Online Vacation Center, Inc.
  • Contact: Amanda Merz
  • Email Us
  • 424-384-1704
  • June 2, 2024
Menu

Get the WOW Experience

If you consider yourself a traveler (and not a tourist), come experience the unique up-close-and-personal WOW (wildlife, outback, and wine) moments of Adelaide and South Australia.

Your South Australia Travel Specialist

Contact Me

Travel Information

Everything you need to know as you plan your trip!

Learn More »

Destination Overview

Experience the WOW (wildlife, outback, and wine) moments of the artisan Australia

Learn More »

City Guides

Adelaide: A Small City with a Big Heart

Learn More »

Things To Do

Activities

View More

City, Coast, Country and Outback

Discover South Australia’s incredible variety of natural landscapes. Everything you’ve been looking for in your Australian vacation can be found in South Australia.

The capital city of Adelaide is an explosion of cultures, flavors, events, entertainment and experiences. It’s a pleasant mix of perfect weather; amazing food and wine; beaches within easy reach; a wealth of street art; a deep sense of culture and entertainment; and festivals and events all year round.

And, starting on the fringes of the city, wildlife in the wild is easily found. Go a little further out to world-famous Kangaroo Island or Port Lincoln (both about 25 minutes away by plane) to really immerse yourself in nature and native wildlife.

Bordering Adelaide to the north, east and south, you’ll find rolling hills, green plains and vineyards aplenty. Here you’ll discover some of the best wine in the world – they produce more then 70% of the wine exported from the country, and over 80% of the premium wines. And, yes, they are very proud of it!

18 REGIONS OF UNPARALLELED WINE EXPERIENCES

Treat yourself to unforgettable wine experiences at 18 distinct wine regions(including the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Adelaide Hills), and over 200 wine cellars within a 2-hour drive of Adelaide. Experience unique terroirs and winemakers who are more like artists.

South Australian Wine

South Australia is synonymous with premium wine. They are home to some of the world’s most famous wine labels. Let them take you on a wine road to remember.

Blend Your Own Wine

You can blend your own wine with help from the experts at Penfolds in the Barossa and at d’Arenberg in McLaren Vale on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Experts will guide you through a tasting and blending experience. Take home your unique blend, or drink it with dinner. Both Penfolds and d’Arenberg use grapes from different microclimates, so you should definitely make time to try both!

Wine Tastings and Tours

Wine tastings across South Australia are mostly free of charge at cellar doors and tasting rooms all over the State. You’ll be welcomed with a smile (most likely by the winemaker), offered a drink, and a wealth of information. Find out more about the grapes, the wine, the winemaker, and the story behind the winery or vineyard. A visit to a cellar door is an experience unto itself.

For something extra-special, stop by Seppeltsfield Winery in the Barossa and taste 100-year old port (or, as it known here, tawny). Enjoy fortified wines as old (or as young) as you are!

There are plenty of tours you can join no matter which wine region you’re in. You can cellar door-hop in a classic car, in small groups, or opt for a private tour with an expert for maximum fun and frivolity.

Wine and Food

Wine is delicious. Food is delicious. Put them together, and you have a gastronomic delight that will set your tastebuds dancing.

Indulge in local cheese and wine pairings, or a chocolate and wine experience in the Adelaide Hills.

Follow the Butcher, Baker and Winemaker Trail, or drive the Epicurean Way for a culinary adventure.

They're proud of their wine and food. Every licensed restaurant in the State has South Australian wine on their wine list – because it’s the best.

Exclusive Winery Access

Stay at The Louise – the award-winning vineyard retreat revered not only for its culinary excellence at their restaurant Appellation, but for its VIP access to the Barossa’s best wineries located nearby.

Travel the Barossa in style with Barossa Daimler Tours with an exceptional, private food and wine experience. You’ll be driven around the Barossa in a ’62 Majestic Major Daimler, by your passionate and knowledgeable wine guide who personally knows all the winemakers you’ll meet.

A Taste of South Australia offers private wine tours that range from half a day to multi-day experiences, taking in the best of South Australia’s wine regions. Share in their expert knowledge in comfort and style.

