3 Romantic Autumn Day Trips From Adelaide
Think golden light, good wine, and countryside charm: these dreamy escapes are made for slow love.
Autumn is arguably the most romantic season in South Australia. The vines are turning, the weather is cool enough to hold hands without sweating, and everything feels a little more cinematic. If you're looking to make the most of it with someone special, here are three of our favourite romantic day trips, each one just a few hours from Adelaide but designed to feel a world away.
1. McLaren Vale – Seaside Wine & Sunset Moments
Start your day in Willunga with breakfast at the Willunga General Store—a local favourite known for its relaxed country charm, strong coffee, and hearty brunch options. Grab a table under the verandah and soak in the small-town energy. Afterward, head to Down The Rabbit Hole for a wine tasting with whimsical charm (yes, the one with the double-decker bus), or visit Samson Tall for a more intimate cellar door experience. For lunch, make your way to Star of Greece in Port Willunga for clifftop views and fresh, seasonal seafood. Before heading home, take a slow beach walk at Silver Sands as the sun dips low: pure autumn magic.
2. Barossa Valley – Wine, Fireplaces & Slow Afternoons
The Barossa in autumn is all golden vines and red wines, it’s a love letter to the season. Start with a coffee at El Estanco in Greenock, a beautiful little café-slash-restaurant known for its wood oven pastries and slow breakfasts. Then visit Seppeltsfield Road Distillers for a spice-infused gin tasting, or stop at Yalumba for something classic and cosy. For lunch, book a table at Fino at Seppeltsfield - the food is exceptional and the surrounding gardens are full of colour this time of year. Before heading home, take a stroll through The Barossa Bush Gardens, a peaceful walk full of native plants and crunchy leaves underfoot.
3. Clare Valley – Riesling Trails, Quiet Roads & Country Charm
Two hours from Adelaide, Clare offers a peaceful, pared-back version of wine country that’s ideal for slow autumn days. Start with breakfast at Daily Grind Coffee Bar, a cosy spot with a relaxed feel, quality espresso, and locally baked treats to kick off the day. Then rent bikes and ride a section of the Riesling Trail, stopping at cellar doors like Sevenhill Cellars (historic and romantic) or Kilikanoon for something more refined. For lunch, book in at Seed Clare Valley, a stunning bistro that blends elegance with warm country hospitality. Finish your day with a wander through Spring Gully Conservation Park, where red gums and winding trails make for a peaceful golden hour escape.
Final Note
You don’t need a special occasion to plan a romantic day trip. Just a car, someone lovely, and a season that’s already doing half the work for you. Pack a scarf, charge your camera, and let autumn do the rest.