From tiny houses and eco-pods, to domes shaped like flying saucers, South Australia is filled with unique accommodation. And, after a long nearly two years of lockdowns across the country, they couldn’t be more appealing to escape to right now. Here, we round up our favourite — and most quirky — among them.
Naiko Retreat
Fleurieu Peninsula
One spot that will stop you in your tracks is Naiko Retreat. Located on the coastline of South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula, Naiko Retreat is comprised of three bedrooms, each with their ensuite and free-standing bath. Book for family or a group of friends, and enjoy panoramic views of the ocean, private beach access and a massage suite located in a flying saucer-shaped dome.
Kingsford The Barossa
Barossa Valley
Set in 225 acres of beautiful Barossa Valley landscape and originally a private home, Kingsford The Barossa has been an icon in the area for 160 years, once used as the set for TV drama McLeod’s Daughters. Today, the property boasts 13 suites, a three-bedroom cottage, a five-star restaurant with a wine vault and even a bowling alley.
Cabn X William
Fleurieu Peninsula
Experience an off-grid, eco-friendly tiny house nestled in scrubland scenery in Cabn X William. Launched in April 2021, the tiny house has darker materials and timbers that help to create a sense of cosiness. Sweat out city toxins in its private sauna, stargaze through the home’s glass ceiling or simply sit by its indoor fireplace with a bottle of organic Gemtree wine, with grapes sourced directly from the vines you’re surrounded by.
Earthship Ironbank
Adelaide Hills
Taking sustainable accommodation to the next level, this ecological bed and breakfast is Australia’s first council-approved Earthship. Ticking every box for solar, water and energy efficiency, the apartment is made from a variety of natural and recycled materials, including car tyres filled and rendered with soil and an incredible beer and wine bottle brick wall. A veggie breakfast is included.
The Cube
Murray River
The Cube on the banks of the Murray River is one of the most immersive ways to experience life on the river, just outside Murray Bridge. An hour’s drive away from Adelaide, this dreamy stay sleeps two people with a queen bed, ensuite and kitchenette complete with breakfast supplies, making it the perfect place to base yourself for adventures along the river. Kick back on a sun lounge on the deck and watch as boats cruise by, take to the water in your very own kayak or cosy up by the fire pit with a glass of red in hand.
Arkaba Camping
Flinders Ranges
Arkaba Conservancy is a gloriously remote 60,000-acre privately-owned and carefully protected wildlife conservancy nestled in South Australia’s Flinders Ranges and the Outback, offering some of the best bushwalking in the country. Experience it with a Lodge-Based Arkaba Walk that’ll see you spending two nights at its signature swag camps, set on spectacular locations on the property, and a third night at the beautifully restored 1850s Arkaba Homestead.
Thorngrove Manor Hotel
Adelaide Hills
A member of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World since 1995, Thorngrove Manor is boutique accommodation, designed for special moments and, with no communal areas, no group bookings and no on-site events, complete privacy. Be sure to book in for a private afternoon tea in the beautiful Kings Chambers suite.
Hillocks Ocean Pod
Yorke Peninsula
A deluxe camping experience, Hillocks Ocean Pod is surrounded by coastal bush, quiet beaches and stunning rock pools. Solar-powered and equipped with eco-toilets, it’s the perfect spot to get back in touch with nature if you’re not ready to give up all your creature comforts and go all-in with camping. On the doorstep of Innes National Park, you can watch whales pass by your dining room window (during the winter months) and be lulled to sleep by the sounds of the surf.
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