This was my first trip to Adelaide—and I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised. Adelaide is a clean, green, and charming city, full of leafy parks, heritage sandstone buildings, and a relaxed vibe that instantly makes you feel at home. I also have to applaud Adelaide for being ahead of the game as one of Australia’s first plastic bag–free cities. If the retailers here can do it, why not everywhere else?
With a rental car from Redspot, we had the flexibility to explore the city and take some unforgettable day trips. Here’s a look at the highlights of our self-drive Adelaide holiday.
Exploring Adelaide City
Adelaide Zoo
No trip to Adelaide is complete without a visit to the Adelaide Zoo, home to the only giant pandas in the Southern Hemisphere. On our visit, Funi was snoozing, but Wang Wang was out and about, entertaining the crowds. The zoo is compact enough to see in half a day, and we caught several animal feedings which made the experience even better.
The Pop-Eye Riverboat
One of the quirkiest (and most enjoyable) ways to get from the zoo to the city centre is aboard the Pop-Eye Riverboat. This small ferry glides along the Torrens River and is loved by kids and adults alike. It’s a fun way to see the city from a different angle.
Sweet Stop: Haigh’s Chocolate
Chocolate lovers, take note—Haigh’s Chocolate is a must. Established in 1915, it’s Australia’s oldest chocolate manufacturer, and the store in Rundle Mall is dangerously tempting. From truffles to chocolate frogs, it’s impossible to leave empty-handed.
Adelaide Museum
The South Australian Museum is another gem. One of the most impressive exhibits is dedicated to Sir Douglas Mawson, the legendary Antarctic explorer and academic. The museum is also a great introduction to Indigenous history and the natural sciences of South Australia.
Day Trip One: Victor Harbor & Granite Island
Just over an hour’s drive south from Adelaide, Victor Harbor makes for an excellent day trip. The coastal drive itself is stunning, and once you arrive, there’s plenty to see and do.
-
Horse Drawn Tramway: One of the last of its kind in the world, this tram takes you across the causeway to Granite Island.
-
Granite Island Penguins: You can walk the island’s scenic loop trail, but the real highlight is at dusk, when Little Penguins return from the sea. (We couldn’t stay for this, but it’s on the list for next time.)
-
Whale Watching: From June to September, Southern Right Whales visit the local waters to mate and calve. The South Australian Whale Centre in town has interactive exhibits and whale-watching tips.
Victor Harbor blends coastal scenery with wildlife encounters, and it’s easy to see why it’s so popular with families.
Granite Island Penguins
Day Trip Two: Wine Country & Adelaide Hills
No visit to South Australia is complete without a wine trail adventure. Lucky for us, we had a designated driver, which meant Sandra and I could enjoy the wine tasting worry-free.
Mount Lofty Lookout
We started with a detour to Mount Lofty, which offers sweeping views over Adelaide and beyond. It’s a great photo stop and a reminder of how green the city really is.
Hahndorf Village
From there, we drove into the Adelaide Hills and stopped at Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement. The influence is everywhere—from half-timbered architecture to German bakeries serving pretzels and strudel. Cuckoo clocks and German beer halls add to the charm. It’s touristy, yes, but also delightful.
Adelaide Hills
McLaren Vale
The highlight of our trip was a full afternoon in McLaren Vale, one of South Australia’s premier wine regions. The rolling hills, vineyard views, and coastal glimpses made for a beautiful drive.
We visited a mix of well-known wineries and smaller boutique producers, discovering some new favourites to look out for in the future. Each cellar door had its own personality—some focused on big, bold reds, others on crisp whites perfect for summer.
For me, this was the standout experience of the entire Adelaide trip. Ticking “South Australian wine trail” off my bucket list felt pretty special.
Practical Notes: Adelaide Airport & Redspot
One of the things I appreciated about Adelaide was how easy it was to get in and out of the city. Adelaide Airport is close to the CBD—just 15 minutes by car—and very user-friendly.
At the Redspot Car Rentals desk inside the terminal, Peter and Bronwen were incredibly helpful. Pickup and drop-off were quick and hassle-free, which meant more time enjoying the holiday and less time worrying about logistics. The airport itself is undergoing upgrades, and what’s already complete looks modern and well-designed.
Final Thoughts on Adelaide
Adelaide may not always be the first city on people’s Australian holiday list, but it should be. Between the leafy city centre, wildlife encounters, seaside day trips, and world-class wine, there’s something for everyone.
Having a rental car made all the difference. It gave us the flexibility to explore beyond the city and discover South Australia at our own pace.
Planning Your Own Adelaide Adventure?
If you’re inspired to take a self-drive holiday in Adelaide, Redspot Car Rentals can help. With:
-
A modern fleet of vehicles
-
On-airport convenience at Adelaide Airport
-
Transparent pricing (no hidden fees)
-
Optional Executive Cover for peace of mind
You’ll be set for a smooth, stress-free trip.
Book your Adelaide rental car today and start your adventure.
Supply Nation Provider