great ocean road trip melbourne to adelaide

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Adelaide to Melbourne Drive Itinerary: Great Ocean Road Trip

by Lisa Bull | Last updated Jun 29, 2023 | Road Trips Australia

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Of all the beautiful road trips Australia has to offer, a self drive across the Great Ocean Road in Victoria has to be the most famous. This Adelaide to Melbourne drive itinerary includes the best drive stops along this beautiful road that curves around the Victoria coastline for over 200km.

As well as interesting limestone formations such as the Twelve Apostles , your Adelaide to Melbourne road trip will include unspoilt rainforest, beautiful national parks and a choice of seaside holiday towns .

The total driving distance from Adelaide to Melbourne is almost 1,000km along the coastal route, so the Great Ocean Road is actually only a small part of the journey.

While you could scale this drive down to a 2 or 3-day itinerary, I’d recommend 1 or 2 weeks to fully enjoy it. This Adelaide to Melbourne road trip planner includes the best places to see, driving time and driving distance and costs. So start planning now!

Adelaide to Melbourne Drive Itinerary Overview

Here’s a list of my recommended drive stops on the Adelaide to Melbourne drive itinerary via the Great Ocean Road. If you’re on a 3-day itinerary the best places to stop overnight would be Mount Gambier and the Great Ocean Road.

To skip straight to a destination, just click on the links below.

Adelaide to Melbourne Drive FAQs

• 1. Adelaide: 2 days to 1 week
• 2. Coorong National Park: 1 day
• 3. Mount Gambier: 2 days
• 4. Portland: 1 day
• 5. Great Ocean Road: 2-3 days
• 6. Melbourne: 3 days to 2 weeks

Adelaide to Melbourne Car Hire

Make sure you find the best price for car hire in Adelaide or Melbourne by using Kayak as a starting point. They compare hundreds of car hire sites to save you hours of research.

>> Click here to compare car hire prices and book your rental car <<

1. Adelaide

Whether you’re driving from Adelaide to Perth or vice versa, it’s worth scheduling some time in to enjoy the many things to do in Adelaide . It’s a lovely city that’s vastly underrated in my opinion!

Adelaide attractions include beautiful Glenelg Beach, historic Port Adelaide, views at Mount Lofty and quaint villages in the Adelaide Hills.

Adelaide Accommodation

Make sure you book your Adelaide accommodation in advance, especially if you’re travelling during the peak summer season or school holidays! Here are my suggestions of where to stay.

ADELAIDE HOUSE SITS

My favourite type of travel accommodation is house sitting. It’s such a huge saving in an expensive country like Australia!

House sitting is when a person goes on holiday and arranges for a house sitter to stay in their home for free in return for looking after their pets and home.

I house sat in Adelaide for two weeks over Christmas and New Year, saving my travel mates and I hundreds of dollars on peak season accommodation!

Here are my recommended house-sitting sites.

• To start house sitting in Australia, I’d recommend joining Aussie House Sitters . I got plenty of jobs through them on my travels. and they’re one of the largest pet-sitting sites in the country.
• To house sit worldwide, a better choice is Trusted Housesitters. They havehouse sits in over 130 countries and offer unique perks, such as sit-cancellation compensation. Click here to get 20% off an annual membership with Trusted House Sitters.

Read my blog post on how to become a house sitter to learn how to score free accommodation instead of forking out for hostels.

ADELAIDE HOTELS AND HOSTELS

Use the search box below to browse through Adelaide hotels, apartments and hostels, or choose from my top picks below.

• BIG4 Port Willunga Tourist Park : For those of you camping or caravanning, this holiday park near McLaren Vale vineyards lies a one-hour drive from the city. It offers an outdoor pool, barbecues and a choice of villas as well as camping sites.
• Adelaide Central YHA : Located in the heart of the cit y, this backpacker hostel has dorms, doubles and family rooms, as well as free Wi-Fi, large lockers, a communal lounge and kitchen.
• The MAC Boutique Hotel : This modern 3-star hotel in Adelaide city is only 200m from The Art Gallery of South Australia and has air-conditioned rooms with fridges and tea/coffee-making facilities.

2. Coorong National Park

Coorong National Park in South Australia lies about halfway between Adelaide and Mount Gambier, and makes a great overnight stop if you’re camping.

Things to do in Coorong include visiting spectacular dry salt lakes, walking trails and a 140km saltwater lagoon separated from the ocean by sand dunes.

Places to See on the Way

Murray River: for a bit of relaxation, stop by Murray Bridge and enjoy tea and scones on a Captain Proud paddle boat cruise  along the scenic Murray River like I did!

Distance and Drive Time

• Adelaide to Loop Road, Coorong National Park distance: 216 kilometres
• Adelaide to Loop Road, Coorong National Park drive time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Coorong Accommodation

• Coorong National Park : A range of basic campsites in the bush from $15 per site per night. We stayed at Hooded Plover, which allowed easy access to walking trails.
• Coorong Hotel Motel : If you’re not a camper, this basic accommodation at Policeman’s Point has an on-site restaurant and bar as well as TVs and a/c in every room.

3. Mount Gambier

About halfway along your Adelaide to Melbourne road trip lies unusual Mount Gambier , South Australia’s second most-populated city.

Located on an extinct volcano, the Mount Gambier landscape is really unique compared to other places to see on an Adelaide to Melbourne road trip.

Home to the beautiful Blue Lake, that turns cobalt blue in summer, Umpherston Sinkhole, a stunning sunken garden inside a limestone cave and the popular Cave Gardens, Mount Gambier has plenty of unusual attractions to fill a day or two.

Kingston SE: the township of Kingston SE is the entrance to Australia’s South East coast and home to The Granites beach, where 2m-high granite knobs protrude out of the sand. It’s a scenic place to get out and stretch your legs.

• Coorong National Park to Mount Gambier distance: 232 kilometres
• Coorong National Park to Mount Gambier drive time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Mount Gambier Accommodation

• Mount Gambier Central Caravan Park : I camped here on my most recent trip. It’s very conveniently located in town and has cabins, cottages, free Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool.
• The Old Mount Gambier Gaol : I stayed at this converted prison years ago, when I was an exchange student. It was a really unique experience, and the accommodation has both self-contained cottages and dorms inside the cells.

4. Portland

Leaving South Australia behind and heading into Victoria, the next stop on your Adelaide to Melbourne drive itinerary is the busy seaside city of Portland, Victoria’s first permanent European settlement.

With a pretty foreshore, heritage buildings, museums and plenty of places to eat and drink, Portland makes a pleasant stop-off point. I had a coffee break here before heading to beautiful Narrawong to camp!

• Tantanoola Caves Conservation Park: These beautiful caves are well worth a visit and cost $14 for a guided tour (you’re allowed to stay inside afterwards to take more photos). 
• Discovery Bay Coastal Park, Nelson: From Mount Gambier, you can either take the inland Princes Highway across to Portland and beyond, or head down to Nelson and take the coastal route; the distance is about the same. Nelson is a small fishing town at the mouth of the Glenelg River with an impressive 50km-long beach stretching along the Discovery Bay Coastal Park.
• Grampians National Park : this is more of an alternative route than an attraction on the way, but about 2.5 hours north east of Mount Gambier is Halls Gap and the Grampians National Park, a mountainous hiking area and great detour for keen walkers. I didn’t go there on this trip but I did spend a few days there on my first ever Australian road trip in 2002 and loved it!

• Mount Gambier to Portland distance: 108 kilometres
• Mount Gambier to Portland drive time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Portland Accommodation

• Narrawong Holiday Park : I camped at this large, family friendly holiday park in nearby Narrawong. It’s in a very pretty location at the mouth of the Surry River, with sites from $27 per night. It was lovely to wander around at sunset.
• Portland Holiday Park : If you prefer to stay closer to Portland town, this tourist park has camping sites and modern cabins, free Wi-Fi and barbecues.
• Mariner Motel Portland : For a private room on a low budget, this clean but basic motel has a variety of room sizes, a garden, free Wi-Fi and great reviews.

5. The Great Ocean Road

Finally, the part you’re probably looking forward to the most! The Great Ocean Road in Victoria is a world-famous, Australian National Heritage-listed site along the Sydney to Melbourne drive.

This iconic route stretches 243km between the towns of Allansford and Torquay , and the most well-known attraction on the Great Ocean Road has to be the Twelve Apostles  limestone stacks.

There are many more beautiful coastal formations along the western half of the drive though, which include Loch Ard Gorge , The Grotto , London Bridge , The Razorback and Shipwreck Walk . These are all well-signed so you wont miss them!

Allow yourself enough time to appreciate the Great Ocean Road if possible – at least two days to get from Portland to Melbourne – as it takes longer than you might expect to stop and look at each attraction.

The Great Ocean Road is unfortunately heaving with tourists a lot of the time. Prepare to be pulling up alongside tour buses and queueing to take photos amidst a sea of selfie sticks!

If you’re heading east on an Adelaide to Melbourne road trip, the visitor centre in Warrnambool is a useful place to stop at for information before you set off.

If you’re driving from Melbourne to Adelaide, stop by the centre in Lorne. Here’s a list of all the visitor centres along the Great Ocean Road .

Places to See on the Wa y

Great Otway National Park – the temperate rainforest of The Otways is a beautiful place to stop off for a walk or picnic. I dropped by Melba Gully Picnic Area for lunch and a short stroll.

• Portland to Princetown distance: 185 kilometres
• Portland to Princetown drive time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Princetown to Melbourne distance: 263 kilometres
• Princetown to Melbourne drive time: 4 hours

Great Ocean Road Accommodation

• Apostles Camping Park and Cabins Princetown : A small holiday park with pretty views not far from the Twelve Apostles. This is where I camped on my road trip.
• Port Campbell Hostel :  This  well-rated hostel  has a choice of shared dorms and single, double and family private rooms. It’s ideally located just a 3-minute walk from the beach and a 10-minute drive from the Twelve Apostles too.
• Apollo Bay Eco YHA : An environmentally friendly hostel close to the beach and town centre with a choice of dorm beds and private rooms.
• 12 Apostles Motel & Country Retreat : Situated only 3km from the Twelve Apostles, this accommodation has a mixture of  motel rooms and pet-friendly cottages . You can even order room service for your evening meal and see wildlife around the property.

6. Melbourne

The final place to see on your Adelaide to Melbourne drive! (Or the start if you’re driving from Melbourne to Adelaide of course!) Time to pack away your tent and enjoy Melbourne’s cosmopolitan cafe scene!

There are so many great things to do in Melbourne , including St Kilda Beach, Eureka Skydeck and street art in places like Hosier Lane. It’s worth spending 1 or 2 weeks there if possible.

Melbourne Accommodation

Melbourne accommodation gets booked up pretty fast, particularly in the summer; make sure you book in advance. I almost got completely stuck when I returned from Tasmania and hadn’t booked anywhere to stay that night. I ended up in a homestay as all the hostels were full!

MELBOURNE HOTELS

Use the search box below to search for Melbourne hotels, apartments and hostels.

MELBOURNE HOSTELS

I’ve personally stayed at the Melbourne hostels below and would definitely recommend them.

• HabitatHQ , St Kilda, Melbourne : I also stayed at this modern, beachside hostel , which has won awards for sustainability. The dorm beds are cheap, and the location is great.
• The Nunnery , Fitzroy, Melbourne : I stayed at this quirky, converted nunnery and thought it was really unique. The hostel has dorm beds as well as private rooms, and lots of nearby bars, funky cafes and street art.

MELBOURNE HOUSE SITS

We landed a house sit in Southbank, which had amazing views across the city skyline! Check out my house-sitting guides if you fancy free luxury accommodation instead of forking out for hostels.

To start house sitting right away, join Aussie House Sitters for house sits in Australia. For worldwide house sitting, click here to get 20% off an annual membership with Trusted House Sitters .

Places to See on the Way:

Geelong: this port city is Victoria’s second largest city with lots of heritage buildings and an up-and-coming holiday scene.

I hope you have an amazing time on your Adelaide to Melbourne road trip. Happy travels!

Lisa Bull, founder of Dreaming of Down Under, has been living in Australia as a British expat since 2015. After travelling to every state and territory in Australia and living in Perth, Brisbane and Sydney, Lisa knows from first-hand experience the best destinations to visit in Australia and the best budget travel tips. Her guides on this blog have been read by over 700k readers and helped thousands of people achieve their dream of living in or travelling Australia.

Fantastic itinerary! Thank you so much for all of the detail, including accommodation tips and costs. Exactly what I’ve been searching (quite a bit) for. I’m planning a similar trip for this December, and I wonder if you know if campsites should/must be pre-booked during that time along the route? Thanks again!

Hi Natalie, glad you found my itinerary useful! I would look up when the Australian school holidays start, as they have their long summer holidays over Christmas time. I travelled this route in early January, which was during the holidays.

The Adelaide end of the journey was fine, but the Great Ocean Road and Melbourne itself were both extremely busy with locals camping. In fact we didn’t even stop to look at some smaller towns like Lorne, as it would have been so hard just to park!

We were very lucky to get into Narrawong and the Apostles campsites without booking. We actually stayed in Geelong on our last night as Melbourne accommodation was so booked up. So I’d definitely book that end at least a few days in advance!

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Hi, I'm Lisa, a British expat living in Sydney. I've travelled almost the whole Australian coastline and love sharing detailed travel and migration guides to inspire other adventurous souls to travel or move to Australia. Read more about me!

Melbourne to Adelaide Drive

A Melbourne road trip to Adelaide via the Great Ocean Road can be done over 5 days, easily seeing the best of the Ocean Road highlights.

Our self-drive itinerary includes driving via Robe and Victor Harbour though a side trip to include The Grampians could be included.

This guide will help you plan a holiday between Melbourne and Adelaide over 5 days, but can easily be adapted to spend more time along the way.

Melbourne to Adelaide Distance & Drive Times

Page Contents

The drive times listed below do not include the many viewpoints and stops that can be made along the way but provide a realistic daily travel plan to follow as a guide.

Day 1 Melbourne to Apollo Bay or Cape Otway

The drive from Melbourne to Apollo Bay is just over 3 hours, there is a lot to see along the way though. The first town on the Great Ocean Road is Torquay, home to a number of surf outlet shops as well as the National Surfing Museum.

Use our map of the Ocean Road route to find plenty of stops to make along the way. Go on a virtual journey, watch our videos of the drive along the Ocean Road.

• Visit Bells Beach, home of the Rip Curl Surf competition since 1963.
• Drop into the Chocolaterie and indulge.
• Visit Split Point Lighthouse or go for a horse ride perhaps.
• Stop in Lorne for lunch.
• See Koalas at Kennett River, between Lorne and Apollo Bay.

An extra night could be included by staying in the lively town of Lorne and then onto Apollo Bay the next day as there are plenty of things to do in the area, such as bushwalks and waterfalls.

Apollo Bay Accommodation

Apollo Bay is an awesome little town with a wonderfully long, safe, beach. It is the second-largest along the Great Ocean Road, but small enough to still feel relaxing and with a large selection of accommodation to choose from.

If you prefer the idea of staying away from a town, Cape Otway is a perfect alternative. The historic lighthouse has accommodation and nearby Bimbi Park is a fab little campground where koalas hang out in the trees above campers. Find accommodation in Cape Otway.

Day 2 Apollo Bay to Port Campbell & The 12 Apostles

Not far from Apollo Bay and before the Cape Otway turn off, is Maits Rest Rainforest Walk. It is only a short stroll but gorgeous with really old Myrtle Beech trees.

The drive from Apollo Bay to Port Campbell National Park, home of the famous Twelve Apostles rock stacks, goes through tall forest and farmland before climbing up to the highest point of the Great Ocean Road at Lavers Hill. It is then less than an hour to the 12 Apostles where there is plenty to see.

Waterfalls and Rainforest Drive

If you have time and an extra day to spare, from Lavers Hill, turn right to visit Triplet Falls, The Otway Fly Tree Top Walk and a number of other waterfalls and bushwalks. Find more info on the Otways and waterfalls area here and browse accommodation if you want to stay a night in the area.

• As an alternative to the direct drive from Apollo Bay to Lavers Hill, you can also follow Skene’s Creek Road and Turton’s Track through the Otways. It is a really good drive, though has a lot of winding road and some unsealed sections.
• There are a f ew free campsites up in the area near the waterfalls too.

Accommodation in Port Campbell

The little fishing village of Port Campbell has more choices of accommodation that anyone might expect. Luxury apartments, backpacker hostel, and camping. Find the best accommodation to stay here.

Day 3 Port Campbell to Port Fairy

Maybe start the day by watching the sunrise at the 12 Apostles before heading off to Port Fairy. Once you leave Port Campbell, there are still a few more sights to see before the Great Ocean Road ends near Allansford.

• The Arch – Another good spot to stop, see the slow erosion of the limestone coast.
• London Arch – formerly known as London Bridge before an arch collapsed, unexpectedly, into the sea in January 1990.
• The Grotto – Definitely worth a stop, one of my favorite spots.
• The Bay of Martyrs and Bay of Islands.

Once the Great Ocean Road drive has ended, there is still a lot to see and do before reaching the sweet little fishing town of Port Fairy.

• Warrnambool – Whale watching season is a great time to be here. See the Facebook page for whale spotting.
• Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village.
• Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve

Port Fairy Accommodation

Port Fairy is a really pretty town and a lovely place to spend a night or two. One of our favorite places to stay is the family-friendly Belfast Cottages . The gorgeous little self-contained cottages cater to all travelers and the indoor pool plus playground area will keep kids happy for hours.

Find more choices of accommodation in Port Fairy and the best prices.

Day 4 Port Fairy to Robe

Mt Gambier is on the way to Robe and is definitely recommended as a place to visit. Maybe stop for lunch by the famous ‘Blue Lake’ or at the Umpherston Sinkhole.

Alternative Route – Visit Naracoorte Caves

The Naracoorte Caves are part of the 800,000-year-old Naracoorte East Range. They are South Australia’s only World Heritage-listed attraction and an important fossil site.

Rather than drive direct to Robe from Mt Gambier, a diversion to the caves might be of interest too.

Accommodation in Robe

Robe is a really popular seaside holiday town. Great fishing, lovely beaches, and more than 80 historic buildings make Robe an ideal place to stay a night.

• The Caledonian Inn is a lovely place to stay. The pub was built by a Scotsman in 1859 and the rooms all have a lovely character about them. Check prices and availability.
• Search other places to stay in Robe and find the best prices.

Day 5 Robe to Adelaide via Victor Harbour

Last day on the road trip, unless you have time to spare and maybe want to cross the water to Kangaroo Island!

From Robe the road follows close to the coastline and passes the Coorong National Park , setting for the movie ‘Storm Boy’ and a beautiful region.

Victor Harbor, perhaps best-known for the horse-drawn carriage that crosses the causeway to Granite Island, is another visit-worthy town in South Australia.

• Heritage Steam Train rides
• South Australia Whale Centre
• Historic Walks
• Boat cruises
• Find out more about things to do in Victor Harbor .
• Maybe stay a night in Victor Harbor and linger for a while…

Victor Harbor to Adelaide

The drive from Victor Harbor to Adelaide is only 1 hour 15 mins, it goes across the Fleurieu Penninsula where there is certainly more to do and discover including wineries, beaches…

Adelaide Accommodation

Often referred to as the City Of Churches, Adelaide has more of a large country town feel to it.

Find somewhere to stay before the next part of your adventures…

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The Ultimate Melbourne to Adelaide Road Trip (+ Map, Itinerary)

From zig-zag roads and lush wine country to national parks and scenic vantage points – Melbourne to Adelaide is one of Australia’s most iconic road trip routes. The range of discoveries you find along the way is simply remarkable – giving the best Aussie experience to visitors travelling from across the world. So if you’re planning a road trip on this route, you’ll find an in-depth resource below to help you out with everything!

Melbourne to Adelaide road trip runs along the Great Ocean Road of Australia, which in itself is one of the wonders of this country. I’ve been curating road trip guides for Australia for a long time now, but this in particular is something pretty special to me. The only reason is because of the fact that Great Ocean Road boasts a great diversity of attractions to feel and experience. Even if you journey on a full-day trip from Melbourne, you get to see some of the amazing wonders.

The most notable ones include exploring the mighty Mount Gambier, the acclaimed wine regions of Coonawarra  and  McLaren Vale , and the postcard-worthy seaside towns of Robe, Victor Harbor and Second Valley. Of course, there are plenty of vantage points and lookout areas that offer perfect panoramic views of the ocean. But all-in-all, Melbourne to Adelaide is one such road trip you should definitely add to your bucket-list adventures.

When it comes to planning a road trip, isn’t an easy task! Especially if you do all arrangements on your own. Thus, to help you out in order to compile everything for this trip, we created a simple yet in-depth guide for Melbourne to Adelaide. This article details all the resources – including the best places to visit, hidden gems to explore, accommodation suggestions, a sample itinerary, and much more.

So let’s get started!

Planning Tips for Melbourne to Adelaide Road Trip

Firstly, let’s dig into the finer planning details of our road trip. In this section, we’ve provided a detailed map, suggested driving routes, car rental ideas, and much more.

How to Get to Adelaide from Melbourne

There are multiple routes to reach Adelaide from Melbourne. One via National Highway A8 which cuts through the Grampians National Park into South Australia. The other is via M79 , which intersects National Highway A8 at Little Desert National Park. Both these routes considerably take less time, as they cut through the state of Victoria directly.

However, the best driving route to reach Adelaide is via Great Ocean Road . It goes without saying, that the journey is far more scenic than the other routes mentioned above. Furthermore, you can span your entire journey across five to six days to get the best experience of Australia.

Melbourne to Adelaide via Great Ocean Road

Great Ocean Road lies in the state of Victoria in south-eastern Australia. It is a roughly 78-minute drive away from Melbourne’s main city centre and is often regarded as one of the best day trips from the city. This scenic route starts from Torquay and ends in Allansford, covering a total distance of 243 km.

The drive from Melbourne to Adelaide is a total of 924 km. If you drive non-stop, it would approximately take 10hr 41mins to reach via the Great Ocean Road.   However, a direct journey is not recommended, and it’s best to include stops throughout your entire road trip. As suggested, plan a detailed itinerary on where to make pit stops, which places to visit, and where to stay. This will ensure that your road trip to Adelaide isn’t tiresome.

How to Rent a Car in Australia

Renting a car in Australia isn’t as difficult as you’d think. It’s a pretty straightforward process, which only requires a little understanding of vehicles. For all my Australian road trips, I’ve suggested Rentalcars.com as their service and price affordability are hard to beat. They are the best in their business, and you can easily get a perfect vehicle at an affordable rate.

Melbourne to Adelaide Road Trip Map

Here’s a driving route map to reach Adelaide (including all the stops)

The Best Melbourne to Adelaide Road Trip Stops

It’s time to finally hit the roads and explore the best road trip stops on this iconic route.

Discover Great Otway National Park

Drive from Melbourne to Otway National Park : 2hr 46mins (209 kms)

Home to dense rainforests, bushlands, tiny waterfalls, and rugged hiking trails – Great Otway National Park is a paradise for all wildlife & adventure lovers. Upon crossing Apollo Bay at the Great Ocean Road, you’d see a road heading inland from the main highway. This stretch leads youy right into the heart of the Great Otway National Park.

This majestic national park has been a popular stopover point for visitors on the Great Ocean Road. Many tourists stay at Apollo Bay, as the area boasts a great chocie of accommodation. Alternatively, the Great Otway National Park also hosts amazing cottages, treehouses, and lodges. This is ideal for those who plan to stay a couple of days more within the park.

What I genuinely like the most about this place is the diversity of things to see & do . From amazing hiking & walking trails, to ziplining across the forested area – the Great Otway National Park bustles with thrilling and energetic activities.

Otway Fly Tree Top

The Otway Fly Treetop Adventures is perfect for families, friends, and young children to enjoy a range of vast activities in the middle of a national park. The two main activities – ziplining and the treetop walk – are the most popular ones here.

The Fly Tree Top, which is situated 25-metres above the ground, gives unparalled views of the Otway Ranges. Its a suspension bridge that expands 600 metre in length. To complete the walk from one end to another, it will approximately take one hour. All-in-all, the Fly Tree Top is a fun adventure to witness the rainforest from soaring heights.

The zipline, on the other hand, is perfect for thrill-seekers. The rope is suspended up to 30-meters in height, from where visitors can zip through the treetops from one station to the other. Ensure that you book both the activities well in advance, as they sell out like hot cakes during peak season.

Cape Otway Lightstation

Great Ocean Road is already known for its spectacular coastline. There’s probably hundreds of viewpoints and lookout areas spready across Victoria and South Australia. However, nothing can beat the panormic sight exploration of Cape Otway Lightstation.

Nestled atop the cliff, this historical landmark is worthy of its own. The views from the lighthouse are simply unmatched. Furthermore, nearby trails and whale-watching from the lighthouse makes it even more enthralling to explore this amazing attraction.

Guided Excursions of the National Park

The Great Otway National Park has a tremendous indigenous history. I would highly recommend you to consider a guided walk in the forest. These excursions are led by conservationist who provide an in-depth knowledge of the national park’s ecology, native wildlife, and protected communities.

Where to stay in the Great Otway National Park Budget : Beachcomber Motel & Apartments , The Apollo

Marvel at The Twelve Apostles

Drive from Otway National Park to the Twelve Apostles : 55 mins (61.6 kms)

Nestled alongside the coastline of the Great Ocean Road, the Twelve Apostles stands as an iconic landmark of this route. Cometh any season, these towering limestone pillars strike their natural pose to all photographers who want breathtaking pictures. I mean, you could just marvel at this setting for hours and hours, and still not get bored imagining how beautiful they simply look.

The Twelve Apostles were once connected to the mainland cliffs, but by natural occurrences of strong wind & ocean, these limestones got battered with only a few standing tall today. With continuous erosion and changing climate, scientists believe that these limestone stacks will remain unstable in future.

Book Excursion | Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip from Melbourne

Discover the 12 Apostles’ Viewpoints

When it comes to exploration, there are plenty of ways to see the 12 Apostles. The most budgeted way is to take full advantage of the scenic vantage points. These lookout areas offer the best panoramic view of the limestone along with the coastline surrounding them.

The Castle Rock lookout is my favourite one, but it could be a little crowded during the peak season. The second best is Tom and Eva Lookout offering a sweeping coastline view over the Island Arch and the Loch Ard Gorge. Alternatively, head to Island Arch Lookout which provides fantastic views of the historic rock formations.

Must Read | Best Amazing Viewpoints of the Twelve Apostles for Photographers

Marvel the 12 Apostles from the Air

Honestly, there’s no better way to see these limestones than to take an aerial route. A helicopter ride over the 12 Apostles is all you need to catch breathtaking scenes of the surrounding coastline. From the sky, you could also marvel at the Shipwreck Coast that lines up all the way up to Cape Otway.

Take a guided walk to Loch Ard Gorge

Learn more about the 12 Apostles’ history, timelines, geology, and marine discovery with a guided walk to Loch Ard Gorge. It’s one of the most intriguing places to visit on the coast, as you discover its Ochre-hued cliffs shaped in a dramatic curvacious landscape. Beyond its beauty, Loch Ard Gorge has a popular tale of ship wreckage. But I’ll probably leave this story for your guided adventure!

