Cosy Escapes: The Best Winter Holidays in South Australia

South Australia is an underrated travel destination, no matter the season. Beyond the endless stretches of beautiful beaches that buzz with life in summer, it’s filled with dreamy destinations, world-famous wine regions and small towns that make the perfect escape in the cooler months, offering plenty of winter charm wrapped in cosy delights.

Our guide to the best winter holidays in South Australia will have you booking a trip in no time. From discovering heritage-listed beauty, walking along main streets filled with character, settling into pubs complete with roaring fireplaces for a glass of local wine and spending the evening in a picture-perfect home away from home, the state takes on a new persona as the temperature drops. So, pack your warmest coat and fluffiest socks and get ready to discover South Australia in all its winter glory.

Adelaide Hills

Encased in the lush embrace of the Mount Lofty Ranges, just a swift 20-minute drive from Adelaide’s CBD, the Adelaide Hills is a region that shines brightest in winter. A place where time slows, every turn reveals something special, cool-climate wines flow freely from intimate cellar doors, and farm-to-table dining thrives in century-old stone cottages.

Savour a warming cup of coffee at Fourth Hill Providore and explore the unique Bavarian delights in the German town of Hahndorf. Treat yourself to a cheese tasting or wine flight at Grunthel Brew, or linger longer for a meal at The Lane Vineyard or Sidewood Estate. Time it right to catch the masterclasses, talks and tastings over Winter Reds Weekend on the last weekend in July each year, and, on a selected Sunday of each month, check out the artisan wares and produce at the Stirling Market.

Rug up and stroll through the Mount Lofty Botanic Garden to enjoy the colours of the leaves as they change from green to vibrant red, and pop into Uraidla Bakery for a wholesome bite. Of course, no Hills sojourn is complete without a visit to Bird in Hand, where heritage vines, sparkling wines, and the estate’s towering dual blue silos paint a picture of rustic luxury.

Where to Stay:

Check out the beautifully restored farmhouse at Mylor Farm or the quiet luxury at Ode to the Orchard for a dreamy and cosy stay, or take yourself completely off-grid with a tiny CABN. The chilly mornings make it a perfect time to visit, offering a great excuse to get the fireplace cracking as you take in the lush and peaceful surroundings of the Hills.

Check out our guide to the Adelaide Hills here.

Kangaroo Island

Perfect for nature enthusiasts, Kangaroo Island invites visitors to slow down and embrace its natural beauty. Pack the car and take your time as you wander the bushwalking trails throughout the island and in conservation parks, keep an eye out for whales, sea lions and bottle-nosed dolphins across the 155km long island, dine on locally sourced fare and pop into relaxed cellar doors for a drink with a view.

Home to some of the most incredible views and formations of Kangaroo Island, such as the Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch, Flinders Chase National Park is a magnificent national park covering more than 326 square kilometres, where you will likely encounter kangaroos, sea lions, koalas, plenty of bird life and breathtaking viewpoints, and a drive along Emu Bay Beach is a quintessential KI experience.

The food and wine are hyper-local, every bite an homage to South Australia’s unique bounty. Start your day at Millie Mae’s Pantry, stop off at KI Spirits or Bay of Shoals Wines for a tasting and stop for pizza and a platter at Dudley Wines – a cellar door perched on the clifftop overlooking mainland Australia. Make time to visit Emu Bay Lavender Farm and Clifford’s Honey Farm to pick up some gorgeous KI produce.

Where To Stay

Find accommodation like no other at the stunning Hamilton and Dune, the secluded Stowaway, the boutique, eco-friendly Ecopia Retreat or the striking One Kangaroo Island. All boast luxurious touches and views so stunning you’ll momentarily forget about the winter chill.

Check out our guide to Kangaroo Island here.

Flinders Ranges

If you want a winter voyage where the cool weather makes for the perfect trekking temperament, spectacular sunrises and striking sunsets bookend your days of exploration, and increased rain allows nature and wildlife to make a grand appearance, head 5-6 hours north of Adelaide to discover the rugged outback and raw beauty of the Flinders Ranges.

