Getting Around South Australia
A big state but a very tourable one — Adelaide at the hub, the wine regions and coast within a couple of hours, and drives that are half the pleasure.
Touring the State
South Australia is a big state, but a very tourable one. Adelaide sits at the centre like a hub, with the wine regions and coast fanning out within a couple of hours and the outback and islands a scenic journey beyond. In the city you won’t need a car; everywhere else, a hire car or a guided tour opens the state up — and the drives themselves, through vineyards, along the coast and into the ranges, are half the pleasure.
Approximate Driving Times
| Region | Approx. from Adelaide |
|---|---|
| Adelaide Hills / Hahndorf | ~30 min |
| McLaren Vale & the Fleurieu | ~45 min |
| Barossa Valley | ~1 hr |
| Clare Valley | ~2 hrs |
| Coonawarra / Limestone Coast | ~4 hrs |
| Flinders Ranges (Wilpena Pound) | ~5 hrs |
| Coober Pedy | ~8–9 hrs |
Ways to Get Around
Hire Car
The most freedom for the wine regions, coast and outback. Sealed highways link the main regions; the drives are scenic.
Adelaide Transport
Free city buses and trams and the Glenelg tram mean no car is needed in Adelaide itself.
To Far-Flung Corners
Short flights reach Port Lincoln (Eyre Peninsula), Kangaroo Island and Coober Pedy, saving long drives.
Let Someone Drive
Tours and drivers cover the wine country, Kangaroo Island and the outback — ideal for tasting days.
Getting Around — FAQ
What is the best way to get around South Australia?
For the wine regions, coast and outback, a hire car gives the most freedom — distances are manageable and the driving is scenic. In Adelaide itself you don’t need a car (free city buses and trams). For the cellar doors or the outback, a guided tour is a relaxed alternative.
How far apart are South Australia’s regions?
From Adelaide: the Adelaide Hills ~30 min, McLaren Vale ~45 min, the Barossa ~1 hr, Clare ~2 hrs, Coonawarra ~4 hrs, the Flinders Ranges (Wilpena) ~5 hrs and Coober Pedy ~8–9 hrs. Kangaroo Island is a ferry from Cape Jervis or a short flight.
Can you get around South Australia without a car?
Within Adelaide, easily. Beyond it, regional flights reach Port Lincoln, Kangaroo Island and Coober Pedy, some coaches and trains serve regional towns, and guided tours cover the wine regions and outback — but a car offers the most flexibility.
How do you get to Kangaroo Island?
By the SeaLink vehicle and passenger ferry from Cape Jervis (~1.5 hrs south of Adelaide; ~45-minute crossing), or by a short flight from Adelaide. Book ferries ahead, especially for vehicles. See our Kangaroo Island guide.
Is South Australia good for a self-drive holiday?
Excellent — sealed highways link the main regions, and iconic drives like the Fleurieu, the Limestone Coast and the Flinders make the journey part of the trip. See road trips.
South Australia, Planned Around You
Adelaide, the wine country, Kangaroo Island and the outback — with the driving and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
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