Round Two of South Australia Coast is Calling Vouchers: Thirty Thousand Opportunities to Experience the Best of Coastal Tourism

Published on December 1, 2025

As the festive season kicks off, South Australia’s Coast is Calling Travel Voucher program is back with even more opportunities to explore the state’s beautiful coastal destinations. Round 2 of the highly anticipated ballot opens today, offering South Australian residents the chance to win one of 30,000 travel vouchers for accommodation and experiences along the coast. This initiative is designed to inject vital support into local economies while encouraging more visitors to experience the beauty of South Australia’s coastline.

Increased Vouchers for Round 2

The second round of the Coast is Calling Travel Voucher program is set to be a significant expansion of the first round. In total, 30,000 vouchers will be available, an increase from 20,000 in the first round. This growth is expected to further stimulate the state’s coastal tourism industry, providing more opportunities for South Australians to engage with local businesses, accommodations, and activities.

From 9am (ACDT) on Monday, 1 December until 4pm (ACDT) on Wednesday, 3 December, residents aged 18 and over can enter the ballot for a chance to win vouchers worth $100, $200, or $500. With these vouchers, residents can enjoy a range of experiences and accommodations along the coast, giving them a chance to rediscover the natural beauty of the area while supporting local tourism businesses.

Supporting the Local Economy

The success of the first round of the Coast is Calling Travel Voucher program was evident in the significant boost it brought to the local economies of coastal destinations. According to new data, the first round injected an estimated $6.4 million into the visitor economies of areas impacted by the algal bloom. This success has shown how effective such initiatives can be in driving both tourism and economic recovery in affected regions.

The voucher program has not only been a boost to local businesses but has also played a role in increasing awareness of lesser-known coastal tourism operators. A survey conducted among participants who redeemed vouchers in Round 1 revealed that 50% of those surveyed had not been aware of the business they redeemed their voucher with before receiving it. Additionally, 73% of participants indicated that they would not have planned to stay at the accommodation or do the experience unless they had received the voucher, underscoring the program’s success in bringing in new customers and driving increased spending in coastal areas.

How the Program Has Expanded

Round 2 of the program is more extensive than the first, with over 270 coastal tourism businesses now registered to participate. The addition of new businesses is expected to offer a wider range of experiences and accommodations for voucher recipients, giving them more options to explore and enjoy South Australia’s stunning coastline.

One key feature of Round 2 is the inclusion of higher-value accommodation vouchers. These vouchers will allow for longer stays and more premium experiences, encouraging travellers to make the most of their time along the coast. The program will also cover a longer period of travel, extending from 5 December through to the end of the Easter school holidays, giving more flexibility for South Australians to plan their trips.

In addition to the initial ballot, a redraw will be held on 22 January for unclaimed vouchers. This will help drive redemption rates, ensuring that all available vouchers are distributed and used to stimulate tourism and business activities in the region.

A Positive Impact on Businesses

The voucher program has had a positive impact on local businesses, with many coastal tourism operators seeing a significant increase in occupancy and foot traffic. Matthew Hurley, owner of Second Valley Cottages and Lodge, shared how his business has benefitted from the program. Prior to the launch of the vouchers, his occupancy rates were down by 90% compared to the previous year. However, within a week of the vouchers becoming available, bookings picked up, and within two weeks, his occupancy was almost equal to last year. November also saw similar results, and Hurley noted that managing inventory on a daily basis was crucial to making the most of the program’s benefits.

This success story is just one example of how the Coast is Calling Travel Voucher program is making a real difference in the lives of local business owners and tourism operators. As the summer season approaches, businesses along the coast are gearing up for a busy period, with the added support of the voucher program helping to drive visitation and keep the local economy thriving.

Dining Cashback to Boost Coastal Hospitality

In addition to the travel vouchers, South Australians can also take advantage of the Summer Plan Dining Cashback program. As part of the initiative to support the coastal economy, up to 60,000 cashbacks will be awarded to South Australians who dine at participating coastal hospitality businesses and seafood retailers. The cashback offer provides 50% off, up to $50 per dining experience, making it an appealing incentive for locals to support the state’s hospitality sector during the summer months.

The Summer Plan Dining Cashback program is another component of the Algal Bloom Summer Plan, a joint initiative between the State and Federal Governments designed to stimulate visitation and economic activity along South Australia’s coast. This program, in conjunction with the Coast is Calling Travel Voucher program, aims to support businesses, boost tourism, and bring visitors back to South Australia’s coastal destinations.

Plan Your Visit to South Australia’s Coast

The second round of the Coast is Calling Travel Voucher program is an excellent opportunity for South Australians to explore their own state. Whether it’s a weekend getaway, a family vacation, or a relaxing retreat, the vouchers provide an affordable way to experience the beauty of the coast while supporting local businesses. With 30,000 vouchers on offer and a range of businesses participating, there has never been a better time to rediscover the wonders of South Australia’s coastline.

For full details on how to enter the ballot for the Coast is Calling Travel Voucher and the Summer Plan Dining Cashback programs, South Australians can visit the official website at southaustralia.com/voucher for the latest information and terms and conditions.