Escape this weekend with the 6 best 2-day trips away from Adelaide!
Adelaide is a great city, but sometimes you just need a change of scenery. Lucky for us, there are plenty of incredible spots just a couple of hours away.
Whenever I start feeling restless, taking a quick two-day getaway is all I need to recharge. Whether it’s the coast, the hills, or the wine regions, a short escape always does the trick!
If you’re feeling the same, I’ve got you covered. Here are my top two-day trips from Adelaide—perfect for breaking the routine and coming back refreshed!
Spend time with nature at Kangaroo Island
Media From: authentickangarooisland
Location: South Australia
Distance from Adelaide: 80 miles
Travel Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Activities: Wildlife spotting, beach walks, snorkelling, swimming, and more
Kangaroo Island is packed with wildlife, stunning beaches, and rugged coastlines just waiting to be explored. You can check out the Remarkable Rocks in Flinders Chase National Park or watch Australian sea lions lazing on the sand!
There’s no shortage of things to do, whether it’s casting a line at Vivonne Bay, zipping down Little Sahara’s sand dunes on a quad bike, or giving sandboarding a crack.
If you’re up for a dip, Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures runs tours where you can swim alongside wild dolphins.
My husband and I managed to tick off a few must-dos while we were there. We wandered through the limestone caves at Kelly Hill before joining a guided tour at Seal Bay to see endangered sea lions up close.
The next day, we hiked around Flinders Chase, taking in Admirals Arch and Cape du Couedic before camping under a sky full of stars.
Tips:
- Catch a live bird of prey show at Raptor Domain, featuring eagles, owls, and other incredible birds.
- Swing by Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery to see how eucalyptus oil is made—and grab a bottle of the good stuff!
Enjoy wine and more at Barossa Valley
Media From: visitbarossavalley
Location: Tanunda
Distance from Adelaide: 46 miles
Travel Time: 60 minutes
Activities: Wine tasting, hot air balloon ride, kayaking, and more
The Barossa Valley is a cracking spot for a two-day getaway. Sure, it’s famous for its world-class wines, but there’s plenty more to explore beyond the cellar doors.
Beyond wine tasting at top-notch wineries like Artisans of Barossa and Chateau Tanunda, you can wander through the seven-hectare Barossa Bushgardens to check out native plants and even get lost in a labyrinth.
For sweeping views of the region, head up to Mengler Hill Lookout, or if you’re keen on something different, jump on a Harley-Davidson-style trike for a 3.5-hour tour around the valley.
Every time I visit, I find something new that leaves me in awe. My husband and I recently took a hot air balloon ride over the valley. Floating above the vineyards at sunrise was pure magic, especially with a glass of local wine in hand.
We also had a laugh testing out the Whispering Wall, where we stood over 100 metres apart and could still hear each other’s whispers!
Tip: Plan your trip for April to catch the biennial Barossa Vintage Festival and the Barossa Arts Festival. It’s all about celebrating the grape harvest with wine, food, markets, art exhibitions, live music, and even grape stomping—definitely worth the visit!
Explore the Adelaide Hills
Media From: visitadelaidehills
Location: South Australia
Distance from Adelaide: 20 miles
Travel Time: 55 minutes
Activities: Village exploration, wildlife spotting, hiking, fruit picking, cycling, and more
If you’re after a quick and easy escape from the city, Adelaide Hills is well worth a visit. With its charming towns, stunning views, and lush nature reserves, there’s plenty to explore.
Plus, in just 20 minutes, you can be in Stirling Village, browsing boutique shops or grabbing a bite at one of its cosy cafés!
There’s no shortage of unique experiences here. Check out the National Motor Museum in Birdwood, home to over 300 vehicles, or take a nostalgic ride on the SteamRanger Heritage Railway from Mount Barker to Victor Harbor.
If you’re up for a challenge, tackle the 3.8 km hike up Mount Lofty Summit, where you’ll pass waterfalls, scenic gorges, and lush fern gullies before soaking in the breathtaking view at the top.
Most weekends, you’ll find me riding the 20 km of trails at Eagle Mountain Bike Park. If I’m not cycling, I’m wandering through Cleland Wildlife Park, getting up close with koalas and hanging out with kangaroos.
Tips:
- Head to Beerenberg Farm in November to pick your own strawberries—perfect for a fun family outing.
- There’s a Farm Cafe at Lenswood Pick Your Own where you can meet the growers, learn about apple varieties, pick and purchase apples, and enjoy local treats.
