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South Australia

Escape the frenzy of Australia's east coast with a few days in gracious, relaxed South Australia (SA). The driest state in the planet's driest inhabited continent, SA beats the heat by celebrating life's finer things: fine landscapes, fine festivals, fine food, and (…OK, forget the other three) fine wine.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Adelaide Oval

Hailed as the world’s prettiest cricket ground, the Adelaide Oval hosts interstate and international cricket matches in summer, plus national AFL and…

Central Market

A tourist sight or a shopping op? Either way, satisfy your deepest culinary cravings at the 250-odd stalls in superb Adelaide Central Market. A sliver of…

Flinders Chase National Park

Kangaroo Island

Occupying the western end of Kangaroo Island, Flinders Chase National Park is one of SA’s top national parks. Much of the park is mallee scrub, but there…

Art Gallery of South Australia

Spend a few hushed hours in the vaulted, parquetry-floored gallery that represents the big names in Australian art. Permanent exhibitions include…

South Australian Museum

Dig into Australia’s natural history with the museum's special exhibits on whales and Antarctic explorer Sir Douglas Mawson. Over two levels, the amazing…

Seal Bay Conservation Park

'Observation, not interaction' is the mentality here. Guided tours stroll along the beach (or boardwalk on self-guided tours; adult/child/family $16/13/42…

Snelling Beach

The best swimming beach on the north coast, with a lovely arc of powdery white sand and sheltered shallows. There's not much else at Snelling by way of…

Remarkable Rocks

At Kirkpatrick Point, a few kilometres east of Cape du Couedic, the much-photographed, rather Dalí-esque Remarkable Rocks are a cluster of hefty, weather…

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A South Australia Travel Guide Featuring Epic Itineraries

Favoured by many for its reputation as the food and wine state of Australia and adored by those who can’t get enough of its mix of dramatic landscapes, incredible coastline, vibrant cities and rugged mountain ranges, South Australia comes close to the ‘state with it all’.

Food and wine culture is very much ingrained in the life of every South Australian and is adopted quickly by those that visit. The lush valleys deliver the perfect conditions for growing an abundance of flavours. The state’s famous wine regions – namely Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley, Coonawarra and the Adelaide Hills – are where you’ll find plentiful cellar doors inviting you over the threshold. You’ll succumb to the temptation at one of the state’s food and wine festivals, of which much of South Australia travel revolves around. 

For those looking to get in touch with nature, the rugged Outback, wild landscapes of the Eyre Peninsula and hiking opportunities in and around the Flinders Ranges can be combined for an active South Australia tour. To mix it up, the vibrant capital of Adelaide followed by a few days on Kangaroo Island, where you’ll be surrounded by an abundance of free-roaming native Australian wildlife, presents the perfect combination.

While it’s not the first draw, the verdant coastline and sparkling blues of the ocean just add to what makes this part of Australia a joy to travel around. 

Fine landscapes, fine wine, fine food and fines festivals; need we say more? Read on to find out everything there is to know about South Australia travel.

Post Contents

Best Time to Visit South Australia

Kangaroo island, wine tours from adelaide, flinders ranges, barossa valley & clare valley, mclaren vale wine tours, eyre peninsula, fleurieu peninsula, discover the pink lakes of south australia, visit adelaide, port lincoln great white shark tour, self-drive around south australia, flying around south australia, trains, buses & ferries in south australia, private tours of south australia, staying in adelaide, staying in the barossa & clare valleys, staying in the flinders ranges and the outback, staying on kangaroo island, staying in the adelaide hills, staying in the murray river, lakes and coorong region, staying on the fleurieu peninsula , barossa valley, the cost of a south australia tour, adelaide festival – march, adelaide fringe festival – march, crush festival – january, laneway festival – february, tasting australia – april, 9-day wine, wilderness & wildlife self-drive, 6-day wonders of fleurieu: art & wine, 3-day thorngrove manor luxury in adelaide, 8-day wonders of the outback, adelaide to uluru self-drive, ready to book your south australia trip.

The driest of all the states in the country, South Australia gets very hot! Over 75% of the population of this state are based in the capital city of Adelaide – escaping the heat, anyone?

The southern part of the state, including Adelaide, has a much more Mediterranean climate with sea breezes helping to keep everyone cool. Whereas in the north, it’s much drier. Regardless, it can get very hot in both north and south during the summer. Adelaide temperatures can reach 46 degrees in the summer (from November to February). The winters (March to September) in South Australia tend to be cold and rainy. However, when we say ‘cold’, we mean ‘cold for Australians’ as it’s still around 20-30 degrees. 

Skin cancer is rife in Australia with some of the highest rates in the world, so make sure to wear sun protection. You can buy huge bottles of sun cream all over the country – applying suncream is a practise heavily encouraged by locals!

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Best Places to Visit in South Australia

One of the most diverse and intriguing states, you can have it all in South Australia  – from the southern Mediterranean climate to the arid Outback and the lush wine region. However, despite this, South Australia is left behind when it comes to favoured Aussie states to travel. The upside to this is the lack of crowded tourist spots!

If you’re looking to experience all of Australia’s best selling points in one place – nature, wine, produce and wildlife – then Kangaroo Island is the spot. Boasting 509 kilometres of coastline, Kangaroo Island is nature’s playground where you can lounge on pristine beaches, interact with local wildlife and go wine tasting. 

