What’s South Australia Known For?
South Australia holds a special place on the global map – simply for the fact that one cannot discuss this region without mentioning its world-class wine regions. The likes of the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale are not just names on wine bottles; they represent an age-old tradition and vinter artistry that produces some of the finest wines worldwide. Picture rolling hills, grape vines stretching as far as the eyes can see, and the faint aroma of fermenting grapes as you settle in for a glass of the good stuff.
And then there's Adelaide, the heart of South Australia. Adelaide, often lauded for its meticulously planned city design (dubbed the ‘20 minute city’ for its easy and quick navigation), is a hub of cultural festivities, great food and the doorstep of endless South Australian beauty. Whether it's the buzz of the Adelaide Fringe Festival or the melodies of Womadelaide, there's always something happening here. Rich in history, architectural marvels, and bustling markets, the list of things to do in Adelaide could fill a hefty travel itinerary. But that is just the beginning…
What’s the Best Way to Explore South Australia?
To truly soak in the essence of South Australia and to break free from the constraints of guided tours and tight schedules, it's time to enter the luxe and convenient world of travelling in a campervan hire. When talking about freedom, what could be better than the open road, the wind in your hair, and the luxury of making spontaneous stops at picturesque locations?
Imagine this: You, behind the wheel of your ideal motorhome hire, driving through the scenic landscapes of South Australia, setting your own pace, and stopping wherever and whenever. This kind of drive Australia adventure allows you to unearth those hidden gems that aren't on every tourist's Australia itinerary. Best of all, you can effortlessly kickstart your journey by picking up your camper from the Adelaide branch (or from one of our 10 branches throughout Australia). Whether you're seeking solitude in nature, cultural experiences, or gourmet delights, a maui campervan rental ensures you won't miss a thing.
The 10 Best Hidden Gems in South Australia
Alright, adventure seekers! You've got your campervan rental sorted and are ready to drive around Australia’s beautiful state of South Australia – but where to first? Beyond the hustle and bustle of Adelaide, Australia and the familiar clinks of wine glasses in Barossa, South Australia's landscape is dotted with hidden gems just waiting to be explored. We’ve curated a list of 10 spots that are absolute must-visits when you rent a campervan to explore South Australia.
Image: Instagram - @ashleydobson
1. Hallett Cove Conservation Park
First up is the mesmerising Hallett Cove Conservation Park. Just a short camper drive from Adelaide, this park is like stepping into a time machine. Fancy walking on terrain that witnessed the Ice Age? Here, you can. Boasting some of Australia's most significant geological sites, the park lets you witness the remnants of glaciers from over 280 million years ago. From scenic boardwalks to the iconic Sugarloaf, it's a hiker's and history buff’s paradise. So, pop it into your travel itinerary, load up the motorhome, and set course for this historical wonderland.
2. Flinders Ranges
Next on our list: The majestic Flinders Ranges. Trust us, this isn’t just any mountain range. This expansive national park is filled to the brim with rugged mountains and peaceful gorges and is, overall, an otherworldly landscape that could easily be mistaken for walking on Mars. Best of all, in your trusty campervan hire, this gem is just a five-hour drive north of Adelaide. Keen to do some Outback bushwalking, snap a shot of the majestic Wilpena Pound, or explore the night sky at the Akaroola International Dark Sky Sanctuary? Flinders Ranges has got you covered. And for those travelling with family, you’re in for a treat! With activities like 4WD tours and fossil exploration, this park is an all-round family favourite and easily one of the best national parks near Adelaide.
3. Wilpena Pound
Speaking of Wilpena Pound – this surreal natural amphitheatre nestled within the heart of the Flinders Ranges within Ikara-Flinders National Park deserves a special mention. Wilpena Pound is a 17km long, 8km wide beauty that spans a whopping 8960 hectares. But this oval-shaped ridge line is more than just a feast for the eyes. The major appeal of this wonder is its hiking trails, scenic flights, and rich Indigenous history – making it a spot you'll reminisce about for years. Some of the top hikes to check out on your campervan travel itinerary include the impressive St Mary Peak hike (a 9-hour, 21.5km loop), and more gentle loops like the Boom and Bust hike (a 90-minute, 2km loop.)
Image: SATC Media Gallery
4. Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail
Looking for a spot in South Australia with pristine landscapes and only the sounds of nature to keep you company? Enter the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail. This 66-kilometre trek, unfolding over five days, offers an intimate experience of the island's diverse landscapes - from rugged cliffs to dense eucalypt woods. Along the trail, expect to be greeted by sea lions, see ancient mega-fauna fossils, and witness some of the most jaw-dropping ocean views South Australia has to offer. This trail sits within the Flinders Chase National Park, which also holds some of the island's most iconic landmarks, including the Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch.
Getting there in your campervan hire adds a layer of adventure with the ferry ride across. Frequent ferries depart from Cape Jervis that will get you to the island in a jiffy. To book a spot for your camper, however, can take some pre-planning as they tend to fill up quickly. Alternatively, you can choose to park your motorhome safely at the ferry terminal and let the island experience begin!
