Road Trips in South Australia

Arrive in Adelaide and collect your rental vehicle before beginning the short drive into the picturesque Adelaide Hills. Surrounded by rolling countryside, charming villages and acclaimed wineries, the region offers a peaceful introduction to South Australia. Check into your luxury lodge overlooking the valley and spend the remainder of the day unwinding among tranquil landscapes and cool-climate wine country scenery.

Today combines South Australia’s wildlife and gourmet heritage in one elegant experience. Visit Cleland Wildlife Park for a private behind-the-scenes encounter with koalas and other native animals while learning more about the region’s ecology and conservation efforts. Afterwards, continue through the Adelaide Hills, where boutique wineries, cellar doors and local produce experiences showcase the area’s relaxed but refined food and wine culture.

Spend another day immersed in the charm of the Adelaide Hills. Wander through historic towns, discover artisan food producers, or simply enjoy the slower pace of the countryside. The region is known for its cool-climate wines, leafy landscapes and welcoming local communities, making it an ideal destination for relaxed exploration and scenic drives.

Leave the hills behind and journey toward Renmark, where the scenery transitions into the striking landscapes surrounding the Murray River. Known for its ochre cliffs, wetlands and expansive floodplains, this region offers a different side of South Australia’s natural beauty. Upon arrival, settle into your accommodation beside the river and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere shaped by water, wildlife and open skies.

Today is dedicated to the Murray River and its surrounding wilderness. Cruise through quiet wetlands and river channels on a private boating experience, where birdlife, towering river gums and remote natural scenery create a calm and immersive escape. The slower pace of the river allows time to appreciate the landscapes and ecosystems that make this part of South Australia so distinctive.

Depart Renmark and continue south toward the Barossa Valley, one of Australia’s most celebrated wine regions. The journey winds through vineyard-covered hills and rural landscapes before arriving in a region famous for its world-class Shiraz, long winemaking traditions and exceptional produce. Spend the evening settling into the slower rhythm of Barossa life surrounded by cellar doors and countryside estates.

Spend the day exploring the Barossa Valley through curated wine and culinary experiences. Enjoy private tastings at renowned wineries, discover the craftsmanship behind the region’s celebrated vintages, and even create your own wine blend during an interactive session. Alongside the wines, the Barossa’s rich food culture shines through artisan produce, long lunches and regional hospitality rooted in generations of tradition.

After breakfast, begin the drive back toward Adelaide for your onward journey. The route offers one final glimpse of South Australia’s vineyards, countryside and open roads before concluding this luxurious self-drive adventure through Adelaide Hills, the Murray River and Barossa Valley.