SA’s best road trips

Posted 12 August, 2020 John Pedler

From sandy beaches and ancient mountain ranges, to riverside retreats and food and wine tours, SA locals are rediscovering the wonderful attractions and experiences our home state has to offer.   To help you get out and explore, we take a look at 3 of our favourite road trips.  

Whyalla to Ceduna

If the Eyre Peninsula were plonked down in a busier part of the world, high-rise hotels would cast long shadows across its perfect beaches and streams of tourists would Instagram their way to its secluded coves. Lucky for us, it’s only a few hours’ drive up the road in a quiet part of the state. Heading south from Whyalla along the east coast, the Lincoln Highway connects a string of small fishing and farming communities. Oyster lovers can get their fix at Cowell – the tasty molluscs sourced from the pristine waters of Franklin Harbour. Further south at Arno Bay, the award-winning estuary boardwalk follows a tidal creek through a strange otherworld of dense mangroves and samphire flats. Port Lincoln, on the shores of magnificent Boston Bay, is at the southern end of the highway. If your bucket list includes cage diving among great whites or swimming with sea lions, then you’ve come to the right place. If you’d rather stay above water, head down to Lincoln National Park for rugged coastal scenery, secret beaches and secluded campsites. While the waters off the east coast are relatively calm, the west coast faces the mighty swells that roll in from the Southern Ocean. There are highlights aplenty, but be sure to check out Coffin Bay (another oyster hotspot), the white dunes of lonely Sheringa Beach, the spectacular cliff-top drive at Elliston, the wave-sculpted sandstone at Talia Caves… and everything else along this stunning coastline. Stay suggestion: RAA members can save on their stay at the Port Lincoln Hotel.    

Clare to Wilpena

From the hills and vineyards of the Clare Valley to the towering escarpments of the Flinders Ranges, here’s a road trip that truly highlights the diversity of SA’s scenic wonders. The Clare Valley is home to more than 30 cellar doors, so there are plenty of opportunities to sample the local drop, paired with a produce platter. You can offset your indulgence with a bike ride along the Riesling Trail, a relatively easy cycle through farmlands, vineyards and woodlands from Clare to Auburn. Heading north from Clare, the Horrocks Highway meets the Southern Flinders Ranges at Melrose, in the shadow of Mount Remarkable. Mount Remarkable National Park is criss-crossed by walking trails, including the trek to the eerily narrow chasm of Alligator Gorge. By the time you reach Quorn, the scenery will be looking a little more outback. The town was once an important junction for rail journeys across the continent, and the historic Pichi Richi Railway still runs between Quorn and Port Augusta on selected dates from March to November. About 60km north of Quorn, turn right at Hawker and you’re on your way to the central Flinders Ranges. The star of the show is Wilpena Pound, a massive natural amphitheatre encircled by imposing quartzite bluffs. For the full ‘wow’ blast, take a scenic flight above the pound and surrounding ranges. If your vehicle has decent ground clearance – or you’re happy to take a tour – check out Brachina Gorge to see how the ranges have been uplifted, twisted and ripped open to expose colourful layers of rock.    

Blanchetown to Renmark

Blanchetown is the gateway to the Riverland and home to Lock One, the first of 10 locks that regulate the river’s flow. The next stop, Waikerie, is surrounded by vineyards and orchards, and is a great place to grab some fresh fruit and enjoy a picnic at the riverfront park, down by the ferry. Barmera, on the shores of Lake Bonney, is a popular spot for swimming, sailing and water skiing. Country music fans can head to Rocky’s Hall of Fame and Pioneers Museum – a treasure-trove of music memorabilia. Berri’s central location makes it a handy base for exploring the region. The kids will have a ball at Monash Adventure Park, an expansive playground with equipment for all ages. Hire a kayak or paddle your own on an exploration of the wetlands and billabongs of the Murray River National Park, a haven for all sorts of birds and aquatic life. Last stop on the trip is Renmark. Time to stretch your legs on the Matulick Riverfront Trail, then head down to the Woolshed Brewery for great river views and a taste of the local lagers and ales. North of town, Heading Cliffs Lookout offers a famous view of the river cliffs – an image that’s graced many postcards and brochures.