6 family-friendly SA stays

Posted 20 December, 2020 Ellen Morgan

While the idea of a family holiday conjures up plenty of jolly scenes, actually pulling one off can be trickier. But we’re here to help.   To make planning your next getaway with the family easier, we’ve listed 6 of our top holiday picks in our own backyard that are sure to please every member of the family, even the fussiest.  

1. Glenelg getaway

With summer upon us, we can almost hear Glenelg calling. With towering palm trees, glistening white sand and bustling Jetty Road, there’s sure to be something to suit the whole family here. Thanks to South Australian Escapes, you can stay in an impressive seaside villa at a special members’ price. Take your pick from 2 villas, each sleeping up to 7. They’re perfect for a larger family vacay, or even for 2 smaller families to have a combined getaway.   The 2-storey villas are equipped with all the bells and whistles, including a self-contained kitchen and laundry as well as air conditioning in all bedrooms. Cook ‘til your heart’s content, rest easy in the cool and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the modern open-plan living space. Ideal for longer stays, you can split your time between the creature comforts of your home-away-from-home and the bustling seaside charm of The Bay. While you’re there, make the most of the fun and games on offer at The Beachouse. There are special discounts for RAA members.  

2. Water wonderland at Lake Bonney

If you can’t keep your family out of the water in the summer months (who can blame them), a trip to Lake Bonney is the perfect choice. Positioned right on the banks of Barmera’s natural wonder, Discovery Parks Lake Bonney is a great place to entertain older kids who are water-savvy. With water-skiing, canoeing, kayaking, boating, swimming and a range of inflatable on-lake activity islands, the park has plenty of attractions to keep the kids active and busy. For smaller children, who you’ll want to keep an eye on, there’s a water park inside the grounds. There are also nearby hiking trails and walking tracks thanks to the surrounding national park, and food and wine for the big kids to enjoy, too. Want to tick a few more Riverland experiences off the bucket list? There’s a stack of experiences to choose from.  

3. Seaside wind-down at Middleton

For many South Aussies, just the journey down to Middleton from the city conjures memories of seaside family holidays. Summer sunshine, salty skin, sandy toes and hanging out soggy towels when the sun goes down and the wind is still pleasantly warm. Thanks to Beach Huts Middleton, you can relive the summer of your dreams in their gorgeous weatherboard shacks. Sleeping 5, the Scarborough hut is perfect for families and features 2 bedrooms, a kitchenette, living area, undercover parking and a personal deck. The best bit? It’s only a 10-minute stroll to Middleton Beach, so you can while away the days on the sand. When the afternoon hangry hits, you can make the quick trip back to the hut for a snack or some dinner and settle in on your deck for the night. Summertime perfection. There’s so much to see and do on the Fleurieu, so make sure you check out our travel experiences on offer while you’re there, too.  

4. Kangaroo Island escape

Thinking of organising a getaway to Kangaroo Island? Taking a trip across the sea on the SeaLink Ferry can be a great experience for little holiday-makers. Head to the cafeteria, grab a sausage roll and watch the seas barrel by the boat as you glide along the water. Once you’re there, rest your head in beautiful Penneshaw at Kangaroo Island Seafront. Their range of accommodation options cater to a broad variety of getaway needs, with 16 rooms and 12 villas to choose from. The villas are available in 1, 2 or 3 bedroom layouts, so you could even rustle up a few of your mates or the neighbours and take a combined family trip. On-site, there’s an outdoor pool, sauna and mini golf course for when you need to busy little hands and feet. But venture off-site and you’ll find the best of KI on your doorstep, including pretty Hog Bay swimming beach, tennis courts and a playground. Staying for a little longer? Check out our range of activities on offer around the island.  

5. Naracoorte holiday park fun

Full of surprises around every corner, the Limestone Coast may be a little further from Adelaide, but it’s a great choice for a family vacation. Food, wine, natural wonders – you name it, the region has it. In prime proximity to some of Naracoorte’s top attractions, the cabins at Big4 Holiday Park can sleep up to 5. Featuring a bunkbed and a double bed, they’re suitable for smaller families with youngsters. A popular pick every summer, the park is located right next to the beautiful Naracoorte Swimming Lake. The man-made lake is surrounded by sand but is filled with chlorinated water with a maximum depth of 2m. With plenty of shallow areas for littlies, it’s the ultimate spot for an afternoon dip with the kids. Back in the park, the big kids can enjoy an afternoon beverage on the deck of the cabin while the littlies play in the park’s facilities. There’s a playground as well as go karts, a mini golf course and a games room – talk about spoilt for choice! Searching for more Limestone activities? Take a gander at our list of experiences on offer.