Adelaide festivals 2020: Top Picks – Day Trips

Got a free day and a car? Check out some of the offerings just a few hours drive of the CBD

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Victor Harbour
Photo by Ben Goode
Published 11 Feb 2020

Victor Harbour

Just over an hour south of the city is the coastal town of Victor Harbour. Travel on the horse-drawn cart to Granite Island to admire the wind eroded rock figures and catch a glimpse of a little penguin colony making their way back to shore after dusk, or visit the Whale Centre where you can dig for fossils and step into the mouth of a great white shark.

Hahndorf

Head east of the city into the hills to find Hahndorf – a little German town with a big history. A wander along the main street lends itself to great gifts, including handmade fudge, traditional German nutcrackers and Australian leather goods. Finish the day at one of the classic pubs with a mixed platter featuring pork, kransky and pretzels.

Clare Valley

Known as the heart of Australian riesling, the Clare Valley is a two hour drive north of Adelaide. Once you’ve arrived, grab a bike and take yourself on a wine tour through the 50 cellar doors between the townships of Clare and Auburn. See historic architecture from the grand Martindale Hall in Mintaro to the dinky miners' dugouts in Burra.

Barossa Valley

About an hour north-east of the city brings a colder climate – ideal for growing bold red wine varieties including award-winning shiraz. Kellermeister Wines in Lyndoch took out the top prize for both shiraz and Australian wine at the 2019 London Wine Competition with their 2015 Wild Witch shiraz. Stop in at any cellar door to view the sweeping vineyards, or have a faux-French experience at Château Tanunda.

Normanville

For a real seachange, head to the sleepy beachside town of Normanville, just over an hour away on the southern coast. Drive along stunning cliff scenery, or relax on the sprawling beach. If you’re in need of refreshment, the local Surf Lifesaving Club has breathtaking views over the beach and surrounding cliffs. For a hike, head inland to discover a rainforest complete with waterfall.