If you’re the traveller or the vacationer who loves nature but hates crowds, hotel lifts, and noisy neighbours, this is for you.
Many of us are seeking unique stays in South Australia that offer a genuine escape. Somewhere off the grid but not off the comfort. A place that still has a hot shower and a proper bed, but doesn’t remind you of your inbox or the 8 am alarm.
Hundreds of Australians, from solo campers to young couples seeking for romantic getaways, are opting for simpler, slower, deeper stays.
Unique Stays in South Australia (You’ve Probably Never Heard Of)
Here are some off-grid, design-led cabins, right in the thick of nature, set far enough from the noise, but close enough for a wine run. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend or just need a proper digital detox, these unique stays in South Australia hit different.
1. Stay in a Cabin Among the Vines at McLaren Vale
Tucked into the bush behind the McLaren Vale wine region, these eco cabins are a dream.
You’re surrounded by native scrub, with cellar doors a short stroll away. There’s a deep outdoor bath waiting for you at sunset. A fire crackling indoors. And the kind of quiet that melts your shoulders.
Location: 45 mins from Adelaide
Driving time: About 50 mins if you’re leaving after work
Why it works:
• Private sauna and open-air bathtub give you a full spa day without the spa
• Fully self-contained with stovetop, fridge, kettle, and pod coffee
• Pet-friendly if you’re bringing your four-legged mate
• Toast marshmallows on the outdoor fireplace
• Chill under the fan or crank the climate control if it’s stinking hot
Local tip: You can book a table at The Currant Shed (locals rave about it)
2. Experience the Hilltop Experience at Adelaide Hill
If peace and quiet had a postcode, it’d be up here in one of these cabin lodges in Handorf, Adelaide.
Just half an hour from Adelaide, these Adelaide Hills cabins are perched high, surrounded by tall gums and sweet country air.
What’s inside:
• Indoor fireplace and hot shower
• Mini fridge, plunger coffee, and proper stovetop
• Solar power and rainwater system
• Outdoor fireplace for cool nights
• Toiletries, comfy bedding, and a deck for lazing
Location: Near Hahndorf, right at the edge of the Fleurieu Peninsula
Local tip: While on the way, you can still pop down to Udder Delights for cheese before heading into your cabin.
3. Stay on the Edge of the Ocean at Camel Beach House – Eyre Peninsula
This is 250 acres of private conservation land with one house, one beach, and no neighbours. Camel Beach House sits on a headland looking straight over Waterloo Bay, a 15-kilometre stretch of untouched coastline on South Australia’s west coast.
You’ll fall asleep to the sound of waves and wake to the smell of sea salt.
Location: 14 km from Elliston, 2.5 hours from Port Lincoln, or 7 hours’ drive from Adelaide
Why it’s unique:
• Architect-designed three-bedroom home (sleeps up to 6) with polished concrete floors and recycled timber finishes
• 180° ocean views from the living area and master bedroom
• Solar-powered and rainwater-fed with a full-size kitchen and pantry
• Private beach access for fishing, surfing, or beachcombing
• Fireplace for winter stays and outdoor deck for summer sunsets
• Zero light pollution, ideal for Milky Way stargazing
This is a perfect place for young couples looking to have a real getaway in a safe, secluded place amid nature. Make sure you bring binoculars. Pods of dolphins and seasonal southern right whales are often spotted from the deck.
4. Stay Where the Bush Meets Beach in Kangaroo Island
If you’re after something that feels a bit wild, this one should be on your bucket list.
Right at Saint Cape Albany, you’ll find five architect-designed cabins hidden in conservation park bushland, overlooking the Southern Ocean. From time to time, wildlife shows up uninvited, from kangaroos to echidnas, and sometimes even koalas.
Features include:
• Massive outdoor bath with ocean air
• All abilities access, a king bed, and a proper kitchenette
• Pizza oven and a private sauna
• Completely off-grid with rainwater and solar
• Best for couples or small families (sleeps up to 4)
Location: 25 mins from the Penneshaw ferry terminal
Location: 25 mins from the Penneshaw ferry terminal
5. Digital Detox at Kuitpo Forest
This is the no-signal, no-noise kind of place. Where you can finally hear yourself think.
Hidden deep in the Kuitpo Forest, these cabins (Nala, Jarrah, and Bambra) are proper bush retreats for those seeking the real digital detox with no screens or Wi-Fi.
Location: About 55 minutes from Adelaide
Here’s what to expect:
• Cosy queen bed + extra bunk beds for mates or kids
• Toasty indoor fireplace and outdoor fire pit
• Solar-powered, self-contained, and pet-friendly
• No Wi-Fi, but you won’t miss it after 10 minutes
• Great walking trails right outside your door
Packing tips: Warm socks, marshmallows, and something good to read
6. Sleep on a Working Station at Flinders Bush Retreats – Flinders Ranges
Set in the middle of the 12,000-acre Willow Springs Station, Flinders Bush Retreats gives you two very different ways to stay: an off-grid luxury eco tent or a renovated 1920s shearing shed. The views take in Wilpena Pound’s rugged ranges, and the only traffic is kangaroos hopping through the paddocks.
