Each villa has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, so there’s plenty of space for a girls weekend away, a family stay or maybe even extend the invite to the grandparents to join (because babysitters are pretty handy when staying in a wine region, just saying). The design is modern but welcoming, with polished concrete downstairs and warm timber floors upstairs. Yep, stairs, so if you have toddlers this one probably isn’t super geared up for the really little kids if we are honest. Our three kids, aged 6, 7 and 10 years spread out and made themselves right at home within five minutes of arriving.

We have to mention the beds because, honestly they were some of the most comfortable we’ve ever slept in. The linen is next level, the quilts are super plush, and getting up in the morning was a serious struggle (in the best way). Even the kids didn’t want to get out of bed, which never happens.

Our villa had a sweet little garden and outdoor dining area plus BBQ and a patio swing (big hit with the little ones). The kitchen is brilliantly stocked with all of the gear you could dream up to cook up a meal, or better yet, assemble a cheese platter to go with a local red or even to shake up a cocktail. There’s a Nespresso machine, T2 teas, and a high chair tucked away in the pantry for families travelling with babies or toddlers. The Wi-Fi is sh*t hot (we said what we said). Fast enough for work, streaming, or keeping the kids happy with a bit of Netflix downtime when you need a breather or want to finish that glass of wine in peace.

It’s self-catered, but you’re spoilt for choice with food and coffee options just a short stroll away. Plus you’re literally next to the Shiraz Trail, which is great for a morning walk or bike ride, weather permitting.

We loved that Vale 194 gave us the space and comfort of home, with a touch of luxury. Everything from the bedding to the kitchen fit-out is high quality, and if you’re sharing with a couple of others, it suddenly becomes a pretty affordable way to live in luxury for the weekend.

Highly recommend for family getaways, girls’ weekends, special occasions, or even just a change of scenery that doesn’t require a long drive. Would we go again? Absolutely!

Location: – 15/194 Main Rd McLaren Vale SA 5171
Email: info@vale194.com.au
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Once the garden gates close to the public at 5:30pm, dinner guests are personally escorted through the gardens to the restaurant. It’s quiet, it’s intimate, and it honestly feels a little bit cinematic (cue the soft lighting, twinkling trees and zero background traffic noise). It’s the kind of night that starts with a deep breath and ends with a full belly and happy heart.

At the helm is Executive Chef Tom Tilbury, who brings a love of seasonal South Australian produce to the menu. Dishes are fresh, beautifully balanced, and full of flavour – this is food that knows when to be comforting and when to show off a little.

We started with a few small plates to share: sourdough with Dairyman butter marbled with Vegemite, BBQ’d pickles in olive oil, and plump marinated Coriole olives. It was simple and absolutely delicious. The pumpkin and goat’s cheese tart was a standout, rich, silky, and bursting with herby, garden-fresh flavour. The lamb sausage, served with roasted onion and beetroot, was hearty and packed with bold, earthy depth. And then there was dessert. The Golden Gaytime parfait with shortbread crumb…just wow! Creamy, nostalgic, and ridiculously good – the kind of dessert you don’t want to share… but probably should.

The menu changes with the seasons, and the dishes strike that sweet spot between feeling a little bit fancy but not too fussy. Pair it with a local wine or a cocktail, and you’re winning.

The Lodge’s styling nods to vintage Australiana in a subtle, tasteful way, but it’s the service and setting that really steal the show. There’s both indoor and outdoor seating, so you can cosy up inside or soak up the lakeside views alfresco. By day, The Lodge is a relaxed space that’s totally family-friendly – open seven days for lunch from 11:30am to 3:00pm with a menu that’s similar and just as impressive as the dinner offering. It’s the kind of spot where you can swing by for a coffee after a wander through the gardens with the kids or stay for a laid-back lunch that feels a little bit special. By night? It transforms into something quietly magical.

Whether you’re sipping cocktails by the lake, splitting a bottle of local wine, or simply catching up without the soundtrack of “Mum, Mum, Muuuuuum,” this place feels like a breath of fresh air… literally.

