This EV road trip in SA's wine country is the perfect weekender

South Australia’s wine country is a prime destination for an epic all-electric car road trip.

When it comes to accessibility, South Australia’s wine regions can’t be beaten. Only 40 or so minutes from Adelaide Airport, the Barossa Valley is not only a convenient drive, but far away enough to feel like you’re on a proper break.

There are wheat fields and gum trees, vineyards and magpies sitting on rusty farm gates, and you can see a blanket of stars on a clear night. Best of all, you can easily lower your environmental impact by travelling in an all-electric vehicle.

Compact wine regions make for prime driving conditions

Road-tripping in an electric vehicle once seemed dicey, but now it’s become mainstream. For this trip I’m behind the wheel of the new Volvo EX90, which has a range of up to 570 kilometres. According to SA Power Networks, there are 3000 public EV charging points across Australia, with over 750 operational or under construction in South Australia alone. You can now charge your ride at a long list of locations, from Coober Pedy to Kangaroo Island and even Pimba (population: 25), 480 clicks north of Adelaide.

Sure, there are abundant EV charging options. But I could easily manage a two-day jaunt in the Barossa and Adelaide Hills without recharging. In this corner of the world, the compact wine regions overlap each other, making driving a cinch.

a Volvo EX90 at Kingsford The Barossa — Arrive in style to Kingsford The Barossa in a Volvo EX90. (Image: Jo Stewart)

A destination hotel and vines in the Barossa

a couple walking to Kingsford The Barossa — The historic Kingsford The Barossa dates back to 1856. (Image: Adam Bruzzone)

Staying at a luxe destination hotel is a good start. A heritage-listed jewel, Kingsford The Barossa has all the hallmarks of a mid-1800s pastoral estate: a two-storey Georgian-style sandstone homestead, shearing shed and clawfoot bush baths. You can see why this was chosen as the location for TV drama McLeod’s Daughters to be filmed (fans can check out show memorabilia in the property’s library).

the rolling fields surrounding Kingsford The Barossa — The heritage accommodation is surrounded by rolling fields. (Image: Yuncong Ma)

The real star of the show, however, is the surrounding landscape. Despite the region battling a drought, the parched land still has an austere beauty. The Kingsford restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows frame the quintessentially Australian outlook perfectly, best viewed in the morning with poached eggs, sourdough and a strong brew.

a couple having a drink at Kingsford The Barossa — Raise a glass to romance at the secluded property. (Image: Yuncong Ma)

After dark, the bar is the place to be for a cheeky nightcap. Home to wine vaults laden with Barossa and Eden Valley drops, this is heaven for New World wine lovers. Downstairs, there’s a surprise: a two-lane Kegelbahn for European-style nine-pin bowling – a nod to the area’s German roots.

the volvo EX90 is parked in front of Kingsford The Barossa, SA by EV — Recharge at Kingsford The Barossa after a road trip around SA wine regions in the Volvo EX90. (Image: Jo Stewart)

Alkina Wine Estate produces local wines you can savour here. Alternatively, you can visit the cellar door yourself, which is just 15 minutes away. At this biodynamic vineyard you’ll get an unpretentious, convivial tasting experience.

“We don’t want our shiraz to punch you between the eyes," says Dan Coward of Alkina Wine Estate, signalling that shiraz-shy drinkers are safe to sip. He also chats about the pendulum swinging on popularity, explaining that semillon has become “deeply uncool" but deserves a chance, especially when visiting South Australia. And he’s right; I’m a convert.

the biodynamic vineyard at Alkina Wine Estate — Stay onsite in the heart of the biodynamic vineyard. (Image: Alkina Wine Estate)

Providores and farmgates in the Adelaide Hills

an aerial view of Jurlique Farm in the Adelaide Hills — Jurlique uses ingredients grown on its farm in its products. (Image: Tourism Australia/South Australia Tourism Commission)

After driving south of the Barossa for an hour, we hit the village of Verdun in the Adelaide Hills, making a pit stop at the warm and welcoming Fourth Hill Providore. On a sunny day, the shaded tables in the garden are prime real estate, and for good reason – this is a sublime spot for a latte and a pastry.

