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Welcome to South Australia — a land of contrasts, colours and character! This epic 10-day journey begins in the vibrant city of Adelaide and winds through the rugged beauty of Kangaroo Island, the surreal landscapes of the South Australian outback, and into the otherworldly underground town of Coober Pedy. Along the way, you’ll uncover quirky BIG Things, dramatic coastlines, ancient rock formations, and some of the most unique wildlife and cultural experiences South Australia has to offer. Whether you're chasing sunsets along the coast or stars in the desert sky, this itinerary blends relaxation, discovery and bucket-list experiences in one unforgettable road trip across the Festival State.!
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Getting there
Your journey begins in Adelaide, the capital of South Australia. You can fly into Adelaide Airport from all major Australian cities and most of the international destinations. Car hire is available at the airport, which is ideal for this self-drive itinerary. If you're planning to explore Kangaroo Island, we recommend booking the SeaLink Ferry in advance from Cape Jervis. For the outback stretch of the trip, especially toward Lake Eyre and Coober Pedy, a 4WD is highly recommended for comfort and safety.
Day 1 & Day 2: Adelaide - Urban Delights and Heritage
Start your South Australia adventure with two action-packed days in Adelaide. Explore the city’s hidden laneways, buzzing with street art, boutique shops and vibrant cafes. Discover Adelaide’s street art trail and visit the Central Market to sample some of the best produce in the country. If you're up for a thrill, the Adelaide Oval RoofClimb offers panoramic views of the city skyline and beyond.
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On Day 2, visit Glenelg Beach and then venture into the scenic Adelaide Hills to discover Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement. Enjoy traditional German fare, visit local artisans, and stroll through charming village streets. Cap off your day with a sunset at Brighton Beach. Don't miss to embrace the whimsy of the Big Things Trail in the southern suburbs — a delightful road trip to discover oversized sculptures and quirky photo ops.!
📍 Here’s everything we covered in our full post about visiting Adelaide:
📍 Here’s everything we covered in our full post about visiting Adelaide:
Adelaide in 2 Days: Explore Markets, Murals, Beaches & Rooftop Views
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Day 3 to Day 5: Kangaroo Island – Wild, Rugged and Full of Wonder
Catch the ferry to Kangaroo Island, a wildlife haven filled with dramatic landscapes and serene beaches. Your adventure kicks off with a visit to Kangaroo Island Sculpture Trail, where local art meets coastal views. Head to Seal Bay Conservation Park to walk among sea lions in their natural habitat — a truly unforgettable experience. Keep your eyes peeled for koalas, wallabies and echidnas along the way.
Catch the ferry to Kangaroo Island, a wildlife haven filled with dramatic landscapes and serene beaches. Your adventure kicks off with a visit to Kangaroo Island Sculpture Trail, where local art meets coastal views. Head to Seal Bay Conservation Park to walk among sea lions in their natural habitat — a truly unforgettable experience. Keep your eyes peeled for koalas, wallabies and echidnas along the way.
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At Raptor Domain, get up close with birds of prey and reptiles in an educational and entertaining show. Climb Prospect Hill for panoramic views across the island, then explore the unique Little Sahara dunes where you can try sandboarding or simply admire the desert-like scenery. Finish your island stay with a day in Flinders Chase National Park, home to Kangaroo Island’s most iconic landmarks: the sculpted Remarkable Rocks and the picturesque Admirals Arch.
🧭 Discover how we made it to Kangaroo Island — read the full story in our itinerary post below.
🧭 Discover how we made it to Kangaroo Island — read the full story in our itinerary post below.
Ultimate 3-Day Kangaroo Island Itinerary: Wildlife, Wonders & Scenic Adventures
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Day 6: Colourful Lakes, Big Things & Historic Beltana
Your sixth day begins with a scenic drive north from Adelaide to the spectacular Lake Bumbunga, a vibrant pink salt lake near the town of Lochiel.
Depending on the time of year and weather, the lake can shift between vivid hues of pink, purple, and white, making it a favourite for photographers and drone enthusiasts. It’s a mesmerising natural phenomenon and a perfect photo stop early in the day.
Depending on the time of year and weather, the lake can shift between vivid hues of pink, purple, and white, making it a favourite for photographers and drone enthusiasts. It’s a mesmerising natural phenomenon and a perfect photo stop early in the day.
From here, Continue your journey along the A1 highway with some iconic pit stops to marvel at South Australia's quirky collection of “BIG Things.” These offbeat landmarks offer a fun and whimsical slice of road trip culture, perfect for snapping a few Instagram-worthy shots. First up is The Big Goanna in Crystal Brook — a towering reptilian sculpture standing proudly beside the town’s railway line.
