Imagine snuggling up inside a cosy cottage next to a roaring fire, a glass of red wine in hand while nestled in nature. Welcome to winter in South Australia.
As the temperature drops, South Australia transforms into a winter wonderland with incredible hideaways waiting to be discovered. From snuggling up in a tiny house in the Adelaide Hills, to glamping under the stars on the Limestone Coast and settling in by the fire at some of SA’s best cellar doors, we have your winter vibes sorted with 12 cosy retreats to help you escape the winter chill.
1. Pavilions at Lenswood, Adelaide Hills
Sink into your tub overlooking manicured gardens tucked in the heart of the Adelaide Hills. Welcome to the brand-spanking-new Pavilions at Lenswood, a secluded sanctuary for adults only nestled among rolling vineyards and bountiful orchards. Perched atop a valley, settle down at the Swiss chalet styled Ruhe or modern Italian Alps style villa, Merak and soak in epic views of the Adelaide Hills. Inside, an open wood fire, free standing bath, king bed and luxe decor complete the winter vibes, while a hot tub awaits on the deck.
2. Mount Lofty House, Adelaide Hills
Perched above the famed Adelaide Hills wine region, surrounded by breathtaking botanic gardens and overlooking the stunning Piccadilly Valley, you’d never guess Mount Lofty House is just 15 minutes from the Adelaide CBD. Snuggle up with a good book in the library, stop in for a warming nightcap in the lounge bar, indulge in a hot stone massage at the day spa or treat yourself to an incredible feast at Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant. All the pampering you need to keep the winter blues at bay!
3. CADOLE AVALON @ THE VINEYARD, MCLAREN VALE
Just a stone’s throw away from some of McLaren Vale’s best cellar doors and restaurants, Cadole Avalon @ The Vineyard McLaren Vale is the perfect Fleurieu Peninsula accommodation to relax after a day spent touring the region’s famed wineries. With five self-contained guest houses, now including the ultra-modern Cadole Avalon, each retreat has its own private deck to enjoy stunning views of the surrounding vines and valleys. Kick back and enjoy the complimentary (and generous!) locally sourced mini bar and breakfast provisions. At the end of the day, put your feet up in front of the fire or retreat to the spa overlooking the property and soak in breathtaking views over the entire region.
4. CABN, ADELAIDE HILLS
Unplug and unwind at one of four CABN's tucked in secluded serenity around the Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula. From falling asleep surrounded by nature in the bush, to just a short stroll to some of McLaren Vale's wineries, there's a cosy CABN to suit every getaway. The completely off-grid, eco-friendly tiny homes are the perfect base for a magical winter escape. After a day exploring, cuddle up around an outdoor fire, marvel at thousands of stars lighting up the night sky or kick back in your king size bed with a good book. Choose from the original CABN Jude surrounded by bushland, Matilda nestled in a quiet corner of Kuitpo Forest, Georgia on the doorstep of McLaren Vale's vineyards or CABN Chloe just down the road. Added bonus, CABN Jude and Matilda are also pet friendly.
5. Trestrail Cottage, Clare Valley
The perfect blend of untouched nature, creature comforts and a splash of wine, Trestrail Cottage is a cosy settler's style cottage tucked on 100 acres of private bushland just a stone's throw from the world-famous vines of the Clare Valley. Just five minutes from Sevenhill and with easy access to the Riesling Trail and Spring Gully Conservation Park, there's so much to explore right on your doorstep. Check in and spend your days bush walking, wine tasting and dining before retreating to the open wood fire with a glass of Riesling.
6. BELLWETHER, LIMESTONE COAST
Imagine cuddling up next to a roaring campfire under a blanket of stars with a glass of red in hand before retreating to your own private glamping tent. Surrounded by 400-year-old gum trees and located in the heart of the Coonawarra wine region, Bellwether is the perfect base for a winter escape to the Limestone coast. Wake up to the sound of birds and cook up breakfast with local supplies from the farm before popping over to the adjoining cellar door to grab a bottle or two of wine. Roam further afield and discover the impressive cellar door offering around the region.
7. Villa Maria, Barossa
It seems owners of Barossa favourite fermentAsia restaurant can do no wrong, creating a bed and breakfast haven in the heart of historic Tanunda. Originally built in 1910 and lovingly refurbished, Villa Maria exudes equal parts comfort and elegance. You’ll feel right at home (with added luxury!) with access to the entire house, including the beautiful light-filled gourmet kitchen with European appliances, spacious living area, laundry and the garden. Each of the three bedrooms are beautifully and uniquely furnished and have their own private ensuite, so it’s time to gather some friends for a weekend wine-tasting your way around the Barossa.
