16 Best Day Trips from Adelaide

Day trips from Adelaide feature everything from wildlife, wineries and galleries to fossil trails and antiquing. Less than two hours from the city centre, these day trips will take you to some of the best things to do in South Australia. Explore the Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills, or McLaren Vale wine regions or relax on the coast at Victor Harbor, Deep Creek National Park, Rapid Bay and Second Valley.

In this list of the best self-drive trips from Adelaide we have included travel times and who the day trip will appeal too. You’ll find a mix of short drives to places where you can spend the day and longer day trips where getting there is part of the fun. Click on the FAQ’s for extra information on costs, food options, picnic and BBQ facilities and nearby attractions.

Disclosure: Please Note That Some Links In This Post May Be Affiliate Links, And At No Additional Cost To You, We Earn A Small Commission If You Make A Purchase. Commissions Go Toward Maintaining The Curious Campers Website.

View over Adelaide City
View over Adelaide City

Best Time to Visit Adelaide

Adelaide and South Australia are often bypassed as a tourist hotspot however, South Australia’s capital, Adelaide is the perfect destination for a laid back holiday with an excellent reputation for fine food and wine, beautiful beaches and an abundance of wildlife.

January and Februrary are the hottest months of the year with average daily temperatures in the high 20’s and warm nights but daytime temperatures in the high 30s are not uncommon. By March and April the edge has come off the heat making for perfect days for the Fringe Festival and WOMADelaide Festival.

Adelaide has four distinct seasons and as Adelaide locals, our faviourite time of the year is autumn and spring. Autumn is a beautiful time in Adelaide with blue sunny days, temperatures in the 20’s and plenty of autumn colour in the Adelaide Hills.  Spring busts into life around September, again a beautiful time of the year.

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Victor Harbor Horse Drawn Tram

Victor Harbor + Granite Island

🕒 Adelaide to Victor Harbour travel time – 1 hour 10 minutes via the Southern Expressway or 90 minutes via the South Easter Freeway and historic Strathalbyn.
❤️️ Who will like this?  This is a great family day trip from Adelaide. From mini golf and wildlife parks to fun walks, beaches and great scenery, it’s easy to see why a day trip to Victor is an Adelaide tradition.

Victor Harbor FAQ’s

Cost – there is a small fee for catching the horse drawn tram across the causeway to Granite island and Parking fees apply to much of the parking around the foreshore.

Food and Drink – If you don’t have time to pack a picnic lunch, don’t worry there are plenty of food options in Victor Harbour. From casual food vans and cafes around the foreshore to Nino’s of Victor Harbor, great Italian at Trattoria Lungomare and Encounter Bistro at the Hotel Victor you’ll find plenty of places to get a meal.

Victor Harbor is one of South Australia’s favourite day trips. Not only does the seaside town have a relaxed holiday vibe, but there is also a lot to do. Catch the Cockle Train to neighbouring Goolwa. Feed kangaroos at Urimbirra Wildlife Park. Visit the South Australian Whale Centre and, in winter, go whale watching. On the beachfront you can do everything from play mini golf to go on a camel ride along the sand. Drive around to the Rosetta Head (also known as the Bluff) and take the short, steep walk to the top for great views. Keep an eye out for whales in winter and sea eagles overhead.

In the heart of Victor Harbor a causeway connects the town to Granite Island. You can walk across or take the horse drawn tram. You can walk around the island and get some great views of the Waitpinga Cliffs and, on a fine day, the start of the Coorong. If the weather is a bit stormy, Granite Island is a fun place to watch the waves crash into the lichen stained granite rocks.

For nature spotters, Granite Island also has a couple of wildlife experiences. If you want to meet a few of the local seals and dolphins try the Big Duck Tour. The high-powered rubber duck leaves from the causeway.

