In the south-east of Australia, one of the oldest cities in ‘down under’ is situated at the coastline. Kangaroo Island neatly tucks the city away as it protects it from the southern winds and tropical storms. However, it’s a place that is rural and humble. Normally tourists and travellers might see Sydney and Melbourne as the two places you have to visit if you do come to this side of the world. Yet Adelaide is what you might call ‘real’ Australia. It’s the everyday life of living in a country that is most desert, surrounded by deadly wildlife and taking it slow that shows the side of the country that is bare and true. It’s a city of 1.3 million people but this population is spread out in the countryside surrounding the city, and in suburban as well as urban districts. It’s a place where many Australians have decided to retire in as it’s quiet, and is at one with the beaches and the ocean waves. This makes it a perfect city to take a road trip in.
Take it slow
Driving up the coast, you’ll be on many rural roads that will be winding and at times changing in gradient. Before you get going, consider campervan hire as it gives you a place to sleep, cook meals and hang out late into the night. These motorhomes are of the premium variety, which means you have many features that base models do not. Things like an onboard shower and toilet, as well as mattresses and external BBQs are available. Pretty much everything you need for a road trip is onboard. There’s easily enough space for 3 to 4 adults but if you have a family such as 2 adults and 2 or 3 children there’s enough space for all of you too.
On the cliff
Start your road trip journey in Seacliff. It’s a small suburban area right by the coast. Long flat plains and beaches that are a gentle beige are accompanied with winding roads. The light green vegetation that surrounds the beaches, the roads and at the foot of the hills is just up to knee height. This little area is south of Brighton which is mainly a tourist hotspot. Seacliff is a quiet residential area with large houses and sometimes gated communities. A great place to watch the sunset and cook outside for your first night. Go down to the Seacliff Beach or the Seacliff Esplanade to learn how to row in a kayak. There’s also a yacht club that can take you around the coast to see the rock formations.
Lack back sands
Your next stop along the coastline should be West Beach. An incredibly laid-back beach where local residents come to walk their dogs. Many families will come here on the weekends to have a picnic with an awesome view. The waters are largely calm because as aforementioned Kangaroo Island takes most of the speed out of the waves. It’s a very popular swimming destination because the waters aren’t just calm but they’re also a clear blue sky colour. There are also ice cream parlours that will help you stay cool and enjoy something sweet. A lot of eateries are spread around the coast also, with the unusual barbecue joints being very popular. Of course as you can imagine, there are stores that sell iconic Australian beachwear and fashion brands that are popular among surfers and swimmers.
An inland island
To finish your coastal road trip, you should enter into West Lakes with the sole intention of visiting Delfin Island. It’s a small island inland, with a golf course that also has lakes in it. However, West Lakes itself has attractions such as the long number of restaurants on the southern point. There’s also a large mall called Westfield West Lakes with lots of domestic brands. So if you ever want to take a piece of trendy clothing back to your own nation with the style of Australia, here is a good place to get some. High up on the north end of West Lakes there is a boating club, which again can be used to take small tours around the lakes and enjoy the cool evening breeze just cruising up and down.
Australia is easily one of the best nations in the world for any kind of road trip. However, driving up the coast of Adelaide is one of the more pleasurable routes to take. It’s quiet and peaceful, you’re surrounded by beaches, lakes and the coast. No wonder so many people choose to live in this city, it’s got clear blue waters, a slow-paced lifestyle and plenty of sunshine.