Best off-grid accommodation in South Australia

GO OFF-GRID AND RECONNECT WITH THE SIMPLE PLEASURES OF LIFE IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

There’s nothing like a restorative weekend in nature to refresh and reset. Surrender to mother nature’s nurturing embrace as you wake up to the sound of birds, not your alarm. From luxury villas, to modern tiny homes and seaside glamping, look after yourself, and the environment on an eco-friendly weekend away in South Australia. Here’s our guide to the best off-grid accommodation in South Australia from the Adelaide Hills to the Eyre Peninsula.

1. Earthship, Adelaide Hills

Taking sustainable accommodation to the next level, this ecological bed and breakfast is Australia's first council approved Earthship. The quirky hideaway will get you off-grid and back to nature just a stone’s throw from the city and is one of the most sustainable housing concepts in existence. Ticking every box for solar, water and energy efficiency this self-sufficient home is made from a variety of natural and recycled materials, including car tyres filled and rendered with earth and an incredible beer and wine bottle brick wall. But it’s not just the eco efforts that make Earthship the ultimate Adelaide Hills getaway destination, nearby you’ll find plenty of bush walking tracks and wineries to quench your thirst.

2. Rumi on Louth

How do you get off-grid? Go to an island, of course! The Rumi eco resort lies just 10 minutes’ drive (and short boat trip) from Port Lincoln – your access point to the Eyre Peninsula - providing a secluded paradise to relax in style. Part resort, part conservation project, the island crew work around the clock to preserve the peaceful environment, so that the local wildlife can continue to flourish. Wander around the island and spot shorebirds, or take in panoramic views, breathing in the fresh sea breeze from your catamaran cruise. Disappear into your yoga practice or indulge in a spa treatment before settling in for a degustation menu featuring produce caught just offshore. At night, retreat to your own private suite or apartment accommodation and embrace the tranquillity. You’ll feel like you’re in another world.

3. Slow Cabin, Clare Valley

Nothing says ‘South Australia’ quite like an off-grid oasis in wine country. Located in the picturesque Clare Valley, Slow Cabin sits pretty on the edge of a vineyard, just moments from near-by cellar doors. The space has been carefully curated to bring the outdoors in, with large windows, lofty ceilings and sloping walls creating a cosy interior while offering stunning views of the surrounding bushland. Leave your phone on 'do not disturb' and get back to life in the slow lane with a weekend away at this tiny-home.

4. Oceanview Eco Villas, Kangaroo Island

Who said going off-grid meant roughing it? A seamless connection between sustainability and luxury, at Oceanview Eco Villas you can kick back in complete comfort while doing your bit for the environment. Perched cliff-top on a secluded and private 500-acre property on the stunning Kangaroo Island coastline, these brand-new villas are just a short stroll to the beach. A fully hosted experience, your hosts Tim and Tamsin will ensure your every need is catered for including gourmet meals. And this property has serious eco-cred; designed by leading eco specialists, the property is completely off-the grid and solar-powered, and every element has been carefully considered, down to luxe furnishings made from recycled materials. All that’s left to do is kick back in 5-star comfort with the reassuring feeling that your stay is having a minimal impact on the environment.

5. The Cube, Murray River, Lakes and Coorong

Wind your clock back to river time and wake up on a floating eco pod. The ultimate riverside escape tucked 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, The Cube sleeps two people and features all the creature comforts including a queen bed, ensuite and kitchenette complete with breakfast supplies, 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.

6. Hillocks Ocean Pod, Yorke Peninsula

Leave your phone behind and escape the city for a green getaway on the coast. A deluxe camping experience, Hillocks Ocean Pod is surrounded by coastal bush with uninterrupted views of Butler's Beach and Hillocks Point. Solar powered and kitted out with eco-toilets, it’s the perfect destination to get back in touch with nature if you’re not ready to give up all your creature comforts. And the location? On the doorstop of Innes National Park, here you can watch whales pass by your dining room window (during the winter months) and be lulled to sleep by the sounds of the surf. How’s that for serenity!

7. CABN X, Kangaroo Island

You might be familiar with CABN in the Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula, but did you know that this South Australian company has expanded its off-grid offerings with boutique accommodation on Kangaroo Island? On the eastern tip of the island, you'll find five eco-cabins overlooking Antechamber Bay, each with the added luxury that comes with the CABN X name. Treat yourself to a little self-care with the indoor sauna, curl up by the crackling fireplace and soak away your worries in the outdoor bathtub, while the sounds of the bush and ocean below create the ultimate calming playlist. Writers tip: CABN X's are within view of one another, but don't worry - they're cleverly positioned for the ultimate private escape.

8. Flinders Bush Retreats eco tent, Flinders Ranges and Outback

An eco-luxury glamping experience isn’t what you’d expect to find on a sixth-generation outback station, but we like to do things a little differently here in South Australia. Hidden away in an almost untouched corner of the Flinders Ranges, couples and families can experience the unique outback way of life in sustainable style at Flinders Bush Retreats. Offering a boutique farm stay experience in Hawker with self-contained houses, glamping and camping options, cosying up in the eco tent is the perfect retreat for nature lovers who aren’t ready to rough it. Complete with a queen-sized bed, luxurious linen, small kitchenette and ensuite, everything is taken care of.