Victor Harbour Day Tours

  • Southern Ocean Adventure Cruise – Cruise to Seal Island on a 1.5-hour marine wildlife tour. Look for seals, sea lions, sea birds, dolphins, and migrating southern right whales around Seal Island, Wright Island, and the Waitpinga Cliffs
  • Seal Island Boat Tour – 45-minute boat ride to Seal Island and Wright Island to look for seals, sea lions, and bottle-nose dolphins, and hear the history of whaling in Encounter Bay
  • Victor Harbor and Southern Highlights Tour – Full-day tour to Victor Harbor and McLaren Vale. Drive through the Adelaide Hills & along South Australia’s coast. 3-course lunch in Victor Harbor. Taste wine, cheese in McLaren Vale wine region

Read More :  Fun Things to do in Victor Harbor

Horseshoe Bay
Horseshoe Bay

Beach Day at Port Elliot

🕒 Adelaide to Port Elliot travel time – 65 minutes via the Southern Expressway or 90 minutes through the picturesque Adelaide Hills and Strathalbyn

❤️️ Who will like this? This is a great day trip from Adelaide if you are looking for a costal location with a beautiful beach, great walks around the headland and an eclectic shopping and art scene.

Port Elliot FAQ’s

Parking – There is limited parking at Horseshoe Bay. If you are not there early you might need to park in a side street or at the top carpark and walk down.

Port Elliot Bakery – Check out their Facebook or Instagram page for their famous Donut of the Month.

Is Horseshoe Bay safe? Horseshoe Bay is patrolled by surf life savers in summer and the bay is quite protected, so it is a generally safe swimming spot.

Port Elliot is smaller than Victor Harbor but while there are fewer attractions here, Port Elliot does have a gem of a beach. Horseshoe Bay in Port Elliot is a beautiful, protected cove ideal for a family day at the beach. The beach, which is patrolled in summer, has a grass reserve behind it and The Flying Fish Café which serves up great meals and coffee.

From either Horseshoe Bay or another carpark at the top of the headland you can explore the coast on the 1.9km Harbourmasters Walking Trail. There is a big lookout at Freemans Knob which you can access easily from a carpark. Kids will love the scramble up the hill from the beach at Lucky Bay to the start of the walking track.

On the main street you’ll find everything from second hand clothes, homewares and cosy cafes to art galleries. If you see a queue down the main street, you have probably found The Port Elliot bakery. This place is an institution where lining up for your food has somehow become part of the experience.

Port Elliot Beaches

Goolwa + Middleton 

🕒 Adelaide to Goolwa travel time – 70 minutes via the Southern Expressway or 80 minutes through the Adelaide Hills and Strathalbyn.

❤️️ Who will like this? A daytrip to Goolwa will appeal to a range of people. You can relax by the river and enjoy the history of the port, markets and local food or it is a great spot for a day at the beach.

Goolwa + Middleton FAQ’s

Goolwa Beach – On a good day, Goolwa Beach is calm is a fun family beach, but it is also regarded as a surf beach and the waves and undertow can be strong. It is great if you are confident in the water and want to spend a day on a surf or boogie board but some days will not be suitable for inexperienced or young swimmers. Goolwa Beach is patrolled over summer by the local surf lifesaving club.

Goolwa Cockles – Pipis or the Goolwa cockle can be collected from Goolwa Beach from the start of November to the end of May. Bag and size limits apply – Fisheries Rangers regularly patrol the beach. Local service stations and tackle shops have cockle measurers to help you know if you have a legal sized cockle.

Goolwa has a spit personality. You can spend the day exploring the river around the Goolwa Wharf Precinct. Here the town’s river history combines with local cafes, restaurants and brewers to create a wonderful place to relax and watch the pelicans fly by. It is the end of the line for the Cockle Train that runs between Goolwa and Victor Harbor or take a cruise or look around the paddle steamer Oscar W that is often docked there. The Goolwa Markets run every other Sunday and have a great range of local produce, art and craft and bric-a-brac.

The other side of Goolwa’s personality revolves around the coastline. Goolwa Beach is one of South Australia’s best beaches. There is plenty of parking, and kilometres of sand and surf to enjoy.  4WDs can get onto the beach and drive to the Murray Mouth (make sure you deflate your tyres). You can also drive to the Murray Mouth if you take the bridge over to Hindmarsh Island.

