How to Get Around South Australia

A car is necessary for everything beyond central Adelaide. The wine regions have no useful public transport, and tasting makes a designated driver or a tour the practical choice.

Adelaide itself has free city trams and connector buses covering the centre, and the grid makes it easy to walk.

Distances north are serious. Adelaide to the Flinders is five hours, to Coober Pedy eight, to the Northern Territory border a full day. Fuel stops thin out sharply and phone coverage disappears — carry water and tell someone your route.

Kangaroo Island is reached by ferry from Cape Jervis, about 45 minutes, and needs booking ahead in summer with a vehicle.

The Ghan and the Indian Pacific both pass through Adelaide, and both are journeys in their own right rather than transport.