South Australia's 8 Most Laid-Back Towns
There is nothing rushed about the towns that beautify the South Australian landscape. Robe is a surfer’s haven with a mellow vibe year-round. Penola is all about wine tastings and enjoying the pure country charm. Goolwa is the place to be for paddle steamer rides or for relaxing by the water in Coorong National Park. The following small towns are the most laid-back in SA, where the biggest decision of the day is whether to get a pub lunch or a bakery pie.
Robe
The best way to start the day in Robe is to head to Long Beach to swim and paddleboard. Afterward, a walk up the Robe Coastal Trail will open up to the views of the Limestone Coast. The path starts at the esplanade or the marina and is well-marked. People tend to get hungry after their walk, so Main Street should be the next stop for pizza or fish and chips. Sails at Robe offers mouthwatering locally caught seafood and steak tartare. Black Swan is a tapas bar with excellent cocktails. A couple of hours after eating, visitors can make their way back to the beach to try out the surfing waves or swim out to the pontoon at Town Beach.
Coffin Bay
The laid-back vibes continue in Coffin Bay, a long way up the coast. Here, visitors can indulge in oysters on an oyster farm tour before heading to Coffin Bay National Park. The park is ideal for a day out in nature with its sand dunes, beaches, and limestone cliffs. There are several hiking trails, including the Yangie Bay Walk, which offers views of the water and the bush. The beaches around town are great for surf fishing, with many people trying to catch gummy sharks. There are also lots of animals to see in the water and on land, including dolphins, kangaroos, goannas, and emus. Those who want to end a lovely, relaxing day along the water can pack a picnic dinner and enjoy it on either Almonta Beach or Long Beach.
Penola
Penola sits smack in the center of the Coonawarra wine region, so it is the perfect destination for wine tastings. The Alexander Cameron Suites, located on Church Street, is a great base for exploring the nearby wineries. Plus, the Coonawarra wine strip is around eight minutes from Penola, where visitors will find excellent locally produced Cabernet Sauvignon. Nature lovers will relish the opportunity to visit Penola Conservation Park to see herons and ibis in their natural habitat. Visitors have also reported seeing wallabies and kangaroos throughout the park. Other laid-back activities in this country town include visiting the oldest residential area of the town to see Petticoat Lane and its historic stone and timber cottages. Visitors can also stop by the Red Shack Cafe on Church Street for unique lunch options prepared by a Michelin-trained chef.
Melrose
The mountain town of Melrose is not only easygoing, but it is also the oldest town in the Flinders Ranges. It is a gateway to Mount Remarkable National Park, where people can hang out all day exploring the gorges and enjoying the mountain views. Those who want to hike can take the summit trail up Mount Remarkable to marvel at the views from the top. In the town itself, visitors can relax at two country pubs or stop by Jacka Brothers Brewery. Melrose offers a Historical Walk that highlights the historic buildings, and the Melrose Heritage Museum tells the story of how Melrose continued to thrive over the years. There is a lot to see at the museum, including the original buildings where the police station, jail, and courthouse once operated. The museum also houses several interpretive and audiovisual displays that dig deep into the history of Melrose.
Port Elliot
Relaxation is the order of the day in pretty Port Elliot, just an hour from Adelaide. The first thing to do here is to stop by the Port Elliot Bakery, operating in a building built in the 1860s. After enjoying a delicious bakery snack, visitors can take a walk down to Port Elliot Beach. Horseshoe Bay is a sheltered beach suited to swimming and paddling, while nearby Boomer Beach is known for its powerful surf. The nearby Crockery Bay features magnificent rockpools filled with colorful sea life. And, when the sun starts to set, people can head over to the balcony of YHA Port Elliot to see the last rays setting fire to Horseshoe Bay.
Goolwa
It is hard to decide where to go first in Goolwa, since every attraction is simply stunning. The historic Goolwa Wharf is the starting point for a cruise on the vintage PS Oscar W. The paddle steamer travels along the Murray River, giving passengers the chance to see the landscape from a different angle. Goolwa also boasts the lovely Goolwa Beach, where swimming is allowed. Not far from town is the Coorong National Park, which is centered around a 140-kilometer saline lagoon. Here, there are walking trails and waterways galore for hiking and kayaking. People can camp out on both sides of the lagoon and spend a couple of days exploring the sand dunes and learning more about the local Ngarrindjeri people.
Quorn
Quorn is a quiet town in the Flinders Ranges where visitors can ride the Pichi Richi Railway, which travels along part of the original railway line that stretches to Port Augusta. The ride is incredibly scenic with views of the hills and mountains. Some of the peaks include Mount Brown and Devil’s Peak. Visitors can follow up a train ride with a leisurely walk through town. The Heritage Walk passes several historic buildings, including the former Salvation Army building. All in all, there are around 30 sites to see, which is all the more reason to stay a while longer. The Quorn Native Flora Reserve is located on a hill overlooking the town and is one of the best places to explore during spring when the flowers are in bloom. Those in the mood for something a little different can head back to the railway station to see the Quorn Silo Light Show.
Streaky Bay
The art of relaxation comes full circle in Streaky Bay on the western side of the Eyre Peninsula. One of the first things to do is to take the Westall Way Loop to see the cliffs, beaches, and other natural wonders south of the bay. Some of the highlights include the rock pools at Smooth Pool and the waves crashing against the High Cliffs. In Streaky Bay itself, visitors can take in the sights and exhibitions at the Streaky Bay National Trust Museum and the Powerhouse Museum. The Trust Museum features everything from bird eggs to antiques, while the Powerhouse displays more than 400 restored engines. Visitors who want to spend some time swimming can head to Doctors Beach, where the shallow water is safe for kids and popular for families.
The small, laid-back towns in South Australia are the antidote to the rush of modern life. There is no need to hurry when you get to any of these towns. Simply sit back on the train, at the beach, or in a coffee shop and enjoy the sights and sounds. There is fishing to do, pastries to eat, and sunsets to watch, so all you need to do is find a comfortable spot, kick off your shoes, and relax.
