10 of the best nature stays in South Australia

Heralded as Australia’s first true luxury lodge when it opened, there was a real sense of loss when Southern Ocean Lodge was burnt to the ground during the devastating wildfires of 2020. Four years on, a phoenix has risen from the ashes. The 2.0 version has reclaimed the same clifftop spot overlooking the endless blue of the Southern Ocean, affording incredible views from its 25 suites. Guests are treated to sumptuous four-course dinners and access to the walk-in wine cellar, but its signature experiences are the real lure here; these are included in any stay and range from nocturnal wildlife spotting in conservation zones to guided walks exploring the island’s flora and fauna.

More information: All-inclusive suites from £1,760 per night, with a minimum two-night stay; southernoceanlodge.com.au

Sitting on the southern edge of the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, and surrounded by mountains, this remote retreat began as a working sheep farm. While a herd is still kept here, the station is now better known as a well-located base for exploring the Australian Outback. Accommodation spans the full spectrum, from a caravan park to luxury eco-villas with their own pool. But the best part is the setting. Multi-day guided walks will take you into the heart of the Flinders Ranges, with spectacular scenery at every turn. There are also plenty of easy-going bush-walk trails that you can explore independently.

More information: B&B villas start from £269 per night; rawnsleypark.com.au

Make the sun-soaked winelands of McLaren Vale your home from home at this lush retreat, where six guesthouses of varying sizes are cocooned in a maze of vines. Each self-catering property is unique, but all feature outdoor decks on which to savour a glass of something delicious from the complimentary mini bar. Breakfast provisions, all sourced locally, are stocked before you arrive. And if you do eventually find a moment to venture outside, the region is dotted with art galleries, and the beaches are only a short drive away. There are also plenty of dive sites just off the coast.

More information: B&B guesthouses from £312 per night; thevineyardmv.com.au

Gently rolling hills and neat rows of grapevines provide the backdrop to The Louise, a luxury lodge with 15 villa-style suites in the heart of the Barossa Valley. Access to wine experiences ranging from private guided tastings to cellar visits with winemakers is what makes this property so special – and that’s just scratching the surface. For those who want to take it up a notch, the hotel can also hook you up with hot air balloon rides over the vineyards, tours in a vintage car, and picnic breakfasts in a conservation park while surrounded by kangaroos.

More information: Half-board suites from £594 per night; thelouise.com.au

Perched on top of Mount Lofty, with sweeping views of the vineyard-dotted Piccadilly Valley below, Sequoia Lodge is an adults-only retreat that’s packed with indulgences. Its biggest draw is its location, set among award-winning wineries – the Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek are all within a 45-minute drive. There are plenty of perks on-site, too, including steaming pools fed by spring water and guided hikes along wooded trails filled with wildlife. For those staying longer, drinks masterclasses and visits to local food producers are also offered.

More information: B&B suites from £826 per night, including on-site experiences; sequoialodge.com.au

Known as the opal capital of the world, Coober Pedy is one of the most fascinating places in the Australian Outback. You won’t see much above ground, though; most residents live underground because the region is so hot and inhospitable, with temperatures reaching up into the 50s (ºC) in summer. Consequently, this unique stay offers a chance to live as the locals do in rustic but charmingly authentic subterranean rooms. While here, look out for pearlescent opal seams – the hotel was at one time a mine – and explore the hidden nooks left behind from its mining days.

More information: Doubles from £120 per night, room only; cooberpedyexperience.com.au

With three retreats overlooking the Murray River, The Frames is a dramatic base for exploring the Riverland region near South Australia’s border with Victoria. A sauna, heated pool and rain showers are among the luxuries you can tick off here, while wetland wildlife tours and guided canoe expeditions will show you a different side to Australia’s driest state. You can even decamp into the wilderness for a glamping excursion. And for those content to stay put, a private chef can rustle up a gourmet three-course meal in the comfort of your own villa.

More information: B&B villas from £672 per night; theframesluxuryaccommodation.com.au

Set within the pastoral landscape of Fleurieu Peninsula’s Inman Valley, this rural gem consists of just two secluded suites. Designed to work off-grid if necessary, the ethos is about immersing yourself in nature, whether by peering through the floor-to-ceiling windows, enjoying the al-fresco dining area and range barbecue, or soaking in the outdoor bath, which has been sunken into the ground. The wood-burning fireplace and selection of boardgames make it a cosy spot in which to cocoon yourself, but do bring binoculars for the many birding trails nearby.

More information: B&B suites from £258 per night, with a minimum two-night stay; esca.com.au/inman-valley

There are only two villas at this off-grid property, each offering serene views of Nepean Bay. Run by husband and wife team Tim and Tamsin Wendt – who live just a stroll away – it’s a boutique stay for those looking for maximum interaction with their hosts. By day, you’re exploring the island on guided tours; by night, you’re sitting down to a three-course meal cooked by Tamsin. The 200-hectare grounds are home to kangaroos and wallabies that emerge at sunset, while winged residents include the endangered white-bellied sea eagle.

More information: All-inclusive villas from £1,886 per night (including a full-day tour), with a minimum two-night stay; oceanviewkangarooisland.com.au

Attached to the iconic Adelaide Oval, this hotel is well positioned for attending the many sporting events that take place at the stadium – its Bespoke Wine Bar & Kitchen restaurant even overlooks the pitch. The rest of the time, its status as the only hotel set within the city’s expansive and heritage-listed parklands means it provides a restful retreat. To that end, all of its rooms, studios and suites look onto the surrounding greenery, while a lovely walk along the River Torrens starts from the front door. The city centre is also just a short stroll away.

More information: Doubles from £107 per night, room only; ovalhotel.com.au