Beyond the City: 4 Effortless Day Trips from Adelaide for Hidden Gems & Iconic Experiences  

We have partnered with the South Australian Tourism Commission to bring you four exceptional day trips that will help you explore the heart and soul of this great state. 

When the open road calls, South Australia answers with adventure within easy (and wonderfully scenic) reach from Adelaide. This isn’t just about visiting well-known destinations. It’s about uncovering the heart of a place, the local haunts whispered about in wine bars, the detours that lead to something unforgettable, and the moments that turn a simple day trip into something far greater.

One minute, you’re sipping a bold Shiraz in the Barossa. Next, you’re slipping into a generations-old bakery in the Adelaide Hills, where the pastries are as much a part of the landscape as the rolling green vines outside. You might find yourself weaving through McLaren Vale, where the scent of salt and sun-baked vines fills the air, or drifting along the mighty Murray, watching ochre cliffs glow in the afternoon light. Every turn leads to something worth pulling over for.  

So, pack the car, set the playlist, and follow our lead. With these handpicked itineraries, you’re in for a day of world-class wine, breathtaking landscapes, and the kind of experiences that stay with you long after you’re back in the city.  

Sitchu tip: Speaking of packing the car, why not go electric for your next road trip? evee is an all-electric hiring marketplace allowing travellers to hire electric vehicles directly from owners. Combining sustainability with comfort, you’ll breeze through SA in style.

Best Day Trips from Adelaide: Adelaide Hills

Encased in the lush embrace of the Mount Lofty Ranges, just a swift 20-minute drive from Adelaide’s CBD, the Adelaide Hills is a place where time slows, and every turn reveals something special.

Cool-climate wines flow freely from intimate cellar doors, while farm-to-table dining thrives in century-old stone cottages. Wander through historic villages lined with boutique shopfronts, artisanal bakeries, and snug cafes serving house-roasted coffee. In summer, long lunches spill into golden afternoons, picturesque gardens invite you to linger, and bushland trails lead to breathtaking cityscape views, while autumn sets the hills ablaze with colour.

Whether it’s misty winter mornings or spring’s fresh bloom, the Hills enchant year-round, begging you to explore, sip, and savour.  

Town Spotlight: Hahndorf

The first stop on your Adelaide Hills road trip: Hahndorf—a town that needs no introduction but always delivers something unexpected. Hahndorf is a time warp worth getting lost in, wandering the elm-lined main street, where old-fashioned lolly shops meet artisanal boutiques and German pubs pour Bavarian brews. Step into Thiele’s Shop, a cafe and creative hub with rotating pop-ups, then head down the road to Ernest Delicatessen, a European-inspired trove of charcuterie, cheese, and specialty goods. The sandwiches? A must—trust us.  

Browse Gathered SA for sustainable finds, before stopping for a sweet treat at The Parlour. Pick sun-ripened strawberries at Beerenberg Family Farm, craft your own gin at Ambleside Distillers, or for an artistic escape step inside the world of landscape painter Hans Heysen at The Cedars, his historic home and studio.

Explore

To bask in the glow of a sunny day in the Hills, there’s no better place than Mount Lofty Botanic Garden, where 97 hectares of sculpted landscapes, walking trails, and mirror-like lakes unfold. For a more immersive encounter, Cleland Wildlife Park offers a rare chance to roam among native wildlife, where kangaroos hop alongside visitors and koalas drowse in eucalyptus-scented air. Nearby, Thelma in Piccadilly is as charming as it is delicious, dishing up seasonal plates with effortless flair. Fridays call for Friday Fixe—a three-course feast with a glass of wine for a mere $55.  

When the season allows, flower picking at Charleston Farm is a dreamlike escape, and Ashton’s Harvest Hill roadside stand delights with every drive-by, the wooden cart filled with fresh eggs, fruit and seasonal blooms. If fresh fruit is your jam, pick fresh cherries, strawberries, figs and apples throughout the seasons, with the Hills and beyond filled with family-friendly PYO fruit farms.

Of course, no Hills sojourn is complete without a visit to Bird in Hand, where heritage vines, sparkling wines, and the estate’s towering dual blue silos paint a picture of rustic luxury. While the LVN fine dining experience and renowned cellar door steal the spotlight, the estate’s private garden tour is a hidden gem—an intimate, behind-the-scenes glimpse into its manicured beauty. With limited spots and an insider’s air of exclusivity, follow them on socials to be among the first to book for 2025.  

