Adelaide to Goolwa drive: Road trip stops, distance & time

The best road trip stops on the Adelaide to Goolwa drive are Hahndorf and the Currency Creek Arboretum. Expect a distance of 86km and driving time of around 1h18m.

The Adelaide to Goolwa drive connects South Australia’s capital city to one of its more attractive tourist towns.

Adelaide brings food tours of the fabulous Central Market, Torrens River cruises, swimming with dolphins and the chance to walk across the roof of the Adelaide Oval. To book Adelaide accommodation, step this way. For a full range of Adelaide tours and experiences, explore here.

Goolwa is on Encounter Bay, next to the Mouth of the Murray River and the Coorong National Park.

There are two routes from Adelaide to Goolwa – one through the McLaren Vale wine region and the other through the Adelaide Hills. There’s basically a minute in it, so pick whichever you prefer.

Book in advance for the best rates on Goolwa accommodation. And check for the best Adelaide car hire deals.

Adelaide to Goolwa distance and driving time

The Adelaide Hills route is a tiny bit quicker, so we’ll run with that. By car, the distance from Adelaide to Goolwa is 86km. You can expect a driving time of one hour and 18 minutes.

The drive heads out of Adelaide along the M1, past the Cleland Conservation Park and Mount Lofty Botanic Garden. It then reaches Hahndorf, the distinctly Germanic tourist hub of the Adelaide Hills. There are several wineries to visit here, as well as the Hahndorf Inn German pub and the cute animals of the Hahndorf Farm Barn.

Adelaide to Goolwa drive: Echunga and Ashbourne

After Hahndorf you should turn south, first along the B34 through Echunga, then down the Kondoparinga Road and Bull Creek Road. This route runs just west of Strathalbyn.

Further along the way towards Goolwa, you’ll cross the historic Finniss River Bridge near Ashbourne and the Cox Scrub Conservation Park near Mount Observation.

Just before Goolwa, you’ll go past the Currency Creek Arboretum – a good place to see and learn about Aussie trees.

What to do in Goolwa

Things to do in Goolwa include the 3.5 hour Coorong Discovery cruise, a superb full day kayaking tour from Hindmarsh Island and a small-group cooking class.

For Goolwa accommodation options, try the affordable, family-friendly Discovery Parks Goolwa or the conveniently-located Goolwa Motel.

More South Australia travel

Stay at the Oceanview Eco Villas on Kangaroo Island.

When is the best time to see Kangaroo Island wildlife?

Visit the oldest lighthouse in South Australia.

Caravan parks in South Australia.

Go clothing-optional at Maslin Beach.