This 4-day Kangaroo Island tour will see you immersed in the diverse landscapes that this island is known for. 

Taking a spot on the top places to see in Adelaide list, the Adelaide Hills are just a 20-minute journey from Adelaide’s central business district but feel like you’ve entered another world. With several charming historical towns, cellar doors and marketings, the Adelaide Hills are a worthwhile day trip from the city. 

If you like the idea of staying in the Adelaide Hills, then this romantic 6-day Thorngrove Manor Getaway in Adelaide is perfect for you. 

One of the most wonderful outback destinations in Australia, ‘Flinders’, as it’s affectionately known by Aussies, is an ancient mountain range with plentiful local wildlife. From emus to kangaroos that wander across the road and yellow-footed rock wallabies, you can spot them all here. 

If you’re planning to visit South Australia, then a trip to the Flinders Ranges should be on your list if you want to experience the ‘Outback’. 

Venture away from the city and into the country to find yourself in the charming valleys of Barossa and Clare; both beautiful but different in their appeal. Barossa Valley is known as the perfect region to experience the most-renowned Australian wines and is continually hailed as one of the most romantic destinations in Australia. 

On the flip side, Clare Valley is an off-the-beaten-path experience for those seeking a little adventure accompanied by rolling countryside, verdant greenery and abundant vineyards. Explore both of these wine regions on this Adelaide tour to the Barossa and Clare Valleys .

Another worthy wine region in South Australia, the McLaren Vale is Barossa Valley’s cooler cousin. Giving off a Tuscan vibe, the vineyards and luxurious and perfect complemented by a beautifully calm coastline that makes you feel as though you have been transported to Italy. 

Experience what McLaren Vale wine tours have to offer on this 6-day Fleurieu Peninsula tour .

Face the wilderness in this great expanse of land known as the Eyre Peninsula, one part of South Australia’s stunning coastline. Home to jaw-dropping aquatic experiences such as diving with great white sharks, pristine coastline and a notable food and wine scene, the Eyre Peninsula is perfect for those that favour a watery adventure.

You can experience the Eyre Peninsula on a South Australia tour designed by one of our Local Designers . 

Encompassing the McLaren Vale and Port Eliot, the Fleurieu Peninsula is so special that it deserves a mention as a whole. On a Fleurieu Peninsula tour , you’ll spend your days tasting award-winning wines, discovering remarkable landscapes and dining at restaurants you’ll want to write home about. 

Did you know that South Australia was home to several incredible fuschia lakes?

Well, now, you do! Due to the high salinity levels, the presence of salt-loving algae and pink bacteria, South Australia is punctuated by bright pink lakes. Often fringed by verdant green fields or red ochre plains, these dreamy milkshake lakes have been stunning travellers for years. From the Outback to the Eyre Peninsula, you’ll find these lakes in many locations across the state.

A city often left out of many South Australia itineraries and Australia tour packages, Adelaide actually offers everything the rest of Australia offers but within 20 minutes of the city centre – wine regions, lush forests, pristine beaches, abundant wildlife and fine dining!

Built on a special structure so that traffic never had to be a problem, Adelaide is a dynamic city which comes alive during South Australia’s revered festival season. There are lots of cool things to see in Adelaide and with an abundance of great day trips from Adelaide available, who wouldn’t want to visit?

Just off the coast of Port Lincoln, you’ll find the Neptune Islands – one of the best places in the world to spot great white sharks. A short journey by boat and you’ll find yourself in the waters where great whites and dolphins hang out. 

To ensure the protection of the sharks and their environment, audio vibrations are used by eco-tour operations to attract the sharks. If you’re brave enough, you can be submerged in a cage before the water’s surface to have an up-close-and-personal encounter with these magical creatures.

How to Get Around South Australia

The capital, Adelaide, was built and designed with convenience in mind. Broad roads surround its central business district and great transport links whisk people around the city and out to its suburbs and beyond. The rest of South Australia seems to flow just as well as this city does. 

There are a number of ways to get around South Australia;

Driving is one of the most popular ways to get around South Australia as it allows you the freedom and the ability to stop wherever you like. For the most part, the roads in this state are well maintained, and speed limits keep drivers safe.   

If you plan to drive around South Australia, then it is best to fly into Adelaide airport and then hire a car at the airport to set off on your journey. Lots of the best places to visit in South Australia are reachable by day trips from Adelaide. 

Most major airports – Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane – are less than a two-hour flight from Adelaide. Adelaide airport also services a number of international flights and is just an easy 15-minute journey from the city centre. 

If you’re looking to visit multiple states within a trip then flying interstate is the best way. 

Adelaide is well connected to a number of major centres in Australia by bus and train. Within the state, the rail network connects Adelaide with a number of top destinations.

Bus SA is a network of bus companies which service routes to several parts of rural South Australia.

A close second, if not on par, to driving yourself, a private South Australia tour is another great way to see the state whilst also having plenty of freedom to adjust your itinerary.

This one-week South Australia trip takes you from Adelaide into the Outback, Flinders Ranges, the wine regions and to Kangaroo Island accompanied by your private driver and a local guide for the entirety of the trip. 

Where to Stay in South Australia

From Outback lodges, leafy hideaways in the mountains and beachside camping to five-star internationally renowned hotels, South Australia has a range of accommodation suitable for all travellers. 

When it comes to deciding where to stay, each region and destination brings a variety of different options.

