Family-Friendly Road Trips in South Australia: An Unforgettable Adventure for All Ages.

Families looking to make enduring memories – look no further than South Australia. This unique region is a treasure trove of experiences; whether that’s fossil hunting on ancient coastlines, exploring charasmatic towns amongst spectacular mountain backdrops or simply hitting the open road with a day of adventures ahead. Here’s our guide to some of the best family-friendly road trips that South Australia has to offer.

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The Limestone Coast: Beaches, Caves and Sparkling Blue Lakes

Begin your journey in Robe, a picturesque fishing town where stunning beaches and historic buildings abound. The Pastry Place is a great spot for a quick ‘brekkie’—they’re known for having “the best croissants in the southern hemisphere”! Spend a late morning bouncing up and down the sand dunes at Beachport Conservation Park, just over half an hour away, before heading to World Heritage-listed Naracoorte Caves. This is a must-see stop for budding palaeontologists, with fossil-filled explorations and creepy cave tours available. Just over an hour down the road is the Mount Gambier region where you’ll discover the majestic Blue Lake; a volcanic crater lake that changes colour seasonally—each November, as the water warms, the lake’s deep blue transforms into intense turquoise. Nearby Umpherston Sinkhole, with its beautiful sunken garden, is an ideal picnic spot.

The Fleurieu Peninsula: Rolling Hills and Exciting Wildlife

Five hours drive from the Umpherston Sinkhole is charming Fleurieu Peninsula. Picture rolling hills, quintessentially Australian white-sand beaches and lush vineyards. Begin your Fleurieu journey at Victor Harbor, a charming coastal town known for its scenic horse-drawn tram rides to Granite Island. Don’t miss the South Australian Whale Centre where kids can learn about the local marine giants just a few steps from the ocean. A short drive away is Port Elliot, a quaint town bordered by world-class beaches such as the iconic Horseshoe Bay. This is a perfect place for swimming in gentle, azure water and is perfect for weaker swimmers. You absolutely have to stop by the Port Elliot Bakery; a local institution for their fresh pies and ‘donut of the month’, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss. Afterwards head just 15 minutes down the road to Goolwa. Here you’ll be able to ride on the historic Cockle Train or take a scenic river cruise along the Murray River. The kids will love spotting pelicans and other wildlife along the way.

Barossa: More Than Just Wine

Just under two hours drive from the Fleurieu Peninsula is the Barossa, a renowned wine-producing region. But, there’s plenty to do to keep every age group satisfied. Start the day early with a birds eye view of the Barossa from the serenity of a hot air balloon. Sail over vineyards as the landscape rolls into the distance. The Whispering Wall, a unique acoustic phenomenon, is a major hit with young and old alike. This century-old dam just outside of Williamstown allows visitors to pass messages from one side to the other, 140 metres away. Enjoy a tasty local produce lunch at many of the local wineries (Jacob’s Creek Winery and Whistler Wines are two which offer outdoor picnics and games for the kids); head for dessert to Barossa Valley Chocolate Company, where kids can create their own chocolate bars and adults that don’t fancy getting stuck in can indulge in local, artisanal products or wine and chocolate pairings.

Flinders Ranges: A Timeless Land

Around four hours north of Barossa is Mars. Just kidding—but you’d be forgiven for thinking that you’d taken a wrong turn off planet Earth when roving through this surreal landscape. Drive to Bunyeroo Valley Road early morning and witness the spectacular sunrise over the vast 600-million-year-old expanse, a memorable activity more than worth waking the kids (and yourself) up. After a packed breakfast, be sure to join one of Wilpena Pound Resort’s Aboriginal cultural walks. Explore ancient rock art and learn about the region’s cultural significance to the Adnyamathanha people who have lived in the Flinders Ranges for tens of thousands of years. Then, take a late-afternoon helicopter ride over Wilpena Pound to the jaw-dropping Chace Range just in time for sunset. Camp set-up, a two-course dinner and bush breakfast are all included, leaving you to savour a night under sparkling galaxies.

Adelaide: Epicurial Delights and Daytime Adventures

Spend some time in Adelaide before departing from South Australia. Home to the country’s official best restaurant, hotel, wine, gin and beach, Adelaide is the perfect spot to end your trip in style. Kids can kill a day whizzing down water slides at The Beachouse in Glenelg or quenching their curiosity at the Australian Space Discovery Centre. There are also plenty of family-friendly events year-round, including the Adelaide Fringe, the largest open-access festival in the Southern Hemisphere. If the countryside beckons, head up to nearby Adelaide Hills, where some of South Australia’s best produce awaits. Pick your own strawberries at Beerenberg Farm just outside of quaint Hahndorf and grab a few of their famous jams, sauces and condiments as souvenirs. The region is also home to Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary, where koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, bandicoots, rare birds and many more creatures live peacefully.

A rough itinerary is very useful when planning a road trip in South Australia, as there’s a lot to do, and distances between locations can be larger than they look on a map. However, we advise staying flexible enough to allow for spontaneous stops and discoveries along the way. Pack smart by bringing essentials like un-meltable snacks, water, first aid and entertainment for the kids, and always check road conditions and weather forecasts before setting off to ensure safety. Now pack your bags, buckle up and set off on an adventure that promises joy and excitement for the entire family!