Lost PM hunts for Lucy

In a highly-scripted campaign, it was a rare moment of spontaneity when a prime minister lost his present-buying wife.

After attending a campaign lunch at the Glenelg Surf Lifesaving Club in the Liberal-held seat of Hindmarsh, Malcolm Turnbull appeared confused walking to get in C1.

Where was his wife Lucy he wondered.

Someone said she'd left, but where? A toy shop was mentioned.

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

It turns out she was around the corner shopping for the couple's grandkids at the Glenelg Community Centre.

Mrs Turnbull had picked out a knitted dog for Jack and a cuddle teddy for Isla, as well as a mini rolling pin.

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

All the goods are made by volunteers, who were not expecting a visit from the Turnbulls.

President Ian Grant was delighted to meet the prime minister.

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

Later in the centre's warehouse, Mr Grant told AAP the surprise visit was very exciting.

"It's not every day you get to shake the prime minister's hand," he said, revealing he'd only just thrown some Nick Xenophon Team pamphlets in the recycling bin.