What you can't miss when visiting South Australia

Hahndorf

Within the Adelaide Hills is Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement, Hahndorf. There is still a strong German culture in this town, most evident in the smallgoods stores and German bakery’s that line the main street. While in Hahndorf you can make your way through the towns many cellar doors on offer, and then eat the freshest local produce in one of the trendy eateries. 


This town will have you topped up on culture with its galleries, migration museum, artist’s studios and art classes. If you’re bringing the kids along be sure to take them to the Hahndorf Farm Barn, where they can cuddle some friendly animals and check out the nature wildlife park. 

Hahndorf Inn, Hahndorf

Barossa Valley

Australia’s wine capital, Barossa, is the best place to go if you’re looking to indulge in great wine in absolute luxury. With more than 80 cellar doors and 150 wineries you will be spoilt for choice.

Not only is the wine world class, but the fresh local produce from the Adelaide Hills is something to be admired also.

Speaking of food, a visit to Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop is an absolute must whilst in the Barossa Valley. Here you can check out the famous cook and writer’s product range and have tastings. And if you’re lucky you might even get to meet her!  

Wining & dining at Murdock Wines Barossa

McLaren Vale

McLaren Vale is the perfect destination for your next wine adventure, with more than 60 cellar doors, it’s a favourite South Australian wine region.

Visit Coriole Vineyard’s cellar door in an old, ironstone barn. Taste reserve wines and back vintages in the wine room and then enjoy lunch in the courtyard.

Chapel Hill offers panoramic views over the Onkaparinga Valley. Set within an old stone church, the cellar door sells a variety of wine. Penny’s Hill is inviting, with casual, farm charm. You can relax on the couches inside or play boules on the lawns, while enjoying the wine and tapas.

Coober Pedy

If you are looking for a very unique kind of holiday, then Coober Pedy is the destination for you. This opal mining town exists underground to escape high temperatures. Underground you will find hotels, restaurants, bars, and an underground church. You can take a tour of the town and check out the underground homes, opal mines, art gallery and pottery, or try your luck fossicking for opals at various spots around town. This fascinating place really is one of a kind and definitely a must do if you are considering a South Australian outback adventure. 

Coober Pedy, South Australia

 

Lake Eyre

Lake Eyre exists in the harsh South Australian outback and is the largest lake in Australia, spanning 9,500 square kilometres. As the lake rarely fills with water, and becomes a giant salt pan, which fascinates you with the white crystals that shimmer in the sunlight.

You can check out the lake from a plane, which allows you to view the endless still water or salt creeping over, or enjoy the lake by boat and listen to the sounds of the wildlife.

You can choose to camp in one of the camping grounds or if you prefer the indoors, there are hotels and caravan parks at nearby towns where you can grab a good pub feed. 

   

Limestone Coast

The Limestone Coast in a stunning region which was formed by tonnes of marine life falling to the sea floor, and is a treasure trove of natural wonders.

There are plenty of picturesque coastal towns to visit along the amazing Limestone Coast such as Robe, where you can swim at the stunning beaches, peer over rugged cliffs, and eat the best seafood. Then, head to Cape Jaffa to check out dolphins and penguins as they swim close to the shore. Coorong is a great place for swimming, fishing, or relaxing.

The Limestone Coast’s beaches are rugged and something to be seen, and offer some of the best fishing and surfing locations. 

Snorkelling off Limestone Coast

Fleurieu Peninsula

There is plenty to see and do here for all kinds of travellers. You can visit some cellar doors or bask in the beauty of the ocean, where you might see a whale or two swim by.

The Fleurieu Peninsula offers a laid back feel and beautiful scenery, created by the cliff tops, beaches, coves and the winding Murray River. You can watch little penguins come ashore at Granite Island, or get close to kangaroos in the conversation parks. This area has a real beach culture, where you often see surfers walk around with their surfboards, families playing in the sand and eating fish and chips. The sun, food and wine make this place a little piece of paradise.


To book your South Australian holiday visit www.sunloverholidays.com.au or talk to our experts on 13 88 33.

El Questro Wilderness Park - The Homestead

After 20 great years of being Australia’s ultimate luxury outback escape, the El Questro Wilderness Park has taken its homestead to the next level in truly pampering its guests with their newly built exclusive Cliff Side Retreats. 

One of the three new Cliff Side Retreats overloking The Chamberlain Gorge below

El Questro Wilderness Park is one of the world’s most unique holiday destinations, providing a truly Australian holiday experience in the Kimberley near Kununurra. A million acres in size, El Questro is located in Western Australia’s untamed Kimberley region and extends for approximately 80 kilometres, most of which has never been explored.

After being voted second in Australian Traveller’s list of Australia’s 10 luxury lodges in 2011, the three new exclusive cliff side retreats solidify the property’s reputation as the ultimate luxury escape in one of the world’s last unspoilt frontiers.