Where to stay on the Great Ocean Road Mid-range : The Oak & Anchor Hotel , Lady Bay Resort Luxury : RACV Torquay Resort , Apollo Bay Guest House , Southern Ocean Villas

Relax at Warrnambool

Drive from Twelve Apostles to Warrnambool : 58 mins (73.7 kms)

Warrnambool is a thriving region that houses some of Australia’s best coastal scenery, quaint seaside villages, fascinating history, and amazing wildlife. The town has been driving a massive number of visitors every year, with plenty of them opting to stay overnight. Thus, along with discovering Warrnambool’s famous sights – you could opt to spend a luxurious night here .

Popular Things to do in Warrnambool, Australia –

Visit Middle Island

Middle Island is a great stop for tourists to spot penguins. They are often found within the Thunder Point Coastal Reserve. You’d also see Maremma’s trained dogs at Middle Island guarding and protecting these penguins from foxes. You can also book a ‘Meet the Maremma Tour’ for a live experience.

Go Whale Watching

Warrnambool is a paradisical land for wildlife lovers. Especially, from June to September – the town treats you with an amazing whale-watching experience, as humpback whales return to the shores to mate and socialize. Some of the guided tours do take you out on a discovery ride to watch these whales in their natural habitat. Few of the operators do offer guaranteed success in spotting them.

Mount Gambier

Drive from Warrnambool to Mount Gambier : 2hr 7mins (182 kms)

Mount Gambier is the highlight of your Melbourne to Adelaide road trip. Bustling with geological wonders, Mount Gambier houses some of the most natural spectacular scenes. From the underground garden of Eden to the crystal blue water lakes, you can spend half a day exploring the wonders of Mount Gambier.

Popular activities to do in Mount Gambier include:

Discover Umpherston Sinkhole

Umpherston Sinkhole is a blissful, lush green park which houses beautiful garden spaces and traditional English plants. It’s one of the photogenic places of Mount Gambier, which was formed by millions of years of limestone corrosion. However, along with its natural process – James Umpherston ( a citizen of Mount Gambier) – converted the entire sinkhole into a beautiful underground sunken garden.

Explore the magical Blue Lake

Unravel one of the gorgeous attractions of the Limestone Coasts – Mount Gambier’s Blue Lake. This 72-metre-deep lake magically changes its colour into different shades of blue, which contrasts beautifully against the backdrop of the mighty coast. The best time to visit Blue Lake is between November to late February. Many lookout areas and vantage points are spread across the crater’s rim to give visitors the best possible view.

Marvel at Little Blue Lake

The lesser-known version of the famous Blue Lake – Little Blue Lake – is equally impressive and gorgeous. It is less crowded, which makes it perfect for tourists to enjoy swimming and diving. Even if you simply want to relax, the towering 10-metre limestone walls which guard the lake, making it sight-worthy for your eyes.

Explore the town of Robe

Drive from Mount Gambier to Robe : 1hr 26mins (128 kms)

Robe is one of the trendiest coastal towns in South Australia today. Just 90 minutes away from Mount Gambier, it’s a perfect place to stay, unwind and relax after a tiresome journey. Many visitors often tend to overlook this town, and often end up staying someplace else.

But in reality, Robe is seriously a good road trip stop. Given its luxuriant sandy beaches, dazzling cafes, bijou boutiques, and stunning coastal scenery, it’s hard to miss this place at any time.

As you soak up the sun relaxing at a beach, you’d tend to get a natural laidback Australia vibe. And essentially this is what visitors need after a tiresome road trip journey. Even if you don’t go out exploring much, there’s plenty to see within the area you stay. Historically, Robe was once the busiest shipping port in SA. And you could still its past resemblance through period buildings and old maritime structures.

Because it was a shipping port once, you’d definitely find some of the state’s finest seafood restaurants located. Some of the local’s favourites include Sails at Robe , Caledonian Inn , and Robe Seafood & Takeaway. The word is you shouldn’t miss out on trying their famous crayfish.

Where to stay in Robe, SA Budget : Sea Vu Caravan Park , Robe Marina Accommodation

Wander through Fleurieu Peninsula

Drive from Robe to Fleurieu Peninsula : 4hr 6mins (369 kms)

Fleurieu Peninsula is one of my favourite places to visit in South Australia. If you look at our Australian section, you’d see dozens of guides & resources being curated on this region. So, understandably – Fleurieu Peninsula is emerging as one of the hotspots of this amazing country. And that’s the reason why we thought this place should be listed on our Melbourne to Adelaide road trip stops.

This small-sized peninsula packs incredible things to see and do , with beautiful coastal villages, varied hiking trails, diverse native wildlife, and excellent culinary scenes. What pleases me the most is the contrast of crystal clear beaches with a backdrop of towering peaks and rugged landscapes. Such kind of setting opens up the door for visitors to venture into exploring opportunities.

Must Read | 10 Unique Places to Visit on the Fleurieu Peninsula of South Australia

Fleurieu Peninsula is home to amazing attractions and some of the major ones include visiting Victor Harbor, Normanville Beach, Horseshoe Bay (Port Elliot), Port Willunga Beach, and Rapid Bay. For outdoor enthusiasts, Deep Creek National Park will offer an enriching experience of being in the wild. It is also one of South Australia’s beloved camping destinations. If you plan on spending a couple of days extra, then you could also add Onkaparinga River National Park to your itinerary.

What you shouldn’t miss doing in Fleurieu Peninsula is trying out the local cuisine. The region is best known for its classic fish & chips, and there’s no way you could miss the opportunity of sampling it. If you aren’t sure where to look, then this guide will help you in finding the best fish & chips. For a more indulging experience, we also have curated a guide on the best restaurants located in Fleurieu Peninsula.

Also Read | 5 Best Restaurants on the Fleurieu Peninsula

Visit McLaren Vale

Drive from Fleurieu Peninsula to McLaren Vale : 44 mins (51.9 kms)

Melbourne to Adelaide road trip isn’t only popular for its scenic attractions and sights, but also for acclaimed wine regions that remarkably mark their footprint in the culinary world. And there’s no better place than McLaren Vale to relax, unwind, and sample some of the deliciously locally produced wine.

McLaren Vale is only a 40-minute drive from Adelaide. It is regarded as the premier wine region of South Australia. With bushland, vineyards, cellar doors, and award-winning restaurants harbouring the entire region – it’s no wonder that McLaren Vale is also one of the best weekend destinations to explore.

McLaren Vale offers plenty of opportunities for visitors to wander off on their own. Be it sampling the local wines, or joining a guided tour to get an in-depth wine-making process – there are endless things to do here. You could also delve into their wine collections, explore cellar doors, hop into some local cuisine and shop their local farm produce. If you prefer outdoor adventure, then discover its many hiking and scenic walking trails.

Must Read | Explore five of the finest McLaren Vale’s wine trails and scenic walks

Apart from the normal things to see & do in this wine region, there are two main attractions which you shouldn’t miss at any cost – Down The Rabbit Hole  and  d’Arenberg Cube . These newly introduced attractions are notably worthwhile. To find out more, read this guide.

Book Excursion | McLaren Vale and Glenelg Wine Tasting Tour

Melbourne to Adelaide Road Trip Itinerary

We hope the above detailed road trip stops gave you a comprehensive idea of all the must-see places. However, its a hassle to plan and compile them into one single itinerary. To help you out with this, we created a custom sample itinerary of Melbourne to Adelaide road trip. This sample includes all the places, attractions & experiences listed in our above section.

Sample Melbourne to Adelaide Road Trip Itinerary

Depart Melbourne Melbourne to the Great Otway National Park Overnight at park of Apollo Bay

Leave early morning from Otway Explore Port Campbell & the Twelve Apostles Head to Warrnambool Overnight at Warrnambool/ Port Campbell

Early morning checkout from Port Campbell Drive to Mount Gambier Exploration & sightseeing at Mount Gambier Overnight stay

Drive towards Robe Spend a relaxing day at this surfing town. Overnight stay

Head to Fleurieu Peninsula Explore McLaren Vale, Victor Harbor & other places Overnight stay

This custom curated five day Melbourne to Adelaide road trip itinerary is perfect for all age-groups. The plan ensures that you visit all the top-rated attractions of Victoria and South Australia. If you need to check out a seperate itinerary for Great Ocean Road, then read this guide .

Popular Guided Tours & Excursions

Explore a range of vast activities, experential tours, and niche guided exursions with GetYourGuide . Our partnership with them brings amazing tours which can compliment your road trip well. With easy availability & affordable pricing, you can be sure of booking the right activity at the right price.

Further Readings & Resources

Love Australian road trips? Here are a couple of in-depth guides:

Great Ocean Road : The Ultimate Great Ocean Road Itinerary for 2 Days Whitsundays : Whitsundays Itinerary 7 Days: Ultimate Guide (+ Sailing Ideas, Tips) Airlie Beach: 3-Day Airlie Beach Itinerary | How to Spend 3 Days in Airlie Beach Flinders Ranges: The Ultimate Guide to Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park

Explore Fleurieu Peninsula with us:

Experiences : Best Things to Do in the Fleurieu Peninsula of South Australia Where to Stay : 10 Gorgeous Places to Stay on the Fleurieu Peninsula Coastal Towns : 10 Unique Places to Visit on the Fleurieu Peninsula of South Australia

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The Great Ocean Road Trip Itinerary: Melbourne to Adelaide

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Australia’s Great Ocean Road , running for 243 km between Melbourne and Adelaide, ranks as one of the most famous road trips in the world and is a firm feature on most travellers bucket lists. It was one of the highlights of my time in Australia , from watching koalas shimmy down trees in the wild to those dramatic cliffs and rolling waves that are so iconic along this stretch of coast.

If you’re strapped for time then you can join a day excursion from Melbourne or self-drive a one or two night return trip, but you may miss out on truly making the most of what the Great Ocean Road and beyond has to offer! Less than 300 km may sound like a pretty quick drive by Aussie standards but the roads are often winding and slow and you’re going to want to stop practically every 5 minutes to take photos and soak up the view so this is definitely not a journey to rush.

We spent 4 nights in a little camper van  starting in Melbourne and ending in Adelaide via the Great Ocean Road, Mount Gambier and the Barossa Valley. Below you’ll find my itinerary as well as some absolute must sees along the way!

To camp or not to camp?

Although hiring something sporty and soft-topped definitely has sex appeal, I love the versatility and spontaneity that a camper van affords. There are plenty of campsites along the Great Ocean Road and even in the high season it’s usually easy enough to get a spot. If four walls is more your thing, there are lots of cute seaside towns with hotels, guest houses or Airbnb’s, you may just have to plan your trip out and book ahead beforehand  thus relinquishing that delicious road trip spontaneity.

For this particular trip I hired a Jucy El Cheapo. It’s a converted Toyota Previa and essentially a people carrier with a bed in the back and a little kitchen in the boot. If you’re after something a bit more spacious I can recommend the Britz Actionpod or the Travellers Autobarn Hi-top if you fancy the luxury of standing up!

Whatever you’re after, get in touch with RatPack Travel who take the leg work out of finding a great van and will beat any direct quote in Australia or New Zealand by at least 10%! They’re great guys working hard to change the – let’s face it, outdated and often extortionate – landscape of the travel industry. You’ll also get informal, friendly support via WhatsApp whilst you’re on the road in case you do run into any issues or need any recommendations! It’s a no brainer and having tasked Sammy with booking my van for New Zealand for me, I’d never hire one any other way.

You can get the ball rolling on a camper comparison by WhatsApp-ing Sammy on +61 450381801 (told you they’re ultra cool and super modern.)  Let them know I sent you their way with ‘BETH10’ and you’ll get 10% off an already discounted rate too!

(Transparency statement: this is not an affiliate link/code. I booked and paid for my van for New Zealand via Sammy at Ratpack and am always here to share the love when there’s a great deal to be had.)

Day 1: Melbourne to Apollo Bay

Driving time: about 3 hours 30 without stops but set off early and allow a full day!

Torquay is a surfer town about a 90 minute drive from Melbourne and roughly marks the beginning of the Great Ocean Road. Famous brands such as Rip Curl and Quicksilver found their muse here. I didn’t spend too long in Torquay because I was keen to get out of the towns and onto that sweeping ocean side stretch, but you could easily grab a picnic and head on down to the pine tree lined beach and take things slow!

Tip: Drive up Ocean Boulevard and park at the Bird Rock lookout; the view from the clifftop is spectacular.  

Bell’s Beach

Less than 5 km on from Torquay is the world famous Bell’s Beach, where the annual Rip Curl surf championships are held. Reached by those iconic wooden steps, it’s a great place to soak up the ocean air, watch the surfers and snap a few pictures!

Memorial Arch (The Great Ocean Road sign!)

Stop off for an insta-worthy picture at the iconic Great Ocean Road Sign and read up a little on the history of the area.

Tip: Regular day trips from Melbourne often means bus loads of selfie stick wielding tourists pile off at the key photo spots. This is pretty hard to avoid but if you get there early or wait a little while you should find plenty of space to take some snaps of your own! Just don’t go in the road.

Lorne is a pretty seaside town with lots going on, especially during the summer months (it books up fast!) Plenty of Melburnians head to Lorne to escape the city; it’s a quaint destination in itself and if you’ve got plenty of time you could even spend a few nights here. If you’re following a shorter (3 or 4 night) itinerary and sunrise at the famous Twelve Apostles is on your agenda then I’d suggest driving on.

Kennett River Koala Walk

Hike or drive up Grey River Road  and look out for koalas in the gum trees! At first they can be hard to spot but once you know what you’re looking for – those adorable fluffy little bums perched high up in the branches – you should see plenty. If you’re lucky like we were then you might even see one clambering down from his perch to say hello.

Tip: most people park and walk up but you absolutely can drive, which is what we opted to do. I’m really pleased because we’d driven much farther than I’d have walked when we spotted them!

Koala spotting peak time is around dusk when they climb down from the trees.

Let’s be honest, Apollo Bay is Lorne’s shabby mate. It is, however, a fair bit closer to the Twelve Apostles making it a good spot to spend a night if you’re planning to get up early and drive the final hour or so in the small hours. Alternatively have a look on WikiCamps Australia for somewhere to stay even closer to the iconic landmark!

Day 2: Apollo Bay to Port Fairy

Twelve apostles at sunrise.

We left Apollo Bay just before 5am to reach the Twelve Apostles in time to catch the most beautiful sunrise. This is without a doubt the most famous spot on the Great Ocean Road. Check the time as it will depend on the season and wrap up warm, even in the summer months as the iconic limestone stacks are about a 10 minute walk from the car park and it’s still nippy that early in the day.

I’m so glad we bothered to set that morning alarm because to this day it was one of my favourite moments in Australia!

The closest cafe open early if you fancy brekky or a hot drink after is just down the road in Port Campbell, though the quality wasn’t great and the price high, so bring your own food or cook up in your camper if you can!

Gibson Steps

Head west a few hundred yards and climb down Gibson Steps for a different view of the limestone cliffs. Early in the morning the far reaching, soft sandy beach was the perfect place to take a stroll and enjoy the tranquility before the crowds arrive and listen to the crashing waves.

Loch Ard Gorge

Named after the ship that wrecked near the gorge in 1878, Loch Ard Gorge is the perfect place to sit with a book when the wind is low, or simply enjoy the view and snap a few photos! It looks like a tempting place to swim but be careful because the currents are strong and when the wind is up the waves are rough.

A short walk from the carpark and down the steps, you’ll find this famous – and rather magnificent – sink hole. At low tide you’ll enjoy pretty spectacular views of the ocean beyond a small pool. It gets quite busy but it’s worth the stop!

You’ll also find plenty of other limestone marvels to enjoy along the stretch including the London Bridge Arch and Bay of Islands. Having enjoyed the above, we were ready to move on to our next stop, Port Fairy, but you could easily spend a whole day hopping from gorgeous look out to gorgeous look out!

Port Fairy 

Port Fairy is a beautiful little town that feels frozen in time. Plenty of buildings are National Trust classified 1800’s architecture, there’s lots of history to explore and walks to enjoy as well as all the local seafood you can manage! Spend the night here.

Day 3: Port Fairy to Robe

Griffiths island, port fairy.

Start your day with a wander around Griffiths Island, home to colonies of shearwater birds (aka mutton birds) and – if you’re lucky – wallabies! There’s a beautiful lighthouse on the eastern tip and with plenty of scrub land and beach to wander along it’s a great way to enjoy the fresh morning air before hitting the road. You’ll be saying goodbye to the Great Ocean Road but hello to some of the delights of South Australia!

Mount Gambier Blue Lake

About a two hour drive across the state line into South Australia, you’ll reach Mount Gambier. There are lots of spectacular sights around here but one of the most impressive has to be ‘Blue Lake’.  The large crater lake is located in a dormant volcanic maar and between early November and late March each year the deep blue-grey water turns a shocking colour of vibrant turquoise.

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Mount Gambier Umpherston Sinkhole (sunken garden)

Unfortunately I didn’t realise this was here until a few weeks later, but thought I’d include it anyway because the sunken gardens look like a must see! Once a cave, the sinkhole was naturally created when the chamber’s roof collapsed and later turned into stunning botanic gardens with sculptures. Apparently around dusk hundreds of possums come out to feed and explore!

Robe is a seaside town in SA and a great place to chill out, soak up some sunshine and enjoy the breathtakingly azure blue water. Depending on what you’re after, there are several campsites and restaurants here, or venture towards nearby Kingston where you’ll find ocean side spots to park up for the night. S’mores, a few beers and gorgeous evening sun made this one of my favourite nights on the road!

Day 4: Robe to Barossa Valley

Drive time: 4 hours so set off early!

Barossa Valley

Make the most of all the region has to offer and explore the Barossa Valley en route to Adelaide. Although it’s a little harder to truly enjoy the wine country when you’re driving, you can still pop into a cellar door or two for a complimentary tasting and pick up a bottle to enjoy later!

Murray Street Vineyards

We spent a lovely few hours in the sunshine at Murray Street Vineyards where they offer a free tasting and also sell delicious sharing platters of local produce to enjoy. It’s a great spot for lunch and the staff are really knowledgable; you can take home a nice bottle for less than $20 too and I didn’t feel pressured to buy.

Where to stay?

This bit is important! There are not that many campsites around the Barossa Valley so you do need to decide in advance where you’re going to stay. Remember in the summer months just how scorching hot this region can get; we spent a rather disastrous night on a farmyard in the outback, melting in the back of our van. It’s the only time when I’ve found spontaneity has come back to bite me!

Alternatively, you could either call it a day and make your way to Adelaide in time to drop your rental off that afternoon, or if wine isn’t your thing then perhaps skip Barossa entirely. It takes about an hour to reach the city from Barossa Valley.

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7-Day Melbourne to Adelaide Road Trip Itinerary via the Great Ocean Road

Melbourne and Adelaide are two of the most liveable Australian cities. Built along the coast, both Melbourne and Adelaide offer easy access to incredible beaches. With the world-renowned Great Ocean Road located between these two capital cities, a coastal road trip between Melbourne and Adelaide is among one of the most scenic road trips in Australia.

A drive between Melbourne and Adelaide via the inland route takes only 8 hours. However, a drive between Melbourne and Adelaide along the south coast can take up to 12 hours. Note: Estimations based on a non-stop drive with no traffic & regular breaks are suggested to avoid driving fatigue.

To allow adequate breaks and to visit the popular attractions along the south coast, 3-day is the minimum for a Melbourne to Adelaide road trip via the Great Ocean Road. For the best experience and to fully discover the south coast, 7-day is the ideal duration for a coastal drive between Melbourne and Adelaide.

In this article, I have put together a detailed 7-day Melbourne to Adelaide Road Trip Itinerary via the Great Ocean Road . Suggestions on where to eat & where to stay are also provided for your convenience. Hope you can find this itinerary useful in your trip planning process.

If you are time restricted & only wish to visit the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne, you may wish to check out this article on: ‘ Great Ocean Road One Day Itinerary ‘.

Day 1: Melbourne to Torquay via Geelong

Torquay is located at the eastern end of the Great Ocean Road. With only a 1 hour and 20 minutes drive from Melbourne CBD, many people will choose Torquay as the first stop of their Melbourne to Adelaide road trip.

However, Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula are also very scenic and well worth a visit in their own right. They are conveniently located along the drive between Melbourne and Torquay. Hence, I highly suggest visiting them before heading off to Torquay. If you do not wish to spend a whole day in this area, I suggest at least checking out the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula when driving by.

For more detailed information on visiting Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula, you may wish to also check out this article on: ‘ One Day Itinerary in Geelong & the Bellarine Peninsula ‘.

• Melbourne to Geelong : A drive between Melbourne and Geelong takes just over 1 hour on average & this drive is relatively straightforward.
• National Wool Museum : The only wool museum of this scale in Australia. A visitor information centre is also conveniently located on the ground floor of the National Wool Museum, which you may also wish to check out.
• Geelong Bollard Trail Walk : The most famous and popular walking trail in Geelong, featuring over 100 timber bollards dotted along Geelong’s waterfront area. These bollards are sculptures of iconic figures from Geelong & a great way for visitors to learn Geelong’s history.
• Geelong Botanic Gardens : Although small, Geelong Botanic Gardens is extremely picturesque & a great place to relax.
• The Dell & Clifton Springs : A beautiful former mineral spring site overlooking the incredible Port Philip Bay.
• Portarlington Pier : Located at the northern end of Bellarine Peninsula, Portarlington Pier is the best place for a sunset walk in the Bellarine Peninsula.

Where to Eat

• Breakfast : The Hardware Societe in Melbourne for a mouthwatering French breakfast.
• Lunch : Cafe Francisco Geelong for a delicious kebab and a quick meal.
• Dinner : The Gypsy’s Lunchbox in Torquay to satisfy your burger cravings.

Where to Stay

Geelong and Torquay are only a 25-minute drive away from each other. Hence, you can stay in either Geelong or Torquay for the first night of this road trip.

Since Geelong is bigger and more urbanised than Torquay, there are much more accommodations, shops, and eateries in Geelong . In addition, since Torquay is a popular holiday destination for people visiting the Great Ocean Road, in general, accommodations are more expensive in Torquay .

For more detailed information on accommodation options & pricing, you may wish to check out:

Day 2: Torquay to Apollo Bay

On the second day of this road trip, you will officially start to explore the extraordinary views along the Great Ocean Road.

From here on, you will drive past countless pristine beaches and breathtaking lookouts . You will likely have the urge to stop at every single one of them, but you do need to control this urge to some degree. Otherwise, it will take you way over 7-day to complete this coastal road trip between Melbourne and Adelaide.

For more information on attractions along the Great Ocean Road, you may wish to check out this: ‘ Great Ocean Road One-Day Itinerary ‘.

• Bells Beach : An internationally renowned surf beach with soft sand and a striking view. You may wish to bring a surfboard along as well.
• Point Addis Beach Lookout : For another outstanding view of the beautiful Bells Beach.
• Loveridge Lookout / Anglesea lookout : For an impressive view of the remarkable Anglesea Beach.
• Split Point Lighthouse : A charming lighthouse next to a rugged coastline. There is also a short walk from the lighthouse for visitors to further explore this coastline.
• Memorial Arch at Eastern View : One of the most popular landmarks along the Great Ocean Road. It was erected to commemorate the WW1 soldiers who helped to build the Great Ocean Road.
• Teddy’s Lookout: A sensational lookout near Lorne, with an amazing view of the Southern Ocean.
• Sheoak Falls : A short drive west of Lorne. From the carpark, there is a 30-minute return walk (depending on fitness level) through a gorgeous woodland to visit the stunning Sheoak Falls.
• Mount Defiance Lookout & Cape Patton Lookout : There are various lookouts along the Great Ocean Road, all showcasing the spectacular coastline along the Southern Ocean. Mt Defiance Lookout & Cape Patton Lookout are two of my favourites between Lorne and Apollo Bay.
• Marriner’s Lookout (Apollo Bay ): After arriving at Apollo Bay, make sure you drive up the hill to check out Marriner’s Lookout for a sweeping view of the marvellous Apollo Bay.
• Apollo Bay Back Beach & Apollo Bay Harbour : Enjoy a sunset walk along Apollo Bay’s beautiful waterfront.
• Morning Tea : Great Ocean Road Chocolate & Ice Creamery for some delicious chocolate treats and ice cream.
• Lunch : The Lighthouse Tea Room  near Split Point Lighthouse for a light lunch.
• Dinner : Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-Op for their freshly caught Southern Rock Lobsters.

Apollo Bay is the mid-way point between Torquay and Warrnambool (the two ends of the Great Ocean Road). Therefore, Apollo Bay makes the perfect overnight stop during a road trip along the Great Ocean Road.

You can also stay at Lorne or Port Campbell for the night, but you may need to alter this itinerary a bit to suit your plan.

From my experience, Apollo Bay also offers more options and better value , in comparison to the accommodations in Lorne and Port Campbell. There are more shops and eateries to be found in Apollo Bay as well.

For detailed information on accommodation options & pricing of these 3 locations, you can also check out via:

Day 3: Apollo Bay to Warrnambool

The drive between Apollo Bay and Warrnambool is arguably the highlight of the entire Great Ocean Road Drive .

From Apollo Bay west along the Great Ocean Road, you will first drive through a serene rainforest , then be presented with the famous Gibson Steps & 12-Apostles . From the Gibson Steps onwards, you will find countless impressive off-shore rock stacks dotted along this rugged coastline.

For more information on attractions along the Great Ocean Road, you may wish to check out this article on: ‘ Great Ocean Road One-Day Itinerary ‘.

• Maits Rest Rainforest Walk : A 30-minute loop walk (depending on fitness level) in a tranquil rainforest in the Great Otway National Park. It is a relatively flat and easy walk but can be wet and slippery in certain spots.
• Gibson Steps : The lookout platform at Gibson Steps offers a spectacular view of the rugged coastline along the Great Ocean Road. From the lookout platform, there is also a set of narrow steps to the pristine beach under the cliff.
• 12 Apostles : The most well-known Great Ocean Road attraction. Although many people believe it is overhyped, you will still be better off taking 20-30 minutes out of this trip to check it out and take a photo of this site.
• Loch Ard Gorge : An impressive cluster of lookouts and walking trails to discover the remarkable Shipwreck Coast. For the best experience, plan for at least 2 hours to explore Loch Ard Gorge.
• London Bridge : An impressive off-shore stack along a remarkable coastline.
• The Grotto : A serene spot with captivating rock formations. It is one of my favourite spots along this drive.
• Bay of Martyrs to Halladale Point Walk : A stunning 30-minute walk to discover the beauty of Bay of Martyrs.
• Bay of Islands Beach : A pristine beach with a breathtaking view of the Bay of Islands.
• Breakfast: Check out the freshly baked scallop pies from Apollo Bay Bakery.
• Lunch : Forage on the Foreshore in Port Campbell for a quick lunch & a stunning view of the Port Campbell waterfront.
• Dinner : MADALA 134 in Warrnambool for some quality Thai food.

Warrnambool is located at the western end of the Great Ocean Road. It is also the largest town along the Great Ocean Road. With a decent range of accommodations, eateries, and shops to choose from, Warrnambool makes a great stop during a Melbourne to Adelaide Road Trip.

Day 4: Warrnambool to Portland via Port Fairy

Although not as famous as the Great Ocean Road Drive, the coastal drive between Warrnambool and Portland is as scenic (if not more) as the Great Ocean Road Drive . Since most visitors tend to finish their road trips before arriving at Warrnambool, the journey between Warrnambool and Portland can be much more enjoyable than along the Great Ocean Road, especially during the peak seasons.

