Regional South Australia's tourism sector is booming, according to the state's tourism minister, reaching a financial target nearly three years ahead of schedule.
Regional visitor expenditure reached an all-time high of $3.98 billion in 2022, nearly three years ahead of a 2025 target of $4 billion.
Six of 11 regions exceeded their 2025 visitor spending targets, including the Barossa, Clare Valley, Eyre Peninsula, Fleurieu Peninsula, Murray River Lakes & Coorong, and the Yorke Peninsula.
Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison said South Australians had been discovering their own backyard.
"Australians are also spending more time looking at South Australia as an interstate destination," she said.
"We're doing incredibly well, and it has been an uncertain time for tourism and hospitality, and now we're looking for continuous stability and the ability to grow.
"One of the exciting things is, for every tourism dollar spent in South Australia, 48 cents is spent in the regions."
Visitors seek wine, beaches
The Barossa Valley and the Yorke Peninsula were two of the regions to surpass 2025 targets by $35 million and $65 million.
"The Barossa has incredible history. Everyone knows about the wine and it's a wonderful place to stay and immerse yourself," Ms Bettison said.
"The Yorke Peninsula has always been a playground of ours during summer that's so accessible from the metro areas and I think people really enjoy time out with their families there."
The Flinders Ranges also hit record visitor expenditure numbers.
"Adventure tourism and wellness tourism is attracting a lot more attention."
"People are really keen to get out in nature and enjoy what it is to take a deep breath and go for a walk around with the family."
Businesses booming
Sunny Hill Distillery is located north of Arthurton on the Yorke Peninsula and produces vodka, gin and liqueurs from grain.
Co-owner Oliva Colliver said she felt the distillery had been constantly busy since pandemic lockdowns eased.
"We've gone through the COVID low period and then the COVID high period," Ms Colliver said.
"We used to be open three days a week, but we've had to open an extra day just because of the demand of customers wanting to come out at different times.
"During the school holidays and over the summer, we'll open up five days a week when it's generally a lot more busier.
"We are definitely getting a steady flow of tourists," she said.
She said most of their customer base was coming from Adelaide and interstate.
"We do have a bit of a following on the Yorke Peninsula," Ms Colliver said.
