Looking to take a break but don’t want to go interstate or overseas? Spend your next holiday at one of these South Australian holiday parks.

1. Echo Holiday parks Normanville, Fleurieu Peninsula

With one of the biggest water parks in the state, this holiday spot is a must visit for families. Tucked behind the dunes on the Fleurieu Peninsula coast, travellers can unwind or take a stroll along a remote part of Normanville Beach.

The park is within easy reach of attractions like Ingalalla Falls and the popular seaside town of Victor Harbor.

2. Big4 Blue Lake Holiday Park, Limestone Coast

Discover the beauty of the Limestone Coast while based at this holiday park, nestled within the volcanic landscape between the mighty Blue Lake and smaller Valley Lake.

Explore the region’s walking trails, caves and world-class wineries. Kids will be entertained at the park, which has an indoor heated swimming pool and water slides.

3. Discovery parks – West Beach Parks, Adelaide and surrounds

Located along the stunning metro coastline, the West Beach holiday park has several types of accommodation, from self-contained beach houses and cosy cabins to powered sites for caravans.

A massive playground, giant jumping pillow, games room, pool and water-play area will keep the littlies busy.

Nearby, you’ll find West Beach Adventure outdoor activity park, the Pat GC golf course and the Harbour Town shopping precinct.

4. Rawnsley Park Station, Flinders Ranges

Open your tent to spectacular views of the southern side of Wilpena Pound. While not your traditional holiday park, Rawnsley Park Station offers cabins, villas, camping areas, and powered and unpowered caravan sites. The station is the perfect base for visitors looking to explore the majestic Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park.

5. Port Broughton Tourist Park, Yorke Peninsula

Mini golf anyone, or maybe a ninja playground? Port Broughton Tourist Park on the Yorke Peninsula provides a unique coastal experience.

Offering bay views, accommodation options include cabins and powered sites for caravans, RVs and tents. Don’t forget the kids’ bikes and scooters so they can rip it up on the park’s very own pump track.

6. Tumby Bay Caravan Park, Eyre Peninsula

A favourite among recreational fishers and families, visitors can enjoy crystal-clear blue waters and Tumby Bay’s idyllic atmosphere.

Stroll along the white sand, try stand-up paddle boarding or just unwind as the waves gently crash on the shore. From powered sites to three-bedroom cabins, the park offers several accommodation types.

7. Discovery Parks – Renmark riverfront, Riverland

Watch the mighty Murray River pass you by while relaxing on the deck of your modern cabin. Chuck out a fishing line and attempt to reel in a feed or try your hand at yabbying.

The Renmark riverfront park has plenty to offer, including a pool, water and splash park, and giant jumping pillow. Cross Paringa Bridge and head out to the Woolshed Brewery for the afternoon or visit Twenty Third Street Distillery in Renmark.

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Alice Springs, Kings Canyon, Uluṟu – and the 500km between – form the beating red heart at the centre of Australia’s vast landmass.

This place is anything but bare and barren with powerful thunderstorms, delicate bush tucker and stunning aerial perspectives usually reserved for hovering Australian kestrels. Join me as I discover the hidden secrets of Central Australia.

Gateway to the outback

Scorching air blasts my face like I’ve opened the oven door. My weather app teases thunder and rain for the week ahead. Squinting at the sun in the cloudless sky, I dismiss it as impossible. Within a few days, I’d learn to expect the unexpected in the Red Centre.

My first hours in Alice Springs teem with colour. At the Tjanpi Desert Weavers gallery, I meet Wendy who explains the intriguing sculptures and baskets lining the walls.

“We have works from more than 450 artists – all women living on Country in the NPY Lands,” Wendy says.

“Selling the pieces allows women of all ages to earn valuable income, while also coming together to collect and teach younger generations.”

At the nearby Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre, all 25 of the studio’s artists continue to paint in the ‘Hermannsburg School’ style watercolour tradition of their grandfather and relative, Albert Namatjira. Gazing at the lavenders, greens and hazy blue skies captured in his art, I remark that the Red Centre should really be called the Rainbow Centre.

The heat of the day mellows into a balmy evening. Desert Mob, one of Australia’s oldest Aboriginal art festivals, is almost finished for another year.

Outside the Araluen Art Centre, Kungas Can Cook co-founder Rayleen details tonight’s Desert Mob ‘After Dark’ dinner.

