School Holiday Road Trips: Easy Adventures from Adelaide

The spring school holidays are here, and you don’t need to travel far from Adelaide to find a great day out.

From wildlife encounters and walking trails to country towns, coastal adventures and plenty of places to stop for something delicious along the way, there’s lots happening within easy reach of the city.

Here are a few ideas to get you out on the road these school holidays.

Adelaide Hills: animals, chocolate and outdoor adventures

Less time in the car means more time exploring, and the Adelaide Hills has plenty to fill a day.

Start with a walk through Mount Lofty Botanic Garden, head to Cleland Wildlife Park to meet some of Australia’s native wildlife, or make your way to Hahndorf for lunch and a wander.

For something a little more adventurous, Woodhouse Adventure Park has Challenge Hill, tube slides, disc golf and orienteering. Other family favourites around the Hills include Hahndorf Farm Barn, Melba’s Chocolate Factory and the National Motor Museum at Birdwood.

Make a day of it:

Mount Lofty → Hahndorf → Woodside → Home

Victor Harbor: make a day of the coast

Head south and make the drive part of the adventure.

Walk across to Granite Island, explore the coast, ride the iconic Horse Drawn Tram or pack the bikes and follow part of the Encounter Bikeway.

There are plenty of extra activities if you want to make a bigger day of it. The current Victor Harbor school holiday program includes wildlife experiences, quad biking, boat tours, the Cockle Train and school holiday activities at the SA Whale Centre.

For a low-cost day out, pack a picnic, take a walk along the coast, stop for an ice cream and leave plenty of time to explore Victor Harbor and nearby Port Elliot.

Make a day of it:

Victor Harbor → Port Elliot → Goolwa → Home

Monarto: go on safari for the day

If you haven’t been to Monarto for a while, the school holidays are a great excuse to head back.

Monarto Safari Park’s Art in the Park runs from 26 September to 11 October. The self-guided activity is included with park entry and takes kids around the park in search of 12 wildlife-inspired artworks, with activities and challenges along the way.

There’s plenty to fill the rest of the day too, with more than 50 species to discover across the park and the hop-on, hop-off Zu-loop bus making it easy to explore.

Make a day of it:

Adelaide → Monarto Safari Park → Murray Bridge → Home

Barossa: there’s more than cellar doors

A Barossa road trip can be just as much fun for the kids.

Start at the Whispering Wall at Williamstown and test its famous acoustics before continuing through Lyndoch, Tanunda and Angaston.

There are also special activities happening during the holidays. The Barossa events calendar includes school holiday activities in Lyndoch, along with markets and other events across the region.

Pack a picnic, find a great bakery, stop at a playground and let the kids help decide where you stop next.

Make a day of it:

Williamstown → Lyndoch → Tanunda → Angaston

Fleurieu Peninsula: beach, lunch and a little exploring

You don’t have to go all the way to Victor Harbor for a Fleurieu road trip.

Head towards McLaren Vale and Willunga before making your way to Port Willunga Beach. Explore the beach and the old jetty pylons, grab some lunch and then take the scenic route home.

You could also continue further south through Aldinga, Sellicks Beach or Second Valley if everyone is still up for more exploring.

Make a day of it:

McLaren Vale → Willunga → Port Willunga → Aldinga

Morialta: a road trip without going far

Sometimes you just want to pack some snacks and get the kids outdoors without spending hours in the car.

Morialta Conservation Park is an easy option for a morning or full day outdoors, with walking trails, waterfalls, wildlife and plenty of space to explore. Pack a picnic, choose a walk that suits your crew and keep an eye out for koalas along the way.

You can make a morning of it or continue into the Adelaide Hills afterwards.

Murray Bridge and the Murray River

Head east for a completely different day out.

Explore the riverfront, have a picnic beside the Murray or take a cruise and see the river from the water. You could also combine Murray Bridge with Monarto

Make a day of it:

Monarto → Murray Bridge → riverfront → home

Nature Festival: find something different to do

There are even more reasons to get outdoors and enjoy nature these holidays, with Nature Festival running from 25 September to 11 October. More than 400 events are being held across South Australia, including plenty of free family-friendly activities.  .

From wildlife and conservation to guided walks, hands-on activities and outdoor experiences, it’s worth checking the program to see what’s happening near you – or using an event as an excuse for a day trip somewhere new.

More ideas for your school holiday list

Still looking for somewhere to go? Try:

• Birdwood and the National Motor Museum
• Goolwa and the Cockle Train
• Hahndorf Farm Barn
• Gorge Wildlife Park at Cudlee Creek
• Woodhouse Adventure Park
• Mount Lofty Botanic Garden
• Port Elliot and Horseshoe Bay
• The Whispering Wall and Williamstown
• Aldinga and Port Willunga
• A picnic and walk at Morialta
• Melba’s Chocolate Factory at Woodside
• A Nature Festival event somewhere you’ve never visited before

There are plenty of options that don’t need a complicated itinerary. Pick a direction, choose a couple of stops and enjoy the road trip.

Why not stay a little longer?

A day trip can very easily turn into a night or two away, and a caravan park stay is the ultimate family getaway. 

The kids can enjoy the freedom of being outdoors, make new friends and take advantage of everything from playgrounds and pools to jumping pillows and games rooms, while you get the chance to slow down and enjoy a few days away together. 

Whether you’re taking the caravan, packing up the camper or looking for a cabin stay, there are plenty of great options across South Australia. 

Wherever you end up, enjoy the road trip, take your time and discover somewhere new these school holidays.

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