There are Coorong wildlife cruises and kayak tours. Hire kayaks and paddle around flocks of swans and pelicans or drive to the barrages and meet the resident seals. The next town over, Middleton is much smaller but also has great beaches and the Kombi Surf School can have you hitting the waves. The main street is dotted with cool galleries and cafes.

Goolwa Day Tours

  • Kayak the Coorong – A relaxing one-day all-inclusive kayak tour of the Coorong and Murray Mouth region.  The tour will involve 3 hours of kayak cruising, broken up with numerous stops and delicious local food.
  • Learn to Surf at Middleton Beach – Take a surfing lesson at Middleton Beach. Your qualified surfing instructor teaches the basics of how to surf or assists you to refine your existing skills.
Strathalbyn
Strathalbyn History

Strathalbyn + Langhorne Creek Wineries

🕒 Adelaide to Strathalbyn travel time – 55 minutes via the South-eastern Freeway through the Adelaide Hills and Mount Barker.

❤️️ Who will like this? If you want to spend a lazy day looking around one of South Australia’s hidden gems, this day trip to Strathalbyn is for you – think antique shops, historical walks, lovely gardens, cafes and wineries.

Strathalbyn is a less than one hour from Adelaide, but it feels like it is another world away. We often pass through the town and every time we do; we say what a lovely spot it is.

One of the highlights is the manicured Soldiers Memorial Garden next to the Angas River. Following the Angas River Walk is the best way to enjoy the gardens, reserves and old bridges. If you are in a walking mood, there is an historic walk that takes you past more than 30 sites around the town. Maps for both walks are available from the visitor centre.

Strathalbyn is the antique capital of South Australia. If antiquing is your thing, a stroll along High Street could well fill most of your day. There are plenty of cafes and bakeries along the way to keep you going. If you’d rather not spend money, the National Trust Museum is full of local history.

Langhorne Creek is only 15 minutes from Strathalbyn and is home to over a dozen cellar doors. The area is best known for its Cabernet Sauvignons. If you haven’t bought any antiques you might have money left for a bottle or two.

The perfect end to the day is to watch the sunset in Milang on the shores of Lake Alexandrina. Milang, 15 minutes from Langhorne Creek, is the only town on the lake. Little jetties and old holiday and fishing shacks line the shore. It is a beautiful spot to unwind before heading back to Adelaide.

McLaren Vale Almond Train
McLaren Vale Cellar Door

McLaren Vale – Southern Vales

🕒 Adelaide to McLaren Vale travel time – 40 minutes, it is an easy drive along the Southern Express Way.

❤️️ Who will like this? This is a day trip for people who like fine wine and equally good food.

Only 40 minutes from Adelaide, McLaren Vale is a must do day trip for wine lovers. The region is not just one of South Australia’s best wine regions, but it’s one of the best in Australia. There are over 70 cellar doors to explore, many with spectacular views across the vines. Iconic names like d’Arenberg, Mitolo, Angove, Coriole and Serafino are but a few you could try.

The area doesn’t just produce top wine. A fine food culture has sprung up alongside the vineyards making the region a foodie heaven. The Shiraz Trail is a 7 kilometre stretch of the Coast to Vines Rail Trail which you can walk or ride along. It connects many of the area’s best food and wine destinations. Also check out the main street of McLaren Vale. It has a great mix of cafes, bakeries, and cheese shops. Don’t miss the Almond Train which has lots of yummy treats.

Another great lunch option is Mick’ O’Shea’s Irish Pub with a great beer garden or a cosy fire for those cooler days. When you’re full, a great way to finish your day is to head to one of Adelaide’s best beaches. Maslin Beach with its red and orange cliffs is spectacular. Port Willunga with its jetty ruins, yellow cliffs and the Star of Greece cafe has a great vibe. Both are perfect places to see the sunset.

