There’s nothing like a restorative weekend in nature to refresh and reset. Surrender to mother nature’s nurturing embrace as you wake up to the sound of birds, not your alarm. From luxury villas, to modern tiny homes and seaside glamping, look after yourself, and the environment on an eco-friendly weekend away in South Australia. Here’s our guide to the best off-grid accommodation in South Australia from the Adelaide Hills to the Eyre Peninsula.
1. Earthship, Adelaide Hills
Taking sustainable accommodation to the next level, this ecological bed and breakfast is Australia’s first council approved . The quirky hideaway will get you off-grid and back to nature just a stone’s throw from the city and is one of the most sustainable housing concepts in existence. Ticking every box for solar, water and energy efficiency this self-sufficient home is made from a variety of natural and recycled materials, including car tyres filled and rendered with earth and an incredible beer and wine bottle brick wall. But it’s not just the eco efforts that make Earthship the ultimate destination, nearby you’ll find plenty of tracks and to quench your thirst.
2. Oceanview Eco Villas, Kangaroo Island
Who said going off-grid meant roughing it? A seamless connection between sustainability and luxury, at you can kick back in complete comfort while doing your bit for the environment. Perched cliff-top on a secluded and private 500-acre property on the stunning coastline, these brand-new villas are just a short stroll to the beach. A fully hosted experience, your hosts Tim and Tamsin will ensure your every need is catered for including gourmet meals. And this property has serious eco-cred; designed by leading eco specialists, the property is completely off-the grid and solar-powered, and every element has been carefully considered, down to luxe furnishings made from recycled materials. All that’s left to do is kick back in 5-star comfort with the reassuring feeling that your stay is having a minimal impact on the environment.
3. CABN, Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula
Unplug and unwind at one of four CABNs tucked in secluded serenity around the Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula. From falling asleep surrounded by nature in the bush, to just a short stroll to some of McLaren Vale’s wineries, there’s a cosy CABN to suit every getaway. The completely off-grid, eco-friendly tiny homes are the perfect base to kick back in nature. After a day exploring, cuddle up around an outdoor fire, marvel at thousands of stars lighting up the night sky or kick back in your king size bed with a good book. Choose from the original surrounded by bushland, nestled in a quiet corner of , on the doorstep of ‘s vineyards or just down the road. These CABNs get snapped up quickly so be sure to book ahead. Added bonus, CABN Jude and Matilda are also pet friendly.
4. The Cube, Murray River, Lakes and Coorong
Wind your clock back to river time and wake up on a floating eco pod. The ultimate riverside escape tucked on the banks of the Murray River, is one of the most immersive ways to experience life on the river, just outside . An hour’s drive away from , The Cube sleeps two people and features all the creature comforts including a queen bed, ensuite and kitchenette complete with breakfast supplies, making it the perfect place to base yourself for adventures along the Murray River. Kick back on a sunlounge on the deck and watch as boats cruise by, take to the water in your very own kayak or cosy up by the fire pit with a glass of red in hand.
5. Hillocks Ocean Pod, Yorke Peninsula
Leave your phone behind and escape the city for a green getaway on the coast. A deluxe camping experience, is surrounded by coastal bush with uninterrupted views of Butler’s Beach and Hillocks Point. Solar powered and kitted out with eco-toilets, it’s the perfect destination to get back in touch with nature if you’re not ready to give up all your creature comforts. And the location? On the doorstop of , here you can watch whales pass by your dining room window (during the winter months) and be lulled to sleep by the sounds of the surf. How’s that for serenity!
6. Bandicoot Springs, Adelaide Hills
Want to be fully immersed in nature but camping isn’t really your thing? Welcome to Bandicoot Springs. A tiny log cabin on the edge of a natural spring in Ironbank, Bandicoot Springs is the perfect place to retreat in nature with wildlife as your only company (yep, including the illusive bandicoot!). Tucked in the picturesque bushlands of the Adelaide Hills 10 minutes from with all the creature comforts you need, spend your days bushwalking, birdwatching, foraging or winery hopping – the famous cool climate wines of the Adelaide Hills are on your doorstop. Be sure to stop by for a sustainable drop.
7. Flinders Bush Retreats eco tent, Flinders Ranges and Outback
An eco-luxury glamping experience isn’t what you’d expect to find on a sixth-generation outback station, but we like to do things a little differently here in South Australia. Hidden away in an almost untouched corner of the, couples and families can experience in sustainable style at . Offering a boutique farm stay experience in Hawker with self-contained houses, glamping and camping options, cosying up in the eco tent is the perfect retreat for nature lovers who aren’t ready to rough it. Complete with a queen-sized bed, luxurious linen, small kitchenette and ensuite, everything is taken care of.