9. Wandering Souls Glamping, Kangaroo Island

Wake up at a winery, overlooking the ocean or surrounded by wildlife on the ultimate eco-friendly island escape. With eight locations on Kangaroo Island, from Bay of Shoals Winery to American River and Stokes Bay, and five glamping tent styles to choose from, all you need to do is decide where you want to wake up and leave the rest to the team at Wandering Souls. One of the most unique accommodation options on Kangaroo Island, they’ll set up your luxury bell tent, complete with queen-size bed, and pack it all down when you’re finished so you can focus on being fully immersed in the rugged, pristine beauty of Kangaroo Island while leaving nothing but footprints behind.

10. Camel Beach House, Eyre Peninsula

Beach views? How about right on the beach! With the Southern Ocean as your front yard, Camel Beach House is the ultimate coastal escape. Tucked on the golden sands of Mount Camel Beach, here you’ll wake to the sounds waves gently lapping on the shore just beyond your window. This eco off-grid property is solar powered and rain-water reliant, while the design has embraced passive heating and cooling principals and incorporates energy efficient appliances. The design is inspired by a classic fisherman’s cottage, although we’re not sure a humble angler’s dwelling has ever been so luxurious! With two queen size beds and plenty of space to lounge around, it’s the perfect destination to get away with friends.

10. Tanonga Luxury Eco Villas, Eyre Peninsula

Say goodbye to stress and hello to nature. Tucked on the pristine waters of the Eyre Peninsula just 20 minutes from Port Lincoln, Tanonga Luxury Eco Villas are perfectly positioned for Eyre Peninsula exploration. The architecturally and ecologically impressive villas are offer the perfect escape for city-slickers looking to shake up their 9-5 routine and embrace a slower-paced lifestyle. When you’re not making the most of the incredible surroundings, head in doors and soak in the Japanese style bath while soaking in the views, curl up by the woodfire or lay a little longer in bed and watch the sunrise from the huge north-facing windows. The only thing left to do is decide which of the two eco-friendly villas to settle down at; The Ridge perched hilltop with 360 degree views out to the see or The Valley surrounded by the bush.

12. Pike River Luxury Eco Villas, Riverland

On the outskirts of Renmark along the Murray River your sustainable secluded sanctuary awaits. Sitting riverfront, clocking off from city life and onto river time at Pike River Luxury Eco Villas is a guaranteed ticket to riverside relaxation. Wake to the gentle calls of waterbirds before casting off and paddling down river in your own canoe to explore bubbling brooks and secluded wetlands. The five unique villas have all been built with sustainability in mind without compromising on comfort. Pike River is even home to Australia’s first privately owned sun farm.

13. Mulla Mulla, Eyre Peninsula

Ever wanted to stay in a tiny home named after a flower? This eco-pod is named and styled around the 'Ironstone Mulla Mulla' - a shrub with a blush-coloured bloom that is native to the Eyre Peninsula. Located near Streaky Bay, Mulla Mulla is true to its name, with a subtle colour palette of soft pinks, natural wood and brushed nickel creating an abode that blends seamlessly into its surrounds. With over 300 acres of private land to explore, including a diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna, Mulla Mulla offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature, family and friends in complete seclusion and luxury.

14. Ecopia Retreat, Kangaroo Island

More than 60 hectares of natural wilderness surrounds Ecopia Retreat, located in the centre of the island. From this Kangaroo Island retreat, guests are given "front row seats" to the untouched bushland and native animals that roam the island freely. Choose from three bespoke luxury retreats – two Villas and the Residence – each designed to be eco-friendly using 100% pure Kangaroo Island rainwater and an off-grid solar energy system. Ecopia Retreat is perfectly positioned to explore Kangaroo Island; Seal Bay is located just 15 minutes away and Flinders Chase National Park is just 45 minutes.

15. Bayside Glamping Tiny House, Yorke Peninsula 

Coastal charm defines Bayside Glamping Tiny Home at Marion Bay. Just a short drive from picturesque Willyama Beach and on the doorstep of Innes National Park, this off-grid tiny home is the ultimate couples retreat on the Yorke Peninsula. Soak in views of the surrounding native grassland from every window, climb the ladder and retreat to your loft-style bedroom, sip your morning coffee on the deck with kangaroos and emus for company, then cook breakfast in the fully equipped kitchen before venturing out to explore. Solar powered, rainwater reliant and with a natural composting toilet, your stay will have minimal impact on the pristine surrounding environment.

16. Wander Pods, Kangaroo Island

The name of this eco-accommodation says it all: Wander Pods are made for those who want to explore their natural surrounds, without leaving a trace. Resting gently atop Kangaroo Island's northern bluff, the WanderPods are designed with community and connection at their core. Guests are encouraged to take part in a range of curated experiences around the island - from marine discovery tours to exclusive wine tastings and unique dining experiences, Wander promotes connection to the land and the locals. The four WanderPods are also named after constellations only seen in the southern skies - take your pick from Columba, Carina, Pyxis or Velaso, and fall asleep with galaxies swirling in your dreams.

Camping in South Australia

Continue your off-grid adventure camping at one of South Australia’s best camping spots or in a little more luxury glamping in nature.