South Australia is the perfect getaway for golfers seeking world-class courses, luxury experiences and the chance to explore one of Australia’s most diverse and scenic states. With LIV Golf Adelaide 2026 to again draw international attention, there’s never been a better time to extend your stay and enjoy every unheralded region this place has to offer.

Adelaide is more than just Australia’s ‘festival city’. The state’s capital is home to some of the country’s most storied and respected golf venues, not to mention the “World’s Best Golf Event” for a third consecutive year, as judged by the World Golf Awards. When you put it all together, it makes this charming city a natural starting point for any dedicated golf getaway. The combination of championship-standard courses, pretty parkland layouts, and links-style coastal challenges provides players with a spectrum of experiences rarely found in such a short commute from one another. Whether you’re chasing tournament-ready fairways or a relaxed round with sweeping views and a few tipples, Adelaide delivers in spades.

At the forefront is Royal Adelaide Golf Club, consistently rated among the nation’s elite. Here’s a property that stands apart on multiple fronts, yet it’s the suburban trainline that slices straight through the course, rattling past fairways and demanding to be crossed twice in a round, that leaves a lasting impression. It’s a charming interruption that somehow enhances, rather than detracts from, one of Australia’s most sophisticated pieces of golf architecture. Rooted in Dr Alister MacKenzie’s understated design philosophy, the Seaton links thrives on subtlety and restraint, letting sandy landforms, angled greens and natural amphitheatres do the talking. There is nothing else quite like it – and that’s precisely the point.

Just a short drive from the city, the Grange Golf Club has stepped into the international spotlight thanks to its LIV Golf Adelaide hosting duties. The club’s composite layout used during the tournament offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for visitors to test themselves on the same championship fairways as some of the world’s best. Signature holes such as the Watering Hole (12th) and Ripper Point (fourth) provide challenge and drama, while immersive tournament experiences let players and spectators feel the excitement of elite competition. Limited tee-times are available, making this an unmissable opportunity for visiting golfers. Each round comes with a sense of occasion, as participants walk the course in tournament setup, gaining insight into how professionals approach these intricate holes.

Adelaide’s links-style offerings also demand attention. Glenelg Golf Club is a shining example of what can come with a little bit of vision and understanding of golf’s true Golden Age. Recognising the need to reconnect with the qualities that once defined it as a standout in the region, Glenelg Golf Club looked back before moving forward. Drawing inspiration from its British links appeal from the glory days, the club committed to a $4 million course enhancement plan. The project encompassed resurfaced greens, streamlined and more strategic bunkering, a long-overdue irrigation overhaul and a considered tree and vegetation program, all with the aim of restoring character while significantly improving day-to-day playability. The results speak for themselves – wider corridors, more strategy on every hole and some of the best turf you’ll play off, anywhere.

Speaking of links courses, head south for a little more than an hour and you’ll arrive at Links Lady Bay. Set near the coastline at Normanville, Lady Bay sends golfers on two distinct nine-hole journeys that peel away on either side of the Links Lady Bay Resort, each offering its own personality and challenges. It’s a layout where no two holes feel alike, shaped by natural contours rather than heavy-handed earthworks, and where the ever-present wind is as influential as any bunker or green complex.

Strategy here is never static. One day the ocean breeze demands restraint and imagination; the next it rewards bold lines and low, chasing shots. The routing makes full use of the coastal setting, constantly changing direction to ensure the wind is felt from every angle, asking golfers to think their way around rather than simply overpower the course. 

That sense of variety and authenticity is no accident. Designers Jack Newton, Graeme Grant and John Spencer deserve credit for allowing the land to lead the way, crafting a course that feels organic, challenging and endlessly engaging.

The Shark goes public

A few environmental hurdles had to be cleared but Adelaide’s golf landscape is officially set to evolve further with the Greg Norman-led redevelopment of North Adelaide Golf Course. 

Recently unveiled by premier Peter Malinauskas, government plans confirm humble North Adelaide – currently as a little as $21.50 a round – will be transformed into a future host of LIV Golf Adelaide and the Women’s Australian Open. Malinauskas said that while 585 trees will be removed, culturally significant Aboriginal land will remain untouched throughout the redesign.

