This scenic country drive will take you through the Adelaide Hills. With blue skies, quaint villages and breathtaking views, this drive is all about the beauty of South Australia.

Day 1: ADELAIDE / STIRLING / HAHNDORF (approx 30 mins)

Depart the big city and head out to the charming Adelaide Hills. Make your way to Stirling, where you can stop in for some coffee on the main street and maybe enjoy a meal at the unique Stirling Hotel Bistro. You can also stop into the Cleland Wildlife Park where you can get up close with so many native Australian animals. If you’d like to take some time out of the car, stop for a leisurely walk through St Githa’s Garden in Bridgewater. German heritage is everywhere in Hahndorf. This is the oldest surviving German influenced village in Australia. Here you are offered traditional architecture, German cuisine, specialty shops and a myriad of cafes. Take time to explore the abundance of galleries, artisans at work, gourmet food and even wineries! Visit The Cedars, the once home and studio of Sir Hans Heysen, a famous Australian landscape painter. Chocolate @ No.5 is a little cottage chocolate shop that allows you to indulge with some of the most delicious & artistic chocolates and treats. Beerenberg Strawberry Farm & Udder Delights cheese cellar are just a few of the places where you can enjoy local foods and produce.

MOUNT BARKER / MACCLESFIELD / MEADOWS / JUPITER CREEK (approx 1 hr)

Gawler Street in Mount Barket is home to many cafés, pubs and unique shops. Macclesfield is home to the Longview Vineyard, a great place to stop and enjoy the views and cool climate wines. Antique shopping is what you can find in Meadows. Just outside of Meadows is the Kuitpo Forest where you can hear the songs of the yellow-tailed black cockatoos. In Jupiter Creek you will find the old Gold Mine, stop in and learn the history. Stay in Hahndorf.

Day 2: HAHNDORF / BIRDWOOD / ADELAIDE Depart Hahndorf and head towards Birdwood. Along the way you can enjoy some amazing and award winning wineries such as Shaw + Smith (Balhanna ), Bird in Hand (Woodside) and Nepenthe (Charleston). Woodside Cheese Wrights is the perfect place to sample cheeses and Balhannah is home to Cocolat. Homemade apple pies are available at The Olde Apple Shed, Balhannah. Lobethal Bierhaus is a great place to stop for lunch and try an award winning beer while you’re there. Adelaide Hills Market in Lobethal is a great place to purchase art and local produce. In Birdwood, you can learn and see all the old cars at the National Motor Museum. On the way back to Adelaide, swing by The Big Rocking Horse. Gumeracha is home to the largest rocking horse in the world, stop in and climb onto it. End this drive back in Adelaide.

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Discover Australia as you travel by rental car for six days.

As part of your vacation self-drive Australia and explore our stunning landscapes, coastlines, regional towns and wildlife. Stop and meet the locals, maybe enjoy a counter meal at a local Aussie pub, or relax on the beach while sampling some takeaway fish & chips from the local deli or servo. During one of your rest stops try to spot a kangaroo, emu or even a Koala in the wild.

Please bring a valid American driver’s license with you and be aware that the Australians drives on the left hand side of the road.

Base rate only paid by About Australia. GPS, Insurance, Premium Location Surcharge, Fuel and Fees to driver’s credit card.

Travel to your accommodation in Adelaide, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 2 nights.

Your 4 Star boutique style hotel, is located in the heart of Adelaide’s central district. The hotel is within walking distance to the city’s major cultural attractions, shopping precinct’s and entertainment centres.

Adelaide is known as the city of food and wine, a place to experience the buzz, culture and convenience of a big city without big city frustrations. The city centre, surrounded by parklands, is a charming blend of historic buildings, wide streets, numerous shops, street cafes and restaurants.

Discover the magnificent flora and fauna of Kangaroo Island. Tour through several different island habitats to see native Australian wildlife in its natural environment. Visit unique Seal Bay where you’ll get up close to nature as the wild Australian sea lions frolic and laze about on the stunning beach. Enjoy a two-course lunch, followed by a memorable tour through the Flinders Chase National Park. View koalas and kangaroos at the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park on your last visit of the day.

