The dates are set, the fixture’s been released, tickets are on sale, and now it’s time to plan your dream trip to South Australia for Gather Round.
Following two blockbuster years, the AFL's Gather Round is once again welcoming footy fans to the Festival State, where the very best of Adelaide and its surrounding regions will be on show, from food and wine to stunning beaches.
We’ve mapped out a journey for Melburnians making the drive to Adelaide, staying at fantastic G’day Parks. It’s a great way to add something new to your Gather Round getaway in 2025—or make it a holiday to remember if this is your first time attending.
Why not take it easy and discover top-notch experiences in regional VIC and SA? Pack your guernsey, display the team scarf in the car window, and let’s get going!
Melbourne to Ballarat (124km)
Our first destination is Ballarat: a history hub full of activities for all ages. Step into Australia’s gold mining past at Sovereign Hill, a living museum complete with an 1850s streetscape, gold panning, and mine tours. Explore the medieval theme park of Kryal Castle, say hello to the animals at Ballarat Wildlife Park, or walk through the Goldfields’ many trails, native forests, and state parks.
To explore Ballarat’s heritage from the heart of town, head to Eureka Stockade Holiday Park. The park has family delights like a playground, activity room, seasonal campfire, mini golf, and kids facilities—plus, it’s right next door to the free Eureka Swimming Pool and Water Park complex (open November to April). A Premium Three-Bedroom Family Villa sleeps up to eight people with a huge outdoor deck, open-plan living, and a bathroom.
For the luxury of Victoria’s Spa Country, Creswick Holiday Park is set between Ballarat’s excitement and Daylesford’s indulgence. It’s a hub for hiking, mountain biking, and picnics beside Lake Calembeen. A Two-Bedroom Cabin is the family pick, but if you’re bringing a mountain bike, their Studio Ensuite Rooms have a double bed, ensuite, kitchenette, and external lockable bike rack on the deck.
Lake Burrumbeet Caravan Park is a spacious park, perched on the lake’s edge, ready-made for fishing, stargazing, and simply enjoying nature. There’s a pool, playground, boat ramp, tennis court, kiosk, and games room. A Deluxe Cabin has space for six guests, plus private cooking and bathroom facilities; you’ll wake up well rested and energised for your journey ahead.
Ballarat to Ararat (93km)
Hit the highway and take a detour north to the Pyrenees Wine Region – known for its mountain views and savoury, spicy reds – before you reach Ararat. This former gold-mining town is characterised by late 1800s buildings, galleries, and historical museums, with abundant nature on show in parks, gardens, and lookouts.
G’day Parks Ararat is located on the fringes of town. On one hand, it’s perfect for getting active and going hiking, but it’s also the prime place to relax in a native bushland setting. The park has a seasonal pool (December to April), kiosk, playground, and all the necessary facilities to stay clean and well fed. A Deluxe Three-Bedroom Cabin sleeps eight people with a kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor deck to make the most of your downtime.
Ararat to Halls Gap (48km)
Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is world famous, boasting incredible waterfalls, wildflowers, and mountain landscapes that attract tourists from all over the globe. From hearing wallabies bounding through the trees while hiking a picturesque trail to observing the remarkable mountain ranges on a scenic drive, the Grampians are a must-visit when driving between Melbourne and Adelaide.
Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park is a dream come true for camping, glamping, or staying in a mountain-view cabin. On the doorstep of the Grampians for your daily adventures, their woodfire-heated pool, playground, and seasonal fire pit hire are a treat. A Modern Two-Bedroom Cabin has room for six guests, whether you’re getting a comfy night’s sleep or relaxing on the outdoor deck with your own Weber BBQ.
If you want to explore the water as much as the mountains, add kayaking, fishing, and lakeside walks into your holiday at Lake Fyans Holiday Park. The park has direct lake access with a boat ramp, pool, playground, bouncing pillow, activity room, and tennis courts. A Grampians View Spa Unit has two bedrooms, homely décor, and a to-die-for view from your deck.
Halls Gap to Horsham (72km)
Before you reach the border, Horsham is a charming country town with museums, restaurants, and cafés. You can also link onto the Silo Art Trail—Australia’s largest outdoor gallery! Adventurous souls should head to Mount Arapiles; in addition to walking tracks, this rock formation attracts thousands of rock climbers every year seeking to ascend one of the world’s best climbing and abseiling areas.
Set on the riverbanks and next door to the Horsham Botanical Gardens, Horsham Riverside Caravan Park is bolstered by in-park facilities and an easy-going vibe. Play tennis, use the boat ramp to hit the water, or set the kids loose on the playground. The verandah of an eight-berth Three-Bedroom Riverfront Cabin has the best view in the park, a well-appointed kitchen, bathroom, and modern living spaces.
Meanwhile, a short drive out of town, you’ll find Horsham Holiday Park. This is a great family pick, with a bouncing pillow, solar-heated pool, sports facilities, playground, kiosk, and mini golf. A Superior Cabin has a full kitchen, ensuite, and sleeps up to five people.
