Best driving roads near Adelaide, SA
Adelaide has Australia's tightest cluster of capital-city driving roads. The Adelaide Hills sit directly east of the CBD and are threaded with scored roads inside thirty minutes' drive.
- 01
Clarendon Road
SASecondary3 km24.4 km away9.5RQS - 02
Deviation Road
SATertiary4 km5.5 km away3 grey spots9.4RQS - 03
Knotts Hill Road
SATertiary2 km8.4 km away1 grey spot9.3RQS - 04
Quarry Road
SAUnclassified1 km6.9 km away9.2RQS - 05
Torrens Hill Road
SASecondary1 km14.3 km away1 grey spot9.2RQS - 06
Woods Hill Road
SATertiary4 km10.6 km away9.2RQS - 07
Hunters Road
SATertiary1 km7.4 km away1 grey spot9.2RQS - 08
Pound Road
SATertiary1 km9.3 km away9.2RQS - 09
Punt Road
SASecondary0 km64.6 km away9.1RQS - 10
Lobethal Road
SASecondary21 km6.2 km away3 grey spots9.1RQS - 11
Norton Summit Road
SASecondary7 km14 km away1 grey spot9.1RQS - 12
Stony Rise Road
SATertiary1 km10 km away9.1RQS - 13
Tippett Road
SAPrimary2 km15.8 km away9.0RQS - 14
Cudlee Creek Road
SASecondary8 km11.5 km away1 grey spot9.0RQS - 15
Marble Hill Road
SASecondary5 km9.6 km away9.0RQS - 16
Old Willunga Hill Road
SASecondary3 km42.4 km away9.0RQS - 17
Gum Flat Road
SASecondary2 km5.9 km away9.0RQS - 18
Worden Road
SAUnclassified1 km7.4 km away9.0RQS - 19
Basket Range Road
SATertiary3 km7.6 km away2 grey spots9.0RQS - 20
Pambula Road
SASecondary5 km56 km away8 grey spots8.9RQS
Gorge Road, Greenhill Road and the Crafers climb are the classic Adelaide Hills approaches. Further south, the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Peninsula roads link vineyard country to coastal cliffs. The Barossa and the lower Flinders Ranges extend the range to two hours and up.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best driving roads near Adelaide?+
Contour's top three scored roads near Adelaide are Clarendon Road (SA, RQS 9.5/10, 24.4 km away); Deviation Road (SA, RQS 9.4/10, 5.5 km away); Knotts Hill Road (SA, RQS 9.3/10, 8.4 km away). All are within a two-hour touring drive of the city.
How far should I drive from Adelaide to find a great road?+
The nearest excellent-rated road (RQS 8+) is Clarendon Road, about 24.4 km from Adelaide. Plenty of good options sit closer if you don't want the full drive.
Are there good motorcycle roads near Adelaide?+
Yes. Clarendon Road scores 9.5/10 for motorcycles and sits 24.4 km from Adelaide. Several other strong rides sit within the same radius.
What's the best sealed road near Adelaide?+
Clarendon Road is fully sealed and scores 9.5/10 for driving quality. It's 24.4 km from Adelaide.
Are there any dangerous sections on roads near Adelaide?+
Contour has identified grey spots on 9 roads within range of Adelaide - sections where the posted speed limit does not match the road geometry. Deviation Road has 3. Take extra care in wet conditions.
When is the best time to drive near Adelaide?+
Wet pine-forest sections need care after rain; the Hills and Barossa are excellent year-round.
Scores are based on road geometry, surface quality, traffic density, and crash history. Always drive to conditions and follow local road rules.