Best Day Trips from Adelaide

Adelaide is superbly positioned for day trips — surrounded by some of Australia's most spectacular natural landscapes and most celebrated wine regions within easy driving distance. The Barossa Valley, just 60km northeast, is Australia's most famous wine region and home to some of the world's oldest Shiraz vines. McLaren Vale, 40km south, produces exceptional Grenache, Shiraz, and Cabernet from some of Australia's most picturesque vineyard settings.

Kangaroo Island, accessible by ferry from Cape Jervis (90 minutes south of Adelaide) or by short flight, is one of Australia's most remarkable wildlife destinations — a large island where koalas, kangaroos, sea lions, echidnas, and Little Penguins live in largely undisturbed natural habitats. The Flinders Ranges, 450km north, are a dramatic ancient mountain landscape but technically too far for a comfortable day trip. The Limestone Coast's Blue Lake at Mount Gambier and the Naracoorte Caves are better suited to overnight stays.