If you haven’t visited these towns, it’s time to put them on your list!
They say winners are grinners, and these towns are grinning from ear to ear after being awarded highest honours in the SA Top Tourism Town Awards in 2023. Let’s dive a little deeper into what makes Victor Harbor, Coober Pedy and Port Broughton award-worthy…
VICTOR HARBOR
This town took out not one, but two awards in 2023 — Top Tourism Town and People’s Choice — and we couldn’t be happier for them!
Image Credit :: Lost Phoenix Farm
We’ve visited Victor many times since our childhood days and it holds a very special place in our hearts. There’s an endless array of things to do in this vibrant seaside town, which is just a 60-minute drive from Adelaide. That first glimpse of the coast evokes a feeling of excitement for adventures ahead, with breathtaking scenery, magnificent beaches, wildlife galore and unique history. This town has it all in spades!
Image Credit :: Big Duck Boat Tours
Some of our fave things to do in Victor? We love spending a day at Lost Phoenix Farm and Cut Hill Distillery, exploring seasonal food and hand-crafted spirits overlooking the rolling hills; hopping aboard The Big Duck Boat Tours to watch dolphins playing in the turquoise waters; kicking up the hay on a family farm visit at Softfoot Alpacas or Urimbirra Wildlife Park; or if adventure calls, joining an exhilarating quad bike ride with sweeping coastal views at Waitpinga Quad Bike Tours. By night, it’s always good to kick back with a glass in hand at one of the many accommodation offerings and wake up to waves lapping the shores.
PORT BROUGHTON
This charming coastal town on the northern end of the Yorke Peninsula has been crowned as the Top Tiny Town for 2023! Just two hours from Adelaide and within easy reach of the Southern Flinders Ranges, Clare Valley wineries and the wonders of the Copper Coast, this seaside town is the perfect base to visit a number of South Australia’s famous regions.
Image Credit :: Port Broughton Jettty
But more than that, Port Broughton is a holiday destination in its own right. Feast on locally caught seafood, or you could even try catching your own! Drop in a line from the jetty or take a fishing charter for an opportunity to snare some of the finest snapper in the world, along with yellowfin whiting, salmon, blue swimmer crab and fresh squid… heaven!
Image Credit :: Port Broughton Tourist Park
While in town, you can experience the Historic Walking Trail, visit the Heritage Centre, view ongoing exhibitions at Gallery 1871 and enjoy the family-friendly facilities at Port Broughton Tourist Park. The town also comes alive for the seasonal Seaside Markets — an event not to be missed. Port Broughton, you have our hearts!
COOBER PEDY
The Small Tourism Town for 2023 is quirky, edgy and leaves its imprint forever on all those who visit. We’re talking about none other than Coober Pedy!
Image Credit :: Coober Pedy
This outback town is known for its opals, but the true beauty of Coober Pedy lies in the uniqueness of the landscape and the incredible experiences that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Due to the extreme heat of this region, many of the locals live underground in dugouts. For visitors, the experience of camping out underground is one you’ll never forget. You can also visit an underground museum, a bar, churches and homes… it’s fascinating.
Image Credit :: Comfort Inn Coober Pedy
There’s true diversity in the locals who call Coober Pedy home and the opportunity to be shown around by a proud outback character is definitely not to be passed up! Drive the Dingo Fence, play one of the most rugged golf courses in the world, or take a scenic flight over Lake Eyre. If you’re looking for adventure of a different kind, Coober Pedy is for you.
Congratulations to all three winners of the Top Tourism Town Awards for 2023. It’s easy to see why they’ve been crowned as South Australia’s best and we can’t wait to visit again soon.
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