Updated 15 February 2025
Planning a 7-day road trip from Adelaide? Look no further! This South Australia road trip takes you through diverse and stunning landscapes, offering opportunities to discover new places. So, leave the city behind to discover the unforgettable destinations that await on this road trip through South Australia.
Start this adventure by exploring 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. Extend the adventure into the ancient Naracoorte Caves and experience the open landscape before arriving at the Murray River, Mannum.
Why Trust Road Trips Australia?
With over two decades of road-tripping across Australia’s remote regions, I’ve poured my passion and expertise into Road Trips Australia. Every itinerary is built from real, on-the-road experiences to give you a seamless adventure. Whether it’s a trip I’ve taken in whole or explored in part, trust Road Trips Australia to guide you with reliable knowledge for your next memorable road trip journey!
Your 7-day South Australia Road Trip Adventure Begins Here!
| Distance: | 1058 km |
| Length: | 7-days |
| When to Visit: | April to May or September to November |
| Where to Stay: | RV Accommodation, Car Camping, Camping, Accommodation Options. |
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 app downloaded or road atlas.
- Pack electronic device chargers.
- Have snacks and drinks packed and ready in your vehicle.
- If travelling with kids? Pack entertainment and extra food.
- Download music, podcast, movies.
- Book accommodation and experiences.
- This guide offers manageable daily distances to avoid driver fatigue.
Before you go, check our camping checklist to ensure nothing is forgotten. Further, check out our meal planning guide for easy meal inspiration while travelling.
Discover more on a South Australia Road Trip: Kangaroo Island, Beachport, Coonawarra Wine Region, Naracoorte Caves National Park, and the Stunning Murray River Cliffs.
Day 1 – Adelaide to Cape Jervis
Begin your road trip from Adelaide, heading south towards Cape Jervis, 106 km. Big 4 Cape Jervis offers accommodation options as your base for a day trip to Kangaroo Island. Just 3 km away, you’ll find easy access to the Sealink Ferry Terminal. Stay for 2 nights.
Things to do on Kangaroo Island?
- Book your Sealink Ferry from Cape Jervis to Kangaroo Island
- 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, which offers more opportunities for animal spotting, walking trails and 4×4 tracks.
Day 3 – Cape Jervis to Meningie
Continue your journey to Meningie on Lake Albert, 197 km away, stopping in Victor Harbor for lunch and sightseeing. While in Victor Harbor, be sure to experience the Horse Drawn Tramway, which offers views of the beaches and marine life as it crosses the causeway to Granite Island. You can also enjoy a scenic ride on the Cockle Train, a heritage steam train with stunning coastal cliff views. After your visit, head to Lake Albert Caravan Park for a one-night stay, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking water views across Lake Albert.
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.
Day 4 – Meningie to Beachport
Proceed along the Princess Highway to the seaside town of Beachport, 231 km away, and check into Beachport Caravan Park for a one-night stay. While you are there, don’t miss the fresh seafood at The Lobster Pot Beachport, offering cooked and fresh seafood to enhance the beachside experience! For more exploration, take in the stunning views from Beachport Viewpoint or take the scenic coastal drive along the headland, offering stops at attractions like Salmon Hole, Post Office Rock, and Beachport Lake.
Day 5 – Beachport to Coonawarra
Advance on those South Australia road trip into the renowned Coonawarra wine region. Bellwether Wines offers a rustic setting for pre-booked wine tasting with the option for RV camping or glamping, 98 km. Continue to Naracoorte Caves Wonambi Fossil Centre gateway to extensive cave systems.
Things to do near Penola and Coonawarra?
- Taste the regional wine from a selection of cellar doors in the Coonawarra Region.
- Naracoorte Caves National Park.
- Historic cottages in Petticoat Lane Penola.
- Penola walk with history.
South Australia Road Trip Over 7-days from Adelaide
Day 6 – Coonawarra to Mannum
Follow the Dukes Highway to Port Mannum, 333 km. Mannum is located on the banks of the mighty Murray River. Settle in for one night and enjoy river views from Big 4 Breeze Holiday Parks Manum.
Things to do in Mannum?
- Walk through Mary Ann Reserve.
- Port Mannum Lookout over the Murray River, Crawford Cres.
- Four Knots Murray River Cruises – choose from various cruises to suit your time and budget.
- Upper Mannum Falls walking trail.
Day 7 – Mannum to Adelaide
Return to Adelaide 99 km. Stop into historic Hahndorf for a lunchtime foodie experience to finish this incredible journey in style.
Scenic South Australia Road Trip in 7-days:
As this South Australia road trip ends, the stunning destinations visited will make this journey truly unforgettable. From the rugged beauty of Kangaroo Island and Cape Jervis to the riverside town of Mannum, each destination offers its unique experience. This road trip offers the opportunity to explore the renowned wine region of Coonawarra and the fascinating Naracoorte Caves and soak in the coastal beauty of Beachport, leaving travellers with lasting memories and experiences!
Remember to respect our environment and leave no trace.