Get tanned in Glenelg
Media From: melisstartaglia
Location: South Australia
Distance from Adelaide: 4.3 miles
Travel Time: 25 minutes
Activities: Fishing, swimming, paddleboarding, sailing, jet skiing, and more
Glenelg is the perfect spot for a summer getaway, with its stunning beach and lively atmosphere. Whether you’re up for a bit of adventure with jet skiing and paddleboarding or just keen on a relaxing stroll along the Esplanade, there’s plenty to enjoy.
The views of the beach and the Gulf St Vincent make it a top spot to unwind.
For something extra special, hop on an Adelaide Ocean Safari tour and swim with wild dolphins.
If you’re bringing the kids, The Beachouse amusement park is a winner, with waterslides, mini-golf, and arcade games.
To soak up some local history, stop by the Bay Discovery Centre and learn about Glenelg’s past and South Australia’s cultural heritage.
Every time my family and I visit, we make the most of the water activities. We had an absolute blast snorkelling and swimming with dolphins last time.
We always wrap up our trips with a visit to Glenelg Jetty, taking in the sweeping ocean views of St Vincent Gulf and the Fleurieu Peninsula. It never gets old!
Tips:
- Moseley Square and the Glenelg Foreshore Playground buzz with activity in the warmer months—great for families and casual sporting fun.
- Kick back at the Moseley Beach Club, where you can sip cocktails right on the sand.
- Head to Colley Reserve before sunset for an epic evening sky view—perfect for a sunset picnic!
Have an adventure at Fleurieu Peninsula
Media From: officialfleurieupeninsula
Location: Inman Valley
Distance from Adelaide: 43 miles
Travel Time: 52 minutes
Activities: Surfing, wine tasting, hiking, water sports, wildlife encounters, and more
The Fleurieu Peninsula is the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, with stunning beaches, rolling hills, and charming coastal towns. There’s never a dull moment here, whether you’re exploring nature or indulging in top-notch local produce.
And if you’re into wine, a visit to McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek for a tasting session is a must!
Hit the beaches for some action-packed water sports like surfing, sailing, or kayaking at spots like Boomer Beach and Waitpinga.
If you’re after a nature escape, Deep Creek National Park has the region’s largest stretch of untouched vegetation, packed with hiking trails and wildlife.
For an unforgettable experience, hop on The Big Duck Boat from Victor Harbor to spot bottlenose dolphins, Australian sea lions, and New Zealand fur seals.
During our trip, we spent two days checking out the best surf beaches, and Boomer Beach was my top pick for body surfing. The wild waves and strong rips made for an exhilarating ride—definitely not for the faint-hearted!
Tips:
- Try wine tasting on a double-decker bus at Down The Rabbit Hole Winery—a fun twist on a classic experience.
- For a foodie adventure, visit the cellar doors in McLaren Vale and sample the region’s best wines with delicious local produce.
Have a romantic getaway at Clare Valley
Media From: clarevalleysa
Location: South Australia
Distance from Adelaide: 87 miles
Travel Time: 1 hour and 41 minutes
Activities: Wine tasting, hiking, biking, heritage site explorations, and more
Treat your partner to a romantic getaway in Clare Valley, one of Australia’s oldest wine regions. Sip world-class Riesling while soaking up the rolling vineyards and stunning landscapes!
For unbeatable views, head to O’Leary Walker Wines in Leasingham, where you can enjoy a glass on a hilltop overlooking the vines.
Beyond the wine, the Riesling Trail offers a scenic 35 km journey through the valley, passing cellar doors and picturesque countryside—perfect for a leisurely ride or walk.
If you’re after a bit of nature, Spring Gully Conservation Park is a great spot for wildlife spotting and breathtaking panoramic views.
My husband surprised me with a trip here, kicking off at Sevenhill Cellars, South Australia’s first winery. With over 50 wineries in the region, we couldn’t visit them all, but I was thrilled to explore Martindale Hall, one of the most beautiful country mansions in Australia.
We ended our trip at Lake Bumbunga, watching the shifting pink hues of the salt lake—a picture-perfect way to wrap up our getaway.
Tips:
- For convenient access to the Riesling Trail, consider staying at St. Helens Country Cottages. Plus, the cottages are set in a picturesque garden—a perfect greeting to your morning.
- For couples seeking a romantic getaway with spa baths and fireplaces, the Neagles Retreat Villa is an excellent choice.
- Don’t forget to visit Mintaro so you can discover the unique history of the valley.