Since there is so much to discover between Warrnambool and Portland, I highly suggest splinting this section of the road trip over 2-day, if time allows.

For more detailed information on visiting Warrnambool & Portland, you can also check out the articles on:

• ‘ Things to Do in Warrnambool ‘
• ‘ Things to Do in Portland, Victoria ‘
• Stingray Bay to Thunder Point Lookout : Start the day with a relaxing coastal walk in the gorgeous Thunder Point Coastal Reserve between Stingray Bay and Thunder Point Lookout in Warrnambool.
• Logans Beach Whale Watching Platform : Check out Logans Beach for your chance to spot the impressive Southern Right Whales between June and August .
• Myojil / Point Ritchie : Head off to Point Ritchie for a stunning ocean view and a range of impressive rock formations after your whale watching at Logans Beach.
• Griffiths Island & Port Fairy Lighthouse : Under a 30-minute drive from Warrnambool, you can find the secluded Griffiths Island in Port Fairy. Following the well-maintained walkway from the carpark, you will eventually arrive at the picturesque Port Fairy Lighthouse . During the winter months, whales can also be spotted around the lighthouse.
• Yellow Rock Coastal Park (Portland): A rugged coastline and a tremendous amount of unique yellow-coloured rock formations. A great spot for surfing as well.
• Cape Nelson Lighthouse : One of my favourite spots along this drive. It features a stunning ivory-white lighthouse against the rugged coastline & the deep blue ocean. If you haven’t spotted a whale by now, Cape Nelson can be your best chance for spotting whales all year round ( Southern Right Whales during the colder months & Blue Whales during the warmer months) .
• Portland Town Centre : Finish the day with a leisure walk around Portland Town Centre to check out its over 200 historic buildings.
• Breakfast: Bohemia Cafe & Bar in Warrnambool for an amazing breakfast in a quirky Bohemian cafe.
• Lunch : Bank St + Co in Port Fairy (name on the door is Toby’s Estate – confusing, but apparently the same place) for a light lunch and an amazing coffee to recharge the day.
• Dinner : Check out Ric’s Pizza Bar in Portland for a pizza night.

Day 5: Mount Gambier

On day 5 of this coastal road trip between Melbourne and Adelaide, you will be crossing the Victorian and South Australian border & start to discover South Australia’s famous Limestone Coast .

Mount Gambier is the most well-known area along the Limestone Coast. In addition to its impressive coastline , Mount Gambier is also renowned for its unique limestone sinkholes .

For more information on the attractions around Mount Gambier, you can also check out this article on: ‘ Things to Do in Mount Gambier ‘.

• South Australia’s Southernmost Point : Check out the breathtaking coastline and remarkable rock formations at South Australia’s Southernmost Point – Cape Northumberland.
• Mount Shank : Take a short hike to visit a dormant volcano at Mount Shank in Mount Gambier.
• Little Blue Lake : Cool off after your hike in a picturesque crater lake, the Little Blue Lake.
• Blue Lake : One of the most famous crater lakes in Mount Gambier. Take a short walk around the lake to appreciate the captivating views of this tranquil blue lake.
• Centenary Tower : Take a walk up Centenary Tower for a sweeping view of Mount Gambier and its surrounding areas.
• Umpherston Sinkhole : One of the prettiest sinkhole gardens in Mount Gambier. A walk within this beautiful sinkhole garden is indeed a walk in a fairytale!
• Cave Garden : A small sinkhole garden located in the middle of Mount Gambier town centre. It also runs a nightly light show for everyone to enjoy.
• Breakfast: The Lido Larder in Portland for an awesome selection of baked goods and delicious coffee.
• Lunch : Pack a picnic to enjoy with a view of the stunning Blue Lake in Mount Gambier .
• Dinner : Check out Natural Born Grillers in Mount Gambier for a succulent burger.

Mount Gambier is one of the largest regional towns in South Australia. With a range of accommodations, eateries, and shops to suit different needs, Mount Gambier is the perfect location for an overnight stay.

Day 6: Mount Gambier to Robe via Beachport

After exploring the Mount Gambier region, we will head further west along the south coast to visit the beautiful Beachport and Robe town.

Beachport is a small coastal village between Mount Gambier and Robe. With stunning coastal views and access to essential facilities, Beachport makes a great stopover between Mount Gambier and Robe.

Robe is a gorgeous coastal town along the Limestone Coast. It features a rugged coastline with remarkable limestone formations. It is also home to the Southern Rock Lobsters in South Australia & make sure you try them out when visiting Robe.

For more information on visiting Beachport and Robe, you may wish to check out these articles on:

• ‘ Top 5 Attractions in Beachport ‘
• ‘ Robe Road Trip Itinerary ‘
• Beachport Jetty : Take a relaxing morning stroll along South Australia’s second-longest jetty, Beachport Jetty, after arriving at Beachport from Mount Gambier.
• Bowman Scenic Drive : From Beachport Jetty, follow the signage to check out the spectacular views along Bowman Scenic Drive. Numerous parking bays are available along Bowman Scenic Drive for visitors to park safely before enjoying the views.
• Beacon Hill Lookout : For a panoramic view of Robe, its magnificent coastline, and the surrounding reserves.
• Robe Obelisk : The most iconic Robe landmark & one of the most scenic spots in Robe. Make sure you check it out too!
• Robe Coastal Walk : From Robe Obelisk, follow Robe Coastal Walk towards Robe Lighthouse to better appreciate Robe’s spectacular coastline.
• Glass Beach : Finish your coastal walk at the peaceful Glass Beach, with a view of Robe Lighthouse in the distance. If lucky, you can also find some colourful sea glasses around Glass Beach.
• Long Beach : A long stretch of sandy beach near Robe. It is also one of Robe’s prime 4WD beaches.
• Town Beach : A beautiful beach in the centre of Robe town. Perfect for a sunset walk.
• Breakfast: Bay Blue Espresso Bar in Mount Gambier for a quick coffee and breakfast to start the day.
• Lunch : Enjoy a delicious lunch at Adventurous Spoon in Robe .
• Dinner : Check out Sails at Robe for their famous grilled Southern Rock Lobster with garlic butter sauce.

Robe is a great place to base yourself for the night.

Alternatively, you can also stay in nearby Kingston SE , but the accommodation and dining options in Kingston SE are much more limited in comparison.

For a detailed list of accommodation options, you may wish to check out:

Day 7: Robe to Adelaide

On the last day of this 7-Day road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide via the Great Ocean Road, you will get to explore the stunning Kingston SE, check out the famed Coorong National Park, take a walk along the beautiful Lake Albert, and arrive at the wine capital of Australia, Adelaide .

For detailed information on the attractions between Robe and Adelaide, you may wish to check out here on this: ‘ Adelaide to Robe Road Trip Itinerary’ .

For visiting Adelaide, you may also wish to check out these articles here:

• The Ultimate 1-Day Itinerary in Adelaide
• 3-Day Adelaide Itinerary Without a Car
• Adelaide Hills Day Trip Itinerary
• Kangaroo Island 2-Day Road Trip Itinerary
• Victor Harbor Day Trip Itinerary
• Port Adelaide Day Trip Itinerary
• Best Adelaide Beaches to Visit
• 10 Best Day Trips from Adelaide
• Barrosa Valley v.s McLaren Vale
• Kingston Jetty : Take a relaxing walk along Kingston Jetty to enjoy Kingston SE’s stunning waterfront.
• The Big Lobster : Stop by The Big Lobster, Larry, for a photo with this 17-metre-long fibreglass lobster sculpture.
• Jack Point Observation Deck : Take a short walk from the car park to visit Jack Point Observation Deck for a taste of the wonderful Coorong National Park.
• Meningie : Stop by Meningie for a walk along the tranquil Lake Albert.
• Pink Lake : Check out the Pink Lake near Meningie for a surreal lake view. Note: the pinkness of this lake increases as it dries out during the warmer months.
• Murray Bridge : Take a break at Murray Bridge along the beautiful River Murray.
• Adelaide Hills : If time allows, you may wish to check out the picturesque Adelaide Hills before heading down to Adelaide.
• Breakfast: Drift Cafe in Robe for a light breakfast to start the day.
• Lunch : Check out the delicious baked goods, especially the meat pies, from Meningie Bakery .
• Dinner : Windy Point Restaurant in Adelaide for a meal with the best view of the Adelaide skyline.

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Frugal Travel

Ultimate Adelaide to Melbourne Drive via the Great Ocean Road

This post probably contains affiliate links from which I earn a small commission if you buy from them, at no extra cost to you. Thanks so much for stopping by!

This Adelaide to Melbourne drive itinerary includes some of my favourite places that are a little more off the beaten path, as well as the more well-known highlights. I started my time in Australia down near Mount Gambier and speaking to the locals there meant finding out about some great lesser-known spots.

Who doesn’t love some local insider knowledge?

Because of this, this Adelaide to Melbourne via the Great Ocean Road itinerary can be pretty flexible. If you wanted to, you could drive inland and drive from Adelaide to Melbourne in about 8 hours. This itinerary, however, hugs the coastline and even has a bonus trip you can take to one of Australia’s most beautiful islands.

You might also like:

• Guide to campervan relocation rentals: How to hire a camper for $1 a day
• Road tripping the Great Ocean Road, 3 ways in 4 days
• The ULTIMATE 4 day Kangaroo Island road trip Itinerary
• Budget friendly and free things to do in Melbourne
• Exploring Australia’s Limestone Coast

But first, watch this to see this road trip in action:

Table of Contents

Your Adelaide to Melbourne drive itinerary

The distance from Adelaide to Melbourne is 1500km on this itinerary, which amounts to over 21 hours worth of driving. It sounds daunting but it’s going to be broken down into very manageable chunks. you really need 2-3 weeks to make the most of this itinerary, especially as you’re going to be going over to Kangaroo Island.

Here’s your epic Adelaide to Melbourne road trip in a nutshell:

• Adelaide – 2 nights
• McLaren Vale – 1 night
• Kangaroo Island – 3 nights
• Victor Harbour- 1 night
• Mount Gambier (via Robe and Beachport) – 2 nights
• The Grampians – 1 night
• The Great Ocean Road – 2 nights
• Melbourne – 4 nights

• Length of stay: 2 nights

Adelaide is definitely the underdog of Australia’s capital cities. It doesn’t have iconic buildings like Sydney or the glorious sunshine of Brisbane. It’s far more understated than that but it does have some real gem of its own. Adelaide has put itself firmly on the map as one of Australia’s top foodie destinations so if you love to eat, then you’ll love Adelaide.

Top things to do for 2 days in Adelaide

Adelaide Central Market – A cheap way to experience Adelaide’s incredible food scene is to visit the Adelaide Central Market. This market is the largest undercover market in the Southern hemisphere and has been running since 1869. I LOVE it here! You can pick up delicious local fresh produce and wine an grab a bite to eat from the vendors there. This is my top thing to do in Adelaide!

Tram to Glenelg – Melbourne isn’t the only city in Australia to have trams, don’t you know! Hop on the tram to Adelaide beach town of Glenelg and take a stroll along the beachfront.

Free walking tour – I’ve done so many free walking tours and I still think they’re a great way to get to know a place. Check out FreeTour to book yourself on one of their 2 hour tours run by a local.

Walk along the river – The Torrens River runs through Adelaide and is a really nice spot to relax at. It runs right behind the Adelaide Oval as well, one of the city’s main landmarks.

Rundle Mall – This is the main shopping centre of Adelaide where you’ll find all the usual shops. However, there are some great sculptures down here including the ‘Malls Balls’ and the very cute (but bizarre) Rundle Mall Pigs. Be sure to drop into the beautiful Adelaide Arcade as you walk down the mall and visit Haighs Chocolates for a sweet treat.

China Town – Located near to the Central Markets, China Town is a great place to go for a delicious and budget friendly meal in Adelaide.

Where to stay in Adelaide

The best way to spend 2 days in Adelaide is to stay near to the city centre. There aren’t any campsites in Adelaide so I recommend either booking hostel or an Air BnB. If you’re new to AirBnB, you can click here to get £34 to use towards your first booking. Tom and I love AirBnB as it’s easier to find places with parking and we have access to a kitchen and laundry facilities.

McLaren Vale Wine Region

• Distance from Adelaide: 40 km
• Drive Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Length of stay: 1 night

The McLaren Vale is located on the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula just a short drive south of Adelaide. The Fleurieu’s coastline is spectacular, but for now, it’s time to stay a little inland to experience one of the best wine regions in Australia. The McLaren Vale has over 110 vineyards where you can taste the wine and enjoy some incredible local foods.

Things to do in Mclaren Vale

Take the McLaren Vale Tourist Drive – This tourist drive is the best way to experience McLaren Vale on a small budget. You’ll follow route 60 through the beautiful hills and vineyards of the area and past over 40 wineries. Many of the wineries offer free tasting so don’t be afraid to drop in and sample some.

Do a wine tour – If don’t want anyone to miss out on the wine experience, take a wine tour instead of driving yourself. If the idea of a standard wine tour sounds a bit stuffy to you, you should definitely check out a wine bike tour which even has the option of electric bikes. What’s not to love about a boozy bike tour?

Where to stay in the McLaren Vale

Accommodation is expensive in McLaren Vale and the campsites are quite limited. To experience the beaches and coastline of the Fleurieu Peninsula, leave enough time at the end of your day to drive an hour further south to Rapid Bay Campground right next to the beach.

Kangaroo Island

• Distance from McLaren Vale: 75 km
• Drive Time: 1 hour + the ferry
• Length of stay: 3 nights (at least)

If there’s one place that’s worth the extra effort to visit, it’s Kangaroo Island. Getting to Kangaroo Island is was with the SeaLink Ferry that goes from Cape Jervis over to Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island and it’s the ultimate off the beaten path trip to take. Take a look at my 4 day Kangaroo Island itinerary for all the details about visiting, but if you want to stay longer, you’re not going to run out of things to do there.

The best things to see on Kangaroo Island

Stokes Bay – This beautiful bay on the north of Kangaroo Island is a serene area of the rugged coastline. The beach is beautiful and you can follow the secret path through the rocks to reach the next beach too. You’ll definitely see plenty of kangaroos around here too.

Emu Bay and Kingscote for breweries – Emu Bay is another beautiful beach and one you can drive on if you have a 4WD. In nearby Kingscote you’ll find lots some great breweries like Kangaroo Island Breweries, Emu Bay Lavender and Kangaroo Island Spirits.

Local produce – Kangaroo Island is a foodie gem, even if you’re on a budget. For the most incredible icecream I’ve ever tasted, check out Clifford’s Honey Farm, Bella Cafe has a delicious selection of dishes and if you’ve ever wanted to try an oyster, Kangaroo Island is the place for it.

Flinders Chase National Park – A trip here is the top thing to do on Kangaroo Island. Flinders Chase National Park is full of beautiful walks, rock formations and coastal views. You’ll have a great chance of seeing plenty more kangaroos, koalas and even the elusive platypus. Another highlight of Flinders Chase is the walk from the Cape Du Couedic Lighthouse to Admirals Arch where you’ll see plenty of Seals!

Little Sahara – Ever wanted to have a go at snowboarding? Well, you can do just that on Kangaroo Island. Little Sahara near Vivonne Bay is a 2km area of natural sand dunes where you can rent a board or toboggan to hit the slopes with.

Wine tasting – Kangaroo Island has 12 fantastic wineries that are well worth checking out. As with McLaren Vale, you can easily do a self-drive tour to some cellar doors, or take an organised tour. I only had time to go to Dudley Wines on my trip but it was great and they have the most fantastic view over the hills and ocean.

Where to stay on Kangaroo Island

There are a number of campsites on Kangaroo Island and I recommend staying at a couple of different ones as you explore different parts of the island. We stayed at the basic but very affordable Stokes Bay Campground which is small but located right on the beach. We also stayed at Vivonne Bay Lodge on the north of the island which is fantastic but sadly had extensive damage from the bushfires in 2019. Keep checking their website though for updates on when they might be open again.

Victor Harbour

• Distance from Cape Jervis (the ferry terminal): 60 km
• Drive Time: 45 minutes

As you will have spent a little bit of time travelling from Kangaroo Island, take a pit stop for the night at Victor Harbour. This cute little coastal town has some fantastic wildlife and keeps its rooted history going strong.

Things to do in Victor Harbour

Horsedrawn Tram – This is definitely one of the more unusual things you’ll see in South Australia, but I think it’s great. The horsedrawn tram is one of only 2 running in the world and it’s been here since 1894. You can buy a ticket to go on it or just walk down the tramway to Granite Island instead.

Granite Island – Granite Island is a nature reserve home to an abundance of wildlife. Take the Kaiki walking trail to loop around the island to take in the views and see what you can see. There are often seals, dolphins and number of sea birds here. It’s also on the migration route for Southern Right Whales between May and October.

Little Penguin guided tour – Granite Island is also home to a small colony of Little Penguins. If you want to get a bit closer you can take a guided tour at dusk to see them.

Swim with Tuna – Yes, that’s right; you can actually swim with these fish in Victor Harbour. They have an In Sea Aquarium and you can take a tour out to it to dive in the water with Southern Bluefin Tuna. Book your In Sea Aquarium Experience her e.

Where to stay in Victor Harbour

There are no free or donation only campsites in Victor Harbour but there are 3 close by to the town centre.

Mount Gambier

• Distance from Victor Harbour: 466 km
• Drive Time: 5 Hours

Mount Gambier holds a special place in my heart as it’s where I started my 88 days regional work in Australia. It’s a great little town with some really unique and interesting places to explore and one of my favourite restaurants in the whole of Australia! Taking the coastal road means you’ll go via Robe and Beachport and get incredible ocean views.

Things to do in Mount Gambier

Kingston – Australia randomly has a lot of big statues of things all over the place, and Kingston has the big lobster. You’re going to be driving through Kingston anyway so you might as well snap a photo!

Robe Obelisk – You will pass Robe on your way to Mount Gambier as you follow the coast. The Robe Obelisk is a red and white striped cone-like structure on the clifftop at Cape Dombey.

Long Beach, Robe – A beautiful beach, perfect for swimming and doing some beach driving. It’s also a popular place for fishing.

Bowman Scenic Drive from Beachport – Beachport is just a little further along the coast from Robe and it’s a fantastic coastal scenic route to take on your Adelaide to Melbourne drive.

Blue Lake – This huge lake is actually an ancient crater of the extinct Mount Gambier Volcano. In the summer months, the lake turns from a dark blue to a bright turquoise colour giving it its name. There is a viewpoint from above the lake and a 3.6km walking track that goes all around the edge.

Umpherston Sink Hole – This impressive sunken garden has been formed from a collapsed limestone cave. The garden is beautiful and home to a family of possums that come out at dusk. It’s always open and completely free to visit.

Cave Garden – Similar to the Umpherston Sink Hole, the Cave Garden is another impressive garden formed within a collapsed cave. You can’t go down to the bottom of this one but there’s a viewing platform and sometimes a waterfall if there has been enough rain. It’s right in the town centre so really easy to visit as well.

Metro – Ah, one of my favourite places to eat in Australia! The food at this cafe is incredible, fresh and filling. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as being a bakery serving up the prettiest cakes and the most delicious baked goods. You HAVE to get one of their sausage rolls!

Gannets at Portland – A little over an hour away, just across the border into Victoria is Portland. It’s a pretty small place but I love the rugged coast here. If you’re a nature lover then you can visit a colony of Gannets at Point Danger. This is the only land-based colony in the whole of Australia and the nature reserve is looked after by a team of volunteers.

Port Macdonnell – Port Mac is the southernmost town in South Australia and is famous for lobster fishing. There’s not an awful lot to do but if you want to relax by the ocean, it’s a lovely place to visit.

Where to stay in Mount Gambier

There are a few caravan parks in Mount Gambier, but if you want a free campsite in Mount Gambier, head just a little out of town to the Kromelite rest area, right on the edge of the Myora Forest. The tall, straight trees surrounding here makes for a great camp spot.

The Grampians National Park

• Distance from Mount Gambier: 220 km
• Drive Time: 2.5 Hours

This is a bit of a diversion on your Adelaide to Melbourne road trip but it’s one you can’t miss. Even with just one night there you can experience waterfalls, do some great hikes and take in the most epic views. You can read more about The Grampians in my Great Ocean Road itinerary where we took did the Central Grampian Drive to see some of the best places in the national park.

Things to do at The Grampians

The Balconies – The walk to the Balconies is spectacular. They are essentially a set of overhanging rocks that form a natural balcony that you can sit on.

Reeds Lookout – This is the lookout point from the carpark for the balconies so it’s really accessible.

McKenzie Falls – One of the largest and most impressive waterfalls in Victoria. It’s a 40 minute drive from Halls Gap but it flows all year round so you won’t be disappointed.

Mt. William – This is the highest point in the Grampians so if you want an uninterrupted panoramic view, this is where you should go. It’s a steep walk up but worth it.

Best campsite in The Grampians

The Plantation Campsite is just 15 minutes from Halls Gap and is one of the best free campsites I stayed at. There are toilets, bush showers and you can even build a fire if you fancy. Enjoy having some kangaroos as your neighbours as well as unspoilt starry skies.

The Great Ocean Road (Warnambool to Torquay)

• Distance from The Grampians: 160 km
• Drive Time: 2 Hours

The bit everyone thinks about most, the Great Ocean Road part of your Adelaide to Melbourne Great Ocean Road itinerary! It’s one of the most famous, accessible and scenic drives in Australia and one that I did 3 times. It does not get boring! I’ve been there when it’s stormy and when it’s gloriously sunny, and it honestly doesn’t make it any less awesome. The drive runs from Warnambool to Torquay and I’ve got a full Great Ocean Road Itinerary for 2 days here , but below are some of the highlights.

2 day Great Ocean Road itinerary highlights

Childers Cove – The first landmark you’ll reach on the Great Ocean Road! I love this place as it’s often pretty empty but seriously spectacular.

The Arch – If you want to see the full force of the ocean, visit The Arch to see it crashing through the gap.

London Bridge – This formation was attached to the mainland until 1990 when it collapsed. It was originally a natural double span bridge.

Gibson’s Steps – Walk down these steep steps to the beach below and see the cliffs from below.

The Twelve Apostles – Of course, this is the most famous (and therefore busiest) landmark on the Great Ocean Road. They are group of rock stacks that protrude up to 45 meters from the ocean and looks particularly impressive at sunrise and sunset.

The Grotto – This is my favourite spot on the Great Ocean Road. It’s almost like a small cave that leads out to the ocean. It’s small but I love it.

The drive between Apollo Bay and Lorne – All of the drive is beautiful but this section is spectacular. This is where you’ll be driving along the winding cliff roads where you can stop off at some great lookout points.

Memorial Arch – It’s the ‘Great Ocean Road’ sign- don’t worry, there are places to park to get a picture!

Where to stay on the Great Ocean Road

Unsurprisingly there are no free campsites anywhere on the Great Ocean Road but I recommend staying around Apollo Bay as this is the halfway point for the Great Ocean Road and puts you close to the Twelve Apostles.

• Distance from Torquay: 105 km
• Drive Time: 1.5 Hours
• Length of stay: 4 nights

Your Adelaide to Melbourne Drive might be complete, but you’ll now be in one of the best cities in the world. There’s so much to do in Melbourne all year round that you’re going to want a good few nights there to see as much as possible. To help you plan your time in Melbourne, take a look at my guides here:

How to spend 3 days in Melbourne

33 budget friendly and free things to do in Melbourne

How to spend a day in Melbourne’s quirky suburb, Fitzroy

8 places to get the best city views of Melbourne’s skyline

How to find cheap campervan hire in Australia

If you don’t have your own campervan for this road trip, I recommend hiring one instead of a car. Having your accommodation and kitchen with you at all times is a great way to save money and travel Australia on a budget. Campervans range a lot in size and therefore the hire prices vary. Comparison websites like vroomvroomvroom allow you to see the hire options and choose a campervan that’s right for you.

Top apps to help with your Adelaide to Melbourne road trip

I don’t know how I road tripped Australia before Wikicamps because this little app is a game-changer! I love it so much that I actually have a  full review here . WikiCamps maps out campsites all over Australia and allows you to filter out by facilities. However, if you’re travelling Australia on budget, the best feature by far is the ability to filter by free campsites. Yes, that’s right. FREE. CAMPSITES.

There are plenty of places to fill up between Melbourne and Sydney but it’s definitely a good idea to keep topped up. The Fuel App picks up your location so you can see where the next fuel station is to help you plan your drive.

Offline Google Maps

Who uses sat navs nowadays? Google maps is a lifesaver for Australia road trips but to avoid the problem of not having any signal, you can download your map so it works offline. Simply go onto Google maps on your phone and zoom out to cover the area you’re going to be driving, type in ‘ok maps’ into the search bar and you can then download the map onto your phone. Now you’ll have the maps you want to hand without the need for wifi or data connection.

Hostelworld

One thing I didn’t know before travelling to Australia is that some hostels have space for you to stay in your campervan and you can also use their facilities. Wikicamps often lists these hostels but I recommend then booking via   Hostelworld   to secure the space.

XE Currency app

This is an absolute essential no matter where you’re travelling overseas. Australia is a pretty pricey country to visit and as you’re going to be travelling a lot it will help you stick to your budget.

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• Adelaide to Melbourne via The Great Ocean Road: Ultimate Guide

by Emily Cass | Nov 7, 2023 | Australia & NZ , Most Popular | 9 comments

Ever since we could remember, driving The Great Ocean Road  in Victoria, Australia has been high up there on our bucket list. Even though we’ve done coastal road trips all over the world, including in  Hawaii,  South Africa ,  California  and  Tasmania, the world famous Aussie road trip had yet to be explored.

Until now! Below we give you a detailed guide on how to drive this beautiful part of the world!

But before we start, it should be known that we flew from Sydney and started our road trip in the city of Adelaide and ended it in Melbourne, but we recommend you do the opposite of what we did, and start your drive in Melbourne and head towards Adelaide. This way you’ll have the coast on your side of the road the whole way.

Here’s our Great Ocean Road road trip guide which includes an interactive map with the best stops, accommodation, tips and travel logistics .

Best Great Ocean Road Organized Tours 

If you would prefer an organised tour, check out these top tours from GetMyGuide. Or read on for our self guided Great Ocean Road itinerary.

What is The Great Ocean Road?

The Great Ocean Road is a 244km stretch of road running from Allansford to Torquay in Victoria, Australia .  The road was built by returned WW1 soldiers and is now a permanent memorial. The road that hugs the shore is met by rugged coastline, the oldest lighthouse in Australia, wild nature, windswept cliff tops, coastal towns, secluded beaches and many, many photo opportunities.

Great Ocean Road Tour from Adelaide to Melbourne

There are many ways of getting from A to B but for this particular stretch, it seems every second person is either in a campervan or caravan. We rented a Wicked Campervan (shown above) which had its pros and cons. You can read our full experience/review in a separate blog post.

There are numerous other places in which to rent a good campervan, such as Camper Champ , so make sure you do your research to see which options suit your needs best.

Did you know it is also possible to walk  a large portion of the Great Ocean Road independently or with a guide? The walk is 104km long, takes 7- 8 days and begins in  Apollo Bay and finishes at The Twelve Apostles (or vice versa). If walking isn’t your thing (I don’t blame you), then you can cycle or take a guided tour.

If you’re pressed for time, day tou rs from Melbourne are convenient but you will have no flexibility in the schedule and don’t be disappointed when you find yourself at the tourist sites with hoards of other buses. We strongly recommend you self-drive, even if it’s a regular vehicle. 