Need to Know:

• Lunch: Daily, 11:30am to 3:00pm
• Dinner: Friday & Saturday from 6:00pm (escorted entry after gates close)
• Coffee and Cakes: 9:30am – 4pm
• Access: Best via Friend’s Gate on Plane Tree Drive
• Parking: Paid parking nearby, free on Sundays and public holidays
• Dietaries? Absolutely catered for – just speak with the team
• Location: Right inside the 91������ý Botanic Garden, just west of Restaurant Botanic

So, start planning your next date night. Round up the girls. Lock in the sitter. Throw on something that’s not activewear (we dare you). The Lodge is your go-to for a grown-up night out – no stress, no traffic chaos, just seriously good food and wine in one of the most beautiful spots in 91������ý.

Location: Main Lake (Kainka Wirra), 91������ý Botanic Garden, Plane Tree Drive,
91������ý, SA, 5000, Kaurna Land
Email: hello@botaniclodge.com.au
Phone: (08) 7082 0177

I needed a break. Call it what you like, Mum’s Time Out, Girls Night Away, Mum Break, Me Time, You Time; the name of 24 hours off grid from EVERY THING and every one doesn’t really matter. The opportunity to actually do it is so damn healthy yet so damn hard to pull off for some of us. I was determined to make it happen and I found the ultimate place to disconnect when I visited in the Clare Valley. Gather a girl tribe or go it alone (as I did), it is the deeeeee-vine self indulgence that I was badly craving.

At Bukirk you will get a REAL glamping experience. It is not a cabin or a half done tent in a holiday park that you can’t stand up in or that flaps around your head while you try to sleep. It’s isolated and quiet, divine and the highest of quality. Bonus – you just roll in and it’s all set up for you.

Five fabulously appointed en-suited glamping tents sit unassumingly on the sweetest property on outskirts of Clare. Think chic spaces, rustic country side, uber comfy new beds, abundance of fresh air and an opportunity to enjoy being in nature, in luxurious comfort. A magical vibrant clash of two opposites; nature and luxury. Yes, that’s it. That’s what this place is.

Sleeping in fresh air and camping in general will always appealed to me. A wine under the stars, an outdoor bath under the old windmill and a fancy communal kitchen space provided by the fire pit (lit when it is well out of fire season) tick many further boxes.

Given I was on a mission to have some ‘Mum Time’ I loved that Bukirk actually isn’t for kids. Perfect. We need places like this. It is an adults only oasis that accommodates just five couples (or singles in the case of my visit) at a time. When is the last time you spent some time just on you?

Set around a quality camp kitchen that offers some basic amenities and communal space, I spent my evening watching the sun set and pouring a local Riesling (or two) with owner Alison (Chook), who was only too happy to give me her pointers on the best of the region. I love that she’s local and not some pretentious eastern states investor who might potentially over charge and under deliver. This talented lady has both work ethic and Clare Valley in her veins and you’d be hard pressed to find a better host any where.

My visit fell in summer and it was a HOT day. On arrival I was really thinking ‘Bishop, what have you bloody done’ and that I might be in for a hot night. Nope. Once that sun sets in the Clare Valley the temperature drops and it is delightful. Until that time you can cool off in the open air bath. Sure, you can also book a portable air conditioner for nominal fee – but honestly, I didn’t even need to sleep with my in-tent fan on. On the flip side there is a quirky fire pit for the cooler months and cute gas heaters in all tents. I’m going back in May to star gaze and sip some red wine around that fire pit. A.L.R.E.A.D.Y booked.

So, let me tell you a little bit about the five tents. Why not book them all out and have a celebration here? Two have king sized beds and the others queen. There is an option to stay in the king tents with the beds zipped apart (for a small housekeeping fee). Each tent is named after a different type of chicken and very subtly themed that way (think silkie, frizzle, araucana etc etc.) You see, owner/manager Alison is more commonly known as ‘Chook’ in these parts and yep if you guessed it “Bukirk” comes from the noise a hen happily makes (bok bok bok bukirk….)

The tents are spacious and lavishly furnished with delightful rugs, devine linen, cushions and throws (something most blokes have little appreciation for lets face it). The beds – oh so new and wonderful. Each tent has a mini bar fridge with some choccies and drinks and an honestly system to place your lemonade bottle change in the jar if you take something. Loads of easy breezy windows and doors for access and fresh air ensure you wont forget that you are in the great out doors and yep, there are lamps for night time (but bugs like light so keep zipped up) although I kept mine off most of the night. Each tent has a modern en-suite with toilet, sink, mirror, power and a full sized rain water shower. (Prepare for soft hair!)

