They say a change is as good as a holiday. In that case, this journey is twice as nice, and it comes with an extra day.

From 2027, The Legendary Ghan will leave Adelaide and reach Darwin not three days later, but four instead. The northbound journey becomes a three-night, four-day experience, matching the flagship Ghan Expedition heading south. It means more time to luxuriate on the train, and more time to discover places along the way.

Executive General Manager Sales & Partnerships Alicia Triggs says guests have been asking for more time to experience Australia’s landscapes.

“Rail travel has always been about more than getting from one place to another,” Alicia says.

“By extending the northbound journey, we’re allowing travellers to slow down, deepen their connection to Country, and discover Outback Australia in a way that is both immersive and unforgettable.”

So, with more time to stop and smell the Sturt’s desert roses, what does that extra day get you?

A taste of South Australia

Good things can’t be rushed, whether that’s a delicious meal or a wine decanted and left to breathe. And now with extra time on The Legendary Ghan, you can get exactly that.

Settle into your cabin, meet your fellow travellers in the lounge car and watch the city, and its stresses, fade into farmland. Tonight, a celebratory first night dinner gathered around the fire at the recently Michelin-listed Penobscot Farm in the Clare Valley sets the tone. This is an adventure to sip and savour.

Inside their cosy reimagined woolshed, you’ll be taken on a tasting journey of discovery with glasses from boutique and up-and-coming wine producers, many of which don’t even have their own cellar door. It all comes together at an exclusive paddock-to-plate signature dinner that only guests aboard The Ghan, and specifically this northbound journey, get to enjoy.

Wake up somewhere extraordinary

By morning, the uniform rows of vines have been left far behind. You’re in the Ikara-Flinders Ranges, among the oldest mountain ranges on Earth. This isn’t a quick tick-box stop, for how can you appreciate a landscape shaped over some 600 million years without allowing the time to really soak it all in?

After breakfast, step off the train for a full day of exploring the ranges, immersed amid these ancient rock formations, gorges and lookouts. Lunch is in the historic railway town of Quorn, where The Ghan’s story began. It feels nostalgic, a little like heading home to see where it all started, as the town sits on the original train route, now carefully maintained by the heritage Pichi Richi Railway volunteers.

Over lunch, sample spirits by local artisans Flinders Gin, who expertly capture flavours of the outback – like tart quandong and native lemongrass – in their products. Afterwards, visit the ruins of Kanyaka Station and hear the stories of the early colonial farmers who were ill-equipped for the harshness of this life. You, thankfully, get to step back into the comfort of the train and continue north.

The journey is the destination

The real beauty of The Ghan has always been in the simple pleasure of taking your time, balancing relaxed travel with chances to get out and explore.

From Quorn, The Ghan carries on through familiar highlights on both sides of the state border: sunrise over a bonfire breakfast at Marla, desert safaris and deep cultural connections in Alice Springs, and the dramatic transition to the lush green paradise in Katherine’s nature-rich tropics.

Meals, beverages and Off Train Experiences are all included, so there’s little to think about except where you are and the memories you’re making.

Take the long way

The new longer itinerary lets you enjoy both sides of the experience: the luxury on board and the adventure off the train. And when you reach the end of the line, Darwin is just the beginning.

For Adelaide, it’s a rare moment. Something great has come to town, even though it rolls out again. But that’s okay, because adventure awaits – and The Ghan will be back again soon enough.

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Our state boasts over 800 tracks, from short suburban walks to major multi-day bush hikes, suiting everyone from the casual dog-walker to the advanced off-grid trekker.

As the days get warmer and brighter, take the first step and feel the pull of some of SA’s most scenic rambles.

1. Alligator Gorge Ring Route

Flinders Ranges

Despite its name, there are no alligators on this hike in the Flinders Ranges, and the reptile you may spot is a lace monitor lizard, which can grow up to two metres long. The 8.9km circuit winds its way through the Narrows gorge corridor and climbs the natural stair-like platforms of The Terraces. Visit during spring to see the wildflowers in bloom.