The three new freestanding cliff side retreats set atop a cliff, overlook the Chamberlain Gorge, and offer sweeping views of the spectacular Chamberlain River as it flows from the heart of the gorge.

Cliff Side Retreats - El Questro Homestead

These architect designed suites feature:

·        Daybed and feather topped king size bed facing floor to ceiling sliding glass walls

·        Uninterrupted views of the El Questro wilderness and Chamberlain River

·        Spacious and light filled interiors

·        Quality furnishings and fittings in keeping with the environment

·        Walk through wardrobe

·        Private ensuite with uninterrupted views of the landscape

·        Free standing outdoor bath on the Cliff Side Retreat Verandas

·        Garden Rain Shower surrounded by magnificent stone walls to preserve your privacy

·        Bose Wave CD Player, iPod Dock

·        Bath and body treats from Aesop

·        Serviced twice daily

·        World class dining 

Free standing outdoor bath on the Cliff Side Retreat Verandas

The exclusive Homestead, open only between April and October annually, caters to a maximum of just 18 discerning guests whom are each treated to the highest levels of service, dining experiences and luxury.

Enjoy the luxuries The Homestead at El Questro has to offer, with its romantic and moody feel, created from natural materials in keeping with The Kimberley environment.

Stay four nights or longer and save 20% on accommodation. Available for sale and travel until August 31, 2012.

Uluru - Australia's most sacred land

Uluru in the centre of Northern Territory is a sacred destination that needs to be explored at least once in your lifetime. Experience the beauty of Ayers Rock the living cultural landscape of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. With the beautiful red earth and magnificent surroundings it will definitely leave you breathless.

A cloud icing Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Accommodation

Voyages Ayers Rock Resort is a paradise in the vast red desert, home to a range of different accommodation options.

Ayers Rock Resort

Voyages Outback Pioneer Hotel is a 3.5 star hotel that celebrates pioneering past and traditional Aussie hospitality.

Voyages Emu Walk Apartments offers 4 star spacious apartments that are great for family and friends. 

Voyages Desert Gardens Hotel has 4.5 star stylish hotel rooms with amazing views.

Voyages Sails in the Desert Hotel is the resorts most premier hotel, self rated at 5 stars it showcases Aboriginal heritage and culture.

If you are looking for a unique holiday experience then consider the exclusive Voyages Longitude 131°.  Situated on a secluded sand dune, the 15 luxury tents are decorated individually to pay homage to an early Australian pioneer or explorer.

Must Do Experiences

Sound of Silence Dinner

Not to be missed when in central Australia is the Sounds of Silence Dinner. It is a magical dinning experience under the stars in the middle of red desert, with views to Ayers Rock. Enjoy a gourmet buffet of modern Australian delicacies and sip on Australian wines. Relax to the sound of a lone didgeridoo and watch as the sky puts on a colourful display as the sun sets.  

Sounds of Silence, Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Uluru Sunrise, Climb or base Tour

To experience the colours of Uluru change as the sun rises, join a sunrise tour. Once the sun is high in the sky you will partake in a Guided Base Tour of Uluru, where you will learn about the rock's history, stories and wonders.

Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Kings Canyon Must Do Activities

With soaring rocky cliff faces, native animals and lush vegetation, Kings Canyon is one of Australia’s ancient beauties. The canyon is situated within the Watarrka National Park which is half way between Alice Springs and Uluru. The canyon is huge, measuring at 270m high.

There are many activities available for you to explore this great destination.

Kings Canyon Guided Climb

You will walk the rim of the canyon and make the rocky climb to see the views of Watarrka national Park. Then decline into the beautifully lush vegetation gorge where the Garden of Eden is found. Throughout the walk you will experience panoramic views of the surroundings and the towering orange walls of the canyon. This tour is done daily and the walk departs shortly before sunrise.

Kings Canyon Helicopter Tours

Once you have experienced Kings Canyon close up, why not experience the aerial view. The only way to fully appreciate the magnificence of this spectacular canyon is by helicopter. The Kings Canyon helicopter tour runs daily from 8.30 to sunset. There is even a chance to spot wild camels and brumbies on the open desert.

Under a Desert Moon

Sit admiring the southern night sky while enjoying a six course dinner. This is a unique dinner experience that comes with a spectacular view of the night sky and the canyon. What a perfect way to end the day. The dinner is open from April to October and is on every night.

Why not make a whole day out of these activities. In the morning enjoy your walk, follow it with a helicopter ride and finish it all up with the Under the Moon dinner.

Where to Stay

Kings Canyon Resort is a sanctuary from the rugged desert and is filled with many great features. The resort covers everything you need comfortable accommodation, restaurants and pools. 

