14 Incredible Day Trips From Adelaide, South Australia

While Adelaide is a small city even for Australian standards, it’s surrounded by some of the most beautiful nature and incredible coastline. There’s an endless variety of things to do within the city and its surrounds, from wine tasting to hiking in the hills. If you’re looking for some inspiration for day trips from Adelaide, then this list will have something for everyone.

Whether you’re keen for something close to the city or don’t mind driving a couple of hours away for an adventure, I’m detailing my favourite day trips from Adelaide below. After visiting the state several times and heading outdoors whenever possible, I think it’s an incredibly underrated city and state to explore. Check out these day trip ideas for your next weekend.

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How to Get Around Adelaide

Adelaide is a small city in comparison to other major cities in Australia. It’s quite easy to get around with your own car, which also allows much more time for exploring once you arrive at your destination.

Public transportation is more limited, but you’ll still be able to visit some of the major towns not far from Adelaide by bus, including Hahndorf, Victor Harbor, and Sellicks Beach. However, the travel time will be significantly longer than driving, so you’ll have to plan your day accordingly.

If you don’t have your own vehicle and are limited with time, then utilise one of the day tours instead. There are many tours available, especially to the wine regions and further afield to Kangaroo Island. This will leave all the logistics up to the company, so you can sit back and enjoy the day.

Best Day Trips From Adelaide

These are the best day trips from Adelaide, including a little bit of everything from beaches to cute towns and national parks where you can enjoy some walking. No matter what you’re interested in, you’ll find a day trip to suit you.

Sellicks Beach

Distance from Adelaide: 52 km or 1 hour drive

There are beaches all along the coast south of the city, so there’s no shortage of beaches to explore on a day trip from Adelaide. If you want to stay close to the city, then Glenelg or Brighton are two of the most popular beaches in Adelaide. However, if you’re willing to head a bit further, then head down to Sellicks Beach near Aldinga.

It’s one of the few beaches in the state where you’re allowed to drive on the sand, even with a 2WD. You’ll find concrete ramps leading down to the sand with plenty of room for cars to park up on the beach. It’s a pretty safe swimming spot as well and windsurfing is popular when the winds are blowing right.

Towards the southern end of the beach, you’ll also find incredibly unique cliffs that are carved out by years wind and rain. The red colour of the soil, makes it feel like you’re somewhere in the outback, but the long cliffs drop straight down into the sea. It’s become a bit of an IG photo spot, so be careful of the unstable cliffs and stick to the designated lookouts.

Mount Lofty

Distance from Adelaide: 17 km or 25 minute drive

The Mount Lofty Ranges dominate what is often called the Adelaide Hills, which surround the city’s eastern edges. The Mount Lofty summit is the defining feature of the range, which has a cafe and huge viewing platform from where you can gaze out over the entire city below.

The best way to reach the top is by hiking from Waterfall Gully. The hike is 4km one way and quite steep, although on a good footpath, gaining over 400m of elevation. This is one of the best day hikes in Adelaide, so there’s always quite a few others on the trail with you.

If you want to avoid the hard slog, then you can also drive to the summit and enjoy a view with a coffee. Then, head to the Mount Lofty Botanic Garden which is a huge 97-acre garden area that is free to visit. It’s filled with short walking trails, picnic spots, and diverse plants.

Hahndorf

Distance from Adelaide: 26 km or 30 minute drive

One of South Australia’s favourite towns, Hahndorf is a little slice of Europe in the Adelaide Hills. While it’s only half an hour from the city, it’s definitely one of the best day trips from Adelaide for those looking for some good food, wine, and shopping.

The small town was settled in the 19^th century by Lutheran migrants who brought with them a unique German-style architecture and artisanal food. The charming street is lined with historic buildings that have now been turned into cafes, wine bars, boutique stores, and souvenir shops.

Surrounding the town is the beautiful forest of the Adelaide Hills, so it feels much further away from the city. Plus, you’ll also find several boutique wineries and vineyards outside of town, including Sidewood Estate and The Lane Vineyard.

Book a Day Tour: Adelaide Hills and Hahndorf Food and Wine Day Tour

Victor Harbor

Distance from Adelaide: 84 km or 1 hour and 20 minute drive

Victoria Harbor is the main town on the Fleurieu Peninsula, directly south of Adelaide. Located on Encounter Bay, it has some pretty impressive coastal properties and stunning views across the ocean making it a popular holiday destination.

