Take in breathtaking views off the Fleurieu Peninsula or marvel at the geological formations in the wilderness of Kangaroo Island and Mount Gambier. Whether you’re in it for the drive along the Coast or just hoping to catch a glimpse of Australia’s native seabirds and whales, seals and dolphins in season, the Southern Ocean Drive covers almost 900 km of attractions that will leave you mesmerised.
profile
The hardcore foodie
explore
the Southern ocean drive map
Your road trip kicks off from the City of Adelaide and traverse the Fleurieu Peninsula. It features a hop over to the wildlife haven of Kangaroo Island before continuing on the Limestone Coast.
Adelaide
Adelaide
Adelaide
Kangaroo Island
Limestone Coast
Fleurieu Peninsula
N
Mclaren Vale
Big Duck boat tours
Seal Bay
Kangaroo Island
Kingston SE
Port MacDonnell
Blue Lake
Mount Gambier
Coonawarra
Naracoorte Caves
It’s a wine- and food-lovers’ haven. Traipse across the region’s 80 vineyards and don’t forget to make a pitstop at the d’Arenberg Cube for breathtaking views. When you’re ready to work off all that wining and dining, check out the Five Beaches on the Fleurieu Peninsula. We like Second Valley for its all-round surf-and-turf activities for all in the family. Or the surfer-favourite Southport Beach at Port Noarlunga for its white sandy beaches, and beachside boutiques, cafes and shops along its jetty.
McLaren Vale
Spot dolphins, birds and whales migrating in season on Big Duck Tour’s boats that depart across the coast in the Wirrina Cove Marina or Encounter Bay.
Big Duck Boat Tours
Take a walk with the wildlife at Seal Bay. Observe seals from the 800m boardwalk over the sand dunes or go with an experience guide on the beach to see these animals a little bit closer.
Seal Bay
A must-see when you’re on Kangaroo Island is Flinders Chase National Park, a dense bushland of trees, cliffs and glistening sandy beaches, lined with rivers and lagoons. Don’t forget to stop by Remarkable Rocks, a cluster of granite boulders which have endured over millions of years. Spot fur seals among the natural rocks of Admirals Arch, too.
Kangaroo Island
At the crossroads of many national parks including Coorong National Park and the Coonawarra region, Kingston is home to the Big Lobster (you can’t miss it!) and the Kingston Pioneer Museum. It’s worth climbing the 125 steps to the Cape Jaffa Lighthouse - for the views and the pictures.
Kingston SE
Featuring a natural and rugged coastline, Port MacDonnell is an unabashedly authentic place for seafood fishing (like lobster and tuna) and water sports like boating and sailing. Adventurous travellers can try cave diving or snorkeling at the world-renowned Kilsby Sinkhole with crystal clear waters, or go for a bushwalk in the Germein Reserve to see flora and fauna native to the lands.Â
Port MacDonnell
Situated in a crater of a maar volcano, it turns an intense deep turquoise blue for three months of summer from November to February. Take in views of the lake from the 3km road and walking track over it.
Blue Lake
On the Limestone Coast is Umpherston Sinkhole, a garden created in a cave formed through limestone dissolution. The sinkhole’s sheer size and its lush greenery of hanging vines, plants and flowers have created the perfect sunken garden.
Mount Gambier
The region is famous for its bold reds of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. With over 24 cellar doors packing its 20km long region, you can be sure of a good time with tastings and restaurants peppered across the rolling grounds with the famous Terra Rosa soil.
Coonawarra
South Australia’s only UNESCO World Heritage site is home to one of the world’s most important fossil sites. Explore five different caves featuring many such fossils. Take the Victoria Fossil Cave Tour to see stalactites and stalagmites, and learn about the excavation techniques used.
