South Australia accommodation: Unique places to stay

From the wild to the weird and wonderful, discover some of South Australia’s most unique accommodation options.

South Australia

Drift off into a meditative sleep to gently rolling waves, full-hearted after watching the sun set over an uninhabited beach. Give glamping a go… by a campfire in a winery, surrounded by 400-year-old gums.

Meander along the Murray River as you sleep on a houseboat or experience the true Australian life on a riverland bush station.

South Australia is famous for its wine, food and festivals, and now it’s got more places to “hit the hay” than you’ll know what to do with.

Here’s nine of our more weird and wonderful family holiday options. In South Australia, it’s not just about where you stay, but the experience you want.

Sleeping has never been more fun!

On (or near) the water…

With some of the best beaches in the country stretching along South Australia’s coast, no wonder people are flocking to the sea. When you picture an Aussie beach, a long stretch of white sand meeting turquoise water probably colours your mind. Now, imagine waking up here, with that view all to yourself. Life’s a beach at Hillocks Ocean Pod on the Yorke Peninsula, looking out to Butler’s Beach. Explore the bush, fish, swim or go whale watching… from your dining room.

With Australia’s longest river cutting through the state, houseboating is a popular holiday choice. Whether it’s just two of you or 12, you can cruise along the mighty Murray at your own pace – because you’re driving. Make your way up to Mannum, and hire your boat through Carpe Diem.

Dream, in a winery…

Get your hippie on for a night or two and sip wine next to the campfire at Bellweather in the Limestone Coast. These luxury campsites are situated behind the Glen Roy Winery and Cellar Door, so you don’t need to worry about running out of wine. Wake up as the sun rises and explore the nearby world heritage-listed Naracoorte Caves and the charming country town of Robe.

Further north, in the state’s famous Flinders Ranges, Melrose’s North Star Hotel also offers wine-eat-stay experiences. But don’t be fooled by the name. It’s no regular hotel. Stay in quirky trucks located at the back of the hotel. And yes, it’s exactly how you picture it – a truck-turned-house.

Warning: Kids (and the kids at heart) might not sleep out of sheer excitement. You can’t help but want to play.

Sleep, under the stars…

You don’t have to travel to Africa to go on safari. Luxury tents are pegged down in the beautiful Mallee wilderness region of the Gawler Ranges. You’ll spot plenty of animal tracks (and maybe a few critters, too). For the wild at heart, Gawler Ranges Wilderness Safaris offer the “Swagon”, a renovated wagon with a swag. You’ll spend the whole night gazing at the starry Kangaluna sky through an eight-inch telescope.

Back in the Flinders Ranges, there’s Ikara Safari Camp at Wilpena Pound. Adventure in style with their glamorous tents, which will forever change your perspective of camping with modern ensuite bathrooms, luxe king beds, air conditioning, a deck and fire pit. You might not want to go home.

Get cosy, in a cave…

Visit the opal town of Coober Pedy and sleep underground at the Desert Cave Hotel. Underground living doesn’t get more luxurious than this, with WiFi, room service, a pool, a tour booking office and - wait for it - a shopping arcade.

If this outback city looks familiar, it’s because you’ve probably seen it before. In the late 80s, Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome was filmed here – the otherworldly landscape is a filmmaker’s dream.

Experience the peculiar peace of life beneath the surface, and get ready for the best night’s sleep of your life.

Be free, in the forest…

You’ve probably dreamed about going off-the-grid before. With CABN, you can, and without losing your sanity. Less than an hour’s drive from the city, these tiny self-contained houses are hidden amongst 180-acres of natural scrub land, close to a conservation park. Turn off your iPhone and connect to life in the Adelaide Hills.

Surrounded by trees, dams and creeks, many types of wildlife call it home, too. Sip your morning coffee outside next to a crackling fire in the company of kangaroos, koalas and birds, then do barefoot yoga on the soft, luscious green grass.

If you’re short on time, there are plenty of unique places like Adelaide’s Fire Station Inn. The 1866 fire station has been converted into a luxurious spa suite. Snooze with the 1942 international fire truck at your feet. The adventure doesn’t have to stop when you’re back at your accommodation, after a day of exploring.

There’s something for every dreamer in South Australia.

Originally published as South Australia accommodation: Unique places to stay