Kings Canyon

Discover South Australia’s regions

Adelaide

World class food and wine, sophisticated architecture and a jam packed calendar of events, South Australia’s capital has it all. Find sensational fresh produce and gourmet delights at the famous Central Market, and plenty of retail therapy. A short tram ride away is beachside Glenelg. Stroll the jetty, browse the shops or relax in a seaside café. Just a 30 minute drive from Adelaide is the picturesque Adelaide Hills. Discover country markets, galleries, cellar doors, fantastic food experiences and the German heritage town of Hahndorf.

Barossa

As far as Australian wine regions go, you can’t go past the Barossa. Just an hour out of Adelaide, a world of culinary delights awaits. The region is filled with wineries and cellar doors, roadside stalls, specialty food products, galleries and museums. Chat to winemakers and artisan food producers

about the region they love. Sample a full bodied red straight from the cellar door, or fresh produce from the Barossa Farmers Market. Beyond the vineyards are national parks for getting back to nature and golf courses to test your skills.

Dining in the Barossa

Clare Valley

Loyal fans of food and wine can continue a culinary love affair in the Clare Valley. Less than a two hour drive from Adelaide, the Clare Valley is renowned for the finer things in life with delicious gourmet food, a rich heritage and world class wines. It’s a little slice of country paradise, with acres of farmland, vineyards and stone ruins dating back to the pioneers. Stroll between cellar doors, dine out at a restaurant or café or cycle along the region’s famous Riesling Trail.

Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is nature’s playground, where sea lions, fur seals and penguins parade the beaches and around a third of the island is national or conservation park, earning it the nickname, the ‘zoo without fences’. The island’s scenery is outstanding and unique; from the natural sculptures of

the Remarkable Rocks to the giant sand dune known as Little Sahara. It’s easy to get a taste for Kangaroo Island’s outstanding produce, try the honey, cheeses, wine, oysters and whiting.

Seals on Kangaroo Island

Fleurieu Peninsula

The Fleurieu Peninsula ticks all the boxes for the ideal holiday destination. Less than an hour’s drive from Adelaide is stunning coastal scenery, excellent beaches for surf and swimming, and the gourmet food and wine of the McLaren Vale region. Plus there’s the relaxed and friendly lifestyle, whale watching and easy access to Kangaroo Island.

Limestone Coast

With spectacular vistas from start to finish, the Limestone Coast is an ideal self drive holiday destination. The region is dotted with historic towns, lush farming country, coastal villages and beautiful national parks. Explore the World Heritage Listed Naracoorte Caves National Park or sample a glass of red in the Coonawarra wine region.

Eyre Peninsula

For a blend of wildlife, seafood, coast and outback, head to the Eyre Peninsula. Its coastline offers uncrowded beaches, mouth-watering seafood and unique wildlife experiences like swimming with sea lions. Further inland rocky ranges, vast salt lakes and desert plains provide a magical contrast to the coast. To the west, discover the legendary Nullarbor Plain – one of Australia’s great road journeys.

Eyre Peninsula, South Australia

Flinders Ranges

Dramatic mountain peaks, caves, gorges, fossil remains and geological history – discover one of the oldest mountain ranges on Earth. Each region offers something different. Seek out Aboriginal rock art and ruins of early European

settlement or scenic walking and cycling trails. Explore the impressive amphitheatre at Wilpena Pound in the Central Flinders Ranges. Go winery hopping in the south. Further north spot wildlife and witness spectacular starry night skies at Arkaroola.

Outback

Lose yourself in outback South Australia with its red dirt, wide open spaces, friendly characters and awe inspiring landscapes. The frontier town of Coober Pedy is world famous for its opals and all things quirky. There’s underground homes plus dugout churches and hotels, working opal mines and historic museums – all surrounded by a lunar landscape. Be a postman for the day and deliver mail to outback stations on the ‘Outback Mail Run’.

Outback South Australia

To book your South Australian adventure contact Sunlover Holidays on 

13 88 33  or visit www.sunloverholidays.com.au 

Where to drink and dine in Northern Territory

For a restaurant with a difference try Overlander Steakhouse in Alice Springs. Enjoy their large selection of steaks including buffalo, kangaroo, crocodile or camel.

Cullen Bay Marina in Darwin offers alfresco harbourside dining from breakfast till late. There are many different cuisines to choose from. 

The Sounds of Silence is a unique dining experience located at Ayers Rock. Enjoy an award winning dinner in the middle of the dessert while enjoying the sunset over Uluru.

Sound of Starlight Theatre in the heart of Alice Springs. Sit back and enjoy spellbinding music and a visual journey of the Australian Outback. Open every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday Nights.

Enjoy the best cocktail in town at The Cavenagh in Darwin. This swanky lounge with an outdoor bar is the perfect place to relax, nibble and sip some drinks.

Lasseters Hotel Casino is the centre of entertainment in Alice Springs with an international standard casino, four restaurants, two bars and a sports lounge. Another casino is Skycity in Darwin offering many entertainment options too. 

To book your Northern Territory holiday visit http://www.sunloverholidays.com.au/ or call 13 88 33.