10 incredible things to do in SA this winter

By Samuel Smith
Published: Tuesday, June 9, 2020

With restrictions easing and the temperature dropping, it’s time to rug up, hit the road and rediscover the beauty of winter in SA.

For many South Australians, time spent in self-isolation has led to a new-found appreciation of what was right in front of us all along. In Adelaide, and throughout our stunning regions, here are 10 South Aussie experiences, guaranteed to warm your heart this winter.

1. Discover Hallett Cove Conservation Park – one of Australia’s most fascinating geological sites

Just 30 minutes’ drive from inner-city Adelaide lie the remains of ancient glaciers, said to be more than 280,000 years old. Grab a coffee to go at the Boatshed café, then stroll along Hallett Cove Conservation Park’s clifftop boardwalk, taking in wild ocean views and geological marvels.

Naturally formed glacial pavements line the walking trail, while The Sugarloaf (a conglomeration of ancient boulders and sediment, named for its red hues and resemblance to a mass of refined sugar) stands tall, watching over the ocean below.

Find out more and prepare for your trip.

Hallett Cove Conservation Park. Image: iStock

2. Rug up for a winter wine hike through the foothills

Sip and stroll in unison on a Hydropath Society Wine Hike. Don’t let the name fool you though – there’s no pretentiousness or exclusivity here, just plenty of delicious SA wine, beautiful landscapes and one very knowledgeable tour guide.

Follow winemaker and educator Tom Robinson on a range of walks, wine in-hand. Locations include Chambers Gully, Brock Reserve, Morialta Falls, Black Hill Conservation Park and Horsnell Gully Conservation Park.

Tours start from 14 June. Find out more and book now.

Morialta Conservation Park. Image: SATC

3. Get reacquainted with the River Torrens Linear Park Trail

The River Torrens Linear Park is a national treasure. Cycle along the River Torrens from the Torrens Gorge Weir to the CBD or head west from the city to the river’s outflow at Henley Beach.

Although the Linear Park trail passes by some of Adelaide’s busiest roads, there’s a sense that you’re not part of that world. There are few better places to feel like you’ve escaped from the city, while still close to home.

Find out more about the River Torrens Linear Park Trail.

The River Torrens. Image: SATC

4. Challenge yourself at TreeClimb Adelaide: SA’s inner-city aerial adventure park

Take to the treetops at TreeClimb Adelaide, a sprawling aerial adventure park bordering Adelaide’s CBD. Featuring 7 courses and more than 70 obstacles (including courses designed for children), thrill-seekers of all ages can safely swing, leap, climb and fly through the trees. Note: kids need to be at least 100cm tall to partake.

TreeClimb is now open. Find out more and book now.

TreeClimb Adelaide. Image: SATC

5. Get your adrenaline pumping at The Bend Motorsport Park

Inspired by some of the world’s most iconic race circuits, The Bend Motorsport Park in Tailem Bend is one of the most significant developments in Australian motorsport history.

It features Australia’s only FIA Grade 2 and FIM Category A-approved circuit racing track, Australia’s only purpose-built drift circuit, a karting circuit, rallycross circuit, 4WD adventure park and a rally/off-road road facility.

Find out more and book your own driving experience now.

The Bend Motorsport Park. Image: SATC

6. Dig into delicious SA produce at Woodside Cheese Wrights

Woodside Cheese Wrights suffered a huge blow at the beginning of the year, when massive amounts of their stock was destroyed in bushfires throughout the Adelaide Hills.

Now, they’re once again ready to tantalise taste buds with their unique range of goat, cow and buffalo milk cheeses. Add a glass of local wine to the mix, and you’ve got a gustatory match made in heaven.

Find out more and book an Australian native cheese tasting.

Woodside Cheese Wrights. Image: SATC

7. See the Barossa from a hot air balloon

Watching the sun rise over the Barossa is a memorable experience. Make it a once in a lifetime experience by taking to the sky in a hot air balloon, floating hundreds of metres above ground.

While many of the Barossa’s wineries are still in the process of reopening their doors, you can watch a seemingly endless patchwork of vineyards pass beneath you as well as rolling hills and quaint town centres.

Find out more and book now.

Hot air ballooning over the Barossa.

8. Watch whales on KI, in the Fleurieu and on the Eyre Peninsula

South Australia is one of the best places in the country to spot our oceans’ gentle giants.

During winter, the waters off Kangaroo Island, the Fleurieu Peninsula and Eyre Peninsula are teeming with whales. Some of the best places to spot them are The Bluff and Encounter Bay in Victor Harbor, Penneshaw and Kingscote on Kangaroo Island and Head of Bight on the Eyre Peninsula.

Watching whales on the Eyre Peninsula. Image: SATC

9. Enjoy a luxurious CBD staycation at the Mayfair

After so much time at home, a city sea change may be just what you need. Relax, unwind and spend the night in unparalleled luxury at the 5-star Mayfair Hotel, right in the heart of Adelaide’s CBD.

Spend a day strolling along the Torrens and exploring the lush Adelaide Botanic Garden (which has now reopened). Grab a sensibly distanced bite to eat at a Peel or Leigh Street restaurant, then retreat to your plush Mayfair sleeping quarters.

Find out more and book now.

The Mayfair. Image: SATC

10. Visit the Flinders Ranges

Nothing compares to the Flinders Ranges’ otherworldly landscape, with its red earth, rocky ravines and dramatic gorges. In summer, temperatures are known to regularly exceed 38°C. The beginning of winter, however, brings with it a much cooler climate, perfect for outback exploration.

The region’s main attraction is Wilpena Pound: a gigantic natural amphitheatre encompassing the Flinders Ranges’ highest point, St. Mary Peak. In surrounding areas, spot kangaroos, koalas, emus, wallabies and eagles roaming free, as well as ancient Aboriginal rock engravings, historic pastoral settlements and ruins.

There are plenty of camping spots within Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, many boasting scenic mountain views and amenities including fire pits and cooking grills.

Find out more about the Flinders Ranges.

Razorback lookout in the Flinders Ranges. Image: SATC

There’s so much to see in SA

It’s time to rediscover your backyard.

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