How long do you need for the Great Ocean Road drive?

The Great Ocean Road is approximately 200km so it can be driven in 1-2 days , however, if you’re doing the whole route from Adelaide to Melbourne or vice versa, allow at least 5-7 days to take it slow get the most of out of the journey.

Go to Day 4 if you want to skip straight to the Great Ocean Road Itinerary.

Great Ocean Road Adelaide to Melbourne Itinerary ( 4-7 Days) 

• Adelaide to Robe (335 km, 3 hours 40 minutes)
• Robe to The Grampians via Mount Gambier (285km, 3 hours 15 minutes)
• The Grampians to Port Fairy (158km, 1 hour 50 minutes)
• Port Fairy to Apollo Bay via The Great Ocean Road (187km, 2 hours 50 minutes)
• Apollo Bay to Lorne (47km, 1 hour)
• Lorne to Torquay (46km 1 hour)
• Torquay  to Melbourne (133km, 1 hour 45 minutes)

Day 1: Adelaide to Robe (335km, 3 hours 40 minutes)

We left Adelaide after a delicious & highly recommended breakfast at Luigi’s Delicatessen and headed for the coastal town of Robe via the Fleurieu Peninsula . Along the way, wake up your taste buds with wine tasting at D’Aranberg , a 15 million dollar rooftop cellar door + art gallery in McLaren Vale. Grab lunch at Loco Mexican , watch out for the dolphins at Victor Harbour or take a stroll or horse trolley over to Granite Island .

Robe is one of South Australia’s favourite seaside towns. There is ample accommodation from motels to campsites, a small main street with a grocery store, a petrol station, beaches, fishing ports, restaurants, local pubs, coffee shops (go to Mahalia Coffee ) and an extremely relaxed vibe. We spent the night in the car park at The Robe Obelisk , watching the sunset and waking up to the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks. A pretty special place to sleep!

Where to Stay in Robe

• Free: The Robe Obelisk – shown above (no facilities, just a killer view) 
• Paid: Robe Holiday Park ($30 AUD powered site and use of facilities) 
• Sick of your van?   Guichen Bay Motel  or  Robe House B n B  .

Day 2: Robe to Halls Gap (The Grampians) via Mount Gambier (285km, 3 hours 15 minutes) 

After spending the morning in Robe, make your way towards Mount Gambier , inland of South Australia. Most travellers stay along the coastal route and miss this, but if you have the time we would definitely recommend making the small inland detour to visit The Blue Lake & The Umpherston Sinkhole. The Umpherson Sinkhole is an underground garden holding many different plants, trees & hanging vines. The sinkhole which was built in 1886 was once a limestone cave and the sinkhole was created when the chambers’ roof collapsed. If you’re there for dusk, watch the possums appear to feed off fresh fruit.

Drive a further 2.5 hours until you arrive in the mountainous region of Halls Gap , the base for exploring the mountainous  Grampians. Once you arrive at Halls Gap, keep an eye out for the masses of Kangaroos soaking up the last little bit of sunshine on the fields. There is one main street with motels, small grocery stores, caravan parks, an ice cream parlour (essential), a petrol station and a handful of restaurants.

Where to Stay in Halls Gap

• Free: Plantation Campground (bush showers, picnic tables, shared firepit)
• Paid: Big4 Parkgate Resort – $30 AUD non-powered site, $37 powered site + use of good facilities) 
• Sick of your van?  Halls Gap Valley Lodges  or Halls Haven Resort

Day 3: Halls Gap (The Grampians) to Port Fairy (158 km, 1 hour 50 minutes)

The Grampians mountain range is an idyllic setting of misty mornings, rugged mountains, powerful waterfalls, wildlife and endless views. You could spend many days hiking through the various bush tracks in the park but if you are pressed for time we recommend visiting these top sights which are all located just off Mt Victory Road.

• The Pinnacles & Grand Canyon –  Regarded as one of the most popular walks in the park, this will take you on a 2.1km round trip walk up a relatively steep incline but it’s worth every breath. If you can, go via the Grand Canyon which is to the left of the car park.
• Makenzie Falls . Victoria’s largest waterfall. It’s a steep 600m climb down paved stairs and path’s but it’s worth it to view from below. There is an above viewing platform if you don’t want to walk to the base.
• The Balcony. In our opinion, this gave the best view of the park! Park in the Reeds Car Park and walk an easy 1km to the balcony. If you’re feeling game, walk out onto the “jaws of death”.

Leave by the afternoon via Coolars Ice Creamery  (of course) and reach  Port Fairy before sunset. Port Fairy is a historic coastal town with wide streets, boutique stores, art galleries, swimming beaches, coastal walks, old stone churches, award-winning restaurants, a golf course, motels, caravan parks and at dusk, the possibility to see the mutton bird colony (10,000 – 20,000 birds) return to their nesting grounds on Griffiths Island from their 15,000km journey around the world in just 2 months. This happens only between September and April. Pretty spectacular.

Where to Stay in Port Fairy

• Paid: Gum Tree Caravan Park ($25, unpowered with use of facilities)
• Paid: Southcombe Park ($43 powered site/$38 unpowered with use of facilities)
• Sick of your van? Comfort Inn Port Fairy & Seacombe House  or Battery Cove Beachfront Apartment 

Day 4: Port Fairy to Apollo Bay via The Great Ocean Road (187 km, 2 hours 50 minutes)

Not long after you leave Port Fairy you’ll pass through the town of Warrnambool – the maritime capital of the region. This is a good town to stock up on any low supplies as there are a ton of department stores, large grocery stores, clothing stores, petrol stations, restaurants and cafes. Cheese lovers, keep an eye out for “Cheese World ” just past Allansford (you can’t miss it). Plenty of cheese samples, artisan goods, gourmet dips, wine and all the good things in life. We’d suggest stocking up for a picnic lunch in Port Campbell (further down the track).

Top Tip: If you’re visiting during winter (May – October) stop at Logan Beach. Each year southern right and blue whales school their calves just off the shore. It’s best viewed from the designated whale whatching platform!

At last, we’re reunited with the coast! Today’s the day the official Great Ocean Road begins ! Don’t get too comfortable in the car, you’ll be getting out every 5 minutes. We were seriously blown away by the sheer beauty of this coastal drive. The bright blue sky against the yellow limestone rocks surrounded by the blue glistening water was absolutely incredible.

Great Ocean Road Driving Map & Itinerary with Highlights & Best Stops to Visit

Here are a few highlights from the Great Ocean Road which can all be reached within a short walk from the car parks.

An interactive map is below the static map.

• Bay of Islands (the least crowded and in our opinion, the most beautiful)
• The Grotto (combines a blowhole, cave and archway. Make sure you walk right down to the water)
• London Bridge (previously connected to the mainland until 1990 when it collapsed, now sometimes referred to as the London Arch)
• Port Campbell ( great town to enjoy a swim & picnic lunch by the sea)
• The Arch (can you guess what this may be?)
• Lord Ard Gorge (Loch Ard Gorge is named after the famous 1878 shipwreck on nearby Mutton Bird Island. There are 3 car parks and 4 main walking trails ranging in length. Take note of what car park you park in)
• The Razorback (impressive rock formation constantly changing by the wind and water erosion)
• The Twelve Apostles National Park (The most popular of the stops. Prepare for the chaos and hoards of people, option for a helicopter ride , $145 pp)
• Gibson Steps (great access to view The Twelve Apostles from the beach, without too many people)

Completely mesmerized by what we’ve just seen, we arrived in Apollo Bay just before sunset. Apollo Bay is where the hills meet the sea & we enjoyed this town a lot. There were a lot of good places to eat ( Great Ocean Road Brewhouse, Dooleys award-winning Icecream, Apollo Bakery or Apollo Bay Seafood Cafe just to name a few and the beach was right in front of the town. There’s also a great lookout point to walk too,  Mariners Lookout or take the lazy option & fly a drone 😉

Note: We skipped over Cape Otway National Park  but if we were to do this trip again we would take the detour. Try it and let us know! 

Where to Stay in Apollo Bay

• Paid: Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve and Camping Ground ($25 unpowered site + use of facilities) OR BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park ($39 unpowered + use of facilities)
• Free: There are plenty of public toilets in Apollo Bay as well as a cold free shower located next to Apollo Bay Harbour Car Park. 
• Sick of your van?  Apollo Bay Waterfront Motel Inn  or Stay Inn

Day 5: Apollo Bay to Lorne (47km, 1 hour)

Begin your morning with a coffee & breakfast from Hello Coffee and lather up in sunscreen, more coast awaits! Today you’ll continue on towards the coastal town of Lorne . We spent a good amount of the day beach hopping the secluded and untouched beaches and soaking up the Aussie sun. This portion of the Great Ocean Road really hugged the coastline, it felt like an arm’s reach away at all times.

Lorne was our favourite of the towns and we could have easily spent a few days here. There’s plenty to do for the whole family, from great cafes to a patrolled beach, rock pools, fishing, lookouts (Teddy’s) or why not work up a sweat and trek to Erskine Waterfalls which offers 2 lookout points. Hungry? Sit on the beach and indulge in takeaway fish and chips from Salty Dog Fish and Chippery.

Where to Stay in Lorne

• Paid: Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park ($35 unpowered + use of facilities)
• Free: Allenvale Mill Site (non-flush toilets, unpowered, no fires allowed)
• Sick of your van? Chatby Lane Lorne  or Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park

Day 6: Lorne to Torquay (46 km, 1 hour)

Once you reach the breezy town of Torquay, the official Great Ocean Road finishes (or begins, depending on which way you’re travelling) but don’t be too upset, there’s still plenty to see between Lorne and Torquay. Just 15 minutes from Lorne, make a note to stop at the Memorial Arch at Eastern View . You can take your signature photo with the “Great Ocean Road” sign and learn about the history and background of this beautiful road. Something we shamefully had no idea about until this trip.

Continuing on in just one direction, you’ll pass by Fairhaven Beach (the longest beach on the Great Ocean Road) Airleys Inlet, Split Point Lighthouse, Anglesea Beach and then one of Australia’s most well-known beaches, Bells Beach  – Australia’s premier surf beach where Rip Curl/Quicksilver was born. Surf competitions are held here annually for experienced surfers from around the world.

If you’re just learning, they also have surf lessons available  so don’t worry, you’ll get there one day! If you don’t have a fear of heights, why not go paragliding over Bell’s Beach? We did this in Southern Turkey and LOVED it!

Torquay is one of the largest towns on the coast and is very popular for weekend getaways from Melbourne . There is a ton of restaurants, motels, caravan parks, playgrounds and if you’re up for it, a nudist beach. It may be known as the surfing capital in Australia but there are still plenty of other beaches to enjoy a patrolled calm swim. If you’re into surfing, there’s a surf museum next to Surf City which is home to surf shops offering everything from swimwear to surfboards. Love a good deal? Baines Beach Surf Seconds (on Baines Crescent) is a surf factory outlet selling discounted clothes and accessories.

Where To Stay in Torquay

• Paid: Torquay Holiday Park ($39 powered + use of facilities)
• Paid: Juan Juc Caravan Park ($30 unpowered + use of facilities) 
• Sick of your van?  Bells Beach Backpackers or  Torquay Tropicana Motel

Day 7: Torquay to Melbourne (133 km, 1 hour 45 minutes)

Today’s the day we return our Wicked Campervan. En route to Melbourne and still with some time under our sleeve, we drove directly to St Kilda. Melbourne’s closest beach town. We walked along the foreshore, enjoyed a much-needed drink at Pontoon Beach Bar and in the evening, watched the penguins come home at the end of the Jetty. The perfect way to end our road trip. I could continue this #vanlife but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss some luxuries in life. That’s fair, isn’t it?! Please, someone, get me to a hotel.

Top Best Stops & Attractions on the Adelaide to Melbourne Great Ocean Road Drive 

In summary, these were our top picks for the Adelaide to Melbourne / Great Ocean Road Drive. Don’t miss these!

• Grampians National Park
• The Umpherston Sinkhole
• Great Otway National Park
• Great Ocean Road (especially Bay of Islands and The Grotto)
• Cosy Corner
• Bells Beach

Too overwhelming? Take an organized tour from GetMyGuide instead:

Top Tips for The Great Ocean Road Drive / Adelaide to Melbourne Tour

• Watch out for wildlife. Especially in the evenings. Save the roos! Avoid driving at night when possible.
• When you see a petrol station, fill up your tank, even if it’s almost full. It could be a while before you see another.
• Stop, revive, survive. It may sound cliche but with long distances, driving can become extremely boring and tiresome. Pack some snacks and a good playlist to keep you alert.
• Make sure you have your campervans roadside assistance phone number available at all times. Especially if you’re in a Wicked Campervan.
• The Travellers Autobarn app gives you a range of camping options from free to paid and updates based on your location. This helped us immensely in finding where to legally park our car for the night.
• Check if your van comes with linen . Wicked Campers don’t supply linen (they give you a mattress) so we stocked up on a quilt, pillows and a filled sheet from Big W for $70 AUD.
• Bring your laptops and cameras into the restaurants with you to charge, especially if you aren’t staying at a paid caravan site.
• It’s tempting but sleeping in your van in undesignated areas is illegal, watch out for clear signs and if you ignore them, you can pay the price!
• The weather can be quite unpredictable year round, pack for all seasons.
• Please note the prices for campsites quoted above are for our travel through March and can inflate during holiday periods.
• If your schedule permits, try for the 12 Apostles at sunrise or sunset . During the day is pure madness with tour buses.

Is the Great Ocean Road trip on your bucket list? Or have you done it before? We’d love to hear what else to add!

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As an Australian, I am embarrassed to say I’ve never driven the Great Ocean Road! I’ve done short stints, but not all of it. Need to do this when I’m next home in Oz. Thanks for the detailed guide!

It did take us 30 years to visit it too! Something about not visiting places closest to home haha. Little bits here and there is better than nothing 🙂 Thanks for reading!

Thanks so much for the detailed post! it has helped me plan my trip to melbourne via the great ocean road from adelaide! Getting very keen.

You’re welcome Jane! Enjoy 😀

Awesome blog Jacob and Emily – thanks a lot 4 sharing – we’ll be cruisin’ 14 days from tomorrow Adelaide-Melbourne and your story was just perfect to read before taking off. Br Allan+family.

Good to hear Allan! It was so fun!! Have a great time, hope you get nice weather! 🙂

Love the collection. Really great. After reading this I eagerly want to go for the great ocean road tours.

Hi Emily – great post, thanks! I have 4 days to get from Adelaide to Melbourne. What stops would you recommend? Thanks ☺

Hello, all the stops are recommended in the post 🙂

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4 Day Great Ocean Road Melbourne to Adelaide Tour

• Trip Styles: Comfort

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Take an awe-inspiring journey ifrom Melbourne to Adelaide. Staying in 4-star hotels on the tour, seeing breathtaking views, enjoying local Aussie personalities, sampling world-class food, and tasting wonderful wine.

Not certain about dates, or have a question? Ask here

Join our 4 day Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne to Adelaide. You will have ample time for all the ‘must-sees’ along the iconic Great Ocean Road and beyond.

On tour, you will travel in our deluxe reclining seat, air-conditioned vehicle, and experience four-star accommodation. We pride ourselves on offering family-run hospitality, locally-produced food and wine, and a variety of down-to-earth experiences that can only be enjoyed in small groups.

We understand the importance of utilising the local community and businesses to create sustainable and long-lasting relationships. We visit the best local cafes, restaurants, food producers, and wineries every day.

You will visit the iconic Great Ocean Road and learn of its history while discovering some of its hidden treasures. As we stay overnight near Port Campbell it allows us to pop back to the iconic 12 Apostles in the morning and check-out these unique rock formations without the crowds. A highlight on tour is the stay in Port Fairy the small coastal town known for its fishing, surfing and a relaxed true old fashioned ‘Aussie’ style. Our only tour to visit Mount Gambier home to the famous Blue Lake.

Our tours are as active as you want them to be. Our tour style provides opportunities for nature walks, swimming and spotting some of Australia’s unique animals in the wild.

Enjoy the diversity and captivating scenery on your Melbourne to Adelaide road trip over 4 days

Great Ocean Road & Beyond Melbourne to Adelaide (Single Traveller, Private Ensuite))

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Our travellers often combine this trip with some of these trips:

1 Day Barossa Valley Tour

1 Day Yarra Valley Tour

• Total Price: $ 2,429 Add All To Cart Add All To Wishlist Browse Wishlist
• This item: 4 Day Great Ocean Road Melbourne to Adelaide Tour ( $ 2,095 )
• 1 Day Barossa Valley Tour ( $ 169 )
• 1 Day Yarra Valley Tour ( $ 165 )

We depart from Southern Cross Coach Terminal on Spencer Street at 8:30am before we commence this amazing 4 day, 3 night guided Great Ocean Road & Beyond Itinerary. Depart Melbourne and travel over the West Gate Bridge through the vast volcanic plains en-route to Geelong.

The Great Ocean Road is divided into three distinct sections, the Surf Coast, Otway Ranges and the Shipwreck Coast.

We allow ample time to explore all three sections. We start the journey along the Great Ocean Road at Torquay (Surf Coast). This stretch of coast presents the first of countless photo opportunities, as we encounter stunning coastal views and lookouts and visit such places as the famous Bells Beach. Turn your gaze inland and see incredible native Australian wildlife including the Eastern Grey Kangaroos as they graze in the wild.

Our journey continues as we travel the impressive and scenic cliff-hugging section of the Great Ocean Road. The itinerary includes visiting sites such as the ‘Memorial Arch’ and hear the intriguing story of this incredible road, before a visit in Lorne, the largest of the seaside townships, before then heading to the quaint Wye River Seaside Town and the Wye River Cafe which overlooks the ocean, and the perfect place for lunch.

From the Wye River Seaside Town, we continue along this spectacular road, visiting many scenic spots including The Kennett River where you can see koalas and many colourful native birds in the wild. Travel through Apollo Bay and into the Great Otway National Park (Otway Ranges). Here we offer a guided walk through a cool temperate rainforest gully to see the world’s tallest flowering plants, prehistoric trees and ferns and many other unique features.

Our next stop on the itinerary is undoubtedly one of the most iconic vistas within Australia and truly representative of Australia’s natural beauty, the 12 Apostles.

We arrive as the stacks are bathed in the afternoon sun making them perfect for photos. After hearing of the creation of the stacks and holding some of the limestone rock, explore the boardwalks or brave a helicopter flight along the coastline (at own expense). Visit ‘Loch Ard Gorge’, the site of the most famous 19th century Australian shipwreck.

Accommodation for the first night is the small fishing village of Port Campbell, nestled in a beautiful natural port and has some wonderful cafés and restaurants for dinner (at own expense) and views.

Accommodation: Port Campbell Parkview Motel and Apartments (or similar) Meals: Lunch

This morning we pop back out to the 12 Apostles and take in the view during the morning sunlight and/or take a helicopter flight (at own expense) over this amazing coastline. We spend time visiting the unique formations of Loch Ard Gorge and immerse ourselves in the harrowing story of the wreck of the Lock Ard. It’s onto London Bridge and then The Bay of Islands before saying goodbye to this amazing stretch of coastline.

We explore one of Victoria’s largest regional towns of Warrnambool before having lunch in the township of Koroit at a quaint Aussie eatery.

We explore Tower Hill Wildlife Park where we take a interactive tour learning about the local Aboriginal history, geology, flora and fauna.

We arrive at the quaint fishing village of Port Fairy, our destination for the night. We arrive early enough to enjoy a stroll around this beautiful township before enjoying dinner (at your expense) at the many local restaurants, café’s or pubs.

Accommodation: Victoria Apartments, Port Fairy (or similar) Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Today we’re bound for South Australia. In Portland there’s time for panoramic coastal views from the Cape Nelson Lighthouse, before a scenic drive through dense pine plantations to our lunch venue in the pretty riverside village of Nelson.

After lunch we cross the state border and continue on to Mount Gambier which is home to the famous Blue Lake.

The Blue Lake occupies a crater of the ancient volcano which gives this city its name and early each summer, in a remarkable quirk of nature, the colour of the water in the lake changes from its winter hues to an intense cobalt blue. A photo stop at the Blue Lake is a must and so is a visit to the Umpherston Sinkhole, a collapsed limestone cave that has been transformed into a magical sunken garden. We take a walk along its terraced flower beds and behind the hanging vines deep down to the floor of this extraordinary natural wonder.

Our next stop is Penola, arriving early enough to explore its abundant historical attractions. Penola played a central part in the life of Mother Mary MacKillop (St Mary of the Cross) Australia’s only saint. We pass the school house where she taught the poorest children of the district and take a walk along Petticoat Lane, a charmingly preserved group of mid eighteenth century cottages and gardens.

After Penola we travel to our overnight destination, The William Macintosh Motor Loddge in Naracoorte. For dinner look no further than the award-winning Highlander Restaurant. Located on the William Macintosh grounds. The Highlander restaurant also has a fully licensed bar where you can sit and have a quiet glass of wine before dinner.

Accommodation: William MacIntosh Motor Lodge Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Another exciting and diverse day of discovery on this Great Ocean Road itinerary, starting with a drive through the Coonawarra vineyards where Australia’s most illustrious Cabernet Sauvignon vines thrive on the famed rich red “terra rossa” soils.

A guided visit to the world heritage listed Naracoorte Caves takes us to one of the world’s most important fossil sites.

Our tour of the Victoria Fossil Cave features a dazzling array of stalactites and stalagmites as well as the bones and skeletons of giant, long extinct animals.

After a rest break and morning tea at the iconic Keith bakery, we begin a picturesque drive through some of South Australia’s farming and grazing heartland. With a population of around one person to one square kilometre, this is the real Australian countryside and you can relax and enjoy all the colours and textures of these rural landscapes in the comfort of our luxury, air-conditioned bus.

In Coonalpyn the five towering grain solos that dominate the township have been transformed into a monumental work of public art that is a visual showstopper.

From here, Ki Ki, Yumali and Coomandook disappear almost as quickly as we encounter them and at Wellington, where road meets river, we take time out for a leisurely ferry crossing of the mighty River Murray, the largest inland waterway in Australia.

Our itinerary takes us to lunch at Bremerton Winery in the acclaimed Langhorne Creek wine region. You are welcome to sample their wines in the restored iron stone barn dating from 1866.

The southern Adelaide Hills leads us to Strathalbyn, on the banks of the Angas River.

Originally a farming community of Scottish immigrants, it’s now a classified heritage town and a thriving centre of all things antique and collectible.

You can forage for some serious vintage purchases or just enjoy the lovely scenery before we continue through the rolling hills and valleys to the historic German village of Hahndorf.

Founded by German settlers fleeing religious persecution in the late 1830s, Hahndorf is Australia’s oldest German settlement and one of South Australia’s most popular tourist destinations. You can enjoy a stroll along its bustling main street of historic buildings, gift shops, arts and crafts galleries and food outlets.

• A relaxed pace – The only 4 day Melbourne to Adelaide Great Ocean Road experience, allowing ample time for all the ‘must-sees’ along the iconic Great Ocean Road and Beyond.
• A mix of four star accommodation, and in Port Campbell it allows us to pop back to the iconic 12 Apostles in the morning and check-out these unique rock formations without the crowds.
• Enjoy family-run hospitality, locally-produced food and wine, and a variety of down-to-earth experiences that can only be enjoyed in small groups.
• Visit the best local cafes, restaurants, food producers and wineries every-day.
• We will visit the iconic Great Ocean Road and learn of its history while discovering some of its hidden treasures.
• Great Otway National Park (Otway Ranges)
• Visit ‘Loch Ard Gorge’, the site of the most famous 19th century – Australian shipwreck
• Learn about the local Aboriginal history, geology, flora and fauna
• Explore Mount Gambier home to the famous Blue Lake
• Essential things to pack
• Walking shoes/boots
• Insect repellent
• Windproof/waterproof jacket
• Bathers/towel
• Water bottle
• Important Booking Info
• Must be 18+ to travel on the tour unless an approved minor (12+ years old) is accompanied by an adult. All guests must be young in spirit and active enough to participate daily in light to medium walks, some lasting up to two hours.
• Arriving into Adelaide on Thursday night provides perfect timing to link in with the Ghan departure to Alice Springs on Sunday afternoon
• Solo Travellers must select the Singe Supplement rate $2095 per person. Available for live booking.

If traveling as a couple or friends. $1795 per person for Twin/ Double ensuite. Please contact us for booking

3 nights accommodation Solo Travellers must select the Singe Supplement rate $2095 per person. Available for live booking.

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10 Day Adelaide To Perth Tour

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Great Ocean Road Itinerary 3 Days – Melbourne To Adelaide Drive

Long before I ever set foot in Australia, the Great Ocean Road was a dream road trip and somewhere I longed to see. Since I was flying into Melbourne and my first long-term destination was Adelaide – taking a Great Ocean Road trip was the perfect way to get there. Oceans that span as far as the eye can see, pristine beaches and beautiful rainforests can all be found along this stretch of road.

Although the Great Ocean Road only spans 243km there is plenty to do further afield, whether you venture inland or continue along the coast.

I spent 3 days touring from Melbourne to Adelaide and I booked a Great Ocean Road and Grampians tour before arriving. Since I don’t drive, a self-drive Great Ocean Road trip was out of the question, but there’s nothing stopping you from amending this Great Ocean Road 3 day itinerary to suit a self-drive tour. 

The Great Ocean Road was the idea behind Howard Hitchcock who was the Mayor of the city of Geelong. He organised and funded construction of the Great Ocean Road. Construction began in 1919 and was completed in 1932. 

Wondering what to see along the Great Ocean Road? What are the best Great Ocean Road highlights? Read on to find out why you should the Great Ocean Road to your Australia itinerary !

A City Girl Outside contains affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for reading!

Day 1 – Great Ocean Road Itinerary 3 Days

Torquay & Bells Beach

Torquay was the first stop on our Great Ocean Road bus tour. The Great Ocean Road starts in a small coastal town called Torquay – situated along the surf coast portion of the Great Ocean Road – since the next few towns are all famous for their world-class surfing. Torquay is where several big surf brands emerged including both Rip Curl and Quiksilver. 

Bell’s Beach in Torquay is home to the annual Rip Curl Pro surfing competition – the world’s longest continuously running pro surfing competition. After Torquay, you’ll also pass by the small towns of Angelsea and Airys Inlet before reaching the Famous Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch.

Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch

One of the most iconic sights along the Great Ocean Road is the famous archway. The Memorial Arch is dedicated to the 3,000 soldiers who built the road after returning from WW1, making the Great Ocean Road the longest war memorial in the world. 

To the left of the archway is a sculpture depicting the soldiers who built the Great Ocean Road, this was unveiled for it’s 75th anniversary. 

There is a small parking lot to the left of the archway where you can stop off to get your photos!

The town of Lorne is one of the most popular Great Ocean Road stops. This is the perfect place to stay the night, grab food or stretch your legs. Lorne is a weekend getaway for many people living in Melbourne and gets busy during the summer months. 

Lorne is home to the famous “Pier to Pub” swim that happens every year in January. There are also several events year-round including the Lorne Arts Festival in June, Great Ocean Road Marathon and the Falls Festival.

Teddys Lookout

A short drive from Lorne is Teddy’s Lookout, the most famous lookout point on the Great Ocean Road. Teddy’s lookout offers a vista of endless ocean and stunning hues of blue. During weekends, public holidays and the summer months the lookout platform can get quite busy.

