Away from the crowds in South Australia
Clare Valley
Drive time: from 2-hour drive north from Adelaide CBD.
RM Williams Way, Clare ValleyTop-5 highlights for families in the Clare Valley:
1.
Lake Bumbunga: imagine the pink hues of Himalayan Rock Salt. Now imagine a lake of it (a big lake) and then imagine the rock salt changes colour with the seasons; from pink, to white, to blue. In case you’re asked why: this astonishing natural wonder’s colours depend on the salinity of the water which the seasons regulate.
2.
National parks: jump into South Australia’s paleontological past at Red Banks Conservation Park. See the remains of a 65,000 Diprotodon and animals that are still living such as southern hairy-nosed wombats.
3.
Mazes and trains: get lost among 800 intertwined conifers at the Mintaro Maze and play the kids at one of the giant-sized games. Clare Valley Model Engineers is a great option for a short model train ride, ride times are periodic so see their website for details.
4.
Wineries: dating back 160 years, Clare Valley is one of Australia’s oldest known wine-growing regions. And brought to Australia by German immigrants, Riesling has called South Australia home since the 19th century. With plenty of space and greenery, wineries can great for kids and adults. Well-known for their Reisling, Pikes is a popular option while other smaller wineries like makers of Monsters, Monsters, Attack are even making into the pages of the New York Times.
5.
Burra: a Nationally Listed Heritage Area dating back to the 1840s, learn more about the South Australia’s mining heritage. Buy a Burra Heritage Passport and experience Bon Accord and Morphett’s Engine House museums and much more.
Accommodation in Clare Valley: our top-rated picks:
1.
Gullyview Vineyards Retreat: uninterrupted views of Leasingham and beyond in the beautiful Clare Valley
2.
Jack’s 2: a recently renovated 100-year-old-house thayt is both family-friendly and pet-friendly
3.
Butterworth Mill: an 1874 flour mill located on a large property in the historic township of Burra.
4.
One Tree Bed and Breakfast: a modern 2 bedroom cottage surrounded by native gardens, fruit trees, herb and vegetable bed.
5.
Paxton Square Cottages: heritage homes with a dash of luxury
Eyre Peninsula
Drive time: 7-hour drive to Port Lincoln from Adelaide CBD.
Top-5 highlights for families on the Eyre Peninsula:
1.
Total coastal fun: play with sea lions off the coast of Port Lincoln, surf at Fishery Bay, let the kids see Kangaroos at Memory Cove and let the kids loose on the astonishingly white sands of Almonta Beach. Eyre Peninsula beaches, with white sand and pristine water, are some of Australia’s finest making this a fabulous spot for a slower paced getaway family getaway.
2.
Climbing sandhills: walk to the top of the sandhills at Port Lincoln. A brilliant way for the kids to expend energy, sandboards can also be hired for the more adventurous.
3.
Whale watching: see whales in the winter months (June to September) as well as New Zealand Fur Seals, Australian Sea Lions and Bottlenose Dolphins. There are numerous coastal safaris, from walking tours to boats and airplanes leaving from various locations.
4.
Native wildlife: head to Mikkira Station where the family can meet a koala, spot kangaroos and see the park’s emus. At the Gawler Ranges National Park spot the now endangered crimson mallee and the yellow-footed rock-wallaby.
5.
Talia Caves: some 40km before reaching Talia Beach, enjoy a coastal walk with a few cavernous surprises. Constant rolling waves have etched out a hole of granite now known as The Woolshed. Look up at the honeycombed ceiling and see the nearby blowholes. For more coastal and cave fun check out The Tub. See the Elliston visitors site for more info.
Accommodation in Eyre Peninsula: our top-rated picks:
1.
Port Lincoln Marina Luxury Escape
2.
Absolute Beach Front: metres from the waters edge and a pristine sandy beach.
3.
No 27: contemporary family living in a peacful location.
4.
No. 10 – Outstanding Holiday Home in Prime Coffin Bay Location
5.
Chargeo: The house has it’s own private eco system with courtyard garden.
If this article has got you thinking about your next South Australia getaway, be sure to take the Stayz Road Trip Pledge.