The Best Day Trip Destinations from Adelaide if You Only Have One Free Day
Looking for an exciting adventure near the city? A day trip from Adelaide is exactly what you need!
The city has many charming spots nearby, from award-winning wineries to trendy urban spots. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, a partner, or even solo, there’s a perfect day trip spot just outside of A-town for everyone.
Let’s explore each so you’ll find the right one for you!
For Families
Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary
Website: https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/parks/adelaide-dolphin-sanctuary
Address: Garden Island Rd, Garden Island
Contact details: +61 8 8405 6560
Operating hours: Daily: 9 AM-5 PM
Distance from CBD: 20-minute drive
Adelaide’s dolphins aren’t just cute and brainy; they’re also one of the few wild ones in the world to live near a city! After a quick 30-minute drive from the CBD, I spent my day watching them.
The best part is that these amazing dolphins perform tricks they learned on their own! It was mesmerizing to watch as they tail-walked, seemingly standing on water while gracefully paddling with their tails.
30 bottlenose dolphins call this sanctuary their home, while 400 visit here transiently. You can see them by kayak, land, or boat.
Pro tips:
- Since they’re wild dolphins, there’s no guarantee that they’ll be around every time.
- While the dolphins are highly social and friendly, you should always stay at least 50 meters away from them.
Mount Lofty Summit
Photo by nola1960
Website: https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/parks/mount-lofty-summit
Address: Mount Lofty Summit Rd, Crafers
Contact details: +61 8 8370 1054
Operating hours: Daily: 9 AM-5 PM
Distance from CBD: 20-minute drive
The majestic peak of the Mount Lofty Summit is brimming with fun destinations perfect for all ages. Nature enthusiasts in particular will love the teeming plant and wildlife in the Botanic Gardens and Cleland Wildlife Park.
You can also follow the photogenic Waterfall Gully trail where you’ll meet lots of forest critters: sleepy koalas, laughing kookaburras, and sneaky bandicoots. The path is breezy, straightforward, and scenic—perfect for a serene day trip.
Pro tips:
- Mount Lofty has an app, The Lofty 360, which guides you through the landmarks and tourist spots in the area.
- Mountain bikers will have fun following Mt. Lofty’s Downhill trail. It’s moderately challenging and takes about 3 hours to finish.
Murray River Trail
Photo by fiftyplus.sa
Website: https://www.hentleyfarm.com.au/
Address: 206 Magill Rd, Norwood
Contact details: +61 1800 677 683
Operating hours: Monday-Friday: 8:30 AM-5 PM
Distance from CBD: 15-minute drive
Murray River, Australia’s longest river, gives an amazing overview of Adelaide’s wildlife and tidbits of history. It’s packed with peaceful wetlands, tranquil waters (which you can canoe on!), and fishing spots.
It’s also an amazing camping spot, especially near the Booky Cliffs. There is plenty of wildlife in the area—kangaroos, possums, and echidnas—and, thankfully, toilet facilities too!
Pro tips:
- The river’s gentle waters may be deceiving, so always be careful when swimming here.
- Birdwatching is especially great here. Some of the most frequently seen birds here include cockatoos, magpies, gulls, and more.
Kangaroo Island
Website: https://www.hentleyfarm.com.au/
Address: 206 Magill Rd, Norwood
Contact details: +61 1800 677 683
Operating hours: Depending on the chosen tour provider
Distance from CBD: 2-hour drive from CBD to Kangaroo Island Ferry, and then a 45-minute ferry crossing travel time
Kangaroo Island is an amazing spot for safari experiences, both land and aquatic. From the beloved kangaroos roaming the island to the rare fur seals in Seal Bay, you’ll have plenty to see here.
I even took my adventure to the next level by joining a buggy tour. It was an amazing experience as we zoomed over dunes and splashed through rivers. Thankfully, I had a strong grip!
Pro tips:
- Ferries to Kangaroo Island run as early as 6 AM. Book the earliest schedule so you get the most out of your trip.
- Even if you don’t plan to swim, bring an extra shirt or two, as you’ll definitely get sweaty traveling the island.
For Wine Enthusiasts
Barossa Valley Estate
Website: https://www.barossavalleyestate.com/
Address: 9 Kraehe Road Marananga
Contact details: +61 8 8568 6910
Operating hours: Daily: 10:30 AM-4:30 PM
Distance from CBD: 1-hour drive
Barossa Valley Estate offers an idyllic atmosphere with crisp air and radiant sunshine. Here, you can stroll through sun-kissed vineyards that produce award-winning Shiraz, Malbec, and more.
