While geographically considered one of the most barren regions on the continent, South Australia has many bustling towns and cities, mostly found along the coast. Discerning travelers who want to make their next trip extraordinary can find some unique accommodations here and there. Couples looking for romantic getaways have plenty of options, from farm stays to posh hotels. Vacationers needing a peaceful retreat can also spend a few peaceful weeks in a houseboat along the river.
If you’re interested in other fantastic lodgings out here, read our list of the most unique accommodations in South Australia.
Unique attractions to visit:
- First commissioned back in 1840, the Adelaide Gaol became the home of around 300,000 prisoners throughout Australia's modern history, up until its decommissioning in 1988. It has since operated as a heritage site with a museum, and offers special ghost tours held at night.
- While the town of Gawler is best known for its winemaking industry, it's also quite famous for its racing culture. Sports fans can watch exhilarating chases at the Gawler Greyhound Racing Club every Wednesday afternoon.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 30, 2025.
Your options at a glance
| Property | Unique Feature | Price |
|---|---|---|
| The Old Mount Gambier Gaol | Heritage-listed jail with remodeled cells for accommodations | from USD 76 |
| The Manor Basket Range | Stonework castle with fairytale atmosphere | from USD 156 |
| Mount Lofty House & Estate Adelaide Hills | Luxurious mountain estate overlooking Piccadilly Valley | from USD 330 |
| Art Series - The Watson | Themed around Aboriginal artist Yannima Tommy Watson | from USD 118 |
| Majestic Minima Hotel | Individually designed rooms centered around its signature artwork | from USD 66 |
| Desert Cave Hotel | Underground rooms and sections connected with the town's tunnels | from USD 111 |
| Thorngrove Manor | Luxury estate with rooms dressed in immersive period-accurate decor and furniture | from USD 1100 |
| Fire Station Inn | Converted heritage fire station with a themed fire engine room | from USD 221 |
| 'THE CHURCH' Guest Home, Gawler Barossa Region | Home with a loft and garden converted from a stone church | from USD 319 |
| Swamp Fox luxury 2BR Dutch Barge | Luxury houseboat along the Goolwa Channel | from USD 469 |
Why you should stay in a unique accommodation
Cultural immersion: Some accommodations are designed to provide a deep dive into local culture, offering authentic experiences like traditional meals, cultural performances, and local tours.
Connection to nature: Many unique accommodations provide a more secluded and peaceful environment than large hotels, perfect for relaxation. Options such as treehouses, cabins, and glamping sites bring you closer to nature, letting you fully appreciate the beauty of the outdoors.
Thematic experiences: From pirate-themed ships to medieval castles, unique accommodations can transport you to a different time or place, providing a fun and memorable experience.
Instagram-worthy moments: Many unique accommodations offer picturesque backdrops, perfect for capturing unforgettable photos.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a unique cultural experience, staying somewhere distinctive enhances your travel story and makes your trip stand out.
How we choose the best unique accommodations
When selecting the best unique accommodations, we consider various factors to ensure that each recommendation aligns with the preferences and expectations of discerning travelers. Our criteria include:
Regional uniqueness: We prioritize accommodations that are rare or uncommon, offering something distinct that sets them apart from the typical hotel experience.
Architecture and design: We look for properties with unique structures, themed rooms, custom-made decor, artistic elements, or integration of local cultural influences that differentiate the property from typical buildings in the region.
Special experiences: We evaluate the unique experiences offered by the property, including bespoke services, exclusive dining options, as well as extraordinary amenities like underwater spas or private art galleries.
Exclusive location: We seek accommodations situated in unusual or extraordinary settings, such as remote, scenic, or culturally significant areas, providing guests with immersive cultural experiences and extraordinary views.
Overall value: We also evaluate each property’s accessibility, guest experiences, service quality, comfort, and overall quality relative to its price.
By considering these factors, we aim to recommend accommodations that offer an unforgettable stay.
Unique hotels in South Australia
1. The Old Mount Gambier Gaol; Mount Gambier (from USD 74)
What makes it unique?
