ADELAIDE’S TOP 10 DAY TRIPS AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Visiting Adelaide and want to check out more than museums? Maybe you live here and feel the urge to explore beyond the everyday…
Well get your sunscreen ready, because we know all the local secrets.

 

1. Discover Second Valley’s cliffs and caves

Second Valley is a summer must in Adelaide. With a picturesque beach and countless rock pools, you’ll be more than happy with first impressions. But trek south of the jetty along a pebbly path and you’ll find yourself with a magnificent view from the rocks and access to a partially submerged cave in the cliff face.

 

2. Cycle the River Torrens to the sea

This bike path winds along Adelaide’s most significant river under the dappled shade of native gum trees. Enjoy a relaxing ride suitable for all fitness levels and emerge where the river meets the sea—ready to explore the cafes, restaurants and jetties of Henley Beach and Glenelg.
Don’t have your own bike? No worries! Our Adelaide City to Sea Bike Tour has got you covered.

 

3. Kayak through shipwrecks, mangroves and with dolphin pods

Adventure Kayaking at Garden Island offers one of Adelaide’s best days out. You’ll love captaining a kayak around the river to see the many unique sights. Don’t forget to dip out of the current and paddle through the sheltered mangrove creeks—they’re not to be missed.

 

4. Meander under Morialta’s Waterfalls

Morialta Conservation Park boasts a range of walks around rugged cliffs, tumbling waterfalls and native flora teeming with South Australian wildlife. If you want to know the best pathway through this multileveled maze—and don’t mind the sound of some eco-certified wine once you’re done—take a look at our Wilderness and Wildlife Hike.

 

5. Search for the Onkaparinga Punchbowl

Punchbowl rockpool is hidden away at the bottom of the gorge in the Onkaparinga River National Park. Russet cliffs slope into the water and rock formations overhang this perfect spot for a freshwater swim. Just set off from Gate 10 on Piggott Range Road and follow the walking path down.

 

6. Hike from Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Summit

This is Adelaide’s most popular walking trail. It’s a steep trek (great for the glutes) but if you push on up to the summit, you’ll get a stunning panoramic view of the Adelaide plains and Gulf St. Vincent!

 

7. Cuddle koalas at Cleland Wildlife Park

Cleland Wildlife Park is one of Adelaide’s greatest tourist attractions for good reason. You can see everything—from kangaroos and wombats to echidna and snakes. If you want, even get up close with a koala for a cheeky insta pic!

 

8. Enjoy a winter walk along Brownhill Creek

Belair’s Brownhill Creek is close to the city and spectacular all year round. It rambles along through blackberry patches, lilies, snowdrops, swathes of moss and fallen willow trees. You’ll enjoy the newly secured stepping stones and come across more than a few surprises left behind by local fairies.

 

9. Have a ‘whale’ of a time at Victor Harbor

There is so much to do in the historic town of Victor Harbor. You might walk across the causeway to Granite Island, spot seals and penguins, catch the heritage Steam Ranger train along the coast, check out the local parks and beaches or investigate the Encounter Coast Discovery Centre. Land and sea-based whale watching are particularly popular attractions.

 

10. Take on the Hallett Cove Boardwalk

Hallett Cove boardwalk has been built right by the water’s edge, dipping and rising to cut through the natural gullies and ridges of the coastal cliffs. For a mild workout with incredible views of some of the best beaches and reefs in Adelaide, there’s nowhere better.

Need some help organising your adventure? Book into one of our many experiences or call up for a chat with our friendly and passionate staff!
P: +61 8 7226 9011

Written by Anna Jeavons