What are you waiting for when the oceans, outback, dry heat and cuddly creatures abound? There are amazing places in South Australia where any family can have a lovely vacation.
The Hills of Adelaide
Even though its name may evoke images of a flamboyant drag performer, the Southern part of Adelaide in Australia is an ideal destination for families looking to escape on quick trips without straying too far from home. The Hahndorf Farm Barn offers plenty of opportunities to cuddle with adorable baby animals while Gumeracha boasts the world’s biggest rocking horse that visitors can climb atop before indulging in strawberry-picking at Beerenberg Farm between November and April. For those seeking thrills, Woodhouse Activity Centre – sprawled over 54 hectares above Piccadilly- features obstacle courses, orienteering trails as well as disc golf and water tube slides guaranteed to keep everyone engaged!
The Barossa Valley
Not only is this area famous for its wine, but it also offers activities that are enjoyable for the whole family. Children can release their energy at Barossa Adventure Station in Angaston and then indulge in sweets by creating their own treats at Barossa Valley Chocolate Company’s special workshop. Meanwhile, parents can unwind with a drink from Z Wine while kids try out delicacies like smoked fritz and fairy bread from Apex bakery through a tasting plank experience. Additionally, visitors should take time to explore the Whispering Wall- an enigmatic concrete construction where whispers on one side have impressive clarity over 100 meters away!
The Valley of Clare
A riesling isn’t a must-have when touring the CV, but children may get fidgety during winery visits. That’s where Mintaro Maze and Epic Mini Railway come in handy – kids can ride an immaculately preserved steam engine or navigate through a challenging maze. For older kids aged over 10, they’ll enjoy Blyth Breakout escape room while younger ones will love spotting Loch Eel monster at Lake Bumbunga which is sure to bring out their screams of joy; and let them expend energy climbing ropes and flying foxes at Richardson Park Playspace.
The Fleurieu Peninsula
As anticipated, the beaches are this area’s primary attraction. Yet, the young ones will also delight in riding on board the SteamRanger Heritage Railway powered by steam which traverses from Goolwa to Victor Harbor – offering sweeping vistas of coastal cliffs all along. The Urimbirra Open-Range Wildlife Sanctuary houses more than 400 creatures indigenous to Australia; visitors may feed kangaroos as well. In keeping with wildlife themes, one simply cannot miss out on heart-melting evening penguin tours around Granite Island! Make sure you pay a visit to Everest Ice Cream too! For over six decades now it has left both locals and tourists exhilarated by their frozen treats – we recommend sampling fig-and-mascarpone-flavored gelato.
Coober Pedy
The unearthly terrain of this location is captivating in itself. When coupled with below-ground lodgings and attractions such as the exclusive drive-in theatre located only in South Australia, an amazing expedition begins to take shape. Take a swing at the family-oriented Coober Pedy Opal Fields Golf Club or explore Crocodile Harry’s subterranean caverns- also known as Avid Von Blumenthal’s dwelling place. Children will be ecstatic over Waffles & Gems cafe, where they can obtain precious minerals along with a short stack of pancakes. Just 32 kilometers out of town lies Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park: an Aboriginal-owned piece of heaven situated deep within the Outback featuring Panorama Hill which was featured prominently during Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome.”
Kangaroo Island
Adventure and excitement are the main attractions here. Our first destination is the sand dunes of Little Sahara, which offer a range of exhilarating activities such as buggy rides, fatbiking, tobogganing or surfing down the sandy hills. For animal lovers there’s also Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park where you can meet cute koalas and waddling penguins. Another must-see is Raptor – an experience that allows you to witness majestic birds of prey dive-bombing from above! If photography is your thing then don’t miss visiting Emu Bay Lavender Farm in springtime for spectacular photo opportunities!
The Limestone Coast and Mount Gambier
Did you know that Australia has similar natural attractions like the highly rated cenotes found in Mexico? The Umpherston Sinkhole, created by millions of years of limestone corrosion, surrounded by flowers is one such spot. Another mesmerizing place to visit is Blue Lake (Warwar) and if you’re up for a swim, Little Blue Lake won’t disappoint. Additionally, Kaboom Family Entertainment offers ten pin bowling lanes while kids can enjoy climbing around at Treehouse Adventure Centre.
The River Murray
Were you aware that a piece of Africa can be found close to the great Murray River? At Monarto Safari Park, an open range sanctuary spanning 1500 hectares, one can encounter cheetahs, rhinos, zebras and giraffes. Moreover a unique lion experience immerses visitors fully in their den with its 360-degree design! As part of the visit, adventurers can delve into exploring Hermann Gass Bird Sanctuary using kayaks from Freedom Boat Hire. Prior to commencing the tour, guests will be able to fully engage in Indigenous culture with a guided explanation from their designated tour guide at Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park. The focus of this cultural sharing will be centered around the Black Duck Dreaming story.
Peninsula of Yorke
Although a mere half-hour journey across the peninsula, there are an abundance of entertaining options to choose from. Are you pining for interactions with adorable baby alpacas? Alpaca Chaparral’s Quechua Connection offers hands-on experiences with 150 charming creatures. If adrenaline-pumping activities spark your interest, take on Copper Coast Putt Putt’s challenging 18-hole course and fuel your competitive spirit. Moonta Mines Sweet Shop is the ideal destination for candy enthusiasts with a penchant for nostalgia.
