Explore Australia

South Australian Whale Centre This unique centre focuses on the 25 species of whale and dolphin, and other marine life found in the southern Australian waters, with an aim to educate and conserve these species. Past atrocities are displayed alongside interactive displays and presentations that reveal the wonders of the amazing creatures. Between May and October, southern right whales mate and breed in Encounter Bay. The centre offers whale cruises and sighing information, as well as a Whale Information Hotline for the latest sightings (in season) 1900 WHALES (1900 942 537). Open 9.30am to 5pm daily (exc Christmas Day); Railway Terrace; (08) 8551 0750.

Encounter Coast Discovery Centre: National Trust museum that covers Aboriginal, whaling, settler and recent local history. A museum walk finishes at the Old Customs House, which has period furnishings; open 1–4pm daily; Flinders Pde. Cockle Train: departs from Railway Tce for return journey to Goolwa; bookings 1300 655 991; for more details see Goolwa. Horse-drawn tram: Operates daily, (08) 8551 0720, www.horsedrawntram.com.au. Amusement Park: family fun fair on the beach with the state's historic Ferris wheel, dodgem cars and an inflatable slide; open long weekends and school holidays; the Causeway; 0418 845 540. SteamRanger Heritage Railway: heritage steam and diesel tourist trains run to Port Elliot, Goolwa, Strathalbyn and Mount Barker; phone 1300 655 991; www.steamranger.org.au. Scenic flights: helicopter joy-flights over Victor Harbor, Granite Island, local vineyards and the mouth of the Murray; (08) 8552 8196.

Granite Island Recreation Park Granite Island has a long and varied history. It has significance in the Ramindjeri people's Dreamtime; in 1837 a whaling station was established; and today the island is a recreation park. This history is detailed on the Kaiki Trail, a 1.5 km walk around the island. A highlight is the Below Decks Oceanarium, just off the Screwpile Jetty, with close-up views of marine life and tours daily; at dusk, take a guided Penguin Discovery Tour to see the penguins scuttle in and out of their burrows (all tour bookings (08) 8552 7555). The island is linked to the mainland by a 630 m causeway. Walk or take the horse-drawn tram, the last one remaining in the Southern Hemisphere; tram departs from entrance to Causeway at 10am daily. Tickets available at visitor centre or on the Horse Tram.Hindmarsh River Estuary: peaceful picnic and fishing spot with boardwalk through coastal scrub; 1 km NE. Greenhills Adventure Park: family-fun activities including go-karts, jumping castle and water slide; Waggon Rd; 3.5 km N. Victor Harbor Winery: cellar-door tastings and sales of cool-climate reds, whites and fortified wines; open Wed–Sun; Hindmarsh Valley; 4 km N. Urimbirra Wildlife Park: popular fauna park with a wetland bird sanctuary, crocodile-feeding and children's farmyard; Adelaide Rd; 5 km N. Big Duck Boat Tours: Spectacular 1/2 hour and 1 hour tours taking in Encounter Bay and coastal parts of Victor Harbor. Leaves from Granite Island causeway; 0405 125 312. Nangawooka Flora Reserve: tranquil walks through native bushlands with over 1250 native plant varieties on show; opposite Urimbirra Wildlife Park. The Bluff (Rosetta Head): 500-million-year-old mass of granite, well worth the 100 m climb for the views; 5 km SW. Newland Head Conservation Park: known for its wild surf and coastal vegetation, this park protects the headland and Waitpinga and Parsons beaches, which offer surf-fishing opportunities and beach walks; turn-off 15 km SW. Hindmarsh Falls: pleasant walks and spectacular waterfall (during winter); 15 km NW. Mt Billy Conservation Park: mallee and forest park renowned for its rare orchid species; 18 km NW. Inman Valley: features Glacier Rock, said to be the first recorded discovery of glaciation in Australia; 19 km NW.

Ardrossan 140 km

Located on the east side of the Yorke Peninsula, Ardrossan is bountiful water just 150 km west of Adelaide, so is a popular weekend fishing destination. Looking out on the long pier at Ardrossan, it’s striking how... Find out more

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Marion Bay 152 km

Situated at the bottom of the Yorke Peninsula, Marion Bay is angler central and offers access to spectacular offshore and beach fishing. Southern beaches from Marion Bay east to Troubridge, such as Butlers, provide top... Find out more

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West Coast 166 km

Head to Innes National Park, at the southern end of Yorke Peninsula, to find two noteworthy places for anglers. The first is Pandalowie Bay where boats can be launched and, north of this, Browns Beach. The latter is well... Find out more