McLaren Vale Day Tours

  • McLaren Vale Food & Wine Experience – Discover the best food and wine McLaren Vale has to offer, including a visit to the spectacular d’Arenberg Cube. From wine tastings to gin or beer tastings & explore the galleries in the main street

Find the Best Wineries for Lunch in McLaren Vale

Myponga Reservoir

Walk around Myponga Reservoir

🕒 Adelaide to Myponga travel time – 55 minutes via the Southern Express way or 70 minutes via the Adelaide Hills and Meadows which is a really pretty drive.

❤️️ Who will like this? This is a good day trip for walkers looking for a lovely change of scenery. The views around the reservoir are fantastic.

Myponga Reservoir FAQ’s

Can you fish? You can go fishing at Myponga Reservoir, you might catch gold and silver perch, redfin and even Murray Cod (which must be released). To fish at Myponga Reservoir, you need a permit and you have to bring your bait.

Can you bring dogs? Unfortunately, your four legged friend will have to stay home for this trip. Dogs are not allowed at Myponga Reservoir.

Swimming – You cannot swim at Myponga Reservoir, head to the beach at nearby Normanville or Carrickalinga if you want a dip.

In recent years Adelaide’s reservoirs have been opened to the public and they have been embraced by nature lovers. Myponga Reservoir south of Adelaide is a beautiful spot to explore by foot, bike or canoe. There is a big carpark which is where the Myponga Reservoir Trail begins. The undulating 5.2km circuit goes through kangaroo-dotted grassland, forest and along the bank of reservoir. In spring there are wildflowers everywhere and the views across the water to the forested western shore are beautiful. It is great spot for a paddle and there is a designated, well set up kayak launch area.

There are several other attractions in the area. Follow the signs to the Myponga Reservoir Lookout where there is a short walk and great views of the dam. If you want some sand between your toes, the holiday towns of Normanville and Carrickalinga are 15 minutes away. A great way to end or day is a drink and meal at the Smiling Samoyed Brewery. Not far from the main reservoir carpark, it has great views over the water and from the balcony you can watch the sunset as the kangaroos hop down to the water. You’ll likely be greeted by a fluffy white smiling Samoyed when you sit down for your drink, it’s great!

Wirrina Cove Big Duck Tour
Wirrina Cove Big Duck Tour

Second Valley + Rapid Bay

🕒 Adelaide to Second Valley and Rapid Bay travel time – 80-90 minutes. Once you get off the expressway, The road squeezes between steep hills and the coast, it is a spectacular drive.

❤️️ Who will like this? This day trip from Adelaide is a must if you like water sports. The beaches and rocky coastline are perfect for snorkellers and kayaking.

Second Valley + Rapid Bay FAQ’s

Food and drinks – If you want a snack, there is nothing at Rapid Bay but there is a general store in Second Valley near the caravan Park

Facilities – there are toilets at Second Valley but not at Rapid Bay

Snorkelling – These are both great snorkelling spots. Read our Second Valley and Rapid Bay Snorkelling guides

Second Valley is a secluded bay and a series of rocky coves. You can relax on the small, protected beach, snorkel or kayak around the coast, fish from the jetty or walk up some of the hills for great views. There is a small general store where you can grab lunch. There is a carpark near the water that fills quickly but there is plenty of parking a little further up the road. On a warm summer day, you won’t find a more beautiful spot.

Read our guide to snorkelling at Second Valley

Rapid Bay is 10 minutes from Second Valley and is one of South Australia’s best snorkelling and dive sites. From the big car park, it is a great view looking over the old and new jetties and the abandoned limestone quarry. For intrepid snorkellers the T-section of the old jetty is where to go. The new jetty gets you part way there and it is a swim rest of the way. The beach here is a bit gritty but there is some great kayaking along the coast north of the beach.

Read our guide to snorkelling at Rapid Bay

A fantastic family activity to do on a day trip here is the Sea Wirrina Cruise run by The Big Duck Boat Tours. The 60 minute cruise takes you along the coast past Second Valley, Rapid Bay and out to Cap Sevinge. It is a great way to see the caves, crystal clear water and wildlife along the coast and the zippy big duck is fun ride.

