12 Breathtaking Road Trips That Begin In Adelaide

You can't go Down Under without heading south.

1. Skip amongst the stars at Second Valley.

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Distance from Adelaide: 90 kilometres

Things to do: This coastal valley on the Fleurieu Peninsula is perfect for swimmers and bushwalkers alike. Surrounded by rolling hills, steep cliffs, and rugged bushland, the tranquil Second Valley beach is an ideal coastal retreat. It isn't bad for a spot of fishing either, if that's your road trip essential.

2. Go beneath the red desert at Coober Pedy.

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Distance from Adelaide: 849km

Things to do: Not only is this the world's opal capital, but the entire township is literally underground. Watch stunning sunrises over the Painted Desert and be mystified by subterranean churches.

3. Explore nature's playground at Innes National Park.

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Distance from Adelaide: 289km

Things to do: Innes National Park is every nature lover's dream. From deep lagoons to rolling sand dunes, this enormous nature reserve on the tip of the Yorke Peninsula is an idyllic location for campers. Prepare to have crystal-clear waters and star-filled skies all to yourself.

4. Relax in some of the state's snazziest cellar doors at McLaren Vale.

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Distance from Adelaide: 40km

Things to do: Get ready to drink, drink, and drink some more because some of South Australia's finest drops come from this stunning region. Filled with up-and-coming boutique wineries, this quick city getaway never fails to impress tourists and locals alike. Hire a driver to make the most of the southern grapevines.

5. Ogle the untouched landscape at Wilpena Pound.

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Distance from Adelaide: 460km

Things to do: You'll feel like the only person on Earth when immersed in the beautifully-still surroundings of Wilpena Pound. This desert road trip isn't for the faint hearted, but is certainly worth the drive. Expect deep, dry valleys, and soaring cliffs with views for miles.

6. Chow down on German treats at hillside village Hahndorf.

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Distance from Adelaide: 25km

Things to do: Only a 30-minute trip up Adelaide's main motorway lies this adorable German village. With countless cafés and hearty pubs, strawberry picking, and even a handful of wineries, this is one of SA's best day trips. You can even check out the house and studios of internationally-renowned Australian artist, Hans Heysen.

7. Become one with nature at Australia's first nudist destination Maslin Beach.

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Distance from Adelaide: 39km

Things to do: Only a small corner of this coastal haven is nudist, so you don't have to get your kit off. This southern stretch of coastline is only 40 minutes from the Adelaide's CBD, and is known as one of Australia's best beaches. The greatest bit? Most people think the entirety of Maslin is nudist, so it's often empty.

8. Discover a land of sweeping plains at Arkaroola.

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Distance from Adelaide: 712km

Things to do: The true definition of "woop woop", Arkaroola houses some of Australia's most renowned red desert. Full of rugged mountain ranges and hidden waterholes, this wilderness sanctuary offers sky-high views second to none. This untouched land isn't to be conquered with anything but a four-wheel drive.

9. Make friends with Australia's furry natives at Kangaroo Island.

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Distance from Adelaide: 210km

Things to do: OK, so it's an island, but you drive your car onto the ferry to get there. Home to thousands of kangaroos, koalas, sea lions, and penguins, this remote island is perfect for any wildlife enthusiast. Kangaroo Island is also known for its breathtaking natural formations, so be sure to visit Remarkable Rocks, where part of Daniel Radcliffe's December Boys was filmed.

10. Take the ultimate Instagram in the pink lake at Lochiel.

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Distance from Adelaide: 130km

Things to do: Lake Bumbunga at Lochiel is one of South Australia's most bizarrely beautiful landscapes. The salt lake seasonally turns pink due to an unusual algae, but you can still safely step into the pastel paradise. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the Loch Ness Monster's cousin: the Loch Eel.

11. Swim with tuna, dolphins, seals, and sharks at Port Lincoln.

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Distance from Adelaide: 652km

Things to do: Known as the seafood capital of Australia, this seaside city isn't short of an oyster or two. Dine on delicacies from the sea or swim with them, if you're game. Port Lincoln's famous for letting gutsy visitors get up close and personal with sharks, whilst locals hurl fish across the township in the annual tuna throwing competition. It simply has to be seen to be believed.

12. And taste some of the world's best wine at the Barossa Valley.

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Distance from Adelaide: 75km

Things to do: Year after year, the Barossa's drops shine in the global wine stakes. Test out some of Australia's biggest and best wineries, whilst dining in award-winning restaurants and enjoying the ever-green countryside. Only an hour drive from Adelaide, you haven't seen South Australia 'til you've seen the Barossa.