Our region recently took centre stage and racked up six awards at the 2023 South Australian Tourism Awards. With our weird, wild, and wonderful experiences recognised as some of SA’s best, it’s time for you to come take a victory lap and unearth the brilliance for yourself.

From untamed wild experiences to 4.5-star accommodation – there’s an accessible experience for everyone.

Take a walk on the wild side and discover why Monarto Safari Park took home not one, but THREE awards, including Major Tourism Attraction, Voters Choice for Experiences & Services, and Excellence in Accessible Tourism.

Honestly, we can’t say we’re surprised it cleaned up, because South Australia’s most unforgettable animal experiences happen here, like meeting eye-to-eye (and even feeding) some of the world’s at-risk wildlife.

Where else do you get to feed a giraffe and have lemurs zip between your legs?

The best part about your wild safari is that all visitors can enjoy their time at the ‘Park. The carparks, walking paths, and Zu-Loop Bus have all been curated for wheelchair accessibility – with friendly teams on deck to provide extra support. Enjoy step-free access to all viewing platforms, buildings, and walking tracks.

Monarto Safari Park has just acquired a new bus through SA Variety to accommodate five wheelchairs with a rear internal wheelchair lift.

The compact limestone walking tracks are also a fantastic low-sensory activity for visitors who need breaks from the action. Suggested tracks for wheelchair and mobility aid users include:

• Cheetah Track: Visitor Centre to Cheetah, 1.84km. Relatively flat and consistent width; crosses multiple roads; passes through shaded scrub and open plains.
• Windana Track: Windana (lions viewing platform) to Visitor Centre, 650m. Relatively flat and consistent width; one road crossing; minimal shade along track.

The top wheelchair accessible animal experiences are Lions 360 and Safari Adventure Tour, so jump on the website and book an animal experience here.

For luxury accommodation, you can’t go past the Bridgeport Hotel. Standing sixstoreys tall in the heart of Murray Bridge, there’s a clear reason it keeps collecting accolades (like winning silver for 4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation).

Plus, now there’s a new way to stay and play. The Bridgeport Hotel Deluxe Bridgeview Suites have just been unveiled, so you can check in and unwind in a complimentary robe (complete with a Nespresso machine and mini bar).

The Bridgeport also offers Accessible Riverside Suits with built-in shower chairs and handrails to make life a little easier. There are no steps needed here, simply use the elevator to sample our region’s flavours at the Rivergum Restaurant, or sip a cheeky cocktail on the Terrace – you’ll have the stay of a lifetime.

Our award-winning motorsport facility should also be high on your bucket list, coming in hot as finalists for its range of onsite accommodation. Although, the star of the show is undoubtedly the high-octane racing experiences, giving you the rare chance to kart, drift, rally, and off-road.

The world-renowned venue is accessible with lifts available at both the Motor Racing Circuit and brand new Dragway, so everyone can soak up the track action. With a ripper events calendar, plan your next day on the track here.

But why stop there when the V8 Ford Mustang hot lap is wheelchair friendly, now that’ll get your blood pumping!

Our list of award winners doesn’t stop there, you’ll have to pack up the car and hit the road to visit the rest.

Make it a priority to visit Kimbolton Wines, the Langhorne Creek winery that won silver for Tourism Wines!

This is the third year in a row that Kimbolton has polled in this category – meaning it’s been in the TOP TWO tourism wineries for the past three years. It’s fair to say, they know their stuff.

Kimbolton has also recently been awarded accessible tourism accreditations in two areas – Accessible Tourism Limited Mobility and Accessible Tourism Wheelchairs and Scooters.

Fitted out for your convenience, the indoor and patio seating is step-free and includes both backrests and armrests. Tables are also available at an appropriate height if you’re using a seated mobility device with plenty of leg clearance underneath.

Once you’ve nestled into a spot in front of the vines, indulge in a Signature Wine and Cheese Flight to sip your way through their iconic drops with carefully matched cheeses.

The Karoonda Tourist Park won bronze for Caravan & Holiday Parks, cementing its place as a road trip stopover. Duck into Karoonda and choose from modern Jayco Cabins, eco-cabins (completely solar and battery-powered), and 12 powered sites.

The Pioneer eco-cabin comes fitted with a ramp and hand railing in the bathroom, so you can truly experience a serene nature retreat (without any stress).

The park also boasts a lovely lawned area amongst big gum trees, a bathroom amenities block and a brand-new camp kitchen and fire pit.

It’s also home to the national award-winning Karoonda Silo Art, where you can experience day and night – Paint By Day and Permanent Projection by night!

There’s so much to explore, taste, and sip – so drop in and see what all the fuss is about.