Blowhole Beach
Blowhole Beach – Deep Creek Conservation Park

Deep Creek Conservation Park

🕒 Adelaide to Deep Creek Conservation Park travel time – 90 minutes

❤️️ Who will like this? This day trip from Adelaide is for people who like great views, bush walking and camping.

Deep Creek FAQ’s

National Park Pass – you do need a national park pass to visit Deep Creek Conservation Park. They can be purchased online

Can you drive to Blow Hole Beach? – There are two carparks at this awesome place. The lower carpark can only be reached by 4WD. Read our Blowhole Beach guide for more details – it is one of the prettiest spots in the park.

Food and drinks – You will need to take all your supplies with you for the day, there are no shops in or near the park.

Deep Creek Conservation Park is at the tip of Fleurieu Peninsula, it is a beautiful place with views across to Kangaroo Island, rugged coastline to explore and Stringybark forests. Check out the views from the Tapanappa Lookout, you’ll be amazed how close Kangaroo Island feels. If you want to stretch your legs, walk down to the stunning Blowhole Beach from the Cobbler Hill picnic area. You can drive to blowhole beach if you have a 4WD. Keep an eye out, there are kangaroos everywhere.

Read our Blowhole Beach Visitor Guide

There are walks through deep creek that range from family friendly to trails for experienced hikers. For an easy walk, go to the Stringybark Campground where you’ll find the Stringybark Loop Walk, The forest circuit and the Wildflower Walk which range in length from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Another great walk is the Aaron Creek Circuit that takes you from Yacca studded farmland into beautiful gullies and down to the coast, it’s a tough but spectacular 3hour, 6km walk. The 3.5hour, 6.5km Deep Creek Waterfall hike is also a popular, tough hike.

Read our guide to Deep Creek accommodation & walks

Fleurieu Peninsula Day Tours

Mannum River View

Mannum River Cruise

🕒 Adelaide to Mannum travel time – 80 minutes. The most direct route is via the South Eastern Freeway and Monarto but for a scenic route, take the route through Woodside, Lobethal and Tungkillo.

❤️️ Who will like this? This is an easy and low cost daytrip for people who like to relax by a river, look around an historic town and maybe go on a short bushwalk.

Mannum FAQs

Mannum Cruises – these are a great way to explore the Murray River and its history. The PW Mayflower and PS Marion operate from the Mannum Dock Museum, or you can try a multi-day cruise aboard the Murray Princess.

Situated on the River Murray, Mannum is the perfect place to take in the history and beauty of the river. The best way to do this is on a paddle steamer cruise. There are several options available ranging from one hour to overnight cruises. The sound and smell of the old boats chugging through the water is a great way to appreciate a bygone era. The scenery around Mannum is spectacular. Tall orange cliffs line sections of the river.

Bring your lunch to the grass reserve overlooking the river, it’s a lovely setting, just look out for the inquisitive and very large pelicans. There are some nice drives around the area too. The local history circuit starts at the Visitor Centre and takes you to over 20 historical sites. The Murray River Scenic Cliffs drive has great views of the river and cliffs.

The Mannum Falls walk is 10 minutes from Mannum. The falls are worth a look at any time for the impressive granite boulders along Reedy Creek but the falls are at their best after rain. There are two carparks. One leaves you with a moderate 30 minute walk to the falls, the other is at the top of the falls, and you can walk down to them. Keep an eye out, there is plenty of wildlife in the gorge.

Mannum Day Tours 

  • River Murray Day Trip from Adelaide Travel from Adelaide to the historic Murray River with a  lunch-time cruise on the Proud Mary. Visit a chocolate factory and cheese maker in Woodside
Kangaroo Feeding
Cleland Wildlife Park

Mt Lofty Summit

🕒 Adelaide to Mt Lofty travel time – 25 minutes. The most direct route is up the South Eastern Freeway or you can wind your way Greenhill Road.