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Wedge Island 203 km

Wedge Island is one of a number of small islands making up the Gambier Group, about 19 nautical miles west of the southern toe of the Yorke Peninsula. Viewed from the sea it is easy to see how the island got its name... Find out more

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Wallaroo 203 km

The small SA seaport of Wallaroo, north of Moonta, offers an excellent base for anglers wanting to catch big snapper, King George whiting, Australian salmon and yellowtail kingfish. Many of the reef systems are close to... Find out more

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Port Broughton 228 km

Port Broughton is a favourite destination for anglers wanting to fish from charter boats. The boat ramp in the sheltered harbour is next to a small pier complex and is popular for small fish including salmon, Tommy ruff,... Find out more

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Neptune Islands 233 km

Ever wondered where the filming was done for one of those documentaries where divers film great white sharks from the safety of underwater cages? One of the most popular areas for that sort of adventure is around South... Find out more

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Whale-watching on the Fleurieu Peninsula 6 km

Between May and October, southern right whales often cruise right next to the shore of the Fleurieu Peninsula. Popular viewing spots include Port Elliot, Goolwa, Middleton and Victor Harbor, but your best starting point... Find out more

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Birdwatching around the Fleurieu Peninsula 15 km

Abutting the Coorong, and with wetlands, beaches and a wide variety of terrain, the Fleurieu Peninsula is a top spot for birdwatching. There is a hide off Barrage Road at Goolwa, and the Goolwa Effluent Ponds can have... Find out more

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Diving and snorkelling off the Fleurieu Peninsula 37 km

Some of the state’s best diving – particularly in-shore and around jetties – is on the Fleurieu Peninsula, with leafy sea dragons, shipwrecks, dolphins and myriad fish species. Second Valley is great... Find out more

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Swimming with dolphins off Glenelg 65 km

Since 2002, the eco-accredited Temptation Sailing has offered a ‘swim with the dolphins sail’ on a 17-metre catamaran out of Glenelg, in which the bottlenose and common dolphins reputedly come to the vessel... Find out more

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Morialta Conservation Park 69 km

One of the most stunning parks in the region and located only 10 kilometres north-east of Adelaide, this has waterfalls and deep gorges, woodlands, koalas, echidnas and southern brown bandicoots. The pick of the walks is... Find out more

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Aboriginal gallery, Adelaide 70 km

The Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery at the South Australian Museum holds the largest collection of Aboriginal artefacts in the world. Some 3000 are on display at any one time.... Find out more

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Adelaide Zoo 71 km

With its catchphrase ‘We exist to save animals from extinction’, this is another of Australia’s excellent zoos. The sea-lion display and walkthrough rainforest aviary are particularly recommended.... Find out more

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Kangaroo Island Marine Tours 90 km

This well-respected, eco-accredited outfit runs a variety of wildlife-focused tours out of Kingscote in a low-emission, rigid, inflatable vessel that takes up to 12 people. Swim with dolphins, go whalewatching, see a New... Find out more

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Cycling in the Barossa 118 km

In the Barossa, you can hire bikes from the visitor centre in Tanunda and take the paved 7-kilometre cycle path to Nuriootpa. For a guided, multi-day supported bike tour, sampling the best of the region’s cuisine... Find out more

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Diving and snorkelling off Kangaroo Island 120 km

The sheltered north coast of Kangaroo Island is favoured for water activities, and is home to some 270 temperate fish species – such as blue devils, boarfish and blue groper – along with seals, dolphins and... Find out more

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Links Lady Bay Resort 29 km

‘A pleasurable golf course,’ Dr Alister MacKenzie once wrote, ‘is not necessarily one that appeals at first sight, but rather one that grows on a player like good music, good painting, or good... Find out more

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Glenelg Golf Club 66 km

Glenelg is to Adelaide what Bondi is to Sydney – the city’s most popular beach suburb. The terminus for the City to Bay tram, a Glenelg icon, can be found where Jetty Rd meets the beach, where you will... Find out more

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Kooyonga Golf Club 70 km

Kooyonga is a thinking player’s golf course. One of the game’s greatest strategists, Peter Thomson, gave an insight into what is required to play well at Kooyonga after winning the 1972 Australian Open... Find out more

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Royal Adelaide Golf Club 73 km

In the city of churches, Royal Adelaide is the golfing equivalent of the Vatican. Every visiting golfer should make a pilgrimage to this Dr Alister MacKenzie-designed layout, one of Australia’s top 10 courses,... Find out more

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The Grange Golf Club (West Course) 74 km