“This whole menu represents central Australia and our ancient foods and stories,” she says.

“Let’s celebrate our local foods that grow here so sustainably without a drop of extra water or spray of pesticide.”

Wattleseed, or arlepe in the Arrernte language of the Traditional Owners, is the star of the evening. The ingredient is weaved into the entire menu, from the damper and hummus starters to the chocolate bites for dessert.

The next day, I jump in the front seat as we set off on a four-wheel-drive trip with Bill from Sandrifter Safaris to Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park. At Simpsons Gap, Bill beckons for me to press my ear hard to a red gum to hear the soft echo of underground water and look for resident black-footed rock wallabies napping in the heat. The water that helps make this oasis lush and green looks inviting but, as a sacred cultural site for the Arrernte people, swimming is not permitted.

Standley Chasm is next on our itinerary. The narrow passageway between towering red rock is the culmination of a short walking trail through ancient cycad palms and shady gum trees. We arrive a little after noon, missing the window when the cleft is lit by overhead sun, but also avoiding the crowds. With the place to ourselves, we relish the shade and cool breeze funnelling through.

This morning I’d dressed in anticipation of our next stop – Ellery Creek Big Hole.

A well-manicured path curves to bring into view the lofty cliffs and pale reeds fringing the glinting crocodile-free watering hole. Bathers already on, I kick off my thongs, pick my way across the sand and throw myself into water so cold it takes my breath away.

Perfection.

Tonight, the storm my weather app warned me about rolls in. From my hotel balcony, I watch as dazzling lightning illuminates the hills, followed by thrilling cracks of thunder and very welcome rain.

Hit the road, Jack

Alice Springs’ clouds follow as we make our way to Kings Canyon/Watarrka National Park. Vegetation shifts and I can scarcely believe there are so many shades of red. Kings Canyon’s mass rises to the right as I arrive at Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon.

Any notions of free-time exploration evaporate when I spy the bathtub in my Deluxe Cabin. Instead, I relax with uninterrupted outback views before tonight’s sunset experience.

Recharged, I set off, following a boardwalk over ochre ground passing signs for Light Towers by renowned artist Bruce Munro. On arrival, I’m greeted with scrumptious native-flavoured canapés and entertained by the vibrant display before me.

Against the darkening backdrop of Kings Canyon’s massive form, twinkling lights become perceptible. I wander through the immersive display’s pulsating towers of light, each optic fibre refracted through hundreds of recycled glass bottles.

The countless stars, balmy temperature and medley of colours make sunsets in Central Australia magical. Sunrises are even more beautiful. Armed with hiking boots and plenty of water, I begin the Kings Canyon Rim Walk’s steep ascent in darkness, arriving at the top breathless – but in awe – as the sun peeks over the canyon.

This 6km hike requires a good level of fitness and the effort is worth it. Bush tomatoes dot the landscape and fossils in the weathered rocks show how the canyon walls are painted with the Creation Story of the Luritja people. A Slater’s ring-tailed dragon suns itself on a rock and I see a two-toned pink rare desert rose just off the track.

The sacred centre

Ahead, after another long drive, lies the jewel in Central Australia’s crown. Uluṟu’s red form rises, clearly seen from the road in the nearby town of Yulara.

Elegant afternoon tea may not be the first thing you think of when in the desert. Ilkari Restaurant at Sails in the Desert hotel creatively weaves bush tucker flavours into pots of tea and exquisite, surprisingly filling, morsels at the Australian Native High Tea experience.

As the sun sets, cracks of thunder roar. The storm in Alice has followed us to Uluṟu.

I join a growing crowd at a hotel lookout to watch nature’s show. In the distance, brilliant lightning weaves silver threads above Uluṟu’s vibrant, red surface. Mother Nature’s light show rivals any made by man. I learn the next morning that this was but a small storm that has left little trace.

Before dawn I head into Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park for the first time since arriving. My heart skips when I see Uluṟu coming into focus. As the sun rises, Uluṟu’s midnight blue silhouette shifts to deep indigo, then dark chocolate before becoming bright, iron-red as the clusters of stars above fade from view.

Today’s helicopter flight has me excited but anxious as I’m a tad afraid of heights. I needn’t have worried; I’m too distracted to be scared. I witness the breathtaking landscape from the same view as the cockatoos, with wild camels dotting the earth below. Uluṟu rises nearly 350 metres from the flat desert, taller than Australia’s tallest building – the 323-metre tall Gold Coast Q1 Tower. Discovering Uluṟu stretches about seven times further underground is mind-bending.

