Best scenic drives around Adelaide

You may be under the illusion that Adelaide is boring. You might also have heard the terms ‘Badelaide’ and ‘Sadelaide’ thrown around before. But South Australia’s capital city is anything BUT. It’s a mecca of cultural significance, boasting an abundance of galleries and museums, and home to the renowned Adelaide Festival - an international arts gathering held every year.

You’re also spoiled for choice if you love hitting the road and taking the scenic route . Whether you’re up for a week-long adventure or just a day trip, there’s plenty to pick from.

Our top 5 drives in Adelaide’s surrounds

Drive 1. Southern Ocean Drive

Roughly 450 k’s and meandering all the way from Adelaide to Mount Gambier, you’ll be blown away again and again by the surroundings on this trip. It’ll take you through the Coorong National Park along the coast, McLaren Vale’s vineyards, Robe’s glorious beaches, and the beauty of Kangaroo Island (a short ferry ride) - and lots more. To truly take in everything this trip has to offer, we recommend setting aside at least a week for the return trip.

Drive 2. Flinders Ranges and Outback

Head north of Adelaide for a little over 5 hours and you’ll arrive at the serene outback scenes of the Flinders Ranges. Driving through towns like Port Wakefield, Port Pirie and Port Augusta, it’s almost impossible to stop and have a walk around to check them out - and you most definitely should. Then keep heading north until you reach Wilpena Pound, where there’s plenty of walking tracks where you’ll experience plenty of local wildlife.

Drive 3. Epicurean Way

Another trip that’ll take you quite a few days to do (the right way), the Epicurean Way will take you through (arguably) the best wine spots in the state. Wind your way through McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, Barossa and Clare Valley and encounter the holy trinity that is incredible wine, delicious eats and unforgettable scenery.

Drive 4. Adelaide Hills

A stone’s throw east of Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills is a perfect day-trip drive that’ll take you around lots of little leafy townships where you’ll find something to do no matter your interests. Drive from town to town and check out quaint galleries, pubs galore, hiking trails and lots of local flora and fauna.

Drive 5. Yorke Peninsula

There are few things in life that rival driving along the Yorke Peninsula coast with your windows down. It really is nothing short of incredible. Be sure to head to the tip of the peninsula into Innes National Park for some of the best surfing, bushwalking and beaches South Australia has to offer.

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