The best day trips from Adelaide in 2026 are the Barossa Valley for wine, McLaren Vale and the Fleurieu Peninsula, Hahndorf and the Adelaide Hills, Victor Harbor and Granite Island, the Clare Valley's riesling trail, Monarto Safari Park and a long day on Kangaroo Island.
Adelaide is perfectly placed for day trips: the Adelaide Hills are 25 minutes away, McLaren Vale 45 minutes and the Barossa an hour. Take a tour if you plan to taste wine, or nominate a driver. Kangaroo Island is possible as a long day by ferry or a short flight, but two or three nights is better. For cellar doors, see our best wineries near Adelaide.
Australia's most famous wine region, an hour away.
The Barossa is known for shiraz, historic stone wineries such as Seppeltsfield, Yalumba and Penfolds, and its German heritage in towns like Tanunda and Angaston. The Barossa Farmers Market runs on Saturday mornings.
Drive up to Mengler's Hill for a view over the valley.
Good to know: Book a tour so you can taste without driving.
Tanunda SA 5352
Wineries, the d'Arenberg Cube and beaches 45 minutes south.
McLaren Vale has more than 70 cellar doors, including the striking d'Arenberg Cube, and its vineyards run down towards the beaches of the Gulf.
Combine wine with a swim at Port Willunga or Maslin Beach.
Good to know: Finish the day with a swim and sunset at Port Willunga.
McLaren Vale SA 5171
A historic German village and cool-climate wineries 25 minutes away.
Hahndorf is Australia's oldest surviving German settlement, with a main street of old stone buildings, bakeries and cafés. The Adelaide Hills' cellar doors are all around.
Stop at Mount Lofty Summit and Cleland Wildlife Park on the way.
Good to know: Visit on a weekday; Hahndorf's main street is busy at weekends.
Main St, Hahndorf SA 5245
A seaside town, a horse-drawn tram and whales in winter.
Victor Harbor is a seaside town on the south coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula. Walk or ride the horse-drawn tram across the causeway to Granite Island, and look for southern right whales from June to October.
The SA Whale Centre explains the whales' story.
Good to know: Visit between June and October for the best chance of seeing whales.
Victor Harbor SA 5211
Lions, giraffes and rhinos on the open plains an hour east.
Monarto Safari Park is one of the world's largest open-range zoos, about an hour east of Adelaide. A safari bus takes you through big enclosures of African animals, and you can walk to see lions, cheetahs and giraffes.
It suits families who want a big day out.
Good to know: Book a keeper experience for close-up encounters.
Princes Hwy, Monarto SA 5254
Riesling country and the Riesling Trail, two hours north.
The Clare Valley is famous for riesling and the Riesling Trail, a bike path on an old railway line linking cellar doors and small towns.
Hire a bike and ride between wineries.
Good to know: Hire a bike in Clare and ride part of the Riesling Trail.
Clare SA 5453
Sea lions, kangaroos and wild coast on a long day tour.
Kangaroo Island is famous for its wildlife and scenery: sea lions at Seal Bay, Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch in Flinders Chase National Park, and kangaroos everywhere.
Day tours from Adelaide include the ferry from Cape Jervis or a short flight, but it's a long day.
Good to know: If you can, stay at least two nights instead.
Kangaroo Island SA 5223
The Barossa Valley, an hour north-east, for historic wineries, food and the scenic Mengler's Hill lookout. McLaren Vale is a close second, with beaches nearby.
Yes, on a long guided day tour that includes the ferry from Cape Jervis or a flight. You'll see Seal Bay and Flinders Chase, but two or three nights is much better.
About an hour and a quarter by car. Walk the causeway to Granite Island, and look for whales from June to October.
Monarto Safari Park, Cleland Wildlife Park, Hahndorf and Victor Harbor are family favourites.
Yes. Many tour companies run Barossa, McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills tours with hotel pick-up from Adelaide.