The town also has some incredible historical remnants including a Clydesdale horse-drawn tram across to Granite Island and some original colonial architecture. If you head across to the island, take the time to walk around and admire the view, plus you might even get the chance to see some penguins.

If you find yourself there in winter, you might also be lucky to catch the migratory Southern Right Whales on their way along the southern coast of Australia. You can head to the South Australian Whale Centre in town to find out where they are on their journey.

Deep Creek National Park

Distance from Adelaide: 100 km or 1.5 hour drive

The absolute highlight of the Fleurieu Peninsula though is this incredible conservation park near the southern tip. Deep Creek National Park is a must for all outdoor lovers in Adelaide. The wild coastal region is characterised by steep cliffs, rolling hills, secluded white sand beaches, walking trails offering panoramic views, and an abundance of native wildlife.

There are hikes, a waterfall, beaches, fishing spots, and campgrounds to enjoy for a day or a weekend. For those keen on a hike, the Deep Creek Circuit is a 12km loop that takes in the best of the park with a 4-5 hour hike.

Another spot worth checking out is Blowhole Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches near Adelaide and often devoid of people. If you have a 2WD, you’ll have to hike 1.5km down to the beach or 4×4 drivers can get much closer.

Rapid Bay and Second Valley

Distance from Adelaide: 100 km or 1.5 hour drive

On the northern coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula, these two rugged bays are definitely some of the highlights of the peninsula. Both are very close together, so it’s easy to visit on a day trip from Adelaide.

Second Valley Beach is a quiet slice of the coast bordered by steep sheer cliffs. Fishing is very popular here as well, both off the rocks and the jetty. Otherwise, there’s a nice walk along the edge of the coast from the jetty where you can play around in the rocks and have a dip in the water.

Moving onto Rapid Bay, which is even more beautiful in my opinion. The bay has a long sandy beach backed by towering limestone cliffs with a camping area located right on the edge of the beach and a long jetty. To the eastern end of the beach, you can find a huge cave on the beach cut into the cliffs, which is a fun little spot to explore. To make a weekend of it, camp the night on the beach, which costs just $15 per person.

Mannum (Murray River)

Distance from Adelaide: 100 km or 1 hour 20 minute drive

For an easy family-friendly day trip from Adelaide, a drive out to the historic town of Mannum on the Murray River is a great option. The town has some colonial buildings, but it’s the river that is the main attraction.

You’ll find old paddle steamers cruising down the river, with hour-long cruises available throughout the day on PS Marion. Or, take a multi-day trip on the PS Murray Princess, the largest inland paddle-steamer in the Southern Hemisphere, which offers a cruise down the river.

For something more active, try kayaking or bird watching down the Murray, Australia’s longest river.

Day Tour: Murray River Day Trip From Adelaide Including Lunch Cruise

McLaren Vale Wine Region

Distance from Adelaide: 40 km or 40 minute drive

Looking for a more relaxed day trip with friends? The Mclaren Vale Wine Region is so close to Adelaide and yet holds some of the best wineries in the state. You can head off on your own wine tasting tour within a half an hour from the city.

Driving through the area, you can see beautiful vineyards covering the rolling hills which are at their most colourful in autumn. Some of the most popular vineyards and restaurants to head to include Down the Rabbit Hole (with great food and wine and a retro old bus), d’Arenburg (famous winery known for it’s unique 5-storey cube building) and Paxton Wines (family-owned and known for its organic and biodynamic wine).

Want to enjoy a drink without driving? You can book the Hop On Hop Off McLaren Vale Winery Tour for a more convenient day trip.

Burra and the Clare Valley

Distance from Adelaide: 165 km or 2 hour drive

Nestled just outside of the vineyards of Clare Valley and within the rolling green hills of the Midnorth, Burra is one of the prettiest towns in South Australia. A vibrant pastoral town, it’s popular amongst history buffs who come to explore the historic buildings, from the old Redruth gaol to the Burra Mine Open Air Museum.

The main street of Burra is also home to some wonderful cafes, vintage stores, and local pubs. St Just Café is perfect for a coffee and toastie, while the Burra Hotel is a classic country pub.

You can also tie a visit to Burra in with a trip through the Clare Valley. Heading out from Adelaide, you can explore Burra first, before returning to the city via Clare, where you can relax in the afternoon wth a wine tasting or two at Shut the Gate Wines or Pike Wines.

Barossa Valley

Distance from Adelaide: 60 km or a 50 minute drive

Arguably one of the best wine regions in Australia, Barossa Valley is known for its high quality shiraz grapes. The region encompasses the towns like Tanunda, Angaston and Nuriootpa, with many wineries, cellar doors, and boutique restaurants to try.

