8 Best South Australia Towns For A Weekend Trip
As the name suggests, South Australia anchors Australia’s southern central heartland between the bone-dry deserts of the Outback and the grand coast of the Great Australian Bight. And though most of the state’s population lives in or around Adelaide, there’s much more to explore beyond the big city. From the rugged peaks and wilderness of the Flinders Ranges to the refined palate of Barossa Valley wine country, South Australia has plenty to suit every taste. And, of course, this state offers a variety of incredible beach towns on the coast.
Whether you’d like to embark on some epic bushwalks, sip a glass of beautifully aged Shiraz, or encounter some wonderfully furry new friends at an island beach, these eight South Australian towns might just be the best options for your next weekend trip.
Coober Pedy
At first glance, Coober Pedy might seem like the typical rough-and-tumble Outback village, but there are plenty of dazzling gems hiding beneath the surface. Yes, really, Coober Pedy is hailed as “Australia’s opal capital” due to the great amount of opals mined here, and you can get a better sense of this town’s mining heritage (and tour an underground mine!) at the Umoona Opal Mine & Museum. For another view of mining life, dig deep into the amazing offerings of the Old Timers Mine, including their on-site opal jewellery store.
If you fancy another kind of precious experience, head out to the Aboriginal-owned Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park to gaze at the colourful “Breakaways” hills and moonscape-like desert plains that animals like red kangaroos, euros, echidnas, and fat-tailed dunnarts call home. Speaking of kangaroos, you can also spot some in town at Josephine’s Gallery, a unique indigenous-owned art gallery that also cares for orphaned kangaroos. Once you’re ready to call it day, spend the night underground at The Underground Motel.
Hawker
This tiny town is part of the Flinders Ranges area, whose landscape is dominated by mountains that have formed over some 600 million years, making this corner of South Australia’s Outback a timelessly beautiful place for exploration and refuge. At the nearby Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, take your pick of easy bushwalk tracks and more challenging hikes to natural landmarks like Bunyeroo Gorge and Malloga Falls. Do the scenic drive around Bunyeroo Valley, and make sure to visit the park’s crown jewel of Wilpena Pound (also known by its Adnyamathanha name of Ikara) to feast your eyes on the massive natural amphitheatre that has inspired Australian artists for generations.
If you crave even more wild and unfettered Outback adventures, do the Arkaba Walk for an intimate small-group hike through pristine wilderness with expert guides, freshly prepared gourmet meals, and even South Australian wines and premium camping amenities. Or, if you can use some more creature comforts, stay at Arkaba’s homestead and enjoy a vintage 1850s ranch that’s not only been preserved but upgraded with luxurious furnishings and finishes.
Coonawarra
Located right by the Victoria state line, Coonawarra may be the ideal gateway to South Australia’s wine country. If you’re traveling with a designated driver, do an epic scenic tour around the area’s fine wineries, including the storybook-like grounds and highly regarded Cabernet Sauvignons of Rymill Coonawarra, the cool cutting-edge wines at Patrick of Coonawarra, and the world-class Shirazes and Rieslings of Majella Wines. Or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, grab a bike and ride the Coonawarra Rail Trail for the 19-kilometre-long journey alongside lovely vineyards.
If you’d like to pair some great wine with tasty grub, you’re in luck, as Coonawarra also has restaurants like Ottelia (at Ottelia’s vineyard) and Upstairs at Hollick that give a whole new meaning to “wine-and-dine.” And for an even more immersive wine country experience, book a Menzies Vineyard Retreat at Yalumba’s winery and vineyard to wake up right by the vines that grow some of the region’s fine Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.
Tanunda
Nestled in the heart of the Barossa Valley, Tanunda is at the centre of perhaps Australia’s most beloved wine country regions. For some old vines and old-school Barossa hospitality, go to Rockford Wines to sample varietals and wander the grounds adorned with buildings erected by German settlers in the 19th century, and check out Langmeil Winery to see where the very first wine grapes were harvested in 1843 (and where some great Shiraz wines continue to be made).
If you prefer a fresher take on local viticulture, pop over to the Brothers at War cellar door for fun and funky “sibling rivalry” themed wine tastings, and mosey on down to Underground Barossa for new, crafty wines made by the sixth-generation Barossa winemaker Trent Burge. And for something extra special, treat yourself to a luxurious stay at The Louise, a boutique lodge resort with European-style elegance, spacious suites, and the top-notch Appellation restaurant.
Hahndorf
Hahndorf may only be about 27 kilometres (or 16 miles) southeast of Adelaide, yet this German village looks and feels a world away. Settled by German Lutheran migrants in 1839, Hahndorf has always kept its own Old World vibes, and you can experience this heritage in town at the Hahndorf Academy with its museum exhibits and its gallery featuring works by contemporary local artists. In addition, you can tour the Commonwealth’s oldest surviving art studio and a lovely 1922 vintage chalet at The Cedars at Hahndorf. And for some delectable local history, stop at Wolf Blass Gallery & Wine Museum to understand how the Adelaide Hills has since grown into a reputable wine country region. (And yes, they also have a wine bar on site!)
