11 Day Adelaide & South Australia Highlights Tour

YOUR DAY

The next 2 (or 3) days be prepared for an incredible adventure on spectacular Kangaroo Island.

Early this morning be picked up from your Adelaide hotel for a scenic journey to Cape Jervis through the Fleurieu Peninsula with its vineyards, hills and coastal landscapes. At Cape Jervis, board the SeaLink Kangaroo Island ferry for the 45 minute crossing to Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island. Upon arriving at Penneshaw, embark on a comprehensive Kangaroo Island Wildlife Experience. Discover the island’s unique wildlife, including native birds, echidnas, wallabies, and kangaroos, thriving in their predator-free natural habitat. Witness the island’s 250 bird species, some exclusive due to mainland isolation. At Seal Bay Conservation Park, stroll alongside the resident Australian sea lion colony. Keep an eye out for koalas, echidnas, and the rare glossy black cockatoo. As the day ends, watch kangaroos graze in open pastures. The tour wraps up at your selected Kangaroo Island accommodation.

YOUR DAY

After a hearty breakfast, travel to the western end of the island and discover the Flinders Chase National Park, one of the oldest and most important national parks in South Australia. The park incorporates almost 20 per cent of the island and much of it is a Wilderness Protection Area which is home to a variety of fauna and flora unique to Kangaroo Island.

At Admirals Arch see where the powerful forces of nature have cut through the headland to create this natural geological formation. Watch some of the 10,000 healthy Long-nosed Fur Seals in their colony at Cape du Couedic and take a stroll around the historic Cape du Couedic Lighthouse and Weir’s Cove.

Next, discover the picturesque formations of Remarkable Rocks. These large granite boulders balance dramatically on the cliff edge, which plunges 75 metres into the Southern Ocean.

Return to Adelaide by ferry in the late afternoon. Upon arrival return to your inner city hotel where the evening is free to spend at leisure.

First up pick up a rental car nearby (or continue with your private driver) and prepare for a river escape.

Start your day with an early departure from Adelaide, heading east towards Mannum, a charming riverside town just over an hour’s drive away. Enjoy the scenic journey through the northern part of the Adelaide Hills and rural countryside, arriving in plenty of time to board the boutique Proud Mary riverboat for a relaxing lunch cruise along the iconic Murray River.

Once aboard, you’ll be welcomed with a warm drink and a freshly baked scone with jam and cream. As you drift along the river, take in the peaceful surroundings, abundant wildlife, and the rich natural beauty that defines this region. A delicious two-course lunch, prepared by the boat’s skilled chefs, is served as you cruise — all while soaking up onboard commentary about the Murray River’s fascinating history and ecological importance.

After returning to Mannum, begin your drive back towards Adelaide — but the journey needn’t end just yet.

On your return route, consider stopping at the National Motor Museum in Birdwood, home to one of the most significant collections of vintage and classic vehicles in the Southern Hemisphere. Just a little further along, marvel at the Big Rocking Horse in Gumeracha — a fun photo stop and a great spot to stretch your legs.

If time allows, finish with a peaceful walk at Kangaroo Creek Reservoir, where you can enjoy beautiful views and perhaps spot local birdlife before heading back into the city.

YOUR DAY

4 hours 30 minutes driving

Start your day with a drive north from Adelaide, heading towards the striking Lake Bumbunga in the small town of Lochiel — around 1 hour and 45 minutes from the city. As you make your way through the open countryside, keep your camera ready for sweeping farmland views and rolling hills that characterise South Australia’s mid-north.

Upon arrival, take time to admire the lake’s surreal pink hues, which change with the seasons and salinity levels. This vibrant salt lake is a photographer’s dream and offers a truly unique landscape. Don’t miss the cheeky Loch-Eel Monster, a local sculpture playfully nodding to Scotland’s Loch Ness legend.

From here, continue your journey north through Port Wakefield and onwards to Port Augusta, where the outback begins to unfold. If time permits, stretch your legs at the Wadlata Outback Centre for a deeper insight into the region’s Aboriginal heritage and pioneering past.

In the afternoon, make your way into the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, where rugged peaks, ancient landscapes, and deep red gorges welcome you to one of South Australia’s most breathtaking natural regions. Settle into your accommodation and enjoy the golden light sweeping across the ranges — a perfect end to a day that transitions from salt lake surrealism to outback majesty.

YOUR DAY

Wake up to the peace and raw beauty of the Flinders Ranges, where rugged red ranges and ancient landscapes stretch as far as the eye can see. With a full day to explore this remarkable national park, you can set the pace to suit your mood — whether that means scenic drives, short walks, or simply soaking in the outback atmosphere.

One standout optional experience is a Sacred Canyon Tag-Along Tour, which offers a deep cultural connection to the land. Meet your Yura guide at the Wilpena Pound Visitor Centre and follow them in your own vehicle along a 30-minute all-wheel drive track to a site that is only accessible with a traditional owner. This area, known as Sacred Canyon, holds ancient Aboriginal rock engravings that tell stories of the Adnyamathanha people.

