Enjoy a discount at a special price on the 7-2-2025 departure of the 7-Night Upper Murraylands Cruises.

The Best Way To Day Trip Out Of Adelaide

21 November 2022
Remains of a collapsed cottage with Flinders Ranges in background

What to do before your Murray River Cruise

If you’re departing on a Murray River Cruise and want to take full advantage of your time in South Australia, here are some of the best day trips. We recommend getting to Adelaide early to fully experience the culture and rich natural beauty that South Australia has to offer. Explore Adelaide’s wine country and native wildlife through a wide selection of day tours. From Flinders Range to the Barossa Valley and Kangaroo Island, there is something for everyone. 

Below are several highly recommended day tours that encapsulate a variety of South Australian attractions.

Grapes in a vineyard Adelaide Day Tour

Adelaide Day Tours: 

While Adelaide is more famously known for its vast wine country, you don’t have to venture far from the city centre to experience cultural delight and fine food and beverages that pair with it. Festivals, markets, wine tastings and events that showcase everything South Australia has to offer. Pristine beaches, rolling hills and national parks make this destination an absolute must before you set off on the Murray River.

Mcaren Vale:

Best known for its world-renowned wines, exceptional produce and rolling hills smothered in historic vineyards. The McLaren Vale region offers a vast range of food and wine tastings at one of its many cellar-door tastings in the area. There is the perfect glass for every bite. Only a 45-minute drive from Adelaide, McLaren Vale is the perfect accompaniment for any Murray River Cruise. A number of tours offer transport and allow you to tour a number of different wineries in the region or transport solely to McLaren Vale.

Adelaide Hills:

Adelaide is the gateway to one of the best wine regions, largely famous for the Barossa Valley’s historic vineyards and artisan wines. But why visit just one vineyard when you can see them all! Choose a vineyard tour that works for you. Sample local produce, sip on world-class wines and admire the rolling hills and country towns. Visiting Mount lofty summit, McLaren Vale, Hahndorf, Clare Valley and everywhere in between. 

Hahndorf’s longstanding history and German heritage add to the quaint town’s allure. German-style bakeries, pubs, gift shops and handcrafted goods line the main street. Nestled in the Adelaide Hills, Hahndorf is a 30-minute drive from Adelaide city and is sure to have something to suit any taste.

Cellar doors are endless vineyards are just the tip of the iceberg. The gourmet produce and markets that accompany Adelaide Hills, make the experience even more special. Visit the Barossa valley farmers market, Maggie Beer’s Farm, Hahndorf’s local suppliers, wine tastings and much more on your trip. From chutneys and chocolate to smoked goods, artisan cheeses and strawberry picking, Adelaide Hills has a perfectly paired glass of wine waiting for you. 

Flinders Ranges

A range of aerial and driving tours are available to fully capture the untouched beauty of Flinders Range National Park. Ancient cliffs tower over red dirt roads and rocky gorges, all encapsulated by native Australian flora and fauna. Enjoy a range of guided tours with the option of day trips or overnight stays. There is a perfect package for everyone. The rugged landscape that Flinders Range offers is the perfect gateway into the Australian outback before embarking on your Murray River cruise. there is no shortage of breathtaking scenes in South Australia, whether you’re cruising the Murray River or driving the aboriginal dreaming trail.

People enjoying drinks on a balcony in Flinders Ranges on a Flinders Ranges Tour

Kangaroo Island:

A short 45-minute ferry from the mainland lies Kangaroo Island, painted with pristine beaches, national parks and coastal rock formations. Kangaroo Island is particularly well known for its abundant native wildlife population of koalas, sea lions, dolphins, penguins and various bird species. Kangaroo Island is undoubtedly worth visiting for a day or an overnight stay, home to a number of wildlife and landscape tours as well as 4WD, quad-biking and kayaking adventures.

Kangaroo Island Tour groups at Remarkable Rocks, Kangaroo Island

FAQ:

What is Adelaide’s most famous wine?

  • Adelaide is best known for its vintage wines, and exceptional shiraz. The region does have over 170 different wineries and includes Jacob’s Creek, Penfolds St Hugo, and others.

How do you travel around Adelaide and the bordering wine regions?

  • There are a number of taxis, buses, and tour operators that offer inclusive deals (as listed above) that can take you from the city to any winery of your choice!
  • The two most famous areas are the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale wine regions