Location: 21 km from Hawker, about 5 hours drive north of Adelaide
What’s inside:
• Eco tent: queen bed, ensuite bathroom, private deck, and BBQ (sleeps 2)
• Shearing shed: 2 bedrooms, sleeps up to 6, with full kitchen, lounge, and laundry
• Reverse-cycle air conditioning for summer heat and winter cold
• Private walking trails with lookouts over Brachina Gorge and Chase Range
• Campfire spots for winter stargazing. Flinders skies average 300+ clear nights a year
• Station tours and 4WD access to neighbouring national park tracks
Local tip: While you’re here, take the Bunyeroo and Brachina Gorge geological trails. In less than 30 kilometres, you’ll pass rock formations that span over 500 million years of Earth’s history, all without leaving your 4WD.
Not Staying Overnight? Try These Quick Nature Fixes Instead
Not everyone has the time or budget for a weekend away. But if your soul needs fresh air and your brain needs a break, these South Australian nature spots deliver exactly that. No check-in required. All four are within a 90-minute drive from Adelaide, and each one offers a proper reset without the overnight stay.
Sunset Picnic – Mount Osmond Lookout
Just 15 minutes from the city centre, Mount Osmond delivers sweeping, uninterrupted views over the Adelaide Plains, stretching all the way to Gulf St Vincent. Unlike Mount Lofty or Waterfall Gully, it’s rarely crowded, making it perfect for a sunset picnic in peace.
• Bring: A thick blanket, a small cheese board (yes, really), and a flask of something warm. Don’t forget the mosquito spray in summer.
• Local tip: Arrive around 5:15 pm in winter or 7:30 pm in summer to catch golden hour. There’s no lighting, so plan to leave before it’s pitch dark.
Mount Lofty Botanic Garden – Cleland
Spanning 97 hectares, this cool-climate garden features everything from stringybark forests to fern gullies. It’s not just pretty; it’s properly immersive. You’ll find winding paths, bridges over creeks, and shady benches perfect for journalling or doing absolutely nothing.
• Bring: Comfy walking shoes, a warm jacket, a thermos of tea, and your phone on aeroplane mode.
• Good to know: Entry is free. Open daily from 8:30 am to 5 pm (4 pm on weekends). Autumn is peak season when the maples and oaks explode in colour.
Beach Walk – Port Willunga
Port Willunga is 45 minutes south of Adelaide on the Fleurieu Peninsula. The long stretch of white sand is backed by orange sandstone cliffs and dotted with old jetty pylons. At low tide, you’ll find rock pools teeming with tiny sea life near the northern end.
• Bring: A towel, water bottle, book, and slip-on sandals. There’s limited shade, so pack sunscreen and a hat.
• Best time to go: Early morning for stillness. Sunset for photo magic.
Stargazing – Kuitpo Forest
Less than an hour south of Adelaide, Kuitpo Forest is one of the few spots near the metro area where the night sky truly shows off. With minimal light pollution and wide-open clearings, you can see the Milky Way, meteor showers, and constellations most city dwellers forget even exist.
• Bring: A warm blanket, a camp chair, a thermos of hot chocolate, and a stargazing app (like Sky Guide or Star Walk 2).
• Pro tip: Go during a new moon for the darkest skies. Stargazing is best between 9 pm and 1 am in spring and summer.
Heads up: These day trips scratch the surface. Once you feel the silence, breathe the forest air, and soak in that sunset, you’ll want to stay longer next time. And when you do, there’s a cabin ready to welcome you into the slow lane.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best unique stays in South Australia?
The most sought-after unique stays in South Australia are found in McLaren Vale, Kuitpo Forest, Adelaide Hills, and Kangaroo Island. Each region offers something different. McLaren Vale for wine and bushland (just 45 minutes south of Adelaide), Adelaide Hills for elevated views and cooler temperatures (30–40 minutes east), Kuitpo Forest for pine-shaded digital detoxes (1 hour south), and Kangaroo Island for raw, wildlife-rich coastline and conservation land.
What does ‘off-grid’ really mean?
Off-grid means the cabin isn’t connected to town power, water, or sewerage. Instead, it runs on solar energy, rainwater tanks, and gas bottles, while still offering a hot shower, stovetop, bar fridge, and flushing or composting toilet. You won’t notice what’s missing, but you’ll definitely feel what’s different.
Are CABN stays kid-friendly or just for couples?
Most CABNs are designed for two to four guests, with a queen or king bed and an open-plan layout perfect for couples. However, select cabins like Bambra in Kuitpo Forest or CABN X on Kangaroo Island accommodate up to four guests, with bunk beds or additional sleepingspaces. Look for cabins with bunk beds or extra loft beds if you need to bring kids along.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, CABN offers pet-friendly stays in several locations, including McLaren Vale, Kuitpo Forest, and the Adelaide Hills. Dogs are welcome at designated properties with outdoor space, and there’s no extra pet fee.
CABN locations are all under 2.5 hours from Adelaide’s CBD. Expect 30–40 minutes to reach cabins in the Adelaide Hills or McLaren Vale, around 1 hour to reach Kuitpo Forest, and 2–2.5 hours total to reach Kangaroo Island (including a 1.5-hour drive to Cape Jervis and a 45-minute Sealink ferry). They’re close enough for a quick Friday-to-Sunday escape but far enough to forget you’re anywhere near the city.
Don’t Just Read About It – Book It
Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner getaway, a solo recharge, or a forest weekend with mates, CABN has a cabin that’ll feel like yours.
These aren’t places you’ll visit and feel like returning to. Book a unique stay in South Australia with CABN now.
