8 Day Flavours of South Australia Self-Drive
Experience a culinary journey through South Australia's most celebrated food and wine regions — from Adelaide's vibrant markets and wine masterclasses to the Barossa Valley's historic wineries and gourmet experiences, finishing in the Adelaide Hills' cool-climate wines and fine dining.
AUSTRALIA CULINARY TOUR
8 DAYS FROM ADELAIDE (TARNDANYA) TO ADELAIDE HILLS
This 8-day self-drive food and wine itinerary celebrates South Australia's world-class culinary destinations. Begin in Adelaide exploring the iconic Central Market and Australian wine traditions, then drive to the prestigious Barossa Valley for e-bike vineyard tours, chocolate tastings, and winery experiences at legendary producers like Yalumba and St Hugo. Continue to the Adelaide Hills where cool-climate wines, boutique producers, and fine dining at Mount Lofty House showcase the region's sophisticated food culture.
This itinerary perfectly blends guided culinary experiences, self-guided exploration, and scenic drives through South Australia's most rewarding food and wine trail.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
ADELAIDE/TARNDANYA
Morning Adelaide Central Market Extended Walking Tour
- 1.5-hour guided exploration of 150 years of market history
- Visit oldest remaining stalls and discover local delicacies. Sample cheese, boiled lolly, bliss ball, and South American empanada
- Learn about multiculturalism and international flavours
Australian Wine Masterclass
- 1.5-hour guided tour and sommelier-led tasting
- Explore 5 Australian wines at the National Wine Centre
Suggested Afternoon/Evening Exploration
- Explore the Adelaide Central Market's 150+ stalls for local produce and international flavours
- Stroll through Chinatown and the vibrant culinary precinct
- Visit Glenelg via tram for historic beachside dining and shopping
- Discover Adelaide's street cafés, restaurants, and boutique shops throughout the city centre
BAROSSA VALLEY
Afternoon Picnic Perfect at Jacobs Creek Visitor Centre
- 1.5-2 hour picnic experience with local South Australian produce platter with a selection of cheese, meats, vegetables, crackers, and bread
- 750ml bottle of Jacob's Creek wine and logo glassware to keep
Experience Barossa Gourmet Food & Wine E-Bike Tour
- 6-hour guided e-bike tour through picturesque vineyards
- Barossa Valley Chocolate Company — hot chocolate and cake
- Artisans Rarities wine tasting — select from six premium wines
- Barossa Valley Cheese Company — four cheese cellar tasting
- Yalumba (Australia's oldest family-owned winery since 1849) — cooperage factory tour with Yalumba artisan lunch platter and barrel tasting experience
St Hugo from Vines to Vault with Epicurean Lunch
- 1.5-hour experience at historic St Hugo Winery with a guided winery tour through cork tree-lined grounds and original gravity-fed winery followed by a curated wine and food pairing journey
- Ultimate Tasting flight featuring Vetus Purum Cabernet Sauvignon with small bite plate
- Rare taste of 100-year-old tawny (dating to 1925)
Self-Guided Barossa Valley Exploration
Explore the Barossa Valley's charming townships, beginning with Tanunda's magnificently restored Chateau Tanunda at the historic heart of the region. Visit Nuriootpa's vine-lined main street to discover cellar doors including Penfolds, Elderton, and Wolf Blass, then head to Angaston to experience heritage charm at the "English" end of the Barossa. Explore Lyndoch's contemporary ambience while discovering its English and German influences, and stop at local bakeries for traditional German bread and award-winning mettwurst. Throughout the region, browse boutique retail outlets, arts galleries, craft studios, and gourmet food shops showcasing the Barossa's artisan heritage.
ADELAIDE HILLS
Self-guided culinary exploration of the Adelaide Hills' renowned food and wine scene
Visit boutique wineries and cellar doors around Hahndorf, Lenswood, and Balhannah, sampling cool-climate wines and local produce. Enjoy long, relaxed lunches overlooking the vineyards. Explore Hahndorf, Australia's oldest surviving German settlement, with its architecturally fascinating buildings and artisan charm dating to 1839. Visit Mount Barker to stroll through Keith Stevenson Park, walk linear trails to wetlands for bird-watching, or scale Mount Barker Summit for panoramic Adelaide Hills views. Wander tree-lined main streets and explore boutique shops before stopping for coffee at local cafés.
