SA’s top 5 road trips
Posted 1 July, 2019
John Pedler
Much of South Australia is wild, untamed and breathtaking – come see for yourself with our top 5 road trips.
Flinders Ranges, Parachilna to Hawker, via Brachina Gorge and Bunyeroo Valley
In places where extreme movements of the earth’s crust have twisted and folded the landscape, and thrust it into the air, it’s fair to expect some dramatic scenery.
Rightly labelled ‘a corridor through time’, Brachina Gorge is flanked by escarpments that have been torn open by erosion to reveal 650 million years of geological history. There are rocks patterned with ripples from a prehistoric inland beach, imprints of stromatolites – some of the earliest creatures ever to appear on Earth – and even a layer of debris from an asteroid impact in the Gawler Ranges, some 300km away.
Adding to the scene are gnarled river redgums that line the creek bed, and native pines which whisper in the breeze. Elusive yellow-footed rock wallabies hop nimbly along the cliff face.
And these are just some of the reasons this drive through the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park is one of SA’s best.
Continue south towards Bunyeroo Valley, an achingly pretty drive that leads to lookouts with spectacular views. Beyond that, it’s all about the world-famous Wilpena Pound – a natural amphitheatre of mountains that should be on every Australian’s bucket list.
Although this route’s unsealed in parts, there’s no need for a 4WD if the weather’s fine. However, decent ground clearance is important.
127km, 3 hours 15 minutes
While you’re there: Watch the sky turn a brilliant red as it sets over Rawnsley Park Station’s eco villas, which are tucked away in a secluded spot with breathtaking views of the Flinders.
RAA members save 10% on a stay here.
Fleurieu Peninsula, from Port Noarlunga to Cape Jervis
Port Noarlunga Reef is an aquatic reserve with waters simply teeming with fish, plus a mixed bag of other marine oddities. On a calm day it’s a great spot for snorkelling. A little further south at Seaford and Moana, surfers are occasionally treated to small but well-formed waves.
From Moana the road heads inland, but a right turn at the Aldinga Hotel leads to a gorgeous stretch of beach at the base of the cliffs, extending south from Port Willunga. At Aldinga Beach and Silver Sands you can drive right onto the seashore for a day of fun in the sun.
Heading back inland, the road climbs into the hills and winds its way through to Normanville, a popular seaside holiday town.
Then it’s on to Second Valley, a tiny village with an equally tiny beach, dramatically squeezed between the hills where they plunge into the sea.
Rapid Bay, 5km from the main road, is the last coastal town before the descent from the ranges towards Cape Jervis reveals panoramic views of Kangaroo Island.
This road trip is one of the most accessible routes, and well worth the drive.
80km, 1 hour, 30 minutes
