8 Best Towns In South Australia For A Two-Day Recharge
When stress is wearing you down, nothing helps restore your zest for life better than a change of scenery. Whether you are seeking a peaceful destination to reconnect with nature, inspiration from local culture and art, or are open to new experiences, South Australia offers restful destinations from the tranquil coastline to scenic rivers and valleys, and lush green wine country to pastoral farmland. Here are eight of the best towns in South Australia for a two-day recharge.
Port Lincoln
If you are open to a short flight, Port Lincoln happens to have the busiest regional airport in South Australia. The town sits at the southern tip of the Eyre Peninsula on Boston Bay. The retro vibe at Shaen Street Motel sets the laid-back tone for your Port Lincoln recharge. The restored 1964 motel’s mid-century-chic rooms and on-site brunch café are within walking distance of the ocean and downtown.
Hire a ride-share to Teakle Wines Cellar Door, just six minutes from the motel. Spend your first afternoon overlooking Boston Bay and Port Lincoln, sampling the distinct flavours produced by the local terroir. Prebook a table for dinner at their renowned Line & Label restaurant, where Asian flavours and local produce have earned six consecutive AGFG Chef Hats.
On Day 2, the motel’s café garden patio is an inviting space to start your morning, enjoying a satisfying menu of breakfast delights and coffee before hitting the first stop on the Port Lincoln Museum Trail site. Stroll down to the Axel Stenross Maritime Museum to explore the original living quarters and workshops of the Finnish ship's carpenter at an operating slipway. While following the trail to the Old Mill Cottage, stop at the Old Mill stone tower and climb the steps to take in the views of the town and Boston Bay. Finish your two-day sojourn at the award-winning Fresh Fish Place for what is likely the GOAT fish and chips of your life.
Victor Harbor
Victor Harbor is located on the southern coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula, just 80 kilometres from Adelaide. Book a stay at the town fixture, Hotel Victor, overlooking Encounter Bay and Granite Island, where comfortable rooms and on-site dining and drinks are steps from the water.
Unpack your bags and walk over to the legendary Victor Harbor Tramway to travel to Granite Island via a historic Clydesdale horse-drawn tram. The popular ecological attraction features unusual granite formations and distinct local flora and fauna. Follow the Kaiki walking trail to take in the views and spot dolphins, penguins, leafy sea dragons, and seals. From May to October, you can also spot migrating southern right whales and humpback whales.
Whether you are in the mood for surf or turf, the hotel’s menu will hit the mark. Take an evening stroll along the water before tucking yourself in for a good night’s sleep.
In the morning, Found Coffee House is an eclectic spot for coffee, good eats, and a unique shopping experience in their vintage boutique. Follow the self-guided Victor Harbor Art Trail to explore the diverse collection of murals, sculptures, mosaics, and installations inspired by the intriguing mix of local maritime, Ngarrindjeri, and Ramindjeri cultures.
Finish your recharge with a seaside lunch at The Larder Kitchen to sample modern Australian cuisine paired with innovative cocktails and a selection of local wines. Feel the stress slip away as you look out at Granite Island with fond memories of your two-day stay.
Goolwa
Goolwa is located near the mouth of the Murray River on Lake Alexandrina. The historic port town sits on the Fleurieu Peninsula offering an easy drive from Adelaide to the suites at charming Rose Eden House. The former home of Goolwa’s first primary school headmaster was built in 1876. The self-contained suites include a well-provisioned kitchen for breakfast and use of the beautifully maintained gardens, shaded porches, and swimming pool. Hop aboard the Spirit of the Coorong at the town wharf for a 90-minute Murray Mouth Cruise. Enjoy unmatched views of the Coorong region’s tranquil beauty from the vessel’s upper deck while learning about the area’s history along the final stretch of the Murray River.
Return to shore and walk over to the Fleurieu Distillery’s historic cellar door. Housed in a railway goods shed home, the distillery sits among fully operational steam trains and an authentic paddle steamer where visitors sample award-winning single malts. After your drinks, dine on the chef-crafted modern Australian menu inspired by European family recipes at Hector’s with scenic views of the flowing river. Walk back to Rose Eden along the water before turning in for the night.
