With Adelaide being the capital of South Australia, it's often the first place that people think of when visiting South Australia. With Adelaide's reputation as a laid-back, cosmopolitan city, it's easy to enjoy. But one of the most attractive things about Adelaide is that it is the gateway to many of South Australia's best destinations.
With South Australia's relatively compact size, from only a few hours out of the city, you can experience world-class wine regions, beautiful beaches, diverse wildlife, historical sites, and much more! These destinations are as much diverse as they are beautiful and are not to be overlooked!
1. Barossa Valley
Barossa Valley really does live up to its well-renowned name of being Australia's most well-known wine region. With over 150 wineries in the Barossa and about 80 cellar doors, there is plenty of wine experiences to be enjoyed. But wine isn't all that Barossa Valley has to offer. There are historic villages and picturesque landscapes to be appreciated.
Barossa Valley is about an hour's drive out of Adelaide's CBD, but don't worry, if you are planning to indulge in some internationally recognised wines such as Penfolds and Jacobs Creeks and don't want the hassle of driving, there are wine tours that transport you to and from the Barossa.
If you are wanting some more adventure on your day trip, Barossa offers a range of outdoor activities such as hot air balloon rides, helicopter experiences, bowling, and mini golf!
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| Barossa Valley Hot Air Balloon |
2. Victor Harbour
Victor Harbour offers a seaside relaxed holiday vibe only 90 minutes out of the city and has ALOT to offer. Victor Harbour is a great family day trip that offers beaches, nature walks, wildlife parks and awesome tourism activities.
In the heart of Victor Harbour, you can walk (or take a horse-drawn carriage) across the causeway that connects to Granite Island to get some great views and spot some of the local wild and marine life.
Some other activities you can indulge in may be:
- Visiting the very popular Port Elliot bakery (only a short drive from Victor Harbour)
- Catching the Cockle Train to Victor Harbours' neighbouring town Goolwa.
- Feed wildlife at Urimibirra Wildlife Park
- Go whale watching during the winter seasons (August is the best month)
- Hop on a Southern Ocean Adventure Tour to spot some marine life!
- Take a horse-drawn carriage to Granite Island.
- Book a tour to swim with tuna
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| Granite Island Horse Drawn Carriage |
3. Adelaide Hills & Hahndorf
Just 20-40 minutes east of the city, you will find yourself emersed in the low-lying mountains of the Adelaide Hills. Within the Adelaide Hills, there are stunning views of greenery, mixed with wildlife encounters and cultural discoveries.
The region is dotted with unique towns and wineries that cater for all interests. Take a stroll through the tree-lined main street of Hahndorf, an adorable german themed village that was founded in the 19th century by German settlers. Stirling, Aldgate and Mt Lofty are also some close-by must-visit destinations. These destinations are all unique and offer pleasant places to explore, with boutiques, cafes and restaurants perfect for brunch. If you like crafts, consider stopping at Lobethal or Cleland Wildlife Park to get up close and personal with native animals, including emus, kangaroos, and koalas.
If you are up for a hike, the Adelaide Hills offers much nature walks including a personal favourite, Morialta Conservation Park. The scenic trails at Morialta offer waterfalls and caves surrounded by stunning nature.
Some of the top experiences to do in the Adelaide Hills include:
- Cleland Wildlife Park
- Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens (absolutely breathtaking)
- Morialta Conservation Park
- Mount Lofty Observation (consider doing a hike up Mount Lofty)
- Visit the Big Rocking Horse
- Explore the German Village of Hahndorf
- Beerenberg Farm
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| Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens |
4. Kangaroo Island
Off the coast of South Australia lies a paradise for naturalists. Kangaroo Island is rich in wildlife and pristine wilderness. The island is known for its must-see attractions such as the Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch, Vivienne Bay (one of Australia’s best beaches), and the Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (where you’ll see wild koalas). Although Kangaroo Island is only a short ferry ride away from Adelaide, many opt to spend upwards of a week exploring all that there is to offer, however, there are still plenty of day tours available full of jam-packed adventure.
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| Remarkable Rocks |
Kangaroo Island really has something for everyone, from great gourmet food and gin to an abundance of natural beauty. Try out a Quad Bike or 4WD Tour, spot some marine life on an Ocean Safari, treat yourself to a food and wine tour, test your kayaking skills, or even just spend the day sightseeing. No matter what you do, Kangaroo Island is guaranteed to have you wanting to come back!
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| Kangaroo Island |
5. Mclaren Vale
Lastly on today's list, is the wine region of Mclaren Vale, a place for wine lovers. McLaren Vale is the home of where the state's wine industry first began - some of these wineries still produce today! With other 80 cellars and vineyards, there is plenty of options to spoil your taste buds with wine tasting. Be sure to check out the D'Arenberg Cube - a half-solved Rubik's Cube that is the Willy Wonka's factory of winemaking.
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| D'Arengerg Cube |
To pair the wine, there are plenty of delicious restaurants to try in McLaren Vale and lovely trail walks to stroll through, immersing yourself between vineyards and gardens. McLaren Vale is the perfect short day trip, only 45 minutes from the city!
Thank you everyone for reading this far! I hope you enjoyed it and put one (or all) of these destinations on your next-day trip list! Have you visited any of these destinations? How was your experience? Comment below!
Stay tuned for next week's post!!
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