Dinner at Hardy's Verandah Restaurant
Enjoy award-winning fine dining at historic 1852 Mount Lofty House overlooking the picturesque Piccadilly Valley, where a seasonally changing 4-7 course degustation menu celebrates South Australian produce through the "Valley to Verandah" concept, complemented by a multi-award-winning wine selection, sake collection, and creative cocktails.
SCENIC DRIVE: ADELAIDE HILLS TO ADELAIDE AIRPORT
Drive through the Adelaide Hills' charming townships including Aldgate, Stirling, Oakbank, Birdwood, Crafers, and Mount Barker. Stop at the National Motor Museum in Birdwood to explore hundreds of vintage and classic vehicles in a historic mill. Visit Mount Torrens, a state heritage area showcasing 19th-century settlement architecture. Enjoy a 25km scenic drive through Charleston, Woodside, Oakbank, Balhannah, and Verdun with Adelaide Hills wineries, roadside stalls, and charming townships along the way.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Adelaide/Tarndanya (2 nights): Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets, an IHG Hotel - Standard Room
Direct Travel Bonus: AUD$100 Food & Beverage credit per room per stay
Barossa Valley (3 nights): The Lodge at Seppeltsfield - Lodge Room
Adelaide Hills (2 nights): Mount Lofty House Adults Retreat - Piccadilly Garden
Direct Travel Bonus: AUD$100 Food & Beverage credit per room per stay
OTHER INCLUSIONS
- Private car/driver transfer (Adelaide Airport to Adelaide hotel)
- All guided experiences, entry fees, and culinary experiences as specified
- 6-day car rental (Avis Standard) with Unlimited kilometres, Loss Damage Waiver and Third Party Property coverage, 24-hour roadside assistance Vehicle Registration Fee, Administration Fee, GST, Zero Excess included
Why This Tour
This itinerary is designed for food and wine connoisseurs seeking an immersive South Australian culinary experience. You'll progress from Adelaide's vibrant market culture through the Barossa Valley's prestigious historic wineries to the Adelaide Hills' cool-climate sophistication, discovering regional producers, artisan foods, and celebrated restaurants. The self-drive format provides flexibility to linger at favourite wineries and producers, while guided experiences (Central Market tour, e-bike tour, wine masterclasses, fine dining) ensure you don't miss essential regional highlights.
From fresh local produce and world-class wines to handcrafted chocolates and German heritage foods, this journey showcases South Australia's remarkable food and wine traditions across eight unforgettable days.
This itinerary represents the perfect start for your Australia foodie adventure. Whether you'd like to extend your time in a particular region, swap activities, upgrade accommodations, or add entirely new experiences, let's work together to design a vacation that's authentically yours.
Australia is the kind of place that stays with you long after you’ve left. From Queensland’s sun-soaked beaches and the rugged Outback to South Australia’s rolling vineyards and the buzzing streets of Sydney and Melbourne, there’s plenty to fall in love with. Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, drive the Great Ocean Road, spot kangaroos and koalas in the wild, or wander through the ancient rainforests of the Daintree. Discover the rich stories and traditions of First Nations cultures, sip your way through world-class wine regions, or enjoy fresh seafood by the coast. And wherever your travels take you, you’ll find friendly locals, stunning scenery and that easygoing Aussie spirit that makes you feel right at home. Whether you're up for adventure or keen to slow down and enjoy the good life, there's always something new to discover Down Under.
Terms & Conditions
Photo's used with permission of Tourism Australia. All rates will be quoted in the applicable currency and will be valid for travel during the seasonality dates booked. Should existing Government charges change or new charges be introduced prior to travel, we reserve the right to requote. International airfares may be subject to fuel surcharges at the time of booking. Rates are not valid over special event periods when surcharged rates and/or minimum stays may apply. All tours must be started and completed within the validity dates of the rates shown for the specific rate to be applicable. Travel that crosses between rate validity, or where there is a seasonality note, will be subject to a special quotation. All prices are subject to the availability of the specified services and contracted rates at the time of booking. COST EXCLUDES • Internal Australian flights (unless otherwise specified) • Internation flights • Supplier surcharges when date/time of service required occurs on a public holiday or outside of standard hours • Optional tours and services • Meals other than those specified above • Beverages • Gratuities • Items of a personal nature (e.g. telephone calls, mini bar, laundry, etc.) • Travel insurance (cancellations, loss of deposits, delays, etc.). Direct Travel Bonus valid at select hotels, no cash value and non-transferrable. This offer may be withdrawn or modified at any time without notice.