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Guys, I’m going to let you in on a little slice of paradise I discovered on Hindmarsh Island. I genuinely had to think twice about posting this, because selfishly, I’m worried you’ll book it out and make it impossible for me to get back there! But, since our motto here at Adelady is to ‘share the best of SA,’ keeping this place a secret would be all kinds of wrong. So, here you go. You’re welcome!

Pelican’s Rest sits proudly on Hindmarsh Island, offering breathtaking views of the Mundoo Channel. If privacy, tranquility, sweeping views and stylish luxury tickles your fancy — this is the place for you! 

Owners Sam and Trent Bromley have poured their hearts into curating an accommodation experience that caters to all ages and occasions. Drawing from their own family travel adventures, they’ve thought of everything to make your stay effortless. “We wanted to simplify the travel experience for families so guests wouldn’t need to pack everything but the kitchen sink,” says Sam. “So we’ve tried to provide all the things that we appreciated (or would have) along our travels.” And trust me, they’ve nailed it — every detail is spot-on!

My family and I stayed at Pelican’s Rest for five nights, and from the moment we walked in, it was clear this was NOT your average accommodation. When we opened the door we were welcomed by the soothing sound of lounge music playing in the background and a mesmerising aroma. An Etikette Candle had been pre-lit before our arrival and had infused the home with its heavenly ‘Pelican’s Rest’ signature scent. How luxe! We made our way through to the open plan kitchen and living area, ‘ohhhh-ing’ and ‘ahhhhh-ing’ at the stylish decor along the way, to then be completely gobsmacked by the most INCREDIBLE view! Floor-to-ceiling windows curve the whole length of the living area providing a panoramic outlook over the Mundoo Channel. With the lawn in the foreground, sand dunes in the background, and an array of birdlife frolicking in between, you could honestly spend hours staring out these windows, just watching the water lapping and the different moods of the Channel brought by the changing weather. One morning we even had a playful seal in the water out the front! 

Unpacking at Pelican’s Rest was like a treasure hunt of unexpected surprises. When I say they’ve thought of everything to make your stay seamless, I truly mean it. They left us a personalised welcome note and stocked the kitchen with goodies to get us started. Delicious local sourdough, cereals, Goodies and Grains muesli, smoked almonds, dried apricots — you name it! When I opened the fridge, there was a cheese platter and a chilled bottle of wine ready to go. Are you kidding me?! There were even baking essentials like flour and patty pans in case the kids (me) had a craving for cupcakes. Stick a fork in me!

Some of the other provisions they provided were:

  • Milk (cow, almond, AND oat)
  • Rice, pasta, and flour
  • Stock cubes, crushed garlic, lime and lemon juice
  • Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a selection of marinades
  • Breakfast condiments (butter, peanut paste, jam, Vegemite)
  • A range of fresh herbs growing in outdoor planter boxes
  • Frozen Zooper Doopers. (It didn’t take the kids long to sniff these out)!

The best part — SO many of the goodies they provided were from SA brands. We’re talking Maggie Beer, Beerenberg, Udder Delights, and the Alexandrina Cheese Company, just to name a few. Talk about winning an Adelady’s heart!

Then there was the ‘cupboard of joy.’ In here you’ll find two coffee machines (a Breville and a Nespresso) with a packet of Port Elliot’s De Groot Coffee beans ready to caffeinate you, a SodaStream, a Nutribullet, a milkshake maker and, the kids’ favourite — a hot chocolate station (which included marshmallows and Lindt flakes to sprinkle on top). At this point, none of us were leaving. Like, ever.

Outside, the setup is just as dreamy. There’s lounge furniture, beanbags, a hammock, and a firepit for cozy nights. Outdoor activities include:

  • Lawn games
  • Basketball hoop
  • Totem tennis
  • Kids cricket set
  • Table tennis table
  • Two kayaks with adult and children’s life jackets

Pelican’s Rest even has its own private jetty — perfect for fishing or, if you’re my son — jetty jumping!

Inside, they’ve thought of everything: card and board games, colouring books and supplies, speakers, hairdryers (choose between a Cloud Nine or GHD, girls!), spare toothbrushes, sunscreen, aloe vera gel if you catch a bit too much sun, and even earplugs for those living with snorers (or noisy children)! Basically, if you forgot to pack something, they have you covered. The fluffy white robes in every wardrobe were the cherry on top. We actually lived in them, my son declaring ‘the robe’ as one of his favourite things about the whole place! It’s the little luxuries, right?!

Another very exciting thing to mention is that Pelican’s Rest is dog-friendly! With three dogs of their own, Trent and Sam know that our pets are a part of the family. They even provide a ‘Fur Baby Kit’ which includes towels, doggy bags, a lint roller, deodoriser spray, pet wipes and a leash. How thoughtful!

Pelican’s Rest isn’t just a place to stay — it’s a whole experience. Waking up to that mesmerising view every morning had my whole family smiling from ear to ear. My 12 year old even set her alarm for 5am one morning to catch the sunrise, (a big deal for anyone who knows tweens, right)?! With room for up to 10 people, I wholeheartedly recommend Pelican’s Rest for families, couples, girls’ getaways (next on my agenda!), or multigenerational holidays. Perfect for both summer and winter, this super stylish yet incredibly cosy abode is the kind of place you’ll rave about for years — just like me!

Instagram: @pelicans_rest

Website: pelicanretreats.com.au/accommodation/pelicans-rest

Location: Hindmarsh Island

Carrie Raymond

Carrie’s aim is to provide you with helpful content for all things ‘Adelaide’ — so no matter what info you’re looking for, you’ll be able to find it on our website.

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