Here’s six reasons you need to get to one of the most underrated off-road destinations in the country:Â
South Australia often gets overlooked as a 4X4 destination, often thanks to places like the Cape, the Kimberley, the deserts and Fraser Island. The thing is, apart from the magnificent Gawler and Flinders Ranges, the South Australian Limestone Coast is one of the most picturesque and scenic locations on the planet. Even better, it’s a deadset four-wheel driver’s paradise. Don’t believe me? Have a look at the images over the next few pages and tell me you don’t want to go there. It really is that good.
The Limestone Coast has beach driving that is as good as it gets. If you’re into your fishing, diving, relaxing on the sand or sampling some of the freshest seafood and nicest wines, all sourced locally from the region, then this is the place for you. The area boasts inland lakes, World Heritage-listed caves, lagoons and one of the most scenic stretches of sandy coast you can imagine. Head due south and you won’t hit land until you reach Antarctica!
The history of the area is fascinating. From the local Ngarrindjeri people’s connection to the land to where Australia’s first saint, Mary MacKillop, got her start, the area has plenty of cultural significance. As for the geography, old volcanic craters have formed numerous inland lagoons and the limestone base rock has been eroded over the years to form an intricate cave network. And as for the beach driving – come prepared or your 4X4 may be doing its best impression of this old fishing boat…
This is why they call it the Limestone Coast. The delicate and highly erosive rock really dictates the area’s features, and nowhere is this more evident than at Tantanoola Caves. This natural wonder is a must-see, boasting brilliantly coloured and stunningly developed stalactites. Apparently they’re so well developed due to the lack of bats living in the caves – they drink the moisture thus preventing the generation of fresh mineral structure. The caves even feature ocean fossils and seal bones from when the caves were underwater. The word ‘spectacular’ simply doesn’t do the place justice. If you’re in the area, don’t go past.