Adelaide is a vibrant coastal city with a big draw. If you’re looking for a luxury retreat in the centre of the action, moments from world-famous restaurants and boutique bars, then Adelaide is the place to go. For more affordable accommodation, you can head out of the city to one of the nearby beaches. 

If you want to roll out of bed and be steps away from multiple cellar doors and wineries, then the Barossa Valley and Clare Valley are the perfect places to stay. From romantic escapes to family budget stays, there are all types of accommodation in these wine regions. Many of the boutique lodges boast stunning views, their own vineyards and exceptional wine and food. 

Camping, glamping, luxury resorts, cosy homesteads and more, whether you like to rough it or crave those luxuries while in nature, you’ll find something to suit you in this part of South Australia. Eco-lodges are also rising up as a great option for South Australia tours in the Outback. 

Accommodation on Kangaroo Island varies from a choice of simply lodges to cute cottages and stunning retreats and hotels. This 6-day South Australia tour features a gorgeous little Kangaroo Island lodge for the perfect mix of nature, indulgence and luxury. 

A romantic escape just 20 minutes from the city of Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills seem like a world away with its winding lanes, pretty little towns and boutique hotels. The Thorngrove Manor Hotel in the Adelaide Hills is a perfect representation of the stunning properties that you can stay in here. 

Whoever you’re travelling with, or even if you’re travelling alone, this region will present an option to you so perfect that you won’t want to leave. From charming bed and breakfasts to river houseboats and more, being close to the great outdoors is best in the Murray River, Lakes and Coorong region.

Relax, surf, wine, dine and more; the Fleurieu Peninsula is the perfect place to cosy up in your own holiday cottage or grab your camping gear and sleep in the great outdoors. On this 6-day Fleurieu Peninsula tour , you’ll spend a day in a winery so that you’re never too far from a delicious red and a cheeseboard.  

Places to Eat and Drink on Your Trip to South Australia

South Australia is a legend among the six states for its food and wine. From the bountiful Barossa Valley to the lush Adelaide Hills and everything in between, South Australia is a playground for wines and diners. Discover South Australia’s top foodie spots here;

If you were to ask a local for a restaurant recommendation in Adelaide, you’d have to prepare yourself for a tidal wave. Adelaide’s restaurants, cellar doors and local produce are world-class. Right on the coast and a short drive from Australia’s famous wine region, Barossa, Adelaide is perfect for those that want to indulge in exceptional food and wine experiences. 

It is often said, if you want the best of Australia, Kangaroo Island is your place – superb beaches, fine wine and fresh seafood. Kangaroo Island is where you’ll find ocean-to-plate experiences, beautifully crafted wines and dining experiences, including one where you dine within the branches of a 100-year-old fig tree!

If your idea of foodie heaven is to stand in the sea and slurp oysters fresh as the day with an expert guide on an oyster farm tour, then the Eyre Peninsula is your place. Join a seafood tour to sample the freshest of the fresh or upgrade your seafood experience by dining at one of the award-winning restaurants scattered across this peninsula.

One of the world’s finest wine-growing regions, the Barossa Valley is a lush, fertile, undulating stretch of land just an hour from Adelaide. For wine lovers and foodies, Barossa is the ideal place to sample vintages, dine at cellar doors and taste some of Australia’s most revered wines and dishes. 

Factoring in all the different variables, designing a tour that is within budget can feel like a bit of a headache. Luckily, our Local Designers have been doing this for years and years. They take your travel style, budget and interests and design an Australia tour that is perfect for you. 

Taking care of everything from airport transfers to rental car pick-up, hotel and restaurant reservations, guided activities and tours, our Local Designers make planning a trip to Australia, or anywhere else in the world, simple!

As an example of a trip to South Australia, this 9-day South Australia tour costs AU$2,506 per person and includes:

• Eight nights of three-star accommodation
• Seven activities
• Eight breakfasts, one lunch and one dinner
• Rental car hire
• Entrance fees
• Licensed English speaking guides at designated activities

Simple changes such as the type of accommodation and how many places you visit can adjust the cost of your trip. 

At Designer Journeys, we understand that everyone travels differently and has different interests, priorities and preferences when it comes to planning an Australia tour. You can browse our range of fully-customisable Australia trips and tailor any one of these tours to your preference or simply use the ‘ design your own trip ’ function to connect with a Local Designer who will create the perfect trip for you.

Special Events and Festivals in South Australia

Known as the ‘festival state’, South Australia does not disappoint when you look at its event calendar. Almost every month of the year features an eclectic event celebrating the state’s food, wine, arts, music or wildlife. 

One of the biggest arts festivals in the country, the Adelaide Festival occurs annually in March. Now running for more than 55 years, the festival continues to delight all those that attend with internationally acclaimed artists, theatre productions and world-class musicians.

The Adelaide Festival happens at the same time as the Adelaide Fringe Festival, the second-biggest festival in the world after the Edinburgh Fringe that happens each year in August. The Adelaide Festival brings an eclectic mix of acts to venues across South Australia.

Similar in style to that of the Edinburgh Fringe, Adelaide Fringe Festival differs from the Adelaide Festival in that the venues hosting musical, theatre and spoken word acts are spread across 500 venues in and around Adelaide for 31 days. You are sure to find something to suit at the Southern Hemisphere’s largest open-access festival.

