Grand South Australia Self Drive Tour Itinerary

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

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.

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

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!

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

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

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

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.

From the Flinders Ranges, it is a 1 hour and 40-minute drive to Port Augusta.  

"Crossroads of Australia" and "Gateway to the Flinders Ranges" - Port Augusta is situated on the quiet waterways at the head of the Spencer Gulf, in close proximity to the spectacular Flinders Ranges. Off to the west and south-west lie a range of hills which once marked the territory of the Nukunu Aboriginal tribe, and to the north-west are two remarkable flat-topped mounts, peacefully lying underneath the sky's vast blue canopy. Port Augusta offers all the conveniences and facilities expected from a modern city.

Approximate Distance: 142 km | 87 miles   Total Driving Time: 1-hour 41 mins

Accommodation: Port Augusta - 1 Night

Port Lincoln is the Eyre Peninsula's second-largest city, set on the shores of Boston Bay, Australia's largest natural harbour. A magnificent marina development, Lincoln Cove, is home to the tuna fishing fleets of the Great Australian Bight. Port Lincoln offers a myriad of holiday ideas, from fishing and sailing, to diving with great white sharks, touring aquaculture industries and exploring the area's sheltered beaches and booming surf.

Seafood is always on the menu, with seasonal specialities including southern rock lobster, western king prawns and oysters.

Accommodation: Port Lincoln - 3 Nights

Approximate Distance: 342 km | 211 miles   Total Driving Time: 3-hours 41 mins

Discover extraordinary Port Lincoln, nestled on the shores of beautiful Boston Bay at the bottom of Eyre Peninsula. Discover the city’s history and heritage while enjoying pristine beaches, coastal scenery and the charms of this modern, vibrant regional centre. Experience the Southern Hemisphere’s largest fishing fleet going about its work at the commercial marina. Sample the freshest seafood with a fascinating factory tour and tasting.

Get up close and interact with koalas, kangaroos, emus, and abundant birdlife while learning about the hardships of the early pioneers.

Become one with the water at any of Port Lincoln’s beautiful beaches where you can swim, paddle board, surf, fish, or just walk—chances are you’ll find a secluded beach to enjoy all to yourself. Take a scenic drive anywhere from the town centre, and you’ll also discover many coastal lookouts.

Further Afield: See koalas up close at Mikkira Station, taste award-winning wines at Peter Teakle and Boston Bay Wines. Or, get a taste of both at Glen-forest Animal Park where wildlife and Lincoln Estate Wines are perfectly paired.

Tumby Bay is a beautiful coastal township of around 1200 residents. Pristine beaches, a pine tree-lined foreshore and historic buildings against the backdrop of rolling farmland and the Koppio Hills present a picturesque setting for this charming town.

On shore you can hike or walk along footprint-free beaches, mangrove boardwalks, trails and lookouts, around towns and in beautiful parks and gardens. You can browse shops, museums, art and craft galleries or relax and indulge with a coffee.

Accommodation: Port Augusta - 1 night

Approximate Distance: 342 km | 211 miles   Total Driving Time: 3-hours 41 mins

Adelaide is bursting with culture, flavours, events and entertainment. Soak up the sun at one of many picture-perfect metropolitan beaches, visit chic inner-city boutiques, dine at world-famous restaurants. Get a hefty dose of culture at the Art Gallery of South Australia, you could easily spend a whole day lost in the halls, you'll find over 38,00 works and an ever-changing roster of Australian and international exhibitions. Close by is the National Aboriginal Cultural Institute, a visionary and vibrant place to explore and experience contemporary and traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.

Approximate Distance: 308 km | 191 miles   Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Adelaide - 1 Night

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

We know you will enjoy your 15 Day South Australian Tour, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional Australian experience. We hope you will contact us soon to discover even more highlights of this incredible continent.