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While in Crystal Brook, take a break to enjoy a laid-back lunch in this charming country town. Then make your way to Napperby to see The Big Mobil Tinman, a silver, robot-like figure crafted from recycled materials that showcases classic Aussie creativity. It’s also the perfect place to top up your fuel tank before hitting the road again!
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Our next stop this afternoon is Beltana, a fascinating semi-ghost town steeped in history and heritage.
Once a bustling hub along the iconic Overland Telegraph Line, Beltana played a vital role in South Australia’s early mining and transport networks. Today, this State Heritage-listed outback town is home to just 30 residents and features beautifully preserved stone cottages, historic buildings, and interpretive plaques that tell the stories of its past. Every building in Beltana is privately owned and occupied, adding to its unique lived-in charm. A wander through this quiet, atmospheric town truly feels like stepping back in time. We also experienced a spectacular sunset in Beltana!
Once a bustling hub along the iconic Overland Telegraph Line, Beltana played a vital role in South Australia’s early mining and transport networks. Today, this State Heritage-listed outback town is home to just 30 residents and features beautifully preserved stone cottages, historic buildings, and interpretive plaques that tell the stories of its past. Every building in Beltana is privately owned and occupied, adding to its unique lived-in charm. A wander through this quiet, atmospheric town truly feels like stepping back in time. We also experienced a spectacular sunset in Beltana!
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Before heading to Leigh Creek, don’t miss the chance to soak in a spectacular outback sunset in Beltana – a serene and unforgettable moment that perfectly caps off your time in this historic town!
Note: From Beltana, you can reach Leigh Creek via two different routes. The fastest option is to return the way you came along the sealed Outback Highway (B83). Alternatively, the shorter route takes you via Old Beltana Road, connecting back to the Outback Highway. However, Old Beltana Road is unsealed and requires confident 4WD skills to navigate safely. If you're not driving a 4WD or aren't comfortable with off-road driving, it's best to stick with the first, fully sealed route.
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Wrap up the day by arriving in Leigh Creek, where you’ll check into your hotel and enjoy a well-earned dinner. Leigh Creek is a former mining town nestled amid the rugged ranges, offering a quiet place to relax and prepare for your upcoming outback adventures.
Day 7: Into the Heart of the South Australian Outback
Start your day early and head north to Marree, a historic outback town at the junction of the Oodnadatta and Birdsville Tracks. While in Marree, explore its quirky and culturally significant landmarks such as the Marree Outback Roadhouse, the rustic Marree Railway Station, the intriguing Camel Sundial Sculpture, and the modest Marree Mosque Hut, one of Australia’s oldest mosques that hints at the town’s Afghan cameleer history. This small yet iconic town provides a fascinating glimpse into Australia’s pioneering past.
From Marree, take the Oodnadatta Track and venture into the desert to explore the Mutonia Sculpture Park, a surreal outdoor gallery. This offbeat installation features towering sculptures built from recycled aircraft and metal scrap, including the famous “Plane Henge.” It’s a thought-provoking and Instagram-worthy stop that surprises in the heart of the outback.
Next, make your way to the Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre South Viewing Point, one of the most remarkable natural sights in Australia. This vast, shimmering salt lake—Australia’s lowest point—is a rare spectacle, especially after recent rainfall when water collects across the basin. Walk along the viewing point, take in the stillness of the landscape, and enjoy a packed lunch while surrounded by the raw beauty of the desert.
Start your day early and head north to Marree, a historic outback town at the junction of the Oodnadatta and Birdsville Tracks. While in Marree, explore its quirky and culturally significant landmarks such as the Marree Outback Roadhouse, the rustic Marree Railway Station, the intriguing Camel Sundial Sculpture, and the modest Marree Mosque Hut, one of Australia’s oldest mosques that hints at the town’s Afghan cameleer history. This small yet iconic town provides a fascinating glimpse into Australia’s pioneering past.
From Marree, take the Oodnadatta Track and venture into the desert to explore the Mutonia Sculpture Park, a surreal outdoor gallery. This offbeat installation features towering sculptures built from recycled aircraft and metal scrap, including the famous “Plane Henge.” It’s a thought-provoking and Instagram-worthy stop that surprises in the heart of the outback.
Next, make your way to the Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre South Viewing Point, one of the most remarkable natural sights in Australia. This vast, shimmering salt lake—Australia’s lowest point—is a rare spectacle, especially after recent rainfall when water collects across the basin. Walk along the viewing point, take in the stillness of the landscape, and enjoy a packed lunch while surrounded by the raw beauty of the desert.
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After soaking in the views of Lake Eyre, continue your journey to the tiny outpost of William Creek, home to the William Creek Hotel, one of the most remote pubs in Australia. Enjoy a cold drink in this character-filled stopover and experience true outback hospitality. William Creek is also a key launch point for scenic flights over Lake Eyre, should you wish to take your adventure to the skies.
