Explore South Australia Road Trip Itinerary

Explore South Australia Self Drive Itinerary
1

Welcome to Adelaide

Welcome to Adelaide, South Australia's capital city.

Cosmopolitan Adelaide brims with culture, flavours, events and entertainment. From spacious boulevards to vibrant suburbs, sophisticated architecture to lush gardens, the city has it all.

Adelaide's reputation as a foodie destination is well deserved. Famed for culinary creativity and outstanding produce, there is something here for every palate.

Adelaide is the Festival Capital of Australia - from comedy and cabaret to food and fashion, there's always something on no matter when you visit.

Accommodation: Adelaide - 2 Nights

adelaide
Located in the heart of Adelaide, Adabco Boutique Hotel Adelaide is 10 minutes’ walk from Rundle Mall. The bustling Central Markets and the peaceful Botanic Gardens are each a 15-minute walk. Adelaide Airport is a 20-minute drive away.
Adabco Hotel

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Adelaide at Leisure

Today is yours to explore Adelaide however you desire.

History buffs will love the exquisite churches around every corner, many dating back to the 19th century. For a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter, join a cruise in search of wild dolphins — you can even swim with them if they are in the mood!

Adelaide Central Market is a great spot to grab lunch and indulge in some people-watching. More than 80 mouth-watering stalls offer local cheese, seafood, patisserie, and artisan produce.

Historic Adelaide

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Scenic Drive and Ferry to Kangaroo Island

Take the 45-minute passenger and vehicle ferry from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island, Cape Jervis is located less than two hours’ drive south of Adelaide, on the tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Suggestion: Take the longer lovely scenic drive to Cape Jervis along the Fleurieu coast. Make sure you allow time for stops along the way.

Kangaroo Island: Over a third of the island is protected in nature reserves, home to native wildlife like sea lions, koalas and diverse bird species. In the west, Flinders Chase National Park is known for penguin colonies and striking coastal rock formations, like the sculpted Remarkable Rocks and the stalactite-covered Admirals Arch.

Accommodation: Kangaroo Island - 2 Nights

Approximate Distance: 106 km | 66 miles   Total Driving Time: 1-hour 36 mins

kangeroo Island
Located on the shores of beautiful Nepean Bay, Kangaroo Island Seaside Inn features rooms with ocean views, free WiFi and a 32-inch LCD TV. Each room at Kangaroo Island Seaside Inn includes heating and air conditioning. Ironing facilities and a refrigerator are provided.
Kangaroo Island Seaside Inn

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Explore Kangaroo Island at leisure

There's so much to explore on Kangaroo Island - to name a few; visit to the spectacular Remarkable Rocks and Admiral’s Arch, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local winery, stop in at various local food producers, experience the only ‘in-flight’ birds of prey display in South Australia, where you’ll see an array of birds including the majestic Wedge-tailed or join a ranger at Seal Bay Conservation Park for a guided walk among a colony of rare sea lions in one of the country’s most important breeding colonies. There really is something for everyone!

kangaroo Island

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Barossa Valley

The Barossa Valley is your next beautiful South Australian destination. The Barossa is bursting with flavour, new discoveries and hidden gems; there's something for everyone to enjoy. Browse through some of Australia's finest food and wine experiences and immerse yourself in the region's fascinating cultural heritage. The patchwork of parishes that make up the Barossa mean that each town and village has a distinct feel, from the beautifully preserved German hueffendorf village of Bethany to the old English charm of Angaston.

Approximate Distance: 179 km | 111 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 32 mins

Accommodation: Barossa Valley - 2 Nights

Barossa Valley
Accommodation:
Barossa Weintal Hotel is located in the heart of Australia’s wine country, within walking distance of several wineries and just 1 hour's drive north of Adelaide. Guests have access to an on-site restaurant, swimming pool, free WiFi, free parking, and guest laundry. Each room has a private bathroom with free toiletries, a hairdryer and a shower. A flat-screen TV, iPod dock and a telephone are provided. Some rooms have a spa bath either in the bedroom or the bathroom
Barossa Weintal Hotel

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Providore, Savour, Wine Cycle Tour - Barossa Valley

Join a 15 km (9 mile) guided food and wine (electric bike) cycle tour, where you'll connect with rich and diverse culinary traditions...

