From untouched beaches and charming vineyards to vast desert landscapes and towering mountain ranges, South Australia is home to some of the most diverse and mesmerising landscapes. With the perfect backdrop set – it’s only fitting that some of the most spectacular and aesthetically pleasing stays in the country, are right here in our backyard. Whether you’re after an off-grid bush retreat to escape the hustle and bustle of city life or a contemporary beach shack with room for the whole family, we’ve got you covered. Discover our top picks for the most insta-worthy accommodation in South Australia and take your Instagram game to the next level – without even trying.
1. HAMILTON AND DUNE, KANGAROO ISLAND
Hamilton & Dune are two properties overlooking the pristine, north facing Emu Bay on Kangaroo Island. Superbly located and decorated, Hamilton and Dune is the perfect setting to get some snaps for the ‘gram. Perched atop the dunes of Emu Bay, Dune House is a contemporary build with a circular design that ensures picture-perfect moments from every room. Nestled among the natural bush setting, Dune House has private access to Emu Bay which is one of the most swimmable beaches on Kangaroo Island and begs to have its photo taken thanks to the insanely clear blue waters and striking white sand. Hamilton, on the other hand, is a renovated 1960s beach shack set back on the foreshore, with insta-worthy interiors and just a few steps from the beach. Take your pick!
2. TIMBA RTREET, FLEURIEU PENINSULA
Feeling the urge to unplug from your devices and plug into nature? If you’re looking for unique places to stay, TIMBA by Rtreet is a chic treehouse located in McLaren Vale. Sprawling over 50 hectares of land, it’s the very definition of instagrammable accommodation with breathtaking panoramic views of rolling hills, vineyards and the sea. Thoughtfully and impeccably styled inside and out, a stay at Timba will elevate your ‘gram game like never before. You’ll have no choice but to indulge in the peaceful retreat as you lounge by the chalet-style pool and spa or cuddle up by fire.
3. ODE TO THE ORCHARD, ADELAIDE HILLS
If one thing is for certain it’s that an outdoor bathtub with a view is guaranteed to make your followers green with envy. Perched above the rolling valleys of the Adelaide Hills, rustic romance awaits at Ode to the Orchard – a 1890s-built country cottage. This idyllic couple’s getaway lies deep within the Adelaide Hills, surrounded by dreamy landscapes and rolling hills, offering a peaceful and private escape from the hustle and bustle. Our top tip? Sink into the outdoor bathtub overlooking the private vineyards, orchards and bushlands at sunset – and you’ve got yourself ‘the shot’.
4. ESCA AT NEST & NATURE, FLEURIEU PENINSULA
Luxury stays in South Australia don’t get much better than Esca at Nest & Nature. A remote eco-luxe hilltop property in the heart of the Fleurieu Peninsula, this modern off-grid escape was made to reconnect with nature. Built with sustainable materials, high-quality furnishings and floor-to-ceiling windows offering sweeping views down the Inman Valley and beyond, every design element has been carefully considered so you can unwind in comfort and without a worry in the world. Located off-grid, they’re perfect for savouring sunsets, sampling local delicacies, exploring bushwalking trails, snapping some pics or just recharging in complete privacy.
5. LOVE & MUTINY, YORKE PENINSULA
A gorgeous 1950’s shack with 360 views of Chinaman Wells, Love and Mutiny is the ultimate beachfront holiday destination in the Yorke Peninsula. From the pink seaside bathroom to the festoon-lit balcony and beachfront fire pit, this colourful getaway is an instagrammer’s paradise. Watch the tide roll in from bed, put a record on or have a cocktail by the wood fire – this beach house is unlike any other. Sleeping up to four guests, the eclectic interiors situated in the quiet township of Chinaman Wells provides a truly unique and relaxing getaway all year round.
6. SEA DRAGON, KANGAROO ISLAND
Sea Dragon Kangaroo Island is a 100-hectare coastal estate with spectacular ocean views, an abundance of wildlife, onsite walking trails and exclusive access to a secluded beach. Surrounded by stunning bushland, rolling hills and clear blue waters, each villa has views of the ocean while some are equipped with a private ocean-facing bathtub on the deck. As a full-service boutique hotel, the team here take care of everything for you, from ocean safaris to cellar room adventures and local food experiences. All that’s left for you to do is capture every moment.
7. THE GREENLY CARRIAGE, EYRE PENINSULA
Perfectly positioned to explore the endless coastline of the Eyre Peninsula, The Greenly Carriage is a historic train carriage that has been reimagined into a boutique bush cabin. Off-grid and pet-friendly with camera-ready landscapes, this cosy stay is complete with a curated mix of classic and contemporary interiors that will have you wishing it were yours. A short seven-minute drive to the picturesque Greenly Beach, you won’t have to try very hard to get the shot when the landscape is doing all the heavy lifting for you.
8. SEQUOIA LODGE, ADELAIDE HILLS
If you’re looking for luxury South Australian getaways exclusively for adults, look no further than Sequoia Lodge. In addition to its 180-degree views of Piccadilly Valley and the award-winning fine dining restaurant Hardy’s Verandah just steps away, this six-star lodge offers intimate and curated experiences designed to connect you with the land and the locals. With more on offer than its inspiring location, bathe in the sun on your private terrace, lounge by the infinity pool or spring-fed hot pools or take a hike in the natural surroundings – and snap a few pics along the way!
9. CARRIAGE HOUSE 1884, ADELAIDE HILLS
Live like a Lord or Lady in an old Carriage House nestled amongst five hectares of beautifully kept gardens in the charming Adelaide hills. Close to the picturesque, fairytale villages in the Adelaide Hills, this self-contained house sleeps up to four guests and is the perfect base for exploration into the Mount Lofty and beyond. Giving a nod to its Scottish heritage with tartan wallpaper and interiors, find paradise by the fireside light in the property’s feature room – a Hogwarts inspired library – fitted with floor to ceiling timber shelves and a fireplace, perfect for a cosy winter getaway (and your Instagram feed).
GETAWAY IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Looking for more accommodation inspiration? Check out our guide to the best cosy winter hideaways or glamping spots in South Australia and start planning your trip with our Trip Planner.