The area is incredibly picturesque, especially during autumn when the leaves of the vines turn a bright orange tone. You’ll also notice old stone cottages and Lutheran churches scattered throughout the region, along with over 80 cellar doors.

Plan a self-drive tour through the valley, stopping in Tanunda for lunch at one of the many cafes in town. Famous wineries and restaurants to visit include, Penfolds Cellar Door, Chateau Tanunda, Hentley Farm, and Seabrook Wines.

Day Tour: Barossa Valley Wine Tasting Group Tour

Day Trip Ideas More Than 2 Hours From Adelaide

Want to see even more of South Australia and willing to get up early to drive further than most? Then, these day trips from Adelaide might be for you. If you’re willing to leave Adelaide early or are exploring in the longer daylight hours of summer, then these destinations can easily be added to your day trip list.

Kangaroo Island

Distance from Adelaide: 1 hour 45 minute drive to Cape Jervis and then 45 minute ferry ride

As one of South Australia’s biggest drawcards, Kangaroo Island is a natural paradise. Over a third of the island is protected by nature reserves and it’s home to a large abundance of native wildlife, including koalas, sea lions, and diverse birds. It lies just off the coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula, and is serviced by daily ferries operated by SeaLink for passengers and vehicles.

However, seeing the island independently on a day trip would be quite rushed, it is possible to do a day trip to Kangaroo Island, if you’re really short on time. Otherwise, I’d recommend spending a few days on the island to be able to really enjoy the beaches, rock formations, walks, and wildlife and campgrounds.

Book a tour instead: Kangaroo Island in a Day From Adelaide

Melrose

Distance from Adelaide: 263 km or 3 hour drive

Melrose is the oldest town in the Flinders Ranges and a quaint little place with a couple of iconic pubs. But it’s the proximity to the surrounding national park that really makes Melrose a worthy day trip, despite the distance.

The town sits at the base of Mount Remarkable. From town, you can hike to the summit (although there’s no views from the top) or skirt along its slopes on the mountain biking tracks built around the town. For a slower pace, you can also tackle the Melrose to Wilmington Rail Trail to visit another small town in the Flinders region.

Otherwise in between Wilmington and Melrose, you can also access the incredible Alligator Gorge within Mount Remarkable National Park. Arguably one of the most beautiful gorges in Australia, it’s worth doing the short gorge circuit hike of 3.3 km or opt for the longer 9.5 km loop for those keen on exploring a bit more.

With so much to do around Melrose and even further into the Flinders Ranges, I’d recommend allowing more than a day. But if you’re keen to leave Adelaide early in the morning, you could pick one of the things mentioned here.

Yorke Peninsula

Distance from Adelaide: 175 km or 2 hour drive

This intriguing boot leg shaped peninsula west of Adelaide is a wild and rugged yet pristine part of the southern coast. Known as Guuranda by the Narungga people, it’s incredible turquoise water and white sand of its coastline makes it one of the most underrated places to visit in South Australia.

The peninsula is larger than the Fleurieu Peninsula, so you really need to allow more than a day to see it. But if you’re keen for a long road trip, then you can reach the peninsula within 2 hours of the city.

However, the highlight of the Yorke Peninsula is undoubtedly the Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, which unfortunately sits right at the southern tip. To get here, it’s about 285km or over a 3 hour drive from Adelaide, but it’s still possible if you’re keen.

This national park has some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen, plus plenty of wildlife, surf breaks, historic ruins, a lighthouse, and secluded camp spots. I met surfers who’d made the drive down from Adelaide just for the day, so it’s certainly possible!

Coorong National Park

Distance from Adelaide: 190 km or 2 hour 15 minute drive

Coorong National Park is an absolutely wild section of the coastline south of Adelaide. It predominantly covers a coastal lagoon ecosystem officially known as The Coorong, with most of it only accessible by 4WD.

The park area is enjoyed mostly by bird watchers, fishermen, and keen 4×4 drivers. There are a couple of 2WD accessible campgrounds, but otherwise plenty of options for off roaders who can also camp along the beach.

While it’s not the most outstanding option on this list, it’s certainly one of the best places in South Australia for fishing, so for anyone keen on a weekend of fishing off the beach or boating amongst the dunes and wetlands, this is the place.

14 Incredible Day Trips From Adelaide, South Australia

How to Get Around Adelaide