2. Wetlands Loop Trail

Adelaide and surrounds

Reachable by public transport, follow this flat, peaceful 4.5km boardwalk trail along the Onkaparinga River. Home to locals like yellow-tailed black cockatoos, jumping mullet and barking geckos, the trail accommodates prams and bicycles, with most sections wheelchair accessible. Want more? The national park boasts 16 varied trails.

3. Mannum Waterfalls

Mid Murray

This short but undulating 3km trail along Reedy Creek is best visited after winter or spring rains, when the waterfalls flow and fill the pools. As well as clear paths, the intrepid hike includes challenges like scrambling over rocks and crossing slippery creeks, so sturdy shoes are a must. Start at the lower car park, which offers picnic tables and toilets, or begin at the upper car park for a more challenging conclusion.

4. Emu Wren Hike

Fleurieu Peninsula

Within Cox Scrub Conservation Park, this circuit combines the Quarry and Stringybark tracks through dry-heath habitat known for its birdlife. Try spotting the critically endangered southern emu-wren, named for its long, wispy tail feathers and not for being emu-sized. The sandy tracks and gentle hills make this a rewarding but achievable 11km bushwalk, with the chance to add a rare sighting to your birdwatching list.

5. Investigator Trail

Eyre Peninsula

Really get to know the Lincoln National Park by taking on the four-to-five-day, 89km Investigator Trail circuit. Mostly flat and easy walking, the trail winds along coastal heath, mallee and sandy beaches. You can tackle the full route while camping, or break it into shorter day walks along various sections. Not ready to end your hike on the Eyre Peninsula? From here, it’s another 26km along the Parnkalla Trail to Port Lincoln.

6. Mack Creek Hike

Adelaide Hills

If your hiking partner is an energetic pooch, this 7.5km loop in the Para Wirra Conservation Park is just the trail to challenge you both. Expect uneven ground and breathtaking climbs as the walk passes native orchids and wildflowers blooming in late winter and spring. The Mack Creek, lined with river red gums filtering light onto the ferns and lichens below, is spectacular, but slippery to cross after it rains.

7. Lavender Federation Trail

Murraylands to Clare

Experience small-town South Australia at a walking pace. Named after Terry ‘Mr Bushwalking’ Lavender OAM, this 325km one-way trail takes an experienced walker 14 to 16 days to complete, though it can be broken into smaller sections and spur tracks. Listen for the lions as you pass Monarto Safari Park, and watch the landscapes morph from wide river plains into vineyard country, passing through small, friendly communities along the way.

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Recently named SA’s best food and wine town – and Australia’s seventh best – delightful Willunga is a picturesque, 45-minute drive from Adelaide. Where are your car keys?

Built around a thriving slate industry, Willunga has retained much of its 19th century character. Today it’s prime country for growing almonds, olives and grapes; and with quirky stores, relaxing places to stay and artisan food and wine, it’s an ideal place to spend a day.

See

Some like it hot, and those who do head to Chilli Fest Willunga in February. Tingle your taste buds with spicy dips, jams and chips and take home a chilli plant to grow. After careful restoration, Willunga’s courthouse museum reopened in 1970. It features the original cells, stable and police residence, with authentic displays and searchable records offering a fascinating window into the town’s history. Willunga is also a key stage for January’s Tour Down Under. Grab your bike, head up Willunga Hill and try to beat ‘King of Willunga Hill’ Richie Porte’s time. Spoiler: you probably won’t.

Shop

Don’t miss the Willunga Farmers Market – one of SA’s best. Held every Saturday morning at Willunga High School, it’s a hotspot for local fruit and veg, meat, dairy, seafood, coffee, baked goods and much more. If you’re looking for a unique gift or something special for yourself, the Jewellery Room offers handmade, bespoke designs. You may even be welcomed by one of the jewellers to learn more about their craft and inspiration. At Kookery, whisky glasses, cheese knives and pun-emblazoned tea towels await. It’s the perfect way to make dreary chores, like doing the dishes, more fun.