8. Wandering Souls Glamping, Kangaroo Island
Wake up at a winery, overlooking the ocean or surrounded by wildlife on the ultimate eco-friendly island escape. With eight locations on , from to and , and five glamping tent styles to choose from, all you need to do is decide where you want to wake up and leave the rest to the team at . One of the most unique accommodation options on Kangaroo Island, they’ll set up your luxury bell tent, complete with queen-size bed, and pack it all down when you’re finished so you can focus on being fully immersed in the rugged, pristine beauty of Kangaroo Island while leaving nothing but footprints behind.
9. Camel Beach House, Eyre Peninsula
Beach views? How about right on the beach! With the Southern Ocean as your front yard, is the ultimate coastal escape. Tucked on the golden sands of Mount Camel Beach, here you’ll wake to the sounds waves gently lapping on the shore just beyond your window. This eco off-grid property is solar powered and rain-water reliant, while the design has embraced passive heating and cooling principals and incorporates energy efficient appliances. The design is inspired by a classic fisherman’s cottage, although we’re not sure a humble angler’s dwelling has ever been so luxurious! With two queen size beds and plenty of space to lounge around, it’s the perfect destination to get away with friends.
10. Tanonga Luxury Eco Villas, Eyre Peninsula
Say goodbye to stress and hello to nature. Tucked on the pristine waters of the just 20 minutes from , are perfectly positioned for Eyre Peninsula exploration. The architecturally and ecologically impressive villas are offer the perfect escape for city-slickers looking to shake up their 9-5 routine and embrace a slower-paced lifestyle. When you’re not making the most of the incredible surroundings, head in doors and soak in the Japanese style bath while soaking in the views, curl up by the woodfire or lay a little longer in bed and watch the sunrise from the huge north-facing windows. The only thing left to do is decide which of the two eco-friendly villas to settle down at; The Ridge perched hilltop with 360 degree views out to the see or The Valley surrounded by the bush.
11. Pike River Luxury Eco Villas, Riverland
On the outskirts of along the Murray River your sustainable secluded sanctuary awaits. Sitting riverfront, clocking off from city life and onto river time at is a guaranteed ticket to riverside relaxation. Wake to the gentle calls of waterbirds before casting off and paddling down river in your own canoe to explore bubbling brooks and secluded wetlands. The five unique villas have all been built with sustainability in mind without compromising on comfort. Pike River is even home to Australia’s first privately owned sun farm.
12. Tent On A Hill, Fleurieu Peninsula
Retreat to luxury after a day sipping your way around some of South Australia’s best wineries at Tent On A Hill, perched high above in the wine country of . Cosy up in a luxurious bell tent surrounded by gum trees and kangaroos while drinking in views across (and a local drop or two). Warm up in winter by the fire pit, explore the surrounding 10-acres of picturesque farm and bushland and watch the sun set over McLaren Vale with a glass of red in hand. All your creature comforts are taken care of with a queen-size bed, toilet and camp-style shower. The ultimate eco-friendly couples retreat.
13. Ecopia Retreat, Kangaroo Island
More than 60 hectares of natural wilderness surrounds , located in the centre of the island. From this Kangaroo Island retreat, guests are given “front row seats” to the untouched bushland and native animals that roam the island freely. Choose from three bespoke luxury retreats – and – each designed to be eco-friendly using 100% pure Kangaroo Island rainwater and an off-grid solar energy system. Ecopia Retreat is perfectly positioned to explore Kangaroo Island; is located just 15 minutes away and is just 45 minutes.
14. Bayside Glamping Tiny House, Yorke Peninsula
Coastal charm defines the brand-new at . Just a short drive from picturesque Willyama Beach and on the doorstep of, this off-grid tiny home is the ultimate couples retreat on the . Soak in views of the surrounding native grassland from every window, climb the ladder and retreat to your loft-style bedroom, sip your morning coffee on the deck with kangaroos and emus for company, then cook breakfast in the fully equipped kitchen before venturing out to explore. Solar powered, rainwater reliant and with a natural composting toilet, your stay will have minimal impact on the pristine surrounding environment.
Camping in South Australia
Continue your off-grid adventure camping at one of or in a little more luxury .