In the morning, prepare your complimentary breakfast and relax on the porch with a cuppa. Head back to the wharf to the Signal Point Experience Centre, where local history and creative works engage you in regional works, exhibitions, and the stories of Ngarrindjeri and European history at the Yuntulun Ku:li-war exhibition.
Robe
Robe is a historic coastal village on the southern shore of Guichen Bay. The scenic drive from Adelaide will get you to town in time for lunch at the Robe Hotel. The hotel is one of the oldest pubs in the region, serving fresh Limestone Coast seafood and locally farmed produce with a selection of South Australian wines and local craft beers. The charming hotel's shaded porches, welcoming back patio, and humble but cosy suite are the perfect oceanside base for your getaway.
After lunch, pack up your beach gear and walk over to Long Beach, and let the sounds of the gentle surf lull you into a state of relaxation. Take a swim in the aquamarine water and soak up the tranquil views. After a refreshing shower back at the hotel, don some comfy clothes and walk to Woodsoak Wine’s cellar door. The boutique winery’s quirky beachside vibe is pure Robe, where you can sip wine in their sunny courtyard or sidle up to their vintage cocktail caravan. Wander through the town before heading back to the hotel for dinner and a well-earned sleep.
Enjoy your morning cup of coffee and ocean views from the hotel’s terrace before a morning swim. Follow the beachfront trail to the Robe Obelisk to admire the rugged coastline from the point of Cape Dombey. Before your drive home, treat yourself to fresh-caught fish and chips at Robe Seafood and Takeaway at the popular main street shop.
Mount Barker
Although Mount Barker is just 29 minutes from Adelaide, a night’s stay provides more time to explore the area. This is a destination for cultural indulgence where you can treat all five senses to unique experiences. Grandview Accommodations’ Hideaway Huts are settler-style timber huts in the sheltered acreage of a cattle and sheep farm. The private verandahs offer views of the pastoral landscape and exclusive amenities, including barbecues and outdoor bathtubs. You can prepare your own meals in the beautifully designed modern kitchen or venture into town.
Buy tickets for a renowned evening concert and dinner at Ukaria for an inspired musical performance. The unique venue is an architectural triumph set in breathtaking natural surroundings, where select concert events include a unique dining experience. The stage is set against a massive glass wall overlooking the awesome beauty of the surrounding landscape.
For the perfect pre-concert activity, drive to the Mount Barker Summit for a feast for the eyes, taking in the majesty of mountains, lakes, and valleys. Then head to Ngeringa Biodynamic Vineyards & Farm to sample award-winning wines and shared plates made with produce from their garden. Sink into a soothing bath under the stars before nestling into your luxury king-sized bed. After a few hours reading, relaxing, or lazing on the verandah in the morning, drive to 1000 Reasons Café for picnic-style dining overlooking a 32-acre working farm. Their flame-cooked, Aussie-bush-inspired dishes are made with farm-grown, seasonal ingredients for a one-of-a-kind meal.
Berri
Berri is situated on the Murray River and is under three hours from Adelaide. The Berri Hotel’s riverside villas offer king-sized bedrooms, modern loungerooms, and kitchenettes with private balcony views. The award-winning Bistro offers waterfront dining with a mix of classic pub fare and a selection of chef-crafted specialties.
Stroll along the Berri Riverfront Walk to enjoy a string of outdoor monuments and art, starting at the Berri Bridge. Admire the restored mural depicting local Aboriginal heritage, the metal cutout sculpture featuring the original work, and the circle of totem poles. Visit the monument marking the spot Captain Charles Sturt passed in 1830 and the Post World War II Veterans’ Memorial. The "Special Place" monument honours famed backtracker Jimmy James of the Pitjantjatjara people. Lovely gardens, shady trees, and well-placed benches offer quiet places to stop along the way.