- Heritage property: Hotel is a decommissioned 150-year-old jail with many of its original areas restored but converted into shared spaces and rooms
- Stay in the slammer: Spend a few nights in a cozy, well-decorated jail cell or book one of the family rooms that come with a kitchenette
- Downtown seclusion: Despite the location, the high walls give the hotel a sense of seclusion from one's busy daily life
Potential trade-offs
- Most rooms have no toilet, so guests will have to use shared bathroom facilities
- No swimming pool at the hotel
Insta-worthy corners
- The exercise yard has a lovely mural which makes for a great backdrop
- Roleplay as prisoners with your friends or family to make some fun memories
The Old Mount Gambier Gaol
Address: 25 Margaret Street
2. The Manor Basket Range; Basket Range (from USD 154)
What makes it unique?
- Enchanting property: Historic 1935 estate transformed into a medieval stone castle reminiscent of those found in Europe
- Deluxe comfort: Various well-decorated rooms including some with balconies or spa suites with jetted bathtubs
- Magical weddings: The castle setting makes the property a popular wedding venue in South Australia
Potential trade-offs
- Somewhat secluded location means shops and dining options are not easily available
- Some guests noted they were disturbed by noises from neighborhood services or from other guests
Insta-worthy corners
- You can't go wrong with a classic shot of using the castle facade as your backdrop
- For more intimate snapshots, I recommend photos taken in the garden for creating those fairytale vibes
The Manor Basket Range
Address: 762 Lobethal Road
3. Mount Lofty House & Estate Adelaide Hills; Adelaide (from USD 325)
Delicious, high-quality meals with fresh ingredients and extensive wine list.
Luxurious but pricey, with exceptional value for special occasions.
Secluded in the Adelaide Hills with stunning valley views and close to Botanic Gardens.
Historical site with attentive staff, beautiful pool, and day spa.
What makes it unique?
- History of decadence: Built in 1852 as a summer home that became a venue for South Australia's rich and famous before burning in 1983. Has since been rebuilt and offers guests the opulent lifestyles of its previous owners
- Extravagant stays: Posh rooms with four poster beds, a spa with signature treatments, and even a 175-year-old wine cellar with an extensive collection
- Amazing vistas: Admire the view of Piccadilly Valley from the pool area and the restaurant
Potential trade-offs
- Some guests have noted that not all rooms have views or have adequate windows for natural lighting
- Some of the furniture such as the vanity and wardrobe were said to be small
Insta-worthy corners
- The firepit is a lovely spot for a groupfie, especially during sunset
- Stay in the Piccadilly Wing and take panoramic photos of Piccadilly Valley from your balcony
Mount Lofty House & Estate Adelaide Hills - Adults Retreat
Address: 1 Mawson Drive
4. Art Series - The Watson; Adelaide (from USD 125)
What makes it unique?
- Art hotel: Part of Accor's Art Series, properties representing Australia's contemporary artists through their artworks and designs
- Representation: I find it cool that the hotel is dedicated to Yannima Tommy Watson, a beloved and award-winning Indigenous Aboriginal artist
- Cozy apartments: Each unit features stylish decor and a modern kitchenette, along with a work of the hotel's namesake artist
Potential trade-offs
- Adelaide CBD is 17 minutes away by car, so business travelers may prefer somewhere even closer
- Guests have noted the blinds were inadequate at keeping light out
Insta-worthy corners
- Take a candid photo while lounging in the pool area
- Shared spaces feature larger and more vivid works of Tommy Watson, which you could use as backdrop
Art Series - The Watson
Address: 33 Warwick Street
5. Majestic Minima Hotel; Adelaide (from USD 83)
What makes it unique?
- Eye-catching establishment: The property's vivid design stands out from its neighbors in North Adelaide
- Individually designed: Each room has unique artwork that inspires the rest of the decor for that unit
- Quaint shared space: The terrace provides a nice view of the surrounding neighborhood
Potential trade-offs
- Rooms are on the small side, only 14 sq m (150.69 sq ft)
- No on-site restaurant though there are numerous dining options nearby
Insta-worthy corners
- Show off on your socials what's special about your unique art room
- Greet the morning with a selfie or twofie on the terrace
Majestic Minima Hotel
Address: 146 Melbourne Street
6. Desert Cave Hotel; Coober Pedy (from USD 120)
Limited on-site dining, but good breakfast options and nearby restaurants.
