Jude Larkin

Pack enough feeds and nappies for a delay, plus a change of clothes for the baby and a caregiver in hand luggage.

Confirm the train's actual Adelaide arrival station and your arrival time, then map the onward journey to candidate city hotels.

Pick one or two regional bases rather than treating every destination as a day trip. Kangaroo Island needs extra time for the crossing and wildlife stops.

Wild kangaroo sightings within the central city are unpredictable. A wildlife park or guided nature outing gives you a more dependable chance without promising a sighting.

Pair a city park or garden with a picnic and a short neighbourhood walk. Children usually enjoy having time to play more than another tightly timed attraction.

A lounge may have separate eligibility, booking and service hours. Confirm those directly rather than treating it as a guaranteed substitute for a public cafe or bar.

Choose a self-drive day only if someone is content to be the designated driver. Compare a small-group tour's pickup, group size and included tasting fees before assuming it will feel impersonal.

For a larger trip, book any sport or performance seats together early. Keep a rest day and a wet-weather option rather than filling all eight days in advance.

If wine is not a priority, do not spend the day on a rushed multi-cellar tour. A garden, village lunch and viewpoint can make a more relaxed trip.

Choose the room based on the morning transfer you can actually arrange. With an early departure and luggage, compare a prebooked taxi or rideshare from both areas rather than relying on a convenient daytime tram.

Choose the Adelaide Hills if you want a mix of scenery, village streets and food without making the entire day about cellar doors. Hahndorf is an easy focal point; leave room for one other stop instead of an ambitious circuit.