South Australia’s best day trips

Experience the beauty of SA and be home in time for dinner.

By Samuel Smith
Published: Monday, June 22, 2020

South Australians are no strangers to a stunning landscape – throughout our 12 regions, we’re spoilt for choice.

But sadly, many locals (and tourists alike) have a preconceived idea that to see the best of our state, they need to pack all their worldly possessions into a bulky RV and spend days on the road.

While yes, there are plenty of incredible experiences to be had in the rugged, far-flung corners of SA, for the most part, extensive travel isn’t necessary.

Even if you’ve got less than 24 hours up your sleeve – just quietly, who does have more than 24 hours up their sleeve these days? – there are so many memorable South Aussie experiences to be had closer to Adelaide.

From quick coastal escapes, just long enough to recharge your batteries, to gourmet extravaganzas, here are a few of our favourite day trips.

Adelaide to Victor Harbor via Port Elliot

Distance: 90km – 1 hour and 30 minutes by car.

Why to go: In Victor Harbor, we recommend rugging up and exploring Granite Island Recreation Park, taking in wild ocean views atop Rosetta Head or trekking through Newland Head Conservation Park. When you’re done, there are plenty of cosy cafés and restaurants in town to recharge and warm up at, as well as fascinating historic buildings and museums to explore.

Less than 15 minutes’ drive from Victor Harbor lies Port Elliot, making it a perfect pitstop. This sweet seaside town exudes coastal charm and is known fondly by many as Victor Harbor’s quainter, older and – dare we say it – slightly more striking sibling. A mix of cottages, charming antique stores, pubs and a few trendy cafés line the main street, making it the perfect place to chill out, no matter the season.

What to do: Watch whales from The Bluff or Rosetta Head in Victor Harbor, trek through Newland Head Conservation Park, visit Granite Island, ride the Cockle Train, visit the Port Elliot Bakery, follow the Port Elliot Maritime Heritage Trail or make a splash at Port Elliot Beach.

Find more Fleurieu Peninsula experiences.

The Bluff at Victor Harbor. Image: SATC
The Bluff at Victor Harbor. Image: SATC

Adelaide to the Barossa

Distance: 75km – 1 hour by car.

Why to go: Just an hour’s drive from Adelaide, the Barossa is South Australia’s gourmet capital. Here, you’ll find some of the oldest vines and best wines in the world.

Known for its big, bold reds, the Barossa is hallowed turf for SA foodies and culinary legends alike, boasting more than 150 wineries and a smorgasbord of fantastic places to eat.

With COVID-19 restrictions continuing to ease, more and more Barossa establishments are once again welcoming guests – there’s never been a better time to show your support. After months spent self-isolating, your stomach will surely welcome the treat.

But it’s not all about the food and wine, especially if you’re day-tripping with the kids. The Barossa has a history as rich as its wines, dating back to 1836, and a number of fascinating relics showcasing its past can be seen to this day. Top picks include the stately Chateau Tanunda and Seppeltsfield’s ornate (yet slightly creepy) mausoleum.

If you’re a keen photographer, don’t forget to bring your camera. The Barossa’s rolling hills, ancient vines and palm-lined roads are ridiculously photogenic. Top spots to grab a snap include Seppeltsfield Road, Eden Valley and Mengler Hill Lookout.

What to do: Indulge at First Drop Wines, Yalumba, Maggie Beer Farm, Barossa Valley Cheese Co, Barossa Valley Chocolate Company, Lambert Estate , Chateau Tanunda or Jacob’s Creek.

Find more Barossa experiences.

Seppeltsfield Wines, Barossa. Image: SATC
Seppeltsfield Wines, Barossa. Image: SATC

Adelaide to the Adelaide Hills

Distance: 16km – 25 minutes by car.

Why to go: Wake up in Adelaide, jump in the car and within 30 minutes you’ll arrive in the lush, leafy Adelaide Hills. Cruise through the picture-perfect towns of Stirling, Aldgate, Hahndorf, Crafers and Uraidla, all brimming with cutting-edge restaurants, chic boutiques, sprawling parks and scenic walking trails.

Soak up the winter sun and get up-close to iconic Aussie animals at Gorge Wildlife Park, which has now reopened. Alternatively, relax and unwind with on one of many beautiful walking trails criss-crossing the region.

The Adelaide Hills is one of Australia’s best cool climate wine regions, boasting internationally acclaimed cellar doors and restaurants, many of which have reopened. Let your cup run over at wineries perched atop moody hills, nestled in quaint villages and set among misty vineyards. Post-vino, take a late afternoon stroll through the gorgeous Mount Lofty Botanic Garden.

What to do: Some of the Adelaide Hills’ best walks can be found in Morialta Conservation Park, Mount Lofty Botanic Garden, Sturt Gorge Recreation Park and Cleland Conservation Park. Experience South Australia’s new-wave pub scene at the Crafers Hotel, Uraidla Hotel or Lost in a Forest wood-oven pizza and wine lounge, which have all reopened.

Sip and savour at Woodside Cheese Wrights, Anderson Hill, Longview Vineyard, Mt Lofty Ranges Vineyard, Pike & Joyce cellar door, The Lane Vineyard and Maximilian’s Restaurant.

Find more Adelaide Hills experiences.

Pike & Joyce, Adelaide Hills. Image: SATC
Pike & Joyce, Adelaide Hills. Image: SATC

More day trips

Stay in Adelaide

Distance: Chances are, you’re already here.

Why to stay: There’s so much under the surface for city-dwellers to discover. Our capital boasts world-famous restaurants and bars, mind-expanding museums and galleries, stunning parks, gardens and beautiful beaches. Slow down and see Adelaide in a new light.

What to do: Visit the cutting-edge MOD. (Museum of Discovery), set sail on a BBQ Buoy, tour the Central Market, experience Adelaide at its hippest at Bowden’s Plant 4, take to the treetops at TreeClimb Adelaide, kayak through a ships’ graveyard and dolphin sanctuary or stroll through the stunning Himeji and Adelaide Botanic Gardens.

Adelaide to McLaren Vale

Distance: 41km – 50 minutes by car

Why to go: McLaren Vale offers an idyllic blend of wine and waves, with exceptional beaches just minutes away from its world-famous cellar doors.

What to do: Visit the iconic d’Arenberg Cube, Wirra Wirra, Coriole Winery, Angove Winery or Chapel Hill Winery. Top spots for families include Woodstock Wines with its expansive grounds, nearby Willunga Rose Garden, Maxwell Wines Maze and Port Noarlunga beach.

The d'Arenberg Cube. Image: SATC
The d'Arenberg Cube. Image: SATC

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