Accommodation
From chic city hotels to stylish outback station stays
Experiences
A continent of contrasts; from the outback to the ocean
Itineraries
Experience it all with epic Australian adventures
From the Adelaide Hills and Hahndorf, the Barossa and Clare Valleys, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra and the Fleurieu Peninsula, welcoming cellar doors invite visitors to sample their wares (with Shiraz the local hero), whilst delicious regional produce is best enjoyed in picturesque vineyard restaurants, at farmer’s markets and farm gates.
South Australia’s Flinders Ranges are nothing short of awe-inspiring. Traversed by one of Australia’s great outback walks, this is a place where emu and kangaroos roam freely, and where ancient Aboriginal legends and ancient landscapes combine to deliver authentic Australian outback adventures.
Kangaroo Island is known as Australia’s ‘Galapagos’, and offers jaw-dropping natural wonders. View sea lions basking on the beach, koalas dozing in eucalypt trees, playing dolphins, waddling penguins and kangaroos grazing in picture-perfect settings. Elsewhere around the state: swim with sea lions in Port Lincoln or cruise the mighty Murray River aboard a paddle-wheeler. With pink lakes, underground towns and dramatic gorges, there’s so much to explore in South Australia.
Luxury Destinations South Australia
Explore a selection of our favourite locations
Luxury accommodation South Australia
Experience some of our favourite places to stay
Luxury Experiences South Australia
Discover a few of our favourite activities
Itinerary inspirations
These itineraries have been designed to inspire you with a small selection of the many unique adventures to be had in this beautiful region. Once you have a feel for the destinations and experiences that best resonate with you, we will tailor every element of your perfect luxury travel itinerary, exclusively for you.
Weekend Breaks
Enjoy an indulgence of fine wine, fabulous food and luxury lodgings with four days of private touring in the Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale.
Begin your food and wine adventures with two nights at the luxurious new Sequoia lodge. Tucked away in theAdelaide Hills, Sequoia’s scenic and peaceful private setting is only minutes from the heart of Adelaide’s bustling foodie scene, and is surrounded by some fabulous boutique wineries. Go behind the scenes in the Barossa to enjoy barrel-room tastings, wine and chocolate pairings and sample past, present and future wines (including port from the year of your birth) with a private full-day tour of the Barossa Valley’s finest labels and celebrated cellar doors.
Enjoying sweeping views over McLaren Vale to Mt Lofty ranges, the following two nights are at the stylish and sophisticated Vineyard Retreat. Private tastings and personal insights pepper the following two days’ touring which also takes in a hike to Onkaparinga Gorge, a beach drive on spectacular Silver Sands and introductions to some of the region’s most inspiring and influential locals that are shaping South Australian viticulture.
- Inclusions
4 nights’ accommodation (2 nights Sequoia and 2 nights The Vineyard Retreat) inclusive of 4 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners per person. Full day private Barossa Valley tour, 3 day/2 night private McLaren Vale touring. Private transfers throughout.
Week Long Escapes
Walking, wildlife and wetlands. Discover the mighty Murray Riverlands.
Travel to Renmark to overnight and rest up before joining your multi-day Murray River walk. Guided easy walking combined with peaceful river cruising over four scenic days immerses you in the landscape and reveals the pioneering history of paddle wheelers. Wetlands, lagoons and the mighty Murray River are lined with river gums and framed by spectacular ochre coloured cliffs.
Sleep and cruise between walking destinations aboard a modern and well-appointed houseboat (meaning there is no need to carry heavy packs and that a deck-top hot tub and hot showers await at the end of every day). Spot wildlife and waterbirds, dine on fresh produce from the Riverland food bowl, and enjoy a true connection to this beautiful country.
Following the walk, enjoy a relaxing stay at the luxurious cliff-top Frames retreat overlooking the Murray. Your stay here includes a sunset gondola cruise, and a ‘guided wetland and wildlife safari’ on the Murray River creeks and wetlands before returning to Adelaide.
- Inclusions
6 nights’ accommodation (1 night at Renmark Apartment, 3 nights on a houseboat and 2 nights at The Frames) inclusive of 3 breakfasts, 2 days breakfast provisions, 4 lunches, 4 dinners and 1 evening BBQ provisions per person. 4-day small group guided Murray River Walk, Sunset gondola cruise and Wetlands & Wildlife Safari from The Frames. Automatic rental vehicle including insurance (max. cover), unlimited kilometres and GPS.
