You know that feeling when your hometown gets hyped up by a big-name celebrity and suddenly everyone wants to visit? That’s South Australia right now – except instead of one celeb, it’s a long list of prestigious publications from around the globe.

Our state is officially a must-visit, according to:

• Booking.com’s Traveller Review Awards 2025 – Ranked South Australia as one of the “10 Most Welcoming Regions on Earth,” based on 360 million verified customer reviews.
• The Times (UK) – Recognised Adelaide as the best place in the world for affordable winter sun, urging readers to enjoy the city’s culinary “gems” before exploring SA’s wine regions and KI’s “spectacular wildlife spotting”.
• The Wall Street Journal – Named Adelaide “Australia’s Coolest City”, calling it “almost utopian” and the “go-to escape for gastronomes and nature lovers”.
• Architectural Digest – Listed Adelaide among the “20 Most Beautiful Cities in the World” for its “surf, sand dunes and Art Deco architecture,” also noting its status as “Australia’s wine capital” and proximity to the Adelaide Hills for nature lovers.
• Lonely Planet – Ranked Kangaroo Island second in its “2024 Top Regions Hotlist”, highlighting its “unrivalled beauty”, “abundant wildlife”, and “pristine beaches”.
• National Geographic – named the River Murray in its “25 best places in the world to travel in 2025”, encouraging readers to “cruise through the agrarian heart of Australia”.
• Wotif – ranked Murray Bridge in its top 10 finalists for 2025 Aussie Town of the Year Awards, calling it a “riverside beauty packing big adventure energy”.

Basically, the rest of the world is now planning their dream SA holiday – so are you making the most of what’s in your own backyard?

If you’ve been wondering where to go for the Easter long weekend, this is your sign to stay local, explore something new, and see what all the hype is about.

With four solid days off to play with (plus the Anzac Day long weekend the very next week!), there’s never been a better excuse to get out there.

SA vs. the world: Who wins the holiday showdown?

Maybe you’ve thought about jetting off somewhere this Easter. But before you go chasing that dream destination, ask yourself – do you really need to leave when SA is this good?

• Bali? Nah, we’ve got Kangaroo Island – pristine beaches, native wildlife, and way fewer scooters.
• Tuscany? Please, Clare Valley serves world-class wine, minus the pricey plane ticket.
• Canadian wilderness? The Flinders Ranges is just as rugged, with better sunsets.
• African safari? Monarto Safari Park lets you get up close with lions right here.
• Greek Islands? We see your Santorini, and we raise you Port Willunga’s golden hour.

No lost luggage, no visa dramas, no jet lag. Just straight-up holiday magic, SA style.

The ultimate Easter long weekend in SA: Where to go and what to do

April is peak adventure mode in SA – golden vineyards, crisp air, and plenty of sunshine.

Whether you’re into coastal road trips, luxury food experiences, off-grid adventures, or just kicking back with good mates and a great view, here’s how to make the most of Easter 2025.

For the road trippers: Iconic drives and coastal gems

Nothing screams long weekend like hitting the road with a killer playlist and a car full of snacks. Whether you’re up for ocean views, outback adventures, or epic hikes, these road trip destinations are Easter perfection.

• The Limestone Coast – Think Blue Lake/Warwar, Umpherston Sinkhole/Balumbul, and Robe’s stunning beaches.
• The Flinders Ranges & Outback – Hike Wilpena Pound, spot emus, and stargaze in SA’s second certified Dark Sky Sanctuary.
• Yorke Peninsula – Coastal drives, Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, and some of the best beach camping in SA.

For the foodies: Wine, cheese and Easter feastsEaster = chocolate, cheese, and a few glasses of something fancy. Luckily, SA has plenty of spots to indulge while soaking up some pretty spectacular scenery.

• Clare Valley – Riesling, rolling vineyards, and bike rides between cellar doors.
• Barossa – Iconic Shiraz, charming wineries, and next-level Easter chocolate pairings
• Adelaide Hills – Paddock-to-plate feasts, drinks galore, and plenty of spots to fill up on chocolate and cheese.

For the nature-lovers: Off-grid escapes and nature fixes

Need a break from notifications and emails? Switch off, breathe in the fresh air, and let SA’s best nature escapes do the rest.

• Kangaroo Island – Spot sea lions, explore Flinders Chase National Park, and relax on stunning beaches.
• Coorong National Park – Canoe through wetlands, go bushwalking, and enjoy total serenity.
• Deep Creek camping – Swap city stress for coastal views and starlit relaxation.

For the loved-up couples: Romantic getaways and cosy stays

If your idea of the perfect Easter escape involves lazy mornings, long lunches, and next-level scenery, SA has some of the most romantic getaways going. Whether you’re after a vineyard retreat, a coastal hideaway, or a secluded villa escape, here’s where to dial up the romance.

• Riverview Rise Retreats, Mannum – Secluded adults-only villas with panoramic Murray River views and private spas.
• CABN X, McLaren Vale – A luxury off-grid escape into nature perfect for two, complete with sauna and log fire.
• Wander on Kangaroo Island – Cosy up in your five-star eco-aware WanderPod with ocean views and coastal walks.

For the thrill-seekers: High-energy adventures and epic experiences

If your ideal getaway involves heart-pounding excitement, South Australia offers a tonne  of activities to get your adrenaline soaring. Here are some top picks:

• Port Lincoln – Swim with sea lions and cage-dive (safely) with Great Whites.
• Adelaide Oval RoofClimb – Scale one of SA’s most iconic landmarks for 360-degree city views.
• Kangaroo Island quad biking – Speed through untouched bushland, sandy tracks, and hidden trails.

For the family: Fun-filled adventures for kids (and parents)  

Planning an Easter escape with the little ones? SA is packed with family-friendly getaways that keep everyone happy.

• River Murray houseboat holiday – Cruise the river, swim, kayak, and spot wildlife, then dock at river towns for an easy family meal.
• Victor Harbor and Granite Island – Enjoy the horse-drawn tram, spot little penguins and explore the SA Whale Centre.
• Hahndorf, Adelaide Hills – Stay somewhere picturesque where you can milk a cow and ride a pony at the Farm Barn, then pick strawberries and enjoy waffles at Beerenberg – all in one trip!

For the friends catch-up: Relive childhood Easter traditions

Need some ideas for a chill long weekend catching up with best buds? Easter in SA hits different when you add a grown-up twist. Think childhood favourites but with better coffee and fewer sugar crashes.

• Murray Bridge – Go on safari at Monarto Safari Park for the day, then stargaze riverside at night. Stay over at the Bridgeport Hotel.
• Semaphore and Glenelg – Ride the Ferris wheel, eat hot cinnamon donuts, and relive the Easter beach trips of your dreams.
• Lenswood apple picking – Nostalgic vibes, crunchy apples, and freshly brewed local cider nearby.

Find everything you need to plan your SA Easter holiday here.

This story originally appeared on The Post, a media partnership between the Government of South Australia and Solstice Media to inform young South Australians about the policies that underpin issues affecting their lives.