Weekend Getaways in South Australia

Something to look forward to.

Looking for weekend getaways in South Australia is no easy feat when there are so many wonderful places to choose from. Beautiful beaches, stunning countryside, vineyards and charming towns are found throughout our beautiful state, in all directions. In this blog we aim to give you a small taste and a few encouraging words about each location, so that you can make the right choice for yourself.

Weekend getaways in Adelaide

When considering weekend getaways in South Australia, then heading to Adelaide is an obvious, but nevertheless excellent option. Our charming South Australian capital is so often overlooked in favour of the bigger and more well known cities of Sydney and Melbourne. Adelaide however has a certain beauty, with its beautiful surrounding hills, stunning beaches and lovely wide boulevards set amongst many lovely parks and gardens. Of course, Adelaide is known as the 20 minute city as everywhere within the city seems to be only a 20 minute drive away and equally the airport and the Adelaide Hills only take the same amount of time by car. Heading to Adelaide for your weekend getaway could see you lounging at the beach, drinking wine in the hills and in the CBD tasting top-notch food, all in one weekend.

Our hotel recommendations in Adelaide: For those on a budget, a night at the Adelaide Royal Coach provides both a comfortable and central place to stay in the city. Otherwise, if you’re looking for something special it’s impossible to regret booking a night at Quality Apartments Adelaide Central.

For more Adelaide inspiration: Your Ultimate Guide to Adelaide

Weekends away in Murray Bridge 

This truly is a relaxing place to come for a weekend getaway in South Australia. After an easy 76 kilometre drive from Adelaide you will be welcomed into a friendly and bustling rural town sitting right on the banks of the Murray River boasting plenty of entertainment plus a plethora of watersports right on your doorstep. Murray Bridge is the perfect location for thrill seekers who love wake boarding, waterskiing, fishing, swimming or jet skiing. Alternatively, take a relaxing and leisurely cruise for a couple of hours on a paddle boat and admire the spectacular scenery while enjoying a sumptuous meal or a cool glass of wine or two. If star gazing is your thing then this is the perfect venue. With very little light pollution around this is the one of the best places in the world to sit back and wonder at the amazing display of stars in the night sky.

Our hotel recommendation in Murray Bridge: There’s no doubt that when the Bridgeport Hotel opens this year in Murray Bridge, it will be one of the best hotels in the entire state. With a rooftop bar and luxury feel, this hotel will make weekend trips to Murray Bridge feel completely different. Check out the Bridgeport Hotel here. 

For more Murray Bridge inspiration: Your Ultimate Guide to Murray Bridge.

Whyalla weekends

Situated on the shores of the upper Spencer Gulf the town is the fourth largest centre after Adelaide and is the gateway to the Eyre Peninsula. With 300 days of sunshine a year and the most unbelievably turquoise seas it makes the secluded beaches and stretching coastline quite hard to resist. Whyalla also boasts an array of shops, high quality dining experiences great places to stay for all budgets. The seas just along the coast host the famous migration of giant cuttlefish which gather here en masse to breed and in turn produce a colourful underwater circus that has to be seen to be believed. So for a weekend getaway in South Australia, Whyalla offers everything that you could possibly want in the one place. 

Our hotel recommendation in Whyalla:  We recommend staying at the Whyalla Playford Apartments for its great location and comfortable accommodation to make your weekend all the more enjoyable.

For more Whyalla inspiration: Your Ultimate Guide to Whyalla.

Victor Harbour escapes

If you are looking for a fun filled weekend getaway with plenty of attractions and adventure packed choices then this is the place for you. Situated on the south coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula and just an hours drive from Adelaide it is known to be one of the most popular coastal playgrounds in South Australia. Victor harbour boasts two golf courses, an amusement park, a bikeway and hiking trails and lovely picnic areas to kick off your shoes and relax amongst the stunning scenery. The clear blue waters just outside of the harbour are ideal for surfing, fishing and swimming. For the animal lovers amongst you there is the Urimburra Open Range Wildlife Park, and Alpaca Farm or the Seal Island Tour cruise. As you can see there are almost too many attractions to choose from, but this will surely be a South Australian weekend getaway to beat.

For more Victor Harbor inspiration: Your Ultimate Guide to Victor Harbor.

Relaxing Riverland retreats

Is the ultimate destination if you want to get away from it all, relax and get back to nature. Life takes on a pace of its own here while you enjoy a cruise down the Murray River and admire the stunning ochre coloured cliffs, the abundance of wildlife and the peace and tranquility around you. Hire a canoe or kayak for few hours and and take in the stunning scenery while you meander along the majestic Murray River at your own leisure. Visit one of the many cellar doors and try out some of the excellent wines from what is Australia’s biggest wine producing region. Finish your day with a sumptuous meal made from local produce at your chosen vineyard and take in the spectacular scenery around you.

Our hotel recommendation in the Riverland: Big River Golf and Country Club is an award winning resort in the Riverland, finished off with an outdoor pool a golf course and bustling Tavern. Head here for relaxation and to experience true river time. Alternatively, Berri Hotel offers riverside dining, chic urban design and a central Berri location.

For more Riverland inspiration: Your Ultimate Guide to Berri. Also find Your Ultimate Guide to Mannum.

Barossa Valley getaways (in luxury)

What more could you want, than a weekend spent in South Australia’s most renowned wine producing region which boasts over 80 wineries providing you with the opportunity to experience some of the best dining and wine tasting in the world? Set amongst some of the most beautiful scenery in the region with its quaint towns and lush green rolling hills covered in idyllic vineyards it is surely the most perfect place for a romantic weekend getaway.

Our hotel recommendation in the Barossa Valley: Whilst it has not yet reopened, the Kingsford Homestead in the Barossa Valley is an iconic and beautiful heritage building newly transformed into a luxury retreat. Reopening during the winter months of 2021, the Kingsford Homestead will be among the best luxury retreats in Australia.

For more Riverland inspiration: Your Ultimate Guide to The Barossa Valley. 

Your perfect weekend getaway in South Australia

There are of course a great deal more locations for weekend getaways in South Australia. Having said that, with these few options you will still be spoiled for choice. Planning a trip in SA might leave you spoilt for choice, but whatever your destination, you are sure to come away feeling fulfilled, relaxed and already wanting to plan your next trip.

To explore South Australia in more depth, head to our SA Weekend Escapes page and discover more regions of the state. We provide Ultimate Guides to each region, which unveil the best food, drink, activities, attractions and more by destination.