The sound of corks popping and wine glasses filling is the soundtrack to the Crush Festival which occurs every January in the luscious Adelaide Hills. The area, renowned for producing fine wines, comes alive as the best wineries showcase their product through long lazy lunches, tasting sessions and degustation dinners. 

Showcasing contemporary Australian and international music, Laneway Festival attracts thousands each year. Not only do you find this unique festival in Adelaide, but Laneway Festival also has a regular slot in the calendars of several cities across Australia including Melbourne and Sydney. Vibrant cafes, galleries, restaurants and markets all become stages to showcase new music. 

Adelaide’s town square comes alive for ten days dedicated to celebrating South Australia’s best produce. Award-winning chefs, restaurateurs and winemakers serve up an array of goodies for a gourmet feast like no other. As one of Australia’s oldest food festivals, Tasting Australia has earned a reputation as the ultimate foodie festival. 

Tours in South Australia

Here’s our pick of the must-do tours in South Australia;

Experience what the mid-north has to offer and travel through the Flinders Ranges, Barossa Valley, Clare Valley and more on this South Australia road trip !

Experience what the McLaren Vale, one of Australia’s most iconic wine regions, and Kangaroo Island have to offer on this Fleurieu Peninsula tour !

Experience ultimate seclusion and luxury on this trip on this stay at Thorngrove Manor, one of the best places to visit in Adelaide .

Embark on a journey from Adelaide through the Outback on a fascinating adventure through desolate landscapes on this unique Australia tour . 

With Designer Journeys, you can take the hassle out of planning a trip and leave it in the capable hands of one of our 200-plus Local Designers in countries across the world. Our Local Designers in Australia know this country like the back of their hand and will take your budget, interests and travel style to design the perfect trip! Browse our gallery of fully-customisable Australia tours here or design your own Australia tour to connect with a Local Designer now!

Grace Homer

At my desk, you'll find me tapping out inspiring adventures, finessing incredible trips designed by Local Designers and focussing on all things content. Having lived in Southeast Asia between Vietnam and Bali for three years, I'm now keeping toasty with a cuppa in a little English town planning future adventures for which I have constant inspiration. Offline, there's nothing I enjoy more than long cycle rides, fueling the foodie in me and seeking out new spots - preferably all at the same time. Find me on LinkedIn or Instagram and keep an eye out for travel inspiration here!

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The Ultimate South Australia Itinerary

Last updated: October 28, 2023

This article may contain affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on a link, I may receive a small commission.  Read the full disclaimer here .

Planning an itinerary for Australian road trips can often be a very subjective thing, changing with the interests of the traveller, the time of year and local events. This ultimate South Australia itinerary will give you a great starting point to plan your perfect trip, adjusting it to suit your requirements and interests.

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TL;DR? Here's the outline

South Australia Itinerary Overview

Days 1-2 adelaide, day 3 driving adelaide to mount gambier, day 4 mount gambier, day 5 driving mount gambier to victor harbor, day 6 victor harbor, mclaren vale & the fleurieu peninsula, days 7-8 kangaroo island, day 9 getting to hahndorf & the adelaide hills, day 10 hahndorf, day 11 mannum, day 12 driving to the barossa valley, day 13 barossa valley, day 14 driving to the clare valley, day 15 clare valley, day 16 driving to the flinders ranges, day 17 flinders ranges, day 18 driving to coober pedy, day 19 coober pedy, days 20-21 driving across eyre peninsula to head of the bight, day 22 head of the bight & driving to streaky bay, day 23 streaky bay, day 24 driving to port lincoln, day 25 port lincoln, day 26 port lincoln, day 27 driving to adelaide, day 28 an extra day, some more points of interest, alternative itineraries for the big lap, get your free road trip checklist.

This checklist will help you plan your SA road trip. Find out the steps to take and when.

Please click on the link in the email we just sent you to receive your download, it should arrive in just a few moments. It could be hiding in your junk mail though, so check there too. 

While you are waiting, you might like these blog posts How to Plan Your South Australia Trip The Ultimate South Australia Itinerary Small Towns in South Australia to Visit

To have a good look around most of South Australia your will need to have at least four weeks. This itinerary will assume this four week time frame. It will also assume you have your own vehicle, or have rented one for your trip.

The main driving will be done on bitumen for the entire itinerary, but there are side trips and activities suggested that may require a 4WD or AWD with high clearance.

If you do need to rent a car, we use and recommend RentalCars.com.

Here you can compare rental car rates and availability across most car companies all with one search, which will help you save both time and money. Most rental cars will be available from Adelaide Airport.

Remember this South Australia travel guide is meant as a starting point, to be modified to suit your own purposes. There will be suggested timeframes, accommodation and activities that may or may not suit you.

This map shows the approximate roads that will be used for your road trip in South Australia. I will mention some alternatives too in the details below.

Total distance is around 5000km or 57 driving hours. This only includes the direct major drives between towns, not taking detours, driving to attractions or other local drives.

This is roughly the order I recommend and the minimum number of nights in each location to cover a good portion of the state in 28 days. Note that not all destinations are recommended year round.

• Adelaide (3)
• Mount Gambier (2)
• Victor Harbor (2)
• Kingscote/Kangaroo Island (2)
• Hanhdorf (2)
• Nuriootpa/Barossa Valley (2)
• Wilpena Pound/Flinders Ranges (2)
• Coober Pedy (2)
• Port Augusta (1)
• Head of the Bight (1)
• Streaky Bay (2)
• Port Lincoln (3)

Suggested Things to do on Your South Australia Road Trips Itinerary

This will give you a brief overview of what to do in each location on your SA road trip. You can add to it or change it as suits your own interests and needs.

