Best Winter Holiday Destinations in South Australia

South Australia is bursting with holiday spots for winter, offering up just as many delights as it does in summer. With stretching wine regions and moody beaches to aimlessly stroll down, topped off with comfortable country town pubs complete with a roaring fire to settle down in front of, you'll be inspired by our favourite winter holiday destinations in South Australia.

Adelaide Hills

A short 20-minute drive out of Adelaide CBD can feel a hundred kilometres away when you begin the ascend into the gorgeous Adelaide Hills. Explore the unique delights in the German town of Hahndorf, treating yourself to a cheese fondue at Udder Delights while you’re there and catch the Winter Reds Weekend held the last weekend in July each year for a glass or two of local reds. Check out Adelaide Hills Retreats and Ode to the Orchard for your dream cosy stay, or take yourself off the grid with a tiny CABN.

Kangaroo Island

All aboard the SeaLink to spend some cool, bright days on the one and only Kangaroo Island. Take the time to wander the many bushwalking trails through conservation parks and keep an eye out for the natural spectacular of blue whales, humpbacks, sealions and bottle-nosed dolphins across various spots on the 155km long island. Stop off at KIS Distillery for a gin tasting, or Dudley Wines for a cellar door on the clifftops. Find accommodation like no other with Hamilton and Dune, the luxurious secluded Stowaway or Headland Lodge with unforgettable views across Kangaroo Beach.

Flinders Ranges

If you want a winter voyage where the weather is in the balmy (low) double-digits for the perfect trekking temperament, head to the Flinders Ranges. Spectacular sunrises welcome you into your day with sunsets to match, and increased rain allows nature and wildlife to make a grand appearance. Keep an eye out for wallabies, dingoes and western grey kangaroos. Book a stay at the Arkaba Conservancy for a decadent outback experience and explore everything from air safaris to culinary adventures.

Eyre Peninsula

The Eyre Peninsula is known for its sensational seafood, nature and beautiful scenery in the summer, but did you know that it’s just as alive in winter? This is the perfect time for whale watching, spotting great white sharks, and for those brave enough to get in the winter waters (in a thick wetsuit of course), swim with the wonderfully weird giant cuttlefish that head to Whyalla.

Your luxury accommodation needs are met with the intimate Tanonga eco lodges; Ridge providing 360° panoramic views all the way to Boston Bay and beyond and the intimate ‘nurtured by nature’ Valley site. 

McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Peninsula

One of South Australia’s favourite wine regions continues to be a top holiday location throughout the chilly winter season, offering cosy days warming up in front of the fireplace, sipping your way through a tasting or two in cellar doors. Head to Currant Shed for gourmet eats with a glowing atmosphere, or perhaps the famed d’Arenberg Cube for wine mixing and art from Salvador Dali. Escape from everything by booking a stay at the luxurious pod Esca. Called Nest & Nature, it's the perfect winter holiday destination in South Australia. 

Barossa Valley

Head up to the South Australian home of red wine and spend a few days in the Barossa Valley, following the Shiraz Trail to victory. Wander through the locals' favourite Barossa Farmers Market to pick up produce, learn Italian cooking with Casa Carboni followed by a drink or two at their fabulous wine bar, or tuck in to The Eatery’s 5+ course FEAST menu for an experience like no other. Stay at the compact and lavish The Villas Barossa or The Louise for a night of extravagance.

Clare Valley

Go slightly further afield to the beautiful Clare Valley, known for its Riesling and scenic surroundings. Travel down all 30+km of the Riesling Trail, stopping off at one of the 30+ cellar doors while you do it, drink and dine at Watervale Hotel for a farm feast, wine flight or cooking classes, and savour the dishes served up by the winners of Best Country Dining in South Australia four years in a row - Sevenhill Hotel. Tuck up for the night, glamping style, in one of Bukirk’s bell-tents and fancy Coops to get that outdoorsy feel without losing luxury amenities.

Limestone Coast

Take the long road down spectacular coastline, enjoying the many offerings of the Limestone Coast along on the way. You'll start in the nature-packed Coorong, then head to the delightful coastal wine region Robe, continuing all the way down to the natural wonders of Mount Gambier. Each stop offers top quality food and drink such as Pipers of Penola, cultural offerings from South Australia’s newest winter festival Illuminate Adelaide and the famous sink holes in Mount Gambier.

Discover more Australian destinations to check out, any season of the year, some of Adelaide’s top gourmet getaways for a luxurious foodie holiday, and the perfect pub with a fireplace to cosy up in.