Apollo Bay is cute little seaside town to stop in overnight or for a pit stop. Head to Dooley’s ice cream shop, an award winning store featuring it’s famous “vegemite” ice cream. I didn’t take the vegemite ice cream but the mint chocolate chip was amazing on a hot day! 

If you enjoy craft beer, the Great Ocean Road Brewhouse has over 100 craft beers on offer. Just behind the brewhouse is a bottle shop where you can local wines and beers. If you’d really like to experience some of the local beers or wines they offer a tasting bar.

There’s plenty of water sport activities in the town including surfing, kayaking, and diving. The main street features a variety of eateries, galleries and shops. 

The Great Ocean Walk starts in Apollo Bay. Opened in 2004, the Great Ocean Walk features 104km of walking trails from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles. You can opt to walk the whole thing which takes 8 days or walk sections of it. 

Melba Gully – Great Otway National Park

The Great Otway National Park offers a plethora of walking trails and landscapes. Melba Gully is located in the Great Otway National Park and features areas to set up a picnic and explore the surrounding area. 

Melba Gully is a dense rainforest where Myrtle Beech, Blackwood and Tree-ferns grow. If exploring this area at night, look out for the glow worms that live in the area. 

The Madsen’s Track nature trail is a 35-45 minute walk with easy terrain to explore a portion of the park. This trail leads to a small waterfall but there are plenty more to explore in the National Park including Hopetoun Falls, Beauchamp Falls and Triplet Falls.

Twelve Apostles

The Twelve Apostles are the most iconic landmark along the Great Ocean Road and something that had been my own bucket list for a long time. You’ll notice it’s popularity by the amount of tourists visiting. During the summer months it can get incredibly busy here but the shoulder seasons and winter bring a far smaller crowd.

The Twelve Apostles are located along the shipwreck coast portion of the Great Ocean Road. Aptly named, there have been over 600 shipwrecks throughout history along the Shipwreck Coast. 

Originally named The Pinnacles or Sow and Pigs, the Twelve Apostles are a group of limestone stacks created by erosion from the wind and sea. Although called the Twelve Apostles, there was only originally eight of them, which became seven in 2015 when one column collapsed. 

Many bus companies end their tours at the Twelve Apostles but there is plenty to see further afield. 

Loch Ard Gorge & The Razorback

Loch Ard Gorge was my absolute favourite part of the Port Campbell National Park. It’s beauty is undeniable but it’s history is quite the opposite. 

Loch Ard Gorge is of the most stunning stops on the Great Ocean Road. It was by far my favourite stop on the drive. It’s beauty is undeniable but it’s history is quite the opposite. The Loch Ard Gorge is famous for the shipwrecking of the “Loch Ard” hence it’s name. 

The Loch Ard was a ship that made the 3-month journey to Australia all the way from England. Upon arriving at muttonbird Island on June 1st 1878, the ship drifted into shallow waters and collided with a rock reef. Of the 54 passengers on board, there were only two survivors, Tom Pearce, a ship’s apprentice and Eva Carmichael an Irish girl traveling with her family.  

There are plenty  of short walks in the area where you can experience different viewpoints including the Razorback, Loch Ard Wreck lookout and Island Arch.

You’ll find the Loch Ard Gorge just a 3-minute drive from the Twelve Apostles. 

London Bridge

A few minutes drive from Loch Ard Gorge you’ll come across the famous London Bridge now known as London Arch. 

London Bridge and London Arch was formed from years of erosion. The bridge once connected the small island to the mainland when in 1990 it crumbled and fell down while two tourists were walking across it. No one was hurt in the incident, but as they were closer to the Island than they were the mainland they headed to the Island and were stuck there until a friend alerted authorities and the couple were saved. 

The Bay Of Martyrs

The Bay of Martyrs is part part of the Bay of Islands Coastal Park which stretches 32 kilometres along the Great Ocean Road. 

The Bay of Martyrs spans a total of 2.5km and inside you’ll find Crofts Bay and Massacre Bay. All lot of tourist buses don’t make it this far along the Great Ocean Road so you’ll find it much quieter than that of Port Campbell and the Twelve Apostles. When we arrived in the evening (around 6:00pm) there was no one else there, and it was so nice. There was a staircase leading down to the beach which was also empty, a great place watch the sunset or sunrise! 

While this whole area was calming and tranquil, the names Massacre Bay, Massacre Point and Bay of Martyrs refer to a traumatic historical event. According to oral folklore a group of Aboriginal men of the Kirrae-Wurrong tribe were killed by Europeans by running them off the cliffs. The population of the Aboriginal people dropped by thousands, however there is no written evidence of the events and many contradicting stories. 

Warrnambool

Congrats! You made it! Warrnambool is the official end of the Great Ocean Road. I spent the night in Warrnambool after day 1 of the Melbourne to Adelaide drive and it has some great beaches! 

Watching the sunset from the beach here has to be a highlight of my trip. I love watching sunsets when I travel, it’s always a peaceful way to end a day. Warrnambool is famous for it’s whale watching. During the months of June to October you can spot Southern Right Whales giving birth on the shores! 

Day 2 – Great Ocean Road & Grampians Road Trip

Tower Hill is a wildlife reserve that sits in an extinct volcano that formed 30,000 years ago. Take a short walk through Tower Hill and you’re sure to stumble upon wild Koalas, Emus and Kangaroos. Keep an eye out high in the eucalyptus trees for Koalas, we found a few quite high up. 

Tower Hill is also the perfect place for birdwatching as well as the an abundance of wildflowers that grow in springtime. 

Guided tours are available at 11am and 1pm daily.

Hall’s Gap is the gateway to the Grampians National Park and a great place to base yourself while visiting the Grampians. 

Hall’s Gap was founded by a man called Charles Browning Hall, and subsequently named after him when he found a gap through the mountain and discovered the valley below. There are plenty of outdoor activities on offer here and a wide range of accommodations from camping to luxury. 

Hall’s Gap has shops, eateries, coffee shops, and gas stations. If you have a few days to spare, there are many more things to do in Hall Gap .

Brambuk National Park & Cultural Centre

Set against the rugged landscape of the Grampians, the Brambuk National Park & Cultural Centre delves into the Aboriginal culture and history of the area. It is the longest running Aboriginal cultural centre in Australia. You’ll find artefacts on display, art exhibitions and activities such as boomerang painting. 

There are plenty of easy terrain walks in the National Park where you can experience Australia’s native flora and fauna and spot some of it’s cuter residents. Kangaroos and Emus are often spotted in this area.

The Brambuk backpackers hostel is a great place to stay if you are on a budget and don’t want to camp. My tour stayed here which was amazing as we were the only people staying here. Evenings bbq’s are the best (unless the chicken is uncooked…)

The hostel is located across from the cultural centre. You can head out to the National Park grounds in the evenings and spot plenty of wildlife.  

Pinnacle Hike & Grampians National Park

Explore the wonder of the Grampians National Park, with one of it’s many walks. The Grampians or Gariwerd as it is traditionally known, is home to some breathtaking viewpoints, the view from the Pinnacle is just one of many. 

The Pinnacle is one of the most popular hikes in the Grampians. You’ll often see it described as a walk, but in my honest opinion, it’s definitely a hike! I’ll admit my fitness level wasn’t great when doing this hike compared to last year. So I did find what should have been an easy hike hard but it’s still a hike…

Depending on your fitness levels the hike will vary in times. On average it’s around a 2/3 hour hike but I think we did it in around 4 taking into account the time we hung out at the peak. Once you’ve reached the top, take time to admire the captivating landscape.

Some areas of the hike are steeper than others and some parts are narrow. There are two trails into the Pinnacle, one is shorter than the other. We took the longer route in because it is the scenic route and there is plenty to see and some incredible rock formations. I’d recommend taking the easier route back if you found the hike difficult.  

Day 3 – Melbourne to Adelaide Drive

Boroka Lookout

The Boroka Lookout is the perfect place to watch the sunrise or sunset. One of the most recognisable and popular viewpoints in the Grampians, the Boroka Lookout looks out onto the valley of Hall’s Gap and Lake Bellfield in the distance. 

There is a parking lot about 2-minutes from the lookout points and is accessible for everyone. 

The Balconies

The Balconies are a series of viewpoints in the Grampians National Park. From the parking lot there are around 3 to 4 lookout points before you reach the trail to the Balconies. 

The terrain is flat so suitable for everyone and takes around 30 minutes. The most popular spot along the Balconies is the Jaws of Death lookout. This area features panoramic views of the Victoria Valley. Before my trip I did see photos of people standing “inside” the Jaws of this lookout and it looks like there were stairs leading there previously but the area is gated off for your own safety.

MacKenzie Falls

MacKenzie Falls is a must see when visiting the Grampians National Park and one of the largest waterfalls in Victoria. The falls runs all year round and is a spectacular sight to witness in person. 

There are several ways to see the falls. The reach the base of Mackenzie Falls the trail down is primarily large steps and takes around 20-30 minutes one way. If you can make the journey down the the base of falls make sure you do! 

There is an accessible lookout point if you don’t want to walk down the falls. If you have the time there are other areas to explore once you reach the base of MacKenzie Falls. One of the hiking trails leads to Fish Falls and will take around 30 minutes one way.

Loch Iel (Pink Lake)

The inland Melbourne to Adelaide drive takes around 5.5 hours from the Grampians. Along the way you’ll stop by the border of Victoria and South Australia and a red line marks the exact spot.

Just a few minutes west of the border you’ll come across a beautiful pink salt lake. Loch Iel is a pink salt flat/lake that gets its striking colour from the vast amount of salt present. 

Mclaren Vale

A short detour along the Melbourne to Adelaide drive is Mclaren Vale, one of South Australia’s wine regions. 

Home to world-class wineries and famous for it’s reds like Shiraz and Grenache, Mclaren Vale is a must for any wine enthusiasts. With an abundance of eateries and wine experiences, Mclaren Vale is the perfect way to end your journey! 

This road trip takes the interior route from the Grampians through to Adelaide, however it’s possible to continue your journey along the Southern Ocean Drive, which continues past the Great Ocean Road. This fantastic post shows you all the best stops along the Southern Ocean Drive . If continuing along the coast I’d recommend a 5 day Great Ocean Road trip in order to see all the highlights. 

Best Great Ocean Road Tours

• ONE DAY GREAT OCEAN ROAD TOUR FROM MELBOURNE
• GREAT OCEAN ROAD FROM MELBOURNE SUNSET TOUR
• 3 DAY GREAT OCEAN ROAD AND GRAMPIANS TOUR FROM MELBOURNE TO ADELAIDE

Where To Stay On The Great Ocean Road

There are a variety of places to stay along the Great Ocean Road, from camping to luxury. Most people will stop in places like Lorne, Apollo Bay and Warrnambool so I’ve compiled a list from these three towns to help plan your road trip along the Great Ocean Road.

• GREAT OCEAN ROAD COTTAGES
• CHATBY LANE LORNE
• LORNE HOTEL
• SEAVIEW MOTEL AND APARTMENTS
• APOLLO BAY WATERFRONT MOTOR INN
• ILUKA MOTEL & RESTAURANT
• QUEST WARRNAMBOOL
• DEEP BLUE HOTEL & HOT SPRINGS
• BEST WESTERN COLONIAL VILLAGE MOTEL

Where To Stay In The Grampians

• MARWOOD VILLAS
• GRAMPIANS MOTEL
• GARIWERD MOTEL

Click Below To Pin For Later!

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12 comments.

Gorgeous photos! I’m currently reading a book about Australia but have never been.

Your photos are amazing! I can’t wait to get to Australia…hopefully I will get to visit soon!

Okay, not only does this drive look absolutely, incredibly beautiful – there’s a waterfall with the same name as me, weird capitals and everything!! My mom named me after a book character, so neither of us knew this existed! I’m so existed to drive this road one day.

I am so amazed by those views! The coastline and the mountains here are stunning! I am especially dreaming about the 12 Apostles!

Wow this looks like such a great road trip! Can’t wait to drive it one day.

This looks like the most spectacular road trip. Would love to do this someday!

What a beautiful road trip idea! Would love to do this someday.

Everything about this road trip looks divine! I love being by the water, so an oceanside road trip is perfect!

Those ocean blues are just way too stunning!!???

Wow what an amazing road trip! I especially love the coastal part as the ocean views are stunning! I’ve always wanted to see the 12 Apostles as it’s incredible they are naturally made. Hiking in Grampian looks very cool too!

The Great Ocean Road is a not to be missed drive when visiting and touring Australia. Some of the coastline is just wild. Loved your photos.

This sounds and looks like an incredible road trip to go on! Definitely adding this route to my bucket list.

Comments are closed.

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The Great Ocean Road, Lorne, Victoria © Visit Victoria

Melbourne to Adelaide: A 5-day road trip

Drive from Melbourne to Adelaide along one of Australia’s most famous coastal routes.

By Ellie Schneider

Surf at Bells Beach, walk among the 12 Apostles and sample wine in McLaren Vale on this five-day journey along Australia’s dramatic south-east coastline.

What to expect

• Surf at world-famous Bells Beach.
• Take in the beauty of the 12 Apostles.
• Stay in luxury accommodation at seaside towns.
• Time: 5 days
• Distance: 728km (452mi)
• Transport: car
• Nearest major city: Melbourne

Day 1: Melbourne to Lorne

Bells Beach, Torquay, Victoria © Mark Chew, Tourism Victoria

Morning Drive into the pretty port city of Geelong , 75km (47mi) south-west of Melbourne . Stop for brunch at one of the many local cafés –  King of the Castle  and  Box Office  all have excellent coffee – before stopping at the award-winning  Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre . Here, you can meet resident emus and kangaroos, learn to throw a boomerang and marvel over ancient art techniques, all while gaining valuable knowledge of local culture. The centre's cultural education program will fill you with the wonder and wisdom of Aboriginal culture passed down over generations. 

Next, continue on to Torquay . Torquay is where the Great Ocean Road begins and is often dubbed the ‘Surf Capital of Australia’ thanks to its world-famous Bells Beach. It is also the birthplace of leading surf brands Rip Curl and Quicksilver. If you're a first-time surfer, book a private lesson with the  Torquay Surf Academy , which includes equipment and a personal coach. Afterwards grab a sandwich or house-made pie at the  Torquay Larder .   

Afternoon The great waves continue at Fairhaven and Eastern View – worth a stop for avid surfers – en route to the seaside holiday resort town of Lorne , a 50-minute drive from Torquay. Once in Lorne, take a dip in the water or keep your feet dry and spend a few hours visiting the galleries and boutiques along the main street. Book well in advance for dinner at fine dining restaurant  Brae , which serves a set menu created from the highest quality local ingredients. There are also six luxury guest suites on site.

Day 2: Lorne and the 12 Apostles to Port Fairy

Worn Gundidj @ Tower Hill, Victoria © Archie Sartracom

If time permits, drive to  Cape Otway Lighthouse , the oldest surviving lighthouse in Australia. Climb to the observation deck at the top of the lighthouse for fantastic views across the Southern Ocean.

Morning Enjoy breakfast on the banks of the Erskine River at  Swing Bridge Café  before heading off on the two-hour drive to see the 12 Apostles , a series of towering limestone pillars jutting out of the Southern Ocean. Park at the 12 Apostles car park and follow the paved pathway to the lookout. A 15-minute walk from the 12 Apostles is Gibson's Steps . Descend the 86 stairs, which are carved into the cliff face, to reach the beach, where you'll be rewarded with a close-up view of the Apostles. For another unique perspective of these geological formations,  book a scenic helicopter tour that takes in the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge .

Afternoon Continue along Shipwreck Coast, named after the wild seas that sent at least 700 ships crashing on the rocks. Explore the coastal town of Warrnambool  where, from May to October, southern right whales calve off Logan Beach. Nearby, stop into Worn Gundidj at Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve for guided walking tours from an Aboriginal perspective. Your guide will lead you through a nature reserve inside a dormant volcano where kangaroos, wallabies, emus, koalas, echidnas and hundreds of bird species roam freely. At the end of the tour, try your hand at throwing a returning boomerang. 

From here, it's a 30-minute drive to Port Fairy , where you can stroll around the fisherman’s wharf and charming whitewashed cottages before a restful night at the boutique hotel,  Drift House .

Day 3: Port Fairy to Coonawarra

Umpherston Sinkhole, Mount Gambier, Limestone Coast, South Australia © South Australian Tourism Commission

Morning Carry on along the route to the historic township of Portland, a one-hour drive from Port Fairy. Watch fishing boats unload their catch on the waterfront before taking the 10-minute drive to the photogenic Cape Nelson Lighthouse . Here you can take a tour to delve into the maritime history of the region. Drive around to  Bridgewater Bay Café  where you can rest and refuel before taking the 2.5km (1.6mi) Cape Bridgewater Seal Walk . The viewing platform at the end of the trail looks out to a colony of roughly 650 Australian fur seals. Book a cage snorkel dive to get up close and personal with these playful animals. 

Afternoon Back on the highway, drive 50 minutes through Nelson and across the South Australian border. Stop at Mount Gambier , which sits on an ancient extinct volcano and is circled by vivid crater lakes. Take the 3.6km (2.2mi) trail around Blue Lake, which turns cobalt blue from December to March. You can also spend a bit of time exploring the stunning Umpherston Sinkhole . This unique natural attraction was once a cave formed through the dissolution of the limestone; the sinkhole was created when the top of the chamber collapsed downwards. It was turned into a picturesque garden by James Umpherston around 1886 and is open at all times to visit. Check it out at dusk to see the area come alive as resident possums venture into the floodlit gardens to feed.

Hop back in the car for the one hour drive north to Coonawarra , a region famed for its cabernet sauvignon. Drop in to one of the 20 cellar doors, such as  Wynns Coonawarra Estate  or  Balnaves , before checking into  Punter's Vineyard Retreat , which offers panoramic views across the vines.

Day 4: Coonawarra to Victor Harbor

Granite Island Tram, Victor Harbor, South Australia © Graham Scheer, South Australian Tourism Commission 

Morning Drive half an hour north from Coonawarra to visit the World Heritage-listed  Naracoorte Caves National Park , where 26 limestone caves house the fossilised skeletons of giant marsupials. Four of the caves are open to the public via a self-guided tour. From here it's a three-hour drive to the quaint town of Strathalbyn, where more than 30 heritage-listed buildings sit on the banks of the Angas River. The town is home to specialty antique shops and the idyllic Soldiers Memorial Gardens, a great spot for a picnic lunch. 

Afternoon Jump back into the car for the 40-minute drive south to Port Elliot. Swim at Horseshoe Bay or surf at Boomer Beach before arriving in nearby Victor Harbor . The seaside town is famed for its horse-drawn tramway (which dates back to 1878) and links Victor Harbor with Granite Island. Ride the tram across the causeway to Granite Island, which is home to a colony of little penguins. If you're visiting Victor Harbor between June and October, book  The Big Duck  boat tour to see the southern right whale breeding sanctuary of Encounter Bay. Stay the night in luxury waterfront accommodation at  The Bluff Resort Apartments  overlooking Encounter Bay.

3 days in Adelaide

Day 5: Victor Harbor to Adelaide

Glenelg Beach, Adelaide, South Australia © Josie Withers, South Australian Tourism Commission

Morning Travel through the rolling hills of Mount Compass to the McLaren Vale wine region, a 50-minute drive north from Port Elliot. Visit galleries and taste wine at some of the 45 cellar doors, including Yangarra , d'Arenberg and Hickinbotham Clarendon Vineyard . McLaren Vale is also a haven for foodies. Sit down for lunch at  Coriole Restaurant  and let the chef prepare you a selection of seasonal dishes accompanied by matching wines.

Afternoon From here, it’s an easy 45-minute drive to central Adelaide . Wander the cultural boulevard of North Terrace – home to the South Australian Museum and Adelaide Botanic Garden – then browse the department stores in Rundle Mall. Take the 35-minute tram trip from Rundle Mall to Glenelg Beach for a seaside stroll before heading back into the centre for dinner at any of the city's hottest restaurants . Try  Press Food & Wine ,  Peel St  or  Ruby Red Flamingo . Finish your trip with a restful night at the plush five-star  Mayfair Hotel . 

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An Awesome Melbourne to Adelaide Road Trip

A beautiful drive from Port Phillip to St Vincent Gulf, the road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide is a laid-back adventure through Australia's stunning landscapes and famous national parks. This journey is dotted with coastal beauty, lush vineyards, and fascinating wildlife, setting the perfect backdrop.

You can do this 1,150 km road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide in 14 hours 30 minutes. On the way, you can visit Torquay, Great Otway National Park, Twelve Apostles, Apollo Bay, Warrnambool, Kingston, Naracoorte Caves and Grampians National Parks.

You'll have the drive of a lifetime between two of Australia's most iconic cities. Read on below to learn more about our recommended routes, the best places to stay the night, best seasons to travel, and the best things to see and do on the way.

Where is Adelaide and how far is a road trip from Melbourne?

The Melbourne to Adelaide road trip offers a journey through some of Australia's most spectacular landscapes, taking you from the cultural richness of Melbourne to the coastal energy of Adelaide.

You have two incredible routes to choose from: the scenic coastal Great Ocean Road Route or the inland Grampians National Park Route. Both are perfect if you want to experience breathtaking natural scenery, charming local communities, wineries, and panoramic views.

Along the way, each route offers its own unique detours and highlights, from the iconic surf spots on the Great Ocean Road to the rich Aboriginal heritage in the Grampians.

The Great Ocean Road Route spans approximately 1,150 kilometres, taking you through Australia's stunning southeastern coastline. On the other hand, the Grampians National Park Route covers around 800 kilometres, weaving through majestic mountain landscapes and serene natural wonders.

Depending on how much you want to see and do, we recommend taking 3 to 5 days to complete your drive. This will give you plenty of time to soak up all the adventures and highlights that both routes offer.

How long is the road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide, and how many days will it take?

What is the best road trip route from melbourne to adelaide.

There is no best route for a road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide. That being said, this is how our two routes stack up against each other, looking at some factors that might influence your decision.

Driving from Melbourne to Adelaide via The Great Ocean Road

On this route, you will set out on an unforgettable journey along the iconic Great Ocean Road. This iconic drive takes you through a landscape of dramatic ocean vistas, surf towns, and lush forests, capturing the essence of Victoria's stunning coastline.

Starting from Melbourne, endless coastal views and the Great Ocean Road will stretch out before you. This road is well-maintained and signposted, making it easy to navigate.

As you drive, you'll pass through a series of charming towns and villages, each offering a variety of amenities. From local cafes and seafood to charming boutiques and galleries, there's no shortage of places to explore and enjoy.

Towns like Torquay, Apollo Bay, and Port Campbell not only provide necessary stops for fuel and food but are also hubs of local culture, history, and fun.

The Great Ocean Road is famous for its natural landmarks, including the surf at Bells Beach, the tranquil beauty of Apollo Bay, and the majestic Twelve Apostles. These natural wonders are perfect for photography and exploring on foot.

One of the route's most captivating features is its ever-changing scenery. You'll witness a dynamic landscape, from pristine beaches and rugged cliffs to rainforests and serene bays. Each mile offers something new and exciting.

While the Great Ocean Road is a joy to drive, it's popular with tourists and can get busy, especially during peak seasons. Traffic is heavier around major attractions like the Twelve Apostles. Start your day early to avoid the crowds and fully enjoy the sights.

Driving from Melbourne to Adelaide via Grampians National Park

The Grampians National Park Route will take you through the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of one of Australia's most cherished national parks. From rugged mountains to lush forests, the Grampians Route is a nature lover's dream.

The route primarily follows well-maintained roads, making navigation straightforward. While major highways connect the key towns, the smaller country roads that lead you through picturesque farmlands are a major highlight.

This route is dotted with towns with amenities like restaurants, gas stations, and local shops. Along the way, you can explore charming country towns, each with its own character and stories to tell.

One of the highlights of the route, the Grampians National Park, features outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and observing Aboriginal rock art. The park's diverse ecosystem is also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.

While this route is less congested compared to the coastal roads, it's wise to be prepared for traffic, especially during holiday seasons and weekends. The roads through the Grampians can be winding and require careful driving, especially in areas where wildlife crossings are common.

Driving Route from Melbourne to Adelaide

Read on below to learn more about what to expect while driving on our recommended routes.

Driving The Great Ocean Road Route

Begin your journey from Melbourne, taking the M1 towards Geelong. As you approach Geelong, merge onto the B100. In Torquay, explore the town's famous beaches, surf culture, and perhaps visit the Australian National Surfing Museum.

Continue along the Great Ocean Road along the dramatic coastline to Lorne. Here, you can explore beautiful waterfalls like Erskine Falls and enjoy the local art and cafe scene.

Your next stop will be Apollo Bay. You can sample fresh local seafood and enjoy beach activities in this charming town. Apollo Bay also serves as a gateway to the Great Otway National Park, which features rainforest walks and waterfalls.

Continuing west, you'll reach the iconic Twelve Apostles near Port Campbell. These magnificent limestone stacks, best viewed from the Port Campbell National Park Visitor Centre, are a photographer's dream.

Past the Twelve Apostles, the route leads to Warrnambool, a larger town that marks the end of the Great Ocean Road. From Warrnambool, head northwest on the picturesque A1, Princes Highway, towards the South Australian border.

Crossing into South Australia, continue to Mount Gambier, known for its stunning Blue Lake. From Mount Gambier, continue northwest through small towns like Millicent. This last stretch offers a smooth drive through the wine regions and rolling hills of South Australia.

Finally, merge onto the M1, South Eastern Freeway, as you approach Adelaide.

Driving the Grampians National Park Route

Start your drive by heading west on the M8, Western Freeway, towards Ballarat. Ballarat offers the first major stop where you can explore the open-air museum of Sovereign Hill before continuing to Ararat.

From Ararat, your journey takes you further west towards Halls Gap, the gateway to the Grampians National Park. The Grampians present a dramatic change in landscape with rugged sandstone mountains, rich Aboriginal heritage, and abundant wildlife.

Leaving the Grampians, head west through the town of Edenhope towards Naracoorte in South Australia. Naracoorte Caves National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring caves and ancient fossils.

Continue your journey northwest towards Padthaway, where wineries and serene landscapes await. Here, you can indulge in wine tasting in the picturesque vineyards.

Travel north on the A8, passing through the towns of Keith and Tintinara before arriving at Murray Bridge, famous for its riverside and the Murray Bridge Regional Gallery. Finally, head northwest to the heart of Adelaide.

Where to stop overnight on a road trip between Melbourne and Adelaide

The road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide is an adventure filled with breathtaking landscapes and charming towns. To fully enjoy this journey, we recommend staying in one of the beautiful destinations below.

Admire the volcanic landscapes of Mount Gambier

On The Great Ocean Road Route, Mount Gambier is a perfect stopover known for its stunning Blue Lake and volcanic formations. About halfway through the journey, it's the perfect place to unwind and explore.

We suggest staying at the Delgattie Estate , a historic mansion offering luxury accommodation. This elegant estate combines old-world charm with modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay.

You'll enjoy the hotel's friendly vibes and Australian charm. Not to mention, your rooms are fully equipped and full of comforts to enjoy after your long drive.

Spend your evening exploring the local attractions, such as the Umpherston Sinkhole, or enjoy a relaxing walk around the Blue Lake. Delgattie Estate, with its majestic setting and exquisite service, provides a touch of luxury for you to enjoy between your drive.