- Note
The Murray River Walk operates May - September. It requires a moderate level of fitness with ability to walk 10 - 15 kilometres per day over primarily flat ground.
Swim with sealions and dive with great white sharks. Spot beautiful birdlife and come face to face with koalas in the wild, then kick back and relax, enjoying South Australia’s (very) good life! Port Lincoln and Adelaide Hills
After spending the night at the Mayfair in Adelaide, fly to Port Lincoln for a most memorable adventure of wonderfully wild encounters. From the Big Swamp wetlands to Coffin Bay National Park, Baird Bay to Mikkira Station, see emus and kangaroos, spot beautiful birdlife and swim with sea lions, share the waves with dolphins and come face to face with koalas in the wild. Then for the ultimate thrill, dive into the deep with Great White Sharks, in a guided cage diving experience. Over four action-packed days touring Port Lincoln and the Eyre Peninsula you will also have the opportunity to taste some of the ocean-fresh seafood delicacies for which the region is renowned.
Return to Adelaide for some R&R and to reminisce about the wild adventures in the luxurious comfort of Australia’s newest luxury lodgings, Sequoia. Looking out over the Adelaide Hills from the Mount Lofty House estate, take the opportunity to enjoy decadent dining, pampering spa treatments, easy access to wonderful wineries and all of Adelaide’s charms, also only minutes away.
- Inclusions
7 nights’ accommodation (1 night Mayfair Hotel, 4 nights luxury private villa in Port Lincoln and 2 nights Sequoia) inclusive of daily breakfast, 4 lunches, 4 dinners per person. 4 day/ 4 night all inclusive private touring in and around Port Lincoln, Return scheduled commercial flight between Adelaide and Port Lincoln, Private transfers throughout.
- Note
This itinerary operates 1 October - 31 May.
Experience the culinary delights and cellar doors, stunning scenery and local insights of Adelaide, Clare Valley, Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and the Fleurieu Peninsula
Overnight in Adelaide to explore the city’s charms and thriving food scene before joining a multi-day guided, supported and accommodated cycling tour through South Australia’s wine country. Largely off-road, easy cycling trails wind their way between vineyards and cellar doors. Enjoy gourmet dining, farm gate produce tastings and wine tutorials along the way.
Then it’s time to sit back and let someone else do the driving, with a two-day private discovery tour of the Fleurieu Peninsula that combines breathtaking geology, and mouth-watering oenology, spectacular scenery and captivating local insights. Visit Onkaparinga Gorge and Silver Sands Beach, enjoying guided hikes and scenic beach drives, whilst also enjoying personalised introductions to some of the region’s most highly-awarded wineries.
- Inclusions
7 nights’ accommodation (2 nights Adelaide Playford, 1 night Rising Sun Hotel, 1 night Clare Valley Country Club, 1 night Mana by Haus Villas Hahndorf, 2 nights Coastal Lodge) inclusive of daily breakfast, 6 lunches and 5 dinners per person. 5 day small group guided cycling tour including hybrid bike hire and a support vehicle for the duration of the trip, 2 day private tour of Fleurieu Peninsula. Private transfers throughout.
- Note
Guided cycling tour operates with scheduled departure dates (please check available dates with our Travel Designers). This easy-grade cycling tour can also be enjoyed outside these dates on a self-guided basis (information pack and maps provided). Hotels on cycling tour may be subject to change.
Combining two of South Australia’s most iconic destinations, enjoy some of the state’s finest accommodation, wines, fresh produce and wildlife in the Barossa Valley and Kangaroo Island.
Hit the road and head north from the city to the beautiful Barossa Valley. Enjoying three luxurious nights at The Louise, surrounded by picturesque vineyard landscapes, explore the best of the Barossa with a full-day private guided tour of the region. Then roll up your sleeves and cook up a storm with an Italian cooking class steeped in colourful culture and full of flavour.
For a complete change of scenery, swap wines for wildlife with a three-night stay at the luxurious Sea Dragon Lodge on Kangaroo Island. With this tranquil seafront retreat as your base, enjoy two days private touring to explore this spectacular island and meet its many friendly locals (kangaroos and wallabies, seals, koalas and more). Stunning natural beauty, wonderful wildlife encounters and delicious local produce await at every turn.
