Are you feeling stuck in a rut and craving adventure? We’ve been there, too. In fact, our adventures led us to explore South Australia’s stunning landscapes by road – a region that boasts over 3,700 miles of coastline! This article is your guide to the ultimate South Australian Road trips; from planning the perfect journey to highlighting must-visit spots.
Ready for the ride of your life?
Top Road Trips in South Australia

The Flinders Ranges
We’ll find ourselves in awe of the ancient landscapes at the Flinders Ranges. Renowned for its rugged mountain ranges, this majestic spot begs travellers to embark on adventurous hikes and scenic drives. The impressive gorges inspire captivating tales of geological history that date back millions of years.
Adelaide’s backyard offers a perfect getaway – from hiking trails like the famous Heysen Trail or viewing aboriginal rock art at Sacred Canyon, there’s so much to explore here! Don’t forget to take our cameras as we soak in breathtaking views atop St Mary Peak or watch wildlife such as kangaroos, emus, and eagles thrive in their natural habitat.
The Fleurieu Peninsula
The Fleurieu Peninsula offers a scenic feast for road trip enthusiasts. We relish the sprawling vineyards and sweeping coastal views as we cruise along winding roads, soaking in the magic of South Australia’s natural beauty.
Nestled less than an hour away from Adelaide, this region is a jewel waiting to be discovered. At the heart of it is McLaren Vale, known for its world-renowned wineries and gastronomic delights. We stop at one of these wineries, sipping on fine wines while gazing out over lush vineyard landscapes.
Venturing further south leads us to pristine beaches perfect for surfing or unwinding with a good book. From wine tasting tours to wildlife spotting adventures – there’s never a dull moment on our journey through the Fleurieu Peninsula! Each turn reveals another picture-perfect panorama that makes us feel like we’ve stepped into a postcard straight from paradise.
The Limestone Coast
With a coastline stretching over 441 kilometres, there’s no shortage of scenic drive routes.
South Australian wine lovers find delight at Coonawarra – a premier red wine region on the coast known for its world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. We also suggest spending time in Naracoorte Caves National Park, home to Australia’s only UNESCO World Heritage-listed fossil site.
Pack your bags and hit the road with us! Dive into sinkholes transformed into beautiful gardens in Mount Gambier or watch waves crash onto dramatic cliffs near Port MacDonnell. Whether you’re searching for wild adventure or serene beachside relaxation, we promise that our trip to the Limestone Coast will leave you wanting more.
The Yorke Peninsula
The Yorke Peninsula is a must-visit destination for road trip enthusiasts in South Australia. With its stunning coastal scenery, charming towns, and pristine beaches, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
We loved exploring the picturesque Innes National Park, where we hiked along rugged cliffs and spotted native wildlife. The peninsula is also famous for its fishing spots, attracting anglers from all over.
Whether you’re casting a line off the jetty or chartering a boat, it’s an angler’s paradise. Plus, don’t forget to stop by some of the local seaside towns along the way to indulge in delicious seafood and soak up the relaxed beachy vibe.
If you’re looking for outdoor adventure, make sure to check out some of the fantastic surfing spots dotted along the coast of the Yorke Peninsula. From beginners to seasoned surfers, there are waves suitable for every skill level.

The Nullarbor Plain
Driving across the vast expanse of the Nullarbor Plain is an unforgettable adventure. This remote stretch of highway spans over 1,100 kilometres and offers breathtaking scenery along the way.
As we embark on this road trip, we can marvel at the sheer beauty of this stark and barren landscape. The wide-open spaces, towering cliffs, and endless horizons make for a truly unique driving experience.
One highlight of the Nullarbor Plain is the iconic Bunda Cliffs. These dramatic cliffs stretch for over 200 kilometres along the Great Australian Bight, offering stunning views out to sea.
It’s a great place to take in a mesmerizing sunset or even spot some whales during their annual migration.
Another must-see attraction along our journey is Koonalda Cave. This ancient limestone cave system holds clues to Australia’s rich Aboriginal history and provides an opportunity for us to learn about this fascinating cultural heritage.
Planning the Perfect Road Trip
When planning the perfect road trip in South Australia, it’s important to research the route, choose a vehicle, map out the stops and plan a budget.
Research the route
To plan the perfect road trip in South Australia, it’s crucial to research the route beforehand. This will help you determine the best roads to take and any potential detours or alternate routes along the way.
By researching the route, you can also find out about notable landmarks, attractions, and points of interest that you may want to include in your itinerary. Plus, knowing more about the route can give you a sense of how long each leg of the journey will take so that you can plan accordingly.
Researching the route ensures that you are well-prepared for your road trip adventure and helps make sure that you don’t miss out on any must-see destinations along the way.
Choose a vehicle
Choosing the right vehicle for your South Australian Road trip is an important decision. Consider the type of terrain you’ll be encountering and the number of people traveling with you.
If you plan on exploring rugged areas like the Flinders Ranges or Nullarbor Plain, a 4WD vehicle would be ideal to handle off-road conditions. For smoother coastal drives along the Fleurieu Peninsula or Yorke Peninsula, a comfortable sedan or compact SUV will suffice.
It’s also worth considering fuel efficiency if you’re planning a long journey, as some remote areas may have limited petrol stations.
When selecting a vehicle, prioritise space and comfort to ensure everyone has enough legroom and storage capacity for luggage and equipment. Features like air conditioning, cruise control, and Bluetooth connectivity can enhance your driving experience during those long stretches on the road.
Whether you decide to rent a car or use your own, make sure it’s reliable with regular maintenance checks before embarking on your adventure.
Map out the stops
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable road trip in South Australia, it’s essential to map out the stops along your route. Start by researching the areas you’ll be traveling through and identify the attractions, scenic spots, and towns worth visiting. Plotting these stops on a map will give you a visual overview of your journey and help you plan your daily itinerary.
Consider the distance between each stop and how long it will take to get from one place to another. Take into account any must-see sights that may require additional time for exploration.
Plan a budget
Planning a budget is an essential step when preparing for a road trip in South Australia. It allows us to allocate our funds wisely and ensure that we have enough money for all the necessary expenses along the way.
You should consider the costs of accommodation, fuel, and meals. Researching different options and comparing prices will help us find affordable yet comfortable places to stay and eat.
Setting aside some extra money for unexpected expenses or emergencies is always a smart idea. By planning a budget before hitting the road, you can enjoy our South Australian road trip without worrying about overspending.
Experience the best of South Australia
Whether you’re heading to the stunning Flinders Ranges or exploring the beautiful beaches of the Fleurieu Peninsula, get ready to hit the open road with confidence.
No need to stress about getting lost or missing out on must-see destinations – our comprehensive guides ensure that you won’t miss a thing. From choosing a vehicle suitable for your journey to planning a budget that suits your needs, we cover all aspects of road trip planning.
So, start packing those bags and get ready for an unforgettable road trip experience throughout South Australia.