8 Family-Friendly Things to Do in Adelaide for An Unforgettable Escape

8 Family-Friendly Things to Do in Adelaide for An Unforgettable Escape

Forget Sydney or Melbourne and visit somewhere different for a change!

For your next family vacation, why not swap those visits to crowded amusement parks for a nature escapade instead? Head Down Under and check out Adelaide, the gorgeous cosmopolitan capital of South Australia! Filled with stunning scenery and lots of opportunities to get up close and personal with wildlife and Mother Nature, it’s the perfect destination for your next family holiday.

Seal Bay Conservation Park | Image credit: TourismAustralia

If you’re up for a hassle-free trip minus the research, check out Jetabout Holidays’ Adelaide packages, where you can take your pick from road trip adventures that come bundled with car rental and detailed suggested itinerary including maps, routes and top attractions or guided tours where you can sit back and relax! Plus, good news for TrIpZilla readers, quote “TripZilla” to  score S$30 Grab Credit!*

*Valid for every S$1,000 spent on any Adelaide packages (nett amount excluding airport taxes, surcharges and service fee), and while stocks last. T&Cs apply.

Here are eight family-friendly things to do in Adelaide covered in Jetabout Holidays’ Tour Packages to get you started:

1. Discover the natural beauty of Kangaroo Island

Seal Bay Conservation Park | Image credit: SouthAustralianTourismCommission

Kangaroo Island is Australia’s third largest island and is basically the quintessential Adelaide experience. Stand in awe at the absolute grandeur of rugged unspoilt wilderness with perfect views of wild roos and sleepy seals lazing along the pristine shores of Seal Bay. Did you know that Seal Bay is home to over 500 Australian Sea Lions? It’s not every day that one is able to get up close to these creatures in the wild! It’s basically National Geographic, IRL. Kangaroo Island is, truly, a gorgeous gem that you certainly cannot miss out on while vacationing in Adelaide!

Image credits: Remarkable Rocks by SouthAustralianTourismCommission (top); Admirals Arch by JetaboutHolidays (bottom)

Venture into Flinders Chase National Park for natural features that will simply blow your mind. From the Remarkable Rocks, the island’s signature landmark, to Admirals Arch which appears to offer an entrance into a whole new world, Kangaroo Island is a place like no other!

Admirals Arch happens to be a favourite hangout spot amongst the seals, so you’ll be able to spot them lying around enjoying the cool spray of the waves wash over them. Pay a visit to allow your entire family to experience the magic for yourselves!

2. Go on a Seal Island Cruise at Victor Harbour

Image credit: BigDuckTourWebsite

Hop on a Cruise Tour to Granite Island Causeway, which is just south of Victor Harbor for another great animal encounter! On this 45-minute Seal Island tour, you’ll get a great view of Seal Rock, where you’ll be able to spot adorable New Zealand Fur Seals as well as Australian Sea Lions all stretched out comfortably and getting a nice tan under the sun! If you’re lucky, they might even swim right up to you and pose for the perfect photo.

Victor Harbor:
Address: 5211 South Australia

Seal Bay Conservation Park | Image credit: SouthAustralianTourismCommission

After your cruise, take the remaining day to wander around this magnificent area – scenic landscapes await at every turn. Be sure to take a walk up to The Bluff, where you’ll be greeted with a splendid panoramic view of the adjacent coast and surrounding countryside. After which, head on to McLaren Vale Wine Region and take a tour around the endless vineyards where you can sample wines, and your kids can frolic amidst lush green landscapes. As the sun starts to set, tuck into a hearty dinner at one of the many restaurants there!

If you’re raring to explore Kangaroo Island and Victor Harbor, this 4D3N Adelaide Family Fun is just the thing for you! One of Jetabout Holidays’ bestseller itineraries, you’ll get to see both on a private tour – from only S$720 per pax. If you’re looking for a longer trip, check out their other Adelaide Tours (both free and easy and guided)! This is especially great for families, for you’ll have all your research, plus airport transfers, ALL settled for you. It’s a win-win situation!

In addition, quote “TripZilla” & book any of their Adelaide tours by 31 March 2018 and receive FREE S$30 Grab credit for every $1,000 spent!

*Valid for every S$1,000 spent (nett amount excluding airport taxes, surcharges and service fee), and while stocks last. T&Cs apply.

3. Befriend koalas and kangaroos at Cleland Wildlife Park

Because who doesn’t love an adorable animal encounter? Here at Cleland Wildlife Park, the majority of the animals are left to roam around freely in spaces that best mimic their natural habitat. Yes, that means no enclosures a.k.a. stunning family portraits amidst some newfound animal friends! Kids will absolutely love getting up close to bouncing kangaroos and have them feed right out of their hands!

Potoroo; Bandicoot; Tasmanian Devil | Image credit: (left) Peripitus; (right) JJHarrison

And Cleland Wildlife Park stays open for their famous Night Walks too! As you go along with a torch in hand, get ready to have a whole new perspective on how animals behave at night in the zoo. You’ll get to see native Australian animals such as Potoroos and Bandicoots, as well as Tasmanian Devils too. How’s that for an unforgettable nighttime activity? We would definitely give up some sleep for this!