919 Wines’ friendly family-owned boutique winery offers award-winning small-batch wines. Picnic lunches are encouraged, and many visitors pre-order pizza from the Lavender Café to pick up on the way. Order a scoop of the winery’s LIPS ice cream to enjoy on the drive back to the hotel. Imbibe in poolside drinks before dinner at the bistro and have a glass of wine on your balcony before settling in for the night.
Take a peaceful kayak tour watching the sunrise along creeks, rivers, and wetland lakes under the glow of the early morning light. Stop at the cliffs for a warm cuppa, explore the bird-filled wetlands, and take a shuttle back to your hotel.
Willunga
Willunga is a quaint country town just 45 kilometres south of Adelaide. This two-day recharge is all about flavourful moments. Start with a visit to the Willunga Farmers’ Market for seasonal foods that tickle your fancy and something yummy for lunch. Stroll downtown to Hither & Yon cellar door to sample their seasonal selection of wines and grab a coffee from Willa Coffee Shop. Stop into Ellis Butchers to pick up some premium steaks and bring your locally sourced groceries to your luxury cottage at Shadow Creek Winery.
Settle into your private deck with a glass of complimentary wine from your well-stocked wine fridge, reflect on the uninterrupted vineyard views, and nibble on your complimentary artisanal charcuterie board. Visit the Shadow Creek cellar door to sample small-batch wines above Turraparri Creek, listening to the birds in the ancient gums.
Saunter back to your luxe accommodations to grill your premium steaks and market-fresh finds and tuck into your dinner, enjoying the serenity and beauty of your surroundings. After your meal, enjoy the art of doing nothing, sipping your wine in perfect silence. Slip between the fine linen sheets in your king-size bed and fall into a restorative sleep.
Take a morning bath in your deep tub with pampering toiletries. Prepare breakfast in your modern, private kitchen with the winery-provided gourmet-level ingredients, including free-range eggs, Adelaide Hills bacon, fresh bread, Fleurieu Milk Company milk and yoghurt, quality cereal, and seasonal fruit. Head home completely content after your two-day foodie adventure.
Macclesfield
Macclesfield is a small community in the Adelaide Hills region, just 45 minutes from Adelaide. The diverse area includes bushland, vineyards, and farmland, connected by the Angas River.
Longview Vineyard is the ideal stay for your two-day recharge, offering a trifecta of pleasure with superior wine tastings, elevated accommodations, and a pampering day spa. Their elite Vineyard Suites include relaxing balconies overlooking the vineyard, comfortable king-size bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, and kitchenettes stocked with full breakfast provisions.
The iconic Jurlique Farm is just 17 minutes from the winery, where their biodynamic farm tours allow you to discover the restorative plants behind their holistic beauty care products. Book a sensorial spa treatment to rejuvenate your mind and body and achieve the trademark glow of their botanical-powered facial treatments.
Fully relaxed, return to Longview’s tasting room for your pre-booked wine tasting carefully paired with seasonal, locally sourced dishes on their lunch and antipasti menu. Relax in your suite before heading for dinner at the oldest pub in the Adelaide Hills. Three Brothers Arms’ wood-oven pizzas are said to be the tastiest in the hills, but they also offer restaurant-quality vegetarian dishes alongside hearty pub fare. On a pleasant evening, their Beer Garden feels like a party at a close friend’s backyard. Live music, green lawns, and expansive views of the Angas River enhance the warm, friendly atmosphere. Turn in for the night and take advantage of your well-stocked fridge for breakfast. Complete your two-day recharge with an indulgent massage at the spa.
These idyllic locations from the Fleurieu Peninsula to the Adelaide Hills and Guichen and Boston Bays to the Murray River offer high-end accommodations designed to help you unwind. You can delight in elevated wine and dining experiences, discover galleries and community art installations, explore the beauty of South Australia’s natural surroundings, or simply relax and do nothing. Regardless of your interests, these eight best towns in South Australia for a two-day recharge will positively tip the scales of your life-work balance.