Across the road, the longstanding Stanley Bridge Tavern is a place best visited with a designated driver thanks to its very well-stocked wine room (home to 300 labels from around the world). In nearby Biggs Flat, the Jurlique Farm offers more wholesome pursuits, like tours and masterclasses using hand-picked botanical ingredients.

a beekeeper in a bee suit is holding a hive at Jurlique Farm — It’s all about beauty and the bees at Jurlique Farm in the Adelaide Hills. (Image: Jurlique International)

Therein lies the rub; around here, you could drive in any direction and find incredible food, wine, people and scenery. Now that the new generation of electric cars has a 500-plus kilometre range – there’s nothing stopping you.

a bird flying from a tree — South Australia is home to a variety of birdlife. (Image: Yuncong Ma)

A traveller’s checklist

Getting there

The Barossa is about an hour’s drive north of Adelaide/Tarntanya. The Adelaide Hills is a 20-minute drive from the city’s CBD.

Staying there

the cosy interior of Kingsford The Barossa — Kingsford The Barossa is a top spot to recharge and unwind. (Image: Yuncong Ma)

Stay at a heritage-listed estate with silver-screen pedigree at Kingsford The Barossa .

Playing there

premium wines at Alkina Wine Estate — Top-shelf drops at Alkina Wine Estate. (Image: Alkina Wine Estate)

Taste wine and cheese at Alkina Wine Estate and stay in the heart of the vineyard.

A world away from the hustle, bustle and chaos of the big smoke – yet with a distinct sense of familiarity – Victoria’s Wimmera Mallee region is an incomparable place.

Victoria’s Grampians are a visual feast, a seemingly endless vista of craggy cliffs, rolling valleys and untamed bushland. But they’re also much more than a scenic mountain landscape. Diverse and storied, each region within the range has its own rhythm. The Wimmera Mallee – a pocket in the state’s north-west, stretching from Horsham to near Mildura – is one of the most captivating.

Once known as Victoria’s agricultural heartland, the Wimmera Mallee has evolved in recent years into a dynamic, slightly offbeat hub. It buzzes with a creative hum and welcoming energy, and harbours an eclectic mix of long-time locals and tree-changers. Once you encounter its unmistakable charm, feel its warm country hospitality and taste its nationally celebrated vanilla slice, you may find yourself lingering longer than planned.

Eager to explore? These must-visit spots let you experience the inimitable spirit of this special part of the world.

Wimmera Mallee’s quirky attractions

The Dimboola Imaginarium, Wimmera Mallee victoria — Step into the whacky Dimboola Imaginarium. (Image: Denis Bin)

If you’re after something a little more unconventional, the Wimmera Mallee delivers in droves.

The Dimboola Imaginarium – located in a historic bank building in its namesake town – is a gift shop and boutique accommodation in one. Shop for unique and whimsical keepsakes, stay overnight in an elegant themed room, and lose yourself in one of the Imaginarium’s interactive experiences.

Also in Dimboola, just a short drive from the Imaginarium, is a menagerie of utter delight. Tiny Goats and Co. is home to a herd of miniature goats, with the farm offering group visits and special events like goat yoga and cuddle sessions.

Arcade aficionados should visit the Australian Pinball Museum in nearby Nhill. Here, you’ll find the biggest selection of playable pinball machines in the country, featuring modern models and classics dating all the way back to 1931.

Arts and culture in Wimmera Mallee

Step into the Wimmera Mallee’s storied history at the Stick Shed — Step into history at the Stick Shed. (Image: Visit Vic)

As a thoroughly creative community, it’s no wonder the Wimmera Mallee has a host of venues focused on its rich arts and culture scene.

Wander Trickbots Metal Art & Sculpture Garden in Nullawil, a winding trail filled with unique and quirky creations fashioned from metal odds, ends and scrap. A walk through the garden is inspiring enough, but consider buying a piece to take home and treasure.

The town of Nhill also has a significant Karen-Burmese refugee community, who make up 10 per cent of the local population. Discover the artistry of this vibrant culture at Paw Po , where you can purchase traditional hand-woven and textile products. Choose from a selection of beautifully crafted homewares, fashion and dolls.

Step into the Wimmera Mallee’s storied history at the Stick Shed , the only WWII emergency grain store still standing today. This National Heritage-listed structure takes you on a journey through the region’s agricultural past and is a dramatic sight with its towering and eerily striking timber poles.