Melbourne’s sandbelt wasn’t the only region in which golf course construction was booming during the 1920s. Various sites in Adelaide’s western suburbs – Kooyonga in 1922, Glenelg in 1926... Find out more

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The Grange Golf Club (East Course) 75 km

Vern Morcom was working on the final changes to The Grange’s West course redesign when the club announced plans for a second course. Morcom was asked to design it, on 150 acres of adjoining land, and the East... Find out more

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Anchorage Cafe Restaurant Wine Bar

Chargrilled steaks and seafood are the forte of this restaurant, part of the historic Anchorage Seafront Hotel in the heart of town. Creative sauces enliven many dishes: try their rib-eye steak with shiraz and thyme... Find out more

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eat at whalers

With a smart outdoor deck overlooking Encounter Bay and Wright Island, there are few finer places to be on a warm summer’s afternoon. Asian flavours grace several, entrées, like their spring rolls or prawn... Find out more

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The Organic Market and Cafe 61 km

This bustling cafe and organic produce outlet in Stirling was the national winner of the best organic retailer award. Something of an institution in the area, it has delicious antipasto platters and great coffee. About... Find out more

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The Locavore 61 km

The Locavore (‘local eater’) at Stirling in the Adelaide Hills sticks to the ‘100-mile’ philosophy of sourcing food, which in its case includes the Barossa, Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale and the... Find out more

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Goodlife 64 km

This innovative restaurant and takeaway not only makes carbon-neutral pizzas, but also places an emphasis on sourcing produce that is organic and local. Takeaway pizzas here even come tied up with string.... Find out more

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The Steam Exchange Company 16 km

South Australia seems to have more than its fair share of craft breweries in significant historical locations, and The Steam Exchange Brewery is no exception. It’s housed in a heritage-listed former railway goods... Find out more

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South Australian Brewing Company 71 km

Established in 1888, the South Australian Brewing Company became the state’s dominant beer-maker by steadily acquiring competitors like the Kent Town Brewery, West End Brewery and the Walkerville Co-operative... Find out more

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Adelaide Hills Craft Brewing 75 km

Located in the former Onkaparinga woollen mill complex at Lobethal in the Adelaide Hills, this brewery/bar is run by Alistair Turnbull and Phil Jones. The pair turned their backs on careers in banking to study brewing in... Find out more

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Brewboys 75 km

One of the country’s newest craft beermaking enterprises, Brewboys is a partnership between Stephen Nelsen and Simon Sellick, who also operate the contract brewing company Fresh Cellars. At present they utilise a... Find out more

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Coopers Brewery 75 km

More than any other Australian brewery, Coopers has grown significant market share over the past two decades on the back of increased demand for alternative beer styles. It was established in 1862 by Yorkshireman Thomas... Find out more

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Knappstein Enterprise Brewery 191 km

History has turned full circle for the Clare Valley’s Enterprise Brewery, which ceased beer-making operations in 1916, but was revived for its original purpose in 2006. In between time, this gorgeous sandstone... Find out more

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Waitpinga camping area 15 km

Sheltered sites are set amongst coastal scrub a short stroll from Waitpinga Beach, 16 km south-west of Victor Harbor. Access is from Range and Dennis roads. A permit is required and cooking is by gas/fuel stove only.... Find out more

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Coles Crossing camping area 25 km

At 17 km north-east of Mount Compass this camping area is reached from Coles Crossing Rd, 6 km south of Mt Magnificent Rd. Campers need to note that only gas/fuel stoves are permitted.... Find out more

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Barker Knoll camping area (boat-based camping) 26 km

This is a great beach location for self-sufficient campers, right at the Murray Mouth and reached only by boat via Coorong or Lake Alexandrina. Pick up a permit from the self-registration station.... Find out more

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Godfreys Landing camping area (boat-based camping) 26 km

Beach camping just south of the Murray Mouth is reached by boat access only. Come equipped for self-sufficient camping, and pick up a permit from the self-registration station.... Find out more

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Tapanappa Campground 34 km

There are fantastic views along Tunkallilla Beach and over to Kangaroo Island from this lofty ridgetop campground. It’s also a staging post for challenging bushwalks to Deep Creek Cove and beautiful Boat Harbour... Find out more

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Stringybark Campground 35 km

Deep Creek’s main campground is sheltered by delightful stringybark forest, a feature of the park’s higher ground. It’s a comfortable self-sufficient base camp for daytrips and walks on Tapanappa Rd, 9... Find out more

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Jacks Paddock Campground 36 km

Opposite Kuitpo Hall, with access from Christmas Hill Rd, this paddock campground is 11 km south of Meadows. With a restored barn and horseyards, it’s recommended for group camping. Arrange your booking and permit... Find out more

