Six Day Trips to Take from Adelaide If You Want to Extend Your Harvest Rock Festival Experience
Come for the music, but stay to explore vineyards, beaches and other-wordly natural formations.
In partnership with 
Adelaide's highly anticipated Harvest Rock Festival is fast approaching and music lovers around the country are starting to gear up for the jam-packed weekend event ahead. Set to take place at Rymill Park / Murlawirrapurka and King Rodney Park / Ityamai-itpina, the festival will feature a seasoned lineup of international and local artists including headliner Jack White, The Black Crowes, Khruangbin, The Lumineers and more. While these live acts are what out-of-town fans will be travelling to Adelaide for, the City of Churches is also an excellent starting point for a number of incredible day trips.
To help you out, we've gathered a list of spots for you to check out before or after the festival. From the scenic landscapes of Limestone Coast to the incredible wildlife of Kangaroo Island, these incredible locations will make you think twice about heading straight back home.
Louis Hoang (Unsplash)
ADELAIDE HILLS
Less than a 20-minute drive from the city, Adelaide Hills is the perfect place to plan a boozy afternoon with friends. With more than 60 wineries calling the Hills home, you definitely won't run out of options during your time there. If you happen to be a foodie as well, a number of restaurants that serve quality produce await your arrival. Consider booking a table at the three-hatted Hardy's Verandah Restaurant, which features a refined four- or seven-course menu, as well as a multi-award-winning wine list, impressive sake collection and innovative cocktails. Or, you could opt to stop into Golding Wines and indulge in its excellent wood-fired pizza paired with a rich glass of local pinot noir.
Adelaide Hills is a 15- to 20-minute drive from the city.
Luisa Denu (Unsplash)
FLEURIEU PENINSULA
Whether you're looking to escape the city or immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind culinary experience, the Fleurieu Peninsula has it all. Wine and dine in a cave nestled behind Maxwell Wines, or take it to the next level and embark on a Helivista helicopter tour for epic scenes of Fleurieu Peninsula's vineyards, beaches and coastline. Don't forget to take a dip in the strikingly blue waters of Gulf St Vincent — and if you're feeling adventurous, head into the caves of Second Valley by kayak.
Fleurieu Peninsula is around a one-hour drive from Adelaide.
Sue Tucker (Unsplash)
KANGAROO ISLAND
As November starts to warm up, bask in the South Australian sun while enjoying the white sandy beaches Kangaroo Island has to offer. Be sure to add Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park to your itinerary and say hello to some wildlife like koalas and kangaroos. Or, explore the underwater world with Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari and witness dolphins, seals, ospreys, sea eagles, wedge-tail eagles and more in their natural habitats. Another must-visit is Flinders Chase National Park, where you'll get to witness other-worldly landmarks like Admiral's Arch and Remarkable Rocks up close.
Kangaroo Island is a 90-minute drive and 45-minute ferry ride — or a 30-minute flight — from Adelaide.
Mick Orlick (Unsplash)
BAROSSA VALLEY
Barossa Valley is your one-stop destination for all things food and wine. Prior to sipping on 100-year-old Para Vintage Tawny at the historic Seppeltsfield Estate, we recommend stopping by Vasse Virgin Barossa – a brand that specialises in natural skin and body care products – and signing up for a DIY lip balm workshop, 60-minute natural perfumery workshop or olive oil masterclass. Get the full Barossa experience and make your way to the Barossa Farmers Market, which is teeming with local delicacies and produce you might not be able to find elsewhere.
Barossa Valley is a 50-minute drive from Adelaide.
Mark Smith (Flickr)
CLARE VALLEY
Besides its Instagram-famous pink lake (Lake Bumbunga), the historic Clare Valley is also known for its sublime riesling and diverse culinary scene. Take your wine obsession to the next level and sign up for a 45-minute interactive winemaking class at Knappstein Wines — the activity includes a welcome glass of riesling on top of a full tasting of the Knappstein range from the cellar door. Before driving back into the city, fill your stomach with bruschetta, a toastie or pizza from The Olive Bus, a quaint café and cellar door situated in an upcycled 1969 British Leyland bus.
Clare Valley is around a two-hour drive from Adelaide.
Charles G (Unsplash)
LIMESTONE COAST
If you're in need of a short break, unplug and unwind surrounded by Limestone Coast's natural wonders. Dive into the renowned Blue Lake — a once-active volcano that measures 72 metres deep into the ground — or appreciate the beauty of Mount Gambier's picturesque Umpherston Sinkhole. Conclude your day by treating yourself to a glass of red at Brand's Laira or a delectable paddock-to-plate experience at Mayura Station's Tasting Room.
Limestone Coast is around a three-hour drive from Adelaide.
Make the most of your time in Adelaide by ticking these destinations off the bucket list, as well as enjoying the festivities at Harvest Rock, which can be found at Rymill Park / Murlawirrapurka and King Rodney Park / Ityamai-itpina, Adelaide, on Saturday, November 19–Sunday, November 20. Tickets are on sale now. For more details and to purchase tickets, head to the Harvest Rock website.