It’s worth noting that I do not recommend going to Coober Pedy in the hot summer months.

Even the northern part of the Flinders Ranges will have many closed businesses, hikes are closed and fire danger restrictions are in place so while you can visit in summer, the best time is certainly when it is cooler.

The whales visit the Head of the Bight from May to October. while you certainly can visit for the whole year, in my opinion, unless you are driving all the way across the Nullarbor, it’s best to leave this part of the trip until the whales are around.

So if you are planning this itinerary in summer, I would include extra days in the southern areas (perhaps a day or two in Robe to enjoy the beach between Mount Gambier and Victor Harbor) and go from the Flinders Ranges straight to Streaky Bay, to enjoy Eyre Peninsula’s stunning coastline.

Spend your days exploring the city of Adelaide and its suburbs. Eat at the Adelaide Central Market , go to some of the museums , ride Popeye on the Torrens, do the Adelaide Oval Roof Climb , then visit Glenelg or Port Adelaide .

While in the city, stay at the Oval Hotel , Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets or the Ibis . For a family I recommend Quality Apartments Adelaide City . For a holiday park, look at the West Beach Parks for lots of different options.

The drive from Adelaide to Mount Gambier on the Limestone Coast takes about five hours solid driving time, so get on the road early. There are two main ways to drive to Mount Gambier, the inland route and the coastal route.

I recommend taking one route one the way down, and the other on the way back. I always take the inland route on the way down, but you can choose either.

There are lots of things to take a look at on the way, but if I had to recommend just one thing on the inland route, then it has to be a stop at the UNESCO listed Naracoorte Caves .

Do a short tour through one of the caves to learn about the megafauna that once roamed across Australia.

Read more about both routes and things to do on the road trip from Adelaide to Mount Gambier in this post .

Spend today exploring Mount Gambier and surrounds. Do not miss seeing the Blue Lake (especially in summer when it is cobalt blue), Umpherston’s Sinkhole and the Ghost Mushrooms (in May/June). Get one of the best scrolls in the state at Scroll Queen too.

My favourite two places to stay in Mount Gambier are the Pine Country Caravan Park if you are camping, have a caravan or want to stay in a glamping tent, or the Old Mount Gambier Gaol , for quirky budget accommodation.

The Barn is possibly the most luxurious place to stay in town, and a good mid-range hotel is the Mid City Motel .

Driving back towards Victor Harbor today, take the coastal route through the picturesque towns of Beachport, Robe and Kingston. Enjoy seeing the birdlife as you drive along the Coorong.

The drive takes around five hours, so you will have a little time to linger and see the sights on the way through. Look out for the quirky ostrich statue in Meningie and learn about one of the strangest bushrangers seen in Australia.

In Victor Harbor stay at  The Buff Resort Apartments . If you are camping or caravanning, try the Victor Harbor Holiday & Cabin Park  or for some luxury stay at the  McCracken Country Club .

You could also consider accommodation at the nearby towns of Port Elliot and Middleton. There are plenty of holiday homes available through VRBO/Stayz

Spend today in and around Victor Harbor . Take a walk or jump aboard the historic horse drawn tram across the Causeway and see Granite Island .

Catch the Cockle Train along the coast to Goolwa and spend some time exploring there. Hike to the top of the bluff and do some whale watching if you are travelling during the winter months.

Alternatively you could have a look at the surrounding areas. Of course the McLaren Vale wine region is not too far away and you could visit for some wine tasting.

Another option is to spend the day (or half a day) kayaking the Coorong  to learn about this diverse and fragile location, or perhaps do a Quad Bike Tour with scenic views over the ocean (and a whole lot of fun zooming through the sand).

Victor Harbor isn’t too far from Cape Jervis (about 45 minutes) where the Kangaroo Island ferry leaves from. Book an early ferry ride to get you over to the island with plenty of time left to explore.

Spend the rest of the day visiting the eastern end of the island. Call into some of the wineries , visit some of the other food & beverage producers, eat some great seafood, or do some of the other great island activities .

If you can squeeze it in, don’t miss the the pristine beaches on the north coast, such as Emu Bay, or the hidden beach of Stokes Bay.

The following day head to the western end of Kangaroo Island to see the well-known attractions in Flinders Chase National Park .

On the way back, take the southern road and take a look at Vivonne Bay, Little Sahara and Seal Bay . If the timing is right, also stop in and see the birds at Raptor Domain, which is great fun.

On Kangaroo Island I recommend staying in either Kingscote or American River. Both have lots of holiday homes available, and Kingscote has a few different apartment/motel/ options.

For typical hotel style, try Ozone Hotel in Kingscote or the Mercure in American River.

Catch an early ferry back to the mainland and spend today meandering through the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Peninsula region before getting to your Hahndorf accommodation.

You could spend your day visiting the beaches of Aldinga or Sellicks Beach, hike or kayak around the Myponga Reservoir, and visit the lovely towns of Willunga or Strathalbyn .

There are even some special activities available, such as a flight in a Bi-Plane  or doing a skydive over the vineyards .

There are dozens of wineries that you can call into for tasting or lunch, and they are all great. There is one though that you really must see, and that’s d’Arenberg – best known for its iconic cube cellar door.