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Eat & Drink

The Adelaide Hills is a foodie’s paradise. Only 20 minutes from Adelaide and in one of the cosiest coffee shops we ever did see, Ashton’s Cherry Bomb Cafe feels like walking into a warm hug. With homemade pies, a roaring fireplace, a small library and cosy corners, the homey cafe is the perfect place to start your day with a fresh and simple breakfast.

Further afield, Ondeen Farm offers a refined farm-to-table experience inside a beautifully restored 1851 homestead. Sustainability and tradition guide every plate, creating a true taste of the region.  For those chasing vineyard views, The Lane Vineyard is a must. Perched high above the valley, this boutique winery offers cool-climate wines and a restaurant where long lunches unfold like a dream. Over at Golding Wines, a sandstone barn, lush gardens, and woodfired feasts invite lingering afternoons.

Expect menus and seasonal events that celebrate the best of the Hills—because here, food and wine are an experience.  Time it right, and you could be sampling local wine, cider and spirits, enjoying live entertainment and partaking in expert-led masterclasses at A Taste of the Hills, or beating the winter blues by cosying up by a fire pit and sampling cool-climate reds at the annual Winter Reds festival.

Sitchu Tip: Take the Road Less Travelled

While your drive winds through the dappled greens of Stirling or Crafers, take the alternative route to Mylor, a town that undeservedly flies under the radar. Home to a historic general store, an enchanting celebration of age-old village customs at the magical English Ale festival and Verté Kitchen, a family-owned hidden gem that takes seasonal produce and spins it into something extraordinary—think soul-warming plates, locally sourced everything, and a wine list that makes lunchtime indulgence feel like the only right choice. 

Allow time to delve deeper into Mylor’s natural beauty, from a bush stroll through Mylor Conservation Park to a stop at the Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary. Look closely here—it’s the only place in South Australia where you can spot the ever-elusive platypus.  

If you feel yourself slipping into the town’s easy rhythm, lean into it. Stay the night at Mylor Farm, a three-bedroom sanctuary surrounded by gums, where a fruit orchard and a babbling brook add to the storybook charm.

Best Day Trips from Adelaide: McLaren Vale

A feast for the senses, picturesque McLaren Vale is just 45 minutes south of Adelaide, where rolling vineyards, world-class wineries, art galleries, and a charming country town feel meet. The gateway to the Epicurean Way Road Trip, McLaren Vale is a haven for wine and food lovers, famed for its cellar doors, award-winning Shiraz, boutique distilleries, craft breweries, and celebrated restaurants.

Beyond the vineyards, the Fleurieu Peninsula offers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure, with endless farmland, turquoise waters, and warm hospitality.  

With so much to explore, one visit is never enough—you’ll be planning your return before you’ve even left.  

Explore

McLaren Vale is synonymous with fresh produce, gourmet delights, and artisan craftsmanship, with farmers’ markets and bike trails offering a perfect way to soak up the region’s charm. Start your morning at the Willunga Farmers Market (held every Saturday at Willunga High School), twice-awarded at the Delicious Produce Awards, the market is a rich showcase of local fare. Be sure to stock up on picnic essentials at Willunga General Store before heading off.  

For those keen to work up an appetite, the Coast to Vines Rail Trail is a must. This 37km journey winds through breathtaking landscapes, coastal vistas, and rolling vineyards, with cellar doors along the way inviting you to pause for a glass of something special.  For something a little less strenuous, the new Flat to Vale Trail is 3.6km long, ideal for families and those on foot, connecting McLaren Vale and McLaren Flat.

Art and wine collide at the d’Arenberg Cube, a five-storey architectural wonder housing a Salvador Dalí sculpture exhibition, immersive tastings, a blending bench to craft your own wine, and a fine-dining restaurant. Continue the artistic immersion at Red Poles Art Gallery, where Indigenous and South Australian artists shine alongside an on-site restaurant serving local produce led by Andy Fuller. 

Eat & Drink

Our best advice for McLaren Vale? Bring your appetite.  

Start at Hey Juj, a breezy Main Street staple dishing up excellent coffee, brunch bites, stacked bagels, juicy burgers, and tacos worth getting a little messy for.  

Wine lovers, buckle up. Alpha Box & Dice redefines the tasting experience with its “Alphabet of Wine,” set in a heritage-listed barn, it’s a little eccentric, a little rock ‘n’ roll, and very, very good. Meanwhile, Down the Rabbit Hole is a daydream come to life—wine poured inside a converted bus, glasses clinking in the sun-drenched garden and good vibes dialled to perfection.  

