Is Netflix and takeout getting old? This winter, hit pause on the usual grind and explore the cool side of South Australia. Thanks to a state government campaign – and red-hot deals – holidaying in your home state just got even better.
‘Winter. Our Way’ is the new phase of the $8.35 million state government’s ‘Travel. Our Way.’ campaign, launched late last year by the South Australian Tourism Commission. The campaign celebrates our state’s unique travel style: authentic and unapologetically different.
For the cooler months, that means everything from underwater cuttlefish raves and luxe glamping to truffle hunts and red wine celebrations. Best of all, ‘Winter. Our Way.’ is packed with loads of special deals, making it even more affordable for South Australians to discover the hidden holiday gems in their own backyard.
Why tourism matters
The local tourism industry isn’t just about fun times and good vibes, it’s a vital pillar of our state’s economy. It directly supports more than 40,000 jobs across South Australia, many of them concentrated in our regional communities. These are the towns and areas where locally owned businesses and tourism experiences bring life and economic opportunity.
Recognising the importance of tourism, the state government has set an ambitious target: growing the sector to $12.8 billion and 52,000 jobs by 2030. Initiatives like the ‘Travel. Our Way.’ campaign play a significant role in making this a reality.
Tourism’s record-breaking run
This year, our tourism industry is off to a great start, thanks to a record-breaking Mad March. Hotels across greater metropolitan Adelaide saw their busiest month ever, with over 8,687 occupied rooms per night, crushing the previous October 2019 record. March also delivered the highest monthly revenue ever, clocking in at an impressive $2.1 million per night.
And it doesn’t stop there – AFL Gather Round kept the momentum going into Awesome April, with Saturday 6 April setting a new single night revenue record for accommodation across greater metropolitan Adelaide, reaching $3.9 million. Ending the month on a high, LIV Golf Adelaide drew a record 94,000 fans, with more than 40 per cent of ticket holders from outside the state.
Let’s get off the sofa and keep the good times going!
As the weather cools down, the ‘Winter. Our Way.’ campaign offers red-hot deals that make our state’s cold-climate produce, winter wildlife, and cosy accommodation even more affordable. Showcasing the epic adventures and chill-out spots so close to home, the campaign highlights all the reasons why there’s no need for locals to splurge on a pricey flight overseas.
So, swap the sofa for stargazing, the TV remote for a road trip, and those fuzzy socks for hiking boots! Not only are you saving some serious cash, but you’re also giving a major shoutout to local businesses and supporting regional SA communities.
Here are some of the coolest ways to make this winter anything but ordinary:
10 must-do SA winter experiences
1. Catch the underwater neon party
Hit up Whyalla and dive into the most lit underwater scene you’ve ever seen. Thousands of giant cuttlefish turn the sea into a rave with their insane colour-changing skills. It’s a snorkel sesh that doubles as a front-row ticket to nature’s coolest light show – and it’s unique to South Australia.
2. Get back to nature (but make it luxe)
Kangaroo Island is where it’s at for a plush nature escape. Stowaway hooks you up with swanky lodges in the wild, where you can chill with the local critters and get your eco-luxury on. Forget your work worries, here it’s all about wildlife and wild nights.
3. Sky-high camping vibes
Why settle for regular camping when you can have a Helicamping Experience at Rawnsley Park Station in the Flinders Ranges & Outback? Picture this: You, a chopper, and a sunset that’ll put your best Snapchat filter to shame. Land on a secluded range, feast under the stars, and snooze in swags. It’s the VIP camping trip you never knew you needed.
4. Float away in The Cube Murray River
Need to watch your worries float away? The Cube Murray River’s got you. Chill on this sleek floating eco pod on the Murray River, complete with sun loungers, swinging chairs, and a firepit for those crisp nights. It’s like having your own private island, but floaty.
5. Live out your Lover era at an adults-only retreat
Got someone special? Whisk them away to SEQUOIA Lodge in the Adelaide Hills. It’s all about luxe suites with fireplaces, dreamy tubs, and views that go on for days. Plus, there’s a day spa for couples, fine dining, and artesian spring fed hot pools. Talk about setting the mood!
6. Go off grid in a cosy sustainable cabin
Grab your mates and escape to CABN Kuitpo Forest. These cosy cabins are all about kicking back with your crew, complete with fire pits and forest vibes. It’s the grown-up version of a treehouse, and yes, your fur babies are welcome too!
7. Cabernet Sauvignon and chill
Cosy up with a glass of the finest Cab Sav on the Limestone Coast. It’s the perfect gourmet adventure for the colder months. Coonawarra Experiences has the insider scoop on the best spots to sip and savour during their guided tour – plus they’ll hook you up with cosy cottage accommodation. It’s the classy way to do winter.
8. Digital detox at Arkaba
In need of some peace and quiet? Drop off the grid at Arkaba, a sprawling wildlife conservancy in the Flinders Ranges. Enjoy guided safaris, comfy homestead accommodation and a complete disconnect from the digital world – there isn’t even a TV.
9. Go wild on safari
Ever wanted to go on safari? Monarto Safari Park is your local ticket to the wild side. Roam the sprawling reserve with rhinos, come face-to-face with playful chimps, and spot majestic giraffes. Snap epic pics and experience the thrill of the African savanna, all just a day trip away.
10. Get cute in a tiny house by a pink lake
Live out your tiny house dreams at Pink Lake. These eco-friendly spots are perfect for a cheeky weekend getaway, right on the shores of a pink salt lake. It’s sustainable, it’s stylish, and it’s seriously Instagram-worthy. The tiny houses even have names like “Dandelion” and “Peony” – it doesn’t get cuter than that!
For more information on South Australian winter holidays, click here.