Tour Numbers: Minimum 2 through to 10 maximum
Location: Nuriootpa, South Australia
Terrain: Flat 
Duration: 5 1/2 hours (approximately)
Difficulty Level: Easy

Inclusions: Freshly roasted coffee, wine tastings at three cellar doors, bottled water, seasonal lunch, gourmet cake (please advise of any special dietary requirements at time of booking), a beverage at a craft beer taphouse, good company

barossa

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The Flinders Ranges

Stunningly beautiful and featuring some geological marvels such as Wilpena Pound, the Flinders Ranges stretch more than 300 kilometres from Jamestown in the south, to the Gammon Ranges in the north. The Ranges is the gateway to the outback, and boasts towering rock walls, spectacular gorges, abundant wildlife and Aboriginal culture, dating back millions of years.

Driving through the Flinders Ranges, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were navigating the unexplored face of Mars. Towering ancient cliffs and deep craters border dusty red roads. 

You have reached the heart of South Australia's outback, yet just an easy journey from Adelaide, the Flinders Ranges is one of the world's ultimate destinations

Approximate Distance: 452 km | 280 miles   Total Driving Time: 4-hours 52 mins

Accommodation: Flinders Range - 2 Nights

Flinders
Accommodation:
Nestled at the foot of Wilpena Pound, Rawnsley Park Station is a 12,000-hectare working sheep station in the Flinders Ranges. Offering a variety of accommodation, it features an on-site restaurant and an outdoor pool. Rawnsley Park Station is situated 30 km from Hawker, which has a general store, a petrol station and a visitor information centre.
Rawnsley Park Eco Villa’s

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Bunyeroo and Brachina Gorges 4WD Tour

Bunyeroo and Brachina Gorges are the iconic geological features of the Flinders Ranges National Park with stunning views and spectacular rock faces. See some of the oldest fossils in the world, and if you are lucky you may spot a Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby

Highlights:

  • Flinders Ranges National Park
  • Wilpena Pound
  • Brachina Gorge Geological Trail
  • Bunyeroo Gorge Scenic Drive
  • Razorbacks Lookout

This tour showcases the Ikara Flinders Ranges National Park which offers an abundance of flora and wildlife including Red kangaroos, Western Grey kangaroos, Euros or Wallaroos and some spectacular bird life - wedge tailed Eagles and a variety of lizards - as well as the Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby.

We look at the amazing ancient geological rock formations of the Bunyeroo and Brachina Gorges, and including a viewing of an ancient marine fossil - the Archaeocyatha Fossil - 530 million years old. The scenery is stunning and diverse – from deep inside the gorges to the open expansive views from the Razorback Lookout.

 Bunyeroo and Brachina Gorges 4WD Tour

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Adelaide via Clare Valley

From the Flinders Ranges it is a 4.5-5 hour drive to Adelaide, either via Port Wakefield Road, Quorn and Hawker or via the more scenic route through the Clare Valley.

The Clare Valley is a valley located about 100 kilometres (62 Miles) north of Adelaide and is certainly worth going via and stopping in check out the local wine and food.

Approximate Distance: 469 km | 291 miles   Total Driving Time: 5-hours 11 mins

Accommodation: Adelaide - 1 Night

Clare Valley
Located in the heart of Adelaide, Adabco Boutique Hotel Adelaide is 10 minutes’ walk from Rundle Mall. The bustling Central Markets and the peaceful Botanic Gardens are each a 15-minute walk. Adelaide Airport is a 20-minute drive away.
Adabco Hotel

10

Return rental car and depart Adelaide

Say farewell to South Australia today as you drop off your rental car and board your onward flight.

We know you will enjoy your 10 Day South Australia Tour, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional Australian experience. We hope you will return soon to discover even more highlights of this incredible continent. 

kangaroo

Profile picture for user Marcella
What Marcella says about this tour: Embarking on the self-drive adventure through South Australia will be a game-changer for you. The flexibility of crafting your own journey, combined with First Light Travel's meticulously planned itinerary, made it an exceptional experience. From the pristine beaches of the Eyre Peninsula to the rugged beauty of the Flinders Ranges, every stop was a discovery. The handpicked accommodations and detailed route ensured a seamless exploration. Trust me, this self-drive itinerary is the epitome of freedom, offering a unique and immersive way to uncover the diverse wonders of South Australia.
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