8. The Louise, Barossa
Located in the heart of the Barossa, The Louise is a luxury vineyard retreat, surrounded by hundreds of acres of grapevines. The Louise has 15 suites and offers a private experience that brings together the very best of the Barossa’s food, wine and hospitality. A stay at The Louise is made extra-special with a meal at its restaurant, Appellation, regarded as one of Australia’s finest regional dining experiences. In 2017, The Louise was the only Australian hotel listed in Travel and Leisure's top 100 hotels in the world, alongside Southern Ocean Lodge. You'll find The Louise on Seppeltsfield Road - just a 1 hour drive away from Adelaide.
9. Hamilton & Dune, Kangaroo Island
Offering the ultimate island escape for any season, Hamilton & Dune are two properties overlooking the pristine, north facing Emu Bay. Hamilton House is a 1960's beach house just 100m from the beach which underwent a complete renovation in 2018 which brought in modern contemporary fittings and luxuries without sacrificing the old-world charm. Nearby Dune House is an architecturally designed, light filled and modern house which provides views from every room. Sitting centre-stage to Kangaroo Island’s best beaches with all the creature comforts you could dream of, sit back and relax with a glass of wine and watch the sunset behind the ocean below as you spot watch wild koalas, kangaroos and kookaburras.
10. The Cube, The Murray River, Lakes and Coorong
Wind your clock back to river time and wake up on a floating eco pod. The ultimate riverside escape on the banks of the Murray River, The Cube 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 Airbnb sleeps two people with a queen bed, ensuite and kitchenette making it the perfect place to base yourself for adventures along the Murray River. Kick back on a sunlounge 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.
11. YAMBARA TINY CABIN, EYRE PENINSULA
The story of this special oasis is in its name. Yambara means ‘away, out of sight’ in the Barngarla language of the traditional owners of the land we call the Eyre Peninsula, where this luxurious cabin sits. Wake up to the sound of silence inside your very own self-contained, off-grid and sustainable tiny home that overlooks Sleaford Bay and Port Lincoln National Park. Brew yourself a cuppa before starting your morning with a stroll along your very own private beach, just footsteps from Yambara. Sounds like the definition of paradise, hey? While this abode might be tiny, it packs a punch. Large double glazed windows bring the beauty of nature closer without having to weather the elements, while a king-sized bed, double shower and fully functioning kitchen will ensure all your creature comforts are cared for. Owners Amanda and Tim Hogg have opened a door to previously inaccessible locations along the Eyre Peninsula, working with local farmers to source the perfect off-grid locations for their cabins, ensuring a one-of-a-kind experience for every guest. The best part? You can leave the Eyre Peninsula knowing you left it better than when you discovered it. Eyre Way cabins, including Yambara, are sustainably constructed and carbon zero and a small business – so you can support the environment and the local community!
12. Lapito House, Fleurieu Peninsula
Searching for a winter escape for the whole family or a group of mates? Look no further than stunning Lapito House in Myponga! An epic restored stone farmhouse which can easily accommodate up to eight people, the property spans over 116 acres, bordering the Heysen Trail and Myponga Conservation Park and is the perfect space to chill and explore. Discover the Fleurieu Peninsula by day and curl up by the fire with wine and cheese at night. Don’t leave your best friend at home, pets are welcome.
13. Jacka Brother Brewery, Flinders Ranges
Nestled in the heart of the South Australian outback, the striking Jacka Brothers Brewery is marrying the old world and new. This boutique stay features four bedrooms, each with an en-suite, all boasting a modern design and set against original stone masonry, galvanized iron and even old sheep chutes. The result? A truly historic and memorable stay.
14. 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 a fireside light in the property's feature room - a Hogwarts inspired library - fitted with floor to ceiling timber shelves and fireplace, perfect for a cosy winter getaway.
15. Ode to the Orchard, Adelaide Hills
Sink into an outdoor tub perched above the rolling valleys of the Adelaide Hills at Ode to the Orchard. Surrounded by orchards, vineyards, bushland and dreamy hills landscapes, rustic romance awaits at the 1890s-built country cottage. This idyllic Airbnb lies deep in the Adelaide Hills on 16 acres in picturesque Lenswood and is the ultimate destination for a couple’s getaway. After soaking in the view from the claw foot bath, retreat inside to sip wine by the fire or make apple crumble using a secret family recipe and local ingredients supplied by the hosts.
Winter in South Australia
Venture out from your cosy hideaway and you’ll discover there’s so much to see and do in South Australia this winter - check out our guide to the best winter wildlife watching to complete your itinerary.