With stunning national parks, breathtaking scenery, private flights over magnificent canyons, amazing single or multi-day hikes and unique places to camp and stay, there are photo ops and moments of stillness within every adventure. You’ll want to keep an eye out for wallabies, dingos, reptiles, bird life and western grey kangaroos, too!

Where To Stay

Book a couple of nights at the Arkaba Conservancy for a unique outback experience where you explore everything from air safaris to culinary adventures, or discover the magic of Wilpena Pound Resort, where guests are invited to dive deeper and step back in time with guided tours from the land’s Traditional Owners, the Adnyamathanha people.

Check out our guide to the Flinders Ranges here.

Port Lincoln & Eyre Peninsula

The Eyre Peninsula is known for its sensational seafood, stunning nature and beautiful scenery, but did you know that it also happens to be a top contender for a winter holiday in South Australia?

While many favour the Yorke Peninsula in the warmer months, Eyre becomes somewhat of a winter wonderland when the temperature (and visitor numbers) drops. It is the perfect time for whale watching, spotting great white sharks from Port Lincoln, and for those brave enough to get in the water (in a thick wetsuit, of course), swim with the wonderfully weird giant cuttlefish that head to Whyalla. Back on solid ground, there are local wineries, artisan producers, the sheltered bays, walking trails and sand dunes of Lincoln National Park and the nearby Coffin Bay – famous for its exquisite oysters – to explore.

Stop by Teakle Wines for a delicious drop in the state-of-the-art cellar door overlooking the winery’s picturesque vineyards with views extending to Boston Bay and Port Lincoln, or head to Jump Ship Brewing for lunch and drinks at a fun and fabulous brew pub, taphouse and restaurant rolled into one.

Where to Stay

Your luxury accommodation needs are met with the intimate Tanonga eco-lodges, providing 360° panoramic views to Boston Bay, and for those who want to make the heart of Port Lincoln their base for an epic holiday, don’t look past the stylish Port Lincoln Hotel. For off-grid perfection, Eyre.Way’s latest addition, Bandari, blends minimalist elegance with eco-conscious design using earthy tones, timber accents, and uninterrupted ocean views. Fully solar-powered, it offers modern comforts while remaining deeply connected to nature.

The newest ultra-luxe offering to hit SA, Rumi on Louth, invites visitors to immerse themselves in nature and discover a world of indulgence, where the line between rugged wilderness and elevated living is blurred. This eco-conscious experience offers an escape from the everyday, found on Louth Island just off the coast of Port Lincoln. The island’s restaurant,  Samphire, showcases the region’s produce, crafted into modern Australian dishes with a notable Mediterranean influence.

Check out our guide to Port Lincoln here.

McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Peninsula

One of South Australia’s favourite wine regions continues to be a top holiday location throughout the chilly winter, and it’s not hard to see why. Picturesque McLaren Vale is just 45 minutes south of Adelaide, where rolling vineyards, world-class wineries, art galleries, and a charming country town feel meet. The gateway to the Epicurean Way Road Trip, McLaren Vale is a haven for wine and food lovers, famed for its award-winning Shiraz, boutique distilleries, craft breweries, and celebrated restaurants.

Work up an appetite on the Coast to Vines Rail Trail. This 37km journey winds through breathtaking landscapes and coastal vistas with cellar doors along the way, inviting you to pause for a glass of something special.  For something less strenuous, the new Flat to Vale Trail is 3.6km long, ideal for families and those on foot, connecting McLaren Vale and McLaren Flat.

Art and wine collide at the d’Arenberg Cube, a five-storey architectural wonder housing a Salvador Dalí sculpture exhibition, immersive tastings, a blending bench and a fine-dining restaurant. Continue the artistic immersion at Red Poles Art Gallery, where Indigenous and South Australian artists shine alongside an on-site restaurant serving local produce led by Andy Fuller. For a meal that lingers in your memory, Coriole Vineyards serves up estate-grown produce that speaks to the provenance of McLaren Vale, paired with rolling vineyard views, while The Salopian Inn is a love letter to seasonal, hyper-local cooking with a cheeky, irreverent spirit.  

Head a little further south to discover the seaside charm of Victor Harbor and Goolwa, and be sure to pop into Port Elliot Bakery for one of their famous pies or donuts… or both!

