South Australia is the iconic desert + outback state — Lake Eyre, the Flinders, the Simpson, the Birdsville Track. But it's also got the Great Ocean Road's wilder cousin coast, riverland greenery, the wineries of the Barossa, and the diversity of Kangaroo Island. Ten standout SA destinations from coast to far outback.

Photo by Megan Clark on Unsplash

The beach run south of Robe is one of SA's most popular + testing sand drives. Soft sand + big dunes — well-prepared 4WDs only. Reduced tyre pressures, recovery gear, decent compressor are mandatory.

• Commercial accommodation in Robe town
• Bush camping in Little Dip Conservation Park (some sites accessible 2WD)
• Coastal scenery + fishing
• Best season: November-April

Between Pinnaroo and Bordertown. Protects mallee and heathland, with vital soaks and contemporary bores. Conventional vehicles ok at Pertendi Hut or Comet Bore camps.

• Border Track — challenging full-size 4WD route, north-south traverse
• Carry plenty of water — dry country, limited reliable sources
• Wildlife: mallee fowl + emus, plus rare malleeschat

45 minutes via vehicular ferry from the mainland (Cape Jervis to Penneshaw). Beautiful northern beaches for swimming + fishing; rugged exposed south coast for surfing. Wildlife — seals, koalas, kangaroos, echidnas — abundant. Remarkable Rocks + Admirals Arch are the iconic sites.

• Camping: commercial parks + bush sites around the island
• Best season: September-April
• 2-3 days minimum to do it justice

Photo: Megan Clark / Unsplash

Wilpena Pound is the famous centrepiece, but the NP encompasses much more. Waterways lined with massive redgums, rugged range country, native pine forests, salt-lake mirages.

• Mountain bikes useful here
• Walking tracks extensive — short loops to multi-day Heysen Trail sections
• Camping: commercial parks + numerous bush sites
• Wildlife abundant: roos, emus, eagles, the rare yellow-footed rock wallaby
• Best season: April-October

Beyond the Flinders for proper outback. Remnants of early mining + marginal sheep grazing scattered across an increasingly harsh landscape. Spectacular scenery, deep Aboriginal cultural significance — needs several days to appreciate.

• Arkaroola (commercial) is the central base — services + bush sites
• Bush sites throughout the NP
• 4WD essential for full exploration
• Best season: April-October

Remote beaches, wild weather, sheltered coves. Excellent bush camps in Coffin Bay NP. 4WDs can drive beach (CHECK TIDES — strand on a rising tide and you lose the vehicle). Walks + lookouts for non-driving visitors.

• 4WD camping: Yangie Bay, The Brothers, Sensation Beach
• 2WD camping: Little Yangie Bay
• Famous for: Coffin Bay oysters, surfing, fishing
• Best season: November-April

Photo: Megan Clark / Unsplash

Remote outpost at the top of the Strzelecki Track. Bush travellers come for the Cooper Creek (camping, nature, fishing). The hotel + store are the town's backbone. Burke + Wills history nearby (the famous Dig Tree).

• Robust conventional vehicles can reach Innamincka with care
• 4WD only for Coongie Lakes or Walkers Crossing
• Best season: April-October
• The Innamincka Hotel is one of the great outback pubs

Once a demanding stock route + mail run, now a regularly travelled outback drive. Conventional vehicles can do it carefully — but the stony desert kills tyres, so travel slowly + carry multiple spares.

• Highlights: old homestead ruins, vital stock bores, minor sand dunes
• Camping: artesian spa pool outside Mungeranie Hotel (essential stop), Clayton Wetlands
• Beware of vehicle convoys + dust around Birdsville Cup time
• Best season: April-October

Marree to Marla following the old Ghan Rail route. Historic sidings + rail paraphernalia across enormous cattle stations. William Creek + Oodnadatta townships for supply top-ups. The Coward Springs warm artesian dip is a must.

• 2WD with care in dry weather; bush camping along the route
• Lake Eyre access requires 4WD + a full day side trip
• Best season: April-October
• Iconic stops: William Creek pub (smallest town in Australia with a pub); Coward Springs; Lake Eyre fly-overs from William Creek airstrip

Australia's iconic desert crossing. 1,100 parallel sand dunes between Mt Dare/Dalhousie + Birdsville. Capable 4WDs + experienced drivers only. Dunes have been heavily cut up by recent traffic, slowing the crossing.

• East-west tracks (French Line, Rig Road, WAA Line) offer some variety
• Sand flags REQUIRED + a UHF radio for dune-top safety
• Summer travel PROHIBITED (April 1 - October 31 only)
• Full self-sufficiency required — no fuel, no water, no signal
• Convoy of 2+ vehicles recommended
• Permits required via SA + QLD National Parks

South Australia spans the Flinders, Eyre Peninsula, Coorong + the wineries — browse our live Campsite Explorer for current SA camping options.

Browse all SA campsites →

• NP + Conservation Park bookings: parks.sa.gov.au
• Forestry SA bookings: forestrysa.com.au
• Beach vehicle permits: environment.sa.gov.au
• Weather + marine: bom.gov.au/sa
• Fire bans (CFS): cfs.sa.gov.au
• Fruit fly quarantine info: pir.sa.gov.au
• Leave No Trace Australia: lnt.org.au

SA is the desert + outback state for serious tourers. Build up gradually: Flinders Ranges → Birdsville Track → Innamincka → Simpson Desert. Each is the step-up to the next. Add Kangaroo Island + Coffin Bay for the gentler side of SA camping.

Most SA outback travel is dry-season (April-October). Summer is dangerous. Sand-flag rules + permits matter — check all current requirements with SA Parks before any remote trip.