The 7 wonders of South Australia – your winter essentials

Winter is a magnificent time to explore SA’s immense treasure.

It’s a season of dramatic and vibrant scenery outdoors and cosy escapes indoors. Of hearty food and wine and delving into absorbing attractions.

Need inspiration? Well, you’re sure to quickly warm to these hot experiences.

It’s time to embrace winter…

1. Unearth a World Heritage wonder

Head underground to explore a truly engrossing natural creation. Naracoorte Caves are South Australia’s only World Heritage-listed attraction, and they warrant the global standing. Their mind-blowingly ancient features are filled with interest and intrigue and deliver a visual feast. Alternatively, tour the equally captivating Tantanoola Caves, near Mt Gambier.

Book now: BIG4 Echo Holiday Parks - Naracoorte or BIG4 Blue Lake in Mt Gambier.

2. Head for the Hills

There is so much to love about the Adelaide Hills, and winter is prime for a cosy, romantic escape. Easy to reach from Adelaide and yet with an ambience far removed from city life, the Hills are dotted with gorgeous villages and towns, most notably German-influenced Hahndorf. Embrace cute cellar doors, prized microbreweries, and classic pubs, visit galleries and other excellent cultural finds, and soak up a succession of vibrant winter views.

Book now: The Retreat at West Beach or Marion Holiday Park in Adelaide.

3. Explore pretty peninsulas

Crowd magnets in summer, SA’s action-packed peninsulas are ripe for exploration in the cooler months, too. It’s then that they’re full of intense vistas, and minus the big crowds. Rug up and plant your boots along a walking trail, armed with a camera, to capture astounding coastal-led scenery that’s all the more vivid and powerful at this time of year. Eyre, Fleurieu, and Yorke peninsulas each boasts all the necessary ingredients for getaways relaxing or adventurous.
Book now:

• Eyre: BIG4 Ceduna or Elliston Caravan Park.
• Fleurieu: BIG4 Port Elliot, BIG4 Cape Jervis, BIG4 Mount Compass, BIG4 Normanville Jetty, BIG4 Port Willunga or NRMA Victor Harbor.
• Yorke: BIG4 Port Hughes.

4. Sip on hearty reds

Ok, so we don’t need to babble about SA's ability to consistently produce amazing and versatile wine that is admired across the globe. But it is worth mentioning that the front-gate access to these world-class wineries should not be taken for granted. And there are so many robust red wines out there that are at peak drinking in winter. They're even better straight from the source.

Conveniently, many BIG4 parks are planted in or close to several of SA’s famed wine regions, from big names to spotlight dodgers. They include:

• Adelaide Hills: The Retreat at West Beach or Marion Holiday Park in nearby Adelaide.
• Barossa: BIG4 Barossa.
• Coonawarra: BIG4 Naracoorte or BIG4 Blue Lake in Mt Gambier.
• Currency Creek: BIG4 Port Elliot, BIG4 Port Willunga, BIG4 Cape Jervis, BIG4 Normanville Jetty, BIG4 Mount Compass or NRMA Victor Harbor.
• Langhorne Creek: BIG4 The Bend in Tailem Bend.
• McLaren Vale: BIG4 Port Willunga, BIG4 Port Elliot, BIG4 Cape Jervis, BIG4 Normanville Jetty, BIG4 Mount Compass or NRMA Victor Harbor.
• Riverland: BIG4 Loxton Riverfront, BIG4 Renmark Riverfront, Berri Riverside Holiday Park or Waikerie Holiday Park.

5. Marvel at the night sky

Encompassing an area of 3200sqm, the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve is the first of its kind in Australia. The combo of reliably clear skies and minimal light pollution creates perfect conditions for stargazing. And winter is slap bang in the heart of prime time for viewing the Milky Way. For the optimum experience, join a tour.

Book now: BIG4 Mannum, BIG4 Loxton Riverfront, BIG4 Renmark Riverfront, Berri Riverside Holiday Park or Waikerie Holiday Park.

6. Get your culture on in Adelaide

The capital is rich with indoor attractions, including several cultural gems. Within a stone’s throw of each other are the vibrant Art Gallery of South Australia, South Australian Museum, Migration Museum, and the State Library of South Australia where awesome photo ops abound in the Mortlock Wing. Additionally, throughout July, the annual Illuminate Adelaide brightens the city through a series of vibrant projections and installations alongside musical entertainment and more. The colour-fest extends to regional areas, too.

Book now: The Retreat at West Beach or Marion Holiday Park.

7. Take an epic road trip

Looking for warmer weather without having to head over the border? Venture north! Winter is arguably the best time to visit the bucket-list destination of Coober Pedy, passing through the sensational Flinders Ranges. Sure, the town can still get cool at this time, but you can reliably expect warmish, winter days that are ideal for unearthing the unforgettable, sometimes quirky scenery dotted around town and within day-trip distance.

Book now: BIG4 Stuart Range in Coober Pedy.

Plan your SA escape

Start by choosing a park below or see an overview of all BIG4s in SA here.