Your day begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel for a scenic coach transfer to Cape Jervis. Enjoy taking in the picturesque Fleurieu Peninsula with its vineyards, coastal views and rolling hills of this gorgeous part of South Australia.

You’ll then board a fast and comfortable ferry for the 45-minute crossing to Kangaroo Island. On arrival, settle back in comfort and let the scenery slide past on your way to Seal Bay. Here you will enjoy a beach walk among a colony of rare Australian sea-lions. Guided by a National Parks Guide, this really is the experience of a lifetime. Bring your camera!

After a two course lunch, head on down to Flinders Chase National Park for the rest of the afternoon. Flinders Chase is internationally renowned as a sanctuary for a host of native Australian animals – kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, echidnas, goannas and more.

Walk along the rugged southern coastline (on specially constructed walkways to protect both you and the environment!) to Remarkable Rocks and Admiral’s Arch. Remarkable Rocks provides a spectacular backdrop for all you creative photographers, so bring plenty of film.

Admiral’s Arch boardwalk takes you down a rugged cliff face to confront a spectacular rock arch and a nursery haven forlong-nosed fur seals. Watch the fur seals diving, playing or just lolling about on the sun-drenched rocks, warming up again after swimming in the surf.

Your last visit of the day is to the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park to feed some kangaroos and get up close to koalas while listening to the Keeper talk about the cuddly mammals. You might even see more kangaroos and wallabies on your return to Penneshaw for your ferry and coach transfer back to Adelaide!

Operates
Monday, Wednesday, Firday, and Saturday, excluding December 25.

Departs at 6:45am from Adelaide and returns at 10:30pm (approximate).
Departs at 9:00am from Cape Jervis and returns between 6:30pm – 6:45pm.

Need to Know
Minimum of 4 passengers required. Maximum of 48 passengers allowed. Pickups within Kangaroo Island available at Penneshaw, American River, and Kingscote. Tour is subject to change and some inclusions may be replaced temporarily without notice. This experience can be catered to your dietary needs. Please advise of any special dietary requirements when completing your Traveler Information Form.

Inclusions
– Selected hotel pick up and drop off from Adelaide
– Return travel to Kangaroo Island coach/ferry
– Seal Bay Conservation Park guided beach walk
– Flinders Chase National Park including Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch
– Koala and kangaroo viewing at Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park
– 2 Course Lunch
– Expert Commentary by a local driver/guide.

Upgrades
Upgrade with one-way or return flights from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island and cut down on transfer times.

Photo Credit: Sealink

South Australia’s capital city, Adelaide, is a cosmopolitan city with a blend of European and modern architecture, offering a wealth of experiences including great food and wine, arts and culture, and world-class sporting events. This tour is an ideal introduction to see the best of Adelaide and learn more about its history on a friendly and relaxed tour.

In the morning, board your coach for your tour. Your guide will introduce you to this delightful city, which is surrounded by parklands with a blend of historic buildings, wide streets, cafés and restaurants. Your morning will include a drive past Adelaide’s cultural precinct – North Terrace, Adelaide Botanic Gardens and the beautiful Botanic Park, home to the Bicentennial Conservatory and the Adelaide Zoo. Drive through the historic North Adelaide, where you’ll see tree-lined streets, mansions and historic buildings. A stop will be made at the National Wine Centre of Australia, located on the edge of Adelaide’s stunning Botanic Gardens where you will have free time to explore the Wine Discovery Journey Museum. Your morning will also include a visit to the iconic St Peters Cathedral (subject to availability) or the newly developed Adelaide Oval precinct.

Operates
Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday (excluding Good Friday, Anzac Day, Boxing Day, and Christmas)
Departs 9:15am from Adelaide Central Bus Station or selected Adelaide hotels and returns 12:15pm (approx.)

Includes
– Half day tour
– Pick up and drop off
– Expert commentary from local driver/guide

Need to Know
Itinerary subject to change.

Relax on this lunch-time cruise along the historic Murray River. Gain an insight into this unique river system with its magnificent landscapes and spectacular cliffs. Then travel alongside the Murray River in your coach, taking in the spectacular views and stopping regularly for great photo opportunities. On the return journey, visit Melba’s Chocolate Factory and Woodside Cheese Wrights at Woodside.