Explore the famous caves of Naracoorte

If you're travelling via The Grampians National Park Route, Naracoorte is a must-stop. Famous for its World Heritage-listed caves and fossils, Naracoorte offers a unique blend of nature and history.

For your stay, we recommend staying at the luxurious and highly-rated Avenue Inn . Located conveniently in the heart of Naracoorte, it provides a cosy space to relax after a long drive.

This charming inn is known for its friendly service and comfortable rooms, making it an excellent choice for rest and relaxation. You'll also love the hotel's amazing amenities, such as the two restaurants that serve delicious meals.

After a day of exploring the Naracoorte Caves National Park or enjoying the local wine at nearby vineyards, the Avenue Inn is the perfect place to recharge before continuing your journey.

Our favourite place to stay near Adelaide

When you reach Adelaide, the historical capital of South Australia, treat yourself to a luxurious stay at Eos By Skycity . This contemporary hotel, located in the heart of the city, offers opulent lodging and stunning views.

Eos By Skycity is truly an experience, with its spa, fine dining restaurants, and rooftop bar. Explore Adelaide's cultural scene, visit the Central Market, or simply enjoy the luxurious amenities of the hotel.

After days of driving, Eos By Skycity is the perfect place to indulge in some well-deserved pampering. You'll love its amenities such as an outdoor swimming pool, room service, and fitness centre.

Nearby the hotel are Adelaide's top sights and experiences. You're just a short walk away from the Adelaide Botanical Garden and downtown's nightlife.

Best time to travel from Melbourne to Adelaide on a road trip

Australia's southeastern coast is dynamic, and weather changes depending on the season. Whether you're taking The Great Ocean Road Route or The Grampians National Park Route, each season brings its own unique experience.

Below are our recommendations for the best times to travel from Melbourne to Adelaide, along with their benefits and drawbacks.

Travelling to Adelaide from Melbourne in summer

On the Great Ocean Road Route, you'll experience warmer weather and longer days in the summer, perfect for beach activities and coastal walks. The ocean breeze keeps the climate enjoyable, especially in coastal towns like Torquay and Apollo Bay.

However, expect higher traffic and crowded tourist spots. Accommodation prices also tend to be at their highest.

On our alternative route, the Grampians National Park is ideal for hiking and other outdoor activities in summer. Wildlife is abundant, and the landscape is green and beautiful.

Like the coastal route, summer can bring more visitors to the Grampians, especially around popular spots like Halls Gap. It's the perfect time if you enjoy a lively atmosphere and don't mind a bit of company on the trails.

Travelling to Adelaide from Melbourne in winter

As you might expect, winter brings cooler temperatures, which can be quite pleasant for outdoor activities and cheaper for accommodation. You might even see occasional snow on the Grampian region's mountains.

On The Great Ocean Road, winter means fewer crowds and a more serene driving experience. However, the ocean can be rough, and some beach activities may not be possible.

Travelling to Adelaide from Melbourne in the shoulder seasons

Spring and autumn are arguably the best times on either route. The weather is mild, and the changing seasons bring a stunning transformation in the landscapes.

In spring, the Grampians burst into life with wildflowers, and wildlife is active. Along The Great Ocean Road, the spring bloom adds a burst of colour to the coastal vegetation.

Autumn offers fewer tourists and comfortable temperatures. The vineyards along The Great Ocean Road, especially near Adelaide, are picturesque during this season.

For those interested in cultural events, planning your trip to coincide with local festivals in either spring or autumn can add an extra layer of enjoyment to your road trip. If you visit Adelaide in autumn, you can enjoy Adelaide International Kite Festival in March-April.

The best things to see and do on a road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide

There's so much to experience and explore along both routes on this drive from Melbourne to Adelaide. Below are our top destinations so you can plan your ultimate drive.

On the Great Ocean Road Route

Torquay: Known as the surf capital of Australia, Torquay is famous for its beautiful beaches, surf culture, and as the starting point of the Great Ocean Road.

Point Addis Cliffs: Stunning coastal cliffs offering panoramic views of the Southern Ocean, popular for walks and marine life observation.

Great Otway National Park: A diverse park with lush rainforests, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife, offering numerous trails for hiking and exploration.

Hopetoun Falls: A picturesque waterfall in the Great Otway National Park, cascading into a lush fern-filled valley, accessible via a scenic viewpoint.

Twelve Apostles: Iconic limestone stacks rising majestically from the Southern Ocean, offering breathtaking views, especially at sunset.

The Razorback: A natural rock formation near the Twelve Apostles, known for its unique, razorback-like shape eroded by wind and waves.

Thunder Cave: Dramatic coastal cave where you can hear the thunderous sound of waves crashing against the rocks.

Mutton Bird Lookout and Island Arch Lookout: Scenic spots offering spectacular coastal views, including the collapsed Island Archway and thriving muttonbird colonies.

Childers Cove: A serene and less crowded beach near Warrnambool, known for its clear waters and picturesque setting.

Warrnambool and Logan's Beach: Warrnambool is a city famous for whale watching during the breeding season.

Port Fairy and Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve: A charming historic town, Port Fairy is near the Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, a haven for native wildlife within an extinct volcano crater.

Mt Gambier and Umpherston Sinkhole: Mount Gambier, known for its unique Blue Lake, and the nearby Umpherston Sinkhole, a beautifully landscaped sunken garden.

The Big Lobster: An iconic roadside attraction in Kingston, famously known as 'Larry the Lobster,' showcasing the region's lobster fishing heritage.

Robe: A historic seaside town offering beautiful beaches, a charming main street with boutiques and cafes, and a rich maritime history.

Cape Jaffa: Known for its lighthouse and tranquil beaches, Cape Jaffa is a peaceful coastal spot ideal for relaxation and fishing.

Coorong National Park: A stunning national park featuring long, shallow lagoons, diverse birdlife, and beautiful, remote beaches.

On the Grampians National Park Route

Melton Botanic Garden: A tranquil oasis showcasing native and drought-tolerant plants from Australia and around the world, perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Ballarat Wildlife Park: An interactive wildlife park offering close encounters with a variety of Australian animals, including kangaroos, koalas, and reptiles.

J Ward Museum, Ararat: A museum set in a former psychiatric hospital and prison, offering insight into Victoria's past.

Mackenzie Falls: One of the largest and most spectacular waterfalls in the Grampians, with a series of cascades flowing over enormous cliffs.

Grampians National Park: A nature reserve known for its stunning sandstone mountains, rich Aboriginal history, and diverse array of wildlife and wildflowers.

Billimina Shelter and Rock Art Site: A significant Aboriginal rock art site in the Grampians, showcasing ancient drawings that offer a glimpse into Indigenous history.

Rocklands Reservoir: A large, picturesque reservoir ideal for fishing, boating, and camping, surrounded by a serene natural landscape.

Harrow and Harrow Discovery Centre: A historic town with a discovery centre that narrates the region's past, including the story of Australia's first Aboriginal cricket team.

Naracoorte: A charming town famous for its Sheep's Back Museum and Regional Art Gallery, celebrating the region's wool industry and artistic talent.

Naracoorte Caves National Park: A World Heritage site renowned for its extensive fossil record and captivating cave tours showcasing ancient natural history.

Padthaway Estate Winery: A premier winery set in the lush Padthaway region, offering tastings of exquisite wines in a picturesque vineyard setting.

Landrover on a Pole: An iconic landmark in Keith, featuring a Land Rover perched high on a pole, symbolising the region's agricultural heritage.

Boothby Rocks: Impressive granite rock formations near Bordertown, offering a unique natural attraction and a great spot for photography.

Bordertown and Clayton Farm Heritage Museum: Bordertown is home to this museum, which preserves the area's farming history with a collection of vintage machinery and historic buildings.

Ngarkat Conservation Park: A vast natural reserve offering rugged wilderness experiences, bushwalking, and birdwatching in a pristine environment.

Old Tailem Town Pioneer Village: An authentically recreated pioneer village near Tailem Bend, showcasing over 100 buildings and artefacts from the early 1900s.

Pangarinda Botanic Garden: A botanical garden near Wellington, specialising in Australian native plants and serving as a sanctuary for birdlife and nature lovers.

Monarto Safari Park: One of the world's largest open-range zoos, offering an African safari experience with a range of exotic animals in a natural setting.

Related posts

Melbourne to Adelaide Road Trip – An Epic 8 Day Itinerary

There are very few road trips in the world that pack in quite as much amazing variety as a Melbourne to Adelaide road trip. In the space of 8 days you will traverse pristine beaches, ancient rainforest, dramatic mountains, volcanic landscapes and fertile wine regions.

Of course while you are at it you’ll also be ticking off one of the world’s most famous drives, the Great Ocean Road . This is a trip everyone should do once in their lifetime.  The below itinerary covers all the best highlights of the Melbourne to Adelaide drive over a period of 8 days.

If you’re in a rush you can remove the detours to Grampians National Park and/or Beachport to take the time down to 5 days. Conversely, those with more time won’t regret spending an extra night or two at each of the stops.

The Great Ocean Road lives up to it’s name

Table of Contents

Melbourne to Adelaide Road Trip – Overview

Recommended stops.

• Great Otway National Park – 2 nights
• 12 Apostles
• Warrnambool
• Grampians National Park – 2 nights
• Mount Gambier – 1 nights
• Beachport – 1 night
• Naracoorte Caves National Park
• Hahndorf – 1 night
• Mount Lofty and Cleland Conservation Park
• Adelaide – 1+ nights

Melbourne to Adelaide Road Trip Summary

Day 1 – Leave Melbourne early in the morning and drive 2 hours to Lorne. Spend the morning seeing amazing waterfalls and hilltop views of the Great Ocean Road. If you want more excitement then test your courage at the Live Wire Park.

Explore Cape Otway and spot koalas before settling in for the night.

Night 1 – Cape Otway

Day 2 – Spend the day exploring the stunning Great Otway National Park.

Night 2 – Great Otway National Park

Day 3 –  Jump back on the Great Ocean Road and check out the famous 12 Apostles and surrounding attractions. After this you’ll follow the road to Warrnambool where you can visit the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village.

Head north in the afternoon to Halls Gap in the Grampians National Park. Check in to your accommodation and have a well earned drink.

Night 3 – Halls Gap

Day 4 –  Explore the epic peaks and lookouts of the Grampians.

Night 4 – Halls Gap

You don’t even have to leave your car to see wildlife!

Day 5 – Leave the Grampians in the morning and drive 2.5hrs to Mount Gambier. Welcome to South Australia! Spend the day exploring the many highlights around this area.

Night 5 –  Mount Gambier

Day 6 – After all the hiking thus far you’ve earned a day at the beach. Drive one hour to Beachport for a taste of the beautiful beaches of the Limestone Coast.

Night 6 – Beachport

Day 7   – You’ll have to go cross country for an hour to get back to the main highway. A little over an hour’s drive will take you through the beautiful vineyards of the Coonawarra wine region, ending at the Naracoorte Caves.

Spend a couple of hours exploring the awesome caves and other attractions here before jumping back in the car. It’s a solid 3 hours and 20 minutes drive this afternoon but the end point of Hahndorf is well worth it!

Night 7 – Hahndorf

Day 8 – Spend the morning exploring the unique town of Hahndorf. When you’re ready to move on, an easy 15 minute drive will take you to Mount Lofty. Explore the beautiful botanic gardens and take in the amazing views of Adelaide from the summit.

Night 8 – Adelaide

Final Day –  You’re in Adelaide! What you do from here will depend on your time and circumstances. You can explore the CBD in a day before returning to Melbourne but you ideally need 3 days in Adelaide  to explore it properly.

If you’re on a longer trip and heading towards W.A then make sure to check out our Perth to Adelaide Road Trip (It’s the wrong way around for this scenario but just as amazing to do backwards!).

Total Driving Time

15.5 hrs – Melbourne to Adelaide, one way

Longest Stretch of Driving

4hrs 40mins, Day 8, Beachport-Naracoorte-Hahndorf

Total KM Covered

Melbourne to adelaide road trip highlights.

• The stunning waterfalls of the Great Otway National Park
• Winding mountain roads lined with lush ferns and huge trees
• Driving the Great Ocean Road
• The 12 Apostles
• Standing atop the epic peaks of the Grampians National Park
• The vivid blue crater lake in the middle of Mount Gambier
• The historical German town of Hahndorf
• The amazing array of wildlife at Cleland Conservation Park

Exploring the amazing Grampians National Park

How Long Will I Need?

To complete this Melbourne to Adelaide Road Trip Itinerary as written, you will need at least 10 days. If you additionally want to explore Adelaide properly you should add another 2 days to this.

It is possible to complete this road trip in a week or less . Removing the Grampian National Park and Beachport stops will save 3 nights and streamline the journey.

Accommodation

There are plenty of accommodation options available throughout this trip. If you have an RV or caravan then there are some great camp sites and caravan parks too. In each section we will list our recommended accommodation and the best areas to stay.

Best Time of Year To Go

Late spring is the best time to do this Melbourne to Adelaide Road Trip. You have a lot of sunny days on average plus there is still a lot of water coming down the falls. Add to this the stunning new growth and flowers that abound at this time of year.

Of course you can also complete the trip any time over summer. The weather is fairly mild along most of this route and the large amount of sunny days will mean less chance of rain putting a damper on things.

There is a lot to see around the 12 Apostles

Melbourne to Adelaide Road Trip Tips

• Save Money:  Make use of free campsites using the  WikiCamps app . We will list some of the best camp sites along the route however some do not allow tents so make sure to double check.
• Get up early for the 12 Apostles:  Given the direction of the lookout to the rock formations, the sun will be rising behind you in the morning. This will give you amazing morning light shining onto the rocks and making for the best photos.
• Don’t drive at night: Always plan your drives during daylight hours. There is a lot of wildlife along parts of this route.
• Check your route before you drive:  The Otways have some pretty crazy mountain roads and large RVs/caravans may not be suitable. We will point this out in the Otways section. Driving Beachport to Naracoorte offers several routes, make sure to pick the one going through Coonawarra.

►Check out our full list of all of the best  Australian road trip tips  you must know before hitting the road!

The Best Travel Insurance for Road Trips

If you are travelling to Australia from overseas then make sure you have good travel insurance before hitting the road. We use  Heymondo  when we travel as it’s perfect for adventures such as hiking, surfing, road tripping etc.

For peace of mind while abroad, Heymondo is one of the most reputable travel insurance companies that will provide you with simple and flexible coverage. Whether you are into adventurous activities or simply looking for trip cancellation and basic medical insurance, Heymondo has you covered.

As a reader of The Road Is Life, you get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance by using the link below!

►Get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance◄

Hiring a Car

If you don’t own a car then you can search for the perfect hire car below. We always use rentalcars.com to find the best price between various operators. There is an option to include full insurance with no excess, which is always highly recommended. Use the form below to check out the various options.

Melbourne to Adelaide Road Trip – One of the Best Drives in Australia

Don’t miss a photo op at this iconic sign

This amazing road trip doesn’t make you wait to start seeing stunning sights. You’ll begin the day with your first taste of the Great Ocean Road, driving about 2 hours south-west to the town of Lorne.

If you’re a surfer then you might want to start the day nice and early so you can make a stop at Torquay. This seaside town is the home of the famous Bells Beach and also has a small surf museum which is well done.

If you don’t want to have an early surf or swim then continue on to Lorne (there is also a nice beach here). Make sure to stop at the ‘Memorial Arch at Eastern View’, this is a classic photo spot on the Melbourne to Adelaide drive.

Lorne is home to some really beautiful waterfalls . It is up to you how many you see as there are even more tomorrow. The best falls to see here are the Erskine Falls, the road is quite steep so leave any caravans behind.

Erskine Falls are one of the best in Victoria

Other falls in town are Henderson, Sheoak and Phantom Falls. They are all nice but the ones in the Otways tomorrow are better so it’s up to you how much time you spend here.

The Blanket Leaf Picnic Area on the way back to town makes a beautiful morning tea stop. Right before you reach town you will also see the Live Wire Park . This is a forest amusement park consisting of high ropes courses, zip-lines and other exciting activities.

One of the best views of the Great Ocean Road can be had in the hills above Lorne. Head up to Teddy’s Lookout and take in sweeping views of the forest covered mountains dropping away into the sea.

Cape Otway – Great Otway National Park

The destination for the afternoon is Cape Otway. This is part of the Great Otway National Park which is an absolute highlight of this Melbourne to Adelaide road trip. The stretch of the Great Ocean Road between Lorne and Apollo Bay is very scenic and arguably the best part.

Spot wild koalas on Cape Otway

The main town in this area is Apollo Bay, you can stay here but we recommend to stay out on Cape Otway tonight. Make sure to stock up on anything you need if planning to stay out of town.

Cape Otway is an amazing place to spot wildlife, especially Koalas. The Wildlife Wonders sanctuary is located 5 mins outside of Apollo Bay and offers guided nature walks . You’ll get a set of binoculars and walk a 1.4km trail through a range of landscapes, spotting all sorts of creatures along the way. The best part is that all proceeds go towards conservation efforts of endangered species.

For the last stop of the day head out to the Cape Otway Lightstation . This is the oldest surviving lighthouse on the Australian mainland and was built in 1848. You can explore the surrounding heritage buildings and climb the lighthouse for dramatic views of the coastline. Check the website for current hours and prices.

Catch a clifftop sunset at Cape Otway Lightstation

Where to Stay in Cape Otway

Bimbi Park –  Located only 8 minutes from the lighthouse, this park offers a range of beautiful cabins. The park itself is a huge highlight, with trees full of wild koalas. Another great perk is that you are close enough to watch an amazing sunset from the lighthouse grounds.

Caravanning/Camping

Bimbi Park – The above mentioned park also offers caravan and camp sites.

Camp Grounds – There are several highly rated camp grounds around this area. Parker Hill, Aire River East and Johanna Beach are all amazing spots. Use the link to browse all sites on a map and book with Parks Victoria.

Great Otway National Park

This itinerary devotes an entire day to exploring this park, which is one of the top highlights of Victoria. You have a couple of options for accommodation tonight which you may have to think about in advance. There is free camping at a stunning site near the main attractions however it is not suitable for large RVs or caravans.

Beauchamp Falls Reserve is a great campsite

If you want to be best positioned for sunrise at the 12 Apostles tomorrow then you will want to find accommodation closer to there. Lastly, you can remain on Cape Otway which will be about a 50km drive to the attractions on today’s list. See below for the best accommodation options.

The main activity to do here is walking through pristine rainforest to get to spectacular waterfalls . There are several of them here and this is one activity that never gets old. The drive from Melbourne to Adelaide is blessed with a number of the best waterfalls in Australia.

Our favourites in order were Beauchamp Falls, Hopetoun Falls and Triplet Falls. Near to Hopetoun Falls you can also visit ‘The Redwoods Otways’. This trial plantation of California Redwoods was planted in 1936 and left to grow. They are thriving here next to a pretty creek and it such an amazing experience to be able to walk through this scene in Australia!

The Otway Fly Treetop Walk is a highlight

The top highlight however is seeing the forest from another perspective. Otway Fly Treetop Adventures has a 600m elevated walkway and tower. The kids and young at heart will love the ziplining through the forest and the enchanted forest walk.

Where to Stay in Great Otway National Park

As stated above it is possible to stay in your accommodation in Cape Otway. If you want to be closer to the 12 Apostles for amazing sunrise shots then check out the below.

12 Apostles Cottages – These beautiful self-contained cottages have amazing ocean views and are only a stones throw from the 12 Apostles.

If you have a large RV or caravan it is probably not advisable to take it to the waterfalls/campground however you can reach the Otway Fly parking lot.

Beauchamp Falls Reserve –  This is a free campground only a short walk from the falls. There are only 6 sites however and it is unpowered. There are toilet facilities, fire-pits and amazing views down a forested valley. Unfortunately there has been recent forestry works around the site but the views are still great.

Princetown Recreation Reserve – This cheap site is perfect if you have a caravan or large RV. They offer powered or unpowered sites only 10 minutes drive from the 12 Apostles.

Walking amongst the giant redwoods is magical

12 Apostles/Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village

The 12 Apostles lookout point is the iconic image of the Great Ocean Road. The lookout faces roughly west and so the morning light provides amazing photographic opportunities.

If you have stayed close to the lookout at one of the properties above then you won’t have to get up too early for the magical golden hour. If you have made a beeline for this lookout then when you are done you will need to backtrack a short distance. Gibson Steps wind down the cliff face and access the beach where you can admire the huge cliffs and sandstone pinnacles up close.

Jump back on the road and continue heading west. After a short distance you will come to the turnoff for Loch Ard Gorge. This is well signposted and another highlight on the Great Ocean Road . In this same area are several other great sights like the Tom and Eva lookout and Thunder Cave.

Sunrise at the iconic 12 Apostles

Continue down the Great Ocean Road past the town of Port Campbell. Between here and Warrnambool are several great photo stops. The first is ‘London Bridge’, closely followed by ‘The Grotto’. The final recommended stop before the road heads inland is the ‘Bay of Islands’.

That’s the Great Ocean Road completed and your next stop is going to be the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village in Warrnambool. This complex houses a great museum about the settlement of Victoria as well as a living history village. It’s a lot of fun walking the streets here and visiting all the shops decorated with antique items.

Volunteers sometimes walk the village and work the shops in period costumes. The weekends have the most happening but it is a great visit any day of the week. Close by the village are several other attractions if you have the time, remembering that there is 2 hours to drive to get to Halls Gap.

Loch Ard Gorge is another great stop

Stingray Bay is a very nice beach near to the Maritime Village. In this same area you can also find the ‘Deep Blue Hot Springs’, which are a great way to relax after walking around the village. During whale watching season (June to September) there are several whale watching lookouts that are worth checking out.

Once you have finished exploring Warrnambool you will need to drive 157km to Halls Gap. This takes about 2 hours so make sure to leave enough time to reach here before dark as there are a lot of animals. It’s better to stay in town and make the drive in the morning if you run out of time.

The fun and informative Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village

Where to Stay in Halls Gap

Halls Gap Log Cabins – This accommodation is right near town and features wood fires. Some cabins also have spa baths to ease those sore legs after all the hiking.

►Browse more accommodation options in Halls Gap

BIG4 NRMA Halls Gap Holiday Park – A full featured caravan park in walking distance to the Halls Gap town centre. They even have a heated swimming pool!

Smiths Mill Campground – This is a great campsite situated right near MacKenzie Falls. It has both vehicle and tent sites and must be booked in advance. It has drop toilets and the shower listed is just a bucket on a rope with a faucet. This site is at the top of a pretty full on mountain road so may not be suitable for large caravans and RVs.

Grampians National Park

You’ll have the whole day to explore the Grampians which is just enough to leave you wanting more. There is way too much to see here to fit into one day but you will be able to see the main highlights.

MacKenzie Falls has an amazing flow year round

The main attractions all sit along the Mt Victory road, which is where you should concentrate your efforts today. The following recommended attractions are listed in the order that you will come across them when driving from town.

For the first stop you should enter ‘Wonderland Carpark’ into your navigation system. This is the starting point for the Pinnacle Lookout hike which is a huge highlight of the Grampians. There are several attractions and amazing viewpoints along this hike. Splitters Falls is a separate hike from the carpark but not too long (although very steep). This only flows nicely in the wetter seasons so don’t bother in summer/autumn.

To reach the next stop at Boroka Lookout you will have to make a right turn onto Mt Difficult Road. This is a pretty steep road but the lookout at the top is well worth it. This is arguably the best lookout in the Grampians National Park.

The Pinnacle Lookout is worth the effort!

Head back to the main road and continue a short distance to the turnoff for ‘The Balconies’. This is another stunning viewpoint offering views over a different aspect of the park. The photogenic rock ledges provide a great subject for your shots.

The final stop along the road is the phenomenal MacKenzie Falls. There are quite a lot of steps down to the bottom but boy is it worth it. The falls flow year round and the thunder and spray of the water can be experienced from up close. If you’re brave you can even go for a dip, but it’s pretty chilly!

This is definitely enough to fill a whole day but if you don’t hike or are just super efficient there is plenty more. Check out the official website for a full list of sights to see in this park.

The Balconies are an amazing lookout point

Mount Gambier

Welcome to South Australia! Mount Gambier sits right in the south-east corner of the state, only 2.5 hours from Halls Gap. This town is a bit of a hidden gem, with some amazing scenery and interesting things to do. It’s also home to several of South Australia’s best natural landmarks .

If you leave the Grampians reasonably early then you should have plenty of time to explore the main highlights. The most interesting sights are right in town or close by.

The first attraction you’ll come across as you enter town is the Umpherston Sinkhole. There are numerous sinkholes around the Limestone Coast, most formed by collapsed caves. This particular one was converted into a garden all the way back in 1886 by a Mr James Umpherston.

It’s a truly unique sight and descending down into the beautiful garden makes for a lovely short walk. The sight is open from dawn to dusk and sunset makes for a particularly nice visit.

Umpherston Sinkhole Garden from above

The next must-visit attraction in Mount Gambier is the Blue Lake. This incredible lake sits inside a huge volcanic crater and is vibrant blue in colour. The best time to view the lake is on a sunny day but it is still quite impressive even when overcast.

There are several lookouts around the lake which are all worth visiting. The best one is along the narrow cliffside stretch of road on the north-west side of the lake. From here you can walk up a steep trail to a viewing platform that offers an amazing perspective.

Speaking of great perspectives, you can head up to the Centenary Tower for the best view of the surrounding countryside. Accessed by a trail from the ‘Lions Lookout’, this 1904 tower sits at the highest point in this area.

The deep azure waters of the Mount Gambier crater lake

The final site that you should check out today is the Engelbrecht Cave system . This network of caves actually runs underneath the town and is accessed from right near the town centre. They offer guided tours and you can even scuba dive flooded sections of the cave if you are qualified.

There is plenty more to do in and around town if you still have time left over. Check out this list on Tripadvisor if you have energy left for more exploration. Otherwise settle in to your accommodation for some well earned relaxation.

Where to Stay in Mount Gambier

Colhurst House – This beautiful heritage mansion is packed full of old world charm. The rooms are beautifully presented and they have hot-tubs and bathrobes, need I say more?

The Old Mount Gambier Gaol – This is a super unique accommodation option to match the attractions around town. This gaol from 1866 has been converted into a range of rooms while still retaining a lot of the old features of the gaol.

►Browse more accommodation options in Mount Gambier

Pine Country Caravan Park – This park is slightly out of town but worth the small extra drive. It’s a beautiful park with spacious sites. The huge flocks of cockatoos in the evenings are delightful to watch.

After all the sightseeing thus far you’ve earned a day at the beach. South Australia has some fantastic beaches and the best ones are possible found right here on the Limestone Coast.

This is a bit of a detour in the wrong direction so if beaches aren’t really your thing or the weather is terrible then you can save yourself a day and not make the trip.

The Beachport Jetty

If you do choose to come here then you won’t be disappointed. The pristine beaches and clear water make for a great day swimming and sunbaking. It is quiet enough that you can often have a large area of beach to yourself.

The best thing to do here is just relax and take a break from the busy schedule. A good tip is to take the Bowman Scenic Drive (which you shouldn’t miss) out to the family friendly Salmon Hole beach. The shallow water here is great for swimming and snorkelling.

The Beachport Jetty is also a great walk, it stretches a really impressive distance out in to the sparkling ocean as you can see above! If you are a sucker for sightseeing then check out the official list of all the things to do around town.

