There are many beautiful places in South Australia and this was my attempt to visit as many as I could in a very short space of time. I started off by Googling luxury resorts in Australia as a birthday gift from my husband (lol – at least I was taking him with me). Having settled on South Australia as our destination, I turned to the internet for recommendations on must-see places.
The list of beautiful spots and activities in South Australia was extensive. And I had only 4 nights in the state to play with. Plus I had to allow for flight time from Sydney to Adelaide, and back again. But I was determined.
This blog is about the place we stayed, the areas we visited, and the things we did. I’m not a travel writer – I’m The Construction Copywriter. So my views are influenced by my love for built environments, namely stunning buildings and interior design. But also with an appreciation for natural beauty, and of course amazing food and wine.
Sequoia Lodge – A masterpiece of modern design
Our base for our stay in South Australia was the luxurious 14 suite adults-only Sequoia Lodge in the Adelaide Hills. Only a few years old, it delivers on its promise to make us forget the world and totally relax. As the gates bearing the distinctive tree ring pattern logo slowly opened, we were met with the sight of the most glorious tree. We later learned it’s a 170-year-old Sequoia that majestically towers over the building. I love old trees. It’s awe inspiring to think how long it has stood there.
Entering the reception and common area of the property, we were met with sweeping views over Piccadilly Valley. This is where we would come to start each day with delicious breakfasts. The staff were all lovely and attentive. This was reflective of our contact with the Experience Team leading up to our stay. No request was too much trouble, and they genuinely seemed interested in ensuring we saw the best of their beautiful part of the world.
Sequoia Lodge encompasses a blend of styles. While it has both contemporary and rustic elements, I also feel it has a strong mid-century modern influence. Large floor to ceiling windows create a seamless connection between the cosy interiors and the stunning natural surrounds. Natural materials like timber and stone are used to great effect. The furnishings, particularly the curved armchairs and carpet choice in the common area, give a feeling of stepping back in time to a mid-century era in design.
Clean, minimalist design lines paired with earthy materials and mid-century features continue in the private suites. Curated by interior designer Georgie Shepherd in collaboration with owner David Horbelt, it’s evident that Sequoia was not an afterthought. Every element of every room has been carefully chosen. The suites are luxurious havens that show off the craftsmanship and natural beauty of South Australia.
Stunning paintings by local artist Stephen Trebilcock are featured prominently throughout the property. And handmade pottery pieces by ES Ceramics are delightful. I’m now on the hunt for some replica pieces for my own home. This is all paired with the latest technology. There’s a whole system of switches for lights, blinds, TV, switch glass, and even the bedhead. And I’ll admit that even though we were given a mini lesson in it all, at times I was left a little befuddled by it. Maybe I need an extended stay to familiarise myself with the tech…
Sequoia also hosts a range of beautiful experiences on its property. These include cheese and wine tasting, spa treatments, and private artisan spring-fed hot pools. My husband loved his hot stone massage, but I’m not one for spa treatments so my favourite was the spring-fed hot pools. At a deliciously warm 38 to 40 degrees Celsius, and accompanied by champagne and stunning views, it was the perfect place to relax and take it all in.
For any resident South Australians, it’s the perfect weekend getaway of relaxation and indulgence. And for us out of state guests, it proved the perfect base from which to explore other beautiful places in South Australia.
Mount Lofty House – Blending history with contemporary luxury
Mount Lofty House is right next door to Sequoia Lodge. It was built in 1852 by Arthur Hardy, a prominent statesman, lawyer, and businessman. He constructed the home using local stone from the Adelaide Hills region. It was built as a summer residence, and the house quickly became known for lavish parties and social gatherings. However, the family was eventually forced to sell the home. The house passed through a number of other notable families, and was even home to a commune in the 1970s.
After the Ash Wednesday bushfires destroyed the home in 1983, it was meticulously restored by architect Ross Sands. The beautiful façade is reminiscent of a British country manor. It features arched windows, walkways with ivy-coloured sandstone surfaces, and stained glass windows. I absolutely love the look of it. As you drive up to it, it looks very stately. I should have taken more photos of the interior. It mixes old world charm with modern touches as you can see from the photo of the bar.
The Horbelt family purchased it in 2009 and today it’s renowned as a luxurious hotel with a 3-Hat fine dining restaurant. We had the pleasure of eating there on our first night and the food was, as expected, exquisite.
Upon departing, we were also gifted a coffee table book outlining the rich history of Mount Lofty House, and its much younger sister Sequoia Lodge. I can’t wait to dive in and learn more about it.
Hahndorf’s stone buildings a testament to traditional craftsmanship
We had heard a lot about Hahndorf so I made sure I put it on the list of beautiful places in South Australia to visit. I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew it was a historic town with a rich German heritage. And I guess I was expecting it to be a bit of an anomaly. But in terms of architecture, it was in keeping with the rest of South Australia that we saw. It features beautiful historic buildings made from local stone. We walked through it early in the morning before it was buzzing with people. But we imagine it would be quite rowdy at other parts of the day, especially around Octoberfest.