The helicopter turns, and the 36 dramatic domes of Kata Tjuṯa fill my view.

Rise with the sun

Early the next morning, we arrive at Field of Light and Uluṟu can’t be seen at all. In the heavens, stars sparkle. On Earth, 50,000 solar-powered lights glow against the desert darkness – Bruce Munro’s first installation celebrating the awe-inspiring desert. As the sky lightens, the artwork dims. Uluṟu emerges while Kata Tjuṯa transforms to a gorgeous lavender. The lights shimmer one last time as they catch the first rays of the sun and then, like yesterday, Uluṟu dons its red hues for the day ahead.

When it’s time to leave, I trail behind on my return to the bus, looking over my shoulder for another final glimpse.

I imagine a magical remote control that lets me rewind and experience my journey across Australia’s core all over again – and yes, even relive all the early starts.

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From soaring waterfalls and tidal reefs to crocodile-filled mangroves and astonishing birdlife, Australia’s far north-west is packed with natural wonders that’ll surprise and delight the most discerning adventurer.

Combining a close-up tour of this vast wonderland with the comfort of a luxury cruise ship creates a truly unforgettable experience.

Not your average coral reef

Each day, huge tides that often see the ocean shift more than eight metres, shape and transform Montgomery Reef – the world’s largest in-shore reef system. As the tide falls, it creates raging ‘rivers’ and mini waterfalls, as colourful coral gardens and a giant reef appear to rise from the ocean.

Known as Yowjab by the local Dambimangari people, the reef is home to turtles, dugongs, reef sharks and humpback dolphins. Hop aboard a Zodiac and breathe in the salty sea air as the sound of rushing water washes over you – a spectacle as unique and diverse as the Kimberley itself.

Turtles, terns and tattlers

Birdwatchers and nature lovers, feast your eyes on the Lacepede Islands – a string of four low-lying sandy atolls about 120km north of Broome. Recognised by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area, the Lacepede Islands will have you scrambling for your binoculars.

The islands are home to one of the world’s largest brown booby and frigatebird breeding colonies. Other species squawking and jostling for prime spots include eastern reef egrets, silver gulls, roseate terns, common noddies, sooty oystercatchers and grey-tailed tattlers. The islands are also Western Australia’s most significant green turtle breeding site and a hotspot for humpback whale sightings. A guided tour from a Zodiac boat is the perfect way to soak in this avian cacophony.

Mangrove marvels

Explore the Hunter River on a guided Zodiac tour, admiring the sheer beauty of this vast waterway. Towering sandstone cliffs, ancient rainforest and two waterfalls plunging 90 metres make this 16km river one of the Kimberley’s most magnificent pieces of scenery.

Winding inland from Prince Frederick Harbour, the river is also lined with pristine mangrove forests. The twisted root systems shelter thousands of fish, birds and other wildlife, including the Kimberley’s biggest population of fearsome saltwater crocodiles. For something extra special, upgrade your excursion and take a helicopter ride from Naturalist Island beach and fly over the majestic gorges, rock pools and rushing waterfalls of Mitchell Falls.

An ancient museum

The remote rocky landscapes and tranquil waters of Vansittart Bay are your entry point to age-old rock art and a slice of modern history.

The Gwion Gwion rock art on Jar Island is a true highlight, with intricate paintings thought to date back more than 17,000 years depicting human figures decorated with tassels, sashes and headdresses. A guided tour through the red rock shelters is the best way to appreciate this fascinating part of Australia’s past.

World War II history enthusiasts will be amazed by the remains of a DC-3 that crashed here in 1942 after running out of fuel on a supply mission, thankfully with no casualties. Sitting mostly intact near the shoreline, it’s a prominent reminder of Australia’s wartime past.

Two watery serpents

Ask a Kimberley explorer for a trip highlight and chances are you’ll hear about the King George River. Winding through an 80-metre gorge, the shadows drifting across weather-carved ochre cliffs create a natural palette so awe-inspiring, you won’t want to leave.

At the river’s end, two waterfalls cascade 80m over sandstone cliffs into the tidal waters below. The river holds deep cultural significance for the Balanggarra people, and the falls are known as Oomari, while the two waterfalls represent the male and female Wunkurr, or rainbow serpents.