Where To Stay

Flawlessly embodying the natural beauty of McLaren Vale in an earthy and environmentally friendly space, Rare Earth Retreats draws inspiration from the rich terroir of the wine region. The luxury retreat has been crafted with clay, stone and slate to create a low-impact place that blends with the earth, with neutral tones and lush finishes.

Escape from it all by booking a stay at the luxurious Nest & Nature, it’s the cosy, tiny home you’ve been waiting for, sitting in the serenity of Hindmarsh Valley. If you prefer to be further south, book a night or two at the chic Pago Middleton.

Check out our guide to McLaren Vale here.

Barossa Valley

Head to the South Australian home of red wine and spend a few days in the Barossa Valley, following the Barossa Trail to photo ops and delicious drops. Renowned for its picturesque scenery and bold, deeply-hued reds, the region spans from Gawler to Nuriootpa, with over 80 cellar doors, scenic bike trails and top-tier dining. With beauty as far as the eye can see, it is little wonder that Barossa is the poster child of South Australia.  

Wander through the locals’ favourite Barossa Farmers Market to pick up produce, learn Italian cooking at Casa Carboni, followed by a drink or two at their fabulous wine bar, stock up on kitchen essentials at Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop, or tuck into The Eatery’s five-course feast menu for an experience like no other.

The Barossa’s hospitality is as rich as its vineyards, with some of the country’s most renowned wineries calling this region home. Newcomer Staguni brings a refreshingly bold dining experience within the historic walls of Marananga High School, earning its place alongside Seppeltsfield Wines and St Hugo Wines as a must-visit on any Barossa itinerary.  

Where To Stay

Stay in style at the compact and lavish The Villas Barossa, or go all out and treat yourself at The Louise for a night of extravagance – go on, you deserve it.

Check out our guide to the Barossa Valley here.

Clare Valley

Go further afield and you’ll hit the beautiful Clare Valley, known for its award-winning Riesling and scenic surroundings. It’s baffling that this haven, home to some of Australia’s most celebrated wines, remains largely untouched by the masses. But for those in the know, it’s a reward worth seeking: rolling hills dotted with sun-kissed vines, charming towns frozen in time, and wines that’ll make you fall in love.

Travel down all 30km of the Riesling Trail, stopping off at one of the 30+ cellar doors as you go, and note that some of the most magnificent restaurants are found within the wineries, combining world-class vino with globally acknowledged dining. From seasonal dishes at Skillogalee Estate’s cottage restaurant, garden-to-plate freshness at Pikes Slate Restaurant, SA-proud dishes at Paulett Wines Bush DeVine Restaurant, to hyper-local grazing platters at Clare’s first winery, Seven Hill, this is regional dining done right.

Beyond the wineries, the Watervale Hotel is one of the most iconic establishments in South Australia, with more than 30 awards for its intimate and ethical degustations at Penobscot Restaurant, led by Executive Chef Nicola Palmer.

Where To Stay

All the exploring requires a cosy bed to rest in. 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. Glamping not your thing? The Clare Country Club has all the creature comforts you could hope for, plus a swimming pool and golf course to practice your swing.

Check out our guide to the best Clare Valley wineries here.

Limestone Coast

Take the long road down the spectacular coastline this winter, enjoying the offerings of the glistening Limestone Coast along the way. You’ll start in the nature-packed Coorong, then head to the delightful coastal region of Robe, continuing down to the natural wonders and famous sinkholes of Mount Gambier.

One of the best road trips out there, filled with natural wonder, this is easily one of the best winter holidays in South Australia, with plenty of places to warm up along the way. Each stop offers top-quality food and drink, such as Pipers of Penola and cosy coffee mornings at Drift Cafe.

Where To Stay

Take your time with this trip, where you’ll likely want to stay a while in each town. We love the home-away-from-home vibe at Bask in Robe, while Colhurst House in Mount Gambier provides a unique stay steeped in history.

Check out our guide to Robe here, and we have you covered with the best things to do in Mount Gambier here.

Booked one of the best winter holidays in South Australia and ready to discover more Australian destinations? Escape to the sunshine with our guide to Noosa, or go west and explore the best of Perth.

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