With fine events, fine landscapes, fine food and wine, all at your disposal, Adelaide is the best base to take your pick of the finer things in life. With the Clare Valley to the north, McLaren Vale to the south, Barossa to the north-east and Adelaide Hills just 20 minutes from the city, it’s almost too easy to immerse yourself in reckless indulgence.
The city is also compact, easy to navigate and unfurls a myriad of landscapes. Lush vineyards, beaches and rugged coastlines are a dime a dozen. And it’s all just within a few hours’ drive.
Scroll on to see why Adelaide is the best base for a road trip.
In Summary:
- Adelaide’s wine regions, Adelaide Hills (20km), Barossa Valley (70km), McLaren Vale (45km), Clare Valley (142km), are all within easy reach of the city.
- Book cellar doors, accommodation and car hire early. Make sure to organise the designated driver beforehand.
- Choose sedans for couples, SUVs for groups or go all out with a minibus.
The Epicurean Way
Consider yourself a culinary crusader? This one’s for you.
What is the Epicurean Way?
The Epicurean Way is a 300km self-drive route that connects South Australia’s four iconic wine regions: McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley and Clare Valley. But don’t be fooled, the regions are overflowing with more than just wine.
Traverse along the Fleurieu Peninsula and the Eyre Peninsula loop and you’ll also come across local produce, scenic backdrops and wildlife encounters.
How long does the Epicurean Way take?
While you can drive it in a day, it’s best enjoyed over 3–4 days to properly savour cellar doors, farm gates and regional dining at its best.
Self-drive itineraries in wine regions near Adelaide
Adelaide to Barossa Valley
How far is it? 70km
How to get there? 60–75 minute drive via Main North Road
The Barossa is the easiest gourmet getaway from Adelaide. Within an hour, suburbs melt into farmland, then neat rows of vines in Gawler and Lyndoch signal your arrival to wine country.
Follow the Butcher, Baker, Winemaker Trail for a tantalising feast, then step into history at Seppeltsfield, home to the legendary Centennial Cellar. For a seasonal-driven lunch, book ahead at Hentley Farm, or keep it casual at Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop. Don’t forget to detour to Barossa Valley Chocolate Company between tastings to satiate any sweet tooth.
Best things to do: Seppeltsfield tastings, Barossa Farmers Market, Hentley Farm, cheese and chocolate stops
Adelaide to McLaren Vale
How far is it? 45km
How to get there? 45-minute scenic drive south
For coastal views with your cabernet, head to McLaren Vale. Follow the scenic route through Clarendon and Kangarilla, where rolling hills give way to vineyards and glimpses of the Fleurieu coastline.
Start at the Willunga Farmers Market for picnic supplies, then sip inside the kaleidoscopic d’Arenberg Cube, equal parts art gallery and cellar door. Book a long lunch at The Currant Shed, or just go all in with a degustation at Maxwell Wines. On the way home, detour via Aldinga Beach to bask in a golden sunset over the waves.Best things to do: d’Arenberg Cube, Willunga Farmers Market, The Currant Shed, Hahndorf
Adelaide to Clare Valley
How far is it? 142km
How to get there? Two-hour drive north of Adelaide
Close enough for a spontaneous escape yet far enough to feel properly rural, Clare Valley is riesling country at its most delectable. You’ll find more than 50 cellar doors dotted through the region, with most sitting between Auburn and Clare.
Start at Sevenhill Cellars, the region’s oldest winery and a Jesuit Monastery in another life. Once you’re done sampling close-to-holy drops, sip your way through standouts like Pikes Wines and Skillogalee. Stay in the region and hire bikes to cruise the Riesling Trail, stopping for long lunches and bushland picnics. Best things to do: Riesling Trail, Sevenhill Cellars, Pikes Wines, Skillogalee
Tips on Planning the Ultimate South Australia Road Trip
Here are our tips on how to plan an awesome South Australian road trip:
- Map your route logically to avoid doubling back between regions.
- Book accommodation early during peak seasons (summer and festival periods).
- Check cellar door opening hours. Some require bookings as well, so make sure you’re prepared.
- Factor in long lunches and tasting times (they always take longer than expected).
- Download offline maps for regional areas.
- Leave space in your itinerary for spontaneous discoveries.
- Sort out who’s driving before the first tasting. Trust us on that one.
What’s the best time to visit Adelaide’s wine regions?
Arguably, every season is a good season. However, some seasons are definitely more intoxicating than others.
Come autumn, a sweet scent of fermenting grapes wafts through Adelaide’s premier wine regions. Vibrant shades of orange, yellow and red bring on a special energy as the harvest system commences. Those who are vino-obsessed can experience grape-picking and sample velvety reds at their most bold.
Winter in South Australia’s wine regions is equally magical. Winter calls for a slower pace and celebrating the fruits of your labour with a vintage by a crackling fire and hearty produce that warms your soul.
Choosing the right car for your Adelaide road trip
| For… | How many people… | Choose… |
| Comfortable drives to Barossa, Clare Valley and McLaren Vale | 2 | Standard sedan or SUV |
| Longer drives more than two hours long and full loops | 3-4 | Standard or large SUV |
| Travelling with friends | 4+ | A large SUV or a minibus with ample boot space for food and wine purchases |
Other things to consider:
- For coastal routes or rural backroads, a small SUV offers extra comfort.
- Make sure your air conditioning works! South Australian summers can be hot.
- If planning to cycle the Riesling Trail, check bike storage options with your Adelaide car hire.
- Always inspect tyre condition before heading into regional areas.
Taste your way through South Australia with Bargain Car Rentals
With your own car, you can meander between cellar doors, stop in for decadently long lunches and actually drink in the scenery without watching the clock.
When you hire with Bargain Car Rentals at Adelaide Airport, you’re getting local insights, flexible terms, and service from people who want you to have a great trip.Book Adelaide car hire in minutes or give our team a call for more South Australian road trip tips.
Do I need a 4WD for a South Australian road trip?
For most wine regions and coastal drives, a standard vehicle is fine. A 4WD is only necessary for more remote or off-road destinations.
How many days do you need for an Adelaide road trip?
It depends on the route. Wine regions like Barossa or McLaren Vale can be explored in a day, while longer loops, such as the Fleurieu Peninsula or Eyre Peninsula, need at least a week to really sink your teeth into the region.
When is the best time to do a South Australia road trip?
Spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May) offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer is great for beaches (obviously!), but do remember that Adelaide has a Mediterranean climate, meaning warm to hot dry summers. Winter is ideal for those cosy winery stays and dramatic coastal scenery.
South Australia is also known as the Festival State, so you might want to plan your road trip around some of the exciting events that the city has to offer.
Are South Australia road trips family-friendly?
Yes. Many routes include beaches, wildlife parks, short walking trails and small towns with relaxed dining, perfect for travelling with kids.
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