South Australia has long been known for its thriving wine regions, but unknown to many, Adelaide car enthusiasts are blessed to have some of the most incredible driving roads just a short drive from the city. Whether you’re into the tight technical stuff that keeps you on your toes, or the free-flowing scenic sections, we are going to run through some of the best stretches of bitumen that you need to get out and drive for yourself.
Montacute Road
One word always comes to mind when Montacute Road is mentioned, smooth! With a large part of the road having been recently resurfaced, Montacute Road is a fan favourite for motorbike riders and drivers across SA. Starting at the bottom you’ll drive straight through the middle of the suburbs of Athelstone and Rostrevor, and quickly see a change of scenery. Within a minute or two the bustling suburban streets soon turn to peaceful, luscious greenery. For the drivers whose cars aren’t loaded with horsepower under the bonnet, Montacute will be a fun one for you. It has a very gradual incline unlike some of the other roads on this list meaning you’ll have plenty of fun driving it, no matter how slow or fast your car is. The road is generally pretty quiet but be aware of cyclists on the weekends who like to flock to the road.
V8 Rover rally car driving down Montacute Road. Video by Adelaide Rally
Gorge Road
Undoubtedly the most scenic road the Adelaide Hills has on offer, the drive along Gorge Road will have you thinking you’re deep in the LA Canyons. After around a half an hour drive north-east of the Adelaide CBD, you’ll find the start of Gorge Road nestled in the suburb of Athelstone. It’s fair to say those who live in the north-eastern suburbs of Adelaide are spoilt for choice when it comes to roads that are just around the corner. Gorge Road offers a bit of everything, ranging from long sweeping corners through the bottom of the gorge, to some very tight and technical sections weaving against the rock cliffs. Just make sure you’re extra careful on the stretch that runs past the Montacute Quarry, as it can get quite dusty from the trucks going in and out. Unlike the cars competing on closed roads in photos of the Adelaide Rally below, it’s very important you stick within your lane, as the road is often quite busy with trucks, motorbikes and cars, but the painfully annoying rumble strips on the centre lines will help make sure you aren’t cutting any corners. A great photo spot is the Kangaroo Creek Reservoir Lookout, where you can let your brakes cool down while watching other cars cruise on past. Check out this post from Drive Section for a more in-depth look at Gorge Road!
Rally cars on Gorge Road. Photos by Adelaide Rally
Lobethal Road
Although in the leadup to Christmas you’ll find Lobethal Road is filled with family SUV’s making their way up to see the Christmas lights, just about every other month of the year it’s rather quiet and a great road to head out on a drive. Easily one of the tightest and technical roads within the Adelaide Hills, it’s a great road for those small hot hatches to zip around. Most nights you’ll be likely to come across other drivers having some fun along the road or hanging out somewhere pulled over along the route.
Cars pulled over on Lobethal Road. Photos by Tom Stuart @frighteningmcqueen
Clarendon
Cars at Oakridge Lookout. Photos by Alex Hristopoulos
The drive to Clarendon may not be as long as some of the other roads on this list, but it is no doubt one of the most exciting. Most people start this route in Blackwood, heading South along Main Road through Coromandel Valley. Commonly used by locals in the area, this section is often busy during the day, so it’s best to just take it easy through there. Eventually, you’ll pass the turn off to Black Road, and that’s where you can start to have some real fun. The road quickly tightens up and you’ll no longer feel like you’re in the suburbs as you brush past the overgrown greenery right outside your windows. In contrast to Montacute Road, the drive to Clarendon along Main Road which soon turns into Clarendon Road is quite bumpy making for an exciting bit of driving. And it's tight, real tight, further adding to the thrill of it if you’re confident in that style of driving. Oakridge Lookout is a great photo spot to stop at, which you'll see just after you pass the Oakridge Road turn-off. Keep going south and you'll make it into the little town of Clarendon, where a stop at the Clarendon Bakery for a pie and a donut is a must. For a small town, there’s always lots going on and it's a great place to enjoy some food with your mates while you let the cars cool down.
If there are any other SA roads you think should have made the list, tag our Instagram @drivetosurvive.blog in a photo of your car on your favourite road and we will be sure to go give them a drive.
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