- Inclusions
6 nights’ accommodation (3 nights The Louise and 3 nights Sea Dragon Lodge and Villa) inclusive of daily breakfast, 4 lunches and 3 dinners per person. Small group Italian cooking class, Private full day Barossa Valley tour, 2 Full days private touring of Kangaroo Island. Return transfers from Kingscote Airport to Accommodation. Automatic rental vehicle including insurance (max cover), unlimited kilometres and GPS.
- Note
Return domestic air travel between Kangaroo Island and Adelaide is not included.
Wines and wilderness, pioneering past and paddle wheelers; Adelaide Hills, Murray River, Barossa Valley and Adelaide.
Enjoy a two night stay nestled in the Adelaide Hills at lovely Mt Lofty House boutique accommodation. During your stay here, a full day guided tour will provide a true taste of Adelaide and the picturesque Adelaide Hills.
Transfer to the historic township of Mannum to join your four-night paddle wheeler cruise on the mighty Murray River. Follow in the wake of Australian pioneers as you cruise the outback river highway. Along with scenic views and gourmet meals, your touring includes local walking tours and winery tastings, a woolshed show and wildlife shelter visit, with opportunities to add a Dark Sky night tour and a bush tucker breakfast along the way.
On completion of the cruise, transfer to the beautiful Barossa Valley to sample some of Australia’s top wines en route back to Adelaide. Your final night in South Australia is at the Majestic Roof Garden Hotel to allow you the opportunity to explore Adelaide’s many charms and thriving foodie scene.
- Inclusions
7 nights’ accommodation (2 nights at Mount Lofty House, 4 nights in a Twin Outside Cabin onboard the Murray Princess Cruise and 1 night Majestic Roof Garden Hotel) inclusive of daily breakfast, 5 lunches and 4 dinners per person. Full day Adelaide City and Adelaide Hills tour with tastings. Selected touring and activities aboard Murray Princess Cruise. Full Day Barossa Valley tour with tastings. Private transfers throughout.
- Note
Cruise departs Mondays. 3 and 7 night Murray Princess Cruise options are also available on additional departure days.
Refined & rugged
Experience South Australia’s diversity. Barossa Valley, Flinders Ranges and Adelaide.
Explore South Australia’s iconic Barossa Valley wine region with a three-night stay at The Louise. Dine at the luxury lodge’s award-winning restaurant, Appellation, and spend a day touring the region with an expert wine guide to provide you with an insider’s taste of the Barossa. Enjoy introductions and tastings at some of the finest cellar doors and fresh produce finds.
Continue north on the open road to Rawnsley Park Station. From here, explore the fabulous Flinders Ranges with a guided 4WD tour of the region and a 30 minute scenic flight to appreciate the breathtaking scale and beauty of Wilpena Pound. Ancient landscapes steeped in rich geological, indigenous and pioneering history provide a taste of the captivating Australian outback.
On your return to Adelaide, enjoy a stay at the Mayfair Hotel for the opportunity to explore Adelaide’s fabulous restaurants, food markets and roof-top bars.
- Inclusions
7 nights’ accommodation (3 nights The Louise, 3 nights Rawnsley Park Station and 1 night Mayfair Hotel) inclusive of daily breakfast, 2 lunches and 1 dinner allowance at Appellation Restaurant. Private hosted full day tour of the Barossa Valley including cellar door tastings, Shared full day 4WD tour of the Flinders Ranges, 30 minute shared scenic flight over Wilpena Pound. 4WD rental vehicle including insurance (max cover), unlimited kilometres and GPS.
Decadence and deserts, wilderness and wines. Darwin to Adelaide with the Ghan
Explore Australia’s tropical capital with a three-night stay at the Mindil Beach Casino Resort in Darwin, including a private half-day tour of the city sights and a full-day private tour to Litchfield National Park for an interactive indigenous introduction to the region that will leave you with a personalised connection to these lands.
Experience the spirit of the outback and enjoy the romance of rail, bisecting the continent from North to South, as you travel with the Ghan, from Darwin to Adelaide. Your three-day, two-night rail journey also includes off-train opportunities to explore Katherine Gorge and Alice Springs.
On arrival in South Australia, enjoy a two-night stay in the picturesque Adelaide Hills to indulge in fine wines and fresh regional produce, including a private full-day tour of some of the Barossa Valley’s best wineries.