Horsham to Padthaway via Bordertown (203km)
Image Credit: John Montesi for South Australian Tourism Commission
As you make your way into South Australia, you’ll pass through quaint country towns like Nhill and Kaniva, where kids will love the main street’s colourful sheep art trail. Please note, South Australia has strict laws which prohibit bringing any fruit or vegetables into the state, so make sure to dispose of any produce in the quarantine bins as you cross the border.
Turn off the highway in Bordertown – another cute country town well worth a visit – towards Padthaway. Trust us, Padthaway Caravan Park is worth making the slight detour. The park has direct access to Padthaway Conservation Park, a dream for wildlife lovers and birdwatchers. A playground and mini golf will entertain the kids, while parents can relax amongst vineyard views. Call the park to book boutique cabins named after nature; Lorikeet Lodge exudes comfort with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and generous kitchen amenities.
Padthaway to Murray Bridge (215km)
Adelaide is getting closer and closer, but first, welcome to Murray Bridge. The Murray River has adventure and recreation in spades, including fishing, water skiing, and walking trails. Ten minutes away, you’ll find Monarto Safari Park—the biggest open-range zoo in Australia. Pack a picnic lunch or book a specialty animal experience to get up close to magnificent creatures. There are free keeper presentations each day, and hop-on, hop-off buses to seamlessly move from place to place.
Avoca Dell Caravan Park sits on the banks of the Murray River, where you can launch your own boat or watch rowers go past while you savour a riverside picnic. The park has a playground and mini golf, and when it comes to mealtimes, you’re prepared for all weather with an air-conditioned dining room and undercover BBQ area. Book a Deluxe Ensuite Queen cabin for a fully equipped kitchen, balcony, open-plan living–dining area, and room for six guests.
Murray Bridge to Hahndorf (50km)
You can’t visit South Australia without seeing Hahndorf. This town – Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement – is steeped in charm. Leisurely stroll the main street, where you’ll delight in German food, architecture, and handiwork, complemented by local South Australian produce. Pick strawberries at Beerenberg Farm or sample a local Adelaide Hills winery or distillery.
Get to the heart of the hills at the award-winning Discovery Parks – Hahndorf. The park has a pool, bouncing pillow, playground, activity room, pump track, and mini golf to share fun moments with your loved ones. An eight-berth Superior Three-Bedroom Lakeview Cottage is set on the rolling hills, with a kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor setting overlooking the lake.
Arriving in Adelaide?
If your team is playing in the city (or you’re taking the free Barossa Shuttle Bus), there’s lots to do in Adelaide—including the Footy Festival precinct at Elder Park and Pinky Flat, beside Adelaide Oval. Wear your team colours proudly as you explore the Adelaide Central Market’s culinary delights or shop in Rundle Mall (and get a photo in front of the ‘Mall’s Balls’). Visit the pandas at Adelaide Zoo, browse the Art Gallery of South Australia, or picnic in the peaceful Adelaide Botanic Gardens—where you can currently view the free exhibition of large-scale glass sculptures by Dale Chihuly.
There are five G’day Parks around Adelaide—get in quick, because spaces during Gather Round will be snapped up quickly!
Continue your Adelaide Hills immersion at Belair National Park Holiday Park, with charming national park trails just next door, less than half an hour’s drive from the city.
At Brownhill Creek Tourist Park, it’s tough to believe you’re only ten minutes out of the CBD—surrounded by native bushland, a creek, and walking tracks.
Levi Adelaide Holiday Park is tucked in the leafy inner suburbs, where you can relax while staying close to the action with a pool, playground, and tennis court.
For a beachside escape, stay less than 30 minutes from the city at Discovery Parks – Adelaide Beachfront, where you can explore historic Semaphore.
Alternately, embrace a wonderland of in-park activities – including a splash zone, pool, bouncing pillow, sports facilities, and games room – plus direct beach access at Discovery Parks – West Beach Parks.
Heading to the Barossa Valley?
Gather Round is saying “g’day” to the Barossa in 2025, and it’s easy to see why. South Australians love to show off this world class region, where there are more than 80 cellar doors, producing exceptional wines and delicious meals. Drive down the Avenue of Palms as you hop from vineyard to vineyard, and stop in at Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop for hearty food.
Discovery Parks – Barossa Valley has a treat in store for every traveller. There’s a pool, water park, bouncing pillow, kiosk, playground, hire equipment, bike station … need we say more? A Deluxe Three-Bedroom House ticks all the boxes—these villas sleep up to six people and have a modern bathroom, light-filled kitchen, laundry, and private outdoor space.
Gawler Caravan Park is 15 minutes’ drive from Barossa Park and walking distance from the town centre. Buy a local Shiraz to enjoy on your deck or the park’s luscious green spaces. A Two-Bedroom Villa meets every need with full kitchen facilities, modern fittings, a bathroom, and your own balcony space.
Image: Ballarat Wildlife Park
What are you waiting for? Make sure you're on the ball and lock in your Gather Round getaway with G’day Parks today! It’s easy to book online or via the G'day Parks app.