❤️️ Who will like this? This is the perfect family day trip from adelaide, there is another wonder at every turn whether it is in the lovely botanic gardens, views at the summit or feeding wildlife.

Adelaide backs onto the Mount Lofty ranges and in 20 minutes, you can leave the centre of town and be at the highest point in Adelaide. Don’t let the short drive fool you, the area will keep you busy for the day. Make your first stop the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens.

Trails take you through gullies, around lakes and into secluded garden settings. The gullies can be steep, but there is plenty to look at and wonderful views so there is no need to rush. Stick to the lower carpark if you want to walk around the lake and not get as puffed. The picnic ground below the lake is a great spot for lunch.

Nearby Cleland Wildlife Park offers a great Australian wildlife experience. You can feed kangaroos, wallabies and emus, hold koalas and see many local bird species. There are also a range of interactive animal experiences on offer. There are animals everywhere here, kids and the young at heart, will love spotting the adorable potoroos and doe-eyed Tamar wallabies that scuttle along the pathways.

Your last stop for the day should be Mount Lofty Summit lookout. With views across the whole city, the summit is Adelaide’s number one spot for watching the sunset. Facing west, the lookout is sure to provide a glowing end to you day at Mount Lofty.

Mount Lofty Summit Day Tours 

Read More: Find the best Wildlife Parks in South Australia

Beerenberg Strawberry Farm
Beerenberg Strawberry Farm

Explore the Adelaide Hills

🕒 Adelaide to Adelaide Hills travel time –20-40 minutes. The travel time will depend on where in the hills you go. To Stirling and Hahndorf allow 20-25 minutes. Add 15 -20 minutes if you are visiting Woodside, Lobethal or Birdwood.

❤️️ Who will like this? This day trip from Adelaide will appeal to families, foodies and anyone looking for a change to the usual suburban scenery.

Mount Lofty is the gateway to the Adelaide Hills. The region is full of quaint villages, world class wineries, and a host of other attractions. No matter how you like to spend a day, you can do it in ‘The Hills’. Stirling is the first stop beyond Mount Lofty. The tree-lined main street is gorgeous in summer and autumn and full of cafes and gourmet food shops.

Hahndorf takes a good half day to explore. The main street is a thriving tribute to the town’s German heritage. Take in the food, art and craft and history as you do a lap of the street. Beerenberg is at the end of the main street. It is a must see if you like strawberry picking and there is a huge and delicious range of jams and sauces.

Birdwood is home to the National Motor Museum. In Gumeracha you’ll find The Big Rocking Horse – a great family activity. Melbas Chocolates at Woodside is a South Australian favourite; it is a must do for anyone with a sweet tooth. And that is only the start.

We are Adelaide Hills locals, if you want to know everything to do in the Hills from family friendly activities, hills accommodation to where to wine and dine, read our Adelaide Hills Visitor Guide.

Adelaide Hills Day Tours

  • Hahndorf Half Day Tour – Visit Mount Lofty Summit, Beerenberg Strawberry Farm & Hahndorf Village for Afternoon Tea

Read More :  Find the Best Accommodation in the Adelaide Hills

Monarto Zoo Giraffe
Monarto Zoo Meerkat

Monarto Safari Park

🕒 Adelaide to Monarto travel time – 65 minutes  along the South Eastern Freeway.

❤️️ Who will like this? This is a great day trip for families and wildlife lovers.

Monarto Safari Park FAQ’s

Best time to visit – Monarto can get hot in summer, it is a nicer place to walk around when it isn’t boiling.

Be prepared – Visiting Monarto is a big day, wear comfy shoes, and bring water and snacks – there is an excellent café too.

Animal Encounters – there are some great animal experiences at Monarto. They fill quickly so if you want to feed a giraffe or get up close to meerkat or cheetah book these in advance.

A visit to the biggest open range zoo in the southern hemisphere is definitely a full day activity. You’ll see everything from antelopes to zebras, it will feel like you are on an African safari without leaving Australia. A well organised bus service takes you through enormous open range exhibits.

