Road trip from Adelaide in 7 days? Yes, discover this South Australia road trip offering unique and varied landscapes waiting to be explored. Escape the city and see where road trips from Adelaide can take you…
Start this adventure by witnessing Kangaroo Island’s pristine beaches, then lunch in the coastal town of Victor Harbor. Uncover the preserved beauty of the Coorong before experiencing the taste of fresh bay seafood from Beachport. Follow the taste sensation of wine produced in the Coonawarra region. Explore ancient caves and feel the openness of the sandy desert-like landscape before arriving at the Murray River, Port Mannum.
Preparing For a South Australia Road Trip
- Ensure your vehicle is serviced and in good mechanical condition.
- Inspect your spare tyre and tyre pressures.
- Check road conditions and the weather outlook.
- Charge your phone and have your navigation/map downloaded or road atlas.
- Pack electronic device chargers.
- Have snacks and drinks packed and ready in your vehicle.
- If travelling with kids, have entertainment and extra food.
- Download music, podcast, movies.
- Plan for manageable daily distances to avoid driver fatigue.
Before you rush away check our camping checklist to ensure nothing is forgotten. Further, check out our meal planning guide for easy food inspiration while travelling.
Your 7-day South Australia Road Trip from Adelaide Begins at Jervis Bay and is on Ferry to Kangaroo Island. Continue through Coorong National Park and Scenic Beachport.
Length: 7 days
Distance: 1058 km
When to visit South Australia: March to May and September to November.
Where to stay: RV accommodation, tent, caravan park accommodation.
Day 1 – Depart Adelaide arriving at Big 4 Cape Jervis, 106 km. From Cape Jervis ferry to Kangaroo Island for a day tour or self-drive Kangaroo Island. Stay for two nights.
Things to do on Kangaroo Island?
Book your Sealink Ferry from Cape Jervis to Kangaroo Island. Kangaroo Island offers many stunning beaches as well as:
- Seal Bay Conservation Park for Seal viewing
- Hanson Wildlife Sanctuary
- Kelly Hill Caves
- Remarkable Rocks (Flinders Chase National Park)
- Walk back in time trail at Kingscote
Things to do in Cape Jervis?
Back in Cape Jervis, check out Morgans Beach, Cape Jervis Lookout, Cape Jervis Tavern, and General Store. To the east is Deep Creek National Park offers more opportunities for exploration.
Day 3 – Meningie on Lake Albert / Yarli 197 km. Stop in at Victor Harbor to see the sights before pulling into Lake Albert Caravan Park, with stunning water views across Lake Albert. Stay for one night.
Things to do in Victor Harbor?
Must-do in Victor Harbor Horse Drawn Tramway over the summer. View the beaches and marine life as the tram crosses the causeway to Granite Island. The Cockle Train: a Heritage Steam train rides offering scenic coastal cliff scenes. Grab a coffee or lunch at one of the nearby cafes.
Things to do in Meningie?
- Enjoy the serene views of Lake Albert.
- Fishing, kayaking, or bird watching.
- Meningie Hill Lookout or Lions Walking Trail.
- Meningie Museum.
- Coorong National Park.
- Explore the Coorong via 4×4, scenic self-sufficient camping, and wildlife.
Taste the Delights of the Coonawarra Wine Region, Explore Naracoorte Caves National Park, and the Stunning Murray River Cliffs.
Day 4 – Beachport 231 km. Continue along the Princess Highway to the seaside holiday town of Beachport. Stop into Beachport Caravan Park. Stay one night.
Things to do at Beachport?
Get a fresh taste of the ocean at The Lobster Pot Beachport. View from elevation at Beachport Viewpoint. Take the scenic drive offering a variety of coastal stops like Salmon Hole, Post Office Rock, and Beachport Lake.
Day 5 – Naracoorte Caves National Park 126 km. From Beachport continues Penola, home of the Coonawarra Wine region. Continue to Naracoorte Caves Wonambi Fossil Centre gateway to extensive cave systems. After a big day of exploration, set in for the night at Coonarawarra Bush Caravan Park.
Things to do near Penola?
- Taste the regional wine from the Coonawarra Region.
- Naracoorte Caves National Park.
- Historic cottages in Petticoat Lane Penola.
- Penola walk with history.
Day 6 – Port Mannum 293 km. Mannum is located on the banks of the mighty Murray River. Enjoy river views from Big 4 Breeze Holiday Parks Manum for one night.
Things to do in Mannum?
- Mary Ann Reserve.
- Port Mannum Lookout over the Murray River, Crawford Cres.
- Four Knots Murray River Cruises – choose from a great variety of cruises to suit your time and budget.
- Upper Mannum Falls walking trail.
Day 7 – Return to Adelaide 99 km. Stop into historic Hahndorf for a lunchtime foodie experience to finish this incredible journey in style.
This South Australia road trip from Adelaide undoubtedly offers many opportunities to explore unique landscapes while supporting our regional areas. Want to see more of stunning South Australia? See more journey planners from Adelaide, or extend the journey to road trips in Victoria.
Remember to respect our environment and leave no trace.
