Off the Beaten Path Adelaide

Take off on the road less travelled and be inspired by the native wildlife and regional charm in and around South Australia’s capital city

Get up close and personal with some of Adelaide’s best-kept secrets. Boasting islands and mountain ranges full of wildlife, wine and fun festivals, this vibrant city — and its surrounds — promises an unrivalled tour of South Australian nature in all its splendour.

Wine Country

With more than 200 cellar doors on its doorstep, it’s no wonder that Adelaide is the wine capital of Australia and one of the great wine capitals of the world. 

A short drive from Adelaide’s CBD (an easy 70 kilometres) will take you to the Barossa, which consists of two regions: Eden Valley, reputed for its high-quality Riesling, and Barossa Valley, home to some of the world’s best Shiraz. 

For a unique spin on wine tasting, indulge in fortified wines or, the aptly nicknamed, “liquid sunshine”. Fortified wine is typically wine made with additional alcohol. Take a couple of hours to learn about these wines at Seppeltsfield Wines, where you can even sample a vintage from your birth year!

Hop, Skip and Jump to Kangaroo Island

If you’re in the mood to enjoy some nature, head to Kangaroo Island, home to the afore-mentioned loveable furry creatures. You can take a 30-minute flight from Adelaide. Alternatively, you can drive for two hours to Cape Jervis, then hop on a 45-minute ferry ride to get to the island. 

Take a four-wheel drive or guided tour to bushland sanctuaries and bays along the island for a chance to see kangaroos, sea lions, koalas and echidnas. 

The island’s thriving wildlife population is largely due to its isolation from the mainland. There are currently over 24 protected areas and a number of conservation parks, which create a sanctuary for native flora and fauna.

A visit in August might score you a chance at seeing a baby kangaroo or wallaby (also known as joeys), which usually emerge from their mothers’ pouches to explore at this time of year.

Summer Festivals

If you are a big fan of outdoor festivals then the Adelaide Hills Crush Festival is right up your alley (or hill)! Just a 30-minute drive from the city, this two-day event held in late January celebrates dance, music, culture, art and fashion with the promise of regional wines and food.  

St Jerome’s Laneway Festival is one for the cool cats. The independent music festival showcases contemporary Australian and international acts within the street-art splashed suburb of Port Adelaide. Dress for summer and get ready to rock out and dance to top music acts this February!