Hahndorf has many accommodation options. Last stayed at The Manna by Haus and would happily recommend that.

Another option is the Hahndorf Resort Tourist Park which offers a range of accommodation from cabins to camping sites.

There are also many boutique B& B style places around town if you are looking for something a little more unique. Perhaps the Winemaker’s Hut if you are looking for a place amongst the vines.

Today is more of a relaxed day. Spend your time exploring the town of Hahndorf . Enjoy taking your time while browsing through the shops and linger over meals at any of the dozens of restaurants, pubs and cafes in town.

Meander up the road a little to Beerenberg and stock up on delicious sauces and jams – they also have yet another fantastic cafe there too. If it’s the summer months, you can go out into the field and pick your own strawberries to take with you.

If relaxing is not your style, you could also include some visits to surrounding towns, perhaps Mount Lofty to see the views over the city and the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens, and of course do some more wine tasting.

The Adelaide Hills wines are very different to the McLaren Vale or Barossa wines because they are cool climate varieties, so it is interesting to compare.

Today there are a couple of different choices for how you spend your day. My top recommendation is to arrive at Monarto Safari Park as the gates open and spend at least half a day there seeing all the animals.

You could do one of the animal experiences, like the awesome Lions 360 or meet the rhinos.

Make your way to Mannum then and spend the afternoon learning about the history of the Murray River paddle steamers. If you time it right, there are also river cruises available here too

For basic hotel rooms right in the centre of town, try the Pretoria Hotel . If it’s a cabin in the caravan park right on the banks of the river your family would prefer, then it’s the Big4 Breeze Holiday Parks – Mannum .

For a little luxury, have a look at Riverview Rise Retreats .

Again you have choices today. You can spend the morning in Mannum (perhaps enjoying that river cruise) and then take some time driving through to the Barossa.

A nice detour could be to the National Motor Museum at Birdwood along the way. If you like hiking, there are many opportunities for that along the route.

The second option is to high-tail it straight to the Barossa Valley and get started on the wine tasting and exploring there.

I do recommend at least stopping to see the Whispering Wall along the way, and perhaps have morning tea at the Lyndoch Lavender Farm, which will tick a couple of things off that Barossa sightseeing list.

Once you arrive in the Barossa Valley there is a huge range of accommodation over a wide distance. If you are looking for typical hotel accommodation, the Novotel Barossa Valley Resort is popular.

For a little luxury, check out the stunning Louise , or for budget, there are lots of options at Discovery Parks Barossa Valley .

Spend today enjoying all things Barossa Valley ! If you are looking for a special start to the day, book a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the vineyards. You will be back in time for breakfast and still have a whole day of exploring in front of you.

Of course the Barossa Valley is best known for it’s world-class wines. There are over 80 different cellar doors here for you to choose from.

Many of them are well known names, and many others are tiny, family run places with tasting in their back shed.

I recommend you try some of each. Pick out one of two big names you want to visit, then as you drive around, stop intone you’ve never heard of. You may just find your new favourite wine.

One special wine I would like to highlight is Langmeil’s 1843 Freedom Shiraz. This wine is made from the oldest producing shiraz wines in the world.

South Australia was lucky enough to not be affected by phylloxera, which devastated to wine industry world wide, and there are many vines around that precede this time.

The Freedom Shiraz is not normally available for tasting, but you may be lucky to find a bottle open if you ask – I have been lucky enough to have a taste in the past.

Many of the cellar doors have food options, from cheese platters to fine dining. Plan to have lunch at one of them along the way.

Depending on where you are staying in the Barossa Valley and Clare Valley, you have barely an hour of driving today, so you may like to have a little sleep in before hitting the road.

Alternatively, you could plan that hot air balloon ride for this morning instead.

On the drive between the two areas, stop at Kapunda and explore the Heritage Trail, either by car or by foot and learn about the copper mining history of this region. Get a selfie with Map the Miner as you enter the town.

Clare Valley is yet another of the South Australian wine regions. It’s best known for it’s Rieslings and is the home to well known wine brands Taylors and Jim Barry.

But there are other aspects of the Clare Valley too – on it’s northern border is the historical town of Burra which is worth a visit too.

So if you have already had enough wine tasting for one trip over the last few days, I recommend staying instead in Burra and enjoying a different side of the Clare Valley.

You can even stay in one of the original miners cottages at Paxton Square Cottages – I promised they have been renovated since they were built! Other options in town are the Burra Motor Inn or the Burra Caravan & Camping Park .

If you prefer to stay in Clare, like the other wine regions, there is a huge range of boutique B&B style accommodation. A unique – and highly recommended – place to stay is Bukirk , which has luxurious glamping tents and “chicken coops”.

For a more traditional style, take a look at the Clare Country Club , or for caravanning and camping, look at Discovery Parks Clare .

Spend today taking a look around the Clare Valley. Perhaps do some wine tasting, visit some of the historical sites, walk or ride a section of the Riesling Trail or simply find a nice cafe and enjoy the ambiance.

I do recommend a more relaxing day as you are about to have some long driving days ahead.

Since it is around the half way mark of the trip, this could even be a could time to add in an extra day for some downtime if you have the flexibility.

The Flinders Ranges cover a huge area – they start not too far from Clare and continue on for about 430km. so where you are planning to stay will make a big difference to how much driving you are doing today.

