Hidden Gems of South Australia

Spend the day in the Adelaide Hills discovering the region’s best food and wine with your private guide.  First you’ll visit Tappannapa, the region’s original vineyard, known for exceptional cool climate Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. Enjoy a private tasting with stunning vineyard views. Continue to Deviation Road Winery, a family-owned estate with over five generations of history. Sample their renowned sparkling wines and the Noble Cuvée, and enjoy lunch overlooking the gardens. Then, taste single-vineyard wines at Shaw & Smith, explore a craft gin producer’s signature gins or visit a boutique winemaker that pairs its best wines with handcrafted premium chocolates in a delightful “chocovino” tasting.

The Wetland & Wildlife safari invites you to explore the Murray River’s hidden wetlands and wildlife, offering a rare view of this pristine environment. With deep local knowledge from being third-generation Riverland residents, the guides provide an authentic experience. Guests will embark on a private, comfortable dinghy to traverse the serene creeks and wetlands. Along the way, you will encounter diverse wildlife and bird species. The cruise includes morning tea, a gourmet lunch, and refreshments, with an optional stop at the Wilkadene Woolshed Brewery.

During your visit to Calperum Station, you’ll explore ancient ecosystems that have thrived for millennia. Accompanied by Calperum Station ecologists and Indigenous rangers, you’ll tour Lake Woolpolool, Lake Merreti, and the surrounding areas, where you can observe and study a diverse range of wildlife, including some threatened species. This unique location, rich in natural and historical significance, offers insights into the changing landscape from both ecological and Indigenous perspectives as you navigate the creeks and inlets with the Calperum team.

Along the way, enjoy a homemade local Salt Bush Damper with Quondong Jam for morning tea, and later, relax by Ral Ral Creek with a delightful lunch and refreshing drinks.

During a stay at Arkaba, a variety of activities await you. We suggest taking a scenic flight to capture stunning views of Wilpena Pound, explore the fascinating caves and gorges of the Flinders Ranges, or take a 4WD tour across the rugged peaks, where you might see kangaroos bounding across the red earth. Visit Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary and its astronomical observatory to delve into the mysteries of the night sky, enjoy a scenic ride on the Pichi Richi Railway through historic towns, or hike to Mount Remarkable’s peak and traverse the Wirrabara and Bundaleer forests. There are also numerous walking and cycling trails to explore too.

Guided by a Southern Ocean Lodge expert, guests can explore the sea lion colony via a private boardwalk that winds through sand dunes and along the beach. It is the only place in the world where you can safely observe Australian sea lions up close—watching pups play, witnessing bulls compete, and seeing mothers care for their young. This exclusive tour offers an intimate look at these wild animals, with insights into their unique breeding behaviours and ongoing research efforts. It’s a distinctive highlight of a visit to Kangaroo Island and included as part of your stay at Southern Ocean Lodge.

Accompanied by a Southern Ocean Lodge guide, travel west to delve into the expansive Flinders Chase National Park with visits to Admirals Arch, the iconic Cape du Couedic Lighthouse and its historic keeper’s cottages. Built in 1906 from approximately 2,000 local stone pieces, the lighthouse has a compelling history of survival, with materials and family provisions winched up the 92-metre cliff at Weirs Cove. The journey then leads to the Remarkable Rocks, a striking collection of wind-carved rocks atop a granite formation. These rocks, featuring black mica, blue quartz, and pink feldspar, create stunning photographic scenes, especially when adorned with golden orange lichen. You can also explore the arches and crevices of these formations with your guide as part of your stay at Southern Ocean Lodge.