Nature escapes around Wimmera Mallee

pink Lake Tyrrel, Wimmera Mallee, Victoria Australia — Take in the pink hues of Lake Tyrrell. (Image: Visit Vic)

Much like the majestic beauty of the wider Grampians, the Wimmera Mallee is a mélange of serene and spellbinding nature escapes.

Victoria’s pink lakes are famed nationwide, and two of them are found right here. See the flamingo-pink hues of Loch Iel, particularly vivid after a heavy downpour, or the vast and ancient Lake Tyrrell , which turns pink during wet and warm conditions.

The Snowdrift dunes in Wyperfeld National Park are ideal for adventurers. Set amid the area’s semi-arid landscape, the dunes are expansive mounds of sand deposited around 40,000 years ago. Hike or sandboard them and make sure to visit at sunset, when the sand glows golden.

And while some travellers chase the highest peaks, you can see the most modest in the Wimmera Mallee. Standing a mere 43 metres above the surrounding terrain, Mount Wycheproof is considered the smallest registered mountain in the world. Courtesy of its relatively gentle inclines, it’s a lovely spot for a walk and a picnic.

Culinary adventures in Wimmera Mallee

border inn in the Wimmera Mallee — Meet the locals at Border Inn.

As a region rich in agricultural bounty, it’s little surprise the Wimmera Mallee has such a robust and vibrant food scene. The community is fiercely proud of its local produce, showcasing the flavours and heritage of the area.

The Border Inn in the village of Apsley is a quaint country pub and meeting spot for the local community, featuring a classic country menu and warm hospitality.

The Horsham Golf Club is a popular spot for golf buffs with an adjoining bistro and bar. Try a modern twist on hearty favourites while taking in views of the green. For a taste of the area’s vintages, head to Norton Estate Wines – a boutique wine producer and cellar door open weekends.

A Wimmera Mallee jaunt wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the famed Sharp’s Bakery in Birchip. Here, you’ll find a velvety vanilla slice that’s been crowned as Australia’s best seven times.

Wimmera Mallee accommodation

Fulham Homestead in wimmera mallee — Escape to Fulham Homestead.

If you’re enjoying an extended trip, you’ll need somewhere to rest. After a day tackling Wyperfeld’s epic dunes, visit Pine Plains Lodge , also in the national park. Built from reclaimed timber planks and logs, and anchored by rugged stone fireplaces, the lodge is a rustic and cosy hideaway.

For a refined yet relaxing escape, head to Fulham Homestead – a gorgeously restored guesthouse on an idyllic working farm, complete with farm animals and scenic vistas. Built in the 1840s, it has all the elegance and charm of its heritage, plus contemporary comforts like a modern kitchen, wi-fi and air-conditioning.

The Hermitage Hotel is Victoria’s oldest inland pub and an equally delightful blend of old and new. The restored rooms are perfectly appointed and adorned with period furnishings and high-quality linens. The pub itself is a favoured food and wine spot among locals and travellers alike.

If camping is more your style, the Lake Lascelles Cabins and Camping (formerly Mallee Bush Retreat) is a sprawling oasis with powered and unpowered sites and snug cabins. The setting is stunning too, the pristine Lake Lascelles sitting right in its centre.

Annual events

Wimmera Mallee Nhill Aviation Museum — Time your visit to Nhill Aviation Museum for the annual air show.

You may not need an excuse to revisit the Wimmera Mallee, but these annual and bi-annual events will almost certainly have you returning again and again.

Each year, the Lake Chalegrark Country Music Marathon takes over the town for a spectacular line-up of musicians from around Australia. The event is easygoing, family-friendly, and set in scenic surrounds on the shores of Lake Charlegrark.

Every two years, the region holds colourful events like the Wimmera Steampunk Festival , a raucous celebration of 19th-century steampunk culture with a different theme each time; the Nhill Air Show , which features jaw-dropping aerial stunts, aircraft displays, music, activities and more; and the Nati Frinj , a festival of art, culture and performance showcasing the many talents of the Natimuk community.

From the quirky to the tasty, start planning at visitwimmeramallee.com.au

This EV road trip through SA‘s wine country is the perfect weekender