Indulge in luxury treatment while discovering the most beautiful, exotic and exclusive locations South Australia has to offer.

Words Zoe Rice

Wild Bush Luxury

There’s no better way to experience the rugged outback than in the air, and the helicopter series at the Arkaba Conservancy allows guests to see the ancient Flinders Ranges from the unique vantage point. The Heli-Sundowner Experience shows the ever-changing palette of the Ikara-Flinders Ranges on a 30-minute flight, enjoying the last light of the day with a glass of bubbles in hand, and a picnic canape platter. There’s also the Heli-Outback Experience, including lunch at the Prairie Hotel and the Heli-Swag Experience, flying over the 60,000 acre private wildlife conservancy and touching down at a swag camp for the evening under the Milky Way.

Peter Teakle Wines

If you want to experience the best of the Eyre Peninsula, the only thing you have to organise is getting to Peter Teakle Wines and their restaurant, The Line & Label. Base yourself at their sister business, Limani Motel, while you take advantage of local knowledge. General Manger of Teak Corp, Diana Williams says they work with local tourism operators to cater to visitors’ specific needs, however luxurious. “You can pull on your waders, head out to the oyster lease, sit in the water and enjoy a glass of wine as you shuck your own oyster straight from the sea,” Diana says. “This can be followed with a private seafood lunch on the oyster lease.” Once you’re done exploring the waters, make your way back to Peter Teakle, where you can enjoy the 2019 Estate Riesling overlooking the vineyard.

Mayura Station Tasting Room

Experience beef like you’ve never experienced it before at Mayura Station. The working farm and restaurant at Millicent is a must-visit — managing director Scott de Bruin describes it as a mecca for meat lovers. The most popular dining option at the Tasting Room is the Chef’s Table, where guests are greeted by the head chef and watch different cuts being prepared, some of which are exclusive to the restaurant. “The guests get to engage in conversation with the chef, it’s quite interactive,” Scott says. The Tasting Room was recently named the state’s best tourism restaurant at the South Australian Restaurant and Catering Awards and was crowned Grand Champion Wagyu brand at the 2019 Australian Wagyu Association Branded Beef Awards. They’ve also been named the best steak restaurant in Australia. Try it for yourself — the mammoth tomahawk steak is sure to impress.

The Tailor

As their name suggests, The Tailor create experiences to suit individuals, and there are a host of luxurious options. The journeys weave together South Australian locations, including a private tour of the R.M. Williams factory, with an opportunity to be fitted for a pair of boots. There are also private barrel tastings in the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale. Founder Drew Kluska uses personal connections to access areas and experiences not available to the public. Some of the popular experiences are helicopter flights to islands and remote beaches, day trips to Baird Bay and the Gawler Ranges, private farm tours and private seafood masterclasses.

Lions & Wines

Begin your morning by boarding a private helicopter, bound for Monarto Zoo, one of the largest open range zoos in the world. Upon arrival, you’re greeted by a host in-the-know before getting ready for the Lions 360 experience, where you’ll come face-to-face with the zoo’s African lions. Fly out of Monarto and into The Lane Vineyard, where executive chef James Brinklow will prepare a three-course menu, complete with wine pairing. The afternoon’s scenic flight takes in the Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty Ranges and CBD, before touching back down at Adelaide Airport.

Henschke Wines

Take an exclusive stroll through one of the state’s most renowned vineyards, Hill of Grace, with Henschke Wines’ VIP Tour and Tasting. The ancient, gnarled vines are the backdrop to the Henschke family’s story. Walk through parts of the original winery, built in the 1860s, before settling downstairs in the family’s private cellar for a tasting, which includes Hill of Grace, Hill of Roses, Mount Edelstone and Cyril Henschke. Two to six guests are required for the experience; bookings are essential.

This story first appeared in the September 2019 issue of SALIFE magazine.