During the summer I recommend sticking to the southern areas, perhaps Melrose or Quorn or Hawker, but for the rest of the year, Wilpena Pound Resort is one of the more popular places with a range of accommodation options.

It’s certainly not the only option though, and I suggest perhaps looking at one of the fantastic Station Stays so that your tourist dollar is going straight to the families running them.

Other amazing options in the area are the Prairie Hotel (known for it’s fabulous Flinders Feral Food menu) and Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary .

Again, what you do today in the Flinders Ranges will l likely depend on exactly where you are staying.

If you can, I recommend doing a short scenic flight over Wilpena Pound as it is the best way to really see what it is all about – and the views are spectacular. Flights leave from both Wilpena and nearby Rawnsley Park.

For the rest of the day, take a drive through Brachina and Bunyeroo Gorges in the Ikara- Flinders Ranges National Park and stop at all the lookouts and scenic spots to enjoy.

Visit the town of Blinman and take a tour into the mine, sign up for one of the Aboriginal tours in the area and learn a little of the indigenous culture, or simply go for a walk on one of the many hiking trails in the area.

Tomorrow is a huge driving day, so you may want to consider moving accommodation for your second night in the Flinders to somewhere like Quorn which will cut a little time off.

This will also give you the opportunity to see the Quorn Silo Light show that happens after sunset each night.

If you look at the drive from Wilpena Pound to Coober Pedy you will notice a shorter, but longer-in-time northern route through Maree. You COULD go this way, but I would not recommend it at this time.

Much of that trip would be on dirt roads, a portion of which is the famed Oodnadatta Track.

While I absolutely think this is a really great drive in itself, you need to be properly set up, and I would recommend doing it over multiple days so you can stop and take a look around along the way.

My recommendation is to go back down to Port Augusta (hence perhaps staying in Quorn) and then up to Coober Pedy along the main highway, which means you will be on bitumen the whole way and there is no need for a 4WD vehicle.

There are a few stops along the way, such as the tiny “town” of Glendambo, but also stop at some of the roadside viewpoints to take a look at the area.

My favourite stop along the way was at Lake Hart where we were able to walk out onto the salt lake.

When you are looking for your Coober Pedy accommodation , you will probably want to enjoy the experience of sleeping underground.

The “best place in town” is the Desert Cave Hotel . They have both above and below ground rooms available.

For the budget traveller, stay at Radeka Downunder Underground Motel , which also has dorm rooms available.

We were camping on during my last visit, and got to pitch our tent underground at Riba’s Underground Camping and Caravan Park .

Spend today in Coober Pedy learning about the town’s unique opal mining industry.

I recommend spending the morning exploring the town and visiting some of the quirky attractions such as Boot Hill, Crocodile Harry’s house, Faye’s Underground House and the Big Winch.

In the afternoon, take the Coober Pedy Town & Breakaways Tour offered by Noble Tours Australia. This will give you a great overview of the opal mining industry and an underground home at Umoona Opal Mine.

You will visit the Serbian Church and head out to the magnificent Breakaways, the Dingo Fence and the Moon Plain. You will also get a brief look at a working opal mine that many visitors do not get to see.

The drive from Coober Pedy to Head of the Bight is a long way. I recommend staying on the bitumen and going back through Port Augusta, staying the night there.

All up the drive will be around 1300km and will require 13.5 hours of driving time, so will tack up two whole days.

There is a shorter route, turning off the main highway north of Glendambo and going down through Kingoonya. You will meet the main highway again at Wirrulla.

Only take this route if you have 4WD and are adequately set up to do so. There is very little in the way of civilisation, and no phone connection along the route.

It will cut more than 400km off the drive, but the roads are gravel and so much rougher and it will still take you more than 11 hours.

If you are set up to do this drive, I suggest driving from Coober Pedy to Ceduna, staying there overnight, then perhaps doing a day trip across to Head of the Bight the next day.

Between Ceduna and Head of the Bight there are a few stops I recommend. Check out the Windmill Museum in Penong, and take a short detour off the highway to see the pink Lake MacDonnell.

If time is tight, you can leave these stops until the return trip tomorrow.

There is really only one place to stay near Head of the Bight, and that’s at the Nullarbor Roadhouse , which offers motel rooms and sites for caravans and camping.

There is also a free-camping site right on the road into Head of the Bight if you are fully self contained.

Make your way to Head of the Bight as soon as it opens for the day to see what you came all this way for – the whales. We spent a good ninety minutes to two hours watching during our visit, but you can spend more or less if you like.

Once you have your fix of whales, it’s back on the road again to Streaky Bay, a distance of just under 400km. Between Ceduna and Streaky Bay ,stop in and check out the beaches at Smoky Bay and Perlubie.

These are both great spots for a relaxing beach getaway during the summer months.

At Streaky you can stay right in the centre of town at the Streaky Bay Hotel Motel or Discovery Parks Streaky Bay Foreshore . There are also some great holiday homes to choose from too, such as doi’s Ocean Front Apartments .

Today is for exploring Streaky Bay and surrounds, and is also a good day to take it easy a little after so many big driving days.

I recommend relaxing on the beach, trying a little fishing from the jetty and perhaps taking a short scenic drive to Cape Bauer to see some of the dramatic coastal scenery.

The drive today from Streaky Bay to Port Lincoln is a little under 300km, but I still recommend taking all day as there are lots of stops along the way.

