South Australia's natural beauty is perfect for outdoor adventures and road trips. Visitors can hike rugged bush trails, explore pristine beaches and wildlife, or dive into the clear waters. Whether it’s camping under the stars in the outback or kayaking through coastal wetlands, South Australia (SA) offers endless ways to connect with nature.
We’ve teamed up with leading outdoor booking provider Hipcamp to bring you the must-see stays and destinations for your next South Australia road trip including camping at The Scrub Campsite in Inman Valley, a getaway to Coober Pedy or an escape to Pine Ridge in Yahl – the choice is yours.
Itinerary 1: Inman Valley
The Scrub Campsite
Location: Nottle Road, Lower Inman Valley SA 5211
The Scrub Campsite is a hidden gem. Set in the scenic Fleurieu Peninsula, this secluded bush-style campsite is surrounded by native vegetation, offering a serene atmosphere and a true back-to-nature experience. If you love hiking, explore the nearby Heysen Trail and local attractions like Deep Creek National Park. This campsite has a peaceful atmosphere with a no-noise policy after 10pm (perfect for families).
Kick off your adventure in Inman Valley by visiting the Ingalalla Falls, stop in at Victor Harbor and end the trip with some furry friends at the Softfoot Alpacca Farm.
The Scrub Campsite attractions
1. Ingalalla Falls
Location: Hay Flat Rd, Hay Flat SA 5204
Ingalalla Falls, located in South Australia’s Second Valley Forest, offers a serene 250-metre walk from the parking area to picturesque rock pools and waterfalls. Travellers will be glad to hear that the falls are flowing with water for most of the year, making Ingalalla Falls a must-visit location for families, hikers and visitors looking to enjoy a peaceful escape in nature.
2. Victor Harbor
Location: Causeway Rd, Victor Harbor SA 5211
Set off on an adventure at Victor Harbor with a charming ride on the horse-drawn tram across the causeway to Granite Island, one of the last such trams in the world. Once there, walk the island’s scenic trail, taking in impressive granite rock formations and panoramic coastal views. Keep an eye out for little penguins and seabirds along the way.
3. Softfoot Alpaca Farm
Location: 594 Sawpit Rd, Inman Valley SA 5211
What better way to end your day than with a memorable visit to an alpaca farm, where you can interact with and feed alpacas, and learn about their care and the farm’s conservation efforts.
Itinerary 2: Cooper Pedy
Coober Pedy Views
Location: 1665 Crows Rd, Coober Pedy SA 5723
Coober Pedy Views offers a unique outback camping experience just outside Coober Pedy, South Australia. This campsite is perfect for travellers looking to immerse themselves in the rugged beauty of the desert. The accommodation provides not only a comfortable place to stay but also some of the best views of Coober Pedy’s otherworldly landscape. Activities include watching the sun set over Australia’s iconic red earth, or visiting Coober Pedy, the world’s opal capital, for its unique stone architecture.
Make the most of everything Coober Pedy has to offer with a scenic flight, hiking adventure or tour through a historic museum.
Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park
Location 33km north of Coober Pedy on the Stuart Highway, then 15km off-road
Distance from campsite:
Coober Pedy Views attractions
1. Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park
Location: 33km north of Coober Pedy on the Stuart Highway, then 15km off-road
Start your adventure by heading out early to the Breakaways, where the colourful desert formations are especially stunning in the morning light. This is an adventure for photographers and hikers alike, with plenty of trails and scenic lookouts. The landscape is out of this world, perfect for a short morning hike. While there, you can join a guided tour of the Painted Desert.
2. Umoona Opal Mine and Museum
Location: 14 Hutchison St, Coober Pedy SA 5723
Only approximately an 8-minute drive from Coober Pedy Views, embark on a guided tour through this underground museum, learning about Coober Pedy’s opal mining history and the lives of its residents. Don’t miss the chance to see an opal-cutting demonstration and explore the underground tunnels. While there, you can even pop over to The Big Winch 360 for lunch and a 360° immersive experience showcasing Coober Pedy’s landscape and heritage.
3. Lake Eyre Scenic Flight
Location: Coober Pedy Airport
Feeling adventurous? Embark on a 2.5-hour scenic flight over Lake Eyre – one of the world's largest internally drainage river systems. You’ll fly over the vast salt flats, which transform into a shimmering lake when there’s enough rainfall, offering a surreal and otherworldly view of the outback. The flight also includes views of the Painted Desert’s colourful hills and rugged landscape, making this an incredible aerial adventure. If you don’t want to fly, you can choose from stargazing and astronomy, a 4WD adventure or an exploration of the lakebed (when dry) too.
Itinerary 3: Yahl
Pine Ridge
Location: 243 Caroline Rd, Yahl SA 5291
Embark on an adventure to Pine Ridge in Yahl, which offers an off-grid camping experience on an 80-acre farm. The site features spacious, tree-lined campsites ideal for avid campers, with a tranquil atmosphere perfect for families and groups. Guests can enjoy nearby attractions like the Blue Lake, Umpherston Caves and coastal areas for fishing and swimming. This campsite is perfect for those looking to connect with nature while still being close to Mount Gambier.
Discover South Australia’s best-kept secrets with stunning lake views and hiking adventures with this unforgettable journey.
Umpherston Sinkhole/Balumbul
Location Jubilee Highway East, Mount Gambier SA 5290
Distance from campsite:
Tantanoola Caves Conservation Park
Location Tantanoola Caves Rd, Tantanoola SA 5280
Distance from campsite:
Pine Ridge attractions
1. Blue Lake, Mount Gambier
Location: Bay Rd, Mount Gambier SA 5290
Explore the iconic Blue Lake, particularly stunning in summer. There are walking paths around the lake and great spots for photos. The Blue Lake/Warwar in Mount Gambier occupies one of the craters of the Maar volcano after which the city has been named. The lake provides an ever-changing blue colour throughout the year. Each November as the water warms, the lake's darker blue changes to an intense deep turquoise blue. The colouring remains until late February.
2. Umpherston Sinkhole/Balumbul
Location: Jubilee Highway East, Mount Gambier SA 5290
Umpherston Sinkhole, or Balumbul, in Mount Gambier is a breathtaking sunken garden that was once a limestone cave. The sinkhole was formed naturally through the corrosion of limestone rock and seawater. After the chamber’s roof collapsed, the sinkhole was turned into a lush garden by James Umpherston in 1866. The site offers free admission, seating and a café.
3. Tantanoola Caves Conservation Park
Location: Tantanoola Caves Rd, Tantanoola SA 5280
Discover one of South Australia's most impressive caves at the Tantanoola Caves Conservation Park. Enjoy guided tours through beautiful limestone caves. The park also offers picnic facilities and walking trails.
