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If you are looking for a short excursion for a weekend, South Australia has plenty of amazing self-drive trips from Adelaide that you can do. Rent a campervan or motorhome from Adelaide to explore the outskirts, where a wealth of experiences awaits. Experience the native wildlife, wine tasting, art appreciation, fossil expeditions, and antique hunting. Just a stone's throw away from the city centre, these excursions promise a diverse array of activities showcasing the finest offerings of South Australia. Embark on a journey to the renowned Barossa Valley, the picturesque Adelaide Hills, or the charming McLaren Vale wine regions. Alternatively, unwind along the coastal gems of Victor Harbor, Deep Creek National Park, Rapid Bay, and Second Valley.
1. Adelaide Hills
Distance: 30 minutes East from Adelaide
Recommended Duration: 1-3 Days
Nearest Campsite: Discovery Parks Hahndorf
The Adelaide Hills sprawl as a picturesque expanse of cool-climate countryside, distinguished by its gentle undulating hills, quaint historic villages, meandering country roads, and orderly vineyards. Kickstart your day with a delightful breakfast at The Summit Café atop Mount Lofty, overlooking the breathtaking panoramas of Adelaide and its surrounds. From there, traverse the scenic Adelaide Hills to Cleland Wildlife Park, where encounters with koalas and leisurely strolls among kangaroos, wombats, and Tasmanian devils await. Journey onwards to the charming heritage enclave of Hahndorf, established by German pioneers in 1839, and immerse yourself in its array of galleries, boutique shops, and a deli showcasing German delicacies.
Indulge your palate with wine tastings at approximately 50 wineries dotting the region, including the illustrious Penfolds Magill Estate, renowned for producing Australia's revered Penfolds Grange. At The Lane Vineyard, savor a leisurely lunch while soaking in vistas of lush vineyards. For a unique twist, visit Ambleside Distillery and relish gin cocktails on its timber deck, offering panoramic views of the Adelaide Hills.
Conclude your day with a tranquil stroll through the Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens, captivating in both the vibrant hues of spring and the serene ambiance of winter.
2. Victor Habor
Distance: 1 hour 20 minutes South from Adelaide
Recommended Duration: 1-3 Days
Nearest Campsite: Victor Harbor Beach Front Holiday Park
Victor Harbor's main attractions are clustered around the vibrant Warland Reserve precinct. Surrounded by establishments like Hotel Victor, Hotel Crown, and a plethora of cafes and eateries such as the renowned Victor Ice Creamery, Klaus’s German Hot Dog Cart, Encounter Bistro, and Bruch on Albert, there's no shortage of culinary delights. Across the reserve, visitors can explore the South Australian Whale Centre, the G T Fisher Nature Play Playground, and enjoy leisure activities like Dunes Mini Golf and a picturesque causeway leading to Granite Island, accessible via the iconic Victor Harbor Horse Drawn Tram. With its central location and diverse offerings, Warland Reserve serves as an ideal hub for experiencing the finest attractions Victor Harbor has to offer.
The premier attraction in Victor Harbor is none other than Granite Island. With a wealth of activities to enjoy, from leisurely strolls around the island to soaking in breath-taking vistas from the causeway and observing the abundant wildlife, there's something for everyone. Accessible via a scenic 650-meter causeway from the foreshore, the island may appear modest in size, but it boasts a plethora of sights and experiences waiting to be discovered.
If coastal scenery and marine wildlife is your jazz, hop on the Big Duck Boat Tour for a wildlife cruise.
3. Kangaroo Island
Distance: 45 minutes via Ferry
Recommended Duration: 3-5 Days
Nearest Campsite: Kangaroo Island Seafront Holiday Park
Kangaroo Island is situated off the coast of South Australia, southwest of Adelaide. A 45minutes ferry trip from Cape Jervis is all it takes to get to this gem. A significant portion of the island is designated as nature reserves, providing sanctuary to indigenous fauna such as sea lions, koalas, and various bird species. The Flinders Chase National Park on the west of the island is renowned for its colonies of penguins and dramatic coastal rock formations, including the iconic Remarkable Rocks and the cavernous Admirals Arch adorned with stalactites.
If you love fishing, Vivionne Bay has a jetty surrounded by beautiful red cliffs. There is also a great walking trail from the beach. Just 20 minutes away, the Seal Bay Conservation Park offers a self guided tour where you can see seals in their natural habitat. You can also get up close with them by joining the Seal Bay Experience guided tour.
Tip: While the main roads through the Island are sealed, Kangaroo Island is best experienced with a 4WD Camper as some of the roads leading to attractions are unsealed.
4. Barossa Valley
Distance: 1 hour from Adelaide via M2
Recommended Duration: 1-3 Days
Nearest Campsite: Discovery Parks Barossa Valley
With over 80 cellar doors awaiting, the Barossa Valley stands as a globally renowned wine region. Encompassing the charming towns of Tanunda, Angaston, and Nuriootpa, Barossa Valley promises one of the most delightful culinary and wine tasting experiences you can ever imagine. Whether you're indulging in a sip of the world's finest wine or enjoying a vintage as old as yourself, or even taking flight over some of the planet's oldest vines, the Barossa promises an array of experiences. Be it shiraz, grenache, mataro, cabernet sauvignon or semillon, visitors can sample some of the most decorated wines globally while delighting in the region's exquisite local fare. The best time to visit is none other than Autumn during the harvesting season.
5. Deep Creek National Park
Distance: 1 hour 30mins South from Adelaide
Recommended Duration: 1-3 Days
Nearest Campsite: Stringy Bark Campground
With 4 out of 5 campgrounds accessible by 2WD, Deep Creek National Park is a favourite destination for campers who loves the bush and the beach. Within this national park lies the ancient stringybark forest. Being the largest remaining patch of native vegetation on South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula, the Deep Creek National Park serves as a habitat for a rich variety of indigenous wildlife, including western grey kangaroos, short-beaked echidnas, and birds.
If you are a seasoned hiker, embark on the Deep Creek Circuit Hike from the Trig Campground for the ultimate experience of this national park. Enjoy the majestic views of the ocean while you make your way down to the Deep Creek Waterfall. You can take a break here and have a snack before ascending to the Tapnappa lookout. From there, prepare for a steep descent down to Deep Creek Cove before climbing back up to Trig Campground. This 12km circuit take approximately 4hours for experienced hikers.
Whether you want to embark on a short weekend getaway from Adelaide, or combine these destinations for a longer road trip, Aussie Campervans and Car Rentals can assist with your vehicle hire. Our friendly staffs are available should you require vehicle recommendations or have any questions about the cost and conditions of hire.
