SA holidays and experiences top of the Christmas wish list
Giving the gift of a holiday or experience creates lasting memories – and doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
Travel
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With the cost of living on the rise and Christmas around the corner, many South Australians are feeling the pressure of buying that perfect present while sticking to their budget. But, rather than buying your loved one yet another pair of socks they don’t need or fragrance they’ll never wear, there’s a better gift that will create lasting memories and make everyone’s Christmas Day without breaking the bank – a South Australian holiday or experience.
Phil Hoffmann, managing director of Hoffmann Travel, suggests starting a joint holiday fund to which family and friends can contribute as little or as much as they can afford. “We can open up a file so people can put money towards the recipient having a special holiday or experience,” he says. “I always say, rather than getting 52 bottle openers, they get something they can do and remember for the rest of their lives.”
As a proud South Australian tourism provider, Hoffmann is a strong advocate for encouraging people to visit local destinations and experiences. “One of the positive spin-offs of Covid is we have identified so many great destinations and products in our own backyard,” he says. “A lot of South Australian previously put off exploring their home state until they were older, but because we couldn’t go interstate or overseas for so long, there has been a new recognition of what South Australia has to offer.”
And, with so much on offer within the state, South Australians are spoiled for choice when it comes to selecting the perfect destination for a short or long-stay getaway. “There are so many places you can see and experiences you can have,” Hoffmann says.
Here are seven of his favourites.
Kangaroo Island
“You’ll be amazed at how much even experienced travellers get out of doing something local – visiting Clifford’s Honey Farm or Kangaroo Island Spirits, as well as the sightseeing. I took an American cruise line president for a day and a half and he came back and said, ‘Phil, that’s the Galapagos of the South Pacific in one little place’ and he’d been to most places around the world. It blew me away that he thought so highly of Kangaroo Island.”
Monarto Safari Park
“Africa is a magical place but is something not many people experience – but we have it in our own backyard with the expansion of Monarto Safari Park. When the project is finished, it will be the biggest open air safari park outside of Africa, with five-star luxury resort and glamping facilities.”
Short stays in the city
“A weekend at the Oval Hotel, Eos by SkyCity or Sofitel takes you out of your home environment and gives you the chance to experience the city in a new light, doing things you normally don’t get a chance to do Monday to Friday. You switch off and start thinking about what to do tonight or tomorrow – let’s walk down this laneway, let’s try this restaurant, let’s go and have a massage. You just have time out.”
Creating the perfect blend
“I’ve done wine blending at the d’Arenberg Cube and other places and it’s fascinating – to sit there with friends and blend. We have then taken our blend and labelled it, and then when we’ve had a dinner party we have kept the bottles in brown bags and seen which blend is selected as the best out of all of them. One year I won it and my wife said, ‘I can’t believe this, you’re not even good at tasting wines!’ There’s also gin blending and wine and chocolate pairing in the Barossa. It’s fascinating and a great gift idea because you’re creating memories.”
Mount Lofty House and Sequoia Lodge
“For an unforgettable, luxurious getaway you can’t do much better than Mount Lofty House or Sequoia Lodge. I had a two-night package at Sequoia Lodge and it was fantastic. We had a massage, we went driving around the area, we had a seven-course degustation with wine – the way they did it was wonderful. The sommelier talking about the wines, pairing them with the food, was unbelievable.”
A taste of Italy
“We take people to Port Elliot to spend a weekend at Waverley Estates’ premium luxury accommodation with an Italian chef and language teacher to give them a taste of what it would be like if they went on holiday to Tuscany or other parts of Italy. Guests engage in culinary art sessions that combine fine food and great wine and they love it. We have even seen people renew their vows there.”
Wine regions
“South Australia has fantastic wine regions. For myself, going to the Barossa for a weekend is fantastic. I also love going to the Adelaide Hills or McLaren Vale and visiting local wineries there. They’re all in our backyard giving people a great opportunity to visit. There’s a lot of choice a bit further afield, too, like Langhorne Creek – perhaps taking you out of your comfort zone in one way but offering something new to you.”
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SEVEN MAGICAL EXPERIENCES
Adelaide Fringe
With more than 1300 events over four weeks, a gift voucher for the Adelaide Fringe opens a up a world of entertainment.
State Theatre Company
Tickets to one of South Australia’s flagship theatre company productions offers a night to remember.
Kingsford the Barossa
Give the gift of an unforgettable stay at one of Australia’s most exclusive luxury retreats in the heart of the Barossa.
Woolshed Brewery
For beer lovers, a stay on a luxury houseboat at the Riverland’s first and only brewery is the perfect gift idea.
Rawnsley Park Station
Where luxury and nature combine – treat them to a stay at Rawnsley Park Station, the perfect base from which to explore the ancient landscapes of the Flinders Ranges and beyond.
The Bend Motorsport Park
For the thrillseeker in the family, a hot lap around the track in a V8 Mustang, Porsche GT3 Cup or Superbike will get their motor running.
Pichi Richi Railway
A full-day or half-day trip aboard a restored steam or heritage diesel train on the original Ghan route between Port Augusta and Quorn creates a lasting memory.
It’s time to Celebrate SA and support South Australian businesses these holidays. Proudly brought to you by BankSA. #WeBackSA
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