Life in South Australia centres upon artsy Adelaide, close to the coast in the region’s verdant south. Brilliant for foodies and wine lovers, the lush landscape around Adelaide is studded with sensational vineyards and farms. Head north into the scorching wilderness of the Ikara-Flinders Range National Park or hop across to Kangaroo Island for unparalleled wildlife experiences. Fabulous hotels, B&Bs and farmsteads abound in this wonderful part of Australia. Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic wine country escape or an outdoorsy adventure with the whole family, our list of the best places to stay in South Australia has it all.
Proud to have been set up as a free colony, Adelaide has a more conservative history than certain other Australian cities. It has grown, however, into a youthful city with a lively arts, culture and foodie scene set against its graceful heritage architecture. Do take the time to explore the leafy heart of the city on foot or by bicycle, and catch a match at the Adelaide Oval or a live show at one of the summer festivals.
Just beyond the city are the tranquil Adelaide Hills, dotted with country house hotels. Head slightly further out to discover the world-class wineries of the Barossa Valley, Clare Valley and McLaren Vale, many of which offer tours and tastings. A few hours drive to the north are the drier, hotter landscapes of the Flinders Ranges — perfect for challenging hikes, wildlife-spotting and an immersion into the region’s Aboriginal past. Finally, Kangaroo Island — Australia’s answer to the Galapagos Islands — remains picturesque and untamed, and very much worth visiting. Remember that the best places to stay in South Australia fill up fast during the summer holidays!
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Adelaide (South Australia)
Hip and fresh, this contemporary spot in south-west Adelaide is famed for its convivial feel as well as the fantastic series of events held at the onsite wine cellars. Expect light-filled rooms with an industrial edge, indulgent bathrooms & lively shared spaces with acoustic gigs aplenty.
Adelaide (CBD)
A quirky bolthole in Adelaide's CBD, with seven industrial-chic rooms featuring original artwork & pops of colour against moody, black-painted walls. White-tiled bathrooms are very swish. The real hub of the hotel is its lively pub, where guests & locals gather for live music & sports matches.
South Australia (South Australia)
Three cool, contemporary studios set in leafy gardens on Main Street. Expect crisp, clean lines, soothing earthy tones and modern bathrooms as well as lots of light. Soak up the sun on your private terrace, feast on local produce at Haus Restaurant & immerse yourself in the charm of Hahndorf life.
Adelaide (Largs Bay SA 5016 )
A colonial-style seafront hotel harking back to the city's Art Deco past. Interiors are elegant and feature plenty of retro style. With bars and restaurants boasting gourmet menus, it is a popular venue with guests as well as locals for gigs and atmospheric late-night DJ sets.
South Australia (South Australia)
Luxury vineyard accommodation in the Adelaide Hills. Homestead rooms are classic & cosy, whilst the new luxury suites have clean lines & a more minimalist feel; all are finished to the same high standards and most have private deck and vine views. For groups the stunning new lodge sleeps up to 8.
South Australia (Via Hawker)
The only resort in the Flinders Ranges, including well-equipped self-catering units, motel-style rooms, glamping tents and campsites. The fabulous focus on Aboriginal culture and history is a real stand-out, imbuding treks and excursions with rich meaning. A budget-friendly choice for adventurers.
Adelaide (South Australia)
A chic 29-bedroom hotel close to East End Park, with crisp white & grey interiors and all the mod-cons. The best rooms have spa tubs and private terraces boasting striking views of Adelaide's skyline - also impressive when seen from the rooftop pool! Cool, contemporary and super-central.
South Australia (South Australia)
A restored heritage hotel in the heart of Crafers, fusing old-school charm with a very cool modern buzz. Centred around a lively gastro pub & bar with superb wine list, spaces have stacks of character. Grown-up rooms feature leather headboards, black-and-white photos & swish bathrooms. Excellent.
South Australia (Australia)
A chic owner-run B&B with three contemporary designer pavilions set on a leafy slope in the beautiful Adelaide Hills. Interiors are modern and fresh with floor-to-ceiling windows for full immersion with nature, garden-facing decks & lovely bathrooms. A luxurious, relaxing and romantic retreat.