One of the things you could do along the way is to go swimming with the sea lions at Baird Bay . These tours run from September to May, and you will need to book well in advance in the busier summer months (guess how I know?).

So if you know you are doing this tour, then you can work your time around it with the other things to do on the drive.

The first stop out of Streaky Bay should be Murphy’s Haystacks. You have likely see photos of these, but there are a lot more than you imagine and quite fun to explore. Who knew rocks could be this interesting?

Next call in to see the Talia Caves. This is another site that is just fun to look around. If it’s hot, there are some rock pools near Woolshed Cave to take a quick dip in.

For a beach walk, I recommend Lock’s Well. There might be a few steps down to the beach here, but it is well worth the effort to enjoy this pristine beach.

Before you get to Port Lincoln, you will come to Coffin Bay. You may choose to spend the night here, especially if you are planning to do a Coffin Bay Oyster Tour in the morning.

There are not a huge amount of accommodation options, but Coffin Bay Caravan Park has a range of options (including some luxury eco tents!)

Otherwise, continue on to Port Lincoln and your accommodation there. The most popular place to stay in town is the Port Lincoln Hotel, conveniently located right in the centre.

Another central option could be the Hilton Motel . Budget travellers might like the Port Lincoln YHA , and caravan and campers could look at the Port Lincoln Tourist Park .

You could easily spend a week in Port Lincoln , but this itinerary has only two days so you will have to make some choices as to what you want to do.

One of the biggest attractions here is the opportunity to go Shark Cage Diving. There are only three countries in the world where this can be done, and Port Lincoln is the only place in Australia.

I went and did it a couple of years ago , but unfortunately the company I used no longer exists and the experience is a little different – but I have heard from many people that it might even be better than what I did!

If you choose to do this, it will take up your whole day, but is certainly a bucket list item to tick off.

Another great thing to do is to take a scenic drive along Whaler’s Way . If you are going in the cooler months, also stop into Mikkira Station and see the koalas too (you will need to get a key and permit in advance for both of these).

Or you can stay in town and do some more wine tasting or craft beer tasting or picking up some of the delicious seafood and local produce the town is known for.

Today is more of the same in Port Lincoln. If you haven’t been over to Coffin Bay, then the oyster farm tour there is definitely a highlight.

There are also two cruise options, one during the day, the other at sunset with Sunset Charters . You could also explore the Coffin Bay National Park and do some hiking or just relaxing on the beach.

If one national park is not enough, there is also the Lincoln National Park to visit too. Again, there are some great walking trails and beaches, and some historic sites such as a lighthouse to see here too.

If you want more options to get out in the water but don’t want to go near the shores, then there is also a tour that will take you to swim with the sea lions offered by the same company.

Back in town the history buffs can visit the Axel Stenross Maritime Museum or a number of other small museums and galleries.

The South Australian road trip is coming to an end and today it’s time to head back to Adelaide.

It’s about a 7 hour drive, but you can cut a big chunk of driving time out of that by taking the ferry from Lucky Bay across to Wallaroo on the Yorke Peninsula.

The ferry times vary depending on the day and the time of year so check out the timetable to see if it works for you.

Time allowing, on the way back to Adelaide I suggest you call into Tumby Bay and take a look at all the fantastic street art in town, Each year they have the Colour Tumby festival and more is added.

Further along the coast, if you are travelling from May to July you might like to take the opportunity to see the giant cuttlefish at the top of the gulf, just north of Whyalla .

They come up the gulf at this time each year to breed, and visitors can simply jump in the water and snorkel amongst them. You might want a nice thick wetsuit though (they can be rented in Whyalla).

Another option is to go on a glass bottom boat tour to see them that way.

If you have time to take a break in Port Augusta , you can stretch your legs at the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Gardens or learn about some of the history and hardships of the local indigenous people and the early settlers at Wadlata.

I am exhausted just looking at this itinerary, I know there is a lot crammed into it and a lot of driving, so I thought it was also important to leave a spare day. You can take this day and put it anywhere in the itinerary.

It doesn’t have to sit here at day 28. Instead it can give you a rest day or a day exploring further in one of South Australia’s regions you love the best.

Take a look at these blog posts, they may give you some more ideas for small detours or must-see things to add to your itinerary.

• Silo Art Trail South Australia
• Best Places for South Australia Whale Watching
• Big Things in South Australia
• 10 Famous Landmarks in South Australia

If this is your first time in South Australia, you might also find this blog post on planning useful .

If you are travelling around Australia doing a Big Lap (or a version of it) then you will not want to be starting this itinerary from Adelaide, you will be coming in from another state in Australia.

This is my recommendation for entering South Australia from Victoria on the Great Ocean Road and leaving via Western Australia. It will also work in reverse too.

If you are coming into South Australia from Victoria and leaving through the Northern Territory, try this version

Liked this South Australia road trip itinerary? Read these more detailed regional itineraries next Adelaide 3-Day Itinerary Outback Road Trip Itinerary 5 Day Kangaroo Island Itinerary Eyre Peninsula Road Trip

Don’t forget to come on over and join the Facebook group for more South Australian inspiration and to get all your questions answered . Click here to join now .

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Josie Kelsh is South Australian, born and bred, living here for her whole life. Travelling all over the world has shown her exactly how amazing South Australia is to live and travel in and she uses her passion to show it to you the way a local sees it.

How to Plan Your South Australia Trip

The lions 360 experience at monarto safari park.