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30,000 South Australian travel vouchers worth up to $500 are up for grabs

Kassia ByrnesBy Kassia Byrnes
South Australia is welcoming more travellers this summer, with a new round of coastal travel vouchers across dining, accommodation and experiences.

A new round of South Australian travel vouchers and dining vouchers is being released in a ballot system to help soothe the sting to local tourism in algal bloom-affected areas.

The Algal bloom

three friends sitting on Port Willunga Beach Fleurieu Peninsula south australia
South Australia’s coastline is still safe for humans. (Image: SATC)

The current algal bloom in South Australia is affecting much of the coastline, especially the Fleurieu Peninsula, Yorke Peninsula, Kangaroo Island and the Spencer Gulf.

While algae and even blooms of algae are a natural part of coastal ecosystems, the current bloom in South Australia is toxic to fish and some other marine animals. As a result, both marine life and the industries that rely on it (fishing, aquaculture and tourism) are seeing a serious negative impact. However, it is still safe for humans to swim in SA beaches , provided they avoid discoloured and/or foamy water (which may cause mild, short-term irritation).

This current algal bloom phenomenon came about as a result of floodwaters from the River Murray in 2022-23, a cold-water upwelling in summer 2023-24 and a marine heatwave that has been happening since September 2024. Each event brought extra nutrients to the sea and then lifted them to the surface.

In response, a $102.5 million Algal Bloom Summer Plan was announced by the South Australian and Australian governments, including measures to protect the marine environment and back coastal communities.

Travel vouchers

seal pups on Seal Bay Conservation Park Kangaroo Island south australia
Catch the ferry to Kangaroo Island with the experience vouchers. (Image: Kangaroo Island Tourism Alliance)

Open to South Australians, 30,000 travel vouchers of up to $500 for accommodation and $100 for experiences in coastal destinations will be up for grabs. It comes as a bigger, extended round of the popular Coast is Calling travel voucher program (with the first round having been announced in August).

This round will expand on the first to also include qualifying holiday rentals, the Kangaroo Island ferry and additional experiences, including guided sporting experiences and additional leisure and entertainment activities. As well as an extended period of travel between December 5 and April 26.

Accommodation vouchers are intended to encourage longer stays, worth $500 for a five-night minimum stay, $200 for a two-night minimum stay and $100 for a one-night minimum stay.

“These vouchers are helping local businesses bounce back, driving tourism and keeping regional economies strong right across the state’s coastline," said Minister for the Environment, Murray Watt . “This program is about more than just holidays – it’s about supporting jobs, small businesses and the communities that make South Australia’s coast such a special part of the country".

“Another 30,000 vouchers released for summer will be a game-changer for many coastal businesses who rely on this holiday period to set themselves up for the rest of the year," added Minister for Multicultural Affairs of South Australia, Zoe Bettison.

Dining vouchers

womand and her child walking at Dolphin Bay Yorke Peninsula
It’s the perfect time for a family getaway. (Image: Carly Kruger)

A $15 million dining program in the form of 300,000 $50 dining vouchers to be used at coastal dining venues – including restaurants, cafes, pubs, clubs and takeaway venues – will give travellers the ability to get $50 cashback on their meal. Using the voucher, travellers can upload their meal receipt from a participating business along with their unique voucher code to receive 50 per cent off their meal, up to $50.

“We’re currently seeing the impact a voucher program can make, with the first round of Coast is Calling Vouchers already injecting over $2.7 million in booking value alone into communities impacted by the algal bloom," said Bettison.

How to enter the ballot

South Australian travellers can enter the dining public ballot on the Coast is Calling website . From 3 November 2025, 60,000 vouchers will be on offer in this first round. Subsequent ballots will be drawn in December, January, February and March.

A ballot for travel vouchers will open from 1-3 December, to be drawn on December 4. Voucher winners will need to book by January 19, and can be used for travel between 5 December and 26 April.

Kassia Byrnes
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
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Your guide to slowing down in the Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges

    Gemma KaczerepaBy Gemma Kaczerepa
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    There’s no better place to unwind than the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges – a leafy and idyllic region shrouded in mist, fern-filled gullies and a peaceful atmosphere.

    Wrapped in the crisp mountain air, ancient ferns and ethereally verdant landscapes of the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges , you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in another world (or at least another part of the planet).

    But this gorgeous pocket is under an hour from Melbourne, a mix of top-notch food and wine, boutique stays and forested scenery that make for an easy weekend away or even a midweek escape. In fact, visiting during the week can offer a deeply relaxing experience, with fewer crowds and more space to linger.

    If you’re keen to unwind, here’s how to spend your time in this idyllic neck of the woods.