Eat and drink

Much-loved Willunga landmark Russell’s Pizza serves up crispy wood-oven pizza, McLaren Vale reds and music. You’ll find plenty of reasons to kick up your heels. If you’re after breakfast, lunch or a slice of homemade cake, The Farm Willunga delivers. Enjoy organic produce while you browse work from local artists. Old-world charm meets a modern menu at The Alma Hotel. Established in 1856, this family favourite has cosy indoor spots, airy outdoor spaces and, if you’re keeping it simple, a cold beer and a parmy that always hits the mark.

Stay

Minutes from markets, cafés and shops, the Grape and Olive is a relaxing getaway for couples or families, with a garden setting perfect for tucking into your full English or Irish breakfast. For affordable luxury, Mulberry Lodge Country Retreat offers vineyard and hills views, a home-cooked gourmet breakfast, or a picnic hamper if you’re off to explore the sights. For something a little bit different, stay in an off-grid pod at Willunga Ridge Boutique Accommodation and watch the sun sink over the gulf after a day well spent exploring the many wonders of Willunga.

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Just an hour from Adelaide, a luxury tent at Monarto Safari Park delivers close encounters with rhinos, giraffes and cheetahs.

A rhino at the waterhole

South Australian wine in one hand and camera in the other, I watch as a southern white rhino approaches a nearby waterhole. He lumbers towards the water, stopping momentarily to rub his horn against a rock, then leans down to take a drink, oblivious to the nearby giraffe awkwardly splaying its legs and rehydrating.

After a couple of minutes he loses interest, instead turning his attention to the intruders standing and watching him in his habitat. I stare in awe as the rhino approaches so close that our guide asks us to take a couple of steps back; a chest-high fence is all that stands between me and this wild African beast, which resembles a tank on four massive legs. After a few minutes of our group snapping photos, he wanders off looking for more grass to graze on.

This is just one of the many close encounters I had with animals while on a Wild Africa Sunset Safari. Earlier, a giraffe came within metres of us as it leant down to have a look at our open-sided safari vehicle.

We also witnessed hippos as they left their lagoon-like home and plodded across the plains for a bite to eat.

I didn’t have to go to Africa for this experience, though. It was only an hour’s drive from Adelaide at Monarto Safari Park as part of my stay at the Safari Lodge, located in the Wild Africa precinct.

Not your usual camping tent

Upon my arrival, I’m welcomed by Hana from concierge and a dazzle of zebras grazing at the waterhole near the 20 tents available at the Safari Lodge. These aren’t your usual camping tents.

As I open the sliding door to my tent, I step into a luxurious hotel-like room, with a king-sized bed, comfortable couch, a fully equipped bathroom and a mini bar complete with wine, beer and snacks.

There’s no freezing in winter and sweating in summer either, with reverse cycle air-conditioning that’ll keep the temperature toasty when it’s cold and cool when the sun is beating down.

Family-style dinner at the Lodge

It wasn’t quite time to enjoy the lounge on the deck, with a sunset tour scheduled for that evening. Safari Lodge offers sunset and sunrise tours for guests, along with tickets to Monarto Safari Park.

Following the tour, and a brief break in my tent, I visit the main Lodge for a family-style dinner. I’m seated with other guests at a long table, and conversation quickly turns to our experiences on the Sunset Safari. Some recount watching male ostriches perform their elaborate mating dance or seeing the elands nudging each other to determine the pecking order among the herd.

Soon though, our attention turns to the food arriving at our table. I’m served a variety of dishes, from house-made labneh with chakalaka (a South African chutney made from tomatoes, chilli and spices) to roasted beetroot and goat’s cheese salad and a melt-in-your-mouth braised beef cheek with creamy white polenta.

This is all topped off with a simple, but elegant, baked cheesecake paired with amaretto ice cream.

Wines with animal personalities

In a neat touch, wines on the menu are paired with African animals’ personas. For example, a Seppeltsfield grenache and Heirloom Vineyards pinot noir are in the cheetah section and labelled as “docile but gets to you the fastest”, and a Bleasdale sparkling wine is under the meerkat section and described as “bubbly and playful”.

All meals are included in our stay, so the following day I’ll enjoy an a la carte breakfast and a seven-course degustation dinner that consists of an heirloom tomato mousse, glazed kingfish with pearl barley porridge and a delectable honey cake with panna cotta shaped like a honeycomb. For now, it’s time to return to my tent.

