Roam close to home – Short Road trips from Adelaide

Winter walks with the family:

Where: Adelaide Hills (30-minute drive from Adelaide)

See and enjoy the exceptional South Australian countryside on a long winter walk; wake up early and enjoy the morning frost or go for a longer stroll without the summer heat. With historic walks and conservation trails, there are myriad ways to wander. For some great trails and ideas then take a look at Adelaide Hills trails on the Walking SA site. With long and short trails available through lake and valley views, Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens is a fabulous option for families.

Stroll through Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens

Home inspo: Just a 30-minute drive from Adelaide CBD you’ll find Pat and Ted’s in the Piccadilly Valley, a family-favourite with exceptional views of the Adelaide Hills. For a luxurious-to-rustic retreat with the family then the top-rated Oak Nest Retreat is a sure hit.

Oak Nest Retreat in South Australia, Stayz

A home with history:

Where: Adelaide Hills (40-minute drive from Adelaide) and Hahndorf (40 minutes from Adelaide)

Shaw And Smith, Adelaide Hills.

Built in the 19th century, South Australia is home to hundreds of delightful and beautifully restored heritage cottages, barns and homesteads. Many are just a short (less than 1-hour) drive from Adelaide. In summer the glorious gardens of these historic homes are alive with colour but through the cooler months the cottages’ cosy interiors are a true delight. Snuggle up with the family with an open fire after a day exploring the charm and history of local villages.

Home inspo: This old-world escape in the Adelaide Hills, with its enormous open fireplace, is a wonderful winter retreat. Or for something a different still then Hahndorf with its 19th century German-inspired architecture is a popular option. The top-rated 3-bedroom Hahndorf Haven is moments from the historic Main St or for something with heritage and style take a long weekend at the Thiele House.

Beautiful Old World Adelaide Hills Escape

Thiele House Retreat in Hahndorf

Coastal drives:

Where: Glenelg (20-minute drive from Adelaide) and Tennyson (30-minmute drive from Adelaide)

Moseley Square.

An ocean vista? A walk by the beach? Well, yes. Our closest destination from Adelaide in this article is Glenelg and surrounds. Part of Adelaide’s metro area, these beach destinations are a great way to get back into road tripping without going too far.

Home inspo: While these perennial favorites may be familiar, some of the homes available will make for a very unfamiliar break. Wake up to nothing but ocean views in this luxury townhouse or head a little father up the coast with the family to a top-rated and pet-friendly house.

Family-friendly luxury at Tennyson, right on the beach

Semaphore Sand n Sea, pet and and family-friendly

Wine country

Where: Barossa (1-hour drive from Adelaide) and McLaren Vale (40-minute drive from Adelaide)

The d’Arenberg Cube.

Wine and vineyards are as synonymous with South Australia as Burgundy is with France (well, almost – we believe SA has a bit more to offer!). Barossa and McLaren Vale are within an hour’s drive of Adelaide CBD making them a great way to start road tripping without going too far from home.

These regions are not only for the groups or romantic getaways: the natural beauty, walking trails and quiet countryside make these regions a great option for families. With bountiful play areas, some wineries like Lambert Estate offering kids menus and even cricket pitches, these beautiful regions are not just for adults to enjoy. For national park recommendations then check out this guide from Enviroment SA.

Home inspo: cooler months are a great time to visit. With charming country cottages like 2 On Henry in Greenock or this beautiful villa, one of Tanunda’s iconic heritage homes. For a comfortably remote getaway wake up with the family to wonderful views of Torrens River at this farmstead built in 1910.

2 On Henry, Cottage in the heart of Greenock

Torrens View at Cudlee Creek