From Adelaide, travel along the shores of Spencer Gulf, on one side, and the mountain ranges on the other. We pass historic ports part of an important trade route in by-gone days. We leave the main highway and travel east through Pt Germein Gorge. The plains disappear behind us as we climb high into the Southern Flinders Ranges, travelling towards country towns of Melrose and Wilmington, where we venture into the heart of the Southern Flinders Ranges to take a walk in spectacular Alligator Gorge, gouged through ancient quartzites deposited 550 million years ago under the sea. We then adjourn to historic Melrose located at the base of Mount Remarkable for lunch after which we travel south through picturesque countryside and historic villages to the Clare Valley for a wine tasting. Today, this region is home to mainly boutique wineries and vineyards. These vineyards have shown their consistency from producing port and sherry through the 1940's, to the table wines that the consumer market is demanding today. All too soon it is time to head home. But even this provides more opportunities as you drive through some of South Australia's most picturesque countryside back to Adelaide.