The tour includes a relaxed 2km walk along a dry riverbed, with your guide sharing insights into the meaning of the carvings, how they were made, and their cultural significance. It’s a fascinating and respectful window into the region’s Indigenous heritage, landscape, and spiritual connection.

In the afternoon, take your time exploring the area around Wilpena Pound. You might enjoy a short walk to Hills Homestead, or for those keen on a challenge, tackle one of the lookout trails for views across the natural amphitheatre. There are also scenic drives throughout the park offering wildlife sightings, spectacular lookouts, and picnic spots perfect for a casual lunch.

As the sun begins to dip, settle in at your accommodation or take a short walk to a nearby lookout to watch the ranges turn golden in the evening light — a magical way to end your day in this ancient and powerful landscape.

YOUR DAY 

5 hours driving approx

Start your return journey to Adelaide with a relaxed morning departure from the Flinders Ranges, giving yourself time to enjoy scenic stops along the way there’s plenty to explore en route.

First, pass through Quorn, a charming heritage town — perfect for a coffee stop and a quick look around. Continue south to the Clare Valley, where you can enjoy a wine tasting or a relaxed lunch at one of the region’s renowned cellar doors, such as Sevenhill Cellars or Mr. Mick. If you’re feeling active, stroll a section of the Riesling Trail.

Arrive back in Adelaide by late afternoon, wrapping up your outback escape with a final taste of the hills and countryside.

YOUR DAY

Start your day at Adelaide Central Market, sampling fresh local produce and enjoying a relaxed breakfast amid the lively atmosphere. After exploring the stalls, head to Glenelg, just a short drive from the city, where you can stroll along Jetty Road, browse boutique shops, and take in ocean views from the historic jetty.

Enjoy a casual lunch by the beach before visiting the Bay Discovery Centre or simply relaxing on the sand. In the afternoon, unwind with a drink at a local beach bar or café, and watch the sunset over the water.

Wrap up your day with dinner by the sea, making the most of Glenelg’s laid-back coastal charm before returning to the city.

YOUR DAY

2 hours of driving time Approx
 
Begin your day with a scenic drive into the Southern Adelaide Hills, just 30 minutes from the city. Your first stop is Mount Lofty Summit, where panoramic views stretch across Adelaide and out to the coast — a perfect spot to take in the fresh morning air and snap a few photos.

Next, head to Cleland Wildlife Park, located just below the summit. With your entry included, spend the morning wandering open enclosures and getting up close with kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas in a peaceful bushland setting.

From here, make your way to Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest surviving German village. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through its tree-lined main street, browsing artisan shops and boutique galleries. Settle in for lunch at a local café or German pub, where hearty dishes and Adelaide Hills wines take centre stage.

In the afternoon, visit the Hahndorf Lavender Estate Farm, Depending on the season (spring), you can wander the blooming lavender fields, explore the gardens, and sample handmade lavender treats. The on-site café is a lovely place for a coffee break before wrapping up your visit.

Finish the day with a relaxed drive back to the city, perhaps stopping at a nearby winery or lookout to soak in the beauty of the Adelaide Hills one last time.

YOUR DAY

Today is your chance to explore the world renowned Barossa Valley on a premium wine tour.

Spend a carefree day touring vineyards, sipping fine Barossa Valley varietals and enjoying the scenery of Australia’s famed wine country with a visit to 4 world-renowned vineyards. Taste exquisite vintages and savour a special lunch of local meats, produce and cheeses at Peter Lehmann Wines.

After you’re picked up from your hotel, take a relaxing drive out of town through the Adelaide Hills. Stop at the Whispering Wall, the retaining wall of the Barossa Reservoir – test its amazing acoustics by whispering at one end and listening to the echo on the other, 328 feet (100 m) away.

Head to your first winery, the beautiful and historic Chateau Yaldara. With scenic vineyards overlooking the North Para River, this splendid estate is among the most picturesque in the country. From there, travel through the Barossa Valley and across Jacob’s Creek to the heritage township of Tanunda. Walk off your wine with a stroll down Main Street and pop into one of the quaint storefronts to shop around.

Continue on to Peter Lehmann to taste fine wines and dine on the winery’s signature Weighbridge Platter – this assortment of appetisers is a typical meal shared by the estate’s growers and staff during harvest time. Step back in time at Langmeil Estate, a 160-year-old winery that bottles some of the world’s oldest Shiraz. Finally, journey through the Seppeltsfield region to Murray Street Vineyards for a wonderful end note in a setting that bridges the gap between the Old World and the New.

Be returned to Adelaide after an incredible day out.

YOUR DAY

Today you will be transferred to Adelaide Airport by shuttle for your onward travel arrangements. We trust that you enjoyed this incredible journey.