Adelaide (South Australia)
Decorated with the vibrant artwork of iconic Aboriginal artist Yannima Tommy Watson, this Walkerville hotel offers fresh, modern studios & suites with white-painted walls, smart pops of grey and red textiles and expansive views of leafy Adelaide. A friendly and lively art-centred city base.
Adelaide (Australia)
A superb contemporary hotel wrapped around the iconic Adelaide Oval, overlooking the city's leafy parkland and the cathedral. Chic rooms & suites have floor-to-ceiling windows, stylish bathrooms & dazzling views. Plus there's mouth-watering dishes paired with SA wines at the Five Regions Restaurant.
South Australia (South Australia)
A handful of rooms and self-catering apartments set in 15 acres of striking vineyards and olive groves on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Comfortable interiors encourage guests to unwind, soaking up views of the gardens from shaded terraces. The farm's fresh produce and superb Shiraz are a real treat!
South Australia (South Australia)
Three charming cottages on the edge of a four-acre pine forest in food & wine hotspot McLaren Vale. A pretty, family-owned collection of hideaways with chic, inviting interiors & plenty of characterful touches. The surrounding sculpture trail is a highlight & our favourite cottage has its own pool.
Adelaide (South Australia)
An iconic 1930s building turned luxury boutique hotel in the centre of town. Expect crisp white & cream elegant interiors, with furniture made by the city's top craftspeople. This stylish hotel's gourmet food & wine also reflect the best of South Australia. A proud Adelaide icon.
South Australia (South Australia)
Three superb suites in an unusual building made of stacked upcycled shipping containers. Above the vineyard's wine tasting room, spacious suites have light-filled contemporary interiors, private balconies & big bathtubs facing floor-to-ceiling windows. A hip hideaway for wine lovers in McLaren Vale.
Adelaide (North Adelaide SA 5006,)
A quirky 19th-century converted fire station. Consists of three self sufficient apartments all featuring spa baths and one kitted out with fire engine and fun fire-station themed decor. Centrally located within easy walking distance of restaurants, bars and sights. A unique stay.
South Australia (Australia)
An opulent B&B nestled in the tranquil Barossa Valley with seven luxurious suites surrounding a glorious outdoor pool & lush gardens overlooking the vineyards. Savour generous breakfasts and wine & cheese tastings, while top-notch foodie spots are found locally. Don't miss private cellar door tours.
South Australia (South Australia)
A heritage manor house-turned-family home, with three charming cottages and two swish apartments in restored buildings set amidst leafy grounds, this tranquil hideaway promises warm Australian hospitality aplenty. Expect thoughtful touches, individually designed interiors & top local tips. Lovely.
South Australia (Australia )
Set in the rolling Adelaide hills, this impeccable country house hotel promises a luxury escape to remember. A 19th-century summer residence, the house offers indulgent rooms & suites within 18 acres of leafy gardens. The emphasis on home-grown produce & top local wines is very impressive. A gem.
South Australia (South Australia)
Seriously impressive luxury suites and villas on a working winery in the acclaimed McLaren Vale. Expect chic contemporary interiors clad in cream tones with vineyard views, enormous bathtubs and all the mod-cons. Adults-only, this is a magical SA wine country hideaway with stacks of style.
South Australia (South Australia)
A beautiful family-owned escape with just three one-bedroom villas set amid 75 acres of grounds overlooking Victor Harbour. Half of the land has never been farmed, and promises a magical wildlife experience. Interiors are comfortable and contemporary, ideal for a rejuvenating adults-only retreat.
Adelaide (South Australia)
An elegant hotel fusing Art Nouveau elements with soothing pastel shades & contemporary comforts. There's a romantic feel to rooms and suites with velvet-upholstered armchairs, brass accents and dark marble bathrooms, plus a gourmet restaurant and spoiling spa. Glitzy & gorgeous.
