Planning a group holiday accommodation in South Australia is the best way to escape city life, reconnect with your crew, family, or friends, and immerse yourself in nature and the view of the wild. Whether it’s a big family reunion, a weekend away with old uni mates, or a team getaway to blow off steam, booking a group accommodation makes it all easy and fun.

At CABN, we’ve been helping locals and tourists unplug and connect with what matters most since 2017. As pioneers of off-grid, eco-friendly group stays in SA, we can confirm that group travel is on the rise, with families and friends making up a significant chunk of domestic overnight visitors. 

So, how do you plan a holiday accommodation for a large group that feels seamless, memorable, and full of activities? Let’s break it down step by step.

Why Pick a Group Holiday Accommodation Over Hotels?

When you book a group holiday accommodation, you’re not just securing a roof and four walls. Group accommodations offer something you won’t find in standard holiday homes or hotels.

Hotels can feel cold and a bit too formal. A proper group holiday accommodation means you’ve got a whole house (or several).  You can cook, dance in your pyjamas, and chat over a sunrise coffee without other guests giving you side-eye in the buffet line.

Here’s why so many visitors opt for group accommodation:

• Cost sharing: Splitting expenses makes luxury more accessible to more people. For instance, the same group accommodation cabin, such as CABN X Handhorf, which rents for $500, can be shared among four persons. After all, cabins can accommodate 2 to 4 persons. 
• Quality time: There are no separate rooms, no scattered dinner bookings. It’s just one big, beautiful space. Enough room for kids to run wild or for the big cousin to show off his questionable dance moves.
• Private facilities: Many group accommodations and cabins for rent come with a pool, outdoor bath, pizza oven, spa, tennis court, or even a games room for that extra splash of fun.

Choosing the Right Accommodation for Your Crew

South Australia is packed with top holiday homes, off-grid cabins and cottages. Choosing the right group accommodation depends on your style.

By the Beach

If your gang loves the coast, you can’t beat a beach house or at least, a cabin by the coastline with a view of the ocean. CABN Kangaroo Island, for instance, has cabins that offer a private beach area for guests. 

So, you can think of sunburnt shoulders, salty hair, and sand everywhere (yes, even in your toast). Some coastal properties give you that laid-back, bare-feet-all-day feeling. CABN X at Kangaroo Island even has an outdoor bath so you can get a proper soak and ocean view at the same time. 

Amongst the Vines

Wine lovers often choose to stay right in the heart of wine country. Locations like McLaren Vale or Clare Valley make it easy to roll out of bed, through the vines and wander straight into a tasting room before lunch. 

Imagine starting your day at the cellar door at Samuel’s Gorge, then ambling over to Alpha Box & Dice to try something quirky and experimental. Or perhaps heading into Clare Valley for a sip at Kilikanoon or Jim Barry Wines, surrounded by vineyard views.

Places like CABN X in McLaren Vale offer a cosy, nature-immersed base to unwind before or after a day of tasting and exploring.

Forest Hideaways

If your crew prefer something a little more peaceful, there are hidden cottages and cabins around Kuitpo Forest or Hahndorf that offer a proper escape from the daily grind. 

Groups often love Kuitpo for its bushwalking trails and campfire-friendly clearings. It’s perfect for reconnecting over a glass of local wine under the stars. Over in Hahndorf, the blend of German heritage, bakeries, and nearby cellar doors makes it feel like a storybook village.

Facilities to Keep Everyone Happy

When sorting large group holiday accommodation, you’ve got to think about what will keep everyone from the kids to Nan entertained and comfy.

• Games room: A games room gives the kids (and competitive uncles) somewhere to battle it out over ping pong or a cheeky board game.
• Fire pit or BBQ: Absolutely essential for evening yarns, toasted marshmallows, and a relaxed outdoor dinner vibe that brings everyone together.
• Massive kitchen: You’ll need plenty of space and a big oven so everyone can pitch in, chop veggies, or whip up a giant breakfast spread after a late night.
• Indoor fireplace: This would be perfect for chilly winter nights. Picture the whole gang curled up with a local red wine while the fire crackles away.
• Outdoor bath or private sauna: For those who want a bit of pampering, you can unwind under the stars in a steamy bath or sweat out the city stress in a sauna.
• King beds and comfy bedding: After a big day of exploring, nothing beats sinking into a huge, soft bed. For group accommodation, the bed should sleep up to four people. Even better, some accommodations like CABN Matilda have two queen beds, with an additional bed in the loft.
• Pod coffee machine & pizza oven: Early risers can sneak in a proper coffee before everyone else wakes up, and a pizza oven turns dinner into a fun group event.

CABN’s group accommodation options are designed to feel homely but still a bit fancy. We’ve got spots with open decks, outdoor baths, and fire pits for that extra kick of luxury without feeling stiff.

Packing Tips for a Group Stay

Let’s not pretend that packing for a big group holiday accommodation is a walk in the park. Here’s a quick hit list to ensure you’re packed right:

• Board games and cards for the games room sessions.
• Plenty of snacks (someone’s always hungry).
• Reusable water bottles and picnic gear.
• Beach towels and sunblock for the coastal gang.
• Bring some extra warm clothes if you’re going to the bush during winter. Even though the days might be sunny, the nights can get chilly in South Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How do I choose the best holiday accommodation for a large group with different ages?

Start by thinking about accessibility and comfort. For older family members, look for cabins or holiday homes without too many stairs and with easy access to shared spaces. For kids and teens, a spot with a games room, plenty of outdoor space, or even a pool can keep them busy (and give the adults a break). Try to pick a location that offers a mix of activities nearby, like a beach, bush walks, or local attractions.

How early should we book a group stay?

Earlier than you think! Popular groups often stay in South Australia, particularly in beach houses or large holiday homes, which book out quickly, especially during long weekends and school holidays. Aim for at least 3–6 weeks ahead if you’ve got a big group or want specific dates. Booking early also means you’ll get your pick of properties with must-have features, like large spacious decks or that dreamy outdoor bath.

Is it really worth going off-grid with a big group? Won’t people get bored without WiFi?

You’d be surprised. Most people find they switch off faster than they expected and end up loving it. Instead of everyone glued to screens, you’ll see more sunset chats, card games, bushwalk adventures, and spontaneous swims at the beach. Bring books, music, and activities like board games or group cooking challenges. 

Can we bring pets to a group holiday accommodation?

Yep, some of our off-grid group accommodations are pet-friendly, so your furry mate doesn’t have to miss out on the adventure. We know dogs are part of the family, and they love exploring new bush trails or beaches as much as we do. Just check each cabin’s listing carefully before booking. And remember, you’ll need to bring all your doggo’s essentials: bed, food, leash, and maybe a treat or two for good behaviour.