Beaches

View More

Adelaide’s beaches offer something for everyone. Most beaches are less than 30 minutes from the city and Adelaide’s Mediterranean climate means you can enjoy them almost all year round.

The beaches are separated by name only – in truth, they stretch unbroken for approximately 12mi, from Semaphore in the north, to Brighton in the south. From there, the cliffs take over.

Adelaide’s Most Popular Beach

Glenelg is Adelaide’s number one beach, with beautiful white sand, gentle waves and easy tram access from the city, just 20 minutes away.

Browse the shops, cafés, restaurants and bars on Jetty Road and at Holdfast Marina. Picnic on the sand and discover Adelaide’s most popular beachside town.

Suburban Beaches

Popular, art deco Brighton Beach is right next to Glenelg. Walk along the cliffs and trails, and enjoy the spectacular views of the city.

Try amazing fish and chips at West Beach. This community favorite is surrounded by beautiful parklands.

Popular restaurants and bars grace the Henley Beach foreshore and grassy square. This is a family friendly beach, with gentle waves and an esplanade that stretches from Henley Jetty to local favorite Grange beach.

To the north is Semaphore, a seaside town known for its cafés and historic movie theater.

South

Beaches to the south of Adelaide are a world unto themselves.

Port Willunga Beach is framed by cliffs where fishermen once carved out caves. The soft, sandy beach is a safe family swimming haven, and the excellent Star of Greece restaurant sits atop the cliffs with an uninterrupted view.

At Aldinga Beach, drive your car right onto the sand for an easy picnic right by the water’s edge.

Sellicks Beach is a popular surfing beach, and renowned as a good fishing spot.

Events

View More

In South Australia they'll show you a good time. They have food, wine, sporting and arts events running all year-round.

In Adelaide, they call the festival season ‘Mad March’. It’s a lively scene with the Adelaide Fringe Festival, Adelaide Festival, WOMADelaide and Clipsal 500 happening in the same month. No one sleeps, but it’s a good idea to book your accommodation early.

Throughout the rest of the year, there are plenty of events and festivals to keep you busy and entertained.

Explore The Outdoors

View More

FLINDERS RANGES AND OUTBACK - AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE

Escape to true Australian outback in the Flinders Ranges. See an abundance of native wildlife, and landscapes that will take your breath away.

The Jewel of South Australia

A trip to the Flinders Ranges is a true Australian outback experience. Memories of the beautifully rugged, 540 million-year-old landscape will stay with you forever.

The Flinders Ranges is one of Australia's premier national landscapes. From the grey-blues of dawn to the deep reds of dusk, the Flinders Ranges dramatically change color as the sun bakes the land.

The largest mountain range in South Australia, they begin around 220mi north of Adelaide and continue for around 260mi, from Port Pirie to Lake Callabonna. The Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park is located in the Flinders Ranges between the townships of Hawker and Blinman.

Classic Australian animals call the Flinders Ranges home. Keep any eye out for emus, endangered yellow-footed rock wallabies, and three species of kangaroo. Australia’s largest bird of prey, the wedge-tailed eagle, reigns supreme, riding the thermal currents.

Aboriginal Dreamings tell the story of serpents and giants that shaped the lands. Take a tour with an Aboriginal guide or drive yourself along the Aboriginal Dreaming Trail to find out more about the magic of the Flinders Ranges.

Wilpena Pound

Wilpena Pound is a massive otherworldly amphitheatre, created naturally through erosion over millions of years. It is surrounded by ancient mountain ranges, spectacular gorges and sheltered creeks.

Start your adventure at the Wilpena Pound Visitor Information Centre where you will find extensive information about the park. From here, explore stunning landscapes, Aboriginal rock art sites, fossil heritage and ruins of early European settlement.

LIMESTONE COAST - INDULGE IN AN SEASIDE ADVENTURE

Explore pristine beaches, stunning scenery and excellent wine. It's the coastal getaway you've always wanted.

The Limestone Coast is an idyllic combination of irresistible wines and stunning coastal scenery.

Head south from the Coorong at the Murray River mouth to discover a treasure trove of natural wonders.

Natural Wonders

The Limestone Coast boasts an array of unique natural experiences including Mount Gambier’s Blue Lake, which fills the crater of a dormant volcano.