Cruise the King George River by Zodiac and let an experienced guide bring the history and geology of this stunning wonderland to life.

Let some Ponant luxury take your Kimberley trip to the stratosphere

Spend 10 glorious nights aboard Ponant’s magnificent Le Jacques Cartier for a June 2027 voyage you’ll remember forever. With world-class food and drinks, 24-hour room service, evening entertainment, spa and fitness facilities and much more, your only responsibility will be to relax and enjoy the splendours of the Kimberley.

Choose from a range of guided tours, lectures, hiking and Zodiac tours. You won’t just observe your surroundings, you’ll absorb them to create a holiday so special that you’ll be telling your friends about it for years to come.

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No matter where you are in Japan, you’re never more than 150km from the sea.

It makes sense once you realise Japan is an archipelago of more than 14,000 islands, with the four main islands connected by bridges and tunnels. The resulting jagged coastline stretches more than 29,000km – even longer than Australia’s.

Most visitors stick to the island of Honshu with its big hitters: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and rightly so. You can read about these must-visit destinations here. But with so much coastline, treasures abound for those who venture beyond the bullet-train corridor.

Instead, here are six coastal ports of call well worth adding to your itinerary.

Ishigaki: tropical paradise

Balmy weather, turquoise ocean lapping at sandy white shores, and snorkelling with manta rays and sea turtles among coral reefs. Wait a minute – are we in Far North Queensland… or Japan? The island of Ishigaki (pictured above) lies about 2000km southwest of the mainland and is famed for its natural beauty, cultural sites and black pearls. If snorkelling or diving is too strenuous, join a glass-bottom boat tour to get up close to the spectacular marine life.

The mesmerising colours of the ocean are embodied in the island’s unique ceramics style, which combines pottery with glass resulting in otherworldly blue pieces of art. For a one-of-a-kind souvenir, join a pottery workshop to create your own masterpiece. To soak in breathtaking panoramic views, follow the hibiscus-lined path to the Tamatorizaki Observatory. The observatory also doubles as an ideal stargazing location at night, so stick around after the sun has disappeared below the horizon.

Okinawa: promoting peace

Approximately 160 islands make up the Okinawa Prefecture. Okinawa Main Island is home to national parks, cultural sites and reminders of recent and ancient conflict. There are two museums dedicated to promoting the message of peace, as well as memorial parks and monuments at historical battlefields, and for a sense of wartime conditions, visit the Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters.

Okinawa is also the birthplace of the martial art of peace – karate. Other legacies from the Ryukyu Kingdom include Shurijo Castle, Shikinaen Gardens, and the sacred grounds of Sefa Utaki, where nature itself was worshipped as divine.

Hakodate: an ocean of possibility

Located on Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido, Hakodate is one of Japan’s most important ports and its finest seafood producer. Though not as large as Toyko’s, a visit to the four-block-long fish market is a must for foodies.

For some peace and quiet, head to the massive grounds at Goryokaku Fort. Under a canopy of thousands of cherry trees that Japan is so famous for, watch the koi that fill the star-shaped moat or in the warmer months, hire a rowboat to get a closer look at the fish. The expansive Onuma Quasi-National Park, often hailed as one of the most beautiful landscapes in the whole country no matter the season is also a picturesque destination worth visiting. 

Niigata: rice for all occasions

You can’t have sake without rice, and Niigata, Japan’s largest rice producing region, is renowned for both the food and drink. Reflections in the water-filled Hoshitoge Rice Terraces are a photographer’s dream. You can also enjoy the region’s excellent rice as sea-to-plate sushi, or see it transformed into quality liquor at one of the 90 sake breweries in the area.

Take in bird’s eye views of Niigata and Sado Island from the 31st floor of the Bakauke Observatory. Niigata is also famous for traditional metalwork crafts. From nails to swords, chefs and home cooks alike can take home quality kitchen knives and other tableware. Rest your muscles in the Iwamuro onsen and feel those aches and pains melt away.

Kagoshima: heating things up

Sandwiched between two peninsulas, the well-protected harbour of Kagoshima (on Japan’s Kyushu island) looks out towards dramatic Sakurajima, an active volcano which smokes constantly, even erupting multiple times a day.

As a result, Kagoshima is a geothermal wonderland filled with hot springs and geysers. Relax in one of many onsens, or be buried up to your neck – it’s more relaxing than it sounds – in naturally heated sand on the shores of seaside city Ibusuki. Further inland you can sate your curiosity at Chiran Airfield. This peace museum was once the home base for Japan’s infamous kamikaze pilots.

