Just over an hour south of Adelaide, nestled along South Australia’s stunning Fleurieu Peninsula, lies the charming coastal town of Port Elliot - a place where life slows down and every corner invites you to stay a little longer. Historic yet refreshingly modern, Port Elliot blends its 19th-century heritage with laid-back beachside living, creating the perfect setting for a relaxing escape. And at the heart of it all, perched above the shoreline overlooking Horseshoe Bay, is YHA Port Elliot, which I discovered, along with my wife and daughter, is a destination in itself. YHA Port Elliot, affectionately known as the Port Elliot Beach House, occupies a beautifully restored historic building with sweeping views over one of South Australia’s most iconic beaches. It offers not just a place to sleep, but a space to connect - with fellow travellers, with nature, and with the vibrant local community. With a variety of room options, from private suites (including king beds and bunks for families) to shared dorms, and standout features like an expansive communal kitchen, barbecue nook, sunlit dining areas, and even a wood-fired pizza oven, Port Elliot Beach House is designed for comfort, connection and sustainability. The property also boasts eco-credentials as one of YHA’s six eco-certified sites, with initiatives like rainwater harvesting, composting and a communal herb and veggie patch. Kids love the open lawn, firepit, and even the chicken run, while adults appreciate the blend of practical amenities and thoughtful design.

Situated on the banks of the Tenterfield River, among the mountain ranges of northern New South Wales, Jackals Hide is a picturesque location for outdoor enthusiasts to get away. Known as ‘Australia's premier bowhunting only property’, Jackals Hide is a 5000-acre working sheep station offering unguided bowhunting and fishing experiences. The property consists of a mixture of steep timbered country which joins partly cleared river flats along the creek. The banks of the creek are typical of the area; lined with large granite boulders which continue into the water, with fallen timber throughout.

One of the best places to base yourself in the past 30 years when exploring the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park and surrounds has always been Wilpena Pound Resort. Family friendly, most visitors stay in the powered and unpowered sites and utilise the various amenities, while those with a need for a motel-like experience can stay at the resort’s serviced rooms, some with kitchenettes, adjacent to Captain Starlight’s restaurant and the small swimming pool.