Cheetahs at sunrise

After a good night’s rest, I wake to a gentle fog hanging over the watering hole. The sun is beginning to rise and will slowly burn off the cold morning air, but it’s a little early for the zebras and other African animals I saw the previous day. Peering behind the tent, I see movement in the distance. Grabbing the provided binoculars, I get a closer look at two cheetahs effortlessly slinking their way along the fence. For creatures that can reach speeds of up to 120km/h, they look unexpectedly graceful at a slower pace.

Unwinding at the Marula Day Spa

Today’s a day for relaxing. I could head to the gym or play a game of pickleball but instead I visit the Marula Day Spa at Monarto Safari Resort. They offer massages, facials and couple’s treatments, but today I’m here to unwind and enjoy a 60-minute soak session.

I’m served a glass of sparkling wine and a fruit platter while I rest in the vitality hydrotherapy pool, before entering the dry cedarwood sauna. Here, I sit and stare out the window.

A tower of giraffes enjoy a feed, before two of the younger males start roughhousing. They swing their necks, bringing their heads together playfully. I watch in astonishment at this exhibition of strength.

No passport required

It turns out you don’t need a passport to feel like royalty on an African safari; just a king-sized bed, a luxury tent and rhinos and giraffes roaming Monarto Safari Park.

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Thrilling spills down sandy dunes, waking up with specialty coffee and airy pastries, and of course, the freshest fish and chips you’ll find anywhere in Australia.

It’s the town that almost became SA’s capital. This is Port Lincoln, and it’s quite the catch.

Drive 1375km to Sydney’s famous waterfront or travel half that distance to explore Port Lincoln. In fact, the harbour at Boston Bay is more than three times greater by volume of water than Sydney’s harbour. It’s the perfect habitat for an abundance of extraordinary marine life and earns the town its title as the Seafood Capital of Australia’. Exquisitely fresh produce may reel you into Port Lincoln, but these 10 experiences will keep you hooked.

1. Swim with sea lions

Have you ever experienced the soul-searching gaze of a curious sea lion? Come face-to-face with these ‘puppies of the sea’ as they peer inquisitively into your snorkel mask before showing off their underwater gymnastics. Calypso Star Charters, perhaps best known for its shark encounters, operates snorkelling and swimming tours that minimise impact on sea-lion colonies. Tours run from late September until mid-June with GoPro cameras available to hire so you can capture every somersault. Following your dip, there’s a hot shower and morning tea waiting for you. Prefer to stay dry? Join the captain in the tender boat for a closer look.

2. Catch of the day

You’re spoiled for choice in the ‘Seafood Capital of Australia’, so start at The Fresh Fish Place to find the region’s best ocean-to-plate offerings. Take away or dine in on local favourites, including famed Coffin Bay oysters and classic fish and chips. Go behind-the-scenes on a guided factory tour and shop for the best catch to cook in your own kitchen. Also add the Port Lincoln Smokehouse and their small-batch hot and cold smoke bluefin tuna and yellowtail kingfish to your menu. You may have spotted their products in gourmet supermarkets, and this is where the magic happens.

3. An art to art

As you walk through the streets, don’t be alarmed if you spot a fish riding a bicycle or three-time Melbourne Cup winner, Makybe Diva. These are just some of the incredible artworks hiding in plain sight throughout the town. Collect a map from the visitor information centre and follow the Port Lincoln Art Trail, ticking off the 24 fabulous installations along the way.

4. Comb the beaches

From rugged, windswept cliffs to sheltered bays and secret coves, the 140km coastline of Lincoln National Park is ideal for a game of ‘I spy’. The Donington Beach loop, which takes in a lighthouse, historic cottage and magnificent bay views, is a good place to start. Among the treasure trove of wonderful flora and fauna washed up on
the shore, look out for corkscrew Port Jackson shark egg cases, sea glass polished smooth by the sand and waves, delicate shells and tightly woven seagrass fibre balls. Remember to look and photograph, but leave everything as you found it.