The Pool of Siloam at Beachport is seven times saltier than the sea. The World Heritage Listed Naracoorte Caves was home to ancient megafauna beasts, and beautiful underground limestone caves.

The Coorong

The Coorong National Park is an incredible spot for fishing and boating. Only towering white sand dunes separate the Coorong from the Southern Ocean.

You can explore the park on foot along one of the many walking trails; on a kayak or in an SUV, along designated tracks and the beach. You can also join an adventure and discovery tour of the Coorong.

Scenic campgrounds are located on both sides of the lagoon. Visit National Parks South Australia website for more information.

EYRE PENINSULA - SOUTH AUSTRALIA'S PLAYGROUND

Rediscover that adventurous spirit. Swim with sea lions and dolphins, cage dive with great white sharks, and explore the beautiful Gawler Ranges.

The Eyre Peninsula is a region of contrasts. To the east, experience the calm beaches and warm waters of the Spencer Gulf. To the west, see spectacular cliffs, long, white, sandy beaches and brilliant wild waters.

Drive through farming plains, raked vineyards, untamed wilderness and national parks. Explore long stretches of pristine beaches or densely forested national parks and get close to the aquatic wildlife.

Aquatic Adventure

Experienced surfers flock to the Eyre Peninsula’s deserted surf beaches. Outdoor adventurers visit for big-game fishing and shark cage-diving.

Embark on a once-in a-lifetime drive across the Nullarbor, one of the great wilderness areas of Australia. Stop along the way to watch whales and their calves frolic in the shadows of towering, wave-ravaged cliffs.

Swim with sea lions and spend time unhurried by routines and expectations.

Boundless Plains

Camp in complete isolation or enjoy top-class accommodation, only minutes from the wilderness.

Be prepared to drive. The Eyre Peninsula is vast, with more than 1200mi of coastline. Fly from Adelaide to one of the three regional airports, take a tour or hire a car and drive from Adelaide.

Look out for visitor information centers in Port Lincoln, Whyalla, Elliston and Ceduna. The centers will supply you with brochures, maps and plenty of advice to ensure you get the most out of your vacation.

Food

View More

South Australian Wine

South Australia is the wine capital of Australia. They have 18 distinct wine regions and produce some of the world’s best wine.

You’ll find South Australian wine on every menu in every restaurant, and free wine tastings at cellar doors all around the State.

Discover the different regions’ wines, from the big, hearty reds of the Barossa to the delicate yet earthy, cool-climate wines of the Adelaide Hills.

Restaurants

Adelaide is home to restaurants offering cuisines from all over the world. The city center has some of the best restaurants in Australia, including chic bars and delightful cafés.

Find out more about what’s on offer in Adelaide’s bars and restaurants.

Haigh’s Chocolates

Haigh’s Chocolates is a proudly South Australian family-owned company. They are known around the world for their high-quality, artisan chocolate.

All of their chocolates are made with the finest quality ingredients available. They make their chocolate from scratch, and source their own cocoa beans.

Haigh’s stores sell everything from chocolate bars, pastilles and nut-based chocolate to toffee, gift boxes, rocky road, chocolate frogs and nougat bars.

They also offer free guided tours of their Greenhill Road factory just outside of the city center, with complimentary tastings. Purchase some tasty souvenirs from their gift-shop which is overflowing with every kind of chocolate treat imaginable.

Gourmet Pub Food in the Adelaide Hills

Take your pick from a seriously impressive list of quality country establishments. Try Grumpy’s Brewhouse, The Scenic Hotel, Aldgate Pump Hotel and Blumberg Hotel in Birdwood.

Dine on modern Australian cuisine at the Stirling Hotel. The old building’s restaurant is spacious and filled with light.

The Lobethal Bierhaus creates dishes to match the seven all-grain ales produced in its own micro-brewery.

At Hahndorf, choose your cuisine. There’s traditional German and international food at the German Arms Hotel, the Hahndorf Inn and The Haus (which also does superb tapas). The Whitehouse lures you in with its provincial charm, open fire and an all-day menu.

Museums

View More

Culture Central

Visit South Australia’s cultural precinct on North Terrace, full of amazing museums and art galleries. See the South Australian Museum, Migration Museum, State Library of South Australia and the Art Gallery of South Australia.

