SA’s best long weekend escapes

By Samuel Smith
Last updated on: September 26, 2019 at 8:39 am

It’s amazing what one extra day can do. Adding just 24 hours to your weekend opens up a whole new world of opportunities.

You can travel further and deeper, trekking through rugged outback, diving into aquamarine waters and immersing yourself in culture-rich city life.

Spend more time savouring SA’s world-renowned food and wine, exploring jaw-dropping landscapes and – most importantly – reconnecting with friends and family.

To help you make the most of your 3-day weekend, we’ve compiled 3 epic yet achievable long weekend itineraries.

Follow our lead, and the only work you’ll be doing this Labour Day is deciding which SA experiences to tick off your bucket list.

The Fleurieu Peninsula

A mere 45-minute drive from Adelaide, the Fleurieu Peninsula is an idyllic blend of wine and waves. Home to some of Australia’s most awarded cellar doors and stunning stretches of coast, it’s a fantastic, family-friendly escape any time of the year.

Birks Harbour Boathouse, Goolwa. Image: SATC.

What to do: Spot dolphins with Big Duck Boat Tours, take a ride on the charming Cockle Train, explore McLaren Vale’s wine wonderland: the d’Arenberg Cube, stargaze at Wirrina Cove, learn to surf or cruise the Coorong.

Where to eat and drink: Settle in for a day of decadence at d’Arenberg, blend your own wine at Wirra Wirra or experience the Shiraz revolution.

Where to stay: Unwind at the charming Victor Apartments, indulge at Birks Harbour Boathouse or retreat to Lush Pastures luxury B&B.

The Limestone Coast

Further afield, but well worth the drive, the Limestone Coast is a land of natural wonders. Leave city life behind in favour of extinct volcanoes, blue lakes, underground oases and sparkling shores.

The Blue Lake, Mount Gambier. Image: SATC.

What to do: Stroll around the stunning Blue Lake, tour the unique Coonawarra wine region, uncover fossils in the Tantanoola Caves, picnic in the lush gardens of the Umpherston Sinkhole or chill out in the seaside town of Robe.

Where to eat and drink: The Coonawarra wine region’s unique terra rossa soil produces some of Australia’s boldest, richest reds. Take a tour or explore its 24 cellar doors yourself. For a truly unique dining experience, sink your teeth into internationally-awarded wagyu beef at Mayura Station.

Where to stay: Retreat to the historic Robe House, go glamping at the Coonawarra Bush Holiday Park or chill out with the family at Big4 Holiday Park – Naracoorte.

Adelaide

Think you know Adelaide? Think again. Most of us have visited the Adelaide Zoo, Central Market and Adelaide Oval, but there’s so much under the surface for city-dwellers to discover. Our capital boasts world-famous restaurants and bars, mind-expanding museums and galleries, stunning parks and gardens and beautiful beaches. Slow down and see Adelaide in a new light on a long weekend staycation.

Oddio, next to Plant 4, Bowden. Image: SATC.

What to do: Visit the cutting edge MOD. museum, experience Adelaide at its hippest at Bowden’s Plant 4, take to the treetops at TreeClimb Adelaide, kayak through a ships’ graveyard and dolphin sanctuary near Port Adelaide or stroll through the stunning Himeji Gardens.

Where to eat and drink: Adelaide is full of exceptional restaurants. Our pick of the bunch includes Africola, Parwana, Sunny’s Pizza, Shobosho, Osteria Oggi and Press* Food & Wine.

Experience Adelaide’s best bars with a Bar Boys Tour. Some of our favourite spots include Mayfair Hotel’s Hennessey rooftop bar, Maybe May, La Rambla, Proof Bar and Clever Little Tailor. Head to Cry Baby if you’re up for a late night boogie.

Where to stay: Spend the night in unparalleled luxury at the 5-star Mayfair Hotel or relax by the beach at Glenelg’s Seawall Apartments. Further afield, in the heart of bustling North Adelaide, take your pick from the boutique Majestic Minima or Majestic Old Lion Apartments.

Want more travel tips?

Talk to our travel experts in person at your nearest RAA Shop or call the team on 8202 4346.

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