I’ve since learned that it was founded in 1839 by Lutheran regugees fleeing religious persecution in Prussia. It’s named after Captain Dirk Hahn, who helped the settlers secure land in the Adelaide Hills. During the 1840s and 1850s, more German immigrants arrived, and the town’s architecture began to reflect traditional German styles. This included “fachwerk” farmhouses and stone churches. Then during WWI, anti-German sentiment led to the town being renamed Ambleside, but the name Hahndorf was restored in 1935. It’s today recognised as Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement. I love the look and character of stone, so I’d definitely rate it as one of the most beautiful places in South Australia.
The avant-garde D’Arenberg Cube
Out at McLaren Vale, the five-storey d’Arenberg Cube, resembling a Rubik’s Cube, is a stark contrast to everything traditional. Seemingly floating above the vineyards, its unique façade reflects the complexities of wine making. It features a distinctive geometric design made primarily of double-tempered glass. The structure is the brain child of Chester Osborn, the fourth-generation Chief Winemaker of d’Arenberg. It was completed in 2017 at a reported final cost of $15 million.
Today it hosts wine tastings, a café (The Singapore Circus), and an art gallery space. When we visited, it was displaying a variety of Salvador Dali paintings and sculptures. The Cube has won a number of awards and has attracted many visitors to the area.
But I was left a little disappointed. Many online had mentioned The Cube as a must-see landmark. And while it wasn’t bad, it wasn’t the high-end place I’d been led to imagine. Maybe if we had eaten at d’Arry’s Verandah Restaurant, housed in a restored 19th century homestead on the property, we would have had a different experience. But as it was, I felt the building was a little outdated and bland. Definitely unique and dare I say eccentric, but not as exciting as I’d hoped. I think I was imagining plush vineyards with large sculptures everywhere and an indoor art gallery that was very swanky. Maybe that was my fault for having an overactive imagination.
My top 3 experiences in South Australia
Obviously, there was much of South Australia I didn’t see. This list is simply my top 3 experiences from the places I visited.
1. Wine blending experience and lunch at The Lane Vineyard – The dark horse that took me by surprise and unexpectedly claimed first spot on this list. I booked the wine tasting experience more for my husband, and I chose the vineyard for lunch because it looked so picturesque on their website. But as it turned out, I loved the wine blending just as much as my husband – it was fun to play scientist and wine connoisseur. Our specially blended bottles were shipped back home and they now await a special occasion. The chef’s choice lunch, made from fresh farm produce, was possibly my favourite meal of the whole trip. And the website did not lie: it was one of the most beautiful places in South Australia. Pretty as far as the eye could see.
2. Wine tasting at Hentley Farm – This Barossa vineyard was on my radar because many online told me to visit. I had no idea, and only learned after the fact, that my friend’s husband works there. As a copywriter, I know the value of good storytelling, especially when it’s backed up by a quality product. But Hentley Farm gave me a masterclass in storytelling. I was actually in tears hearing about the history of the vineyard and wines. And no, it wasn’t too much alcohol causing me to cry. I was genuinely moved by the story of Keith and Otto. It meant we couldn’t leave without some wine. If you’re reading this, let this be a sign to embrace your origin story and share it with your audience.
3. Sneaky stop at Brown’s Barossa Donuts – I had seen these donuts pop up on the Instagram stories of friends in Tanunda. And then the internet crowd flagged them as a must-try. So I made sure to fit them into one of our morning itineraries as I was told they sell out quickly. I must admit I was skeptical. South Australia’s best donuts? Everyone says they’re the best, right? But let me tell you, they did not disappoint. Light and fluffy dough, and mouth-wateringly delicious fillings. We had the sample box with custard, jam, Oreo and Biscoff donuts, and the pistachio donut. Even my non-sweet-tooth husband enjoyed them. Definitely recommend as part of your visit to The Barossa region.
Highly commended: Maggie Beer’s The Eatery – Visiting Maggie Beer’s pheasant farm, and having lunch at The Eatery, was always part of my dream visit to South Australia. Maggie’s reputation preceded her, and I was not disappointed. She knows how to hero produce and create stunning, yet homely dishes that warm the soul. It might have made the top 3 if I wasn’t so full by the time I got there. I didn’t quite get to appreciate it as much as I would have liked. Dessert had to be taken away back to Sequoia (and if you know me, that’s saying a lot).
My visit to South Australia left me wanting to see and experience more. I fell in love with the region, its beautiful buildings, and its relaxed lifestyle. From the cutting-edge architecture of Sequoia Lodge to the enduring charm of Hahndorf’s stone buildings, South Australia’s built environment significantly contributes to its appeal as a tourist destination. For those interested in construction and design, this region offers a unique perspective on how architecture can enhance and celebrate its surroundings. South Australia – I’ll be back!
See more of beautiful South Australia
For those wanting to see more photos and videos, head to the links below:
- Arrival at Sequoia Lodge
- Sequoia Lodge architecture and design
- Sequoia Lodge breakfasts
- Sequoia Lodge in-room dining
- Mount Lofty House
- Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant (3 Hat)
- Singapore Circus cafe lunch
- Hahndorf buildings
- The Lane Vineyard lunch
- Brown’s Barossa Donuts
- Maggie Beer’s The Eatery lunch