“There is a very strict legislative process that dictates the way those [Aboriginal Heritage] applications operate and that was done quite independently of me, as it should be, but effectively there was engagement, and that decision was made clear and easily accommodated,” Malinauskas said.

“This project is an active engagement with organisations like KYAC [Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation] to make sure this is done as sensibly as possible.”

The 18-hole course will meet top-level standards, featuring a driving range on neighbouring Park 27A, a short course and practice facilities, with a children’s putt-putt course also planned. Importantly, the course will remain publicly accessible, with no permanent fencing, and a differential pricing model will apply, allowing locals preferential access while visitors contribute more.

Golf Australia chief executive James Sutherland emphasised the significance of the project, saying: “This investment into a public course positions South Australia as a national leader in golf.”

Construction is set to commence in mid-2026, with completion by 2028 in time for LIV Golf Adelaide and the Women’s Australian Open, marking a new era in the state’s golf landscape.

Vineyards, pines and premier play

The Barossa Valley is internationally renowned for wine, but its golf credentials are cause for clinking glasses too. Just an hour north of Adelaide and adjoining the Novotel Barossa Valley Resort, Tanunda Pines offers a Barossa Valley golf experience that feels both polished and relaxed. The conditioning is consistently first-rate, with immaculate fairways and slick, true greens set against a backdrop of rolling vineyards and valley views that never lose their appeal. Native birdlife and wildlife thrive among the trees, while panoramic views of Jacob’s Creek and St Hallett vineyards create a stunning backdrop from several vantage points.

Head 20 minutes further north and a round at Barossa Valley Golf Club comes with an unmistakably Australian soundtrack. Kangaroos graze beside fairways, native birdlife fills the air and the course feels seamlessly connected to its natural surroundings. Rather than being imposed on the land, the layout co-exists with it, offering golfers a rare sense of immersion. It’s a reminder that the landscape – and its wildlife – is as much a feature as the golf itself.

You’ll get more classic Aussie golf at Sandy Creek Golf Club. This course is situated on gently undulating land with extensive views over the Barossa Valley from many parts of the property. Flowering gums and other native trees and shrubs provide a home for a large variety of birds and the many kangaroos which can be seen relaxing on and off the fairways. You could stay in this region for the entirety of your trip and be more than satisfied with the golf and gastronomy offerings.

Two more to add to your list

We could devote an entire magazine to South Australia’s golf scene but two courses really deserve your patronage. On the Limestone Coast, tucked away behind dense pine country on the outskirts of Millicent, the local golf course is easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there. That sense of seclusion is part of its charm, born from a site once earmarked for forestry before sandy soils proved far better suited to golf. When the course opened in 1961, few could have predicted it would mature into South Australia’s No.1 country layout.

Today, Millicent Golf Club unfurls across gently heaving ground, with generous fairways flowing naturally through gums, making it the perfect starter before a visit to one of the many great fishing spots up the road, or the nearby Coonawarra wine region.

Turn your attention to the state’s Riverland and you’ll be sure to find Loxton Golf Club, set along the Murray River. Set just eight kilometres outside town, Loxton Golf Club is one of regional South Australia’s quiet overachievers. It pairs a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere with a course that has earned serious recognition, featuring on top-10 lists within the state and ranking among Australia’s leading country layouts – all for green fees listed below $50.

Conditioning is a standout, with fully irrigated fairways delivering reliable playing surfaces year-round and reaching their best through the cooler winter months. Strategic sand bunkering, subtle grassy mounding and tree-lined corridors of Aleppo pines and native gums give the course both character and challenge. Add in solid practice facilities beside the clubhouse and Loxton shapes as a regional stop that consistently punches above its weight.

Cliffhanger!

Kangaroo Island, already one of the world’s most instantly recognisable tourist hotspots, is set to become a premium golf destination with the opening of Cliffs Kangaroo Island later this year. Designed by Darius Oliver, this spectacular course is set atop million-year-old cliffs overlooking the Southern Ocean and blends an unequivocal Australian setting with the spectacular.

