5 unforgettable days from Adelaide to the Outback

Welcome to South Australia: Where vineyards meet the Outback

For first-time international travellers, South Australia delivers a rare mix — one day you’re sipping shiraz in the Barossa, the next you’re face-to-face with ancient rock formations in the rugged Outback.

This five-day self-drive holiday loops from Adelaide into wine country and north into the dramatic Flinders Ranges, offering a heady blend of food, wine, wildlife, and red dirt wonder. It’s a relaxed, do-it-yourself journey with big rewards for those who want to really feel Australia beneath their wheels.

Day 1 – Explore Adelaide: Culture, food and city charm

Start your journey in Adelaide, South Australia’s laid-back capital. Pick up your hire car and get familiar with driving on the left. There’s no rush today — you’ll ease into Aussie life with a day of good food and easy sightseeing.

Stroll through the Adelaide Central Market, a food lover’s heaven since 1869. From fresh produce to artisan cheeses and multicultural snacks, it’s the place to graze like a local. Then stretch your legs in the Adelaide Botanic Garden, or take a detour to the Art Gallery of South Australia.

If the sun’s out (and it usually is), head to Glenelg Beach, just 20 minutes from the city. Watch the sunset over the water — a rare west-facing ocean view in Australia.

Where to eat: Try Africola or Peel St.

Accommodation:
Budget: The Havelock Hotel
Upmarket: Mayfair Hotel

Driving distance: 0 km
Drive time: N/A

Day 2 – Adelaide to Barossa Valley: A gourmet escape

Time to leave the city behind. Set out early and head northeast into the famed Barossa Valley — less than two hours’ drive, but a world away in feel.

Stop for morning tea in Williamstown, a quiet gateway town with bakeries and leafy streets. From here, dive into wine tasting with iconic producers like Penfolds, Seppeltsfield, and Henschke, or lesser-known gems like Yelland & Papps.

You’ll find cellar doors tucked between rolling hills, stone cottages, and vineyards stitched into the landscape. Pair tastings with a long lunch at Maggie Beer’s Farm Eatery.

Where to eat: FermentAsian in Tanunda.

Accommodation:
Budget: Tanunda Caravan and Tourist Park
Upmarket: The Louise

Driving distance: 85 km
Drive time: 1:20

Day 3 – Barossa to the Flinders: Changing landscapes

Today’s the long haul, but it’s worth it. From rolling vines to dry red earth, the transformation is striking. Depart the Barossa and take the scenic route through the Clare Valley. Stop for lunch in Auburn or Sevenhill, then push north via Port Augusta to Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park.

The afternoon light in the Flinders is magic — ochre cliffs, ghost gums, and wedge-tailed eagles overhead. You’ll reach Wilpena Pound in time for sunset.

Where to eat: The Woolshed Restaurant

Accommodation:
Budget: Wilpena Pound Resort
Upmarket: Rawnsley Park Eco Villas

Driving distance: 405 km
Drive time: 5:15

Day 4 – Discovering Ikara-Flinders Ranges: Outback at its finest

Spend the day soaking up Ikara-Flinders Ranges. Start with a walk to Arkaroo Rock, or climb Mount Ohlssen Bagge for panoramic views. Join a 4WD tour deeper into Bunyeroo and Brachina Gorges, where you might spot yellow-footed rock wallabies. This is Outback Australia at its finest.

Accommodation: Stay a second night at Wilpena Pound or Rawnsley Park.

Driving distance: 60 km
Drive time: 1:00 (flexible loop)

Day 5 – Return to Adelaide via Clare Valley: Farewell with flavour

Begin the return journey via Quorn and the Clare Valley. Stop at Seed Winehouse or Skillogalee for a final farewell lunch.

Accommodation in Adelaide (optional):
Budget: Majestic Minima Hotel
Upmarket: EOS by SkyCity

Driving distance: 455 km
Drive time: 5:45

In summary: A perfect blend of wine and wilderness

This self-drive holiday through South Australia is as varied as the country itself — perfect for first-timers looking to taste, touch, and truly experience Australia. You’ll start in one of the country’s most relaxed cities, sip world-class wine in postcard-perfect vineyards, and finish in an ancient, wild landscape that humbles and inspires. The roads are safe, the distances manageable, and the surprises constant. You’ll come home sun-kissed, well-fed, and carrying the scent of eucalyptus in your memory.

Practical information

  • Best time to visit: March to May or September to November
  • Driving: Left-hand side, speed limits enforced
  • Fuel: Refill at Port Augusta
  • Dress code: Smart casual in wine regions, hiking wear in the Outback
  • Safety: Carry water, limited mobile signal in the Outback
  • Park fees: Daily permit for Ikara-Flinders Ranges NP required

More information

Day Route Distance (km) Drive (hr) Activities Accommodation Estimated Cost (pp)
1 Arrive Adelaide 0 0:00 Central Market, Glenelg, Botanic Garden Mayfair Hotel / Havelock Hotel $150–$350
2 Adelaide to Barossa Valley 85 1:20 Wine tasting, Tanunda, Maggie Beer’s The Louise / Tanunda Tourist Park $120–$400
3 Barossa to Flinders Ranges 405 5:15 Clare stop, Port Augusta, arrive Wilpena Rawnsley Eco Villas / Wilpena Resort $130–$420
4 Flinders Ranges (touring) 60 1:00 Hikes, wildlife, scenic gorges Same as Day 3 $80–$300
5 Return via Clare to Adelaide 455 5:45 Quorn, Clare lunch, wine stop EOS by SkyCity / Majestic Minima $150–$400
Total Estimated Cost (per person) $630–$1,870