South Australia’s cultural capital is a great launch point for a day trip through the surrounding countryside.
From beaches to bars, wildlife to wineries, these unique destinations showcase this productive state like you’ve never seen it before. Check out this list of the best day trips from Adelaide.
Barossa Valley
Just over an hour from Adelaide is the iconic Barossa Valley wine region. Perhaps the most popular wine region in the country, the valley is home to more than 150 wineries and 80 cellar doors.
Small Batch Wine Tours is hosted by Sommelier Mathew Kurko, who has spent years organising premium tours which cater to all types of wine lovers, from beginners to connoisseurs. His tours take visitors off-the-beaten-track to lesser known wineries and cellar doors, and always includes plenty of tastings and a delicious lunch.
For a more relaxed trip, head to award winning Jacob’s Creek winery and try their picnic experience. You’ll be provided with a picnic blanket, a selection of local produce and a wine tasting. Pick a spot in the stunning vineyards to gaze out over the hills and enjoy.
No trip to the Barossa Valley is complete without stopping at the Maggie Beer Farm Shop, opened by the famous and beloved Aussie chef. The farm shop serves classic coffees and cakes, wine and cheese boards for you to enjoy as you look out over the olive grove. You can also join an interactive cooking demonstration, and watch as a professional takes you through a step-by-step guide for cooking a delicious meal.
Victor Harbour
This great family destination is only an hour from Adelaide, with mini golf, camel riding on the beach and more.
At Urimbirra open-range Wildlife Park, you can see more than 400 iconic Australian animals including dingoes, crocodiles and wombats. Here, experiences include handling snakes and feeding emus. You can also take advantage of their free BBQ facilities and enjoy an afternoon in the sun.
Families should also travel along the causeway from Victor Harbour to Granite Island. You can either walk or take a historic horse-drawn carriage, which operates daily. Amazing ocean views await you on the island, especially if you climb the Waitpinga cliffs. From here, you can also join a Big Duck Tour. They offer a range of tour options, but the 90 minute Southern Ocean Adventure Tour is hard to beat. Departing from Granite Island, the boat takes visitors to Seal Island, where they can spot Long Nosed Fur Seals and Australian Sea Lions. Then, take in the granite boulders of the Bluff as you pass through Shark Alley.
Strathalbyn
50 minutes from the city centre, you’ll find the historic town of Strathalbyn. This town is known for its antique shops, and even hosts a popular antiques and collectables fair every year, which includes vintage goodies, food, collectables and more.
While visiting, try the self-guided historic walk that takes you past 30 important town sites. Or, head straight to the Strathalbyn District Museum, which is located in the old police station and courthouse built in the 1800s. The museum consists of rooms dressed in a Victorian era style, showcasing artefacts from the town’s first settlers. In the garden, you can even see the original jail cells.
For a bite to eat, we recommend Hammer ‘n’ Tongs. The chefs use the best local produce in their seasonal menus, and on Fridays and Saturdays you can enjoy wood-fired pizza or tapas at their bar.
Myponga Reservoir
Nature lovers will adore Myponga Reservoir, only 55 minutes from Adelaide. The reservoir includes over 10 km of trails and walks to explore. The 3km western loop is for advanced hikers, with short steep sections and uneven tracks, but is well worth it for the view. Kayakers will also enjoy the 250 hectares of water, where fishing and swimming are permitted as well.
At the end of the day, head into the town of Myponga for a weekend craft market, and a refreshing drink at Smiling Samoyed Brewery. The family-owned business makes award winning craft beers and you can often watch them in action at the brew-house while enjoying a delicious drip and a hearty meal
Cleland Wildlife Park
Cleland Wildlife Park is only 20 minutes from the city, making it an easy and enjoyable day trip. Here, you can watch feeders interacting with the animals at all times of the day, and wander around the stunning forest landscape.
For a more personal experience, try a breakfast with the birds. On this tour, a bird keeper will share interesting facts about the different birds in the park, their breeding programs, and the importance of habitat protection. It includes access to the park before opening hours, a delicious breakfast with tea and coffee, and a chance to feed the birds.
Visitors can also feed kangaroos and wallabies, hold a koala and more. Kids will love the holiday Wildification program, which includes a full day of animal encounters, scavenger hunts, themed activities and games.
Hahndorf
Hahndorf is a German-style village with unique architecture and delicious eateries, half an hour from the city. As Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement, there are plenty of inspired stores including The German Cake shop, which serves pretzels, soups and fresh German desserts. The German Village Shop sells products imported directly from Germany such as beer steins and nutcrackers, and also has an entire room full of cuckoo clocks and toys.
If you’re getting hungry, head to Wunderbar Dog Haus for mouth-watering and traditional hotdogs. This year, they also hosted the first Hahndorf Pretzel Festival, where vendors served delicious classic eats.
At Beerenberg Family Farm, you can spend an afternoon picking your own strawberries in their luscious fields. Take as many berries as you like, and don’t forget to head to the Farm Shop on your way out for a selection of homemade jams, relishes and sauces.
Can’t get enough of these wonderful day trips from Adelaide? Check out what’s on offer in Melbourne and its surrounds by clicking here.
Travel to Adelaide
Rex flies to Adelaide. Book your tickets here and check out the route map below.