Your tour departs Adelaide and travels to the mighty Murray River. On your arrival, board the MV Proud Mary and relax as you cruise the historic river enjoying the wildlife and surrounding scenery. Enjoy lunch on board the Proud Mary as you continue your journey along the river and gain insight into the river system and unique landscapes of the region.
Upon disembarking, enjoy a tour along the riverbank of the Murray River taking in spectacular views and stopping regularly for great photo opportunities, including the Mannum Lookout.
Travel back to Adelaide via the delightful Adelaide Hills, stopping at Melba’s Chocolate Factory where you can purchase afternoon tea and delight in cheese tastings at Woodside Cheese Wrights in Woodside (both at own expense).

Operates
Mondays only
Departs 9:15am from Adelaide Central Bus Station or selected Adelaide hotels and returns 5:15pm (approx.)

Includes
– Full day tour
– Two-hour cruise
– Two-course lunch with complimentary water, tea, & coffee
– Scenic drive
– Pick up and drop off
– Expert commentary by local driver/guide

Need to Know
Itinerary is subject to change. Vessel type may vary. If a minimum of 10 people not booked, then an alternate date or refund will be offered. This experience can be catered to your dietary needs. Please advise of any special dietary requirements when completing your Traveler Information Form.

Be sure to visit the Adelaide Central Market, the largest fresh produce market in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Adelaide Central Market is a community of people: traders, artisans and shoppers, who share a passion for food. It buzzes with life and colour all year round.

The range of fresh food is extensive! You can find fruit & vegetables, meat & poultry, seafood, gourmet cheeses, cakes and more all under one roof. People love to return again and again for the delicious aromas, vivid colours and atmosphere of this international and cultural melting pot.

Hours of Operation: Closed Sunday & Monday; Tuesdays – 7:00am to 5:30pm; Wednesdays* – 9:00am to 5:30pm; Thursdays – 9:00am to 5:30pm; Fridays – 7:00am to 9:00pm; Saturdays – 7:00am to 3:00pm

*Be sure to visit their website for their most update to date hours and current events: https://adelaidecentralmarket.com.au/

Photo Credit: Adelaide Central Market

Enjoy your scenic drive from Adelaide to Rawnsley Park Station.

Depart Adelaide and drive to Burra (2 hours drive).

Burra is one of the most beautifully preserved towns in South Australia. This former copper mining town is listed on the National Estate Register and also declared a State Heritage Area. Today, you can explore the town on Burra’s Heritage Passport Trail. Armed with a charming little guidebook and your own key, you’ll drive past 65 fascinating sites and learn why Burra was once South Australia’s copper centre.

After exploring Burra, depart for the Flinders Ranges National Park stopping at Rawnsley Park Station (3.5 hour drive). As you drive north you’ll notice the landscape change to a stunning flat red dirt desert spotted with a variety of low lying salt bushes, grasses and spinifex – Australia’s Outback. Along the way watch for kangaroos, emus and even blue tongue lizards that sometimes sun themselves on the road. See if you can spot some unique Australian wildflowers called the ‘Sturt Desert Pea’ which typically bloom from spring to summer, particularly after rain.

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Travel to your accommodation in Rawnsley Park Station at the entrance to Flinders Ranges National Park.

Flinders Ranges National Park is one of Australia’s premier national landscapes – it’s the real Australian Outback! The park encompasses mountain ranges, spectacular gorges, gentle flowing creeks lined with massive river red gums and an abundance of unique Aussie wildlife. Surrounding the Flinders Ranges are vast flat plains with stunning red dirt rippled deserts spotted with clumps of yellow spinifex, saltbushes & grasses. The sheer contrast between the Flinders Ranges and its surrounding desert plains is an amazing geological phenomenon, with the highlight being the natural amphitheatre of Wilpena Pound (Ikara) cradled amongst the park’s mountains. This area is world renowned for its geological sights and cultural aboriginal heritage.

Start your adventure at the Wilpena Pound Visitor Information Centre. From here, explore the park’s stunning landscape, Aboriginal rock art sites, fossil heritage and ruins of early European settlement. The park offers visitors a network of bushwalks and trails to explore the region at your own pace. See the breathtaking sunburned pallet of colors (especially when the sun is low) and dramatic scenery that has inspired generations of photographers, filmmakers and artists from all over the world.