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Woodcutters Cottage 37 km

This former youth hostel is a 4-room stone cottage with lounge, kitchen and sleeping room for 12, plus room nearby for tents. It’s 2 km from the information centre on Brookman Rd. Bookings and a permit are... Find out more

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Trig Campground 38 km

This popular location in the heart of the park is sheltered and leafy, with good access to walking trails. It’s at the end of the steep Tent Rock Rd, 12 km south of Delamere. Bring wood and pick up a permit from... Find out more

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Chookarloo Campground 39 km

Creekside camping is permitted just 1.5 km from Kuitpo’s main information centre, 8 km south-west of Meadows on Brookman Rd.... Find out more

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Victor Harbor Beachfront Holiday Park 1 km

Right on the beachfront, this park is also within walking distance of the town centre (1.5 km). It is a quality tourist park with good facilities. Ideal for a few days or an extended stay, bookings are required during... Find out more

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Port Elliot Holiday Park 7 km

Located just 2 km from Port Elliot, between Victor Harbor and Goolwa in a fabulous beachfront position, this is an excellent place to stay year round. We feel this is one of the great seaside caravan parks on the... Find out more

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Goolwa Caravan Park 19 km

Located 4 km from the town centre, in a quiet waterside area, this is a big park with large numbers of both annual sites and powered tourist sites, as well as an enormous number of unpowered sites. Reservations must be... Find out more

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Mount Compass Caravan Park 21 km

As neat as a pin, this newly established caravan park in a rural setting has reached a high standard in its first three years. It is a great inland base for exploring the Fleurieu Peninsula. Bookings are required in peak... Find out more

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Jetty Caravan Park - Normanville 31 km

This is a neat tourist park alongside the beach. Bookings are required during Christmas and Easter holidays and a minimum-stay period applies at Christmas, January, Easter and long weekends.... Find out more

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Milang Lakeside Caravan Park 36 km

This neat and shady park on the western shores of Lake Alexandrina is the ideal getaway destination for those wanting to have a few quiet days in a waterside location. Bookings are required during Christmas and Easter... Find out more

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Port Willunga Tourist Park 36 km

In a quiet rural location about 4 km from Aldinga, this is a spacious park with well-established shady trees. Bookings are necessary at Christmas, January, Easter and long weekends and a minimum-stay period applies.... Find out more

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McLaren Vale Lakeside Caravan Park 38 km

This is a spacious, quality park amid the vineyards of the McLaren Vale region. If you want to experience the great wines from the multitude of cellar-door outlets, you will find the park the best base on this part of... Find out more

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Moana Beach Tourist Park 41 km

Only a short distance from the Moana town centre and close to the beach, this park is also not far from Adelaide’s southern suburbs. Bookings are required at Christmas, January, Easter and long weekends. There is a... Find out more

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Brighton Caravan Park and Holiday Village 58 km

Just 17 km from Adelaide city, this tourist park enjoys absolute beach frontage and has a nice, relaxed feel. It is a popular family park and bookings are essential during busy holiday periods. A 2-night minimum-length... Find out more

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Anchorage Seafront Hotel

This stately heritage-listed building occupies a prime seafront location in the centre of town. Its 20 rooms have been remodelled to provide a range of accommodation, from luxury spa suites to economical motel-style... Find out more

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Riverhouse

Riverhouse is a quiet, engaging country retreat sited near bushland and river gums. Fully equipped and self-contained, the home has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an attractive kitchen and family living area with wood... Find out more

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Whalers Inn Resort

This resort takes full advantage of Encounter Bay’s ever-changing spectacle. Nestled in the lee of the Bluff, the resort offers a selection of single- and three-bedroom self-catered apartments. All come with... Find out more

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Ridgetop Retreats 36 km

Three funky, architecturally designed cabins sit in quiet seclusion in Deep Creek Conservation Park at the tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula. They have solar hot water, composting toilets, two bedrooms, floor-to-ceiling... Find out more

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Antechamber Bay Ecocabins 57 km

This low-key, out-of-the-way spot in the east of the island is next to a beautiful and isolated beach. There are two fairly basic self-contained and solar-powered cabins with room for up to eight people each, half a... Find out more

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Clarion Hotel Soho 69 km

Completed at the end of 2008, this five-star boutique hotel was designed with many hidden environmental features, such as water-recycling systems, sustainable building materials and airflow and passive cooling to reduce... Find out more

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Coorong Wilderness Lodge 80 km

Opened early in 2009, the five beautiful cabins here on a limestone cliff on Aboriginal lands have 180-degree views over the Coorong, with pelicans, ducks and other birds flying past at window height. The cabins have... Find out more

