The open roads of South Australia promise gourmet wine and produce, amazing wildlife experiences and stunning coastal and outback landscapes.
See South Australia’s best experiences on a road trip. Start in the culture-rich capital of Adelaide, cruise along the rugged coast, climb lush green hills and explore the Outback’s dusty moonscape.
Get up-close to iconic Australian wildlife and experience some of South Australia’s exceptional food and world-famous wine. Adelaide is also the gateway to the Outback, only five hours drive north are the beautiful Flinders Ranges.
Penington Bay, Kangaroo Island, 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.
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*Due to bushfire activity in January 2020 on Kangaroo Island these attractions are now closed until further notice. Click here to view the latest SATC Bushfire Updates.
Seppeltsfield Road, Barossa Valley, South Australia
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.
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Swimming with sea lions, Eyre Peninsula, South Australia
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.
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Eyre Highway, South Australia
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.