Tokushima: Mother Nature’s wonders

Mother Nature has hit all the right notes in Tokushima, on Japan’s Shikoku island. Surrounded by towering mountains and filled with spectacular gorges, vine bridges and panoramic views, this seaside town isn’t to be missed. Each summer, the colourful Awa Odori dance festival brings the streets to life in a riot of colour and movement.

Equally dramatic are the tidal Naruto Whirlpools – occurring roughly every six hours – which can be experienced up close from a sightseeing boat. Don’t forget to stop by the Awa Jruobe Yashiki Residence Theatre. Once home to a 17th-century samurai, it’s now one of the last remaining traditional puppet theatres in the country.

All aboard

For your own odyssey along Japan’s coastal city highlights, let Princess Cruises take you there.

Enjoy the unique blend of Japanese and Western touches on board the Japanese-built Diamond and Sapphire Princess ships, then be immersed in Japan’s stunning sights and local culture on shore.

Unpack once, relax and let Princess Cruises guide you through the best Japan has to offer.

The post Six reasons to sail past Tokyo appeared first on samove.com.au.

Only 30km from Adelaide, the leafy Hills town of Balhannah is home to vineyards, bakeries and stylish shops. It’s perfect for a day trip.

Established in 1839 by publican James Turnbull Thomson, Balhannah served as a junction station for the Mount Pleasant railway line between 1918 and 1964. The town is still on the main line for The Overland train, which travels between Adelaide and Melbourne.

See

With world-class wineries on Balhannah’s doorstep, why not take advantage? Book a guided tasting at Nepenthe and sip some finely crafted red or white wines while learning about the winery’s sustainability practices.

At Shaw + Smith, indulge in a glass of its famous sauvignon blanc – bottled on site and perfectly suited to the cooler Adelaide Hills climate.

If art’s your thing, look for Silvio Apponyi’s black granite Le Peloton sculpture – part of the Adelaide Hills Sculpture Trail – and the Balhannah Overpass Kaurna mural.

Shop

For a unique gift, visit Field Trip Balhannah and browse its ethically made products, including jewellery, clothing, handmade ceramics and toasty Japanese knitwear.

At Living by Design, you’ll find furniture, kitchenware, comfy cushions, scented candles, art and much more, all guaranteed to turn your head.

Visit the Kidman Flower Co farm gate to buy a fresh bunch of flowers, with more than 60 seasonal Australian and South African varieties to choose from. It’s open from April to November.

Eat and drink

Love bakeries? You’re near one of SA’s best, so pop into the Balhannah Bakery and treat yourself to a chunky steak pie or vegetarian pasty. Don’t forget to get yourself something sweet for dessert.

With its renovated outdoor space, the Balhannah Hotel is ideal for a pub lunch or dinner. If it’s chilly, sit by one of three fires and warm up with a spicy pepperoni pizza or a pulled brisket burger.

At the Olive Branch Café, enjoy a caffeine pick-me-up and a tasty snack while you view some original artworks. Two Sundays a month, tap your feet to local musicians belting out a few tunes at one of the café’s ‘club acoustica’ sessions.

Stay

Modern luxury meets old-world charm at The Old Schoolhouse. This fully restored 1858 schoolhouse features church-like architecture, Gothic windows and a statement staircase.

The Winemaker’s Hut offers an idyllic break from city life, with mod cons and continental breakfast included. You may even share it with some friendly neighbourhood kangaroos.

At the aptly named Farm Stay Picturesque views accommodation, enjoy hills scenery, free Wi-Fi and pure relaxation. Pull up a seat, watch the sunset and enjoy life’s pleasures.

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Autumn is the perfect time for a getaway in South Australia. The sun’s still providing warming rays and biting southerlies are yet to chill our bones.

Spend a long weekend in one of these top-notch regions and get your fill of memories and interesting yarns for your next gathering.

Barossa Valley

Whether or not you indulge in a drop of the region’s famous wine, the Barossa has plenty of ways to keep you entertained, rested and well fed.

Do

You know Maggie Beer from MasterChef. Now, cook up a storm in her studio kitchen, with Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop interactive cooking demonstration. Prepare your creations with fresh local produce and then taste them with fellow guests.

