Adelaide might be known for its vibrant food scene and proximity to the wine regions, but it’s also a fantastic base for exploring some of South Australia’s top two-day adventures. Whether you’re after a wildlife encounter, a scenic island escape, or a luxurious wine getaway, Adelaide’s diverse tours deliver. We particularly love the 2-day Ultimate Kangaroo Island with return ferry, which offers a seamless, all-in-one experience highlighting the island’s wildlife, national parks, and local produce—perfect if you want to maximize your time without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.
The variety of tours available means there’s something for every type of traveler. From small-group wildlife safaris and boutique island adventures to indulgent wine and hot air balloon experiences, Adelaide stands out as a hub for memorable 2-day escapes. Below, we explore the top options to help you pick exactly the right one for your interests.
1. 2 day Ultimate Kangaroo Island with return ferry
At number 1, this 2-day tour of Kangaroo Island packs in the highlights of one of Australia’s most iconic wildlife destinations. The tour takes care of everything—ferry, accommodation, transport, and guiding—so you can focus on enjoying the island. Over two days, you’ll explore Seal Bay Conservation Park, where a guided beach walk among wild Australian sea lions is a highlight, and visit Flinders Chase National Park to see the aftermath of its 2020 fire and witness nature’s rapid recovery.
What makes this tour stand out is the mix of wildlife, scenery, and local food. You’ll meet local producers behind elite foods, take coastal walks with a national park ranger, and visit the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Sanctuary. The reviews highlight its full itinerary and knowledgeable guides like Hamish, with travelers rating it 4.5/5. If you want a comprehensive, hassle-free experience that covers all the must-sees, this is a top pick.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers short on time who want to see the best of Kangaroo Island without logistics stress, with a good balance of wildlife, scenery, and local flavors.
2. From Adelaide: Kangaroo Island Epic 2-Day Small Group Tour
Number 2 on our list is the Kangaroo Island Epic 2-Day Small Group Tour. This tour shines for its intimate setting—max 13 travelers—and its focus on authentic wildlife encounters and scenic highlights. Starting with a ferry from Adelaide, you’ll explore Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch, and the Little Sahara sand dunes, along with wildlife walks and beach swims at Stokes Bay.
This tour’s unique edge is its camping experience, offering spacious bell tents with comfortable beds or optional motel rooms if you prefer more privacy. The small group size fosters a warm, interactive atmosphere, and the guide’s focus on wildlife makes spotting koalas, dolphins, and kangaroos more likely. Reviewers praise the tour for its organization and expert guide, James, describing it as “perfectly organized” and “very informative.”
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who prefer a more personal, immersive experience with a focus on wildlife and scenic beauty in a small-group setting.
3. Adelaide: Kangaroo Island 2-Day Epic Adventure Small Group tour
At number 3, this Kangaroo Island 2-Day Epic Adventure blends wildlife, iconic sights, and relaxed coastal experiences. The tour includes ferry transfers from Adelaide, with a focus on exploring Seal Bay, the Famous Flinders Chase National Park, and Stokes Bay—renowned for its swimming-friendly waters.
During your two days, you’ll have ample opportunities for wildlife sightings—koalas, seals, dolphins, and kangaroos—plus the chance to enjoy a swim at some of the island’s pristine beaches. The tour’s appeal lies in its well-balanced itinerary and friendly, knowledgeable guides. With an average rating of 5/5 from 10 reviews, travelers appreciate the seamless experience and engaging commentary.
Bottom line: Excellent for travelers wanting a guided, wildlife-rich trip with flexible options for accommodation, making it suitable for families and nature lovers.
4. All-Inclusive Boutique 2 Day Kangaroo Island Tour
Number 4 features the All-Inclusive Boutique 2 Day Kangaroo Island Tour. This tour offers a more upscale experience, leaving the crowds behind. It includes visits to Frenchman’s Rock, Cape Willoughby Lighthouse, and a tasting at False Cape Wines, along with relaxed walks and a focus on local flavors and maritime history.
What sets this tour apart is the boutique approach and personalized service. The itinerary balances iconic sights with gourmet meals, including a deluxe platter at the winery. The small group size and luxurious touches make it ideal for travelers who want comfort and a refined experience. The reviews, though limited to three, rate it 5/5, emphasizing its warm guides and carefully curated experiences.
Bottom line: Best suited for those seeking a luxury, relaxed pace tour with an emphasis on local food and maritime history.
5. Adelaide: All-Inclusive Boutique 2-Day Kangaroo Island Tour
Number 5 on our list is the Adelaide: All-Inclusive Boutique 2-Day Kangaroo Island Tour, which caters to travelers craving a highly personalized experience. With fewer than 10 guests, you’ll enjoy private-guided visits to Seal Bay and the Wildlife Park, plus a tasting at False Cape Wines.
This tour emphasizes local flavors, including a tasting flight and platter, and explores both the east and south coasts of the island. The focus on intimate, boutique-style travel makes it perfect for travelers who value comfort and exclusivity. While it’s the priciest, at over $1,000 per person, you’re paying for a very tailored, high-end experience.
Bottom line: Suitable for those with a flexible budget seeking a luxurious, private exploration of Kangaroo Island’s key highlights.
$1,003 per person
6. Barossa Valley Two Day Hot Air Balloon and Wine Experience
The final option, number 6, is the Barossa Valley Two Day Hot Air Balloon and Wine Experience. While technically outside Adelaide, it offers a luxurious take on a wine escape. It features a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards, followed by tastings at acclaimed wineries like Seppeltsfield, plus an overnight stay with local produce hampers.
This tour is ideal for wine lovers and those seeking a splurge, with a focus on elegance and indulgence. The experience’s highlight is the hot air balloon, which provides a spectacular view of the rolling vineyards at dawn. As it’s a group of up to two people, it’s very intimate and premium-priced at over $1,850 per group. It’s perfect for celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself.
Bottom line: Best suited for couples or small groups wanting a luxurious, exclusive wine and adventure experience.
$1,854.01 per group (up to 2)
How to Choose Your Perfect 2-Day Tour in Adelaide
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, interests, and desired pace. For wildlife and scenery, the Ultimate Kangaroo Island offers a rundown, while those seeking a more intimate experience might prefer the small-group Kangaroo Island Epic Tour. If luxury is your priority, the Boutique Kangaroo Island tour and the Barossa Valley Balloon Experience stand out.
Carefully think about your interests—wildlife, food, scenery, or wine—and whether you prefer a guided group or a more personalized journey. Booking early is wise, especially for tours with limited availability or high demand, like the boutique options and the balloon ride.
Final Thoughts
Adelaide offers a diverse range of 2-day tours that showcase Australia’s wildlife, stunning landscapes, and world-class food and wine. If you want a full, hassle-free adventure that hits all the highlights, the Ultimate Kangaroo Island is hard to beat. For a more personalized, boutique experience, the Boutique Kangaroo Island tour or the small-group Epic are excellent choices.
For those seeking adventure paired with luxury, the Barossa Valley Balloon and Wine Experience offers something truly special. Whatever your preference, planning and booking early will ensure you secure your spot on these memorable journeys.