Planning a trip to Adelaide? Renowned for its glorious fine wine, South Australia is brimming with stunning places to explore and delicious culinary delights to sample, making it the perfect destination for gourmet food lovers. Nature lovers will find plenty of enjoy from SA’s the jaw-dropping beauty of its coastline to its lush wine country. We explore the best experiences with our list of day trips from Adelaide.
Adelaide Day Trips
#1 – Explore Barossa Valley
Just a 50-minute drive north-east of Adelaide, the picturesque Barossa Valley is renowned for its exquisite culinary experiences and home of award-winning Chardonnay, Riesling, Semillon, Grenache, Mourvedre, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz wines. Covered in gorgeous vineyards, it’s regarded by many to be Australia’s wine mecca, with a heritage stretching back to 1842 when early European immigrants planted the first vines.
Today, the Barossa Valley is home to a dynamic community of artisan food producers, many whom have honed their craft over six generations. The Barossa is full of historical charm, boasting 160-year old heritage villages, beautiful chateaus and stone churches in a uniquely Australian setting, surrounded by gum trees.
Enjoy private wine tastings or a degustation lunch at one of the many award-winning restaurants. Sample the delicious fine food and wine at Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop. Admire a spectacular view of the Barossa Valley’s green, rolling hills and endless vineyards from up high in a hot air balloon. Savour an unforgettable wine-tasting experience at Seppeltsfield, one of Australia’s oldest wineries, where you can enjoy a sample of historical wines from different cultural moments, such as when the Titanic sank (1912) or when Elvis Presley died (1977).
#2 – Visit Adelaide Hills
Only 20 minutes from the city of Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills region is beloved by locals and tourists alike for its stunning scenery. The region, crisscrossed with quaint leafy lanes and pretty historical towns, offers a thriving cafe culture, wine cellars and craft beer microbreweries galore. Take a cooking class, pick strawberries at a local farm, or follow a cheese, wine and chocolate trail, or simply skip and hop to the unique little towns of Aldgate, Stirling, Oakbank, Birdwood, Crafers, Mount Barker and Hahndorf.
#3 – Explore The Murray River, Lakes and Coorong region
Did you know that the Murray River is one of the world’s longest rivers? Stretching a staggering 2,700 kilometres from the Snowy Mountains in New South Wales, through the Riverland to Murray Bridge, the Murray River eventually finds its way to the stunning Murray River, Lakes and Coorong region in South Australia.
The Coorong, derived from a local Aboriginal word ‘karangk’, which means ‘narrow neck’, is one of the most spectacular national parks in Australia. Rich with wildlife, this region is ideal for nature-lovers and people who want to relax and escape the daily grind of city life with a weekend adventure.
Hire a kayak to explore the wide lakes, reed-lined narrow creeks, islands and wetlands. Cycle the local tracks and trails. Walk through ancient eucalyptus forests to discover glittering pink salt lakes and bask in the beauty of the blooming spring wildflowers. Admire the sensational limestone and sandstone cliffs that line the river. Take to the river on a canoe or kayak, or explore local country towns filled with charm and delicious local food and wine.
Discover the Coorong National Park’s magnificent beaches, sweeping sand dunes and secluded inland bays with a bushwalking adventure. Visit Monarto Zoo, the biggest open-range zoo in Australia, home to more than 50 species of exotic and native mammals, birds and reptiles.
#4 – Drive Along The Limestone Coast
The Limestone Coast’s wide open roads lead to stunning beaches, delicious seafood, spectacular geological wonders, and stunning coastal scenery.
Drive along the Limestone Coast to discover vibrant coastal towns, rich history, internationally-acclaimed wine, and world-famous Wagyu beef. At Mount Gambier, you’ll encounter the Blue Lake, where cobalt water fills a massive volcanic crater. The beautiful Umpherston sinkhole, a sunken garden in Mount Gambier, offers stunning natural scenery, viewing platforms and walking paths to explore. Get your culture fix at local art galleries and museums showcasing both local and international works.
#5 – Wine and Dine in Clare Valley
Clare Valley is one of Australia’s oldest wine regions and if you love superb wine and food, it’s an excellent choice for a serene getaway near Adelaide. The Clare Valley is home to a staggering 30 boutique, family-run and award-winning wineries.
Don’t miss Terroir Auburn restaurant, where you can dine on gourmet food crafted from fresh local produce and sip delicious wine while enjoying spectacular views of Clare Valley. Sip award-winning Riesling in Sevenhill Cellars or lose yourself in the fascinating underground cellars of the Jesuit winery at Sevenhill, the oldest winery in the Clare Valley.
People who love hiking will find plenty of exciting bushwalks in the Clare Valley. The most popular is the 1.3 kilometre Cascades Walk from Blue Gum lookout to the Cascades Waterfall. More experienced hikers will enjoy the hour long Wymans Hike trail, which offers glorious views of the stunning countryside.
Are you a history or archaeology buff? Learn about the massive mega fauna that once roamed prehistoric Australia at Red Banks Conservation Park with the fascinating ‘Landscapes of Change’ interpretive walking trail.
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the arresting scenery, stunning vineyards and picturesque towns that surround Adelaide. Contact Hughes on 1300 615 165 to explore our luxury chauffeured tour packages today.