Already making ripples within the golf media, the course features five holes (two, three, eight, 14 and 15) that follow the dramatic clifftops, while three holes (one, seven and 13) play southward towards the cliff edge. Each hole offers a unique setting, from striking vistas and challenging dunes to native vegetation, creating an exhilarating, full-sensory golfing experience on an expansive scale.

The 18th hole provides a breathtaking finale, opening up to sweeping views of the crystal-blue water, which provides moments of serenity between daring encounters with Oliver’s striking, imaginative green designs.

The course will be complete with a state-of-the-art clubhouse and on-course luxury accommodation. Stay updated on tee-times and golf packages at thecliffs.com.au.

Golf course photographs Gary Lisbon

Off-course Adventures

When it comes to ‘LIVing’ it up in South Australia, the fun doesn’t stop with the glorious greens. Take a scenic drive out to one of South Australia’s famed wine regions, beaches, duck across to Kangaroo Island and explore the foodie paradise that is Adelaide.

With the Adelaide Fringe Festival starting the next week, make sure you stay on to experience a holiday you’ll never forget as the streets of Adelaide come alive. Here’s a few of our top picks to add to your itinerary.

Wild Water JetSki Tours
What better way to enjoy the South Australian coast than on a jet ski. Cruise along the coast on a top-of-the-line Yamaha Wave Runner while on the lookout for dolphins. More info and book: wildwaterjetskitours.com.au

BBQ Buoys
BBQ Buoys seat up to 10 of your favourite crew around a table with room for your snacks or a barbecue grill floating along the Adelaide Riverbank precinct. Aside from family and friends, you can also invite your team members, colleagues and business partners for an impressive, fun and private two-hour ride on a BBQ Buoy. If you want to go all out, they have the capacity to facilitate up to 38 guests at once. You can find them at Pinky Flat, only a short walk away from Adelaide CBD, Convention Centre, Casino, Intercontinental Hotel, Festival Centre and Adelaide Oval. If you are planning your next corporate event and you are currently looking for a unique location, then get in touch with BBQ Buoys. More info and book: bbqbuoys.com.au

Temptation Sailing
Temptation is a 58-foot sailing catamaran that operates only 15 minutes from Adelaide’s CBD. Temptation Sailing offers a variety of products including Wild Dolphin Swim/Watch Tours, Twilight Cruises, Afternoon Tea Cruises and Private Charters.

Temptation is surveyed to hold up to 50 passengers and is an extremely stable and spacious vessel. It contains a fully licensed bar, a spacious furnished cabin and a 360-degree viewing deck. Temptation is the first vessel in South Australia to be given a dolphin swim licence and has been conducting successful wild dolphin swims in Glenelg, South Australia since January 2002. Over many years, they have developed a relationship with the dolphins of Adelaide, and this is possibly the only cruise of its type where the dolphins come directly to the boat! More info: temptationsailing.com.au

Adelaide Central Market
With more than 70 traders under one roof, the Adelaide Central Market is one of the largest undercover fresh produce markets in the southern hemisphere, buzzing with life and colour all year round. The market offers a huge range of fresh food including fruit and vegetables, meat and poultry, seafood, cheeses, bakery, smallgoods and health foods, along with some of Adelaide’s most popular cafes and eateries. With millions of visitors every year, the Adelaide Central Market remains Adelaide’s premier food destination for multicultural cuisine and fresh produce. Check out 44-60 Gouger St, Adelaide. More info: adelaidecentralmarket.com.au

Dolphin Sanctuary Kayak Tours
It’s not every day that you get the opportunity to paddle your way through a 10,000-year-old mangrove forest with the opportunity to see dolphins along the way. There is also the opportunity to kayak up close to shipwrecks, relics of a bygone era. It’s a special experience that simply can’t be replicated, which is why Dolphin Sanctuary Kayak Tours is a must-do. More info: dolphinsanctuarykayaktours.
com.au

