Reclining by a pool with a tropical drink constitutes the perfect honeymoon for some couples. But, if you’re eager to rejoice your marriage in a spirited, adventurous way, South Australia can’t be beat. Beyond breathtaking scenery, South Australia has world-class wine and food, exotic wildlife and lavish retreats entrenched in nature.

Begin your journey in the city of Adelaide, where you can catch your breath at the Mayfair Hotel, set in a renovated Romanesque heritage-style building surrounded by boulevards lined with shops, restaurants and cafés. Then, it’s off to Kangaroo Island, home of the fly-in Southern Ocean Lodge with dramatic views over the coastline, a self-serve bar, gourmet restaurant and hilltop spa, along with oceanfront suites. As you explore the island, try crafting your own bottle of gin at Kangaroo Island Spirits, sampling honey at Clifford’s Honey Farm, oysters at The Oyster Farm Shop and wines at The Islander Estate Vineyard.

Next, head to the Clare Valley to sample standout Rieslings at wineries like Skillogalee, where you can lunch alfresco on locavore specialties. In the nearby Barossa Valley, famous for its Shiraz, visit various cellar doors like Seppeltsfield, where you can taste a port from your birth year! Later, retreat to The Louise, a white-glove resort with vineyard views and Appellation restaurant, serving some of the area’s best wines and food. The next morning, The Louise can arrange for you to breakfast with the kangaroos, complete with a guided walk into a nearby conservation park, followed by a gourmet picnic near these fuzzy marsupials.

In the nearby Adelaide Hills, stroll around the charming town of Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement established in 1839. Then, taste medal-winning Grüner Veltliner and Pinot Grigio at Hahndorf Hill Winery and more wine and artisanal gin at Unico Zelo and Applewood Distillery.

Finally, discover the Outback in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, where you can glamp at Wilpena Pound Resort before exploring the 600-million-year-old, red-rock landscape, home to ancient Aboriginal art and rare animals like the yellow-footed rock-wallaby. Seeing these creatures and this land with all its many riches will likely be one of the most memorable moments of your life. What could be more special than to do it on your honeymoon?

Photos courtesy of (in order of appearance): Ben Goode, Don Fuchs, Hahndorf Hill Winery, Southern Ocean Lodge/George Apostolides (4th & 11th), Mayfair Hotel, SATC (6th & 7th), SATC/Adam Bruzzone & Julie Fletcher Photography (9th,10th & 12).

This article can be found on page 72 of the Fall/Winter 2018 issue of Destination I Do.

For other potential Australia honeymoon locations and wedding venues check out these Destination I Do articles:

• Australia’s Great Outback
• Australia Wedding Recommendations
• Australia Wedding Inspiration