Spend the night here and try to get an early one as it’s a big day tomorrow!

The beautiful Bowman Scenic Drive

Where to Stay in Beachport

Bonnies of Beachport – Stay beachfront in Beachport. These spectacular apartment offer ocean views and are walking distance to the town centre.

►Browse more accommodation options in Beachport

Southern Ocean Tourist Park – This park offers large grassy sites and clean amenities only a short walk to the beach. It is also right in town so you can take advantage of the restaurants and shops.

3 Mile Bend Campground – This campground is located 3km out of town and features drop toilets. It is suitable for tents or caravans. Bookings must be made via the link provided and it costs $16 per night.

Naracoorte Caves/Hahndorf

Today is the longest stretch of driving on the trip at 445km. There is some great scenery and a fantastic stop along the first 180km so they fly by quite easily.

After leaving Beachport, the first stop is the Naracoorte Caves. Google maps plots several different routes to get there so make sure you select the one that heads east to Penola before continuing north on the main highway.

The drive will first take you through Coonawarra, which is known for producing some fantastic red wines. The beautiful scenery of endless vineyards begins around here and continues for a large part of the drive to Padthaway.

Exploring one of the fantastic caves at Naracoorte

The first stop is the Naracoorte Caves National Park. These caves are around 800,000 years old and numerous fossils of extinct creatures have been found here. They offer some great tours and there is a small but really fun museum. You can choose from a number of different experiences including adventure caving, fossil filled caves and a bat observation centre. Click here for more information.

Following your visit to the caves it’s basically a straight shot to the town of Hahndorf. It’s a little over 3 hours more driving and so you might be arriving in the late afternoon. You’ll have the morning tomorrow to explore this town so don’t stress about sightseeing today.

Hahndorf has some great restaurants and pubs so you should definitely make the most of them tonight! Check out the German Arms or the Hahndorf Inn for a great German style pub experience.

The Hahndorf Inn has operated as a pub/hotel since 1863

Where to Stay in Hahndorf

Manna by Haus – These clean and comfortable rooms are situated right in the heart of Hahndorf. They offer free parking and it’s a great place to stop after a long day of driving. You will be walking distance to all the best pubs in town.

►Browse more accommodation options in Hahndorf

Discovery Parks Hahndorf Resort – There is only one option in town but don’t worry because it’s a great one. This is a lovely park with great facilities. It’s a little outside town but still only a short walk away and the bus stops right outside.

Hahndorf/Mount Lofty

The first half of today can be spent exploring all the cute little shops and sights around Hahndorf. There are some great places for breakfast and it is worth eating out for the ambiance provided. Check out Café 1839 for some of the best décor.

The main thing to do here is browsing the shops and finding hidden away photo spots down alleys. Around town are some fabulous wineries like Hahndorf Hill Estate, Shaw + Smith and Nepenthe. Don’t feel rushed as the next stop is only a short drive away, as is Adelaide.

Café 1839 is a great spot for breakfast

When you have finished exploring Hahndorf, jump in the car and enter Mount Lofty Botanic Park into the navigation. This is a beautiful garden set into a steep slope. Only a short distance further up the road is the Mount Lofty summit. Here you will have an amazing view over Adelaide and the surrounding area. There is a café at the top and also some walking trails.

If you have time left over in the day then consider visiting Cleland Wildlife Park. This is right near the summit and one of the best wildlife parks in Australia. There are a huge range of native animals to see and interact with. If you can’t make it then don’t stress, it can easily be done in a day trip from Adelaide .

After exploring Mount Lofty you can wind your way down the scenic mountain roads to Adelaide. Head to your accommodation and put your feet up, you’ve just completed this Melbourne to Adelaide Road Trip!

Mount Lofty Botanic Garden

Where to Stay in Adelaide

The Palms Apartments  – Situated on the north-east corner of the CBD, this is perfectly located within walking distance to some of the top attractions. The rooms are clean and spacious with great amenities like free Wi-Fi and a dishwasher.

Stamford Grand Adelaide  – This building is an iconic part of the Glenelg beachfront. It is equally beautiful inside and out and has an amazing indoor pool to relax in after a day of sightseeing. You will be right near the tram line for easy access to the city.

►Browse more accommodation options in Adelaide◄

Adelaide is unique in having plenty of great caravan parks right in the city. For easy access to the CBD check out Adelaide Caravan Park or Levi Adelaide Holiday Park .

For beachfront stays (but further from the attractions in the CBD) check out BIG4 West Beach Parks or Discovery Parks Adelaide Beachfront .

Although you’ve reached your destination, the trip definitely doesn’t have to end. Hopefully you’ve put some time aside to explore Adelaide as there are a lot of great sights to see. There are also many amazing day trips from Adelaide if you have longer to spend.

Lovers of wine will know South Australia as a wine mecca. Check out this list of the best wine tours from Adelaide , there is something for everyone here, from casual fan to connoisseur.

Historic buildings in Port Adelaide

For those who are lucky enough to be travelling onward, you will have plenty of time to explore further afield. Check out these weekend getaways from Adelaide for some ideas of places to visit.

Once you’ve finished exploring South Australia, your next stop will be the Nullarbor Plain and then onward into W.A. This road trip from Perth to Adelaide is the best itinerary to follow to not miss any of the sights. (You’ll have to do it in reverse but it’s just as good that way round!).

I hope you have an amazing time on this Melbourne to Adelaide road trip! Safe Travels.

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Hello and welcome to my blog!

I’m Ann, a free-spirited Canadian adventurer who quit my 9-5 to hike mountains, chase waterfalls and live life to the fullest!

A lover of road trips, good wine and off the beaten path destinations – you will find these topics covered in depth on my blog.

Travel has changed my life for the better and I want to show you how it can do the same for you!

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Drive From Adelaide To Melbourne Itinerary via The Great Ocean Road

By: Author Catrina

Posted on Last updated: May 11, 2022

Categories AUSTRALIA , OCEANIA , ROAD TRIPS , SOUTH AUSTRALIA , VICTORIA

A popular road trip itinerary in Australia is to drive between Adelaide and Melbourne along the coastline and via The Great Ocean Road. And whilst The Great Ocean Road only covers a short section of the Adelaide to Melbourne coastal drive, it is without doubt the most famous part. The Adelaide to Melbourne drive itinerary also passes many unique and interesting places such as Coorong National Park – a 140km saltwater lagoon protected by sand dunes, and Mount Gambier – a small city full of crater lakes and volcanic landscapes.

Here is this article you’ll get all the information you need about the most important stops between Melbourne and Adelaide, how long you should do the road trip, driving distances and driving times, as well as suggestions for restaurants and overnight accommodation.

How long does it take to drive from Adelaide to Melbourne?

If you drive direct from Adelaide, South Australia to Melbourne, Victoria without stops it will take around 8 hours. This route goes a little inland and is very uneventful. People will only take this route if they just need to get from one city to the other and aren’t interested in seeing any of the sights between Adelaide and Melbourne. The distance between Adelaide and Melbourne on the inland road is around 730km.

The best route is to go on the slightly longer scenic route by the coast where you can see beautiful rugged beaches, National Park and of course The Great Ocean Road – one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline. This will take around 13 hours non-stop driving and will be around 1000km.

Adelaide to Melbourne road trip: how many days?

The scenic coastal drive from Adelaide to Melbourne via The Great Ocean Road is over 1000km by car. I recommend four days as a minimum for this road trip: not only is it a heck of a lot of driving, but there really are so many beautiful places to see along the way to enjoy. The scenery in this part of Australia is stunning and so you’ll definitely want to take your time – it would be such a shame to rush or miss parts out due to time restraints.

We took four days to do the trip –  any shorter than this and you would be spending most of the day in the car driving and may have to miss out some of the stops. Mind, with 4 days it still felt like we were driving quite a bit each day, especially as some stretches of road are so dull and straight and seemingly going on forever. We spent a couple of days either side of the road trip exploring both Adelaide and Melbourne, so all in all the whole trip took roughly a week and it was quite intense, full of long days and a decent amount of driving and sightseeing each day.

Even though the distance from Adelaide to Melbourne on the map looks relatively small it is still a long distance to drive. Don’t be too optimistic or try to rush too much. Three days is possible for the Adelaide to Melbourne drive but make sure you take enough rest so you aren’t driving for too long. It will feel quite rushed if you do the trip in just three days, especially considering that The Great Ocean Road alone will take one whole day, and that is only one fifth of the route (just over 200km out of 1000km)!

If you want to take longer than four days for the journey – even better!

The top places to visit on the Adelaide to Melbourne drive include:

Fleurieu peninsula, coorong national park, mount gambier.

The Great Ocean Road (including The Twelve Apostles)

If you will be doing a 4 day road trip from Adelaide to Melbourne you can use the sample itinerary below as a guide. It is the one we used and it worked out well in terms of time, amount driven and sightseeing each day. It doesn’t take into consideration time spent in Adelaide and Melbourne, so you should add a couple of days before the itinerary to explore Adelaide, and a few days after to explore Melbourne.

4 day Adelaide to Melbourne drive itinerary

Day 1: Adelaide Hills Fleurieu Peninsula (Port Noarlunga Beach, Port Willunga Beach)

STAY OVERNIGHT IN COORONG

Day 2: Coorong National Park Mount Gambier

STAY OVERNIGHT IN MOUNT GAMBIER

Day 3: Portland Start of The Great Ocean Road (Bay of Islands, Bay of Martyrs, The Grotto, London Arch, The Arch Lookout, Port Campbell)

STAY OVERNIGHT IN PORT CAMPBELL (ON GREAT OCEAN ROAD)

Day 4: Great Ocean Road (Broken Head, Thunder Cave, The Razorback, Loch Ard, Gorge, The Twelve Apostles, Gibson Steps, Memorial Arch) Great Otway National Park Seaside towns along Great Ocean Road of Apollo Bay and Lorne. Arrive in Melbourne

STAY OVERNIGHT IN MELBOURNE

If you are tight for time and can manage to do the road trip in three days, I would skip staying overnight in the Coorong and just stay in Mount Gambier and along The Great Ocean Road.

How much will the trip cost?

If you’re from the UK you’ll be glad to know that petrol in Australia is a lot cheaper than what you’re used to! To do the whole 1000km will cost you around $120 or so in petrol! If you are in a camper van, or driving with a tent and want to keep costs down you can stay in caravan parks and campsites – along this route they cost between around $20-$30 per night. However after long days driving and sightseeing a hotel or rented accommodation will be much more comfortable. More about that later.

*Important driving safety at night between Adelaide and Melbourne*

One thing that is really important when planning your road trip between Melbourne and Adelaide is to minimise the amount of time you are driving between dusk and dawn. Night time is when native wildlife is most active here and especially on long stretches of open road kangaroos are very likely to jump across the road. The time one hour before and after sunset, and one hour before and after sunrise is when you should be especially avoid driving.

If driving at these times can’t be prevented, you will need to be very careful and drive cautiously as this seems to be the prime time for kangaroos to come to the side of the road. The street lighting on open stretches of road is minimal, and the kangaroos have a habit of just appearing out of nowhere as there is lots of bush at the sides of the road, so you’ll really need to stay extra alert as you won’t see them coming and often won’t have time to avoid them. Therefore it is really best to avoid driving during the dark if possible.

In order to avoid driving in the dark you will need to factor in how long it will take to drive each day.

What to do if a kangaroo hops across the road?

If a kangaroo does jump across the road, even though it is an instant reaction it is important not to abruptly brake your vehicle. Obviously you don’t want to hit the kangaroo, but also you do no’t want to cause an accident if there are any other vehicles around. Always be aware of your surroundings and any cars that may be behind you.

Also, by braking the vehicle it effectively lowers the bonnet of the car, meaning if you do hit a kangaroo it could potentially go straight through your windscreen and cause serious damage to you (yes sadly people have died this way). If you just release your foot off the gas and keep going, if you do happen to unfortunately hit the kangaroo at least it will just bounce off your bumper as opposed to breaking your windscreen and potentially causing some serious or fatal damage to you.

What time of year is best to do the Adelaide to Melbourne drive?

The warmer summer months of November to March are the best time to do the Adelaide to Melbourne drive.

Temperatures in the summer can exceed 30 degrees and especially by the coast you’ll have a nice gentle breeze so it won’t feel too hot. Of course the summer months are a lot busier and prices will be higher for accommodation, plus accommodation options get booked out in advance so you’ll need to be organised and plan ahead.

If you do visit during the cooler winter months of June to September be aware that winters in South Australia and Victoria – though definitely not as harsh as European summers, can be quite cold. Temperatures can drop to single digits and you’ll definitely need winter clothes. The sky can also be cloudy and there can be days that are windy and rainy so the summer months or the shoulders months are much more enjoyable to enjoy this Adelaide to Melbourne road trip on.

During the winter the sun sets at around 5pm in South Australia and Victoria, giving roughly only 10 hours of daylight per day. Compare this to when the sun sets at around 8.30pm in the summer months, which gives around 14 hours of daylight meaning you have more time in your day for sightseeing.

Therefore in the summer months you’ll have more time to explore and sightsee and you won’t have to worry so much about making sure you get to your destination before it gets dark.

ADELAIDE TO MELBOURNE DRIVE ITINERARY

Below are the best stops I recommend along the Adelaide to Melbourne drive. Of course you can start the drive from Melbourne too, in which case just reverse the itinerary and start from the bottom.

Read: Photography Locations in Adelaide

Before you start your Adelaide to Melbourne drive, make sure to spend a couple of days in Adelaide – the capital of South Australia. Whilst Adelaide gets overshadowed by the bigger Australian cities and many people are of the idea there is ‘nothing to do in Adelaide’ there are actually so many things you can do here!

In Adelaide CBD you can find some really interesting museums such as the Art Gallery of South Australia, South Australian Museum (home to the world’s largest collection of Aboriginal Australian artefacts), as well as The State Library of South Australia – one of the top 20 most beautiful libraries in the world. The River Torrens runs through Adelaide and there are some really lovely walks along the river you can do, or head to the Botanic Gardens or Himeji Japanese Gardens to enjoy some peace and tranquility in the middle of the city.

Adelaide has some beautiful beach side suburbs such as Glenelg and West Beach that are just a few minutes drive away. The sand here is so white! Plus if you are in Adelaide on the weekend there are plenty bars and clubs for you to enjoy!

Adelaide Hills

Head east of Adelaide to start your Adelaide to Melbourne road trip and stop off in the Adelaide Hills – one of Australia’s best wine producing regions. Admire the wineries and vineyards, visit the charming German town of Hahndorf and see the panoramic view of Adelaide and surrounds from Mount Lofty.

Where to stay in Adelaide: Hotel Grand Chancellor

Read: Port Willunga Caves

The Fleurieu Peninsula is south of Adelaide (about an hour from the Adelaide Hills) and is known for it’s beautiful rugged beaches – two of which should definitely be explored are Port Noarlunga and Port Willunga. They are both popular holiday destinations and you can get some really beautiful photos here, in particular of Port Noarlunga jetty, Onkaparinga River Mount View Point and the Port Willunga caves . Some itineraries won’t include The Fleurieu Peninsula on the Adelaide to Melbourne itinerary as it is a little bit of a detour from the highway. It is however a beautiful part of the world and is much quieter than the beaches along The Great Ocean Road.

Kangaroo Island (optional)

Read: Kangaroo Island Self Drive Itinerary

An optional place you can add to your Adelaide to Melbourne itinerary is a trip to Kangaroo Island – Australia’s biggest island. You drive to the western-most part of the Fleurieu Peninsula to get to Cape Jervis and from here you get the ferry across to Kangaroo Island. The drive from Adelaide to Cape Jervis straight will only take 1.5 hours, so it is really not much of a detour.

If you want to add Kangaroo Island on to your Adelaide to Melbourne road trip you will need to add at least a couple of days to explore Kangaroo Island as it is surprisingly big and there is so much to see here, from visiting the beautiful secluded beaches of Stokes Bay Beach and Pennington Bay, to walking amongst the sea lions on the beach at Seal Bay, or visiting the iconic Remarkable Rocks.

My guide to Kangaroo Island gives you all the information you need to plan your trip to Kangaroo Island, such as ferry information, accommodation and places to see!

From Port Wilunga it will take you around 2.5 hours to drive to Coorong National Park (200km).

The Coorong National Park is home to an incredible 140km salt lagoon that is separated from the ocean by sand dunes. It is a protected lagoon ecosystem and there are also some fantastic dried salt lakes here. There are lots of walking tracks and activities you can do here such as kayaking, bird watching, fishing and lots of walks.

The Coorong is situated roughly halfway between Adelaide and Mount Gambier so it makes a great overnight stop for your first night. Just be aware that there are lots of midges here in the Coorong after sunset!

There are not many options for accommodation in The Coorong, but we found a quirky hotel called Coorong Hotel Motel at Policemans Point. It was fairly basic but the owner does a great pizza and beers and is good company.

Alternatively if you are camping you’ll find several campsites that charge around $15 per night.

Where to stay in the Coorong: Coorong Hotel Motel

Read: Things to do in Mount Gambier

From the Coorong it will take you about 2.5 hours to drive to Mount Gambier (around 230km).

Mount Gambier is an incredibly unique places and was such a pleasant surprise for me! I really wasn’t expecting an inland township to be so beautiful and full of many things to see – you absolutely must spend a minimum of half a day here as it is unlike anywhere else you will see on the journey. Mount Gambier is located on an extinct volcano and here you’ll find enchanting sunken gardens (Umpherston Sink Hole and The Cave Gardens), a magnificently blue crater lake (The Blue Lake) and an impressive underground world of caves!

Mount Gambier lies about halfway between Adelaide and Melbourne (about 500km from either city) and sits just on the south east corner of South Australia on the Southern Ocean Drive – one of South Australia’s most beautiful roads.

Where to stay in Mount Gambier:

Budget: The Old Mount Gambier Gaol – yes you actually stay in an old jail that got converted into a hostel! This place is pretty cool!

Mid Range: Blue Lake Motel – spacious rooms in a great central location

Crossing the border into the state of Victoria you’ll come to a lovely seaside town called Portland. There are some nice places to eat here and a beautiful beach and foreshore. Portland is just over 100km from Mount Gambier and the drive will take just under 1.5 hours.

Great Ocean Road

Read: Great Ocean Road – Self Drive Itinerary

And now for the favourite part of the Adelaide to Melbourne drive for many people – The Great Ocean Road!

Spanning over 200km long, The Great Ocean Road is truly one of the most scenic and well-known coastal drives in the world. Driving along The Great Ocean Road is a bucket list item for so many people and it is one of the most visited parts of Australia. Along The Great Ocean Road is some really stunning scenery: impressive coastal cliff top views, picturesque surfing beaches, lush rainforest, National Parks and dramatic rugged rock formations such as The Twelve Apostles.

The Great Ocean Road stretches from the town of Allansford to Torquay. It started as a project to create work for returned servicemen from the First World War and subsequently became a memorial to those who died during WWI. It was built between 1919 to 1932.

Coming from Adelaide the drive starts off with the incredible cliff top views, then heads through lush rainforest before ending at the surf towns. Follow the brown signs that point to the attractions: you’ll see many impressive limestone formations coming out of the sea such as Bay of Islands, London Arch, The Arch, The Grotto, Razorback and Loch Ard Gorge, with the last one being the iconic 12 Apostles, which is the highlight of The Great Ocean Road. The stops will be every few kilometres and there is free parking at all the spots.

THE PERFECT GREAT OCEAN ROAD SELF-DRIVE ITINERARY

The town of Port Campbell is located along The Great Ocean Road and is the perfect place to stay overnight as there are lots of accommodation and restaurant options. Elsewhere on The Great Ocean Road options are fairly limited. Port Campbell is located between London Bridge and Loch Ard Gorge so it is in a very convenient location and it means you can split up your sightseeing on The Great Ocean Road into two days.

Where to stay on the Great Ocean Road: Port Campbell Parkview Motel & Apartments

You’ll really want to enjoy your time along The Great Ocean Road so don’t rush it – take at least a day and a half to get from the start of The Great Ocean Road in Allansford to Melbourne. You’ll be surprised how quickly the time goes anyway when you’ll be stopping at all the stops! Plus especially if you visit in the summer months The Great Ocean Road will be very busy!

Heading east past The Twelve Apostles, still on The Great Ocean Road heading towards Melbourne you’ll go through Great Otway National Park and the beach towns of Lorne and Apollo Bay. These are also nice places to stay overnight if you don’t choose to stay in Port Campbell.

Read: 24 Hours in Melbourne Instagrammable Places in Melbourne

Often named the world’s most liveable city, Melbourne is the capital of Victoria state and the second most populous city in Australia. It is known for it’s food and drink culture, its artistic style, sports, and it’s ever-changing weather! There is so much to do in Melbourne, from seeing the famous street art on ACDC Lane and Hosier Lane, to visiting the elegant Victorian arcades to The Shrine of Remembrance. Melbourne also has some great beaches – St Kilda and Brighton beach are absolutely worth spending a day at!

Where to stay in Melbourne: The Victoria Hotel

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Catrina is a Travel Writer and ex-Flight Attendant based in Sydney, Australia. She has visited 85 countries and lived in several – including Italy, Australia, United Arab Emirates and England. Her work has been featured in a variety of popular travel publications including Fodors, Escape, Australian Traveller and Bear Grylls, as well as several international aviation and travel companies. She only writes about places she has personally visited, and aims to give real, honest advice to help her readers.

Wednesday 2nd of August 2023

This was so helpful thanks so much, just made my trip so much easier!

Friday 11th of August 2023

No worries Alan, glad it was helpful! :)

Helpful information and the photos are great too, thanks for sharing

It's a great roadtrip, hope you have a fab time!

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Adelaide to Melbourne via the Great Ocean Road: The Coastal Route

Discover some of the most magnificent coastal treasures just waiting for you to explore.

Adelaide to Melbourne via the Great Ocean Road: The Inland Route

Discover the magic of small towns, marvel at rolling green pastures and discover hidden country gems without the crowds.

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Blessed with natural attractions, there’s plenty to keep the active adventurer or curious explorer busy.

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The best way to truly experience the South West is to stray off the beaten path.

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Adelaide to Melbourne 3-Night Self-Drive Itinerary for the Great Ocean Road

By: Author Angela Price

Posted on Last updated: November 14, 2023

The Great Ocean Road (GOR) is one of Australia’s top road trip destinations, and in this post, I will be taking you along the route I drove from Adelaide to Melbourne along the Western Highway.

On my road trip, I chose to stay for three nights along the Great Ocean Road in three different towns to get a real feel for the coastal area in Victoria.

Visitors typically visit the Great Ocean Road on a day trip from Melbourne to see Port Campbell National Park’s most popular attraction, the iconic Twelve Apostles.

A day trip from Melbourne is perfect if you are short on time and only want a whistle-stop tour along this famous Australian coastline.

However, as part of my 6-week holiday to Australia, I travelled slowly along the Great Ocean Road (and in reverse, having spent the previous five nights in Adelaide ), giving me plenty of time to see some of the best attractions along Australia’s East Coast. And guess what? I found some great ones!

This travel guide may contain affiliate links – For more information, please read my disclaimer and privacy policy.

Table of Contents

Driving in Australia

From my experience, if you have a driver’s license, I would most definitely recommend renting a car to travel around Australia.

While there are a few options for public transport, they can be hard to navigate due to the size of Australia, and hours spent on a coach tour might not suit the more free-spirited traveller.

The freedom of the open road allows you to see the country at your own pace, making your trip around Australia a genuinely unforgettable experience.

Luckily for me, the Australians, like the British, drive on the left-hand side, so I felt confident on the roads. Based on my overall experience of driving in Australia, the roads are wide and not as busy as in the UK.

The Great Ocean Road is a bit different as it has winding roads and single-lane traffic; however, there are plenty of pull-ins at the side of the road (which I used a lot) that give other drivers the chance to pass you safely if they are travelling faster than you wish to go.

Don’t be tempted to drive faster than the speed limits (which change quickly along the route). There are hefty fines for speeding in Australia.

I recommend booking a hire car before arriving at your pick-up destination to get your perfect choice of vehicle. We picked up a rental car in Adelaide and found everything to run smoothly. We dropped the car back in central Melbourne.

Top Tip: Remember that if you are only planning on driving one way – From Adelaide to Melbourne or Melbourne to Adelaide – you won’t be able to return your hired car to its point of origin, which may mean an increased cost for a one-way rental. Make sure you factor this into your costs.

Driving Directions From Adelaide To The Great Ocean Road

The whopping 955km Adelaide via the GOR to Melbourne route I took is not the familiar driving route visitors take to get to the Great Ocean Road. Still, for me, it was the perfect way to immerse myself in the Victoria region of Australia.

Officially, the Great Ocean Road starts in Torquay (an hour’s drive from Melbourne) and finishes at Allansford – just 240 km.

My drive (in reverse) from Adelaide to Allansford (which marked the official start of the Great Ocean Road for me) was considerably longer, at 690 km.

Adelaide to Melbourne Road Map

This road trip was longer than any journey I’ve ever driven in the UK, but we were rewarded with incredible scenery as we passed through the open bush and some of Australia’s coastal towns.

It is a long drive through bush and small towns with no glimpse of the famous Great Ocean Road coastline for what seems like an eternity; nevertheless, it is worth the wait.

In reality, with continual driving from Adelaide, you will reach the beginning of the Great Ocean Road in eight hours . Be prepared for a drive of that length with a full tank of petrol and plenty of snacks and drinks as petrol stations and shops are few and far between one another. We found that water, chocolate and a bag of fruit gums kept us going for hours!

Make sure to take a few breaks along the route. Tailem Bend and Robe were two towns we visited for food, coffee and convenience stops!

What is the Great Ocean Road?

This famous Australian stretch of road measures 243 metres and winds through forests, along the coast and past rural towns in Victoria. Built by over 3000 veterans and volunteers between 1919 and 1932, it is dedicated to soldiers killed during World War I.

The Great Ocean Road is the world’s largest war memorial, with The Twelve Apostles National Park being its main tourist attraction and one of the Great Ocean Road landmarks we were most looking forward to seeing.

Places to stop for the night between Adelaide and Melbourne

Port fairy – apollo bay – lorne.

One of the biggest hurdles when planning my  3-night itinerary for my Great Ocean Road  trip was finding decent places to stop for the night after leaving Adelaide. I had to allow for distances and driving times, and although there are several port towns on the route, none worked for us.

I wasn’t looking for luxury hotels, but at the same time, I didn’t want to stay in someone’s back garden in a caravan! And to be honest, finding nice accommodation along the route was a bit of a task.

Nevertheless, I found three places to stay in Port Fairy, Apollo Bay, and Lorne, which were all perfect for my short visit. Sadly, since the pandemic, they have all ceased trading; however, I have given links below to alternative accommodation options in each area where I stayed.

Top Tip: Book your accommodation before you arrive along the Great Ocean Road as it is a very popular part of Australia, and good places are in high demand throughout the year.

Accommodation Along the Great Ocean Road

Where to stay in port fairy.

Port Fairy properties on Booking.com range from cute cottages to harbour-view houses.

Where to Stay in Apollo Bay

Apollo Bay properties on Booking.com include sea-view houses perched directly on the Great Ocean Road.

Where to Stay in Lorne

Lorne properties on Booking.com range from heritage hotels to local B and B’s.