I loved LOVED my stay here. It goes with out saying that I didn’t want to leave. I have told every one who will listen about how great it is (honestly it runs rings around any glamping experience I have personally seen here in Australia). Finally – when I return in May I plan to take some interstate girlfriends and artist Caroline Fox to give us a (think sip and paint led by a talented fun artist). So good.

PS Special shout out to my first ever real life pig experience. Resident ‘Kevin Bacon’ made my stay even more memorable. Who knew pigs had such amazing friendly personalities? Hilarious.

So, if you have ever been ‘glamping curious’ or even if you haven’t – look them up and book in a stay. Bukirk would also make a wonderful gift voucher say for a wedding present or a group present for a 40th or special occasion.

You'll find Bukirk Glamping at
88 Stradbroke Road, Stanley Flat South Australia (Clare Valley)
For more info and to book visit

Follow them on Instagram
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Phone them on  0455 666 177 
Email at glamping@bukirk.com.au 

So I had know for a little while that The Crafers Hotel was looking chic and new. I had even heard the accommodation was a little oasis of luxury – how unexpected if you don’t know. Until I had experienced it for my self – I honestly had no idea it would be THIS good.

Rewind a little, it’s school holidays and my mother in law is visiting from Queensland. Hello opportunity to get 24 hours off of the parent roster. Can you even imagine? 24 hours of no one asking you for any thing except maybe ‘what would you like to order?’ Or ‘would you like us to bring that espresso martini up to your room?’ (ummm…yes….yes I would..) Those questions I could deal with for a day. Sign. Me. Up.

There are seven beautifully appointed rooms at The Crafers Hotel. All recently refurbished. All absolutely five star and divine. 91������ý CBD accommodation has nothing on this place. Yes really.

I planned to read my first magazine in about nine years (age of my eldest child – coincidence?) and read I did. Right after I ordered a local gin and rang my best friend and told her to sort a leave pass because my oversized king bed was definitely big enough to share – we were staying in luxury tonight baby! Like the legend that she is, she sorted her own child care and jumped in the car (three hour drive mind you). It’s nothing short of soul food to get that rare uninterrupted night with a best friend.

Aesop products, Sheridan linen, pure Australian wool carpets and not a grubby finger print in sight. I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Of course it would also be relaxing (and maybe result in a little less of a hang over) to do this on your own, or perhaps you are looking for the ultimate date night or anniversary celebration – seriously just book this joint in.

I stayed in a Deluxe Room, that had the sweetest little french doors out on to a semi private balcony, surrounded by leafy manicured garden, where I sat and enjoyed a drink, in silence. Oh the silence and the non existing dishes or toy spill. This, this is good for you.

With out needing to go any where, I had made a dinner reservation for my bestie and I in the award winning dining room and wow it didn’t disappoint. Slightly French inspired and fancier than your average pub meal, the restaurant here at The Crafers Hotel exceeded all expectations. I had been recommended the steak and teamed with a lovely red from the enormous wine cellar (that you MUST check out) I was 110% satisfied. Matt, the Manager, even convinced me to try some escargot – because life is all about new experiences right?

The dining areas at the Crafers have also been flawlessly renovated and include a conservatory, dining room and quirky bar, as well as a front bar and a small private ‘Nelson Room’. If you think deciding what to order from the menu is hard, I struggled first with selecting where to sit! This ‘pub’ would make an impressive special celebration venue for a small group if you are looking for something very classy.

So, when is the last time you took some Mum’s time out? Ditch the Mum guilt and put this little gem on your bucket list for a night away ASAP in 2020. On your own, or with your best friend. The accommodation was heaven and the food, beverage and service honestly all next level.

After a wonderful sleep-in (in the worlds most comfortable bed), a quick included continental breakky (make your own) I completed my stay with a wander along the leafy path that joins Crafers to nearby Stirling, for lunch. My final highlight, I stopped off at the Mt Lofty Botanic Garden on my way home – just to drag out my final hour of freedom and drink in a little more of the magical 91������ý Hills before I was back to the grind.

You'll find The Crafers Hotel at 
8 Main Street, Crafers South Australia
For more information and to book visit their website at
www.crafershotel.com.au
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Phone them on 08 8339 2050