5. Go with the sand flow

You’d be forgiven for thinking you’re on an alien planet at the Sleaford-Wanna dune system in the Lincoln National Park. These massive, wind-sculpted sandy mountains are a playground for adrenaline seekers and experienced four-wheel-drivers. Air down the tyres of your high-clearance four-wheel drive before tackling the 14km of undulating sand and track. For an exhilarating closer look at the sand, hire a stand-up or sit-down sandboard from Xtreme Kites & Paddle and race down the dune-sides. Prefer something more sedate? Share the dunes with local kangaroos and emus on a Tour South sunset photography tour.

6. Museum musings

Step back in time and learn how a Finnish ship’s carpenter sailed into Port Lincoln in 1927 and helped shape the city’s seafood industry. Located on the waterfront, the Axel Stenross Maritime Museum is built around the carpenter’s original living quarters and wooden boat-building workshops, displaying restored historic vessels, marine artefacts and relics. Volunteers are also on hand to answer your questions. This is one of four sites on the Port Lincoln Museum Trail, along with the Mill Cottage Museum, RSL Museum and Railway Museum.

7. Wind down among the vines

You wouldn’t be in South Australia without a wine region nearby. Family-owned Gardner’s Vineyard, set in the undulating hills bordering Port Lincoln, pours award-winning small-batch wines against a backdrop of the Spencer Gulf’s sparkling waters. Work up an appetite playing a game of giant lawn chess, then tuck into your pre-packed picnic, fire up the vineyard’s barbie or nibble from a locally sourced grazing platter. For an all-in-one with a hole-in-one, spend the day at Glen-Forest Tourist Park and Vineyard. There are Segway tours, Lincoln Estate wine flights, an Australian wildlife park and minigolf to keep the whole family entertained. Beer lovers should head to Port Lincoln Brewing Co or Jump Ship Brewing, while those after something more spirited may find West Coast Distilling Co more to their taste.

8. Immerse yourself in Country

The traditional owners of the region, the Barngarla people, call Port Lincoln Galinyala, which translates to ‘place of sweet water’. Discover more about Galinyala on a tour led by proud Barngarla woman Emmalene Richards, through her business Maba Idi Cultural Tours in partnership with Untamed Escapes. Walk on Country, learning about traditional fishing techniques and cultural practices passed down through generations, and sit down to a bush-food lunch prepared by Emmalene and her family. It’s an intimate and moving way to see and better understand this remarkable place.

9. Sweet eats and caffeinated treats

You’ve always wanted to try South Australia’s best croissant, and you can do exactly that in Port Lincoln’s little touch of France. Drop anchor at L’Anse French Café, and watch the world go by with buttery, flaky goodness in one hand, and a specialty coffee in the other. For a laid-back lunch, try the retro Shaen Street Café, which includes outdoor seating, garden play spaces for the little ones and a heritage-listed cottage for cooler days. Pick a book from their charming community library, then settle in with a bush-flower tea or iced strawberry chai and gourmet sanga.

10. On your bike

If you’ve already ticked off swimming, hiking and dune-surfing, it’s time to let an e-mountain bike do (most of ) the work for you. With the fresh sea breeze cooling your cheeks, cruise through town at your own pace or take your two wheels off-road. Hire from Australian Coastal Safaris, and pedal your own path or join one of their guided e-mountain bike adventures and discover some local hidden gems.

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With steam rising from hearty lunches, unhurried conversations by cosy fireplaces, and pauses within sheltered remains of a time long past, the Clare Valley’s winter glow is why off-season travel is where the real magic happens.

Chionophile (that’s a lover of winter) or not, a cosy escape to the historic and picturesque Clare Valley is hard to resist. With beanie, scarf and jacket at the ready, take a leisurely drive about 100km north of Adelaide. Just beyond the Barossa, you’ll find yourself among the patchwork of heritage towns and rolling green hills that’ll draw you back time and time again.

Cosy

Hygge – the Danish word for simple, delightful cosiness – is in abundance in the Clare Valley. Nowhere is it more embodied than at Paulett Wines in the township of Polish Hill River. Settle beside the open fire and watch fog spill softly across the valley as you sample plate after plate of comforting dishes, paired with rich, oaky Cabernet Sauvignon and plummy Shiraz – a treat for the senses.