At the edge of town, everything comes together at Hahndorf Hill, a boutique winery that specialises in the Austrian-style varietals of Gruner Veltliner, Blaufrankisch, and Zweigelt, and this winery now offers the ChocoVino experience that pairs its own world-class wines with top-notch chocolates made with Australian-grown cacao. Back in town, check into the Oak Tree Cottages to relax and kick back in apartment-style cottages offering maximum privacy and home-style comfort.
Robe
Perched on the Limestone Coast of the south east of South Australia, Robe is a gorgeous coastal town with a wide selection of otherworldly scenic beaches. If you wonder where to begin, take the Robe Coastal Walk from the main village to reach the remains of the Old Gaol that opened in 1861 and closed in 1881 after a series of prison breaks, and continue on to the Robe Obelisk that was built in 1855 to be a “day guide” for ships to reach shore. While doing the walk, feel free to stop at the lovely Glass Beach that’s known for its marvelous sea glass, and stroll by the boggy shores of West Beach and the uniquely shaped Robe Lighthouse. Or, going in the other direction, stop for a swim and easy sand play at the family-friendly shores of Karatta Beach and Town Beach.
A little farther east, you will reach Long Beach, a 12-kilometre long expanse of white sand that opens up to aquamarine water that’s ideal for swimming and surfing. Turning south, there’s plenty more to experience at Little Dip Conservation Park, a great expanse of wilderness that includes pristine beaches like Long Gully Beach and Little Dip Beach, along with Lake Eliza and Freshwater Lake inland. Whenever you’re done exploring, head back to town and check into the Robe House to stay in a historic 1847 house that’s now a charming bed-and-breakfast.
Penneshaw
Between Gulf St. Vincent and the Great Australian Bight sits Kangaroo Island, and the town of Penneshaw is the ideal launchpad for all sorts of incredible island adventures. To learn more about the town’s and the island’s backstory, go to the Penneshaw Maritime and Folk Museum to tour a vintage 1869 schoolhouse that now houses a treasure trove of photos and archives documenting local life out here. Outside, stroll through the Penneshaw War Memorial Park, notice the monuments dedicated to Australian troops who died in service during World War I and World War II, and look out to sea to spot some dolphins swimming nearby. Then, on the other side of the ferry terminal, make your way down to the soft white sand and turquoise water of Penneshaw Beach.
If you’re coming to Kangaroo Island in hopes of seeing some of these namesake marsupials out in the wild, head east to Baudin Conservation Park to do some bushwalking and spot some kangaroos, wallabies, cockatoos, and other native animals out and about. Farther east, you will find some truly splendid beaches and coastal wilderness worth exploring at Lashmar Conservation Park and Cape Willoughby Conservation Park, the latter of which has South Australia’s oldest operating lighthouse (since 1852). Once you’re ready to return to town, kick back and enjoy your stay at Seafront Kangaroo Island, a hotel and holiday park that can also take care of SeaLink Ferry bookings, car rentals, e-bike loans, and nearly everything else you need for the perfect Kangaroo Island weekend.
Coffin Bay
Near the southern end of the Eyre Peninsula sits Coffin Bay, a town that comes to life with picturesque beaches and perhaps the world’s best seafood. Right by town is Coffin Bay National Park, a remarkable collection of pristine beaches, from the long stretches of soft white sand at Gunyah and Almonta Beaches at the south end, to the more secluded turquoise waters at Sensation Beach, Mullalong Beach, and Morgans Landing at the north end. (Mullalong is also a prime surfing beach, and Gunyah is great for surf fishing.)
Over the years, Coffin Bay has become famous for its beautiful beaches, and it’s gained a reputation for its top-shelf oysters. You can do a tour with the aptly named Experience Coffin Bay to tour a working oyster farm and wade in the water where these oysters are harvested. Or, if you simply want to taste for yourself why Coffin Bay oysters get such rave reviews, head to 1802 Oyster Bar and Oyster HQ for the freshest locally caught oysters. Then, make your way up to Almonta Park Lodge for a luxe and cozy vacation home sporting panoramic coastal views.
In South Australia, A Weekend Gone South Never Sounded Better
No matter what you’re hoping to see and do for a weekend trip, South Australia has you covered. If you crave epic excursions, go to the Outback and wander the ruggedly beautiful desert wilderness of Coober Pedy and the great mountains of the Flinders Ranges. Or, if you fancy a more refined and relaxed getaway, indulge in a great wine country escape to Coonawarra or Tanunda. And for out-of-this-world beaches, it’s hard to beat the magnificent white sand and sparkling blue waters of Coffin Bay. Whatever you need for the perfect weekend, these South Australia towns deserve to rise to the top of your to-go list.
