South Australians will have another reason to plan a seaside escape this summer, with the Coast is Calling travel vouchers returning in a larger, longer and more inclusive format.
A total of 30,000 vouchers will be available for coastal getaways, covering accommodation and experiences as part of the joint State and Federal Algal Bloom Summer Plan. The initiative aims to boost tourism and local spending across the coastline, where communities have been affected by the recent algal bloom.
This round includes higher-value options of up to $500 for accommodation and $100 for experiences, and for the first time extends to holiday rentals registered on the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse, the Kangaroo Island ferry, and a wider range of leisure and entertainment activities.
The vouchers will cover stays between December and late April, with a public ballot running from 1 to 3 December. Recipients will be announced on 4 December and will need to book by 19 January. Any unused vouchers will be reissued later in January to ensure maximum participation.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said the program is part of a broader effort to support coastal operators during the key summer months. He said the plan aims to lessen the economic impact of the algal bloom while giving locals more incentive to enjoy South Australia’s coastline. “Summer is a critical time for our tourism businesses, and these vouchers help both residents and small operators make the most of the season,” he said.
Federal Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell called the vouchers a practical way to keep regional economies moving. “When we support small tourism businesses, we’re supporting local jobs and the heart of our coastal communities,” he said, describing the partnership as a strong example of governments working together to back local industries.
The first round of Coast is Calling vouchers generated more than $2.7 million in bookings, creating additional spending across cafes, pubs and shops. Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison said the upcoming round will build on that success. “The beauty of these vouchers is that they not only support accommodation providers but also drive business for local traders that make coastal towns unique,” she said.
Alongside the travel vouchers, the State and Federal Governments have announced a new dining cashback program designed to encourage locals to dine out along the coast.
Worth $15 million, the Coast is Calling Dining Cashback will provide up to $50 back on meals for 300,000 South Australians. The scheme will operate across coastal regions through monthly ballot draws from November to March, allowing diners to claim half the cost of their meals at participating restaurants, pubs, cafes and takeaway shops.
Minister Bettison said the dining offer and the travel vouchers together represent a $20 million investment in coastal tourism and hospitality. “It’s a great reason to enjoy our coast this summer, whether that’s a family meal or a beachside getaway,” she said.
Both programs form part of the broader Summer Plan, which the State and Federal Governments say is designed to strengthen coastal economies, protect jobs, and encourage residents to reconnect with the state’s beaches and marine attractions.
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