Day trips from Adelaide
We explore seven charming SA country towns that are ideal for a day trip.
1. Bridgewater, Adelaide Hills
Just a short drive up the South Eastern Freeway, Bridgewater sits in a particularly pretty part of the Adelaide Hills. Set beside a stream among beautiful gardens, historic Bridgewater Inn is a top spot for lunch. Kids will enjoy the well-equipped playground nearby. Take the scenic route home via Mount Barker Road, passing through Aldgate and Stirling.
2. Strathalbyn, Fleurieu Peninsula
Scenically located on the banks of the Angas River, Strathalbyn is well-known for its antique and curio shops. Antique Bazaar houses a huge range of collectables, vintage furniture and other treasures, while Argus House is popular for knick-knacks, jewellery and clothing. Head to Gilbert’s Motor Museum to view a remarkable collection of classic cars, motorcycles and other motoring exhibits.
3. Oakbank, Adelaide Hills
Oakbank was once renowned for its breweries and cordial production, and a stroll around town reveals several historic buildings from this time. The 1840s-built Johnston Brewery is now home to charming Karkoo Nursery. Cycle or walk the stunningly picturesque Amy Gillett Bikeway – a sealed, shared-use trail that follows an old rail corridor over mostly level terrain from Oakbank to Mount Torrens. Along the way, stop off for lunch at Woodside and pick up some treats at Melba’s Chocolate Factory.
4. Morgan, Riverland
Connected to Adelaide by rail in 1878, Morgan was once South Australia’s busiest inland port. The town has several heritage-listed features, including the wharf and Landseer Warehouse, which is now an impressive museum. The expansive riverfront reserve is ideal for picnics.
5. Tanunda, Barossa Valley
Tanunda is in the heart of the world-renowned Barossa Valley wine district, a region popular among foodies. Start your culinary adventure with a tasty breakfast pastry from Tanunda’s Apex Bakery, established in 1924, en route to lunch at one of the valley’s many wineries and eateries.
6. Auburn, Clare Valley
Auburn is the southern gateway to the Clare Valley – a major wine region with more than 30 cellar doors. It’s also a starting point for the 35km-long Riesling Trail. This shared cycling and walking pathway follows an old railway alignment through farmland, woodlands and vineyards to Clare.
7. Moonta, Yorke Peninsula
The discovery of copper at Moonta in the 1860s helped save SA’s struggling economy, and much of the town’s historic mining infrastructure remains. Visit the old mine sites and engine-house ruins, and board the tourist railway at the museum for a trip through the Moonta Mines National Heritage Area. Try a famous Cornish pasty from a local bakery, and if the weather’s fine, drop a line from the nearby Moonta Bay or Port Hughes jetties.