South Australia offers some of the most memorable shore excursions for cruise passengers. Its diverse landscape features lush wine regions, quaint villages, and stunning coastlines—all within easy reach of port. We’re particularly fond of tours that blend local culture with scenic beauty, like the Barossa Valley Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour and the Hahndorf & Barossa Valley including Lunch, which combine delicious food, world-class wines, and charming villages. These tours provide a relaxed, authentic experience that can turn a brief stop into a highlight of your cruise.
South Australia’s shore excursions are ideal for wine lovers, history enthusiasts, and lovers of scenic drives. Whether you prefer a full-day adventure through vineyard-covered hills or a shorter trip that includes a historic German town and seaside views, there’s something to match your interests. Our list below highlights four of the best options, each offering a unique taste of this region’s character.
1. Shore Excursion: Barossa Valley Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour
This tour is tailor-made for cruise visitors who want to experience South Australia’s premier wine region without hassle. Starting from Port Adelaide Outer Harbour, it’s scheduled to fit your ship’s timetable, so you won’t miss your port call. The 8-hour tour includes visits to 3-4 top cellar doors, like Kersbrook Hill Wines & Cider, along with stops at Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop and Chateau Dorrien in Tanunda. It’s a well-rounded day that combines wine tasting with regional treats like artisan chocolates and a gourmet winery lunch.
One of the standout features is the personalized experience—the guide Gerry, for example, is praised for his local knowledge and engaging style, making the day feel more like visiting friends than a generic bus tour. The stops at family-run wineries add a warm, authentic touch. With a cost of around $145.95 per person, it offers excellent value considering the quality and variety of experiences packed in. The small group size and flexible itinerary make it a relaxed alternative to the typical cruise tour crowd.
Bottom line: If you want a comprehensive, wine-centered day in the Barossa with great company and flexibility, this tour is hard to beat.
2. Shore Excursion: Hahndorf & Barossa Valley including Lunch
For those who prefer a blend of historic charm and wine tasting, this tour offers a balanced day. It starts with a visit to Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop and the Barossa Chocolate Factory—perfect for those who appreciate local food producers. Then, you’ll enjoy a mouthwatering lunch at a scenic winery in the Barossa, paired with tastings at two esteemed cellar doors. The tour then heads to Hahndorf, a village famous for its German heritage, where you’ll have free time to explore shops, galleries, and cafes.
This trip is ideal for travelers who want a taste of traditional Germany combined with world-class wine and food. The inclusion of a lunch at a winery adds significant value, making the $145.95 price tag quite reasonable. The flexible free time in Hahndorf allows you to soak up the village’s cozy atmosphere at your own pace.
Bottom line: This tour suits those who want a mix of culinary delights, cultural charm, and scenic beauty all in one day.
$145.95 per person
3. Hills To Seaside Hahndorf and Victor Harbor Tour
If coastal scenery and historic towns are more your style, this 8-hour group tour covers a lot of ground. It kicks off with a quick stop at Mount Lofty Summit, where panoramic views over Adelaide and the coast are spectacular. Then, it’s off to Hahndorf, known for its traditional German architecture and artisan shops. Next, the tour visits Goolwa, a river port famous for its maritime history, before wrapping up at Victor Harbor, a lively seaside town renowned for whale watching.
What makes this trip stand out is the diversity of sights—mountain vistas, historic villages, river scenes, and coastal charm—all in one day. The tour’s flexible nature means it can be tailored slightly to your group’s interests, though it’s a shared experience that can include up to 25 travelers.
While the price is slightly lower at $141.01, it’s important to note this is a group tour, so the intimacy isn’t as personal as smaller group or private options. Still, the variety of stops and scenic highlights make it a worthwhile pick for active travelers wanting a broad overview.
Bottom line: Great for those who want a full day with diverse sights, especially if coastal scenery and historic towns appeal to you.
$141.01 per person
4. Ship Shore Excursion: Private Tour – Adelaide City, Choice Adelaide Wine Regions
For travelers seeking luxury and customization, this private tour offers a tailored experience. You’ll be picked up directly from the port in a brand-new BMW 530i M Sports Series, ensuring comfort and style. The 5-hour tour is flexible, allowing you to choose highlights like Adelaide’s key sights, the charming town of Hahndorf, or the best of the Adelaide Hills and wine regions.
Priced at around $465.53 per group (up to 4 people), it emphasizes exclusivity and personalized attention. This is perfect for travelers who value privacy or have specific interests, such as sampling particular wineries or exploring specific neighborhoods. The included bottled water and snacks add to the comfort.
Since it’s fully customizable, it’s ideal for those with a clear idea of what they want—be it wine tastings, city sights, or a mix—and who prefer a stress-free, private experience. However, it’s less economical than group options, so better suited for those seeking a more personalized touch.
Bottom line: If you want a bespoke experience with the convenience of private transport, this tour is the top choice.
$465.53 per group (up to 4)
How to Choose the Right Shore Excursion
Choosing between these tours depends on your interests, budget, and how much time you want to spend ashore. For serious wine lovers who want a comprehensive experience, the Barossa Valley Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour offers an immersive visit to top wineries. If you prefer a balanced day of food, wine, and a charming village, the Hahndorf & Barossa Valley including Lunch is a great pick.
Those wanting a bit of everything—mountains, coast, and history—will enjoy the Hills To Seaside Hahndorf and Victor Harbor Tour, while travelers after a personalized, luxury experience should consider the Private Tour of Adelaide City & Wine Regions.
In any case, bookings fill quickly, especially for private tours, so plan ahead and select the experience that matches your pace and interests.
Final Thoughts
South Australia’s shore excursions offer a rich variety of experiences—wine tasting in world-famous regions, exploring historic villages, or enjoying scenic coastal towns. For a full day immersed in wine and culinary delights, the Barossa Valley Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour is hard to beat. If you’re after a flexible, personalized experience, the private tour stands out as a luxurious choice.
For active travelers who want a taste of both mountains and seaside, the Hills To Seaside Hahndorf and Victor Harbor Tour offers a lively and varied day. Whichever you choose, booking early ensures you get your preferred experience and make the most of your time in South Australia.