You will come face to face with giraffes, lions, cheetahs and hyenas. At smaller exhibits you can get up close to rhinos, meerkats and porcupines. You could spend hours just watching the chimps go about their day.

There is a wide range of interactive animal experiences. These are always popular so it pays to arrange these online before your visit. Wear comfy shoes, bring a hat and be ready for a big but thrilling day.

Read More :  Ultimate Guide to visiting Monarto Safari Park

Barossa Valley Vineyard

Barossa Valley Wine Region

🕒 Adelaide to the Barossa Valley travel time – just over 60 minutes via the Northern Expressway.

❤️️ Who will like this? A day in one of the world’s best wine regions is one of the most popular day trips from Adelaide for food and wine lovers.

One of the best day trips from Adelaide is to the Barossa Valley. And why not? With names like Penfolds, Seppeltsfield, and Henschke it is little wonder it is so popular. If you fancy a drop, the internationally renowned Barossa has to be on your list when you visit Adelaide.

But the Barossa isn’t only about wine, there is great food too. Choose from legendary Australian cook Maggie Beer – visit an artisan chocolate & cheese maker, 3 wineries & Maggie Beer’s Farms kitchen to a host of restaurants and gourmet food outlets. You sure won’t go hungry between drinks!

The Barossa is not all food and wine. To get a feel for the Barossa’s history try the Angaston Heritage walk or drive the Barossa Heritage Trail. Take in the views and sculptures at the Mengler’s Hill lookout. Kids of all ages will enjoy the dinosaur themed minigolf at Tanunda. For a bird’s eye view of the Barossa, try a Hot Air Balloon Ride over the vines, it’s spectacular!

Barossa Valley Day Tours

The perfect way to experience the Barrossa Valley is on a Mystery Picnic

  • Hot Air Balloon Ride – Watch the sunrise as you float over the Barrossa Valley Wine Region followed by breakfast
  • Seppeltsfield Taste the Year of Your Birth – Wine tasting and tour of Seppeltsfield Wines. See ancient vineyards, some of which date back to 1851 Taste a tawny port from your birth year or sip on Seppeltsfield’s rare 100-year-old port
  • Unique Trike Barossa Valley Tour – Take a private 3.5-hour trike tour of the Barossa Valley that can be customized to your interests. Choose from Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop, Cheese Company, breweries and wineries.
Mintaro Clare Cellar Door

Clare Valley + Burra

🕒 Adelaide to Clare Valley travel time – 1 hour 50 minutes and Adelaide to Burra travel time is 2 hours

❤️️ Who will like this? Another day trip for wine lovers and Burra has plenty to offer anyone wanting a look at South Australia’s past.

The Clare Valley is a little under two hours from Adelaide. It is another well-known wine region with around 50 wineries to visit. Walkers and bike riders can explore the area on the 35 kilometre Riesling Trail. It runs between Clare and Auburn. The trail passes through several wine towns including Sevenhill and Leasingham.

The area is also an arts hub with dozens of galleries spread between the Clare Valley towns. The Arts Collective, Burra Regional Art Gallery and Dingo Dreaming are a few to get you started. Martindale Hall in Mintaro is a 30 room Georgian mansion you can tour. Not surprisingly, it has a seven room wine cellar!

While you are in Mintaro, check out the Mintaro Maze. The conifer maze is a thing of beauty. You’ll certainly admire the manicured hedge and water features as you try to find you way out. Nearby Burra has tours and self-guided drives that unlock the towns mining history.

The area is also an important fossil site. Red Banks Conservation Park, as well as some great scenery, has a 2 hour, 5 km ‘Landscape of Change’ walk. The trail explores the areas megafauna history. If you are on the walk at dawn or dusk, plenty of modern day animals gather at the permanent water holes for a drink. 

Read More :  Find out about the most amazing Glamping in SA

Seal Bay Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island for the day or longer

🕒 Adelaide to Cape Jervis travel time – 90 minutes, Cape Jervis to Kangaroo Island on the ferry 45 minutes.

