Whether you’re basing yourself in Adelaide for a short or long holiday, there’s a multitude of interesting destinations within a short drive away. For a change of pace or scenery, you don’t have to go far to wind up somewhere new and different, be it a winery, mountain orbeach. Here are some ideas to inspire you to jump in an Adelaide Airport car rental and hit the road.
Barossa
There are many wine regions within easy reach of the city of Adelaide, but your first choice should be the historic and charming Barossa Valley. Just over 50km to the northeast of Adelaide, it is brimming with excellent vineyards. The area’s Prussian and English influences are obvious today. On Saturdays, visit the weekly farmer’s market, and at any other time, take your pick of the many local wineries – Jacob’s Creek, Wolf Blass, Seppeltsfield, and Winter Creek to name just a few. The Barossa houses more than 13,000 hectares of vineyard, most of which is devoted to shiraz – though other varieties including riesling and cabernet sauvignon are also found here.
Adelaide Hills
Half an hour southeast of the city, the Adelaide Hills provide a bucolic escape to a cooler microclimate. Prussians settled here in the 19th century, and the famous Bavarian inspired town of Hahndorf – Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement – is ongoing proof of that. Check out the many great bakeries and wineries. Pick your own strawberries in season at nearby Beerenberg.
Flinders Ranges
The Flinders Ranges are a bit of a drive from Adelaide – 3.5 hours – but worth the trip. It is the largest mountain range in South Australia and emcompasses a handful of National Parks. Some of the oldest fossils on earth were first discovered here. Indigenous people have called this home for centuries and you may find it worthwhile to hire a local Aboriginal guide. It’s a great slice of the Outback to explore by walking, cycling or horseback riding, and even to camp at.
Kangaroo Island
Did you know that Kangaroo Island is the same size as Puerto Rico? A ferry trip to Kangaroo Island will deliver a day out among the plentiful wildlife and fascinating coastal environment. Don’t miss the truly unusual Remarkable Rocks, weathered and multicoloured formations that defy nature.