Head skyward for a bird’s-eye view in a hot-air balloon with Barossa Balloon Adventures. Watch the Barossa sunrise as you drift gently above the mist-covered vineyards and then tuck into a scrumptious breakfast, including locally smoked bacon, free-range eggs and sourdough bread.

If you love arts and culture, the Barossa has you covered. Angaston’s North Street Studios showcases a selection of contemporary art, leather artisanship and fashion. At Corroboree Dream Art in Tanunda, you’ll find stunning Aboriginal artworks from recognised and emerging artists. And at Seppeltsfield’s Wonderground, wander the modern art gallery as you sip a glass of local wine.

Eat and drink

The Barossa is full of places to wine and dine. Visit Fino Seppeltsfield for a ‘choose your journey’ sample menu, including chorizo scotch eggs and yellowfin tuna with avocado and togarashi – a Japanese spice mix. After your meal, pop into JamFactory at Seppeltsfield and browse the selection of handcrafted ceramics, furniture, glassware and jewellery from prominent Australian artists and designers.

At family-owned Pindarie Wines, you can taste prize-winning drops, including a sparkling rosé or a blood-red tempranillo. Stay for a grazing plate or devour a crispy, homemade lamb, quince, rosemary and potato pie or a vegetable and lentil hotpot.

Still thirsty? First Drop Wines is sure to tickle your fancy. Known for its award-winning ‘Mother’s Milk’ shiraz and its Home of the Brave cellar door, this quirky winery offers a tapas menu that includes patatas bravas, Parmigiano Reggiano with honey and walnuts, and limoncello-flavoured tiramisu.

Stay

Get back to nature at CABN’s off-grid accommodation. With a range of luxury levels, CABN offers king beds, private saunas, and outdoor baths, all in quiet, secluded locations across the Barossa.

For more gorgeous landscapes, the Novotel Barossa Valley Resort in Rowland Flat features views of the Jacob’s Creek grape vines. Melt away with a remedial massage at the on-site Endota Spa.

Located in central Tanunda, The Wine Vine is a good base for exploring the town. With comfy beds and extra fluffy pillows, it’s your Barossa home away from home.

Ikara-Flinders Ranges

Recently included in Lonely Planet’s prestigious 2026 Best in Travel list, the Ikara-Flinders Ranges is blessed with natural beauty and ripe for exploration.

Do

If it’s thrills you’re after, it’s hard to go past a Rawnsley Park four-wheel-drive tour. Climb aboard an expertly guided modern vehicle and enjoy spectacular red-rock gorges, native fauna and flora, and learn about the geological history of this ancient region.

There’s no better spot than SA’s Far North to try opal mining, so book yourself an Andamooka Observatory tour. Learn the basics of fossicking for these precious mineraloids, the best spots
to find them and how to stake your claim.

If all this ground-based excitement isn’t enough, take to the skies with a Wrightsair scenic flight. Marvel at the spectacular Anna Creek Painted Hills, the stone amphitheatre of Wilpena Pound, the bird-filled spectacle of Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, and many more natural wonders.

Eat and drink

Reopening in March, Parachilna’s Prairie Hotel is famous for its Feral Mixed Grill, with chargrilled kangaroo fillet, camel sausage and emu rissole on the menu. Topped with mashed spuds, roasted mushrooms, and crispy saltbush and red wine jus, the Parachilna’s Prairie Hotel combines bistro dining with bush tucker. Go on – when in Rome, as they say.

Flinders Food Co. in Hawker is just what you need before or after a day of red-dirt adventure. Rehydrate with a refreshing, native-inspired quandong or golden wattle soda, or for breakfast order the popular combo of bacon and egg roll and frothy coffee.

For more bush tucker, visit the Woolshed Restaurant at Rawnsley Park. Originally known for ‘spotted dog’ (damper with sultanas), the Woolshed Restaurant is now famous for modern Australian cuisine. Try the Rawnsley Station lamb shank, with a vanilla custard trifle or blueberry cheesecake for dessert.

Stay

Stay at Wilpena Pound and choose between hotel rooms, safari tents and a campground for your caravan or tent. With modern facilities and a blanket of stars overhead, you’re sure to find an unforgettable spot.

Further south, Quorn’s self-contained Quandong Apartments have all the mod cons and outback charm. Don’t ignore the heavenly aromas wafting in from the Quandong Café next door. Treat yourself to a steaming coffee and a piece of homemade quandong pie.