A dreamy afternoon for chocoholics awaits at nearby Taylors Wines in Auburn. Visitors can warm themselves inside and out indulging in the dark and decadent chocolate and wine pairing while relaxing next to one of the venue’s many fireplaces.

For another cosy stop, head just down the road to Pikes. Taste their renowned Rieslings and reds at the cellar door or try small-batch brews at Pikes Beer Co, before losing track of time over a long lunch made with seasonal local produce.

Nostalgic

The Clare Valley’s historic towns offer countless reminders of the past. In Burra, the Heritage Passport experience turns the town into a treasure hunt that takes you back in time. A key unlocks the doors and gates to 11 National Heritage-listed sites, revealing the region’s bustling mining history. Explore the Monster Mine, once Australia’s largest copper mine, step inside (and out again) of Redruth Prison, and visit the cave-like dwellings dug by miners seeking to live rent-free.

Just north of Burra, along the Barrier Highway, a lonely red brick farmhouse may tug at your memory. This is the Burra Homestead, better known as the iconic “Midnight Oil House” that appeared on the cover of the band’s 1987 album Diesel and Dust. Crumbling but still standing, the abandoned building sits on private land but can be seen from the road. Be safe if you pull off the highway to stop for a photo, and admire the iconic view from behind the fence.

Film lovers may also recognise the heritage-listed Martindale Hall, nestled among the misty vineyards and paddocks near Mintaro. The grand mansion famously appeared as Appleyard College in the film Picnic at Hanging Rock. In reality, the beautifully preserved rooms, intricate craftsmanship and peaceful grounds feel worlds away from the haunting atmosphere of the film, and offer an enchanting escape from the winter chill.

Snug as a bug

Discover a slice of luxury with complimentary wine, private balconies and open living at Neagles Retreat Villas.

B&B on the Riesling Trail? Enjoy wood fires, spas and scented rose garden at the Brice Hill Country Lodge.

Offering a pet and family-friendly stay, the Clare Country Club also features a golf course, buffet breakfast, and spa and sauna.

Discover more cosy stays

Fresh

What better place than the Clare Valley to practise uitwaaien – the Dutch tradition of clearing the mind by spending time in wild, windy weather on a brisk walk or bike ride. The 35km Riesling Trail is the region’s best-known track, and a little winter air only adds to the experience. Hire a bike or plot a walking route, warming up between sections with stops at favourite cafés, historic sites and cellar doors.

Fresh air, fresh produce and fresh finds are never far away either. With a market held somewhere in the Clare region most weekends, slipping on your winter coat and browsing the stalls is a must.

Regular favourites include the Clare Show Markets and Saddleworth Country Markets, held on the second Saturday and first Sunday of each month respectively. Stallholders sell everything from antiques and collectables to handmade arts, crafts, homewares and fresh fruit and vegetables. Additional markets pop up throughout the year in Auburn, Riverton, Burra, Mandoora and beyond.

If the Riesling Trail feels a little ambitious, let the brisk air bring a rosy flush to your cheeks on one of the region’s many shorter walks. The Cascades Walk, a 1.4km circuit in Spring Gully Conservation Park, is an easy but gently undulating track. It winds past the only stand of red stringybark trees in South Australia before reaching the waterfall, which is likely to be flowing during the cooler months. It’s one of six short walks in the Clare Valley, perfect for active travellers and families alike.

Little discoveries

Travelling with a budding archaeologist? There’s no need to brave the elements to search for fossils – simply head to the restored Burra Railway Station. Here, visitors can learn about the extinct megafauna that roamed the region tens of thousands of years ago, including the enormous wombat-like Diprotodon optatum and the giant flightless bird Genyornis, which resembles an emu.

All aboard! At Clare Valley Model Engineers, visitors can ride miniature steam and diesel trains along more than a kilometre of track through Melrose Park, travelling over bridges and through tunnels. Check online before visiting, as operating days vary.

