To Stay

Take your time with this trip, you'll likely want to stay a while in each charming town. We love the home away from home vibe at Bask in Robe, while Colhurst House in Mount Gambier provides a unique stay in a part of history.

Check out our guide to Robe here, and we have you covered with the best things to do in Mount Gambier here.

Booked one of the best winter holidays in South Australia and ready to discover more Australian destinations? Escape to the sunshine with our guide to Noosa, or go west and explore the best Perth has to offer.

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