Adelaide Scenic Coastal Day Tour Experience

Discover the Wild Beauty of South Australia on This Scenic Coastal Day Tour
Escape the city and experience South Australia’s natural wonders on a relaxing day trip from Adelaide. Start your journey with birdwatching at Mount Compass Wetlands, a haven for nature lovers and home to rare species like Latham’s Snipe and swamp harriers.
Enjoy a wine tasting in McLaren Vale, one of South Australia's top wine regions, before stopping at the famous Port Elliot Bakery, renowned for its flaky pastries and creative sweets.

Continue to the charming coastal town of Victor Harbor, where you’ll enjoy a relaxed lunch and soak in stunning ocean views. Walk the historic causeway to Granite Island or ride the iconic horse-drawn tram. This day tour is perfect for birdwatchers, wine lovers, and those seeking a scenic escape along South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula.

What's included:

• Bottle of water and Lunch to all visitors
• Birdwatching guide or Ornithological guide
• Birdwatching binoculars

Not included:

• Horse-drawn tram.

What to expect:

Duration: 8 hours

d'Arenberg

Osborn Rd, , McLaren Vale, 5171, South Australia

Begin your day with a 60-minute scenic drive as we leave behind the hustle of Adelaide and journey south through the picturesque Fleurieu Peninsula – a region known for its rolling hills, vineyards, and charming country towns.
Our first stop is a photo opportunity at the iconic d’Arenberg Cube in McLaren Vale – a bold five-storey structure designed to resemble a Rubik’s Cube, standing proudly among the vines. This architectural landmark is a symbol of McLaren Vale’s creativity and wine culture, and makes for a stunning photo backdrop to start the day.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Oliver’s Taranga Vineyards Cellar Door and Winery

246 Seaview Rd, McLaren Vale, 5171, South Australia

Next, enjoy a premium tasting at the renowned Oliver’s Taranga Vineyards, a sixth-generation family-owned winery celebrated for its warm hospitality and award-winning, small-batch wines. Try unique varietals like Fiano and Mencia while soaking in the views of the historic vineyard – a true highlight of McLaren Vale.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Mount Compass Wetlands

28 Victor Harbor Rd, Mount Compass SA 5210, Australia

Upon reaching the wetlands, enjoy birding alongside our expert guide as you take the peaceful boardwalk loop through the rich wetland habitat. This area is a haven for birdlife, so keep an eye out for seasonal sightings of the elusive Latham’s Snipe, along with grebes, swamp harriers, and other native species. Whether you're a keen birder or a curious first-timer, it's a great opportunity to spot local wildlife up close and learn more about the area’s natural ecosystem.

50 minutes

Port Elliot Bakery

31 North Terrace, Port Elliot SA 5212, Australia

We’ll stop at the iconic Port Elliot Bakery, a beloved local gem known far and wide for its flaky, golden pastries and quirky, creative baked goods – think donut pies and rainbow lamingtons! It’s the perfect spot to grab a delicious , sweet treat, paired with a freshly brewed coffee, all while enjoying the laid-back coastal charm of Port Elliot.

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Murray Mouth Lookout

South Australia

We’ll make a short stop here to scan the coastline for terns, pelicans, and cormorants, often seen gliding or resting along the shore. Take a moment to soak in the stunning views across the estuary – it’s a peaceful spot that offers both great birdwatching and beautiful coastal scenery.

20 minutes

Causeway Cafe

1 Esplanade, Victor Harbor SA 5211, Australia

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at the Causeway Café, a local favourite right by the water in Victor Harbor. With beautiful views of the historic causeway and Granite Island, it’s the perfect spot to unwind. The café offers a great selection of fresh, casual meals, barista-made coffee, and local treats – a hit with our guests looking to soak in the coastal atmosphere over a delicious bite to eat.

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Victor Harbor

Victor Harbor, South Australia

At Victor Harbor, you'll have some free time to explore and enjoy the coastal charm in your own way. For a classic experience, take a walk across the historic wooden causeway to Granite Island, or opt for the horse-drawn tram – a truly unique ride pulled by majestic Clydesdale horses (optional cost), offering scenic views of the bay along the way. If you’re a nature enthusiast, bring out your binoculars or camera and head to the foreshore or the island’s walking trails, where you might spot rock parrots, silver gulls, and terns in their natural habitat. Whether you're walking, riding, or birdwatching, this is a stop full of discovery and breathtaking views.

45 minutes

Victor Harbor Foreshore Amphitheatre

Unit 2/20 Flinders Parade, Victor Harbor SA 5211, Australia

The Victor Harbor foreshore is a scenic coastal stretch perfect for a relaxing stroll, with stunning views over Encounter Bay. It’s the gateway to Granite Island, accessible via the historic causeway or the iconic horse-drawn tram. Along the way, keep an eye out for local birdlife like silver gulls, rock parrots, and terns, or simply enjoy the sea breeze, cafes, and the town’s laid-back charm.

20 minutes

Granite Island

Victor Harbor, 5211, South Australia

From the Victor Harbor foreshore, you can cross the historic causeway to Granite Island, a rugged and windswept island known for its striking granite boulders, sweeping ocean views, and rich wildlife. The walk itself is scenic and relaxing, or you can ride the famous horse-drawn tram for a unique experience. Once on the island, follow the Kaiki Walk, a loop trail offering panoramic views of Encounter Bay and chances to spot seabirds, dolphins, and even whales during migration season. Granite Island is a natural gem just minutes from the mainland, full of coastal beauty and wildlife encounters.

30 minutes

Nature's Eye

Granite Island SA 5211, Australia

Explore one of Granite Island’s hidden gems is Nature’s Eye – a naturally formed rock pool surrounded by granite, resembling a giant eye gazing out to sea. It’s a stunning spot along the Kaiki Walk, perfect for a photo and a reminder of nature’s quiet artistry.

10 minutes

Adelaide

Adelaide SA, Australia

To conclude the day, we’ll begin our journey back to Adelaide from Victor Harbor. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic drive as we wind through the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula, reflecting on a day filled with nature, great food, and coastal charm.

1 hour