Self-Drive South Australia

A road trip along South Australia’s south coast and Kangaroo Island offers something for everyone, from wine to wildlife. Stunning cliff faces, roaring waves and spectacular beaches are just some of the highlights of the Southern Ocean Drive. Not to mention the wine regions of McLaren Vale and Coonawarra, the Naracoorte Caves, Victor Harbor and Mount Gambier. Kayak along the waterways of the Coorong and get up close to native wildlife on Kangaroo Island.  

Journey snapshot:

• Nearest Major City: Adelaide
• Duration: 7 days
• Distance: 900 km (560 miles)

Highlights

• Visit the Blue Lake and Umpherston Sinkhole Gardens in Mount Gambier.
• Go wine tasting in the Coonawarra and McLaren Vale wine regions.
• Spot dolphins on a Big Duck Wildlife cruise departing from Victor Harbor.
• Walk amongst the seals at Seal Bay Conservation Park, Kangaroo Island.
• Explore Admirals Arch and Remarkable Rocks at Flinders Chase National Park, Kangaroo Island.

From McLaren Vale, the Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley and Clare Valley, the Epicurean Way is Australia’s great food and wine touring route. This self-drive seamlessly links the four iconic wine regions in a journey not available anywhere else in Australia. Sumptuous local produce, a superb array of wines and spectacular scenery await on the Epicurean Way.  

Journey snapshot:

• Nearest Major City: Adelaide
• Duration: 3-4 days
• Distance: 250 km (155 miles)

Highlights

• Visit the d'Arenberg cube, play Winemaker for a day and take home the wine you made
• Hahndorf Hill’s ChocoVino experience combines two favourites: chocolate and wine.
• Pick strawberries at Beerenberg Farm.
• Taste vintage Tawny Port by birth year at Seppeltsfield Winery.
• Visit well known cellar doors at the Jacob's Creek Visitor Centre and the new St Hugo.

The Seafood Frontier is the ultimate seafood safari. Follow South Australia’s stunning coastline from Adelaide via Whyalla to the state’s far west coast. Swim with sea lions, cage dive with great white sharks or set out on a fishing charter. Indulge in Australia’s best seafood straight from the Southern Ocean. From June to October, watch large numbers of Southern right whales from special viewing platforms at Head of Bight.

Journey snapshot:

• Nearest Major City: Adelaide
• Duration: 5 days
• Distance: 800 km (497 miles)

Highlights

• Snorkel or dive in the protected waters of Whyalla and see Australian giant cuttlefish.
• Swim with sea lions in Port Lincoln or Baird Bay.
• Get up-close and personal with the great white shark – on a shark cage diving tour, off the coast of Port Lincoln.
• See where the oysters are sourced from in the idyllic holiday town of Coffin Bay.

All major car rental operators have offices at Adelaide Airport and in various Adelaide city, suburban and regional locations. There are no toll roads in South Australia.

Many roads on Kangaroo Island are unsealed and the abundant wildlife is most active at dawn and dusk. Always check before hiring a car to Kangaroo Island as some companies have restrictions. There are hire cars available on the Island.

There are many locations along South Australia’s coastline where visitors can take a car on the beach for a 4WD adventure, a spot of fishing or just to enjoy the sun and surf.  4WDs differ from conventional passenger cars. Drivers should ensure they know how to use the vehicle’s tool kit and jack, how to manage the vehicle if bogged in mud or sand, and how to engage and disengage the 4WD system and freewheeling hubs.

• South Australia
• Southern Ocean Drive
• Epicurean Way
• Seafood Frontier
• South Australian Road Rules