Cleland Wildlife Park
Address: Cleland SA 5152, Australia
Opening Hours: 9.30am to 5.00pm, Night Walks: Time will be confirmed upon booking.
To book, please call: (+61 8) 8339 2444
Address: Cleland SA 5152, Australia

4. Savour magnificent views from Mount Lofty summit or a Hot Air Balloon ride in Barossa

Up in the sloping peaks of Cleland Conservation Park in Adelaide Hills lie the Mount Lofty Ranges, where you’ll find Adelaide’s highest peak – Mount Lofty. Feast your eyes on spectacular panoramic views of luscious green that stretches as far as your eyes can reach from 710 meters above sea level! At the summit sits the famous Mount Lofty obelisk that’s used as a navigation beacon. There is a café and a gift shop at the summit too, so take a break, grab a snack and enjoy your fresh brew with the view!

Mt. Lofty Summit
Address: Cleland SA 5152, Australia
Opening Hours: 24/7, Mt. Lofty Visitor Information Outlet: 9.00am to 5.00pm daily

Hot Air Balloon Rides, Barossa | Image credit: SouthAustralianTourismCommission

If you prefer something more exhilarating than a hike up the hills, how does a hot air balloon ride over stunning Barossa sound? Get a bird’s-eye view of sloping hills, vast vineyards and the majestic Murray River as you float up high amongst the clouds. A hot air balloon experience will definitely create unforgettable memories and have your little ones talking about it for days!

Can’t wait to hop on a hot air balloon ride already? Check out this 5D4N Adelaide’s Epicurean Drive fr. $600* package. This self-drive package includes car rental, accommodation and a detailed itinerary to make sure that you get to experience the best of Adelaide’s Epicurean Way down Barossa!

In addition, quote “TripZilla” & book any of their Adelaide tours by 31 March 18 and receive FREE S$30 Grab credit!

*Valid for every S$1,000 spent (nett amount excluding airport taxes, surcharges and service fee), and while stocks last. T&Cs apply.

5. Relive your childhood all over again with fun activities at Victor Harbor

Swim with Tuna, Victor Harbor | Image credit: JetaboutHolidays

For a splashing good time, take the kids for a swimming session (no, don’t worry. It’s not with the sharks) with Southern Bluefin Tuna! Did you know that this species of tuna can swim at up to 76 kilometres per hour?

Just imagine getting to meet and hand-feed these magnificent fish. They’ll most likely snatch the food and be off in a flash but you don’t call the Southern Bluefin Tuna one of the fastest fishes in the world for nothing!

Horse-Drawn Tram, Victor Harbor | Image credit: JetaboutHolidays

Not keen on making new fishy friends? No problem. How about going for a horse-drawn tram ride instead? Don’t miss the chance to hop on the only horse-drawn tramway in Australia which takes you on a journey from Victor Harbor to Granite Island, on literal horsepower. Enjoy the breeze, sights and sounds as a beautiful Clydesdale horse brings you across the causeway!

If you can’t decide between the tuna and horse encounter…why not just do both! After all, you’re already at Victor Harbor! Check out Jetabout Holidays’ 6D5N Kangaroo Island & Victor Harbor Road Trip fr. $1,175* package which is just perfect for the whole family. This self-drive package includes car rental, accommodation and a detailed itinerary to make sure that your entire family gets to enjoy all the animal experiences you could ever desire at Kangaroo Island and Victor Harbor!

In addition, quote “TripZilla” & book any of their Adelaide tours by 31Mar’18 and receive FREE S$30 Grab credit for every $1,000 spent!

*Valid for every S$1,000 spent (nett amount excluding airport taxes, surcharges and service fee), and while stocks last. T&Cs apply.

6. Climb and explore the Mega Adventure Park – the ultimate playground for all ages

Image Credit: MegaAdventure

Love a good adrenaline rush? Then take your cheeky little monkeys out with you for some fun at the Mega Adventure Park! Featuring three main areas – the SkyChallenge, SkyWalk and MegaBounce –the park is sure to keep everyone on their toes (or off!) with its different high element challenges. SkyChallenge boasts an obstacle park that comprises over 70 different obstacles. Here, you can not only zip line from one obstacle to another but also row a boat or ride a BMX bicycle midair to get from one point to the next! How exciting does that sound?

(Left) SkyWalk; (right) MegaBounce | Image Credit: MegaAdventure

For those who prefer to take in the views without going to SkyChallenge, SkyWalk lets you climb up 83 steps to its tallest platform for unparalleled views like no other. If you love bouncing on trampolines, try going on MegaBounce – a super-sized trampoline with power cords that will launch you up to eight metres in the air. Get ready to do those somersaults, backflips and flying kicks!

