South Australia's best tourism experiences for 2025

Discover the best tourism experiences in South Australia for 2025 and explore the full list of winners from the South Australian Tourism Awards.

Seeking out the best in our state? The South Australian tourism awards celebrate the very best of our world-famous offerings — from tours and experiences to festivals and products. Each year an independent judging panel weigh up South Australia's world-class attractions, dining experiences, festivals and accommodation offerings to select the crème de la crème, creating a benchmark for South Australia. Add these experiences to your South Australian adventure wishlist, knowing they come with one hefty tick of approval.

Major Tourist Attractions

Winner – Adelaide Botanic Garden

What do you get when you mix an urban city with 50 hectares of historic gardens? The Adelaide Botanic Garden. Found within the city’s ring of parklands — part of what makes South Australia the world’s second National Park City after London — the gardens are home to stunning architecture, majestic avenues and its famous wisteria arbour. Explore the Palm House (a restored Victorian glasshouse imported from Germany in 1875, thought to be the only one left of its kind) and the Bicentennial Conservatory housing a magical rainforest canopy.

Silver – Monarto Safari Park 

Set off on a wild African safari (well, almost) and watch giraffes as they gather at watering holes, while lions roam freely across open plains — all from the comfort of a shuttle bus at Monarto Safari Park. Meet the curious characters going the extra mile to save species from extinction and take part in Australia’s only 360-degree lion encounter, giving you a thrilling prey’s-eye view of these awe-inspiring predators (which you can hand feed)! It's the perfect activity to add to your Murry River, Lakes and Coorong itinerary. 

Bronze – Adelaide Oval 

There’s watching sport… and then there’s watching it at Adelaide Oval. Sun-soaked afternoons on The Hill, cold drinks in hand and a crowd that knows exactly when to kick off. Clip in and head up for the RoofClimb — a guided walk along the stadium’s curves, high above the stands, or stay ground-level and join the roar for footy, cricket and everything in between.

 

Tourist Attractions 

Winner – d’Arenberg - Hall of Fame

Seemingly floating above the vines, this otherworldly Rubik’s cube-like cellar door is one of the most iconic and unique wine tasting destinations in Australia. Set among the rolling hills of McLaren Vale on the largest biodynamic winery in Australia, The Cube features a tasting room with 360-degree views over five levels, several bars, a casual dining restaurant, a museum and an art gallery. This is the third consecutive year d’Arenberg has won this category. 

Silver – MOD. 

Want to help inform our future? Dive head-first into 'big picture' thinking at Australia’s boldest interactive public science and creativity space. At the University of South Australia, this free futuristic playground is an adventure zone for curious minds aged 15 and up! MOD. takes you on a journey through seven gallery spaces, exploring dynamic exhibitions that unite science, technology and inspiration. Each year they host a new exhibition, so you can keep your curiosity in overdrive. 

Bronze – Victor Harbor Horse Tram 

There’s something unmistakably South Australian about the Victor Harbor Horse-Drawn Tram — slow travel at its sweetest. A team of gentle Clydesdales clip-clops their way across the causeway to Granite Island, sea breeze in your hair, pelicans overhead and waves rolling underneath. It’s been running for over a century, but the magic hasn’t aged a day. Ride over, wander the island trails and spot a seal if you’re lucky. 

 

The full list of award winners

Major Festivals & Events

Winner – Adelaide Fringe 

Silver – Adelaide Festival

Bronze – Chihuly in the Botanic Garden 

Festivals & Events

Winner – Streaky Sounds Music Festival 2025 

Silver – 2025 South Australian Wooden Boat Festival

Bronze – 2025 Glenelg Ice Cream Festival 

Ecotourism

Winner – The Big Duck Boat Tours - Hall of Fame 

Silver – Jurlique Farm 

Bronze – Coodlie Park Eco Retreat 

Cultural Tourism

Winner – Flamboyance Tours

Silver – Radelaide Tours

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Tourism Experiences

Winner – Wadna 

 

Silver – Southern Cultural Immersion 

Tourism Retail, Hire & Services

Winner – Copper Trails Bike Hire - Hall of Fame 

Silver – SA eBikes | McLaren Vale 

Visitor Information Services

Winner – Whyalla Visitor Centre 

Silver – Port Lincoln Visitor Information Centre 

Business Event Venues

Winner – Adelaide Convention Centre

Silver – Adelaide Oval Functions and Events 

Bronze – Events at SkyCity 

Tour & Transport Operators 

Winner – Spirit of the Coorong - Hall of Fame 

Silver – Barossa Helicopters

Bronze – Barossa Bespoke Tours

Adventure Tourism

Winner – Woodhouse Adventure Park

Silver – Skytrek Willow Springs Station 

Bronze – RoofClimb Adelaide Oval

Tourism Marketing & Campaigns

Winner – Chihuly in the Botanic Garden 

Silver – Kimba - a Community to Shout About! 

Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services

Winner – Monkey Nut Cafe 

Silver – Bond Store Wallaroo 

Tourism Wineries

Winner – Seppeltsfield Barossa - Hall of Fame 

Silver – Kies Family Wines

Bronze – Dandelion Vineyards

Tourism Distilleries & Breweries 

Winner – 23rd Street Distillery 

Silver – Never Never Distilling Co. 

Bronze – Woolshed Brewery 

Caravan & Holiday Parks

Winner – West Beach Parks Holiday Park - Hall of Fame 

Silver – Echo Holiday Parks - Renmark 

Bronze – Minlaton Caravan Park 

Hosted Accommodation

Winner – Henders House at Almerta Station 

Silver – Oceanview Eco Villas 

Unique Accommodation

Winner – Woodhouse Adventure Park

Silver – Mount Little Station

Bronze – River Murray Houseboats

Self-contained Accommodation

Winner – Old Coach Road Estate

Silver – Vale 194

Bronze – Riesling Trail and Clare Valley Cottages 

3-3.5 Star Accommodation

Winner – ibis Adelaide - Hall of Fame 

Silver – Coodlie Park Eco Retreat 

4-4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation

Winner – Oval Hotel

Silver – Atura Adelaide Airport 

5 Star Luxury Accommodation

Winner – Sequoia Lodge 

Silver – Eos by SkyCity 

New Tourism Business

Winner – Monarto Safari Resort 

Silver – Dairy Adventures 

Bronze – Hahndorf Flower Farm 

Excellence in Food Tourism

Winner –  Fleurieu Food and Wine 

Silver – Anita Robin, The Foodbuilder 

Bronze – Willunga Farmers Market 

Excellence in Accessible Tourism

Winner – Adelaide Fringe - Hall of Fame 

Silver – MOD. 

Thank you...

From the ancient peaks of the Flinders Ranges and outback to the lush valleys of the Adelaide Hills, we thank our operators for showing South Australia to the world.