Reasonable pricing for spacious rooms and unique underground experience.
Convenient central location with easy access to town attractions and dining options.
Underground bar, museum, and spacious pool. Some rooms need updates.
What makes it unique?
- Opal town: Situated in Coober Pedy, the world's opal mining capital
- Underground living: Many facilities and accommodations are located underground, including the bar and the game room
- Beat the heat: While underground rooms are great for escaping the desert heat, there is also a pool area on the surface if you want to take a dip
Potential trade-offs
- Some guests might find the underground rooms claustrophobic because of the lack of a view
- Coober Pedy is quite out of the way from the rest of South Australia, and I sincerely believe it's best to travel by air
Insta-worthy corners
- You can pretend to be an opal miner while exploring Coober Pedy's underground shops and tunnels
- Grab some majestic nature shots of the surrounding area during sunset or sunrise, to avoid the heat
Desert Cave Hotel
Address: Hutchison Street
Other unique accommodations in South Australia
7. Thorngrove Manor; Stirling
What makes it unique?
- Private opulence: Luxurious and exclusive Medieval-style estate with no shared spaces
- Immersive ambiance: The period-accurate artworks, antique furniture, and garden landscape create an enchanting experience
- Personalized experience: Services catered to the needs and desires of the guests, including afternoon picnics or romantic dinners
Potential trade-offs
- High price point puts this property out of reach for budget-oriented travelers
- Limited amount of accommodations so your choice may already be booked out
Insta-worthy corners
- Take in the splendor of the estate's gardens, especially during seasons of bloom
- Reenact moments from your favorite period dramas, such as dramatic balcony confessions
Thorngrove Manor
Address: 2 Glenside Lane
8. Fire Station Inn; Adelaide (from USD 207)
What makes it unique?
- Heritage inn: Built in 1866 as Adelaide's first-ever fire station, it is now an inn with three accommodations
- Immersive history: The Fire Engine Spa Suite is my favorite as it includes firefighter accouterments and memorabilia, including uniforms and a whole fire truck
- Relaxing bath: All three accommodation types come equipped with a spa bathroom, perfect after a day exploring Adelaide
Potential trade-offs
- Limited accommodations can mean the place is fully booked during peak seasons
- Property is next to a well-traveled street, so expect noise
Insta-worthy corners
- The Fire Engine Spa Suite lets guests dress up and roleplay as firefighters
- The quaint garden area has a nice shade and is good for hanging out
Fire Station Inn
Address: 80 Tynte Street
9. 'THE CHURCH' Guest Home, Gawler Barossa Region; Gawler
What makes it unique?
- Converted abode: Former church remodeled into a fenced guest home
- Eclectic home: Fully furnished home with a kitchen and loft, perfect for a large family
- Private garden: Well-manicured garden area with a covered deck and dining area
Potential trade-offs
- Interior design maximizes the space so it might be hard to move around if you're staying with a large family or group
- Some guests have noted the home might take a while to heat due to the high ceiling
Insta-worthy corners
- Enjoy some casual photography with your family in the garden
- Show off the former church's facade as a backdrop for your selfies
'THE CHURCH' Guest Home, Gawler Barossa Region This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 37A Main North Road
10. Swamp Fox luxury 2BR Dutch Barge; Goolwa
What makes it unique?
- Riverside retreat: Spacious fully equipped houseboat with its own kitchen and laundry area
- Waterside view: Guests can enjoy the peaceful waters of the Goolwa Channel from the dock or the boat's seating areas
- Pet-friendly boat: Pets are welcome aboard for an extra fee
Potential trade-offs
- Parking is a bit away from the property, which I think can be inconvenient
- Not suited for guests with limited mobility due to the walkways
Insta-worthy corners
- Sunrise and sunset shots along the river always give photos an ethereal vibe
- Trying out the activities offered, such as watersports, makes for great shutter chances
Swamp Fox luxury 2BR Dutch Barge
Address: 241 Liverpool Road
Discover new experiences in South Australia
South Australia’s a big place, so you’re sure to find many new things to make your trip memorable. Head to big cities such as Adelaide to experience the vibrant culture, or head to quiet towns like Gawler for a relaxing rural retreat. For your choice of lodgings, you should also try out one of the unique places to stay from our list.
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