Art Safari - Yorke Peninsula South Australia

Embark on a One-of-a-Kind Creative Adventure: The 2025 Art Safari

Take a step into a world where art meets exploration on the 2025 Art Safari – an all-inclusive, immersive arts expedition set against the
breathtaking backdrop of South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula. Whether you're a beginner eager to try something new or a seasoned artist looking for fresh inspiration, this unique Art Safari is designed to spark your creativity and expand your skills.

The Tour is undertaken in your own vehicle with a 4th generation, local artist as your guide. On the Art Safari, established local artists will share their skills and unique studios in 'off the beaten track' rural locations. You will come away from each site, with a unique piece of art made by yourself under expert guidance.

Ceramics, photography, watercolour and silver jewelry making are all on the creative Art Safari itinerary.

Your first two nights are spent at Forgotten Paddock Bed & Breakfast and Studio (Yorke Valley) an easy 2-hour drive from Adelaide. Hosted by Andy & ceramic artist, Meg. Forgotten Paddock is a1860’s grand homestead with large rooms and high ceilings. Andy and Meg love sharing their local knowledge and magnificently restored multi-generational farmhouse and gardens (also available as accommodation) on their working cereal, cropping property.

Under Megs guidance, you will make and glaze a small, wheel thrown bowl as part of the Art Safari. Your hand made bowl will be posted to you when its fired, at no additional cost.

On leaving Forgotten Paddock, you will travel about an hour to Warooka and spend the next two nights in another historical homestead, Ballara Art and Lifestyle Retreat. Ballara is the 100-year-old family home built for William and Emilia (Millie) Baker & their five children. Its mature, water wise gardens, views to the Award-Winning Flaherty’s Beach and relics of the past, will delight and ignite your creativity. There is even an outdoor Bath House where you can unwind after a day of creativity.

Since 2019, Ballara has run Artist Residency Programs and a Gallery for local artists. It has a loyal following and has been the base for numerous and varied arts workshops, performances, markets, community group gatherings, private lunches and high-end dinners, weddings, cooking demonstrations and many memorable accommodation experiences.

Designed with everyone in mind, a wide mix  and range of creative skill levels are expected as part of the tour. Whatever your level of arts practice, you will find the Art Safari a fun, inclusive and friendly skill building experience.

While staying Ballara you will meet and be instructed on your first day by Rachelle Plazeriano, our talented watercolour artist, leather worker and mural artist. Your second day at Ballara, Jasmine Swales will inspire you. Co-owner of Studio Surf at Marion Bay, Jas is a beautiful and unique sea glass jeweller and another mural artist. 

We are sure you will be impressed by the three new murals our creative team has created in the town.

On the last day of your Art Safari, as your travel back to Adelaide, you will stop and meet Steven Renfrey.  Steve is an established and renowned portrait painter and drawing artist at his one-of-a-kind studio, come residence, come museum, come coffee shop.  An ardent collector of curiosities, you will be welcomed into his house of collectables at South Kilkerran. 

Steve’s studio is an easy drive 50-minute drive from Ballara, and on route back to Adelaide after spending a few hours learning the skills and artistic tricks of portrait drawing.

The 2025 Art Safari Tour is designed as an inclusive, all skill level experience in a relaxed, hands-on style that fosters learning,
creativity, and connection and will be a week you (with your friends and/or new acquaintances) will remember for years.