Where to stay

EOS by Skycity
Unrivalled luxury surrounds await within each of the well-appointed 120 rooms and corner suites. Opulent bathrooms with freestanding stone bathtubs and marble vanities pair perfectly with thoughtfully designed living spaces. Actively engaging with Adelaide’s flourishing art and design community, local perspectives are embraced and amplified through 900 commissioned artworks adorning their spaces. More info: skycityadelaide.com.au/hotel/eos-by-skycity

Adelaide Marriott Hotel
The Adelaide Marriott Hotel features 285 well-appointed rooms and suites ranging from 34 to 145sqm all with premium amenities. Two contemporary dining venues include a laneway bar, a well-appointed fitness centre and an 18-metre heated indoor swimming pool. With more than 535 square metres of flexible event space located on the one level, including a grand, 300sqm ballroom equipped with a cutting-edge 220-inch LED screen, Adelaide Marriott is the ideal choice for conferences and events in the city. More info: adelaidemarriott.com

Sofitel Adelaide
Sofitel Adelaide boasts 251 guestrooms across 24 floors and merges old-world details with modern aesthetics. Experience opulent French colonial design and stunning city, coast, and Adelaide Hills views, and indulge in curated textiles, amenities and colours for ultimate comfort. Burn energy in the modern and well-equipped gym on Level 6 or by swimming a few laps in the indoor heated pool on Level 5 before relaxing in the saunas located in each change room. Delight in French-inspired gastronomy with an Australian flair at Garçon Bleu, while Déjà Vu, the Champagne bar, offers luxurious street-level encounters. More info: sofiteladelaide.com.au

Monarto Safari Resort
The hotel features 78 guest rooms and suites, a day spa, two outdoor swimming pools, a restaurant and a bar where guests can soak in the atmosphere and watch as animals gather around the nearby waterhole. More info: monartosafariresort.com

The George Glenelg
Designed with a focus on comfort and elegance, each of the 60 boutique rooms offers a tranquil space inspired by the natural beauty of the coastline. Guests can enjoy seamless access to Glenelg’s dining, shopping and entertainment scene, with more than 50 restaurants and cafés within walking distance.
More info: georgeglenelg.com.au

Where to eat

Fugazzi
A New York inspired Italo-American bar and dining room located on Leigh Street, in the heart of Adelaide’s CBD. Decadent. Luxurious. With a sense of nostalgia. Book: fugazzi.com.au

Africola
Africola is a multiple award winning South Australian restaurant, housed in a colourful, heritage-listed East End building – the home of good times in Adelaide. The restaurant is centred around an open-plan kitchen and wood-fire oven – with big flavours, smoke and spice at the heart of everything they do. Chef Duncan Welgemoed’s approach to food is described as fearless, take-no-prisoners, bold and exciting. A menu of African-inspired vegetables grilled and smoked meats, flatbreads, pickles, ferments, vegan-inspired desserts served with inspired cocktails and natural wine. Book: africola.com.au

Penfolds Magill Estate Restaurant
Magill Estate Restaurant is a fine dining experience. It combines modern architectural style with the natural attributes of its historic Adelaide foothills location. The stunning views, contemporary food, and exemplary service are complemented by a cellar boasting the finest collection of wines dating back to the creation of the first (experimental) Grange in 1951. Book: magillestaterestaurant.com

Golden Boy
Housed in a historic building on the corner of two iconic terraces, Golden Boy is one of South Australia’s best and most-loved contemporary Thai restaurants. Defined by freshness, flavour and attention to detail, a visit to Golden Boy is always an experience. The busy kitchen delivers contemporary takes on authentic Thai dishes, while the drinks menu places gems of South Australian wine and brewing alongside balmy twists on a traditional cocktail menu. Book: golden-boy.com.au

Staguni
Staġuni in Marananga, located in the heart of the Barossa Valley, offers Mediterranean inspired dining for food lovers and travellers seeking something memorable. The experience centres on a highly seasonal menu built around hyper local South Australian ingredients, crafted to honour tradition while celebrating creativity and flavour. Book: staguni.com.au

