There’s nothing quite like a springtime holiday, and SA is overflowing with great destinations to explore this season.
It doesn’t matter what kind of South Australian spring getaway you’re looking for, you’re bound to find a destination (and holiday park!) that’s perfect for you.
Image Credit: Raidis Estate Coonawarra - Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism Commission
Keen to kick back and relax in the sunshine by the river or vines?
Ready to take a break from city life and road trip past incredible regional silo art, or head off-road for rugged adventures?
What about lacing up the hiking boots to immerse yourself in nature (and spot abundant wildlife along the way)?
It’s all here for you to explore in SA!
Image Credit: Admirals Arch - South Australian Tourism Commission
Here’s where to go for …
… world-class wine getaways: The Fleurieu Peninsula and Limestone Coast.
Image Credit: Coriole Vineyards - South Australian Tourism Commission
When it comes to a reputation for an outstanding wine scene, let’s face it, South Australia’s got the rest of the country beat. As the vines turn lush and green, get a springtime view of the state’s impeccable wine regions.
Image Credit: d'Arenberg Cube - South Australian Tourism Commission/d'Arenberg Cube
If you head south of the city, you can combine several different regions to taste the breadth of the state's winemaking pedigree. Start in the famous McLaren Vale, SA’s home of shiraz, where you’ll drive past row upon row of vines—a sight you’ll savour just as much as a long lunch at a cellar door. Certain local wineries may be releasing their new vintages, and you could get the very first taste. Make sure you visit the out-there d’Arenberg Cube, cycle the Coast to Vines trail, and pop into the Willunga Farmers Market.
Stay here: McLaren Vale Cabin and Caravan Park, Moana Beach Tourist Park, Christies Beach Tourist Park
Image Credit: Zema Estate
Why stop there? Keep heading south to the Limestone Coast, where you can sample the incredible Mount Benson, Robe, Padthaway, and Coonawarra wine regions. The neighbouring Mount Benson Wine Region and Robe Wine Region produce coastal-inspired whites and reds (and the charming town of Robe is well worth a visit). Then, head inland to the Coonawarra, characterised by its terra rossa soil, cool climate, and superb cabernet sauvignon.
Stay here: Penola Coonawarra Caravan Park, Beachport Caravan Park, Robe Lakeside Tourist Park, Discovery Parks - Robe, Cape Jaffa Holiday Park
… off-road and outback adventures: the Flinders Ranges.
Image Credit: Willow Waters Gorge - Isaac Forman
If you’re packing the 4WD, we know the best place to combine your favourite outdoor activities and sightseeing with the iconic Aussie outback. There’s no better time to explore the Flinders Ranges than spring, when this already spectacular landscape begins to colour with gorgeous wildflowers, adding a new layer of natural beauty.
Image Credit: Yacca Lookout, Willow Springs Station - South Australian Tourism Commission
There are so many ways to see the Flinders Ranges, from awe-inspiring bushwalking and mountain biking trails to scenic flights that soar above the mountain peaks, but it’s also a cracker of a place to go four-wheel driving. Getting behind the wheel of a high clearance vehicle – whether by self-driving or joining a guided tour – gives you access to some of the most thrilling terrain. One popular self-drive track is found at the Skytrek experience at Willow Springs Station, an 80km, seven-hour 4WD journey through a 70,000-acre sheep property. It costs $75, and winds past Aboriginal artwork, natural springs, cliffside views, a panoramic view of Wilpena Pound, and more.
Image Credit: Brachina Gorge - South Australian Tourism Commission
The loop through Bunyeroo Gorge and Brachina Gorge also comes highly recommended. After you’ve paid for your entry pass at Wilpena Visitor Centre, journey through valleys, riverbeds, ancient cliffs, and caves. There's a good chance of spotting a yellow-footed rock wallaby along the way as you see the famous Razorback Road and the ‘Corridor of Time’, which is a geological trail full of ancient fossils and geology.
Image Credit: Razorback Lookout - Frame
While you’re in the Ranges, joining a cultural tour in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park is an awesome way to hear about the land and its significance from its Traditional Owners, the Adnyamathanha people.
Stay here: Hawker Caravan Park, Discovery Resorts - Wilpena Pound, Spear Creek Holiday Park, Melrose Caravan Park, The Park Jamestown, Discovery Parks - Port Augusta, Shoreline Caravan Park
… hiking, biking, wildlife watching, and exploring the great outdoors: Kangaroo Island.
Image Credit: Emu Bay Lavender Farm - South Australian Tourism Commission
Spring in Kangaroo Island is a true escape for nature lovers. Wildflowers dot the landscape, the days stretch out longer (and warmer), and the island has its own share of world-class wineries with budding vines for a relaxed atmosphere.
Image Credit: SeaLink Ferry - @a.simple.meandering
Reaching Kangaroo Island is as simple as a scenic ferry ride, which typically takes less than an hour, as you watch the mainland fade into the distance and Kangaroo Island come into the foreground. Then, it’s time for your adventures to begin.