- Inclusions
7 nights’ accommodation (3 nights Mindil Beach Casino Resort, 2 nights aboard The Ghan, 2 nights Mt Lofty House) including daily breakfast, 3 lunches and 2 dinners per person. Private half day Darwin city sights tour, Private full day indigenous Litchfield Tour, 3 day/ 2 night The Ghan Rail Journey from Darwin to Adelaide in a Platinum Twin Cabin, full day private bespoke Barossa Valley wineries tour. Private road transfers throughout.
Experience the outback in style. Clare Valley, Flinders Ranges, Coober Pedy and Ayers Rock
Departing from Adelaide, enjoy a taste of the Clare Valley, en route to Arkaba. Set on a private wildlife conservancy, surrounded by the spectacular Flinders Ranges, Arkaba offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in the story of the Australian bush; through prehistoric geology, ancient indigenous cultures, a rich pioneering past, diverse wildlife and the chance to get ‘hands-on’ with the property’s conservation programs. During your stay, enjoy a scenic heli-flight over Wilpena Pound to spend a night in a luxury swag under the star-filled outback skies.
Travel by private prop-jet to Coober Pedy to sleep underground in the opal capital of the world. A private tour will take you beneath the earth to discover a labyrinth of underground houses, hotels, churches and shops, visit one of the local opal mines and enjoy a breathtaking outback sunset over the beautiful Breakaways.
Continuing by private plane to Uluru, enjoy three nights at the luxurious Longitude 131. Visit Uluru and Kata Tjuta, learn the art of Aboriginal dot painting during a private class and enjoy a memorable private dining experience on a jaw-dropping dune top during your stay in the Red Centre.
- Inclusions
7 nights’ accommodation (2 nights at Arkaba Homestead, 1 night at private Arkaba Wilderness Camp, 1 night at Desert Cave Hotel, 3 nights at Longitude 131) inclusive of daily breakfast, 7 lunches and 7 dinners per person. Private touring Adelaide-Arkaba via Clare Valley, Private tour of Coober Pedy, Exclusive small group touring at Arkaba and Longitude 131, Private Aboriginal dot painting workshop, Private dune top dinner at Longitude 131. Private prop-jet flights Flinders Ranges-Coober Pedy-Ayers Rock, Private helicopter flight over Arkaba and Wilpena Pound with overnight outback swag experience, Private airport transfers.
- Note
Outback Wilderness camp experience at Arkaba is only available Monday -Wednesday from May until October.
A Taste of the South: Adelaide. Port Lincoln, Limestone Coast, Mornington Peninsula and Melbourne.
Begin your tasty adventures in Adelaide, enjoying an Eco-Caddy tour of the city and a guided tour of the bustling Adelaide Central Market by day; and a guided progressive dinner tour of some of the city’s lively local bars and restaurants by night. Your stay in the city also includes a guided day trip to the Barossa Valley or McLaren Vale.
Fly to Port Lincoln for a refreshingly different taste of South Australia. Get hands-on and sand between your toes as you hunt and gather abalone and cockles, oysters and more in Australia’s ‘seafood capital’ whilst also enjoying organic wines and local craft beers, exclusive foodie experiences, wildlife spotting and scenic 4WD adventures.
Return to the Adelaide Hills to enjoy an indulgent stay at Sequoia luxury lodge surrounded by beautiful gardens and boutique wineries. Take up the opportunity of hatted dining and decadent day spas before jetting off with your private charter flight to the multi-award-winning Mayura Station to enjoy the ultimate Wagyu beef paddock to plate experience. After lunch, reboard your private aircraft for the onward flight to Melbourne. Staying in trendy South Yarra, enjoy a private tasting tour of Melbourne’s lively laneways and arcades with a knowledgeable local foodie, and a full-day foodie tour to the Mornington Peninsula, including a private cruise on Port Philip Bay.
- Inclusions
9 nights’ accommodation (3 nights Mayfair, 1 night Port Lincoln Hotel, 2 nights Sequoia, 3 nights The Olsen) inclusive of 8 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 1 dinner per person. Half-day private Adelaide EcoCaddy & Central Market tour, Private hosted progressive dinner, Private wine tour to your choice of Barossa Valley or McLaren Vale, 2- day private gourmet tour of Port Lincoln and Eyre Peninsula, Private charter flight Adelaide-Melbourne with paddock to plate dining experience at Mayura Station en route. Half-day private expert led Melbourne walking tour, Full day private tour to the Mornington Peninsula including a private cruise. Return scheduled commercial flights Adelaide-Port Lincoln, Private transfers throughout.
- Note
This itinerary is available from September to May. The Adelaide EcoCaddy & Central Markets tour operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays & Sundays.
