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And the winners are…

When it comes to South Australian towns, we don’t like to play favourites, but we can’t deny that we’ve fallen head over heels for the 2024 hello SA Top Tourism Towns. These towns won the votes — and also our hearts!

Victor Harbor

Winning a Top Tourism Town award is a huge feat, but winning it two years in a row deserves extra praise… and that’s exactly what Victor Harbor has done! This town is well known as a beach destination, just an hour’s drive from Adelaide. But if you scratch the surface, you’ll find a destination that’s rich in arts and culture.

Every year, a curated selection of artists display their work at the Victor Harbor Art Show at Warland Reserve, which now claims the title of Australia’s largest outdoor art exhibition.

Looking past the annual art show, you’ll find the Coral Street Art Space, Tjil-urmi Titi (Living Arts Centre). This vibrant hub is the beating heart of Victor Harbor’s art scene. Housed in a beautifully restored heritage building, the walls are adorned with an ever-changing array of exhibitions that showcase local talent and visiting artists alike. From contemporary pieces to thought-provoking installations and celebrations of First Nations heritage, this light and airy space also hosts workshops and a gift shop.

Wandering through town you’ll stumble upon several public art installations, each with its own story. Created by local artists and volunteers, these colourful works tell the tales of the region’s history and community spirit. Keep an eye out for the Telstra Exchange Building Mural and the Whaler’s Well by the waterfront.

Victor Harbor is known for celebrating the rich First Nations heritage of the Ramindjeri and Ngarrindjeri people, who have a deep connection to the Inman River (Muwerang), which is visually represented in the Muwerang Mosaic. This 36-metre-long permanent installation was created over several years with the help of passionate, hard-working volunteers assisting with the delicate tasks of tile cutting and placement.

Continue your journey from Pultang (Victor Harbor) to Kaike (Granite Island) along the causeway to explore the etchings that tell the Dreaming story of Ngurunderi and a result of five Ngarrindjeri-Ramindjeri artists who collaborated on the project.

Victor Harbor’s arts and culture scene is as refreshing as its coastal breeze. It’s a place where creativity is celebrated and visitors are invited to dive into a world of artistic wonder.

:: @visitvictorharbor :: visitvictorharbor.com ::

Burra

This year’s Tiny Tourism Town also won the People’s Choice Award, so there’s no question… you MUST add Burra to your travel list!

Burra is an easy two-hour drive north of Adelaide, making it the ideal weekender. Steeped in history and charm, the region offers a captivating blend of old and new that promises an unforgettable experience.

Walking through Burra is like stepping back in time, with the main streetscape largely unchanged since the 1850s. Yet this historic town seamlessly weaves in modern touches. Eclectic antique stores sit comfortably alongside trendy coffee shops and fashion boutiques like Iris and Wool, and Bullrush.

The Burra Heritage Passport Tour literally is your key to uncovering the secrets of this fascinating town. Collect your key from the Burra & Goyder Visitor Information Centre and embark on a journey through time. This selfguided tour grants access to 11 locked National Heritage-listed sites, including the underground cellars at the Unicorn Brewery and the historic Monster Mine. As you explore these sites, you’ll gain insight into Burra’s rich mining past, a story etched into the very fabric of the town.

For travellers looking to dip their toes into caravanning or camping, Burra boasts caravan-friendly campsites, ensuring a comfortable stay. Alternatively, the beautifully restored Paxton Square Cottages offer a cosy retreat, combining old-world charm with modern comfort.

Nature lovers will be drawn to the Red Banks Conservation Park. Here, you can embark on the Landscapes of Change interpretive walking trail, which guides you through fossil-rich soils and showcases the breathtaking hues of the Red Bank walls at sunset.

Whether you’re delving into the town’s heritage, browsing through quaint shops, or appreciating the natural scenery, Burra offers a magical weekend getaway that caters to all interests.

:: @visitburra :: visitburra.com ::

Coober Pedy

For the second year in a row, Coober Pedy has taken out the Small Tourism Town award, so it’s safe to say this unique town has well and truly earned its stripes!

Photo :: Nigel and Sue Adventures.

Coober Pedy is in the far north of SA, in the heart of the outback, but your efforts to travel such a long distance will be well rewarded! There’s so much to discover in the town, from its famed opal mining history to the intriguing underground lifestyle. But any visitor to Coober Pedy will tell you it’s the local characters that give the place colour.

Start your journey with a visit to Faye’s Historic Underground Home to learn about life in a dugout. Built forty years ago by three women, this attraction is a true testament to the pioneering spirit of the locals and even includes an underground swimming pool!

You can experience the spectacular changing colours of Coober Pedy’s ancient landscape at Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park, best viewed at sunrise or sunset. For a glimpse into the arts scene and an insight into the deep connection to the country, it’s worth a stop at Umoona Community Arts Centre, featuring worldclass local Indigenous artists.

No visit to town is complete without an education in opal mining. Coober Pedy is the opal capital of the world, where locals are still working every day to unearth these prized jewels. A visit to Tom’s Opal Mine, Umoona Mine and Museum, or the Old Timers Mine give you a chance to immerse yourself in the history of opal mining. Or opt for an evening experience with Unearthed Australian Opal, where you can join the hunt to strike it lucky yourself!

Fancy a spot of golf on the desert plains, where the greens are black and the fairways are white? The local 18-hole course has been touted as one of the top ten most unusual golf courses in the world! Golfers use a piece of artificial grass to tee off across the desert landscape.

When the day draws to a close, head to the Big Winch for a cold sundowner and then it’s stargazing time! The region’s clear, unpolluted skies offer spectacular starry vistas as far as the eye can see. A fascinating adventure awaits in Coober Pedy, so get outback and get underground!

:: @cooberpedysa :: cooberpedy.com ::

If you’re looking for your next South Australian adventure, look no further. The 2024 hello SA Top Tourism Town winners are a safe bet!

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