Family friendly holidays in South Australia

From sun-soaked beach weekends to country adventures and family-friendly wineries, South Australia’s natural wonders and world class attractions makes for the perfect holiday destination for every type of family

Wondering where to go on your next family holiday? If you’re looking for a holiday where you can play on protected beaches, explore national parks, encounter iconic Australian animals in the wild or indulge in delicious fresh produce while sampling award-winning wine – South Australia is the place to be. Start planning your stress-free fun-filled family holiday with our guide to five of the best family getaways in South Australia. 

Adelaide hills

Looking for an easy day trip from Adelaide? With a number of outdoor adventures and magical experiences within a 20-minute drive from Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills is a natural choice for families. Stop by Cleland Wildlife Park on your way to the Adelaide Hills and get close to some of South Australia’s most iconic inhabitants. Under the supervision of keepers here you can feed roaming kangaroos, meet echidna’s and koala’s, hold iconic Australian snakes or lizards, or simply wander through the wetlands. After an adventure filled morning, it’s time for the adults to relax and indulge in a tasting paddle and long lunch at Sidewood Restaurant Estate and Cellar Door - equipped with a kid’s menu and playground facilities.

Visiting the Adelaide Hills from November to April? Pick your own strawberries just outside of Hahndorf at Beerenberg Family Farm or treat yourself to a scone with a pretty ice cream sundae. Finish the day with a stroll along the main street of Hahndorf – a quaint village steeped proudly in its German heritage. Discover The German Village Shop, pick up an iconic South Australia delicacy the FruChoc Shop or stop into The German Arms Hotel for some hearty German dishes. 

FLEURIEU PENINSULA

Packed with endless activities for families, and only 40 minutes from Adelaide, the Fleurieu Peninsula is South Australia's coastal paradise. Home to some of the state’s best beaches, spend your days swimming, building sandcastles, fishing and playing in the sun at one of the regions best beaches. Quench your thirst after a day in the sun by heading to the world renowned wine region, McLaren Vale. With plenty of family friendly wineries and restaurants to choose from, get a taste for the region while letting the little ones roam.

Journey further south to Goolwa, where rail enthusiasts can ride on the Cockle Train - a heritage steam train that runs from Goolwa to Victor Harbor with picturesque ocean views. Be sure to get on the carriage behind the engine and stand on the platform outside for an awesome steam show. From there, take the Victor Harbour Horse Tram over to Granite Island a popular spot for spotting wildlife such as seals, dolphins, penguins and southern right whales during migration season. The ultimate destination for families to bed down for the night is the Discovery Parks in Goolwa. Jumping pillows, a pool, games and playgrounds, and a safe environment for kids to ride their bikes, skateboards and scooters are the heart of this place.

MURRAY RIVER, LAKES & COORONG

Home to the third largest navigable river in the world, after the Nile and Amazon, Murray River, Lakes and Coorong is the perfect family holiday for those who love nature and wildlife. First stop, is an African safari at Monarto Safari Park- one of the largest safari parks outside of Africa! Book in for one of the unique experiences and get close to wildlife by leaping into the land of lemurs, a ‘devilish’ experience with Tasmania’s favourite marsupial, or get within a whisker to the kings of the jungle with the Lions 360 experience. After an adrenaline filled morning, enjoy some screen-free fun in the fresh air with the kids by booking a rural farm stay experience at Narnu Farm on Hindmarsh Island. Kids can interact with animals and connect with the environment.

The majestic Murray River cuts through South Australia like an artery, sustaining communities and providing water for the plants, animals and people that live along it. Meander along the banks of the Murray, marvel at the majestic cliffs and experience ancient rock art as you explore Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park, an Aboriginal site near Adelaide. By day, the Murray River is a water sport haven, perfect for paddling downstream in a kayak, water skiing, wakeboarding or floating down the river from the comfort of a houseboat. At nightfall, see the Milky Way in its true splendour from the Murray River Dark Sky Reserve. Camp out under one of the world’s best night sky views at one of the many family-friendly camp sites for a night you won’t forget.

YORKE PENISNULA 

An easy two-hour drive from Adelaide and you’ll find yourself the top of the Yorke Peninsula – a family favourite beach holiday. With endless options for beautiful beaches, family fishing spots, walks and hikes, farms and farm stays, playgrounds and shipwrecks - Yorke Peninsula is the family holiday destination with a little bit of something for everyone. As you make your way to the end of the peninsula and you’ll arrive at the famous Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park and Marion Bay. Pitch a tent or park your campervan inside the national park and set off on an adventure. Visit one of the lighthouses, learn about the maritime history of South Australia from the shipwreck at Ethel, stroll from your campsite down to the beach for a swim and encounter emus and kangaroos in their natural habitat. 

Journey east outside of the peninsula to Port Hughes and Moonta Bay for a change of scenery and more stunning coastlines and fishing spots. Upgrade the tent for a farm stay at Redwing Farm and enjoy time in nature and luxury in a rustic, renovated barn designed especially for families with two bedrooms and a spa.

KANGAROO ISLAND 

Named in The New York Times' top 10 places to visit in the world for 2023, Kangaroo Island offers plenty of family friendly activities. Hop off the ferry and grab your morning coffee at Millie Mae’s Pantry where everyone’s welcome - even the family dog. Ramp access and wide paths in the garden offers accessibility for families with prams. Children can also play in the undercover kid’s mud kitchen while parents indulge in a local tipple in the garden. Get your wildlife fix a visit to the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park and Aquarium and hand feed kangaroos and get up close to dingo’s or a meerkat family. Say goodbye to your newfound furry friends and journey to one of South Australia’s best family-friendly wineries - False Cape Wines. Parents can sip and savour some quiet time with a deluxe tasting platter and a glass of wine while the kids burn off their energy playing basketball, racing around the lawn or climbing around the sensational wooden cubby house. Complete your family holiday to Kangaroo Island at Little Sahara, a naturally occurring inland dune field, just four kilometers from Vivonne Bay. Head to Little Sahara Adventure Centre and hire sandboards or toboggans or embark on their buggy tour through the dunes with guaranteed koala sightings.

For those who are looking for a slow paced island escape, there are endless beaches and coastlines waiting to be discovered on Kangaroo Island, including Stokes Bay which was crowned the number one beach in Australia for 2023. Discover the best beaches and accommodation on Kangaroo Island and start planning your family island escape.

WEEKEND GETAWAYS in South Australia 

Looking for a family friendly getaway during the school holidays? Pack up the car and check out our guide to the best long weekend trips and our guide to the best camping spots in South Australia.