City Museums

The South Australian Museum is renowned for its world-class natural history and cultural collections. Learn more about first complex life on Earth in the Ediacara Fossils Gallery; first discovered in the Flinders Ranges. The Museum also holds the world’s largest collection of Australian Aboriginal material culture.

Journey through the Migration Museum’s galleries and encounter the immigrants who have settled in South Australia since 1836. Find out who they are, why they came and where they came from. Discover the rich diversity of multicultural South Australia through the museum's dynamic program of exhibitions.

While you are visiting the South Australian Museum and Art Gallery of South Australia on North Terrace, stop at the Mortlock Wing of the State Library of South Australia. This wing of the library holds a permanent exhibition showcasing the interesting history of South Australia.

In Port Adelaide, climb aboard a full-scale copy of a sailing ketch at the South Australian Maritime Museum. Take the helm and explore South Australia’s nautical history in a range of exciting exhibitions.

City Galleries

Make the Art Gallery of South Australia your first stop. There are thousands of pieces here, including a vast collection of work from south-east Asia, Islamic artworks and Australian Aboriginal art.

Adelaide is full of amazing little art galleries where you can find unique treasures. In the city’s west end, the JamFactory contemporary craft and design studio is a real center of excellence for the arts. Take time to visit the Anne & Gordon Samstag Museum of Art renowned for their modern visual art pieces, Artspace Gallery at the Adelaide Festival Centre for beautiful Asian-inspired exhibitions, and the Art Images Gallery for amazing contemporary pieces.

Regional Museums and Galleries

South Australia’s regions are full of rich history and culture. Each town you visit is likely to have an interesting gallery with local art or a small museum.

Take time to peruse the cellar door galleries in the Clare Valley or Barossa, buy local crafts at the galleries on the Fleurieu Peninsula and visit the Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre museum (Australia’s first saint) on the Limestone Coast.

Places

View More

VISIT ADELAIDE - A SMALL CITY WITH A BIG HEART

Indulge in Adelaide's excellent local food, world-class wine and warm climate. This is a cultured, vibrant city for the curious at heart.

Adelaide city center is a blend of historic buildings, museums, parklands, cafés, and restaurants. Adelaide is easy to walk within, and the rolling hills to the east and beaches to the west are minutes away.

With so much to discover, it’s the ultimate reward for the curious at heart.

Food and Wine

Join the café culture lifestyle. Adelaide has a diverse cultural mix that guarantees the food scene is sensational, varied, and delicious. Unique cafés, bars, pubs and food trucks abound, and you’ll love the urban cool atmosphere and eclectic choice of restaurants.

They’re proud to be Australia’s wine capital, with numerous regions on their doorstep. You’ll be spoilt for choice. Start by visiting the spectacular National Wine Centre of Australia in Adelaide and take an interactive wine discovery tour, taste wine and enjoy á la carte food.

Culture Capital

Take a stroll through the fascinating South Australian Museum to learn about Aboriginal culture. Wander through the Art Gallery of South Australia for a mix of contemporary and classical art from around the world.

The Kaurna people are the traditional owners of the Adelaide Plains. South Australia’s Aboriginal history dates back at least 45,000 years. View the vibrant artwork at Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute.

ADELAIDE HILLS - A RELAXING TIME IN PICTURE-PERFECT SURROUNDS

Just 20 minutes from Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills is pure countryside charm with friendly townships, cool-climate wine and delicious, artisan produce.

Slow Down and Relax

The Adelaide Hills is story-book pretty, dappled in light, and dotted with quaint villages and bustling towns.

Taste some of Australia’s best cool-climate wines, and the Adelaide Hills’ food and produce which comes straight from nature’s top shelf. How good are Adelaide Hills’ restaurants? You’ll have to find out for yourself!

The Adelaide Hills’ stunning views and big blue skies will take your breath away.

Adelaide Hills Dining

Exceptional cool-climate wines, high-quality local produce and outstanding natural beauty make dining in the Adelaide Hills a memorable experience. Try gourmet pizza in a village café or silver service in front of an open fire. Bring an appetite on your Adelaide Hills vacation.

