Fifteen must-see places to stop in SA on your holiday road trip
On the road these school holidays? Check out these 15 iconic SA locations to stop and help break up your journey.
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Heading on a road trip? Don’t forget to schedule in breaks along the way, the experts urge.
Research from NRMA Insurance shows that 47 per cent of road-trippers will be travelling for at least six hours with 1 per cent taking more than 15 hours to reach their destination.
“The key to getting to and from your destination safely, especially during this busy time on our roads, is staying alert,” the provider’s South Australian manager, Sally Atkinson, said.
“It is easy for people to miss the signs of fatigue, especially when driving to places they’ve been before and on roads they’re familiar with.
“It’s important to have a good night’s sleep before driving and schedule regular breaks, ideally a 15-minute break every two hours, to ensure you’re more alert and responsive on the road.”
Here’s a list of 15 great places around the state to take a break.
1. Waikerie: Heading to Renmark? Just off the main highway, an hour outside Renmark, the riverside town of Waikerie is a beautiful place to stretch your legs.
Long stretches of lawned, accessible, and scenic riverbank frontage is iconic Waikerie.
A great playground allows the kids to burn some energy and the silo art is also not to be missed. More info.
2. Minlaton: Right in the heart of the Yorke Peninsula, Minlaton is the last major regional town on the route down to Marion Bay.
The township of Minlaton is the major service centre for the surrounding towns and your last chance to stock up on everything you might need for your road-trip down to the bottom of the Yorke Peninsula. For those in need of a coffee, Ye Olde café is the perfect stop. More info.
3. “Larry” The Big Lobster: Half an hour North of Robe, you literally cannot miss “Larry” the Big Lobster.
The 2021 winner of Australia’s best “Big Thing”, Larry the Lobster was built over 40 years ago and stands at 17 meters tall.
An unmissable photo opportunity, Larry is a perfect final stop on your way to Robe.
Find him at, 17 Princes Highway, Kingston Se, Limestone Coast. More info.
4. Coonalpyn Silo Art: On your way down to Mount Gambier? Coonalpyn’s Silo Art installation is worth pulling over for.
Painted by world-renowned mural artist Guido van Helton, The Viterra Coonalpyn Silos were the first to be painted in South Australia. Guido was given full creative license to paint what he believed would best reflect the community.
The result? A breathtaking mural of five local Coonalpyn Primary School children. The massive 30-meter silos are a must-see, at 23-25 Poyntz Terrace, Coonalpyn.
5. Naracoorte Caves: Located 10km south of Naracoorte, the Naracoorte Caves are
one of the world’s most important fossil sites.
Visiting South Australia’s only world heritage site is a must.
With four caves to explore, adventure caving, photographic tours, campgrounds, a playground,
and a café, the Naracoorte caves have something for everyone.
The beautiful heritage buildings are a feature of the town, the Naracoorte Historical Walk is heaven for the history buffs and a great way to see the town.
Find them at 89 Wonambi Road, Naracoorte.
6. Penola: Stop into Penola on your way to Mount Gambier at the information centre just off the main road (Riddoch Highway) to learn about the rich history of this limestone town.
Enjoy the local museum showcasing the history of the area and an art gallery highlighting local area talent.
Keep the kids entertained with town stories, flipbooks and of course the gift shop.
This centre is rated as a must-see by locals.
7. Lake Bumbunga: The stunning lake in the small town of Lochiel, is right on the Augusta highway on your way to the Flinders. Lake Bumbunga’s beautiful colours draws crowds throughout the year.
From the amazing Pink, to white, to blue depending on the salinity of the water, the lake is a photographer’s dream and a special place to take a rest.
You’ll find it at 3193 Augusta Hwy, Lochiel.
8. Hawker: Within distance to be the perfect base station for your Flinders Ranges adventure,
Hawker provides all essential services for surrounding districts.
The historic hub of Hawker is an important tourist centre as the junction for many outback towns and the gateway to the Flinders.
With many heritage and corrugated iron constructed buildings, Hawker is the first true outback town you will come across.
Don’t miss the newly renovated Flinders Food Co for a coffee & a bite.
9. Cowell: Two hours north of Port Lincoln, Cowell is a great overnight stopover for those making the long trip down to the bottom of the Eyre Peninsula.
The cute country town of Cowell is a fishing paradise.
Located on the edge of Franklin Harbour, Cowell has a reputation as one of the best fishing
destinations in Australia.
10. Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden: On your way across to Streaky? A stroll through the beautiful & interesting Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden is a lovely way to reset for the road ahead.
Experience the complex plant life of low-rainfall Australia in this 250-hectare botanic garden. The garden has walking tracks weaving through the 1990s planted garden, and a café with a beautiful native inspired menu, but the highlight is the stunning Sturt Desert Pea’s flowering from July-March, a must-see.
You’ll find it at 144 Stuart Hwy, Port Augusta West.
11. Nuriootpa: Located in heart of the Barossa Valley, the historic town of Nuriootpa is
the major tourist and service centre for the famous region.
The town is a foodie’s dream and is home to two SA icons in Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop and Penfolds Barossa Cellar Door.
12. Coffin Bay: The perfect pit stop for seafood lovers. Check out the gateway to the stunning Coffin Bay National Park, Coffin Bay.
Slurp some of the best oysters in the world while standing in waist deep turquoise
waters of an oyster farm.
Or, experience magical coves, sand dunes, glassy turquoise water, and spectacular beaches just half an hour from Port Lincoln.
13. Coober Pedy: Taking the long journey north? Why not stop in at Australia’s Opal capital, the underground town of Coober Pedy.
Discover the underground houses, shops, hotels, and fossick for your own opals.
Witness the breathtaking experience of watching the town change colour during a famous Outback sunset.
14. Ceduna: The gateway and last major township on the Nullarbor, Ceduna is close to some of South Australia’s best beaches and seafood.
Producing almost six million oysters a year, the town is home to Oysterfest, an annual celebration.
15. Wallaroo: Extremely popular for its family friendliness, the beautiful sandy beaches of Wallaroo are perfect for splashing about in with the kids.
Make sure to pack your fishing rod, the famous 869-meter jetty makes for fishing paradise.
— suggested stops supplied by NRMA Insurance.
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