Image Credit: Remarkable Rocks - Kristy Billing @gypsyandherwild
If you’re the kind of traveller who loves nothing more than getting active in the great outdoors, then Flinders Chase National Park should be the first stop on your trip. This is where you’ll find some of Kangaroo Island’s most famous markers, like the Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch, and the Cape de Couedic Lighthouse (a World Heritage site). The national park has multiple walking trails, and you can drive or mountain bike from place to place along the marked roads.
Image Credit: Seal Bay Conservation Park - Chris Bray
The national park – and Kangaroo Island as a whole – is also a great spot for animal encounters in the wild. You could spot a kangaroo munching on some grass, an echidna inching along the path, a sea lion resting on the shore at Seal Bay Conservation Park, or a koala sleeping in the trees. From winter through to late October, you may even spot whales off the rugged coastline.
Image Credit: Clifford's Honey Farm - Meaghan Coles
In between your adventures, there are many highlights to add to your itinerary, like Clifford’s Honey Farm, Emu Bay Lavender, and a visit to Kingscote. If you want more time in the outdoors, Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action offers guided quad bike tours and kayak hire.
Stay here: Discovery Parks - Kangaroo Island, Kangaroo Island Cabins
… silo and street art: The Yorke Peninsula.
Image Credit: Cape Spencer Lighthouse, Yorke Peninsula - Megan Crabb
Have you ever heard of the Yorke Peninsula? If not, oh boy, let us introduce you! This coastal adventure playground is home to so many treasures, like bushwalking trails in Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, touches of history (especially in Moonta), and even pink lakes along the Yorke Peninsula Salt Lake Trail.
Image Credit: Cowell - Frame; Artist Austin'!NITSUA' Moncrieff
Even better, the area is full of street art, murals, galleries, and painted silos. If the rise of silo art around Australia has inspired you to get on the road, then make the Yorke Peninsula your next target. Stretching all around the peninsula into towns like Ardrossan, Stansbury, Edithburgh, Moonta, Wallaroo, and Bute, the Yorke Peninsula Art Trail is a showcase of local and global artists who’ve captured the spirit of the region with colour and creativity. Highlights include the super-sized Bute Silo, Kadina Water Tower, and Port Vincent Water Tower.
Stay here: Stansbury Caravan Park, Edithburgh Caravan Park, Ardrossan Caravan Park, Wallaroo Holiday Park, Wallaroo Beachfront Tourist Park, Port Broughton Tourist Park
Image Credit: Tumby Bay - Joanna Rogers
If you just can’t get enough and want to keep ticking off more locations on the silo art trail, extend your trip into the Eyre Peninsula—home of good food and good times. Keep your compass pointed towards Port Lincoln and the street art town of Tumby Bay, which is decorated with murals and also has its own silo art towers.
Stay here: Tumby Bay Caravan Park, Port Lincoln Tourist Park
… fishing and total riverside relaxation: the Riverland.
Image Credit: Lake Bonney - Ben Goode
R&R stands for Riverland and Relaxation, right?
Image Credit: 23rd Street Distillery - South Australian Tourism Commission
Seriously, South Australia’s Riverland is an A-grade spring destination. When you want a lazy lunch or refreshing drink, head to any of the cellar doors in the Riverland Wine Region or 23rd Street Distillery. To spend a fun day out with the kids, go to Monash Adventure Park or get a photo in front of the Big Orange. Craving your share of thrills? Check out Loveday 4x4 Adventures. If you want to go hiking, Martin Bend Wetland and Murray River National Park are the places to be.
Image Credit: Lake Bonney - South Australian Tourism Commission/Adam Bruzzone
At the end of the day, it’s all about the river, and there’s no better way to switch off than by settling in beside the banks from sunrise to sunset. When the sun is shining bright and you want to cool off, go swimming, enjoy your favourite water activities, or kayak between the tree stalks of Lake Bonney.
Image Credit: Discovery Parks - Renmark Riverfront
The Riverland is also a 10/10 fishing location. Callop is a common catch around these parts, along with catfish, redfin, and trout—and from October onwards, the Murray River yabby is a local delicacy. Besides, what could be more relaxing than grabbing a camping chair or picnic mat, finding a scenic spot by the water, and watching the sunset turn into a starry sky?
Stay here: Discovery Parks - Lake Bonney, Discovery Parks - Renmark Riverfront
Inspired to experience South Australia this spring?
Image Credit: The Arkaba Walk, Flinders Ranges & Outback - Great Walks of Australia
We’ve got good news for you: it couldn't be easier to book your next holiday. First, download the G’day Parks app or visit our website. Second, use our handy search filters to identify the type of getaway you’re after. Three, pick your chosen park and accommodation option, and proceed to booking.
Wait, we forgot the fourth step—getting super-duper excited as you count down the days until your next trip!