At Chalk Hill, the formula is simple: panoramic views, woodfired pizzas from Cucina Strada, and world-class wines. Next door, Never Never Distilling Co. takes gin to new heights with creative cocktails and a masterclass in botanicals.  

For a meal that lingers in your memory, Coriole Vineyards serves up estate-grown produce that speaks to the provenance of McLaren Vale, paired with rolling vineyard views, while The Salopian Inn is a love letter to seasonal, hyper-local cooking with a cheeky, irreverent spirit.  

Town Spotlight: Aldinga & Willunga

These twin townships blend seaside charm with countryside soul. Aldinga hums with cool cafes and lively wine bars, while Willunga charms with heritage streets and historic pubs.  

Start your morning beachside at Zan’s Van at Port Willunga, where lattes and pastries come with a sea breeze or a smooth brew at Goodness Coffee in Aldinga.  

For an afternoon vino, Fall From Grace is Aldinga’s go-to wine bar, serving artisan pizza and bar snacks (and the occasional secret pasta club for those in the know). Come dinnertime, Sicily Mare Pizzeria fires up wood-fired pizzas on the sand. For dessert? A scoop of authentic Italian gelato at Sweet Life Gelato will satisfy any craving. 

But the pinnacle? Star of Greece. Cliffside above Port Willunga’s turquoise waters, this Mediterranean-inspired institution pairs breathtaking views with exquisite seafood and a wine list to match—elevated, yet effortlessly relaxed.  

Sitchu Tip: Why You Need to Visit Willunga’s Muni  

Tucked away on Willunga’s historic High Street, Muni is a tiny, 33-seat revelation that redefines dining in McLaren Vale. The menu? A masterclass in restraint and precision, blending Japanese minimalism with bold, Asian-inflected flavours. Local produce shines in unexpected ways—think Job’s tears risotto in place of tripe soup, each dish an exploration of texture and umami. The natural wine list is as carefully curated as the food, making every sip and bite a moment worth savouring.  

Best Day Trips from Adelaide: Barossa

In a class of its own, driving an hour from Adelaide will place you amongst world-class cellar doors and artisan producers of the Barossa. Renowned for its picturesque scenery and bold, deeply-hued reds, the region spans from Gawler to Nuriootpa, with over 80 cellar doors, scenic bike trails and top-tier dining. With beauty as far as the eye can see, it is little wonder that Barossa is the poster child of South Australia.  

Beyond the vineyards, the Barossa’s event calendar draws crowds year-round. From AFL Gather Round at the transformed Barossa Park and the Barossa Vintage Festival held in April to long lunches, live music, and the Barossa Farmers Market, there’s always something to explore. 

Explore

Kickstart your day with an early wake-up call, with a sunrise adventure with Barossa Valley Ballooning, followed by a Champagne breakfast. Then cruise into Tanunda for a stroll on the leafy streets where you can fuel up on coffee and pastries before diving into a day of wine tasting and tours. Nearby Chateau Tanunda has a wonderful Wine and Croquet experience, with sun-drenched games on the lawn, glass of wine in hand!  

For more country charm, head to Angaston, where the Barossa Farmers Market – held every Saturday morning – is hard to beat for quality, with seasonal, artisan-made Barossa produce at the ready from local farmers and growers.  

In Nuriootpa, stock up on kitchen essentials at Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop. Stick around for a meal at The Eatery or join a cooking class, with both experiences celebrating the best of the Barossa and set against a peaceful lake backdrop.  

Eat & Drink

The Barossa’s hospitality is as rich as its vineyards, with some of the country’s most renowned wineries calling this region home. Newcomer Staguni brings a refreshingly bold dining experience within the historic walls of Marananga High School, earning its place alongside Seppeltsfield Wines as a must-visit on any Barossa itinerary.  

For those chasing true indulgence, the three-hour chef’s tasting at Hentley Farm is the pinnacle of luxury. Short on time? The intimate cellar door offers a deep dive into the region’s fruit-driven varieties. 

At St Hugo Winery, tradition runs as deep as the vines. Dating back to the 1840s, this family-owned estate showcases its world-class Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon with guided tastings, behind-the-scenes tours and the on-site restaurant, where precision and passion meet on every plate. A sun-drenched deck offers elevated views, while a secluded courtyard—encased in stone walls reminiscent of the south of France—welcomes wine tasters into its embrace.  