5. Coorong National Park
Next up in planning your South Australia itinerary, it's time to set our gaze on the serene, elongated stretch of coastal beauty – the Coorong National Park. Coorong's name is derived from the local Aboriginal word ‘kurrangk’, which means "long neck" – a fitting name for this unique stretch of land. This place is an internationally recognised wetland and an absolute dream for birdwatchers, with over 200 bird species calling it home. If you fancy a boat tour, kayaking or just a peaceful walk beside the tranquil lagoons, this park is an essential addition to your travel itinerary. And for a taste of the local Aboriginal heritage, the region’s dunes have tales to tell, spanning thousands of years of Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal culture. Best of all, getting to the park is super easy! After picking up your campervan rental from the Adelaide maui branch, enjoy a scenic three-hour drive south, and then you’re all set to embrace the wild, natural beauty of Coorong.
6. Robe
If you're craving a coastal town experience, the historic fishing port of Robe is where your campervan rental should be headed. Robe offers more than just stunning ocean views. From the fascinating Obelisk on Cape Dombey, which guided sailors for over 150 years, to the expansive 14 km of Long Beach, perfect for an afternoon stroll, the town has plenty to explore. For the adventurous at heart, there's Guichen Bay and Lake Fellmongery, offering excellent trails and bird-watching spots. The town also has an intriguing history, with its heritage walk letting you delve deep into its past. Ready for Robe? Navigate your motorhome along the Limestone Coast, and you'll be there, ready to soak in the salty air and laid-back vibes in no time.
7. Mount Gambier’s Blue Lake
Next up, slide behind the wheel of your motorhome and head to the jaw-dropping Blue Lake of Mount Gambier. This isn't just any ordinary lake. Each year, this wonder of nature undergoes a spellbinding transformation, changing from a steel-grey hue in winter to an intense cobalt blue come summer. While the Blue Lake’s beauty is alluring, there's more to do than just soak up the views. Hiking enthusiasts will love the 3.6 km Blue Lake Circuit walking trail, which promises panoramic views and photo ops aplenty. A curious tidbit? Unlike many other sinkholes and lakes in the area, you won’t be able to swim here! This is because this lake supplies the town with fresh drinking water after it has been slowly filtered through the limestone that lives beneath it. Your campervan hire can whisk you to the lake's vicinity with ease. Just steer your camper towards Mount Gambier and follow the well-signposted routes!
Image: Instagram - @ashleydobson
8. The Barossa Sculpture Park
The Barossa Sculpture Park is easily one of the best things to do in Adelaide’s surrounds. Perched atop Mengler Hill, you can easily navigate your camper to this scenic outpost, passing through the heart of South Australia's renowned wine country along the way. This park is home to a number of unique abstract art pieces and offers a refreshing contrast to the vine-laden vistas with its outstanding 180° view of the valley below. To reach this gem, just point your campervan rental an hour-and-a-half north of Adelaide, towards the Barossa Valley – Mengler Hill and its artistic treasures await!
9. Port Willunga Beach
A hidden jewel in the South Australia crown, Port Willunga Beach is where golden sands meet history. Famed for its iconic jetty ruins, which once was the heart of a thriving grain port, today, it stands as a testament to its unique past. Here, the beach isn't just for lounging. Dive enthusiasts can explore the ‘Star of Greece’, a shipwreck just off the coast. If you fancy a bird's eye view, the clifftop walking trail between Port Willunga and Aldinga Beach offers panoramic vistas that'll take your breath away. Just a short drive south of Adelaide, Port Willunga and its sun-kissed allure is a must-add to any South Australia itinerary.
10. Clare Valley
Tucked away below the famed Barossa in South Australia is the humble sister vineyards of the Clare Valley. Getting here with your motorhome is a breeze – just take the M2 to Horrocks Highway from Adelaide, and in less than two hours, you'll be soaking in Clare Valley's beauty. A short drive in your campervan rental down the eucalypt-lined streets, it becomes evident why it's hailed as one of Australia’s best wine regions. Spread across a patchwork of vineyards, this is the perfect spot to sip on world-renowned Rieslings. Don’t care to drink and drive? The Claire Valley has your prayers answered. Here, cyclists can indulge in the scenic Riesling Trail, a 35km stretch offering picturesque landscapes, historic towns, and, of course, cellar doors to stop by. This biking adventure is easily one of the best things to do in the Barossa Valley region for couples looking for a day of fun! And for the history buffs in the family, the valley’s heritage streetscapes and historic buildings offer plenty to sink your teeth into.
Ready to explore the hidden gems of South Australia with maui?
As you can see, South Australia has plenty to explore beyond things to do in Adelaide. From pristine beaches to rugged terrains, from sculpted artworks to world-class wines, there's so much that remains untouched and unexplored beyond the Adelaide city limits.
Ready to explore these South Australia treasures for yourself with a camper hire? Dive into the world of exploration, one hidden gem at a time and book your maui camper today. Your South Australia travel itinerary awaits!