Don’t let the cold put a chill on your holiday plans – winter is the perfect time to explore South Australia’s wild and wonderful regions.

If you’re on a road trip from the South East to Adelaide, there’s no better time to slow down, rug up and discover everything the Murray River, Lakes and Coorong has to offer.

Dreaming of escaping to sip red wine by a roaring fire, discovering otherworldly landscapes, and ending your days with hearty meals and even heartier sunsets?

You’ll find all this and more – and a slower, more relaxed pace of life.

From the dramatic and wild beauty of the Coorong, to the rolling vineyards of Langhorne Creek, follow our suggestions perfect for families, couples, and adventurers wanting a mix of nature, adrenaline, food, and a splash of luxury along the way.

Discover wetlands, wildlife, and riverside relaxation, taking in some of South Australia’s most beautiful landscapes.

Starting at the historic beachside town of Robe we head towards Meningie, and our first stop on the way – The Coorong National Park. This Ramsar-listed lagoon system is home to incredible birdlife, like the majestic pelican, and unforgettable views.

To really make the most of your time here, enlist the locals to show you around. Coorong Wildside Tours run eco-cruises from Meningie and they’ll give you the full experience. Sit back and relax in comfort on your boutique, bespoke tour as you spot pelicans, learn about the local Indigenous culture, and sample freshly caught seafood.

Back on dry land, we continue on to Wellington. The Wellington Private Marina offers holiday stays with riverfront views, luxury finishes, and a peaceful base for exploring the region.

Start your day with a picturesque trip across the Murray on the Wellington Ferry into the Langhorne Creek  wine region.

Known for its powerhouse reds and alternate varieties, it’s also the perfect place to unwind and dine. Relax with a tasting and picnic under the gum trees at Kimbolton Wines, visit one of Australia’s oldest wineries at Bleasdale Vineyards or find a hearty warm lunch with boutique wines and local beer at The Winehouse.

After lunch, head south to the beachside haven of Goolwa. Here you can join Spirit of the Coorong for an immersive eco-cruise, visiting historic Aboriginal midden sites and the Murray Mouth.

Stroll the Goolwa Wharf Precinct, explore artisan shops, take a ride on the Cockle Train, and finish with dinner at Hector’s on the Wharf.

To unwind in comfort after your adventures, stay at Merilli1885 in nearby Currency Creek – a luxurious, peaceful farm stay.

Feeling the need for speed or adventure? Head to Tailem Bend and you’ll find the nationally-acclaimed The Bend Motorsport Park.

This is the place to be if you love high-octane fun – think everything from car racing to karting and driver experiences like hot laps in race cars from Formula 1-style, to V8s and even rally racers.

You can easily spend a day here, and when it’s time to slow down The Rydges Pit Lane Hotel within the park has fantastic dining options available, as well as accommodation  overlooking the racetrack for a truly unique stay.

Prefer a river view? End the day at The Bridgeport Hotel in Murray Bridge and dine in style overlooking the Murray River and twin bridges before you settle back in luxurious 4.5 star accommodation comfort.

For an unforgettable adventure, head inland and on to Monarto Safari Park, a spectacular open-range park home to all the safari animal icons.

Explore the park in comfort on safari bus tours, or join one of their up-close animal experiences like feeding the lions or giraffes. It’s easy to spend a whole day here, and now you can even extend your adventure with accommodation at the new Monarto Safari Resort.

Finish your trip with a detour through historic Hahndorf where you can sip cider, stroll through galleries and shops, or indulge in some hearty German-inspired fare. For a view to remember, head to Mount Lofty and its lookout over Adelaide as the sun sets.