With the Easter long weekend among us, it’s the time where a lot of us are jumping in the car and heading away for a much-deserved break and with so many great places in South Australia to see, why wouldn’t you use this opportunity to get out and about!
And while road trip are always fun, they can also be tiring with the team at NRMA Insurance encouraging everyone to have a plan to take regular breaks on trips – ideally a 15-minute stop every two hours.
More than 140,000 South Australians are planning to take a road trip this April making it the most popular time of year to hit the road for a holiday.
To help with the planning, NRMA Insurance has compiled a handy list of 15 great places around the state to take a break!
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!
Minlaton
On your way to Marion Bay? 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.
“Larry” The Big Lobster
Heading to Robe? 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.
17 Princes Highway, Kingston Se, Limestone Coast
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 breath-taking mural of five local Coonalpyn Primary School children. The massive 30-meter silos are a must-see.
23-25 Poyntz Terrace, Coonalpyn
Naracoorte Caves
On your way down the south-east? 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.
89 Wonambi Road, Naracoorte
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 the locals!
Find out more here.
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.
3193 Augusta Hwy, Lochiel
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.
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.
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.
144 Stuart Hwy, Port Augusta West
Nuriootpa
Heading to The Barossa? 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.
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.
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.
Find out more here.
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.
Find out more here.
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.
Find out more here.
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