If you just want a pub meal, take your pick from a seriously impressive list of quality country establishments. Try Grumpy’s Brewhouse, The Scenic Hotel, Aldgate Pump Hotel and Blumberg Hotel in Birdwood.

The Lobethal Bierhaus creates dishes to match the seven all-grain ales produced in its own micro-brewery.

In iconic Hahndorf, choose your cuisine. The influence of early German settlers is found in the traditional German and international food at the German Arms Hotel, the Hahndorf Inn and The Haus (which also does superb tapas). The Whitehouse lures you in with its provincial charm, open fire and all-day menu.

Wine, Produce and Boutique Brews

The Adelaide Hills has more than 60 wineries. You can indulge in some of Australia’s most beautiful, cool-climate wines.

There really is nothing better than buying food straight from the farmer in the Adelaide Hills. Every weekend you’ll find farmers’ markets stocked with the freshest seasonal produce.

Beer lovers can savour unique Hills flavours. Lobethal Bierhaus and Grumpy’s Brewhouse are two micro-breweries that produce all-grain, European influenced beers and themed food to match.

KANGAROO ISLAND - THE PLACE TO SEE AUSTRALIAN WILDLIFE

Kangaroo Island is the place to see Australian animals in the wild. Spot kangaroos, koalas and walk among an endangered colony of sea lions.

Wildlife

Kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, sea lions, echidnas, and birds all call the island home. These creatures can be encountered while on foot, or from your car. The best times to view Kangaroo Island’s wildlife are dawn and sunset.

Seal Bay is the only place in Australia where you can walk on the beach among a colony of endangered Australian sea lions.

Wine and Gin

Kangaroo Island Spirits is the island’s only gin distillery. This award-winning boutique distillery produces premium Australian gin using native Australian botanicals.

Their full range also includes six liqueurs and three vodkas. All products are handmade, bottled and labeled onsite. Best of all, they offer free tastings and you can even have a peek into the distillery area.

The Island also produces some amazing wine, the flavors of which are unique to Kangaroo Island. There are 18 labels and around 500 acres of vines, so you’ll never be far from a glass or two. Several have cellar doors and restaurants with remarkable views, so indulge and enjoy!

Spectacular Scenery

More than a third of Kangaroo Island is a conservation park. Flinders Chase National Park is the biggest park and features the awesome Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch.

Kelly Hill Conservation Park features breathtaking limestone caves, while Cape Willoughby Conservation Park is home to South Australia’s first lighthouse.

Walking trails are common on Kangaroo Island. Many are well sign-posted, making your bushland walks educational and beautiful.

Seafood Central

Some of the best oysters, crayfish, snapper, tuna and prawns come from the local waters. Ask for the local, seasonal seafood when ordering your meal.

Kangaroo Island is one of South Australia’s seafood hotspots, with unbeatably fresh produce offered all year round. The Kangaroo Island delicacy, marron, can be savored at Andermel Marron Café near Vivonne Bay. Delectable crab, prawns, fish, octopus and calamari are available at Penny’s Restaurant in Penneshaw, and oysters and King George whiting are unbeatable at The Oyster Farm Shop at American River.

For an exceptional seafood platter, visit the award-winning Nicolas Baudin Restaurant located within in the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Retreat.

BAROSSA - WHERE FINE WINE AND GOURMET FOOD COME TOGETHER

The Barossa features more than 80 cellar doors. With gourmet cuisine on offer, it's a wine and food haven just an hour's drive from Adelaide.

Indulge in the Barossa

Immerse yourself in a region where luxury retreats offer award-winning wines, world-class cuisine and panoramic views. The winemakers will be glad to share their stories and secrets over a glass of their best vintage.

Wine

The Mediterranean climate of the Barossa (warm summers and mild winters) is perfectly suited for red wine production, particularly Shiraz and a richly flavoured Cabernet.

Situated within the Barossa region is the Eden Valley, with a stellar reputation for premium wines. A higher altitude and cooler climate lends itself well to Riesling and Chardonnay.

Unlike us, wine really doesn't enjoy traveling. If you've picked up a few treasured bottles, don't leave them in the car on a warm day! Many cellar doors offer specialist international wine transport services to make sure your precious cargo gets home safely.

