Arthur Wynn

If your flight arrives late, spend the first night in or near Adelaide and drive south rested. If it lands early, choose one Fleurieu base that lets you enjoy the coast before your ferry day.

Use mainland time for coast or Hills walks, leaving a weather margin before the island crossing. Choose trails by current access and walking grade.

Check Carrick Hill's latest visitor map or ask staff whether the pedestrian gate is open on your date. Grounds and house opening times can differ.

Make a short list of shops and a lunch venue, then check their opening days. An independent visit gives you more time in town than a tour with several unrelated stops.

Compare the airport taxi rank with a prebooked car that can confirm an appropriate child restraint. Ask the operator about the exact age and seating requirement before paying.

North Terrace museums, the Botanic Garden and a Glenelg visit offer varied walking distances. Check the actual accessibility and opening hours for the older travellers.

Adelaide Metro's interstate senior visitor arrangement covers free off-peak travel, while peak travel needs the applicable concession fare. Check the current visitor-pass instructions before your first trip.

Contact the zoo about quieter visiting periods and any sensory or access support it offers. Ask where you can step away for a break if a session becomes crowded.

Check whether lunch, tastings and transport are included, and ask about seating and walking at each stop. A relaxed two-cellar-door day is often more useful than a long list.

Keep one city base and give each out-of-town area its own day. Glenelg can fit a lighter day; McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills are easier when you do not try to squeeze both into one afternoon.

The Oval is close to the CBD across the River Torrens footbridge. If you are staying centrally, compare walking with the tram or train rather than assuming a direct bus is necessary.