Staycation Why leave home for your next getaway when everything you need is right here? Story by Jake Dean.
Above: Stand up paddleboarding (SUP) in the azure waters off the pristine Port Willunga Beach. Who’s in? Photo courtesy of SUP Down South.
Pining for a holiday? Aren’t we all. Having a trip pencilled in the calendar gives us something to look forward to and being exposed to different cultures and experiences can help us grow in myriad ways. On the other hand, we often gloss over the negatives of vacations. There’s the exorbitant hit to the bank account (particularly if you’ve got kids in tow); the hours and days sitting on planes, trains and taxis; and the problematic nature of air travel amid global warming. And don’t get me started on jetlag.
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What if we told you your next getaway was right under your nose? The Fleurieu is blessed with world-renowned wine regions, unique natural environments and wildlife, and eclectic events and experiences. It’s a wonder more of us don’t plan regular short trips closer to home to take advantage of it all. So, book yourself a hotel, campsite or Airbnb and plan a fun itinerary full of new sights, smells and experiences. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Garden fun
Jungle in Willunga Tell your kids there’s a tropical jungle filled with exotic animals down the road and watch them roll their eyes. Then see their faces as you pull into the carpark of Jungle in Willunga, a specialist plant nursery that makes for a truly unique stop between Willunga and the Vale. While specialising in tropical-look, unusual and indoor plants and bamboo, the nursery also contains a huge jungle garden with heaps of (fake) wild animals to discover, and a jungle climbing net. Watch out for school holiday activities in January (and make sure to clear space in the car for the plants you’ll want to take home).
