PM goes from talk-show host to lost hubby

From talk-show host prime minister to a lost husband, Malcolm Turnbull showed different sides when he took his campaign back to Adelaide.

Malcolm Turnbull is trying to shore up seats in South Australia just days out from polling day. (AAP)

The two sides of Malcolm Turnbull were on display.

In the morning, the prime minister was spruiking his government's defence industry plan, being every bit the talk-show host, taking charge.

But on Monday afternoon, he was the husband and grandfather - lost and looking for his wife.

With less than a week to go until polling day, Mr Turnbull returned to the battleground seats of South Australia, where the coalition is facing challenges from Labor and the Nick Xenophon Team.

He hosted a forum with defence industry representatives at contractor Raytheon, announcing the company had won the $297 million contract to revamp the Woomera military test range.

Like he has so many times this campaign, he worked the room posing questions to audience members - which included AFL great Adam Goodes.

The former Australian of the Year was present as part of his work with the Indigenous Defence Consortium, which helps indigenous businesses get work in the sector.

"I think the economic empowerment of our first Australians is so overdue," Mr Turnbull said.

He helped bolster the campaigns of sitting MP Matt Williams in Hindmarsh - who is squaring off against Labor's Steve Georganas - and Nicole Flint, the hopeful successor to retiring Andrew Southcott in Boothby.

Overlooking Glenelg beach he announced $42 million to help upgrade two congested road trouble-spots in the electorates.

But it was after he left the surf club that he ran into trouble himself - losing his wife.

Someone mentioned Lucy had headed to a toy shop.

"I might join her," the prime minister said, leaving his advance team scrambling to find the location of Mrs Turnbull as he awkwardly stared at the media pack.

Mrs Turnbull had picked out a knitted dog for grandson Jack and a cuddle teddy for granddaughter Isla, as well as a mini rolling pin, at the nearby Glenelg Community Centre.

"Well done Luce," he said, once he, and the media, tracked her down.

Community Centre president Ian Grant was delighted to meet the pair.

"We're with you all the way," he told Mr Turnbull.

Later in the centre's warehouse, Mr Grant told AAP the surprise visit was very exciting, revealing he'd only just thrown some Nick Xenophon Team pamphlets in the recycling bin.