Escape on an extraordinary 12-day road trip South Australia! Traverse the stunningly beautiful, rugged coastlines, then meet expansive outback landscapes. Starting and ending in Adelaide, this meticulously crafted road trip invites you to explore the charm of Port Pirie before setting up camp at breathtaking beach-front destinations like Point Gibbon and Coffin Bay. Discover the hues of pink lakes and the dramatic beauty of Point Sinclair Headland.
Continue the journey into the outback to uncover the rocky wilderness of the Gawler Ranges while concluding your expedition at Mount Remarkable National Park. Designed for the equipped and self-sufficient camper, this trip promises an unforgettable blend of coastal and rugged outback adventure!
But before you leave on this South Australia road trip, see our helpful guides to successful and enjoyable road trip travel with the best Navigation Apps, all while creating a food sensation with our meal-planning guide!
Road Trip South Australia: Scenic Coast to Rugged Outback
12-Day Road Trip From Adelaide: South Australia Road Trip
| Distance: | 2067 km |
| Length: | 12-days |
| When to Visit: | April to May or September to November |
| Where to Stay: | Self-sufficient RV, Caravan, Car Camping, Tent Camping |
Day 1— Road trip South Australia and leave Adelaide on this scenic adventure. The first stop is the small riverside town of Port Pirie, 228 km away. Settle into accommodation or a campsite at Echo Holidays Parks, which has excellent access to the beach, jetty, and shops. Stay for one night.
Day 2—Continue the journey along South Australia’s Spencer Gulf to Point Gibbon Campground, 296 km. This is the perfect spot to enjoy an afternoon beach walk along Mills Beach or explore Point Gibbon’s sand dunes. Keep an eye out for seals and marine life! Stay for one night.
Day 3 – Next stop: Coffin Bay! And why not stay at one of the most scenic campgrounds: Yangie Bay Campground – a section of Coffin Bay National Park, 200 km, for two nights.
Things to do Near Coffin Bay
- Oyster Farm Tours
- Don’t miss the fresh Oysters from West Coast Oysters
- Spot wildlife (Emu’s, Kangaroos and birds).
- Take in the beautiful views from Coffin Bay Lookout
- Visit picture perfect Almonta Beach or Golden Island Lookout
- Grab a bite or coffee from Bayside Grind Coffin Bay
- Yangie Bay walking trail
Day 5—Follow the scenic limestone coast to Venus Bay, 203 km. Pull into Venus Bay Beachfront Caravan Park for a one-night stay. Explore this coastal area and stunning sea cliffs on foot along the South Head walking trail, or take in the vast views from the Needle Eye lookout. Or, if you prefer, stroll along the Venus Bay Jetty.
Day 6—Continue 96 km to Perlubie Beach for one night of total beachfront camping.
Day 7—Travel 170km and settle into the Cactus Beach campground. This spot is set on Point Sinclair, among the coastal sand dunes, and offers more fantastic ocean views and access to headland walking trails with scenic views. Stay for one night.
Things to do Near Point Sinclair
- Visit Point Sinclair Pink Lake
- Point Sinclair Jetty
- Surfing and fishing
- Walking tracks along the headland edge
Road Trip South Australia: Scenic Coast to Outback
Day 8—Looping around from the scenic coast, travel inland along the Eyre Highway to the Gawler Ranges National Park, 299 km to Waganny Campground. The Gawler Ranges showcase rocky wilderness with an authentic outback feel and a solid Aboriginal history. Stay for two nights.
Things to do at Gawler Range National Park
- View the Organ Pipe rock formations
- Waganny Hill walking trail
- Yandinga Falls
- Kolay Hut and Kolay Mirica Falls
- Spot wildlife including the yellow-footed rock wallaby
Day 10—The last stop on this road trip is Mambray Creek Campground in Mount Remarkable National Park, 308 km away. Visit the Baroota Ruins or explore the National Park walking trails through the native eucalypt forest and keep watch for the yellow-footed rock wallaby. Stay for two nights.
Day 12 – Return to Adelaide, 267 km.
As we conclude this road trip South Australia, the diverse and captivating landscapes will create long-lasting memories. From the serene beach-front campsites to the awe-inspiring outback vistas, this journey has offered a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in some of the region’s most breathtaking scenes. This adventure, tailored for the equipped and self-sufficient camper, creates a remarkable journey through Australia’s most captivating areas.
Remember to respect our natural environment and leave no trace.