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Nautilus Lodge 102 km

This solar-powered, four-bedroom house is surrounded by Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park and is situated right on the beach. It can sleep up to 12 people.... Find out more

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Eleanor River Homestead 125 km

This beautiful two-bedroom log cabin in the middle of the island is solar-powered, has rainwater and a sewage worm farm.... Find out more

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Lighthouse cottages 185 km

Stay in eco-accredited lighthouse keeper’s cottages on wind-swept hills at opposite ends of the island: Cape Borda, Cape Willoughby and Cape du Couedic. There are also daily tours of the lightstations.... Find out more

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Meningie Park Area 67 km

Middle of town Large parking area on the shores of the lake. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S35 41.10 E139 20.20  ... Find out more

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Jackmans Lookout Rest Area 78 km

0.5 km E of Swanport Bridge (L) or 19 km W of Tailem Bend (R) Large area well off the highway at the lookout. GPS: S35 08.40 E139 18.58  ... Find out more

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Tailem Bend South Rest Area 78 km

6 km S of Tailem Bend (R) or 46 km N of Meningie (L) Small secluded area among the trees. Good shade. GPS: S35 18.15 E139 25.50... Find out more

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Monteith Rest Area 78 km

4 km E of Swanport Bridge (L) or 15 km NW of Tailem Bend (R) Large area around a few trees. GPS: S35 09.46 E139 20.37   ... Find out more

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Parnka Point Camp Area 82 km

T/O 23 km S of Meningie (R) or 121 km NW of Kingston (L) Two small but open camp areas located 2 kilometres south of the highway on the foreshore in Coorong National Park. Toilets at nearby ‘day use only’... Find out more

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Coomandook Park Area 98 km

Middle of town Parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade.  GPS: S35 28.16 E139 41.49 ... Find out more

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Coonalpyn North Rest Area 108 km

20 km SE of Coomandook (R) or 10 km NW of Coonalpyn (L) Large secluded area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S35 36.50 E139 48.42 ... Find out more

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Sherlock Rest Area 110 km

Middle of town Small area adjacent to the highway opposite the store. Limited shade. GPS: S35 19.118 E139 48.076... Find out more

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Loop Road Camp Area 113 km

T/O 61 km SE of Meningie (R) or 83 km NW of Kingston (L) Small secluded camp area located 1 kilometre off the highway opposite a lake on the Loop Road in Coorong National Park. Limited shade. GPS: S36 08.16 E139... Find out more

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Coonalpyn Park Area 113 km

Middle of town Large parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities and shade.  GPS: S35 41.48 E139 51.27 ... Find out more

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Peake Rest Area 122 km

Middle of town Small area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S35 21.913 E139 57.025... Find out more

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Culburra North Rest Area 123 km

14 km SE of Coonalpyn (R) or 13 km NW of Tintinara (L) Large secluded area surrounded by trees. Limited shade. GPS: S35 47.50 E139 56.47 ... Find out more

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Dublin Park Area 124 km

On the service road Parking area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S34 27.119 E138 21.109 ... Find out more

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Moppa Road Rest Area 125 km

29 km NE of Gawler (L) or 3 km W of Nuriootpa (R) Small area just off the highway behind a few trees. GPS: S34 27.33 E138 58.26  ... Find out more

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42 Mile Crossing Camp Area 128 km

T/O 78 km S of Meningie (R) or 66 km N of Kingston (L) Secluded campground located 3 km west of the highway at a clearing behind the dunes in Coorong National Park. GPS: S36 17.15 E139 42.42  ... Find out more

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Tintinara Park Area 135 km

South end of town Parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade.  GPS: S35 53.05 E140 03.25  ... Find out more

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Truro East Rest Area 135 km

1 km E of Truro (L) or 45 km W of Blanchetown (R) Small area just off the highway among a few large trees. Good shade. GPS: S34 24.30 E139 08.07... Find out more

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Tarlee Park Area 142 km

Middle of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S34 16.471 E138 46.258... Find out more

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Port Wakefield South Rest Area No.2 144 km

22 km N of Dublin (L) northbound only Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S34 17.396 E138 14.543... Find out more

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Port Wakefield South Rest Area No.1 148 km

12 km S of Port Wakefield (L) southbound only Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S34 15.327 E138 13.381... Find out more

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Annadale Rest Area 149 km

29 km E of Truro (L) or 17 km W of Blanchetown (R) Large area just off the highway among numerous trees. Limited shade. GPS: S34 23.22 E139 25.55... Find out more

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