Getaway Guide: The Best Destination Dupes in South Australia

It's official—2024 is the year of destination dupes! As we all feel the pinch of rising costs, travelling to faraway places can seem out of reach. But just because you can't hop on a flight to your Bucket List destination right now (we’re personally dreaming of the Greek Islands) doesn’t mean the adventures have to stop.

Australia is full of beaches, cities, islands, and rugged outback just waiting to be explored, and South Australia ticks every one of those boxes. From the stunning Fleurieu coastline and Clare Valley, which rival European favourites, to a tiny town in the Adelaide Hills that’s like a shortcut to Germany, the best destination dupes in South Australia are definitely worth considering for your next getaway.

Instead of Bolivia's Salt Flats...visit Lake Gairdner

If your friends’ South American adventures have inspired envy-inducing snaps from the Uyuni Salt Flats (it is the largest salt flat in the world, after all), you’ll be thrilled to know there’s a local alternative right here in SA.

Lake Gairdner, Australia’s third-largest salt lake, lies in Lake Gairdner National Park at the base of the Eyre Peninsula, 150km northwest of Port Augusta. Depending on the time of day and recent rainfall, the lake transforms into a mirror-like spectacle, reflecting sunlight in a stunning display. With its remote location, minimal tourists, and abundant wildlife, it offers tranquillity and endless photo opportunities.

Sitchu Tip: Join a private tour with Gawler Ranges Tours to make the most of your time in the area, with private tours tailored to your travel style and preferences. 

Lake Gairdner National Park, South Australia

Instead of Portugal...visit the Fleurieu Peninsula

Portugal’s coastline may be famed for its rugged cliffs and crashing waves, but a strikingly similar scene awaits much closer to home on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Beloved by locals and visitors alike, this picturesque peninsula offers more than just secluded beaches and charming coastal towns. Explore the dramatic Waitpinga Cliffs at Victor Harbor, the remnants of the old jetty at Port Willunga, or the pristine white sands of Second Valley. For the ultimate beach day, drive right onto the shore at Sellicks Beach, where vehicle access is permitted. Add in exquisite wine and endless photo opportunities, and you’ve got the perfect coastal escape.

Sitchu Tip: Make the most of your visit with a few cheeky glasses at the best wineries in McLaren Vale, then treat yourself to dinner with a view at Star of Greece.

Instead of Bordeaux...visit the Clare Valley

The Barossa Valley might be South Australia's most famous wine region, but Clare Valley, with its world-class wine, grand chalets, and thousands of acres of manicured vineyards, deserves just as much attention. Rich in history and tranquillity, this charming region evokes the allure of Bordeaux in southern France.

Skip brushing up on your French and take the two-hour drive from Adelaide to discover the wineries and restaurants that make Clare Valley a perfect weekend escape. Prefer to explore on two wheels? The Riesling Trail is a must, offering 33km of graded gravel paths connecting wineries for a unique cellar-door-hopping experience.

Sitchu Tip: Book an unforgettable dining experience at the Watervale Hotel - a casual pub offering farm-to-plate degustations so good the venue was recently crowned 'Best Pub in Australia.'

Instead of the Maldives...visit Flaherty's Beach

White sand and crystal-clear water may be synonymous with the Maldives’ 1,000+ islands, but you’ll find a similar paradise at Flaherty's Beach on the Yorke Peninsula. While there are no overwater huts or swaying palms, Flaherty’s boasts some of the whitest sand and clearest water in the country. Stroll through shallow, postcard-perfect blue waters across soft sandbanks that seem to stretch forever. With beach driving permitted, it’s the ultimate spot to park by the shallows and soak up the sunshine.

Not just one of South Australia’s best beaches, Flaherty’s was named one of the top four beaches in Tourism Australia's Best Beaches in Australia 2022. That's no small feat!

Sitchu Tip: The Yorke Peninsula is a paradise for beach lovers, with over 700km of pristine coastline. Don't miss Shell Beach and The Horseshoe.

Instead of the Grand Canyon...visit the Flinders Ranges

The dramatic landscapes of the Flinders Ranges may not seem as jaw-dropping as the Grand Canyon at first glance, but as you delve deeper into this region, you’ll uncover the quintessential Australian outback. Think breathtaking canyons, deep gorges, historic copper mines, scenic lookouts, hiking trails, and even Australia’s largest salt lake, Lake Eyre.

With the mountain range spanning 400km, a night or two is essential to take it all in. For a camping experience without the hassle, book a stay at Wilpena Pound Resort. Unique to this property are guided tours led by the Adnyamathanha people, the land’s Traditional Owners. These tours offer insights into the region’s rich geology, ancient Aboriginal art, and the cultural significance of Ikara, known as The Meeting Place.

Sitchu Tip: Exploring the Flinders Ranges on foot is one thing, but seeing it from above is another. Hop aboard a Chinta Air flight from Rawnsley Park Station to take in the sweeping views with a 20, 30, 45, or 60-minute flight.

Instead of Cape Town...visit Port Lincoln

The jewel of South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, gracefully perched on Boston Bay, Port Lincoln is celebrated as Australia’s seafood capital. A seven-hour drive from Adelaide, it combines gourmet delights with stunning natural beauty. Whether you’re a foodie, nature lover, or thrill-seeker, Port Lincoln promises an unforgettable escape.

While South Africa’s Cape Town might be renowned for adrenaline-pumping shark cage diving, Port Lincoln offers the same heart-racing experience thanks to its (slightly daunting) population of Great White Sharks. Safely view these majestic creatures from surface cages for an unforgettable adventure.

Sitchu Tip: Love oysters? Head to Coffin Bay for a 1.5-hour Oyster Farm and Tasting Tour with Oyster Farm Tours. Don waterproof waders, walk into the water, and sit on a semi-submerged deck to shuck and savour the freshest oysters while breathing in the salty sea air.

Instead of Germany...visit Hahndorf

Just a 30-minute drive from Adelaide’s CBD, Hahndorf is a charming heritage village offering a slice of Bavaria in the Adelaide Hills. Its picturesque beauty shines year-round—radiant and warm in summer, vibrant with autumn hues, lush and green in spring, and wonderfully cosy in winter. As Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement, Hahndorf feels like stepping into a bygone era. Historic, architecturally fascinating buildings line the streets, reflecting a rich heritage infused with ancient folklore, Indigenous Dreamtime, and migrant artistry.

Whether you're a local or a visitor, exploring the bustling Main Street—with its quaint boutiques, traditional German pubs, and delightful cafes—reveals the magic of one of South Australia’s most beloved destinations.

Sitchu Tip: No visit to Hahndorf is complete without stopping at one of South Australia’s greatest institutions, Beerenberg Farm. Enjoy strawberry picking from November to April, then reward your efforts with a gin at Ambleside Distillers.

Now that you know the best destination dupes in South Australia, how about exploring more Aussie goodness? From these bucket List experiences in Western Australia to the super romantic getaways of Queensland, our unique country is bursting with beauty.