South Australia (South Australia)
A hidden gem in central Stirling, this little hotel features five elegant white-on-white guest rooms set above a buzzy bistro & wine bar. Light-filled spaces are cool & contemporary, with cosy armchairs facing crackling fireplaces and big bathrooms with free-standing tubs. Restful and relaxing.
South Australia (Australia)
A cookery school with three elegant Asian-style villas. A foodie haven: private chefs or dinner trays can be organised and classes taken at the school. Interiors are contemporary with plenty of glass and indulgent bathrooms. A fabulous base from which to explore the Adelaide hills.
Adelaide (Hackney SA 5069 )
Three self-contained B&B cottages on a quiet leafy street in the heart of Adelaide. Charming interiors are cosy and traditional with wood burning stoves, antiques and soft hues. Each offers a private courtyard, and a real sense of privacy. A tranquil and romantic home-away from home.
South Australia (South Australia)
A restored 19th-century mill in the heart of McLaren Vale. There are two totally private, luxury suites, complete with sink-into tubs (one outdoor), modern kitchens and living rooms and marvellous views of the property's organic vineyards. 80+ cellar doors await. An intimate wine country hideaway.
South Australia (South Australia)
Six dazzling private cabins overlooking the vines in McLaren Vale. Elegant, light-filled interiors offer plenty of privacy for romantic couples, with wood-burning stoves in sitting rooms, modern kitchens, complimentary minibars & cosy bedrooms. Plus there's an outdoor hot tub with a view. Stunning!
Kangaroo Island (North Coast Road)
Luxurious private villas set atop the cliffs overlooking Snelling's Beach on Kangaroo Island. Families and friends will adore three-bedroom Cliff House, whilst couples can hide away in blissful tranquility in one-bedroom rammed-earth villas with mesmerising views. A gem, promising absolute privacy.
South Australia (Australia)
This stunning 19th century homestead has been converted into a luxurious hotel with seven exquisite ensuite rooms on the edge of the Barossa Valley. Facilities include a swimming pool and restaurant specialising in local ingredients. Try the bush bath for the ultimate romantic experience.
Kangaroo Island (South Australia)
Four stylish hideaways on 250 acres of verdant farmland, owned by the same family for three generations. Expect fresh, airy interiors with natural textures, crackling fireplaces, pretty kitchens & dazzling views. Star-gaze from your hot tub, glass of South Australian wine in hand. Bliss.
South Australia (Australia)
An exceptional Barossa Valley boutique hotel, boasting the acclaimed Appellation Restaurant - reputedly the best in the region. Expect swish contemporary interiors with modern art pieces, clean lines and uninterrupted views of the vineyards beyond. Unparalleled luxury.
Kangaroo Island (South Australia)
Nestled close to Willoughby Lighthouse with panoramic views over Pink Beach Bay, this tranquil retreat comprises a handful of airy, rooms, suites & villas with a fresh, nautical feel, each with a private deck (the best with outdoor tub). Delicious dinners champion South Australian produce. Magical.
South Australia (Australia)
Set away from the city in the Adelaide Hills, this inimate and luxurious small hotel has just five sumptuous suites. Privacy is of paramount importance, with the promise that you may not even see another guest. Perfect for a romantic getaway with gourmet fare and exceptional heritage interiors.
South Australia (South Australia)
A magical 14-bedroom lodge in the Adelaide Hills, with mesmerising views. Contemporary open-plan suites feature original artwork, beautifully crafted furnishings, indulgent bathrooms & private panoramic balconies. Plus there's an infinity pool and fine dining. Utterly dazzling.
South Australia (Australia)
Set on a private 60,000-acre reserve bordering Arkaba Creek, this restored 1850s homestead offers a rare opportunity to reconnect with the natural world. Expect five elegant guest rooms, each with marvellous views. Return from the legendary Arkaba Walks to savour gourmet fare at this hidden haven.
Kangaroo Island (South Australia)
Reopened in December 2023, the highly acclaimed Southern Ocean Lodge has kicked things up a notch. Exquisite contemporary suites — some with plunge pools — overlook the sparkling waters of Hanson Bay, whilst outdoor adventures, a soothing spa & gourmet delights await. An exceptional luxury escape.