Fresh Produce

Join the hustle and bustle of the Barossa Farmers' Market, held in the Vintners Sheds near Angaston. There are more than 30 stalls to wander through, with the freshest local produce available.

Explore Maggie Beer's Farm Shop. One of Australia's most loved cooks, Maggie and husband Colin have created a collection of all things culinary. Tastings are available, as well as rare produce, and cooking demonstrations.

History and Heritage

The Barossa really is a classic Australian blend, combining tradition and history with 21st century luxury and creativity.

Learn about the Barossa’s short-lived goldrush of the late 1860s. See the buildings, scenery, arts and culture, and of course, taste the wine and food. Take a journey down our network of heritage trails. Jump in the car or stretch your legs and enjoy a leisurely stroll.

FLEURIEU PENINSULA - JUST A 45 MINUTE DRIVE FROM ADELAIDE

The Fleurieu Peninsula is full of surprises. Wander along spectacular coastal cliffs, go whale watching, and indulge in excellent local produce.

This is Wine Country

At the northern end of the stunning Fleurieu Peninsula, stop at McLaren Vale, known for its equally stunning wine.

McLaren Vale is just a 45 minute drive from the capital city of Adelaide. It has more than 60 cellar doors and hundreds of excellent wine varieties, making it a firm favorite among South Australians locals.

The area is bordered by ocean on one side and hills on the other, resulting in a warm climate that produces excellent Shiraz, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Other varietals causing considerable excitement among winemakers in the region include Vermentino, Barbera, Montepulciano, Fiano, Ner d'Avola and Tempranillo.

McLaren Vale is a must-stop place on your trip along the Fleurieu Peninsula, or you can take it in as part of the Epicurean Way road trip.

Beach Culture at its Best

The Fleurieu Peninsula has a real Australian beach culture. Surfers jog down to the water each morning with boards under their arms. Families lay on the sand, eating fish and chips. Enjoy the sun, food and wine in this little slice of heaven.

Visit cellar doors, explore the mouth of the mighty Murray River, or learn how to surf. During whale season (July to September each year) watch whales and their calves play in the ocean from the shores.

Never go Hungry

On the Fleurieu Peninsula you’ll find upmarket restaurants and cafés serving a wide range of fresh, local produce. Then there are the pubs. Many boast sommelier service and food of exceptional quality.

You’ll find restaurants on cliff tops, cafés on wharves and good old fish and chip shops on main streets. Most sell calamari, prawns and delicious, freshly-cut chips.

Stunning Scenery

The Fleurieu Peninsula’s green hills are bordered by jagged cliff tops. Below lie beaches, coves and the winding Murray River which pans out and forms a beautiful, calm pool at Goolwa.

Sit on the wharf and watch boats cruise under the Hindmarsh Bridge. Sail up to the Coorong and watch as pelicans glide through the water in search of their next feed.

Whale Watching

Between May and October, whale watchers flock to the Fleurieu Peninsula to watch the giant southern right whales before they head back to Antarctica with their newborn calves.

Port Elliot, Middleton and Victor Harbor provide some excellent vantage points.

CLARE VALLEY - A SCENIC STROLL THROUGH THE VINEYARDS

The Clare Valley is a scenic, 90 minute drive from Adelaide with more than 40 cellar doors. It's a perfect stop-off to or from the Flinders Ranges.

Time to relax

The Clare Valley is a scenic, 90 minute drive from Adelaide. Relax and unwind as you meander through charming villages and wineries.

The Clare Valley has been making wine since the first grapes were planted in 1851. Today, there are more than 40 cellar doors along a narrow 25 mile corridor, between the towns of Auburn and Clare.

Eat and Drink

Five-star wineries are scattered throughout the Clare Valley. Its signature wine, Riesling, is among the world’s best.

When looking for stunning wineries, visit the towns of Clare, Sevenhill, Watervale, Mintaro, Auburn and Polish Hill River. The slopes, ridges and plains create distinct soil types and micro-climates in each region.

Clare Valley is also home to an emerging gourmet food scene with a number of excellent dining options. Pick up a gourmet picnic basket from the many wineries, stop at a farm gate store and buy direct from the producer, and have lunch at Skillogalee with a view over the cottage garden and vineyard.

