It has been hard to figure out exactly what defines “the Outback” because there are some definitions about rain and climate and others that just say it’s in the middle of Australia. The third and final part of our Outback favorites are all places in South Australia that may or may not fit in the popular Outback definitions.
This portion of our campervan trip was filled with rainy vineyard visits and dusty, remote mountain towns. We had some of the best pub chats in this region and drank some of the best wine.
From Adelaide, you could easily make it to any of these destinations if you didn’t want to do the full Alice Springs route that we completed. We had quite a few recommendations for the following places from people that we met during the first half of our Australia trip. It doesn’t seem to be the most popular area to visit unless you are in on the secret. The views were incredible, and there were so few people everywhere we went.
Off the Beaten Path Favorites in South Australia
Mount Remarkable
Technically, we were a little north of the actual national park in the photos below. It was one of the best free camping sites we found. Off a windy road that ascends into the mountains, we pulled off to a small grassy area with incredible views all the way around. This region is at the edge of the Flinders Ranges in South Australia. Check out one of the top 10 hikes in the park while you’re here. There are options for each side of the park.
Flinders Ranges
These are the largest mountains in South Australia and have some pretty interesting history. Some of the world’s oldest fossils were discovered here. You can discover abandoned towns along the way to the national park. It’s a little eery, but an interesting look into the past.
There are great camping areas in this region – especially in the National Park. The small cafes and pubs are friendly places to sit down next to other travelers and swap stories. Everyone we met was from Australia and just beginning to explore their own country. Each person had a different recommendation and we attempted to try them all. If you want good conversation, get other Australians to tell you their best spider or snake stories. Although I’d advise you not to do that if you are at the beginning of your trip or traveling during the summer.
The only traffic you’ll find in this remote part of the country is due to birds using the road for their daily commute.
Quorn
This small town was another recommendation. The Quorn Caravan Park is a very eco-conscious park with a perfect location to explore the surrounding areas. You can walk to the adorable Main Street from the park, and the owners will give you tons of great local recommendations.
It looks like this small town hit pause sometime in the early 1900’s. The railroad station is right on the main road through town along with shops and restaurants that are open for a few hours most days. It is easy to see why they have used the town to film several movies. You feel like you took a time machine.
The local pub we stopped into allowed a small glimpse into the past. In the past, one American troop reflected on his brief stopover there on his way to help the Australian Army defend Darwin in WWII. “This is the friendliest town I’ve encountered and maybe the last one I see.“
Barossa Valley
We checked the forecast and there was some rain in the forecast. Barossa Valley is a famous wine region just outside of Adelaide and would provide us with plenty of indoor activities, so we decided to head there for two nights. You can stay in this area. We walked to town, and the vineyards were very close.
Wine was on the itinerary, but we wanted to just try two places instead of rushing from spot to spot. Plus, it was better for the budget to go slowly. There was also a giant festival the weekend we were there, so some spots were quite busy. We found two family-owned vineyards and had the best experiences.
Whistler
Two brothers took over the family business and are adding their own spin. In addition to making some of the classics, they are playing around with some combinations that we just loved. It’s the only place we went in Australia that I will someday pay the shipping to order a box. See their website here.
Atze’s Corner
The location of this spot was perfect from our campground. We went here for sunset one night and had the best talk with the woman working. Her husband came down and we drank a few glasses with them swapping travel stories. The interior of this place is gorgeous and the wine is even better. Read more about them on the website.
Lastly, we found a fantastic pizza spot that we have to share. The owner was hilarious and kept us laughing the entire time we were there. He showed us extra love with a basket of free French fries and then served up an amazing pizza with peppers, onions, and a spicy sauce. Check out Valley Pizza if you’re in the area. It looks like you’re walking into someone’s house, but I promise the whole place is a restaurant, and you will be immediately welcomed. (Update: it appears this restaurant is closed as of 2024, although I cannot confirm—check out the town for other restaurant options.)
Final Thoughts on the Outback and South Australia
Australia has some of the most amazing cities to explore, but like the US, there is a whole different world to explore in the small towns and the national parks. Our two-week road trip in the Outback was the best “change in plans” that we could’ve hoped for. Whether you’re looking to make that epic trip to Uluru to feast your eyes on the famous rock or drink a beer in an underground bar in the middle of nowhere, the Outback has something for everyone.
Pin this for later:
