Experience romance, the South Australian way

Here are our top 11 ways to experience romance, the South Australian way.

1. Head for the (Adelaide) Hills

Where better to enjoy one-on-one time with your special someone than in the fairy tale setting of the Adelaide Hills? Ensconced by forests, flowers and fresh air, the forecast for romance is hard to ignore.

The quaint Adelaide Hills Country Cottages are ripe with charm – just like the strawberries ready-for-the-picking at nearby Beerenberg Family Farm.

If it’s leisure you seek, stay at Mt Lofty House where you can while away the hours at Stables Day Spa and dine at the spectacular Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant.

With an abundance of accommodation, dining and recreation options to share with your loved one, the Adelaide Hills is the perfect romantic get-away.

2. Treat your sweet tooth at Haigh’s Chocolates

Does your sweetheart have a sweet tooth? Haigh’s Chocolates Visitor’s Centre is only a stone’s throw from the CBD, and runs insightful behind-the-scenes tours six days a week, free of charge.

Watch chocolatiers handcraft delicate treats, then try some for yourself. The giant milk chocolate frog, wrapped in gold  foil is a perfect gift, while delicate violet creams make a pretty gift for a loved one. All are available at the onsite retail store.

3. Experience the Mayfair’s love story

One of Adelaide’s most stylish hotels, the Mayfair offers elegance and glamour in the heart of the city. Its contemporary aesthetic appeals to those who appreciate great design and attention to detail.

The Mayfair have curated a dreamy getaway package for urban lovebirds. The Mayfair Love Story includes an overnight stay in a luxury king room, with a bottle of sparkling wine and chocolate-dipped strawberries brought to your door.

Best of all, it comes with a luxurious 12 noon checkout time (so you better let the boss know you’ll be in late the next day).

4. Star gazing at Stockport Observatory

Show your significant other that you’re truly starry-eyed over them with a trip to Stockport Observatory. Gazing into the mesmeric Milky Way, you’ll feel a world away from the light and noise of the city (though it’s actually less than a 90-minute drive).

If you’ve found the only person in the universe for you, the Observatory also welcomes private bookings.

5. Hug a koala at Cleland Wildlife Park

How about a hug from Australia’s unofficial emblem of cuteness and cuddles? At Cleland Wildlife Park you have the unique opportunity to hold a koala, hand-reared by keepers who’ll be present to answer all your koala-centric questions.

The experience comes with a souvenir photograph to forever commemorate your special moment with some of Cleland’s friendliest residents.

6. Get crafty at Jam Factory

Pottery isn’t all Unchained Melody and shirtless Patrick Swayze. Get to know the real art and craft of ceramics with a workshop at the Jam Factory, specialising in wheel-throwing and hand-building techniques.

Perhaps glass blowing or metalwork sounds more fitting of your partner? Jam Factory caters to these tastes, too.

Alternatively, take a jewellery-making workshop and give your loved one a unique piece, handcrafted especially by you.

7. Blend a bespoke perfume

It’s never too late to (old) spice up your love life with a natural perfume from One Seed. This flourishing South Australian start-up makes organic, sustainable, plant-based fragrances that unfold slowly, revealing new layers and complexities throughout the day.

Design a personalised perfume at One Seed’s online Scent Bar or learn the nuances of scent blending at a workshop with company founder Liz Cook.

8. Let your love soar with Balloon Adventures

Fly up, up and away with Balloon Adventures, as your love reaches new heights – literally – over the beautiful Barossa Valley.

Meeting at Langmeil Winery, you’ll head to the launch point before dawn. Soaring over picturesque vineyards and gardens, you’ll see the sunrise from a 360⁰ vantage point. After an airborne hour, you’ll be treated to a gourmet breakfast at Langmeil.

Chief pilot Justin Stein has accrued almost 3000 hours of flight time, so rest assured you’re in safe hands with the region’s most reputable provider of hot air balloon experiences.

9. Turn up the heat at Sticky Rice

If the way to your partner’s heart is via their stomach, look no further than a class at Sticky Rice Cooking School in Stirling.

Discover trade secrets from revered chefs such as David Thompson, Katrina Ryan, Kurma Dasa and more. Sticky Rice’s instructors have worked in restaurants all over the world, specialising in Thai, Vietnamese and other Asian cuisines.

This February, master the art of the Middle Eastern feast, or take a culinary journey to Cambodia and Korea. Make a day and night of it with a stay in one the gorgeous themed villas.

10. Glamping adventures at Wilpena Pound Resort

Wild hearts will flutter for the rugged good looks of Wilpena Pound Resort. With campgrounds, resort rooms and safari-style glamping options, there’s a space to suit outdoor enthusiasts and armchair adventurers alike.

Take a scenic flight over Lake Eyre, or stroll along the Drought Busters Trail (far more relaxing than the name suggests). Learn about the landscape and local biodiversity from the perspective of Wilpena Pound’s traditional owners, the Adnyamathanha people. Or, just soak up the sights and sounds of spectacular Ikara Flinders Ranges National Park.

11. High Tea for Two

Spoil each other silly with high tea at Utopia in Waterfall Gully.

Indulge in macarons, muffins and mousse cups – oh my! – served on handsome vintage china. Along with the delectable finger-foods, the twinkling chandelier in the century-young tearoom is a treat for the eyes, too.

Propose a toast with your teacups to love and laughter with those you care about most.