4 South Australian Escapes Totally Possible Without A Car

Adventure doesn’t always start with a full tank, sometimes it begins with a timetable and a willingness to slow down. With fuel prices climbing, it’s the perfect time to leave the car behind and see the state in more depth. Hop on a bus, catch a train, or head out on two wheels and discover charming towns and local experiences you’ll miss when driving. 

Exploring SA During a Fuel Crisis

Isn’t it true that when you travel abroad, you don’t always have the luxury of a car? Instead, you make do.

You walk more, you figure things out, hop on buses and trains, and in the process you discover places in a deeper way. It’s the same story for backpackers arriving in South Australia: no car but plenty of curiosity and a willingness to explore.

So why not try your own car-free travel experience at home? Sure, it can be a little slower, but sometimes that’s just what you need! There’s a certain freedom in this way of travel, and an openness to adventure that’s easy to lose when you rely on a car for every journey.

With fuel prices rising, there’s never been a better time to rediscover your adventurous spirit, as leaving the car at home can often lead to more affordable escapes. It’s easy to underestimate not only the cost of driving to your destination, but also expense of getting around once you arrive. Fuel costs can quickly add up.

4 South Australian Escapes Possible Without A Car

See the state differently this Autumn and take this as your chance to embrace South Australia’s transport network. Adventure doesn’t always start with a full tank of petrol, sometimes it begins with a timetable!

A cycling weekend in the Barossa

A Kangaroo Island adventure

Believe it or not, a getaway to Kangaroo Island is possible without a car, and there’s no reason not to give it a try. Yes, you won’t be able to reach the remote corners of the island (unless you opt for a tour), but you can enjoy the island in a different way; less hopping in and out of the car and more time to get to know the local area and its people.

In fact, there’s even a shuttle service on the island itself, so getting around is totally doable.

So, here’s how the process of getting to Kangaroo without a car might look. Start by catching a coach from Adelaide down the Fleurieu Peninsula to Cape Jervis ferry terminal. Fares are affordable, and the trip takes roughly 2 hours. From Cape Jervis, hop on the ferry as a foot passenger to Kangaroo Island (it’s a significantly smaller price tag than taking a car, plus without fuel costs for driving around the island, you’ll be saving a fair bit).

Once you arrive, spend some time in Penneshaw, which has everything from walking trails and golf to beaches, cafés, restaurants, a small museum, and more. The sweet little town is compact and easy to explore on foot.

Then make your way to Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge in American River, where the setting is just idea for winding down. The hotel itself has idyllic water views, a saltwater pool, a fantastic award-winning restaurant, and a comfy lounge – what more could you want?

Right in the area, you can enjoy a beach just steps away, walking trails, a coffee roastery, plus other local spots to discover. Set up here for a day or two, soak in the island without moving around too much, then on your day of return travel, make your way back to Penneshaw for some more time there before you set sail!

A low-key escape to Berri

When it comes to car-free trips in SA, dare to dream bigger! Because the truth is, you can go even further afield than just an hour. Why not take a trip into the Riverland by bus and visit Berri?

Getting there does take a little planning. From Adelaide, catch a regional coach from the central bus station that heads up into the Riverland, stopping in Berri along the way. The journey takes a few hours.

Once you arrive, everything you need is right there in the town and in its surrounds. Enjoy river walks, play a round of golf, join a Canoe Adventures kayaking trip along the river, try local restaurants, or indulge in high tea. This is a trip that proves long drives are totally unnecessary if you’re looking for a relaxing escape.

A perfect base is Berri Hotel in the centre of town near the river. The hotel offers riverside villas, tasty food, delicious brunches and high teas, plus easy access to the waterfront. Just outside of town, stop by Big River Tavern for amazing pizzas and to play golf.

For a slightly more hidden and luxe accommodation option, consider Par Five Shacks, a short distance outside town for more immersive and luxe stays.

A winery hopping weekend in Clare

Let’s be real: getting to Clare by public transport takes a little patience. The buses don’t run every hour, but we promise, it’s part of the fun. From Adelaide, you can catch a regional coach from the Adelaide Central Bus Station that heads north to Clare. The journey takes a couple of hours, so settle in and enjoy the views.

Once you arrive, it’s just a short walk to Clare Country Club, the perfect base for a car-free weekend getaway. The hotel itself has plenty to keep you entertained, including an outdoor pool, a restaurant for meals, and even bike hire so you can get straight onto the Riesling Trail.

Speaking of, the Riesling Trail is a gem for slow travel. It’s designed for cyclists and walkers, linking Clare with nearby towns and vineyards in a scenic, mostly flat route. Spend the weekend exploring the region, stopping at cellar doors along the way. Some highlights along the trail include Jim Barry Wines and Sevenhill Cellars, both just a short ride from the main trail and perfect for tasting Clare’s signature Rieslings.

The great part about a car-free trip to Clare is that once you’re there, it couldn’t be easier to get around. The trail and local area are designed for two wheels, making it a genuinely enjoyable and hassle-free way to explore the region.