Adelaide to Darwin road trip tips: Distance, time & best stops
Adelaide to Darwin drive: South Australia section
The South Australia section of the Adelaide to Darwin drive provides the starkest scenery. But before you reach the true outback, there is wine to enjoy.
The quickest route from Adelaide to Port Augusta goes through largely forgettable spots such as Port Wakefield, Port Pirie and Mambray Creek. The highlight is pink-hued Lake Bumbunga.
You’re far better off adding an extra half hour to the driving time by visiting the Barossa Valley wineries in Tanunda, Angaston or Nuriootpa.
8 unusual Barossa Valley experiences to book in advance
- Half day Mustang convertible tour.
- Two hour kayaking experience.
- Half day trike tour with commentary via headsets.
- Wine-tasting tour in a bright red London cab.
- Winery hopping by e-bike.
- Gin-making workshop with lunch.
- Behind the scenes VIP tour at Seppeltsfield.
- Learn about barrel-making at the Yalumba Cooperage.
You can then continue through the Clare Valley for more wineries and the Mintaro Maze.
The Clare Valley makes for a more pleasant overnight stop than crossroads town Port Augusta. Here, the Eyre Highway heads west and the Stuart Highway heads north.
The best things to do in Port Augusta are the Wadlata Outback Centre, Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden and Matthew Flinders Red Cliff Lookout.
Click through for the next section: Stuart Highway.