North-east of the Gammon Ranges lies Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, offering a range of accommodation styles. Arkaroola is also an international dark sky sanctuary, so bring your telescope or binoculars and become lost in the billions of twinkling stars above.

Riverland

Life in the Riverland revolves around the mighty Murray River, and there are plenty of reasons to visit one of the region’s many towns or natural reserves.

Do

Where there’s water, there are boats, so hire a canoe or kayak at Canoe Adventures in Berri. Take a guided tour or choose your own adventure and glide along as you spot graceful pelicans and maybe a curious turtle or two.

At nearly 15,000 hectares, there’s no shortage of activities in Murray River National Park. Take the one-hour Cragg’s Hut Walking Trail or the 20km Katarapko Trail for a challenge. With fishing, mountain biking, bird watching and more, this is a nature-lover’s paradise.

For your final water adventure, jump aboard the restored PS Industry for a one-hour cruise. Leave the Renmark riverfront and head upstream, while admiring the plentiful wildlife and majestic gum trees. It’s an ideal way to step back in time and learn more about the Murray River paddle steamer heritage.

Eat and drink

The laid-back bistro vibe of Nanya at the Hotel Renmark is sure to please when you’re riverside. Sip a cleansing cocktail and enjoy tasty classics like schnitzel, battered flathead and pavlova.

South-west of Renmark in Berri, visit Earth Restaurant and sample some of the Riverland’s finest produce. Enjoy a pre-dinner drink before indulging in some Murray Cod or chocolate hotcakes if you’re there for breakfast.

And with so many outstanding SA-produced spirits, why not try one more? At Renmark’s Twenty Third Street Distillery, sip on an award-winning Australian single-malt whisky or an ever-popular espresso martini.

Stay

Choose from a variety of comfortable rooms or a three-bedroom apartment at Big River Golf and Country Club in Berri. Improve your swing and short game on the 18-hole golf course or avoid the frustration by relaxing with a cool drink and watching those who are trying to.

For a non-golfing stay, camp within a stone’s throw of the water at Barmera’s Lake Bonney Caravan and Holiday Park. Book a cabin, unit or powered site and strap yourself in for hours of swimming, sailing, biking, windsurfing and more.

For more water-side accommodation, get yourself a luxury eco-suite at Byrne Vineyards in Morgan. Here, you’re surrounded by wetlands, burnt-orange cliffs, vineyards and more starry skies. With a complimentary bottle of wine on arrival, it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind.

The post Autumn escapes appeared first on samove.com.au.

Negotiating airports can be stressful for international travellers. Check-in queues, security screening and passport control can all lead to anxiety as your flight’s departure time draws nearer.

David Beneke from RAA Travel Product Support suggests arriving at the airport three hours prior to departure, or when your flight’s check-in opens.

“This not only allows for any unforeseen traffic delays on the way to the airport, but also provides adequate time to resolve any unexpected documentation or booking issues,” David says.

“This is particularly important given the ever-changing entry requirements for international destinations.”

Online check-in can speed up the process, but passengers can’t do much about queues at security and passport control. Though, the departure SmartGates installed at most Australian international airports have sped up document checking.

Keep in mind, check-in closing times can range from 60 to 120 minutes depending on the airline and the flight, and departure gate closing times vary between airports and airlines.

Airports like Singapore’s Changi and Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur International Airport conduct security screening at the departure gates, so be sure to arrive at the gate before security shuts shop.

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When you think of countries rich in culture, teeming with exotic wildlife and fringed by sandy beaches, Sri Lanka might not top your list. But there are plenty of reasons it should.

The teardrop-shaped island nation of Sri Lanka, just off the Indian coast, is one of the world’s travel hotspots, with visitors discovering the country’s many charms.

You’ll want to include these experiences on your Sri Lankan travel itinerary.

1. Conquer Sigiriya summit

What better place to build a fortress than atop a 180-metre-high, sheer-walled rock monolith, with commanding views of the surrounding countryside. In the fifth century, the summit of Sigiriya, also known as Lion Rock (pictured at top), was chosen by King Kashyapa to be the centre of his empire.

In an epic tale worthy of a Shakespearean tragedy, Kashyapa gained the throne by overthrowing his father’s rule and usurping the rightful heir, his brother Moggallana. Kashyapa later died during a battle against an army raised by his brother, who’d returned from self-exile in India.