Kiin Restaurant and Bar
Kiin Restaurant is one of the most unique and exciting venues in Adelaide’s thriving dining scene; offering a beautiful modern Thai menu created by owner and chef Ben Bertei (formerly of Same Same, Longrain and Spirit House), innovative cocktails and an ever-changing wine list all delivered with exceptional service. The atmosphere of their stunning dining room is buzzing, yet still warm and inviting. The heartbeat of the room is their open kitchen, where you can watch the chefs in full swing while enjoying old-school hospitality. When you’re next in Adelaide, visit Kiin for a truly memorable dining experience. Book: kiinrestaurant.com.au

That’s Enrico
That’s Enrico is more than just a pizza shop; it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, passion, and authenticity. Nestled in the heart of the Adelaide Hills, this intimate space is where tradition meets contemporary flair. Created by Enrico Sgarbossa, a pioneer in Australia’s modern pizza movement with over 20 years of experience, the venue is a reflection of his deep-rooted philosophy: simplicity, quality, and sustainability. Book: enrico.au

The Currant Shed
Set between a delightful lime grove and beautiful vineyards, The Currant Shed, built in 1916, is known for its inherent charm, proud history and seasonal menus featuring a plethora of local produce. The Currant Shed is a stylish lunch-only restaurant that has been owned and operated by Hamish Maguire and Emily Dowie since 2011. Book: currantshed.com.au

Star of Greece
Fresh offerings from the sea and local produce are presented with a visual flair that excite without being a substitute for the essence of exceptionally good food is what the Star of Greece is all about. The wines on offer complement the food, the location and the occasion. Book: starofgreece.com.au

Where to drink

Petaluma
Petaluma is one of the most distinguished wine brands in the Adelaide Hills, in the township of Woodside, just a 40-minute drive from Adelaide CBD. Enjoy stunning vineyard views from the deck or warm up by the open fire in winter with a Petaluma or Croser wine flight and regional platter. Taste limited releases and cellar door exclusives, as well as back vintages and current vintages from across their portfolio. Each wine draws inspiration from Petaluma’s three unique South Australian vineyard regions. Rated five stars by James Halliday, it’s a place they hope you visit again and again. More info: petaluma.com.au

Anvers
Anvers Wines estate is nestled on a family-owned block near Kangarilla, in the southern end of the cool climate of the Adelaide Hills. Uniquely positioned on the border of the McLaren Vale GI, the north-facing vineyards sit at an elevation of 383 metres and benefit from a cooling nightly south-easterly breeze. The unique terroir combines limestone, buckshot ironstone, shoal and quartz incorporated with medium clay soils. More info: anvers.com.au

Clare Valley Distillery
Clare Valley Distillery is an elegant and relaxed destination in the heart of the Clare Valley, perfectly positioned on the famous Riesling Trail. Surrounded by vineyards, magnificent, lush lawns, and beautifully curated gardens, the space offers the perfect setting to sip, savour and unwind. More info: clarevalleydistillery.com.au

Pastel Wine Bar
Pastel is a vibrant and dynamic dining destination bursting with character. Led by talented head chef Harry Bourne, whose impressive culinary journey spans Michelin-starred Bath Priory Hotel (UK), Quay Restaurant (Sydney), and multiple two and three-hatted restaurants across Australia, the menu takes you on a globe-trotting adventure of bold and exciting flavours. Expect dishes that pack a punch, with refined, elegant touches and an easy-going, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re there for a casual meal or something a little more special, Pastel delivers big flavours with effortless style. More info: pastel.bar

Prohibition Liquor Co
A true cellar door experience for spirits, where Prohibition Gin is produced and dispatched across Australia and the world, and you can taste and buy direct from the makers. Winner of more than 50 international awards, Prohibition produces a range of high-quality, small-batch craft gins, winning fans all over the world. More info: prohibitionliquor.co

Bowden Cellars
Bowden Cellars, located in Plant 3 at Bowden, is a unique wine bar, bottle shop and kitchen dedicated to showcasing the very best of South Australian boutique producers. With a focus on small-batch wines, spirits, craft beers and ciders, Bowden Cellars brings together a curated selection that celebrates local craftsmanship and quality. Born from a passion for supporting local artisans, this vibrant space is perfect for anyone who loves discovering exceptional South Australian flavours. More info: bowdencellars.com.au