Southern Ocean Drive road trip: Victor Harbor to Kangaroo Island

SOUTHERN OCEAN DRIVE: SEE THE FLEURIEU, LIMESTONE COAST AND KANGAROO ISLAND

From the land of natural wonders on the Limestone Coast, to the untouched wilderness of Kangaroo Island and the sea and vines of the Fleurieu Peninsula, there’s something to discover around every bend. Download the Southern Ocean Drive map, and hit the road to uncover some of Australia’s best wineries, most breathtaking beaches and jaw-dropping geological marvels. Here’s our guide to the best things to see and do between Victor Harbor and Kangaroo Island, along the Southern Ocean Drive.

VICTOR HARBOR TO KANGAROO ISLAND 

Deep Creek Conservation Park 

Only an hour’s drive south of Adelaide, Deep Creek Conservation Park is the perfect spot to stretch your legs after a day of driving. A popular hiking spot for locals, here you can wonder more than 15 walking trails taking you through some of the most stunning bush land with dramatic coastal views, waterfalls, pristine beaches and lots of wildlife like Kangaroos and koalas along the way. Spend the night at Southern Ocean Retreats in the heart of the park and jump on a guided walk with Southern Ocean Walk to traverse the historic Heysen Trail through some of the most breathtaking sections of the park with the knowledge of an experienced local. For the ultimate luxury, settle down at Naiko Retreat and soak in views of the Southern Ocean from the tub of your own luxury beach side abode.

Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island 

Home to pristine beaches, rugged wilderness, diverse wildlife and incredible produce, Kangaroo Island is the ultimate island escape. Separated from the mainland by a narrow strip of ocean, just drive your car onto the SeaLink Ferry from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw and start exploring. Millie Mae's Pantry is in Penneshaw and its lovingly sourced and prepared Kangaroo Island food is dished up daily for breakfast and lunch. Relax in the garden under the established fruit trees and leave with some of the local produce from their pantry store.

Kingscote, Kangaroo Island 

Kingscote is the main town on Kangaroo Island and where the island's airport is located. The hub for the island's main services, Kingscote is also a great starting point for you to experience nearby drinking holes, beaches and gourmet produce. Tucked away on 20 acres of picturesque land just outside of Kingscote is Kangaroo Island Brewery. Settle in for the afternoon and sample your way through eight different craft beers accompanied with a platter or wood-fired pizza. The brewery has been crafted from recycled materials gathered from all over the island, including shearing sheds and local stone, with most of the ingredients for the beer also sourced locally. At Kangaroo Island Spirits, native botanicals sourced from around the island are distilled to create some of Australia’s most awarded gins. South Australia's first boutique distillery established in 2005, the cellar door is located half an hour’s drive away from Kingscote in Cygnet River. The tranquil gin garden is the perfect spot to while away the afternoon.

Vivonne Bay, Kangaroo Island 

Vivonne Bay was once voted as Australia’s best beach. This six kilometre long U-shaped bay is postcard perfect. Here, white sandy shores meet gently lapping waves, perfect for wading waist deep. With a jetty framing the south-end and distant dunes in the north, it’s a great excuse to slip away for the day without another soul in sight.

Flinders Chase National Park, Kangaroo Island 

Flinders Chase National Park is a rugged island wilderness home to abundant wildlife and iconic landmarks including Admiral's Arch and Remarkable Rocks.The wind-blasted boulders of Remarkable Rocks are synonymous with Kangaroo Island. This geological phenomenon has been crafted from granite by the pounding wind, sea and rain over 500 million years and is one of the most recognisable landmarks on the island. Nestled on the north-west corner of Kangaroo Island about an hour's drive from Kingscote, this national park is a mecca for wildlife lovers, avid bush walkers and beach bums. Follow the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail to witness nature's remarkable post-bushfire regeneration powers. Just 40 minutes’ drive away from Flinders Chase National Park lies Seal Bay, home to an endangered colony of Australian sea lions for thousands of years. Watch resident sea lions in their natural habitat from a 900-metre-long wheelchair accessible boardwalk, meandering through the dunes to impressive coastal lookouts or get even closer with a guided beach tour.