With the cost of living continuing to put pressure on household budgets, finding an affordable way to escape the city for a day has never been more appealing. And according to new research, South Australians have some of the country’s best budget-friendly destinations right on their doorstep.
A new study by car insurance company ROLLiN’ has named Williamstown in the Barossa region as Australia’s cheapest day trip destination, with an estimated outing for two adults costing just $66.04.
The research compared 73 destinations across Australia, taking into account fuel, food, attraction fees and park entry to determine where travellers could get the most for their money.
Williamstown came out on top nationally, earning a perfect affordability score of 100 out of 100. With an estimated $14.61 spent on fuel, $51.43 on food for two and no admission fees for the main attraction or park entry, the historic town offers a budget-friendly escape less than an hour from Adelaide.
One of the area’s best-known attractions is the Whispering Wall at the Barossa Reservoir, where visitors can experience the unusual acoustics that allow whispers to travel across the dam wall. It’s a fascinating free stop to include on a country drive.
And Williamstown isn’t South Australia’s only affordable option.
Murray Bridge ranked second among Adelaide’s cheapest day trips, with an estimated cost of $73.41 for two people, followed by the coastal town of Goolwa at $86.24.
All three destinations also made the national top ten, reinforcing South Australia’s position as a great place to explore without spending a fortune.
For those willing to travel a little further, Moonta on the Yorke Peninsula came in fourth at $99.21, narrowly ahead of Clare at $99.64. Both offer the chance to swap city life for regional scenery, local history and a relaxed day exploring.
Adelaide’s ten cheapest day trips
| Rank | Destination | Estimated cost for two |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Williamstown | $66.04 |
| 2 | Murray Bridge | $73.41 |
| 3 | Goolwa | $86.24 |
| 4 | Moonta | $99.21 |
| 5 | Clare | $99.64 |
| 6 | Mount Barker | $106.61 |
| 7 | Wallaroo | $107.82 |
| 8 | Tanunda | $116.25 |
| 9 | McLaren Vale | $127.76 |
| 10 | Victor Harbor | $140.92 |
While Williamstown takes the crown for affordability, the study also considered which destinations offered the greatest overall value, looking beyond the price tag to include free activities, natural attractions and time available to explore.
Interestingly, McLaren Vale came out on top for value, despite costing an estimated $127.76 for two adults.
With 39 free activities, 38 natural attractions and almost nine hours available at the destination under the study’s ten-hour day-trip model, the popular wine region offers plenty of opportunities to fill a day.
Victor Harbor followed in second place for overall value. Although it was the most expensive Adelaide day trip on the list at $140.92, the study identified 13 beaches, 20 lookouts and 39 natural attractions in the area.
Williamstown placed third for overall value, followed by Tanunda and Goolwa, showing that some of the state’s most affordable destinations also have plenty to offer beyond their low price tags.
For Adelaide families, couples or friends planning a weekend adventure, the findings are a reminder that a memorable day out doesn’t necessarily require an expensive holiday or a lengthy drive.
And with five of the ten destinations estimated to cost less than $100 for two adults, there’s plenty of inspiration for the next spontaneous road trip.
The figures are estimates based on data collected in September 2026, with actual costs depending on fuel prices, vehicle efficiency, food choices and activities.
The full research is available on the ROLLiN’ website.
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