The Best Weekend Getaways Adelaide & Beyond

Best Ideas for weekend getaways Adelaide to explore for a little time out

There’s never been a better time to get out and explore your own backyard. If you don’t have the time or energy to organise a week or two off work, weekends are the perfect time for a short getaway or day trip. Simply by spending a day or two away from home, you’re going to give yourself a mental break from the stresses of everyday life. It’s great to recharge the batteries, to reconnect with your partner, catch up with friends you haven’t seen in a while, and you might even turn off from social media.

From wine tasting to beaches and river journeys, the Adelaide region in South Australia is brimming with ideas to make your weekend memorable. Here are a few of our top suggestions to think about.

Entertain the whole family at Fleurieu Peninsula

Just over 80km away, a great option for weekend trips from Adelaide is Fleurieu Peninsula, where there are abundant activities for the whole family to enjoy. From adventure parks to walking tracks, playgrounds to pony rides, there’s something everyone will love.

If you decide to stay the night, there are plenty of accommodation options available, including Whalers Resort Apartments and Hotel Victor. For delicious food, head to the local markets, or try the Flying FishCafé, Nino’s or Bombora on the River. You can search for more via Shop Small. If you’re looking for a great hop on hop off or guided tour so you don’t have to stress yourself out on where to go and what to do, Adelaide’s Top Food And Wine Tours has fantastic day trip options to Fleurieu.

FROM ADVENTURE PARKS TO WALKING TRACKS, PLAYGROUNDS TO PONY RIDES, THERE’S SOMETHING EVERYONE WILL LOVE.

The area is packed with short walks and hikes where you can keep an eye out for Australia’s local fauna. If you prefer the water, go snorkelling or scuba diving, try your hand at fishing, go surfing or swimming. Make sure you go on a penguin tour, head to Narnu Farm to meet some friendly animals, hop aboard the historic Cockle Train or experience being on ahorse drawn tram. Stop off on the way at McLaren Vale, or head direct to Cape Jervis– which is the departure point for Kangaroo Island trips.

Take time to delight in the beauty of Victor Harbour

While you’re in Fleurieu Peninsula, don’t forget to stop by Victor Harbour, an ideal option for an overnight stay and play. People have been visiting the area since the late 1800s and it is close to Kangaroo Island, the popular Southern wine region and Goolwa, a River Port.The area has plenty of adventure activities, including playgrounds, skate parks, walking trails, picnic areas and even an amusement park. Or if you prefer to relax a little, there’s an abundance of pubs, cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a cold drink and delicious meal. Hit the water at South Australia’s best surf beaches or see if you can catch your own dinner off the Murray Mouth or offshore reefs.

There’s an alpaca farm, Granite Island Recreation Park with 2.9km of walking tracks, guided penguin tours, and whale watching if you’re there between May and October.

A short trip filled with adventure at Adelaide Hills

When it comes to short trips from Adelaide, Adelaide Hills is by far the closest option at just over 30km from the CBD. Teeming with historical sites and villages, the Hills region is where you’ll find some of the country’s best cellar doors, in some of Australia’s oldest wine regions. Start by visiting Hahndorf, a modern village that is extremely proud of its German heritage.

Explore the Mount Lofty Botanic Garden, visit Cleland Wildlife Park and take a walk through the villages of Stirling and Crafters. You’ll find numerous food and accommodation options in every village. Take the kids on a farm tour, feast and drink at a local brewery, hit the German Cake Shop for some delicious treats, or visit the region’s best wineries, such as Sidewood Estate and Petaluma. You’ll also find the area is filled with walking tracks and lookouts, and much more.

Take a long weekend break to replenish at Beachport

There’s nothing like taking a few days out of the city to refresh and Beachport is the ideal destination for adults and kids alike. It’s a beachside town, around 385 kilometres from Adelaide, heading south, and it’s a great place to relax and enjoy the summer sunshine. There’s plenty to see and do at Beachport, including a visit to the Beachport Conservation Park, where you can hike, bike or have a picnic. The Beachport Walking Trails are also great for getting up close and personal with the native wildlife, with popular walks including Lanky’s Walk and the lagoon.

THE BEACH ITSELF HAS GORGEOUS WHITE SANDS AND BEACHPORT JETTY AT RIVOLI BAY IS KNOWN AS ONE OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S MOST BEAUTIFUL JETTIES – IT’S WORTH VISITING FOR SUNRISE AND SUNSET PHOTOS.

The beach itself has gorgeous white sands and Beachport Jetty at Rivoli Bay is known as one of South Australia’s most beautiful jetties – it’s worth visiting for sunrise and sunset photos. Other sights you shouldn’t miss include the Pool of Siloam, where you can take a dip, and the scenic Lake George. Bompas is a great dining and accommodation option, or shop around and see what you can find.

Check out the views from Mount Lofty

About 15 kilometres from Adelaide CBD and halfway to Adelaide Hills is where you’ll find Mount Lofty. The summit itself has views of the entire Adelaide skyline, but around the summit itself also offers plenty of activity for a great day out.

The Mount Lofty Botanic Garden is 97 hectares in size and is home to some of the world’s most stunning cool-climate plants. Enjoy a walk through the gardens to explore the trails, sculptures and artworks, and visit the Chris Steele Scott Pavilion where you can take part in a guided walk. Other walking trails include the 350 metre Discovery Trail, the easy-going Crafers to Mount Lofty Summit Trail, and the Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Summit Trail, which is a tougher walk which can take around three hours return.

Wherever you go in Mount Lofty, you can take a picnic with you or stop by one of the local eateries on the way for delicious, fresh, local food. If you want to stay the night, Mount Lofty House is a designer hotel with stunning views.

When it comes to the best short trips from Adelaide, we hope this has given you some great ideas. Now go and have some fun.

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