For an in-depth look at the wonders of the region maybe join a guided tour or possibly take a scenic flight over Wilpena Pound (own expense).

Your vacation accommodation is nestled in the picturesque Rawnsley Park. Surrounded by many different types of wildlife. Each villa is equipped with a retractable ceiling offering night-sky viewing from the comfort of your bed, fully equipped kitchen, telephone and wireless internet, original artworks by local artists and reverse-cycle air conditioning. Holding Advanced Ecotourism accreditation, the villas have been designed to complement the natural environment. They feature a host of environmental design features, including rendered straw bale walls, polished timber floors over suspended concrete slabs and overhanging eaves and wide verandahs to shade walls.

Relax on your Lovely Drive from Rawnsley Park Station to Parachilna.

Depart Rawnsley Park Station for Parachilna (1.5 hour drive)

The morning has been left free for you to drive at your leisure between Rawnsley Park Station and The Prairie Hotel at Parachilna via Blinman (approximately 115km or 1 ½ hours, with no stops). We suggest you explore the following places along the way:

Bunyeroo Valley
The scenic Bunyeroo Valley road with its impressive razorback ridge and lookouts starts 4 km north of the Wilpena junction on the main Hawker-Blinman road. Visit the Yanyanna hut and stockyards before entering Bunyeroo Gorge where you follow the creekbed to pass through the gorge. Yanyanna was the central point in the Aroona pastoral run and is now the site of a ruined pug and pine shepherd’s hut from the 1850s and still standing iron shelter from 1937.

Brachina Gorge
Brachina Gorge is one of the park’s most popular and spectacular tourist attractions. The gorge is an important refuge for the Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby as well as many species of birds and reptiles. The Brachina Gorge Geological Tour is a 20 km self-guided trail that passes through 130 million years of earth history. Trail signage provides an insight into past climates, the formation of the ranges and the evolution of early life forms. The trail is best travelled from east to west, commencing at the Brachina Gorge/Blinman Road junction. A geological map and more detailed information on the Brachina Gorge Geological Trail is available from the Wilpena Pound Visitor Centre.

Blinman
In the second half of the nineteenth century, the historic township of Blinman, 50 km north of Wilpena, was a thriving copper mining centre with some 1,000 residents. Some of the pug and pine huts and stone buildings erected close to the old mines remain today. The population dwindled when the cost of transporting copper ore by cart and dray to Port Augusta made the mining venture unprofitable. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the mine site all year round. Your destination for the day, Parachilna (Prairie Hotel), is situated on the plains adjacent to the Flinders Ranges and serves as a perfect base for exploring the region and offers access to gorges, creek beds, red sandhills, claypans, mountains & vast open areas.

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Travel to your accommodation in Parachilna, South Australia, where you will be staying while on vacation for one night.

The Prairie is an oasis on the cusp of the rugged Flinders Ranges east-side, and desert plains west-side, sweeping toward Lake Torrens. Step Into a haven of character, charm, creature comforts, country hospitality and great food. A perfect base to explore the area.

Award-winning accommodation. Outback architecture featuring innovative, energy-efficient design. Spacious bedroom/lounge area, partially set into the earth.

Your room includes the following:
Ground level entrance lobby, ensuite bathroom and luggage area
Heating and cooling
Tea and coffee-making facilities, refrigerator, mini-bar
Luxurious towels and toiletries, hair dryer
Access to private guest lounge & indoor courtyard

Today you will continue your self-drive adventure from Parachilna onto Adelaide.

Depart Parachilna (the Prairie Hotel) in the morning to drive to Burra (3.5 hour drive).

Burra is one of the most beautifully preserved towns in South Australia. This former copper mining town is listed on the National Estate Register and also declared a State Heritage Area. Today, you can explore the town on Burra’s Heritage Passport Trail. Armed with a charming little guidebook and your own key, you’ll drive past 65 fascinating sites and learn why Burra was once South Australia’s copper centre. After exploring Burra, continue on your drive to Adelaide (2 hour drive).

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Remember, this road trip is fully customizable. Combine it with other destinations, add accommodation, sigthseeing tours and flights (international &/or domestic).

Just let us know what you want and our Travel Experts will design your complete itinerary with a ‘no-obligation’ quote.