❤️️ Who will like this? Kangaroo Island has something for everyone. There is both a great gourmet food scene and an abundance of natural beauty.

Visiting Kangaroo Island in one day is a big day. But if you want a taste of what Kangaroo Island has to offer, you’re in for a great day. Kangaroo Island has wildlife, beautiful beaches and spectacular coastline. You can see the popular Seal Bay, Admirals Arch, Remarkable Rocks and Vivonne Bay all in one day.

There is a thriving gourmet food scene on the Island. Gin, ciders, honey, cheese… you’ll find lots of island grown and produced goodies to try. Tours of the Kangaroo Island are a great way to see the highlights. If you’re not on a tour, you will need a car as the island is bigger than you might realise.

Kangaroo Island is an action packed day trip. If you can, it is worth staying on the island for a night or two as there is so much to see and do. Read our Kangaroo Island Holiday guide to plan a longer stay.

Kangaroo Island Tours from Adelaide

  • 1 Day Kangaroo Island Day Tour from Adelaide – Travel from Adelaide by ferry and coach. Visit Vivonne Bay and Seal Bay Conservation Park to the Remarkable Rocks, Flinders Chase National Park, Admirals Arch and more. Spot wallabies, echidnas, fur seals, koalas and, kangaroos

Read More :  Plan your Ultimate Kangaroo Island Holiday Here

Adelaide City

A Day in Adelaide City

❤️️ Who will like this? Everyone! From families to couples and solo travellers, there is something for everyone in the heart of the city.

Of course, not every road trip need take an hour or two to get to your destination. And sometimes it is nice having someone else do the driving. So, our final Adelaide road trip is around Adelaide itself. Park in town or better yet catch one of the free City Connector bus or tram services. If you have a few days in town check out this 3 day Adelaide Itinerary.

The great thing about Adelaide is it’s easy to get around, many of its attractions are close together and there are lots of free things to do in Adelaide. Looking through the museum, art gallery and botanic gardens on North Terrace will fill in most of a day. And right in the middle of them is Adelaide Zoo.

For something different, try the Adelaide Oval Roof Climb. You get a great look at one of the most beautiful stadiums in the world and wonderful views across the city. If you’d rather keep your feet on the ground, visit the Central Markets. The largest undercover market in Australia, it is the perfect spot to enjoy a late breakfast.

Surrounded by parklands, the city fringe is ideal for picnics, BBQs and bike rides. Keep an eye out in the south parklands for TreeClimb Adelaide. Kids and the young at heart will love climbing the 8 courses and negotiating the aerial obstacles high in the treetops.

Adelaide Day Tours

Adelaide Accommodation

  • Adina Apartment Treasury Hotel – With an exclusive location on Victoria Square, in the heart of the city, Adina Apartment Hotel occupies the heritage-listed former Treasury Building
  • Intercontinental Adelaide – Situated on the banks of the River Torrens the InterContinental Adelaide offers rooms and suites with lovely city views and a luxurious, marble bathroom
  • Fire Station Inn – boutique-style accommodation set within a historic fire station. One of the suites has a fire truck in the bedroom. Each suite feature luxurious king-size bathrooms with a spa bath
  • Big4 West Beach Park – Stay in manicured gardens on the beachfront. Guests can enjoy a lagoon swimming pool, family friendly facilities and bbq. Choose from apartments, cabins, and permanent tents, or sites
  • Belair Holiday Park – Situated alongside Belair National Park you can enjoy a swimming pool, a shared lounge, a garden and views of the garden. Cabins have an ensuite, air-con, TV & kitchenette

If you enjoyed this story you might also like:

Kangaroo Island Holiday |  Adelaide Hills Accommodation  |  Flinders Ranges Road Trip

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Day trips from Adelaide
Day trips from Adelaide
Day trips from Adelaide
Day trips from Adelaide
Things to do in Australia

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1 thought on “16 Best Day Trips from Adelaide”

  1. One of the most beautiful aspects of traveling is the opportunity to step outside our comfort zones and embrace new perspectives

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