South Australia borders on every single one of the East Coast states – where the largest portion of our population lives – yet plenty of us still haven’t ventured there.
Bit of a joke, really.
But because you’re all probably still suffering from Mercury in retrograde (same) or simply need a bit of variety in your life, I’m going to tell you what will make a weekend in South Australia unforgettable, and why. Rally up the crew or, you know, your partner if you have one of those.
UNLEASH YOUR INNER-FREE SPIRIT DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE
Down The Rabbit Hole is a double decker bus inspired by Elise Cook and Domenic Palumbo‘s kombi van, Scout, made famous via none other than Instagram. What a time to be alive. It’s on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
It’s also a cellar door which is just stunning. The McLaren Vale cellar door is fully functional (despite being on actual wheels) and even has a restaurant on the top deck. The surrounding backdrop is perfect for a kick-back on a picnic rug, and the crew will even top up your wine wherever you set up shop. How’s that for service?
ENJOY A DIFFERENT KINDA NIGHT IN AT MOUNT LOFTY HOUSE
Mount Lofty House is just 15 minutes from Adelaide CBD in Adelaide Hills, and it’s a place that welcomes your inner-nester. Whether it’s Arthur Waterhouse Lounge’s cosy fireplace that you can sip cocktails or whisky by, or having a hearty feast at Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant, the sophisticated part of your journey awaits.
After you’ve filled yourself silly at the 3-hat-chef restaurant, you can snuggle up with a good ol’ book in the library or even in one of the Estate’s swanky suites. With views over the Piccadilly Valley, why wouldn’t ya?
GO HOT AIR BALLOONING OVER THE BAROSSA
You’ve never gone hot air ballooning, have you? Even though you’ve said you wanna do it for years? The time is now, and the place is the Barossa. Be warned, you’ll need to set your alarm early. There’s only so many times in your life you have to do this, so suck it up.
You’ll be rewarded with full-blown tranquillity and panoramic views of the vineyards you’ll be getting deep in later. Add to that historic towns, green plains, lush paddocks and the majestic Murray River. The sun rise and fresh air don’t suck either. Do it with Barossa Valley Ballooning or Barossa Balloon Adventures.
BECOME TRULY UNDERGROUND AT MAXWELL WINES
Chances are you’ve seen the pics. Chances are you’ve mentally put it on your bucket list without actually finding out how to make this dream a reality.
Never fear, I am here. To teach you. Fleurieu Peninsula’s Maxwell Wines offers a cave dug 50 metres into a limestone hill, tucked away behind the winery, which is available for group and pre-bookings. Talk about the perf subterranean setting, am I right? This is the kind of dining experience I need to mix up my Tinder routine.
The Limestone building is surrounded by picturesque vineyards that date back to 1893, and is one of the best regional dining experiences in our land that’s girt by sea.