Considered by many to be the eighth wonder of the world, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sigiriya is a truly remarkable place. The extensive water gardens at the rock’s base have been creatively landscaped with ponds, canals and fountains, in a feat of irrigation engineering that was well ahead of its time.

It’s a steep climb up 1200 steps to the renegade royal’s lofty perch, and en route you’ll pass two massive lion paws carved from rock. Time has claimed the lion’s head that once sat above the paws, but a section of the stairway that passed through the big cat’s mouth remains.

At Sigiriya’s summit, you’ll be rewarded with evocative remnants of a long-lost kingdom and breathtaking views over the forest.

2. Hit the beach

Sri Lanka’s an island, so it’s natural to expect plenty of great beaches – and you won’t be disappointed.

On the south-west coast, the popular resort town of Hikkaduwa has a long sandy beach fringed by swaying palms.

If you’re keen on water sports, Hikkaduwa has some of the best surfing in the country, while reef and wreck diving in the clear waters offshore attracts snorkellers and scuba divers.

If you’d rather pull up a seat at a seaside bar or café and watch the passing parade, there’s a stool standing by.

On the far south coast, the chilled vibes of Mirissa have made it a popular seaside hangout. See traditional Sri Lankan fishers perched on platforms in the surf, then enjoy a seafood feast at a beach eatery. Walk off your body weight in fish and prawns with a stroll to Parrot Rock to catch the sunset.

If you happen to arrive in Mirissa during whale season, from November to April, you could be lucky enough to spot a massive blue whale – the world’s largest animal.

3. Explore temples in Kandy

Scenically located on a plateau surrounded by lush green hills, the UNESCO-listed city of Kandy was once the capital of the Kandyan kingdom.

The town is home to several cultural landmarks, but none are more significant than Sri Dalada Maligawa, also known as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. A shrine within the temple contains a tooth from Buddha, making it one of the religion’s most revered places. It’s said whoever possessed the tooth relic had the divine right to rule the land.

Spiritual ceremonies held in honour of Buddha are performed three times a day, and begin with a mesmerising drum rhythm and the distinct note of the horanewa reed pipe.

The bone-white temple’s construction style is unique to the region, and features an ornate wall and gate at the entrance, and an impressive octagonal pavilion overlooking a moat. The building’s interior is decorated with intricate carvings using gold, silver, bronze and ivory, and colourful frescos and murals line the walls and ceilings.

The temple lies within the royal palace grounds, where you’ll also find the International Buddhist Museum, which tells the story of the how the religion has spread across the world.

4. Go on a wildlife safari at Yala National Park

With a protected area of 130,000 hectares, Yala National Park is home to a diverse range of environments, including monsoon forests, open grassland, scrub country and wetlands. In an ironic twist, this expansive nature preserve was once a hunting ground for the wealthy elite during British rule.

Among the many mammal species that call Yala home, there are several listed as endangered or threatened. On a wildlife safari, keep an eye out for sloth bears, jackals, cheeky toque macaque monkeys, and the stars of the show – the endemic, yet elusive Sri Lankan leopard, and lumbering elephants. Not so rare are the prolific spotted deer, seen grazing in herds throughout the park.

The wildlife-rich wetlands are teeming with local and migratory birds, while stealthy crocodiles lurk beneath the surface of lily-covered ponds.

5. Go back in time at Galle Old Town

In true colonial style, one of the first things Portuguese settlers built at Galle on Sri Lanka’s south-west coast was a fort, and for good reason. By the mid-17th century, the Dutch had taken over and established extra fortifications, including a more substantial wall.

By the late 1700s, it was Britain’s turn to rule the roost and add their own touches, including residential houses and a lighthouse.

Encircled by the wall, Galle Old Town is another of Sri Lanka’s UNESCO sites, and is considered by the UN to be the best example of a European fortified city in South and South-East Asia.

The old town seems frozen in time, with narrow cobblestone streets winding among whitewashed colonial-era buildings. Although, the ubiquitous palm trees and tropical climate suggest you’re not in Europe anymore.

Bringing Galle Fort firmly into the 21st century are the many fashion boutiques, jewellers, arts and craft stores, and up-market eateries dotted throughout town.

For such a small island, Sri Lanka punches well above its weight in attractions and experiences. Whether it’s exploring the nation’s rich cultural past, spotting leopards in the jungle, or just lounging on the beach with a cocktail, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

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