This article is a paid partnership with South Australian Tourism Commission.
South Australia is made for travellers who crave real connection with nature. It’s not about ticking boxes; it’s about diving into experiences that matter. Whether you’re looking for a wildlife encounter, a sustainable stay, or a local foodie experience, you can enjoy your holiday knowing you’re leaving behind nothing but your own footprint.
Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island is wild and utterly unspoiled – a true sanctuary for anyone who craves connection with nature. The moment you step off the ferry, the salty air hits you and a wave of calm washes over. There’s no rush here, just the slow and steady rhythm of the island’s untouched landscapes. Kangaroo Island provides you with a chance to reset, surrounded by some of Australia’s most unique wildlife and rugged beauty.
Staying on Kangaroo Island is all about living simply, without sacrificing comfort. At CABN X, you’ll find an eco-luxury retreat, where sleek design meets raw nature and sustainability is at the forefront. If you’re after something even closer to the land, try Eco Luxury Glamping. Set amongst native bushland, it’s just you, the stars, and your eco-friendly tent. For those who want to truly unplug, Ecopia Retreat offers an off-grid escape in the heart of the island, a secluded paradise where the outside world simply fades away.
Wine on the island is an experience in itself. At False Cape Wines, they take great pride in caring for the land around them and so the vineyard is grown as naturally and sustainably as possible through a series of natural, time honoured practices – the result is wines that leave a lasting impression.
When it comes to adventure, Kangaroo Island delivers in spades. A visit to the Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is an eco-certified journey into the heart of the island’s diverse flora and fauna. You’ll get up close with the island’s wildlife, knowing that every step you take supports the preservation of the ecosystem. The same goes for Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, set over 50 acres and home to over 500 animals, you can spend time with some of the unique wildlife. If you want someone to lead the way, Untamed Escapes offers tailored eco-tours that take you deep into the island’s rugged heart; connect with the island’s raw, untouched beauty in a way that leaves a lasting impact.
Eyre Peninsula
The Eyre Peninsula is an untamed stretch of land where the ocean meets rugged cliffs and wildlife thrives. This place calls to those who want to immerse themselves in nature. Here you dive in headfirst, whether it’s swimming with sea lions or dining under the stars exploring meals using native ingredients. The Eyre Peninsula delivers a taste of the wild, all while keeping sustainability at its heart.
If sweeping panoramic views intrigues you, POD[E] Mulla Mulla delivers. A pod-style retreat designed to blend luxury with minimal environmental impact – the ideal place to relax and unwind. For those looking for something a little more intimate yet still sustainable, the Tanonga Eco Lodge is for you. Planned with eco sensitivity in mind in both the design and construction, here you will stay surrounded by nature, where every detail is designed to leave as little impact as possible and as a result seeing native wildlife in abundance.
Peter Teakle Wines is the first and only winery on the Eyre Peninsula. Harvested fruit is kept in pristine condition before being made into wine and designed to showcase the land’s tasty local harvest. Their award-winning menu perfectly balances outstanding native produce with fresh Asian flavours. The adventure doesn’t end here. Baird Bay Experience lets you dive into the depths of the sea with sea lions or glide across the pristine waters in a kayak, all while supporting eco-certified operators. For those who are less keen to dip their toes in, Untamed Escapes offers eco-adventures tailor-made to immerse you fully in the land’s rugged beauty, from bushland treks to fishing under the stars.
Fleurieu Peninsula
The Fleurieu Peninsula is where life slows down to nature’s pace. It feels grounded, where the landscapes echo with sounds of wildlife and the soil grows some of the country’s best food and wine. For eco-conscious travellers, this region offers both indulgence and sustainability – where you will find wine crafted with care, food created with ingredients sourced from the earth, and adventures that are as wild as the land itself.
Tucked away in the rolling hills, Nest and Nature is an eco-luxury retreat with thoughtfully configured suites that act to observe and reflect their natural surrounding. You will sleep soundly knowing they use sustainable building materials and practices where possible, leaving a minimal environmental footprint without compromising on comfort. Lost Retreats offers three dwellings that have been created from repurposed, sustainable, and recycled materials. Take your pick from the Skyline Retreat in Mount Osmond, Hilltop Retreat in Willunga South, or Lakeside Retreat in Mount Jagged and lose track of time.
Wine is the essence of the Fleurieu Peninsula, and Hither & Yon is the epitome of sustainable winemaking. Every bottle tells the story of the land, with practices that honour the environment and a commitment to leaving the soil healthier than they found it. At Gemtree, you’ll discover a biodynamic haven where visitors can wander along a 1km eco-trail through regenerated bushland, learning about sustainable farming practices as they go. And Angove are leaders in certified organic viticulture and winemaking. Enjoy a glass or two as you learn about their passion in environmental stewardship and sustainability.
For those who want to experience the raw, unfiltered beauty of the Fleurieu Peninsula, Deep Creek National Park is a must. Surrounded by wildlife and eco-friendly hiking trails that wind through some of the most stunning scenery South Australia has to offer, it’s the perfect place to truly connect with nature in a way that’s both real and responsible.
Plan your next eco-friendly escape
Whether it’s Kangaroo Island, Eyre Peninsula, or Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia offers a wealth of experiences for eco-conscious travellers. By choosing sustainable accommodation, locally sourced food, and eco-certified tours, you can enjoy all that the region has to offer while ensuring the natural environment is preserved for future generations.
Start planning your next getaway knowing your travels are making a positive impact.
Hero image: Lost in Willunga – Hilltop Retreat, Fleurieu Peninsula. Image credit: Mish and Kirk. Source: South Australian Tourism Commision
