A good question.
A local answer.

Allow a couple of unhurried hours for the main street, a café and a few shops; add more time if you plan a booked meal.

Use Adelaide Metro's current fare and zone information for the date of travel; old forum maps and ticket names may be outdated.

Leave daylight and a comfortable drive back to Adelaide. If the itinerary feels crowded, drop one town rather than cutting every stop short.

Confirm the terminal, shuttle time to the pickup point and the tour's guaranteed return before paying.

Confirm the ship's exact terminal and boarding time first, then compare a central hotel with a planned transfer against the few nearby options.

Read recent hotel reviews and check current transport connections. Older memories of an area may no longer reflect its present feel.

Use the current journey planner for the exact departure and destination; the public transport trip may involve a change in the city.

Check tide, wind and swimming conditions before heading out. If you plan to enter the water, use a patrolled area and follow local signs.

If you only have the afternoon, consider a direct transfer to a central hotel and explore nearby streets, gardens or a market on foot.

If most plans are central, a city base with occasional beach outings may save time. Choose by the balance of beach days and city days.

Use a central base for walkable city attractions and simple public transport days. Check the route and walking distance with a stroller before choosing accommodation.

Check the current menu and drinks list as well; some places sell local wines that suit the meal and do not permit BYO.