Drive the Valley

Every town in the Clare Valley has a story.

Drive to some unforgettable views above Stanley Flat and Blyth. Pockets of vines, farmland and native bush carpet rolling hills and vast plains. The vistas change with every season.

Another scenic drive not to be missed takes you from Sevenhill to Mintaro. This atmospheric village has quaint historic buildings, boutique accommodation and sensational food and wine.

Walk the Valley

There’s a lot to admire about the Clare Valley from your car but it’s no comparison to seeing it on foot or by bike. You can hire bikes when you arrive.

A fantastic way to experience the Clare Valley is on the Riesling and Rattler Trail, an easy cycle path that winds 20 miles through the countryside.

Cycle or walk through conservation parks to see stunning homes, waterfalls and beautiful blue gums that complement the region’s vineyards.

Several major walking and multi-use trails link Clare Valley towns. The Heysen Trail and Mawson Trail pass through the Clare Valley. Other trails branch out from them and take you to the heart of the region.

Restaurants

View More

Eat Well in South Australia

Fine dining in South Australia is a wonderfully memorable experience. Indulge in delicious meals and exceptional service at restaurants in Adelaide, Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale and Barossa.

City Restaurants

Adelaide has undergone a dining revolution with an influx of internationally-renowned chefs using the best South Australian ingredients.

Orana is a fine dining degustation restaurant in the heart of the East End. Scottish chef Jock Zonfrillo forages for food in the Adelaide Hills and coast, and uses native ingredients in his dishes, creating a style that is uniquely his own.

Hill of Grace Restaurant at Adelaide Oval delivers a taste sensation. Head Chef Dennis Leslie incorporates his Filipino heritage, French cooking techniques and native Australian ingredients for a delicious menu that changes seasonally. The restaurant has an extensive wine list of more than 160 wines, headlined by partners Henschke from the Barossa. It features the world’s only complete set of Hill of Grace wines, from 1958 to the current release.

Visit Penfolds Magill Estate, home to Australia’s most famous wine, Penfolds Grange. It’s just eight kilometres east of the city centre. This fine dining restaurant has stunning views, mouthwatering food and an unsurpassed reputation.

Indulge in McLaren Vale

The Fleurieu Peninsula is home to some of the best primary producers in the State. Organic, grass-fed beef and lamb and free range pork and chicken are just a taste of what the Fleurieu can offer. Restaurants in McLaren Vale have taken advantage of the top quality ingredients available.

d'Arenberg's Cube is the new wine cellar experience in McLaren Vale. Part architectural icon, and part art installation, The Cube is an experience like no other with interactive displays inside, a fantastic degustation restaurant (featuring Australia's first 3-D food printer), and of course, remarkable wine.

Fino in the historic township of Willunga in McLaren Vale is a highly acclaimed restaurant. Its menu is built on local and seasonal ingredients, locally sourced and lovingly prepared. The wine list is small but carefully curated, and the food is sublime.

It offers both à la carte and degustation menus, all designed to complement the extensive range of award-winning d’Arenberg wines.

Luxurious Barossa

Almost all of the cafés and restaurants in the Barossa use fresh, local produce, often getting it directly from the producer.

Hentley Farm Restaurant offers a dining experience to remember. The restaurant is situated in the beautifully restored stables on the property, and offers two set menu options: the Discovery menu and the du Jour menu. The food is created based on the freshest and best quality produce, harvested from the farm’s own 150 acres, including grown fruits and vegetables, and foraged ingredients growing wild.

Fino has also opened at Seppeltsfield, located in the original bottling hall of the winery. The airy space serves up Barossa food in an open and welcoming environment.

Appellation at The Louise, which provides luxury accommodation, is a perfect example of fine dining with a regional twist. Local produce is sourced to create exquisite seasonal menus.

Award-winning fermentAsian in Tanunda is a must-eat, and must-book restaurant. It specialises in southeast Asian cuisine with a local twist, using all locally-grown ingredients, including produce from their own kitchen garden. The wine list is extensive, but the friendly staff and sommelier are on hand to help.

What kind of vacation would you like to take?