For a cosy escape from the winter chill, swap the small screens for the big one at the charming Blyth Cinema. Groups of 10 or more can book a private screening and choose the film themselves. Another showing of Frozen, perhaps?

Unhurried

Apricity, the welcome warmth of the winter sun, can be felt in the generous hospitality of hosts, with guests having time to linger a little longer thanks to fewer visitors during the cooler months. Perhaps it means an intimate wine tasting, or maybe you’re looking for something more adventurous. Keep your feet dry and let Clare Valley Wine Tour’s four-wheel-drive take on the rainy vineyards and paddocks. Your local guide will help you discover the region’s hidden gems, and you might even meet a winemaker or end the day around a toasty campfire.

The region has an abundant arts scene, which is ideal for escaping the cold. Take your time at the Burra Regional Art Gallery, housed in the beautifully restored 1860 Post and Telegraph Office. The gallery has a rotating program of exhibitions alongside permanent collections and events. Visit the historic 1913 courthouse in Balaklava, now home to a gallery and gift shop. Many cellar doors double as gallery spaces too, like Pikes, which features dedicated exhibition walls.

You can even let your own creativity shine when the sun isn’t. Local studios offer hands-on workshops, including painting sessions at The Journey Studio where you can create and take home your own acrylic artwork. The region is also home to three towering murals on the Australian Silo Art Trail, which you can view up close or from the warmth of the car: the Storytime Silos of Eudunda, the railway-themed mural in Farrell Flat, and Wheat Bags to Sandbags painted across the Owen silos.

Winter may be the shoulder season, but by following the scent of wood smoke, exploring cosy cellar doors, hidden galleries and historic streets, you’ll unlock the best-kept secrets of the Clare Valley.

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Looking for a short break? There’s plenty to do around South Australia, so escape to these regional destinations and enjoy all they have to offer.

1. Hahndorf – Adelaide Hills

Stroll down the iconic main street of this town rich with German heritage and check out the many shops offering local produce, traditional sweets and even cuckoo clocks. Stop at the Hahndorf Inn for a German banquet. Visit Beerenberg Farm to stock up on tasty treats or enjoy high tea in The Farm Cafe. Further afield, take a Jurlique Farm tour to see how this global leader in skincare makes its products.

2. American River – Kangaroo Island

Base yourself at American River for the weekend, and feast on KI oysters plucked from the salty sea that morning. Later, climb the 500 steps to the top of Prospect Hill for picturesque views of the island. Reward yourself with a visit to Clifford’s Honey Farm or peruse the many stalls at the Penneshaw Market.

3. Tanunda – Barossa

As the weather cools, get cosy by the fire in the Barossa. Wine and dine your way around this iconic region, tasting drops from the likes of Hentley Farm, Rockford Wines and Pindarie. With a menu designed around the seasons and inspired by Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours, Harvest Kitchen at Jacob’s Creek provides comforting winter meals. Lastly, don’t forget to stock up on choccies at the Barossa Valley Chocolate Company.

4. Port Lincoln – Eyre Peninsula

South Australia’s seafood capital lives up to its name with lobster, prawns and tuna on the menu. Savour oysters picked from nearby Coffin Bay or devour fish and chips and other seafood at the Fresh Fish Place factory outlet. Nature lovers will want to explore Lincoln National Park, featuring coastal trails and diverse wildlife. The breathtaking views provide an ideal environment for hiking, camping and photography.

5. Coonawarra – Limestone Coast

Coonawarra is known for its wine but what about walking? Take this gentle 5km walking trail through vineyards, stopping at six wineries along the way, and get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the winemaking practices in the region. Just 20 minutes from Coonawarra, you’ll find the ancient Naracoorte Caves. The site gives visitors a glimpse into the region’s past and the ancient animals that roamed the area.

6. Wallaroo – Yorke Peninsula

You may have memories of summer trips to Wallaroo, but this Yorke Peninsula destination also has plenty to offer during the cooler months. Take a 9km self-guided driving tour, stopping at the town’s historical locations including the old post office, bond store and smelter sites. Enjoy a warming meal at Bond Store Wallaroo and see the Wallaroo Silo Light Show – a nightly automated projection on the town’s grain silos.

7. Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary – Flinders Ranges

Lace up your hiking boots and go bushwalking in the northern Flinders Ranges for the long weekend. Featuring rugged mountains, unique geological rock forms, towering peaks and waterholes, Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary is home to a range of bird life, reptiles and mammals. While hiking, keep an eye out for the endangered yellow-footed rock wallaby.

8. Monarto Safari Park – Murray and Mallee

Giraffes, lions, elephants – they might sound like animals you’ll see on a safari in a faraway land. But you can see all of these animals and so much more only an hour’s drive from Adelaide at Monarto Safari Park.

Come face to face with more than 50 species of native and African animals. Get up close to giraffes as they eat, watch chimps play, and see rhinos snort and stomp. Be sure to also see the four Asian elephants that call Monarto home.

Want to stay the weekend? Spend a night or two at the Monarto Safari Resort, operated by Journey Beyond, and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. If you’re looking for something even more elevated, the Safari Lodge, offers a slice of savannah-style luxury. With 20 private luxury safari tents positioned around a central waterhole, you can watch the sunset from your balcony after a day exploring the safari park.

The post 8 SA weekend getaways appeared first on samove.com.au.

At the heart of the Flinders Ranges, old-world streetscapes are set against the distinctive Australian outback in the historic railway town of Quorn.

Nearly four hours’ drive from Adelaide, just north of Port Augusta, Quorn was once a vital and bustling crossroad for trans- Australian travel. Today, its old-world charm sits alongside a new generation of artisan makers.

See

Step back in time aboard the restored steam and diesel trains of the Pichi Richi Railway. Half and full-day excursions follow sections of the original Ghan route between Port Augusta, Quorn and Woodlshed Flat, chuffing past kangaroos, rocky red outcrops and bluebush plains. Afterwards, go behind the scenes in the volunteer-run workshop to learn how the historic locomotives and carriages are maintained.

To get your bearings, pick up a map from the visitor centre and follow the self-guided heritage walk through town. Grand stone hotels, railway buildings and civic halls hint at Quorn’s prosperous past. On the last Sunday of each month, the Quorn Markets take over the town hall and surrounding square with local produce and handmade goods.

In the evening, settle in for the free Quorn Silo Light Show, projected nightly from sunset. Pack a picnic or get takeaway from a nearby pub, and enjoy the audiovisual celebration of the region.

Eat and drink

Quandongs, the tart-yet-sweet native fruit are so beloved that the town holds an annual festival dedicated to them. If you can’t make it for the festival, taste the fruit throughout the year at The Quandong Café. This restaurant uses the fruit in homemade cakes, scones and jam, and also in savoury dishes.

If you’d rather drink the native fruit, Flinders Gin offer a tasting flight inspired by the landscape. Flavours of quandong, native lemongrass, butterfly pea flower and more are infused in spirits, cocktails and non-alcoholic thirst-quenchers.

Visit Scruffy Fella to start your day with a barista-made coffee and a monster cookie. Return later for a local craft beer or wine and browse handmade products including speciality beard care and candles, in the company of the shop’s resident pooches, Harry and Willie.

Shop

Spirit of the Flinders is far more than a traditional newsagency. Alongside newsagency essentials, you’ll find curated gifts and locally made pantry goods. You can even unlock your creativity at a Studio Saturday workshop.

Take home quality treats from the charming family-run shop, A Dash of Oak. The store has everything from books and jewellery to games for kids lining the beautiful stone walls.

Bargain hunters and sustainability enthusiasts should visit the Quorn Pre-Loved Community Boutique. You’ll find a treasure trove of second-hand clothing, books, manchester and homewares near the silo.

Stay

With cabins and camping to suit a range of budgets and group sizes, Quorn Caravan Park is conveniently within walking distance of the silo, railway station and main street.

Great Northern Lodge, with its bright lofts and apartments, offers modern lodgings for the whole family.

Immerse yourself in nature with a stay at Pichi Richi Park. Choose from self-contained private cabins, large group quarters and campsites, all nestled among the rugged bushland.

The post A day in Quorn appeared first on samove.com.au.