Discover SA’s best day trips from Adelaide
Drive time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes from Adelaide.
Victor Harbor is a classic day trip destination. Perfect for a chill day by the water, it’s easy to spend a full day here. Enjoy a walk across the Granite Island Causeway or take a ride on the historic horse-drawn tram. Grab fish and chips and find a sunny spot at Warland Reserve before appreciating the views along the Bluff lookout.
Drive time: Approximately 30 minutes from Adelaide.
Hahndorf is Australia’s oldest German settlement and is where old-school charm meets foodie-heaven. Head down the leafy main street, lined with heritage buildings, boutique shops, and local food producers. Fuel your day at one of the cafes or pubs before relaxing in Alec Johnston Park. Finish your day trip at the Hahndorf Academy for a taste of local art and history.
Drive time: Approximately 3 hours from Adelaide.
Picture yourself riverfront with a coffee in hand, taking in the Murray River. With wide open spaces and trails by the water, Renmark is an ideal escape to the riverfront for the day. Check out the recently upgraded Renmark Riverfront Wharf, or explore the parks, restaurants and cafes along the river. The upgrades to the riverfront make it a fantastic spot for picnics, boating, or a short cruise on a paddle steamer.
Drive time: Approximately 45 minutes from Adelaide.
Just a short drive north of the city, Gawler is a mix of heritage and chic. Grab a local coffee and wander through Pioneer Park or follow the Gawler Heritage Trail to admire beautifully preserved buildings. Cool off with a quick dip at the Gawler Aquatic Centre before heading home.
Drive time: Approximately 1 hour from Adelaide.
For a day of world-class wines and vineyard views, the Barossa is the best day trip to take when you have friends and family visiting SA for the first time. Visit the Lyndoch Lavender Farm, enjoy a picnic at Angaston’s Pioneer Park, or check out an art exhibition at Tanunda’s Barossa Regional Gallery. Prefer two wheels? Bring your bicycle and take one of The Barossa Council’s many sealed cycling tracks.
Drive time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes from Adelaide.
Nestled along the Murray River, Mannum is perfect for a laid-back day by the water. River views, paddle steamers and plenty of picnic spots offer a stress-free day trip. Explore the historic PS Marion paddle steamer or visit the Mannum Dock Museum to learn about the town. Finish the day trawling the vintage stores on Mannum’s main street.
Drive time: Approximately 40 minutes from Adelaide.
Mount Barker offers a beautiful combination of green spaces, laid-back cafes, and cute stores. Start the day with a hike up Mount Barker Summit for views as far as Mount Lofty. Visit the award-winning Laratinga Wetlands for birdwatching, then take a break over brunch on the leafy Gawler Street. The council’s investment in parks, walking trails, and community spaces ensures there’s plenty to explore.
Drive time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes from Adelaide.
Port Elliot is a beach road trip done right. Spend the day sunning it up (with SPF of course) at Horseshoe Bay, a popular spot for swimming, or follow the Fleurieu Coastal Trail for stunning ocean views. Take a walk along the main street for a spot of shopping for antiques, boutique clothing and books.
Drive time: Approximately 4 hours from Adelaide.
Coonawarra is worth the longer drive for wine lovers – think vineyard views and over 25 cellar doors packed into 20 kilometres. Sitting halfway between Adelaide and Melbourne, visiting the Coonawarra may be considered a big day trip, but you could turn it into a mini-break and linger a little longer.
Drive time: Approximately 2 hours from Adelaide.
A day trip to Burra is unique as it gets. This historic copper mining town is now on Australia’s UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List to protect and preserve the sites for future generations. Explore the Burra Mine Site, visit the first prison built outside of Adelaide at the Redruth Gaol, or stop by one of Australia’s most photographed ruins at Midnight Oil House.
Image credit: Barossa Australia
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