If you’re looking for a quick getaway with the family, then look no further! These South Australian destinations are quick and cheap, and the perfect thing to recharge the batteries. These back to basics holidays are perfect for a week away or a long weekend, but some can easily be fitted into a weekend. Let’s dive in!
1. Horseshoe Bay Caravan Park – Port Elliot, SA
The Horseshoe Bay Caravan Park.
Where is it?
This is a great weekend getaway and a cheap alternative to hiring a shack for the weekend. Situated on the Fleurieu Peninsula between Victor Harbor and Goolwa, Port Elliot is a quaint town exuding charm and hospitality.
Situated 85km from Adelaide, it’s just over an hour until you can be relaxing by the seaside! The caravan park itself offers excellent facilities and accommodation to suit varying budgets and needs.
Is it kid friendly?
Kids are well catered for with an extensive playground and activities during the Christmas holidays. Of course, the main attraction is Horseshoe Bay. The sand is clean and the waters are usually gentle due to the sheltered nature of the bay, making it an excellent beach to introduce younger kids to the surf.
Basic supplies can be purchased from the Caravan Park shop, but adults and kids alike will enjoy wandering the main street of Port Elliot and browsing through the many interesting local shops in search of knick-knacks and curios.
Where to eat and get supplies
The main street is also home to take away shops and two good pubs. For more serious supplies, you can find Woolworths and Foodland in Goolwa and Woolworths and Coles in Victor Harbor. If you’re staying for the weekend, check out Horseshoe Bay and the Port Elliot main street.
Where to visit
If your stay is a little longer, you could also check out Hindmarsh Island and the Murray Mouth, The Cockle Train, the South Australian Whale Information Centre at Victor Harbor as well as Granite Island and The Bluff, also at Victor Harbor. For information contact the Horseshoe Bay Caravan Park.
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2. Edithburgh, SA
Located in south-east corner of Yorke Peninsula in South Australia is the town of Edithburgh.
Where is it?
Situated on the eastern side of the Yorke Peninsula, Edithburgh has long been a popular fishing destination for experts and fair weather fishermen alike. It’s a comfortable 230km from Adelaide, taking around 3 hours by car, or slightly longer if you stop for a hot pie at the Ardrossan Bakery.
Accommodation
Arriving in town you’ll notice the wide streets and parks, and the genuine and relaxed atmosphere of a country town. Accommodation options are pretty standard, and of course, it all depends on your budget and how long you plan to stay.
The caravan park caters well to fishermen, with cabins and grassed camp areas, as well as fish cleaning facilities, an excellent camp kitchen and an all weather boat ramp.
Fishing spots to check out
From the caravan park, it’s only a short stroll to the jetty, where locals and holidaymakers alike regularly catch good hauls of squid, tommies and gar. There is also a jetty at nearby Wool Bay that can produce good hauls of squid if you’re not having any luck at Edithburgh.
Be sure to check the weather and tidal conditions before your holiday to maximise your chances! The caravan park can provide this information. Aside from the caravan park, there is a motel, and many shacks available for hire.
Where to eat and visit
Two pubs service the town with cold beer and old-fashioned country meals. If your stay is only a weekend, you’ll find plenty to do within the town and of course – the local fishing. If you plan to stay a little longer then Edithburgh is a good central location to check out other areas of the Peninsula. It’s only a short drive to Marion Bay and Innes National Park, Corny Point, Point Turton and Minlaton – the Barley Capital of the World!
Edithburgh and the Yorke Peninsula both offer great entertainment for fisherman and for those wishing to escape the hustle and bustle. The caravan park and town offer playgrounds for kids, but unless they’re into fishing you might consider organising some activities for them or bring some with you.
For more information check out the Edithburgh Caravan park website or contact them on 08 8852 6056.
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3. Parachilna Gorge, Flinders Ranges, SA
Parachilna Gorge is a must visit in the legendary Flinders Ranges.
Where is it?
If you’re looking for a touch of adventure on your weekend, the Flinders Ranges is the perfect option. There are endless campsites and regions to explore and the Parachilna Gorge is just one option. Roughly 500km to the township of Parachilna, the drive from Adelaide itself is quite interesting.
You can take the chance to travel through the Clare Valley, the historic copper mining town of Burra, and the mid-northern pastoral district before entering the Flinders Ranges.
Parachilna itself consists mainly of a pub (The Prairie Hotel), but the pub is magnificent and is recognised as Australia’s most awarded outback hotel! It offers all kinds of accommodation and fantastic meals with local flavour.
Where to eat and what to do
The pub serves as an excellent starting point for your Flinders adventures, and a wide range of tours are available to book through the hotel, such as 4WD tours, and scenic flights.
If you’re looking for something more to quench your bush adventure thirst, then definitely venture into the Parachilna Gorge.
A four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended for this trip as there is a creek crossing that, although dry most of the year, can be quite rocky. Having said that, if you’re an adventurous type you’ll probably be fine in a regular vehicle.
Where to camp
The road through the gorge leads to the historic town of Blinman, and along the way, there are some perfect campsites where you can take in the serenity and local wildlife. The entire journey from Parachilna to Blinman is only 30km, and can easily be accomplished in 1 hour – but that defeats the purpose! Find a nice spot to settle in for the night, read a good book, go for a walk, and take in the serenity.
Blinman offers a pub with all the usual facilities like showers and toilets for a minimal fee, as well as a swimming pool! From here you can take the back road to Hawker on your homeward journey.
For more information, check out the Prairie Hotel’s website. You can also visit the Blinman Hotel’s website for more ideas.
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So, get out there this weekend and visit South Australia’s own backyard – make it as simple or action-packed as you like, but most importantly relax and take the time to smell the roses!
What are your favourite South Australian getaways? Let us know in the comments!
This article was updated for 2017.
After getting well off the beaten track with work, I’m now looking forward to some more relaxed touring with my wife. We’ll keep you posted from the road!
Great inspiration! Makes me want to try somewhere new!
Thanks for the feedback – sometimes the best holidays are the most simple!
Wow! Thank you for this great information… we have been so enthused by your descriptions that we are planning our next long weekend getaway! Thanks Snowys.