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Trip Report

South Australia Road Trip

If you're anything like me and can't choose a favourite between spending your precious holiday time in the serenity of the mountains or floating around in the ocean, this is the itinerary for you!

  • Flinders Ranges+ 3
  • Henley Beach
  • Henley Beach
  • South Australia Road Trip
esther mccann
About Me:Hi, i'm Esther from South Australia. I live on a farm close to the Australian outback called Pekina. I am originally from the beautiful wine region of the Clare Valley. I love traveling and am trying to learn to speak Spanish while traveli... read more

OceaniaAustralia6 days / January - September 2022

Highs & Lows

Beautiful wide open spaces

Lack of public transport- need a car

Itinerary Overview

Many tourists from all over the world travel to Australia looking for relaxation and enjoyment on its beautiful beaches. But this country has much more to offer, so it was my opportunity to discover new destinations. You don't need more than a good attitude and recommendations, especially from friends in the area to discover new treasures. And this was my intention.

South Australia is often overlooked by travelers for the bright lights of Sydney and Melbourne. However, a visit to the 'great state' will provide a genuine Aussie experience away from the well-worn tourist route. The unspoiled and uncrowded beaches (YES, in the city!) and spectacularly rugged and ancient mountain rangers will be sure to leave you telling your mates to ditch some of the eastern state hot spots for a stay in SA!  

  • 3 Nights: Henley Beach
    Swimming and relaxing on the beach and great restaurants.
  • 3 Nights: Flinders Ranges
    Mountains, fresh air and wide open spaces
Henley Beach - Swimming and relaxing on the beach and great restaurants.
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Henley Beach Swimming and relaxing on the beach and great restaurants.

Henley Beach - Swimming and relaxing on the beach and great restaurants. - null
Henley Beach - Swimming and relaxing on the beach and great restaurants. - null
Henley Beach - Swimming and relaxing on the beach and great restaurants. - null

The absolute best Adelaide Australia beach! I just LOVE Henley Beach. It has such a great buzz and for a popular city beach location it doesn't feel overcrowded or untidy. After you have woken up in the morning and feel ready to stretch your legs, my advice is to take a walk along the beachfront path. There is actually 70km of beach front walking trails in Adelaide.. if you're not keen for a big workout the short 4km round walk to Grange Jetty would be perfect. You could stop off at the Grange Jetty Kiosk for a morning coffee on your way! For food I would recommend Swedish Tarts on Henley square for a delicious breakfast, they make incredible sweet and savoury flat breads. Lunch and dinner options are aplenty but Seamore's offers casual dining with ocean views or Estia Greek restaurant is an old favourite that wont disappoint. In between ocean swims you could also pop into Joe's Kiosk which was recently refurbished and they also make tasty cocktails! If you are looking for SUP hire there are multiple suppliers along the beach, you just need to keep an eye out for their signs along the esplanade. You could even forget about the restaurants, pack a picnic and laze your day away on the beach or even play a game of beach cricket. Just remember to bring a hat and some shade and enjoy your stay. 

Flinders Ranges - Mountains, fresh air and wide open spaces
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Flinders Ranges Mountains, fresh air and wide open spaces

Flinders Ranges - Mountains, fresh air and wide open spaces - null
Flinders Ranges - Mountains, fresh air and wide open spaces - null
Flinders Ranges - Mountains, fresh air and wide open spaces - null

For a uniquely Australian experience, the Flinders ranges will not disappoint. The ancient mountain ranges provide a spectacular habitat for kangaroo and emu spotting and if you are lucky you might see a wedge tailed eagle, a truly spectacular sight. If you choose to camp within the National Park you will need to sign in at Wilpena Pound and they will provide you with camping options, they also have hotel rooms available if camping is not your thing. The Flinders Rangers has many hiking options, the most famous of these is the St Mary's Peak offering a 19km (approx 9 hour hike). However, if this is too extreme for you there are other shorter options. A drive to the quaint little town of Blinman is worth it, be sure to stop in for a cold drink at the Blinman Pub. The Flinders also offers many great sites outside of the National Park with Parachilna George being a personal highlight. This George is part of a woking station but you are allowed to camp here for free and you could spend a whole day wandering through the dried up gum creeks and spectacular gorges. If you head a little further on from the Parachilna George you will find the Prairie Hotel in Parachilna. This is a great Aussie pub experience and they also provide many accommodation options as well as delicious food if you are sick of cooking over your camp fire! 

Q & A

  • What would you have changed?

    Bring good snacks for the road trip to the Flinders.
  • Anything go wrong during the trip?

    Remember to bring shades for when you are at the beach
  • Restaurant recommendations?

    If you are heading through to the Flinders Rangers and are planning on cooking on your camp fire, a stop at Orroroo Meat Co. on the way through is a must!
  • Tips you would give a friend?

    Pick the right season to visit the Flinders Rangers, in the middle of summer will be too hot with too many flies. Best time to visit would be during the cooler months April- October.
  • Packing tips?

    Hat and sunscreen
  • Transportation Tips?

    Hire a car or a camper van when you arrive in Adelaide, If you have a camper van you will be set for camping in the Flinders.

Lodging

  • Beachfront Airbnb apartment This may be a little bit pricey BUT it is well worth it. The beachfront location, easy beach access, endless people watching and incredible sunsets from the deck overlooking the waterfront make it money well spent. The main bedroom has a view that overlooks the ocean, you can wake up with a beautiful ocean breeze washing over your face and the sound of waves washing up on the sand. https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/43181640?check_in=2022-09-14&check_out=2022-09-21&guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=7604b08e-0957-4834-aeac-c98b8cf1a4dd

  • Camping in Wilpena Pound, Parachilna George and Prairie Hotel