    Where to eat

    Yarra Valley Dairy
    Treat your taste buds to Yarra Valley Dairy. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    From farm gates to cosy eateries, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges house a plethora of places to feast. Start your day with a leisurely brunch and coffee at Ripe . This local hangout combines warm hospitality and hearty cafe fare against a backdrop of the hills’ iconic tree-fern canopies. It’s also nestled in the heart of Sassafras, the quaint village that best captures the Dandenong Ranges’ old-world charm.

    Next, take yourself on a gastronomic adventure. Visit Yarra Valley Dairy , a regional favourite doing handmade cheeses, or Cherry Hill Orchards , where in summer you can pick your own cherries and enjoy them in the farm’s picturesque grounds. Treat yourself to a tasting at one of the Yarra Valley’s renowned wineries to finish – Rochford , Re’em and De Bortoli are standout picks for a sample of the region’s signature drops.

    By night, book a table at either Citrine in the mountain town of Olinda or restaurant 1309 at Balgownie Estate in the Yarra Valley. Both do elevated seasonal fare paired with excellent drinks.

    And if you’re simply in the mood for a tipple, you’re spoiled for choice. The Alpine Hotel in riverside Warburton is a historic and character-filled spot pouring pints and locally made drinks, while Four Pillars is a must for gin lovers. The distillery’s award-winning spirits are famed nationwide, but here you can try them right from the source.

    Things to do outdoors

    two people walking through Dandenong Ranges National Park
    Wander the Dandenong Ranges National Park.

    A motley patchwork of misty rainforest, rugged bushscapes and beautifully tended gardens, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges are some of Melbourne’s most scenic pockets. No visit to the region would be complete without a wander through its lush surrounds, either by bike or on foot.

    The Ngurrak Barring trail stretches 39 kilometres through the Dandenong Ranges, connecting the towns and fern-filled forests that make the hills so unique. Along the way, be immersed in thought-provoking art installations and cultural stories, sharing a different perspective of this ancient landscape.

    While in the area, wander through Cloudehill Garden & Nursery and the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens , situated in Olinda. The cooler climate, rich volcanic soil and consistent rainfall offer both gardens ideal conditions for vivid and vibrant flora.

    Over in the Yarra Valley, the 40-kilometre Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail is a flat and family-friendly path perfect for leisurely bike rides and longer walks. It takes you through vine-lined scenery and towns like Seville and Wandin. Biking enthusiasts should head to the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination, a network of 160 kilometres of trails that traverse through untamed terrain.

    For a more laidback outing, Alowyn Gardens encompasses seven acres of themed gardens perfect for a meandering stroll. The nearly 100-metre-long wisteria archway that connects different garden zones is a highlight – especially in October, when the lilac blossoms are in spectacular bloom.

    The arts and culture scene

    TarraWarra Museum of Art
    Take in the displays at TarraWarra Museum of Art. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges are havens for arts and culture thanks to their inspiring landscapes and thriving creative community. Naturally, a slower escape should include a visit to some of the region’s best studios and galleries.

    The TarraWarra Museum of Art in Healesville showcases modern and contemporary Australian art, with both a permanent collection and a rotating display of thoughtful exhibitions. The building and grounds are well worth exploring: a striking architectural landmark amid landscaped lawns and open-air sculptures overlooking the Yarra Valley.

    Delve into the area’s rich history at the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum , a treasure trove of more than 13,000 unique pieces. See everything from Indigenous artefacts to archival photographs and historical objects that tell the region’s story.

    On your way back to the city, stop by the leafy enclave of Eltham to discover Montsalvat . This five-acre artistic playground is Australia’s oldest continuous art community, combining galleries, Gothic-style buildings and expansive heritage gardens.

    Stay at a local retreat

    Re’em yarra valley accommodation
    Re’em is an ideal pick for an indulgent stay.

    No matter your style, and no matter your budget, you’ll find a suitable spot in the region to rest your head. If the weather is warm and the sky is clear, set up a tent at BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park or Pine Hill Cabin & Caravan Park. The former has secluded camping spots surrounded by tranquil bushland and local wildlife, along with glamping pods and cabins. The latter has powered and unpowered sites suitable for all kinds of campers, and is pet-friendly if you’re travelling with your four-legged friend.

    Or, book yourself into the RACV Healesville Country Club & Resort – a sprawling retreat complete with stylish rooms and luxe amenities that invite you to unwind. Relax at the day spa, tee off at the 18-hole golf course, or recharge with a round of tennis or a few laps in the pool.

    And if you’re after something truly indulgent, Re’em is an ideal pick. A boutique collection of just 16, the luxuriously appointed rooms feature plush linens, high-end amenities and oversized baths with panoramic views across the estate. A gourmet breakfast showcasing gorgeous local produce is also included.

    Start planning your reset getaway at visityarravalley.com.au.