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

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

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

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.