Mega Adventure Park
Address: 4 Hamra Ave, West Beach, SA 5024, Australia
Opening Hours: Depends on season, school holidays and Daylight Saving time.
Check here for more details.

7. Have fun in the sun at Adelaide’s beaches

Glenelg Beach | Image credit: SouthAustralianTourismCommission

For families, we definitely recommend the oh-so-popular Glenelg Beach. Aside from the beautiful beach and the calm inviting waters, the area around Glenelg is simply abuzz with activity. The beach is located just a few minutes away from trendy Moseley Square, which is chock full of little shops and eateries. Grab a bite, have a browse and immerse yourselves in the laid-back vibes of this popular family-friendly seaside destination. Don’t forget to treat yourself to a scoop of gelato to beat the heat while you’re at it!

Sunset, Glenelg Beach | Image credit: SouthAustralianTourismCommission

And if you love a good sunset view (who doesn’t?), Glenelg Beach is the way to go! After an afternoon of splashing in the sea and building a majestic sandcastle fort, gather everyone and take a nice walk down the Jetty – the best spot to catch the quintessential ‘sunset-scape’. Hold your breath as you watch the riot of orange, yellow and pink burst across the sky as the sun slowly sinks into the far horizon – an arresting and sublime sight that cannot be missed!

Glenelg Beach
Address: Jetty Rd, Glenelg SA 5045, Australia

If you are ready to cruise down beaches, frolic in crystal-clear blue waters and feast your eyes on dreamy sunsets, then the 7D6N Adelaide Nature, Sea & Vine Trail Drive fr. $1,125* is just the package for you! This self-drive package includes car rental, accommodation and a detailed itinerary which guarantees abundant opportunities to explore and enjoy picturesque coastal scenery on Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island.

In addition, quote “TripZilla” & book any of their Adelaide tours by 31 March 2018 and receive FREE S$30 Grab credit!

*Valid for every S$1,000 spent (nett amount excluding airport taxes, surcharges and service fee), and while stocks last. T&Cs apply.

8. Be a keeper for a day at the Adelaide Zoo

Adelaide Zoo | Image credit: SouthAustralianTourismCommission

Trust us, one day at the Cleland Wildlife Park isn’t enough. And besides, what’s a family trip without a visit to the zoo? Visit different animal enclosures and learn more about the various species as you traipse around the park with your family. Learn about all the usual suspects like giant pandas, hippopotami, lions and tigers, as well as discover Native Aussie creatures like Wombats, Australian Sea-lions, Quokkas and Wallabies!

Adelaide Zoo | Image credit: SouthAustralianTourismCommission

Apart from guided tours and feeding shows, visitors can take it up a notch with Adelaide Zoo’s ‘Animal Encounters’ and ‘Animal Experiences’. With these, visitors can get even closer and interact with their favourite furry friends – an absolutely delightful experience for every family member! Children can even go for a ‘Junior Keeper’ experience where they will get to become mini zoo-keepers and spend half a day as an assistant at the Children’s Zoo. Who knew that a visit to the zoo would be this pawsome?

Adelaide Zoo
Address: Frome Rd, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
Opening Hours: 9.30am to 5.00pm

Check out this 4D3N Adelaide Family Fun package! One of Jetabout Holiday’s best-sellers, you’ll get to see & experience Adelaide – from just S$720 per pax! Or if you’re looking for a road trip adventure, check out their Adelaide Self Drive Tours! All are settled, from car rental, accommodation to suggested driving routes, itinerary to stop over!

In addition, quote “TripZilla” & book any of their Adelaide tours by 31 March 2018 and receive FREE S$30 Grab credit!

*Valid for every S$1,000 spent (nett amount excluding airport taxes, surcharges and service fee), and while stocks last. T&Cs apply.

Visit Adelaide with Jetabout Holidays

So how about giving Adelaide a go, eh? Yes, with the kids in tow to boot! From outdoor hiking adventures to lessons on nature and history outside the classroom walls, as well as romping around different playgrounds, this trip truly promises a great bonding time for the whole family. We promise that there will be more than enough fun for everyone, along with lots of wide-eyed wonder. For a seamless exploration of Adelaide, opt for one of these tours with Jetabout Holidays:

And you’ll be all set to go! Pick any of the above, from Jetabout Holidays, and receive FREE S$30 Grab credit*. Ready for an unforgettable escape with the family? Let’s go!

*Quote TripZilla upon enquiry. Valid for every S$1,000 spent (nett amount excluding airport taxes, surcharges and service fee), and while stocks last. T&Cs apply.


Brought to you by Jetabout Holidays and South Australian Tourism.

About Author

Beatrice Tan
Beatrice Tan

Beatrice absolutely loves stargazing and often fantasises about going into space one day. However, since she won’t be an astronaut anytime soon, her heart is set on being a globetrotter instead. She is always craving for a new adventure, and believes that travel nourishes the soul. You can most likely find her strolling around the museum, or in a quiet café with her nose buried in a book, and a soy latte in hand.

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