5 South Australian Getaways: From the Obvious to the Overlooked

South Australia offers endless ways to escape and the state is sprinkled with a diverse mix of well-loved and world-renowned destinations as well as quieter, less obvious getaway spots. In this article, we cover five interesting getaway ideas in SA, hopefully sparking some fresh plans for unique weekend getaways in 2026. 

Where a Weekend Can Look However You Like

South Australia has no shortage of places to disappear to for a few days. Long coastlines run along the Yorke and Eyre Peninsulas, wine regions sit within easy reach of the city, and towns like Robe and Victor Harbor have been pulling weekend crowds for decades.

Head inland and the scenery looks like it’s from a fairytale; with the cooler air of the Adelaide Hills and its charming towns which pull people back time and time again.

For a state that’s visited relatively less often than its neighbours, there’s a whole lot of getaway possibilities in South Australia.

5 South Australian Getaways For 2026

With that in mind, we have pulled together a small mix of getaway ideas to spark some inspiration for 2026. But they’re not all obvious choices.

A couple are well known and loved for good reason, others are much less obvious and easy to overlook, but all of them are interesting in some way or another, depending on the kind of weekend you need.

Here are five SA getaway ideas for when you finally take time to step away from your desk 2026.

Berri Hotel

For a weekend that feels totally removed from everyday life.

Berri gets grouped broadly into the Riverland and often warrants only a stop for visitors passing through, but spending time at the Berri Hotel reveals a sweet little town worth staying in.

Found at the core of Berri, the hotel has a range of handy and contemporary accommodation options; anything from a brand new villas with river views to affordable rooms. But regardless of which room you decide to book, you’ll always benefit from the riverside location, onsite bistro and bar, and outdoor pool.

The Riverland Wine Centre, a short drive away, offers a useful snapshot of the region’s producers, as do numerous nearby wineries, while back in town, the Berri Riverfront Walk runs along the Murray; past the marina, shaded lawns and the riverbank. Seasonal citrus, stone fruit and almonds are sold at roadside stalls as you drive by, making you feel like you’re in Greece, just for a moment.

And with no single attraction pulling all the attention, yet endless options for outdoor days, time naturally revolves around small choices, like where to walk as well as where to swim, grab a coffee or enjoy dinner.

Explore Berri Hotel.

Mercure Barossa Valley

Where staying a whole weekend uncovers heritage, food and flavour.

The Barossa Valley has been visited, revisited, and written about more times than you can count. Cellar doors and sunny lunches are familiar territory, often packed tightly into a short trip. What changes the experience isn’t novelty, but maybe opting for a few different Barossa Valley activities to enjoy in 2026.

Just outside Tanunda, the Mercure Barossa Valley sits in the heart of the Barossa Valley close to vineyards and cellar doors. The accommodation is beautifully furnished, with a range of room types and suites, plus its own restaurant and bar.

From this base, days can fall into place with very little effort, by car or even by bike on the Barossa Trail. Try a morning trip into town for pastries and coffee, a winery visit, then back again to reset before deciding what comes next. Some afternoon food tasting stops and tasty souvenirs never fail to please. Staying in for dinner is always an option, while Tanunda’s pubs and wine bars are close enough so that you can keep your plans flexible.

The Barossa still offers what it always has; wine shaped by generations of families and food that reflects the region. But experiencing it in 2026, and across a number of days, leaves more room to notice the details you might otherwise rush past in the car.

Book a stay at Mercure Barossa Valley.

BreakFree Port Pirie

A getaway that isn’t obvious, until you get there and it all makes sense.

Positioned on the upper Spencer Gulf, Port Pirie is the place you whizz past with a destination already in mind. Staying a little longer however, helps you to discover a surprising mix of coast, ranges and regional life.

BreakFree Port Pirie makes sense for a stay where hiking and exploration come first. Comfortable, super convenient and affordable, the hotel offers apartment-style accommodation with space to spread out after a day under the Mid-North sun. There’s a pool here too, as well as an Angus & Co. on site restaurant serving hearty classics.

From BreakFree, head inland or out towards the water. The scenic southern reaches of the Flinders Ranges begin right nearby. Hiking trails and lookouts in Mount Remarkable National Park are close enough for a day trip and incredible hiking opportunities. Then, in the opposite direction, the coastline curves around the gulf, with quiet foreshore walks along the water’s edge.

Port Pirie may not be somewhere you planned to stay in 2026, but that’s part of the appeal. It’s a town discovered slowly rather than chosen for its fame, where getting to know the streets, the bakery, the local pub, and the landscape around it becomes the reason you’re there at all.

Take a look at BreakFree Port Pirie.

Peppers Clare Valley Country Club

For a trip that packs all life’s little pleasures into one weekend.

Tucked into the folds of the Clare Valley, Peppers Clare Valley Country Club is about opting into country life for the weekend. The charming property here spans across lawns and the edges of golf greens, with rooms and lodges looking out over Lake Inchiquin, the pool or the course.

From here, the Riesling Trail is close enough for a short ride or walk, while cellar doors such as Sevenhill Cellars and Mount Horrocks Wines sit only minutes away from your room. Clare township is nearby for bakeries, pubs and the Sunday farmers market, with other small historic towns dotted through the valley, each with their own selling point.

Need a little wilderness time? Spring Gully Conservation Park offers walking trails that take you to views across the valley.

Head back to the hotel in the evening for dinner at Conner’s; a premium dining establishment known for its seasonal menu and fresh, local, quality produce.

Discover Peppers Clare Valley Country Club.

Bridgeport Hotel

The perfect balance between Murray River adventures and special touches.

The river is unavoidable in Murray Bridge, with boats moving past throughout the day and pelicans gathering near the edges of the river. A walking track follows the water through town, shaping how locals spend their time.

At the Bridgeport Hotel, rooms face directly onto the Murray, with balconies looking across the riverbank below. Downstairs, the pub, bar and dining areas buzz from morning through to evening, and on the rooftop a bar and pool set the scene for pre-breakfast dips or mid afternoon cool-downs.

Fortunately for guests, the riverfront path in Murray Bridge begins at the hotel and runs along lawns, reserves and lookout points, where people spot birds and link up with longer walks. Kayaks and boats launch nearby, and Monarto Safari Park sits a short drive away for a full day outdoors. Cafés and local shops cluster not far from the water, meaning nothing’s ever far away from your room.

Explore the Bridgeport Hotel.