Adelaide to Melbourne scenic self-drive, enjoying deliciously different diversions along the way; Barossa Valley, Coonawarra and the Great Ocean Road.
Hit the road and head for the Barossa. Staying at Abbotsford Country House, enjoy exclusive Barossa Valley insights including a special tasting of Seppeltsfield’s super-premium fortified wines, sampling five vintages from significant milestone years in your life.
Continue to the Coonawarra where you have the opportunity to sample some of Australia’s boldest reds, then head for the coast and follow the Great Ocean Road. Touring the iconic shipwreck coast at a leisurely pace, staying at collection of personality-packed charming boutique properties in some of the region’s most picturesque coastal towns, enjoy a scenic helicopter flight over the Twelve Apostles and swim with the friendly seals and dolphins that live on the Bellarine Peninsula.
- Inclusions
9 nights’ accommodation (2 nights Abbotsford Country House, 1 night Merlot Verdelho, 2 nights Drift House, 2 nights Captain’s at the Bay and 2 nights Lon Retreat and Spa) inclusive of daily breakfast (breakfast provisions are offered at Merlot Verdehlo & Lon Retreat). Exclusive 1-hour guided tour and tawny tasting experience at Seppeltsfield winery, 25 Minute Scenic Helicopter Flight over the Great Ocean Road, Small Group 3.5 hour Seal and Dolphin Swim Tour. Automatic rental vehicle including insurance (max cover), unlimited kilometres and GPS.
Adelaide Hills, a Fleurieu Peninsula farm stay and Kangaroo Island wildlife.
Kick-off your South Australian adventure at Mt Lofty House, a luxury boutique manor house, rich in Great Gatsbystyle history in the Adelaide Hills. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and boutique wineries, Mt Lofty House is only minutes from the heart of Adelaide. Enjoy a guided day tour exploring the city and Adelaide Hills, from downtown Rundle Mall and the Adelaide Central Market, to the summit of Mt Lofty and the Germanic township of Hahndorf.
Over the following two days, enjoy barrel room tastings and scenic beach drives touring the Fleurieu Peninsula, where vineyards and farmlands roll towards the rugged coast and serve up a collection of delicious diversions. Enjoy sweeping coastal and countryside views from your inviting Coastal Lodge Fleurieu farm stay accommodation.
Round off your stay in South Australia with a four-night stay on Kangaroo Island. Step off the grid into a fullyhosted luxury eco experience overlooking the ocean. Explore Australia’s ‘Galapagos’ with a private local guide to introduce you to the islands’ resident kangaroos and koalas, wallabies and wedge tailed eagles, seals and echidna. You will also have the opportunity to swim with the local dolphins during your stay. Return to your luxury villa each evening to enjoy gourmet dinners showcasing fresh Kangaroo Island produce.
- Inclusions
8 nights’ accommodation (3 nights Mount Lofty House, 1 night The Coastal Lodge and 4 nights Ocean Eco Villas) inclusive of daily breakfast, 6 lunches and 5 dinners per person. Small group shared Adelaide Explorer tour, 2 days private touring of Fleurieu Peninsula, 3 full days private touring of Kangaroo Island. One-way private transfer from Adelaide Airport to Adelaide Hills, Private transfer to Cape Jervis Ferry Terminal, One-way ferry transfer from Cape Jervis Terminal to Penneshaw, One-way private road transfer from Penneshaw Ferry Terminal to accommodation, One-way private road transfer from accommodation to Kingscote Airport.
- Note
The Small Group Shared Adelaide Explorer tour operates on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Flight from Kingscote to Adelaide is not included.
many many many thanks!!!!!!
We have been blown away by everything - hotels, food, people, golf, wine - the list is endless. You did an amazing job
Planning a 7 week trip is daunting enough without the complications of COVID cancellations, rebookings, and closures. Yet every connection, every transportation detail, every accommodation, every meal, everything was flawless.
From our arrival in Sydney .. to our last stop in Queenstown .. we will carry with us the best memories of our trip and all of your efforts. The incredible private boat tours .. the bespoke wine tours with the best guides .. our accommodations .. and the excellent itinerary and pacing, made for a perfect trip.
We can't thank Southern Crossings enough for making this trip all, and more, than we had imagined. You allowed us to see the best of your countries: the people, the beauty, the culture. Five stars, a blue ribbon, and a gold medal to everyone at Southern Crossings!