The wines are magnificent, and I appreciated them even more when our guide went into detail about the rich blend of spices, tannins, and fruits that gave them life.
Pro tips:
- The Shiraz 2021 is a must-buy! It boasts a delicate aroma, a smooth texture, and rich flavors of red plum and spices that define the reputation of Barossa Valley’s wines.
- Aside from its wines, the Estate features some of the country’s largest perennial gardens. Enjoy the fresh air and explore at your leisure.
McLaren Vale
Website: https://southaustralia.com/destinations/fleurieu-peninsula/places/mclaren-vale
Address: 796 Main Road, McLaren Vale (Visitor Information Center)
Contact details: +61 8 8323 9944
Operating hours: Daily: 9 AM-5 PM
Distance from CBD: 45-minute drive
McLaren Vale boasts over 80 wineries, each offering unique wines, spirits, beers, and ciders. They’ve perfected selecting the side dishes for the liquor, all best enjoyed while taking in the tranquil vineyard views.
There’s also the d’Arenberg The Cube Museum and Winery, a modern architectural beauty that stands as a stark contrast among the sea of vineyards. It’s a love letter to the art of winemaking, with each floor displaying info about winemaking.
Pro tips:
- To fully enjoy your drink, avoid wearing strong perfume or aftershave, as it can dull your sense of taste.
- Always ask the wineries if they have special/limited edition liquors so you get the most out of your visit.
Stirling
Website: https://www.stirlingadelaidehills.com.au/
Address: Stirling, South Australia
Contact details: 08 8408 0400
Operating hours: Daily
Distance from CBD: 20-minute drive
Stirling didn’t disappoint when I visited. It’s an amazing spot for quality wines and delicious brunch. The charming garden village is filled with cozy restaurants and cafes offering locally made wines paired with organic dishes, drinks, and snacks.
After my meal, I explored the rows of shops here selling a variety of kitchenware, homeware, artisan chocolates, books, and more. My only regret was forgetting to budget for all the tempting items beyond the wine!
Pro tips:
- There’s an amazing view of the sunset here, so time your visit accordingly to see it.
- Their parking space is limited, but you can also park in nearby spots like the space opposite St. John’s Anglican Church.
For Couples
Hahndorf Village
Google Maps
Website: http://www.hahndorfsa.org.au/
Distance from CBD: 20-minute drive
Hahndorf Village is a picturesque German settlement in Adelaide, a charming hub for artists and artisans. The town’s romantic and idyllic atmosphere effortlessly draws in sentimental souls with its wonderful autumn hues of gold, orange, and crimson trees.
For a day trip, you can spend hours going through the wonderful artisan offerings here—toys, books, leatherware, and more. Coffee aficionados will also be thrilled to explore the adventurous local brews in the area.
Pro tips:
- Sunrise and sunsets are the best times to take a photo on the main street.
- Into art history? Check out Sir Hans Heysen’s House in the area.
Victor Harbor
Google Maps
Website: https://visitvictorharbor.com/
Distance from CBD: 1-hour-and 20-minute drive
Victor Harbor brings a quiet, calm experience perfect for couples who want plenty of bonding time by the sea. This coastal town is brimming with seaside charms, including swimming spots, clifftop views, and opportunities to see dolphins, seals, and whales.
Here, you can find one of the last horse-drawn tramways, featuring its original tram design and magnificent Clydesdale horses. The ride offers a spectacular view of Victor Harbor and Encounter Bay.
Pro tips:
- The harbor is a fantastic spot for nature photography, so be sure to bring your camera and start clicking away once you arrive.
- If you want to see some penguins, check out the nearby Granite Island Recreation Park.
Burra
Photo by godwardphotography
Google Maps
Website: https://www.visitburra.com/
Distance from CBD: 2-hour drive
Burra is a goldmine (well, historically it was a copper mine) of South Australia’s history. I used the Burra Heritage Passport to explore it and found myself admiring the miners’ tenacity and the area’s natural beauty.
Among the highlights were 11 fascinating spots like the Unicorn Brewery Cellars and Miners Dugout, each exuding a spooky yet captivating vibe perfect for a couple’s trip.
Pro tips:
- Fan of 1980s film Breaker Morant? Check out the Redruth Goal where most of the film’s scenes were shot.
- If you want to know more about the town’s mining history, check out the Bon Accord Mining Museum.