Sitchu Tip: Barossa’s fine dining may steal the spotlight, but sometimes, the best moments are found in a quiet pause. The Picnic for Two at Yalumba Estate transforms a roadside break into something unforgettable. Set among impeccably kept grounds, you’ll unpack a feast of local delights paired with a ‘Best of Barossa’ tasting and a bottle to take home. 

Sitchu Tip: Get Creative in the Barossa

Let your inner artist run wild with a hands-on pottery class at Goldie & the Earth Pottery Studio, voted 2024’s Best Barossa Experience. For something extra special, Clay & Cows, held off-site at Ellenesse Acres, this two-hour clay workshop includes a special meet and greet with three gorgeous Highland cows – Emma, Pippa and Nessi!  

Best Day Trips from Adelaide: Murray River, Lakes & Coorong  

Travelling east of Adelaide, embrace the fresh country air with a day trip to the Murray River, Lakes & Coorong. This stunning region embodies the spirit of nature, where Australia’s longest river, the Murray River, meanders its way through a landscape of towering cliffs, winding creeks and expansive floodplains. Offering a perfect blend of nature, adventure and relaxation, this region invites you to step away from the hustle, slow down and soak in the simple joys of life. 

To plan your perfect route, the Mighty Murray Way Road Trip takes the guesswork out of which road to take in this vast region.  

Explore

For a simple day trip from Adelaide, head east to Mannum, just over an hour’s drive away, and explore this historic river port where life moves at the Murray River’s pace—slow and steady. Wander through Mannum’s colonial past, and in winter, find an unexpected scene at the Mannum Waterfalls, where water flows from the Adelaide Foothills and into Reedy Creek. If time allows, extend your journey aboard the PS Murray Princess, a multi-day cruise where life drifts by in complete serenity, or spend a night in glamping luxury at Reedy Creek Retreat.  

Wildlife and wine lovers should detour to Monarto Safari Park, the largest safari park outside of Africa, where lions, meerkats and rhinos roam free. Beyond the park, Grapes for Good is a unique collaboration between Monarto and six participating Langhorne Creek wineries, where part of the proceeds from select wines support breeding programs. Whether you book a self-driving tour, organise luxury transport with Juggle House Experiences (no designated driver required), or take part in a self-paced mini degustation on the Tasting Trail, you can savour every sip, knowing you are supporting local businesses and ZoosSA’s conservation efforts.

Further south, Coorong National Park beckons. Canoe alongside pelicans, fish in the still waters and hike to the Murray Mouth Lookout for a breathtaking finale.  Linger longer at Coorong Life, where custom-built KipPods are surrounded by wild beauty, or find sanctuary with Wellington Private Marina‘s nature-based wellness retreat.

Eat & Drink

The Murray River region is a vast canvas, filled with so many unique spots that it can be tricky to know where to begin.

Grab a riverside bite at Mannum’s historic Pretoria Hotel or stop and sample award-winning spirits in a former butcher shop at family-owned Roylancer Distillery Co. Float along the Murray on a Reedy Creek Retreat pontoon, cooking up a BBQ or indulging in a fully catered experience. Find coffee and connection at Meningie’s Happy Daise Coffee Shop, and if you’ve taken the coastal route, Goolwa’s laid-back charm makes for the perfect final stop. At Kuti Shack, sample locally harvested pipis (kuti) paired with native ingredients, right by the beach. 

Sitchu Tip: Extend Your Stay at Monarto Safari Resort

With an official opening date set for May 28th, Monarto Safari Resort is set to redefine luxury escapes with breathtaking views, premium amenities and unforgettable encounters in the heart of Monarto Safari Park. Developed by Journey Beyond, this $40 million destination features 78 luxury rooms, 20 safari tents, a world-class spa, two pools, and event spaces, offering something for families, couples, and adventure seekers alike in the Murray River, Lakes & Coorong region.

South Australia is a place where long lunches stretch into golden afternoons and fresh, farm-to-table produce speaks for itself. Where winemakers pour straight from the barrel, and a last-minute tip from a stranger at the bar leads to the best meal of your trip. It’s about embracing the unexpected and taking every opportunity to slow down and savour the moment, jumping in the car instead of boarding a flight, staying in an eco cabin over a hotel, supporting local businesses and eating seasonally wherever we can.  

Discover even more experiences and events worthy of a day trip here.

For further assistance when planning your trip to South Australia, download Pavely from the app store to find, rate and review inclusive venues across the state, and check out accessible travel options.