As you make your way toward Coober Pedy, take a short detour to view Anna Creek Station, the largest cattle station in the world. Its immense scale and remote location are awe-inspiring, and although the station itself is not open to the public, a roadside stop offers context to just how vast and isolated this land truly is.
As you make your way toward Coober Pedy, take a short detour to view Anna Creek Station, the largest cattle station in the world. Its immense scale and remote location are awe-inspiring, and although the station itself is not open to the public, a roadside stop offers context to just how vast and isolated this land truly is.
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🔍 From reaching Marree and exploring Mutonia Sculpture Park to experiencing Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre, William Creek, and Anna Creek Station — our complete guide to Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre below has everything you need to plan an unforgettable outback adventure!
Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre: A Journey to Australia’s Lowest Point
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Arrive in Coober Pedy by late afternoon and check in at Riba’s Underground Camping & Caravan Park, where you’ll sleep in a tent underground—a one-of-a-kind experience only available in this opal mining town.
Arrive in Coober Pedy by late afternoon and check in at Riba’s Underground Camping & Caravan Park, where you’ll sleep in a tent underground—a one-of-a-kind experience only available in this opal mining town.
After dinner, embark on Riba’s Opal Mine Tour for an introduction to the town’s opal-mining heritage. This immersive end to the day sets the tone for your unique underground adventures to follow in Coober Pedy.
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Day 8 & Day 9: Coober Pedy's Underground Wonders
Coober Pedy offers a travel experience unlike anywhere else in Australia. Begin your adventure at Kanku–Breakaways Conservation Park, where ancient, multi-coloured hills and expansive desert vistas create a surreal, almost Martian landscape. As you drive through, don’t miss the Salt & Pepper Hills and the iconic Dingo Fence—the longest continuous fence in the world!
Explore the town’s unique underground lifestyle with a visit to the Serbian Orthodox Church, beautifully carved into sandstone and exuding a peaceful, sacred atmosphere. For something quirky, step into the world of Crocodile Harry’s Dugout—an eccentric underground home brimming with oddities and local legends.
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Coober Pedy is also home to several outback icons. Spot The Spaceship, The Mining Bus, and a range of whimsical Big Things scattered across town. Dive deeper—literally—on a guided tour of Tom’s Opal Mine, where you can witness the fascinating process of opal mining firsthand. Wrap up your day at Big Winch 360°, where Australia’s first permanent 360° Circlevision cinema brings the spirit of the outback to life in spectacular fashion.
🚗 From how to get there to what to expect, our full Coober Pedy itinerary guide has you covered!
🚗 From how to get there to what to expect, our full Coober Pedy itinerary guide has you covered!
Coober Pedy in 2 Days: The Ultimate Underground and Outback Adventure!
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Day 10: From the Outback to Adelaide with a Salty Finale
On your final day, begin the journey south with a stop at Lake Hart Rest Area, just off the Stuart Highway.
Lake Hart is another salt lake but offers a quieter, less frequented experience compared to Lake Eyre. Framed by red dirt and low-lying scrub, the lake’s serene, white expanse creates a sense of calm that’s perfect for your last outback picnic. Pack a lunch and enjoy the views—it’s a peaceful contrast to the energy of the previous days.
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After soaking in the beauty of Lake Hart, continue your drive back to Adelaide, a long but rewarding journey that lets you reflect on the unforgettable landscapes, wildlife encounters, and underground marvels you’ve just experienced. If the drive feels too long for one stretch, you might choose to break up the trip with a stopover in Port Augusta. Should you do so, make sure to visit the Wadlata Outback Centre the next morning — a family-friendly museum that beautifully narrates the stories of the Flinders Ranges, and life in the South Australian outback.
As you make your way from Lake Hart back to Adelaide, consider a short detour to Snowtown to see The Big Blade – a quirky roadside attraction that pays homage to the town’s role in South Australia’s wind energy industry.
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Standing tall and gleaming, this enormous wind turbine blade is an unexpected yet impressive sight, offering a great photo opportunity and a moment to reflect on the region’s sustainable energy efforts. It’s a brief but memorable stop that adds a unique twist to your road trip through the outback!
Whether you're savouring the flavours of Adelaide’s markets, soaking up the wild beauty of Kangaroo Island, chasing sunsets across salt lakes, or sleeping beneath the surface in Coober Pedy, this 10-day South Australia adventure showcases the very best of what the state has to offer. It’s a journey of contrasts – from coastline to outback, from bustling cities to remote desert towns – each destination adding a unique chapter to your story. If you're seeking a road trip that blends natural wonders, cultural gems, and one-of-a-kind experiences, South Australia is calling. Now’s the time to answer!
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