Best Great Ocean Road Attractions To Visit

• Twelve Apostles, including Loch Ard Gorge, Shipwreck Coast and London Bridge
• Great Otway National Park, including Triplet Falls, Otway Fly and Maits Rest Rainforest Walk

Cape Otway Lightstation

• Kennet River

Teddy’s Lookout

Erskine falls.

• The Great Ocean Road Sign

3-Night Great Ocean Road Trip Itinerary

Day one – drive from adelaide to port fairy, driving time from adelaide to port fairy, including two short stops – 8 hours.

Take the A1 motorway from Adelaide to Port Fairy

Morning Activities

The start of our great ocean road self-drive adventure.

After picking up our Kia rental car, we started our journey to the Great Ocean Road and stopped at Subway in Tailem Bend after an hour of driving. It’s not the typical type of food I would buy, but it filled us up and was in a lovely setting next to the Murray River.

We fuelled up and continued driving for two and a half hours to our second stop, the seaside town of Robe.

Afternoon Activities

The town of Robe had a lovely vibe, with a cute main street and plenty of cafes, coffee shops, and independent stores. It felt good to get out of the car and stretch our legs while wandering along the sandy beach.

We would have loved to spend more time in Robe, but had a goal of reaching Port Fairy by nightfall.

However, I would recommend an overnight stay in Robe if time permits on your Australian travel itinerary.

The next leg of our drive from Robe to Port Fairy took four hours, and we arrived after dark. In Australia, driving times can take longer than expected due to constant changes in legal road speeds and also, for us, what seemed like never-ending road works!

Evening Activities

Overnight stop in port fairy.

We arrived in Port Fairy just after 9 pm, and unfortunately, all the restaurants had just shut. We hadn’t factored into the itinerary that small coastal towns go to bed early.

Because of this, we had to make do with two bags of crisps, a soggy cheese sandwich and a packet of Tim Tam biscuits from the town garage, which was not what we expected to eat on the first night of our Great Ocean Road Adventure!

Needless to say, after such a long drive, even a soggy cheese sandwich tasted good, and then we were ready for a good night’s sleep in preparation for another full day tomorrow.

Check Pricing and Availability For Your Port Fairy Accommodation

Day Two – Drive from Port Fairy to Apollo Bay

Driving time from port fairy to apollo bay – 2 hours 30 minutes.

Take the A1 motorway from Port Fairy, changing to the B100 from Allansford

Exploring Port Fairy

I’m glad to say the following day, we could fill up on breakfast at Le Crepe Man of Belfast and explore Port Fairy with full tummies.

After breakfast, we only had a few hours before we needed to continue our drive to Apollo Bay, so we wandered around Port Fairy, looking at the quaint pastel-coloured clapperboard cottages before heading to the harbour for a walk to the lighthouse. These heritage houses were very similar to the ones we had seen in Glenelg and Hobart . They are very special and add a charming vibe to the town.

Port Fairy is a sleepy coastal town with plenty of charm, making it feel like commercialism has left it alone. It is the perfect place to stop for a night en route from Adelaide to the Great Ocean Road.

Visiting the Twelve Apostles

By late afternoon, we reached Allansford and were pleased to finally be on the official Great Ocean Road.

One problem was that it had started raining, and by the time we reached Port Campbell National Park and the Twelve Apostles, it was blowing a gale. It was not the sunny image of the rocks and sea we had seen on tourism posters; nevertheless, we were excited to see one of Australia’s most famous landmarks.

No Longer Twelve Apostles

We donned our waterproof coats and pushed against the wind to make our way to view the iconic Twelve Apostles, Australia’s famous rock formations rising proud and tall from the ocean.

Only seven limestone stacks are now standing due to the erosion of the other five. They still make an impressive sight, and I am pleased we could tick them off our Australia bucket list.

Loch Ard Gorge

On a good day, it is possible to take the Gibsons Steps trail down to the beach and stand at floor level with the apostles.

Sadly, this was not happening on our visit, so we drove a little further along to see Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge, two other popular attractions in Port Campbell National Park.

Shipwreck Coast

Loch Ard Gorge is named after a ship wrecked in these waters in 1878.

She is one of over 700 shipwrecks that lay on the seabed around these waters, a testament to how treacherous these southern Australian waters can be.

London Bridge

London Bridge is another rock formation that can be seen from a viewpoint not far from the car park. However, it is nothing like the London Bridge I know back home!

Traffic along this stretch of the Great Ocean Road is hectic. Coaches, cars and motorbikes are all vying for a parking spot. There is a huge car park at the Twelve Apostles, but vehicles spill out onto the roadside once it’s full, making driving a little hazardous, so please be careful.

Back in the car, we headed for our next port of call – Apollo Bay. On the drive, we passed by the Great Otway National Park. We decided to come back and explore it the next day.

For now, we were ready to find our accommodation, put some dry clothes on and head into town to look around.

Exploring Apollo Bay

Apollo Bay is probably the best town to stop at along the Great Ocean Road. It is a perfect place to stay over for a night.

The coastal road bursts with restaurants, boutique shops, and cosy cafes. And not forgetting its beautiful golden beach, perfect for surfing.

Luckily for us, the sun had come out by early evening, and we had time to stroll along the beach before enjoying a meal of freshly caught fish.

After dinner, we headed back to our accommodation to plan the next day’s activities.

Check Pricing and Availability For Your Apollo Bay Accommodation

Day Three – Drive from Apollo Bay to Lorne

Driving time from apollo bay to lorne – 1 hour.

Take the B100 from Port Fairy

Great Otway National Park

After a hearty breakfast at our guest house, we were back on the road, and within 15 minutes, we arrived at our destination.

Great Otway is a stunning temperate rainforest. It is full of cascading waterfalls, forest walking trails, indigenous wildlife and masses of plant life.

A forest alive with hidden wonders, ancient giants and carnivorous snails that has changed little since the time of the dinosaurs Victoria Parks Signage

Maits Rest Rainforest Walk

The Maits Rest Rainforest Walk is a must-see in the Cape Otway region.

The 800m loop walk is along a well-made easy path and takes around 30 minutes to complete. It passes through lush vegetation and 300-year-old beech trees, and towering tree ferns.

It was magical wandering through the Great Otway forest to smell the scent of the recent rainfall in the air and see the steam rising from the forest floor in the morning sun.

Signs warning us to be vigilant of snakes were all around. Sadly we didn’t see any (because we love reptiles and would have liked to!).

However, I did stand on a twig that kicked up against my calf and made me scream out loud, thinking a snake had bitten me! It hadn’t, but my antics were indeed entertainment for my son!

Triplet Falls

I love seeing a waterfall, and I was in my element with many to choose from in the Great Otway National Park. As time was a factor in how long we stayed in the area, we decided to see one of the Great Ocean Road’s most famous waterfalls.

Triplet Falls is a fabulous cascading three-ridge waterfall worth the 30-minute walk from the car park. I’m not going to lie when I say the forest’s humidity gets to you.

Even though it is a cold temperate rainforest, it’s still hot and sticky. Set out early in the morning to avoid being uncomfortable on your walk.

The Otway Fly

Our favourite activity in the national park was the Otway Fly.

It is a 600-metre-long treetop walk that stretches 25 metres above the rainforest canopy. We were so high up off the ground that we got an amazing bird’s eye view of the treetops.

It reminded us of the Habitat Walk we had done a few weeks earlier in Penang.

Along the Treetop Walk is the 45-metre Spiral Tower, which you can climb for the ultimate forest view. It is included in the Treetop Walk ticket .

There is also a ziplining tour of the forest for the more adventurous. We got to see the zipline in action during our treetop walk. It sounded like a lot of fun, going by the screams and laughter from those whizzing through the trees.

Cape Otway Lightstation is a short drive away from the rainforest and is the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia.

It has stunning views of the Bass Strait and, between May and October, is the place to whale watch.

Annually, 25 species of whales migrate past the Lighthouse, including Southern Right Whales, Humpback Whales, Blue Whales and Killer Whales (Orcas).

Our visit in February was the wrong season for whale watching; however, we still had a great time there.

After climbing to the top of the lighthouse for 360-degree views, we enjoyed homemade scones with jam and cream washed down with a cup of tea in the Lightkeeper’s Cafe.

We then walked around the site to see other attractions and beautiful coastal views.

We visited the Telegraph Station, which we found interesting as we had recently visited the one in Alice Springs during our train journey on The Ghan from Darwin to Adelaide .

Kennett River

Since visiting Kangaroo Island , I have had a soft spot for koalas, so I had to add a stop at Kennett River to my Great Ocean Road itinerary.

This small hamlet is located just off the Great Ocean Road. We had heard it was swarming with both colourful birds and snoozing koalas – and it was!

We saw our first koala just a stone’s throw from the Kafe Koala car park. He was asleep on the fronds of a eucalyptus tree overhanging the pathway.

My photograph shows that koalas choose the most uncomfortable-looking spots to nap.

The coastal view from Kennett River is stunning. As we walked further up the hill, we spotted another three koalas and many beautifully coloured birds. So if you are looking for Australia’s favourite marsupial, this is the place to visit.

Directions: Turn off the Great Ocean Road into Hawdon Avenue, then immediately turn into Grey River Road. You will arrive at Kafe Koala, the start of the koala walk.

Arriving in lorne.

Lorne is a popular coastal town along the Great Ocean Road and was our last overnight stop before reaching Melbourne.

When we arrived, we were pretty tired from having such a fun-filled day, so we just took a stroll to the pier to enjoy the ocean views and catch some sunset images.

Check Pricing and Availability For All Lorne Accommodation

Day Four – Drive from Lorne to Melbourne

Driving time from lorne to melbourne – 2 hour s.

Take the B100 from Lorne and change to C134 at Bell Bray . Continue onto M1 at Waurn Ponds, changing to the M2 at Bolte Bridge. Continue into Melbourne CBD.

We decided to check out a couple of Lorne’s tourist attractions the following morning.

We had heard a lot about Teddy’s Lookout when researching things to do in Lorne, so we decided to take a look for ourselves.

Teddy’s Lookout is a scenic viewpoint on high ground in Lorne. It is worth visiting for the sweeping coastal view of the Great Ocean Road and the Bass Strait. There is a large car park and pathway through trees and shrubs, which ends with the most amazing views.

Teddy’s Lookout is another great place along the Great Ocean Road for whale watching in the right season.

Several nearby walking trails also exist, including Shipwreck Trail, Ocean Walk and Tram Track Walk. We didn’t have time to do any of them as we had to get to Melbourne to drop off our hire car. If we had, it would have been lovely to explore them.

We never did find out why this particular viewpoint is called Teddy’s Lookout. Several local stories say it is named after a donkey called Teddy, who roamed these parts or after Edward (Teddy), Queen Victoria’s son!

Our next attraction in Lorne was Erskine Falls (remember I mentioned I love a waterfall).

The falls are pretty magical, surrounded by an ancient forest, lush trees, and ferns, and are one of the highest waterfalls in Victoria.

The falls were a 30-minute drive inland from Teddy’s Lookout and one of the quieter sights along the Great Ocean Road.

From the car park, Erskine Falls is a five-minute walk. You can spot the falls cascading 30 metres into a beautiful tree fern gully from the viewpoint. We took the 240 steps down to the Erskine River to view the waterfall from ground level.

On a humid day, the going is tough on the legs. The reward is the cooling mist that cascades over you as the water crashes into the gully.

See the Famous Great Ocean Road Sign

Don’t miss catching an image of the GOR Memorial Archway as you pass through the town of Aireys Inlet. This sign greets visitors to the GOR who are coming from Melbourne.

For us, driving the reverse route meant that the sign marked the end of a fabulous 3-nights along this remarkable stretch of coast.

The memorial archway is one of the most photographed spots along the Great Ocean Road. You can stop by the roadside and read the plaque to learn how and why the road was constructed.

Arriving in Melbourne

After a two-hour drive from Teddy’s Lookout, we arrived for our two-night stay in Melbourne. This would be the next leg of our Australian adventure .

We thoroughly enjoyed our self-drive road trip along Australia’s most famous road. After dropping off the hire car and checking into our accommodation, we headed straight out to explore the sights of Melbourne.

Seeing the city’s street art and cafe culture, the Shrine of Remembrance and the Yarra River was great.

Great Ocean Road Day Tour from Melbourne

If you don’t want to drive, there are plenty of tours from Melbourne to see the Great Ocean Road.

Unfortunately, there are no day tours from Adelaide. As you would have learned from this post, it is too far away and, therefore, impossible.

Please PIN for future travel to Australia.

Looking for further Australian inspiration? Please check out the following posts:

• A journey through Australia on the Ghan Train
• Sheffield – The Colourful Town of Murals
• 2 Nights in Cradle Mountain Tasmania
• 2 Nights in Freycinet National Park, Tasmania
• Where to see a Tasmanian Devil
• A visit to Hobart Botanical Garden
• Ultimate 8-day self-drive Tasmania road trip itinerary planner

Need to arrange travel insurance, car hire or accommodation? Please check out my  resources page  to help you plan your trip.

 I would like to receive occasional updates and new travel posts.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

James Wyatt

Wednesday 29th of March 2023

Great article - thank-you! I booked our trip along this route last week staying at Robe, Port Fairy and Apollo Bay. so from what you say, I'm happy with my choices! And some excellent tips too. Thanks

WhereAngieWanders

Hi James, it's great to hear that you found my article helpful, I had an amazing time along the GOR and I am sure you will too. Happy Travels!

Wednesday 28th of September 2022

Wow what amazing views from one road trip, and so many waterfalls! Looks like a great itinerary!

Tuesday 27th of September 2022

This is SUCH a dream road trip!! Flagging for my trip next year :)

Monday 26th of September 2022

That's too bad you had a few soggy days on your Great Ocean Road itinerary, but the views you encountered still look so beautiful! I'd love to see koalas in the wild too, I've added Kennett River to my list! :)

Seeing the koala was definitely a highlight for me!

simplyjolayne

I would love to see the 12 Apostles and any of the other amazing rock formations along the coast.

Adelaide to Melbourne Road Trip: The Extended Great Ocean Road

Home » Destinations » Oceania » Australia » Adelaide to Melbourne Road Trip: The Extended Great Ocean Road

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Updated: 9th September 2020

The Adelaide to Melbourne drive (or vice versa) is most famous for the Great Ocean Road. Yet, beyond the famous limestone cliffs, there waits a weird big lobster, plenty of penguins, some whales, and a crazy sinkhole.

I’ve completed most of this road trip twice now, and it’s one of my favourite ways to spend 4-7 days in Australia. The rugged cliff roads, clear waters and windy walks make for a killer introduction to both Victoria and South Australia. Being able to cross a state border in this vast country is no mean feat and just another reason to grab some mates and a cool box of beers and head off on the tourist trail of the land down under.

Adelaide to Melbourne campervan rental

Getting a car is one option for this route, and I have done it both ways. Personally, I am a total convert to the Van Life after living in Big Bertha, pictured below, and enjoying the luxury of not one but two double beds wherever I go.  (This is the Britz Voyager model).

It should be noted that on a fair chunk of this route you can’t wild camp, so to be legal, you will have to pay for a campsite (although the odd free one may be available), Something to factor into your trip cost.

I loved my  Britz Camper rental , and being the only camper company I have used in NZ/Australia, they are my recommendation. They usually have a sale, which means no one-way fees; they make their own campers, so you know it’s good if anything does happen to go wrong, and the slightly out-of-the-city locations make pick up/drop off a no-traffic easy sailing.

If you decide to opt for car hire, we used  Thrifty , which was a decent-priced option.

How long is the drive from Adelaide to Melbourne

Technically, if you go inland, you can do it in about nine hours, but along the coastline will be longer. But don’t be a speedy fool; slow down and enjoy one of the best drives in Australia.

This is one of the quicker of Australia’s great drives, which leaves you plenty of time to tackle some others, such as the stunning  Broome to Darwin road trip  in lesser-explored Western Australia.

I did it over four days the first time which the below with accommodation stops covers, the second time I had a few days in the  Bellarine Peninsula  first coming the other way. I’ve done it with family and friends, and it’s awesome either way, but sadly, most of my photos got stolen along with my camera, so excuse the slightly crappy Facebook upload images on this.

Anyway, let’s go!

All I can say about Adelaide is this: It gets a fairly bad rep as not having too much to offer, but I liked the vibe here. It’s kind of gritty yet kinda cool, yet not so much going on. It’s a good place just to spend a couple of down days kicking back, having some beers and chilling out, especially if you’ve just got off a super long train trip on The Ghan. I wish I had spent enough time here to write some more details, but luckily, this post is about getting from Adelaide to Melbourne and not the city itself, so let’s get this road trip started…

Cleland Wildlife Park

Before I first came to Australia, I thought there would be Kangaroos and Koalas everywhere. After four days of driving through the East Coast and exploring all the best things to do in Queensland, I’d only seen a few dead ones (road kill, they are seen as pests over here). Cleland Conservation Park is, therefore, a great place with a guarantee of seeing them. This protected park is just outside Adelaide’s city centre and an excellent spot to start your Adelaide to Melbourne road trip.

Fleurieu Peninsula

Once you’ve had your wildlife fix, follow the road along the Fleurieu Peninsula to the first slice of coast you will get on this road trip. If you want to do some boozing, then turn off to the McLaren Wine Region, although I kept my slice of vineyards for the Bellarine wineries at the end of the trip.

Lake Albert / Meningie

The freshwater body of Lake Albert attracts a lot of pelicans, which, for me, was the main draw. It’s always quite impressive because it’s not a calm lake at all, thanks to the inflow of water from nearby Lake Alexandrina. If you are into birds and feel like nothing is around, here is your spot.

Meningie is the only *major* town (cough, population approx 1000) on the Lake, and while we opted to crash here for the first night to see the sunset, it was a bit of a disaster, as explained in my non-accommodation recommendations below.

To Camp:  Lake Albert Caravan Park has an impressive stop on the lake to set up camp, watch the pelicans and sink a few cold ones to an awesome sunset. Job done.

Upgrade:  The place I stayed at here was perhaps the worst accommodation I have ever slept in. My mum booked it based on the views and not the god-awful Trip Advisor reviews. After falling asleep fully clothed on top of the bed because I assumed I would get some kind of disease, I awoke covered in hundreds of dead flies… So yeah, I have no recommendation at all for this place.

Coorong National Park

A must on your Adelaide to Melbourne road trip is the Coorong National Park, which you will already be in once you arrive at Lake Albert. Hire a Kayak early in the morning to take in the lagoons and their peaceful and impressive wildlife.

The vibes are laid back, and the windy coastline is an excellent way to start the day exploring Salt Creek or Narrung.

The Big Lobster

If you have spent any time travelling around Australia or New Zealand, you will know they like big, weird things. The Adelaide to Melbourne trip is no different. The Big Lobster has officially become a tourist destination, and it even has a name, Larry the Lobster (creative, huh!).

Swing by Kingston for a coffee stop and get a selfie with one of the oddest things you’ll likely ever post to Facebook.

The Beachport Conservation Park is another example of just how much protected nature and wildlife the extended Adelaide to Melbourne drive has. Turn off from the coast towards Lake George, and you’ll find yourself a walking path suitable for a stroll to break up the drive.

If you get the chance to learn about the  Aboriginal culture in Australia , then you should take it, and this region has plenty of history.

Back on the coast, you can take the seaside pathway towards the lighthouse, which offers a viewpoint towards Penguin Island. You’ll likely need binoculars and luck to see the small population of penguins here, but no fear; once you get to Melbourne, you can head to St Kilda Beach Breakwater and see them a little closer.

Mount Gambier

Mount Gambier was one of my favourite stops in South Australia and also one of the weirdest. Compared to most places you’ll visit on the Adelaide to Melbourne route, it’s quite a happening city with a lot of bars, restaurants and late-night gambling opportunities. That said, in January a popular tourist time of year it was also strangely deserted, it almost seemed like a city built and waiting for people to move in. I assume it has a lot of fly-in/out workers.

Once you’ve checked out the Blue Lake (which is really one of the bluest things you will ever see), head to the city for some modern pub grub and a cheeky drink.

Mount Gambier sinkhole (officially Umpherston Sinkhole) sits in the middle of the city and has been transformed into a well-kept garden space where you can walk down and relax in the gardens. Keep an eye out for Possums, which are adorable (not like the freaky-ass American ones), even though they are still considered a big pest here.

At night, the sinkhole walls are lit up with a light and sound show, which tells the story of how the volcano created Mount Gambier, and it’s actually worth pulling up a chair for. All in all, Mount Gambier is pretty dope.

To Camp:  The Blue Lake holiday park is close to the lake, and it’s a good spot to park your wheels to rest for the night whilst being close enough to the (slightly odd) nightlife.

Upgrade:  If you want cheap and cheerful, the  Red Carpet Motel , slightly out of town, does the job.

The 12 Apostles

The star of the Great Ocean Road, I’d actually advise you to come ahead the night before for sunset and then again for sunrise. Seeing the different light break along these limestone stocks always provides a unique angle. Sunrise also seems less busy. If you feel like splurging, taking one of the short helicopter flights above isn’t a bad idea for yet another look at one of Australia’s most iconic attractions. Expect crowds.

Great Otway NP

A fair chunk of the Adelaide to Melbourne route is along the coast, but surprisingly, the GOR takes quite a dip inland. No complaints, though, because it is through the Great Otway National Park. The mountain ranges are home to some impressive waterfalls, such as Triplet Falls, and the various boardwalks offer some impressive walks through the park. If you take the main walk to the coast, you will get to the Twelve Apostles. The Cape Otway lighthouse, built in 1848, which is well and pretty historic in modern Australian history, is also viewable from here. Make sure you have one eye peeled for koalas, and if you don’t see them, then Kennett River is a must-stop to try again.

Honestly, the beach is nice, and the vibes are chilled, but I don’t see why this place gets so much attention. On my last trip, I just drove through. You have so many more places you can stop and enjoy on the Adelaide to Melbourne route with far fewer people. If you pass by and it’s not too busy, then absolutely, stop for a peek and some seafood (it’s a major claim to fame), but if it’s rammed and you just want some sand, perhaps continue.

This place has got pretty hip these days. Fancy burger joints, trendy bars and a struggle to find a parking space even on a not-so-sunny day. If you are feeling hungry, want a beach day with facilities or just want to check into an upmarket joint and bake in the sun (SPF40 on, please; this sun is a killer), then Lorne is a popular place for that very reason.

To Camp:  Although I didn’t pitch up, I’ve had friends who have camped at the Torquay campgrounds and headed slightly further along from Lorne and said they got a good deal. Free camping is very limited and, for the most part, illegal along most of the surf coast.

Upgrade:  If you can get the Mantra on a deal (which I swear this chain always has a deal), then go for it. Super close to the beach, and you get a bit of luxury for a few nights.

The seaside town of Torquay is known not only for its excellent surf but also for its big wave events and competitions. If you want to catch some waves while road-tripping from Adelaide to Melbourne, then spend time here. You can even head along the Surf Coast walk, which will take you to some of the best spots in town.

It even has a national surf museum if you really want to be all about the breaks.

Bellarine & Geelong

People usually skip Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula as they head up the highway back to the city on their Adelaide to Melbourne road trip. Don’t do that and miss out on this chilled-out region. Head to Point Lonsdale to walk its blissful beach and go rock pooling under the rickety pier.

Take the Bellarine Taste Trail, a map of around fifty places to eat, drink and be merry. With craft beer houses, wineries, and so much fresh local produce, it’s the ultimate foodie getaway in Victoria.

Geelong serves up some cool bars and is undergoing vast regeneration, while heading to Queenscliffe is a bit like stepping back in time. I’ve got a whole other guide on a  weekend in the Bellarine Peninsula , so check it out for more inspiration.

To Camp:  The  Big4 Bellarine  campsite is conveniently located in the middle of the region, making it an ideal base to call home with the camper.

Upgrade:  I was living the Van Life in the Bellarine, so I can’t offer up any go-to suggestions of where to stay, but find someone on the beach, and as always, you’ll be winning!

And that’s a wrap. Drop off your Britz campervan on the outskirts of the north of the city, hop on a train, and you are ready to check out the craft beer, take in the buzz and hell, and join a Neighbours set tour if your mum drags you along on one… Melbs is an awesome city, and I think it deserves its own post!

Have an awesome road trip along the great, great ocean road!

Need to know:

Adelaide to Melbourne by Bus:  To see all the attractions on the route, it is likely best to take a tour. That said, V-Line offers some bus services throughout the area, which you can find on the map link.

Adelaide to Melbourne Trains : Although this is possible at a stressful ten-hour journey, it takes the inland route, which means skipping all the coastal goodness. Unless you have no other option, I can see no reason you would make this trip by train. There are some trains which connect with buses to do this – see the VLine link above.

The one-way fees can sometimes cause quite an increase in price, but luckily, Britz (and most others) will often waive these or have a sale on to skip them as it’s such a popular route to do in both directions.

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The Great Ocean Road is arguably one of the most scenic coastal drives in Australia. When there is on on shore wind the surf becomes even more spectacular and adds to enjoyment. There are plenty of spots to choose from :)

Dan, you are truly an inspiration and one of a kind !

Why thank you very much!

Niece views …specially the bluish water one.Thanks for sharing your experiences.

Really nice photos.

Australia has always been on my bucket list and after reading your post, I am even wanting to visit it much sooner, hopefully early next year. Great post!

Hope you get there soon and have an awesome time. Def get a camper if you want to explore the county properly!

I really love reading all your post Dan !! Keep traveling :)

Thanks so much Abhishek :)

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Honest tourism information about Australia

Melbourne to Adelaide drive: Road trip route via the Great Ocean Road

• David Whitley
• Practicalities

The driving time from Melbourne to Adelaide is just over eight hours if you take the fastest, dullest inland route. Go on a road trip itinerary via the Great Ocean Road, Limestone Coast and Coorong, and the Melbourne to Adelaide drive should take 13 to 14 hours.

The quickest driving route between Melbourne and Adelaide is one that hardly any tourists will ever take. The most direct path between the Victorian and South Australian capitals goes inland through Sovereign Hill , Ballarat and the outskirts of the kangaroo and scenic lookout -crammed Grampians National Park. After that, there’s a whole lot of agricultural country and not a lot else.

Adelaide brings food tours of the fabulous Central Market, Torrens River cruises , swimming with dolphins and the chance to walk across the roof of the Adelaide Oval. To book Adelaide accommodation, step this way . For a full range of Adelaide tours and experiences, explore here .

Pick your perfect Adelaide day trips

• Barossa Valley tours : 1. Wine-tasting with lunch 🍷. 2. Food and wine tour . 3. Small group wine tour with exclusive VIP tastings.
• Kangaroo Island in a day – including sea lions 🦭, koalas 🐨and national parks.
• Adelaide Hills tours : 1. Sights plus Murray River lunch cruise combo . 2. Small group cheese, chocolate & wine tour with Hahndorf German village.
• McLaren Vale tours : 1. Small group wine tour with lunch. 2. Hop-on hop-off wineries tour 🍷. 3. Food and wine indulgence tour , including the gloriously weird d’Arenberg Cube.
• Victor Harbor and southern highlights tour – including the Granite Island horse-drawn tram.

The Melbourne to Adelaide drive covers 727km along the A8 and M1. Sticking to the speed limit here, the driving time from Melbourne to Adelaide is just over eight hours without stops. This is difficult to manage without at least some night driving .

Unless you’re in a real rush, it would be absolutely senseless to take this route. Especially as the coastal alternative takes in one of Australia’s great driving routes – the Great Ocean Road .

👇 7 great day trips while you’re in Melbourne 👇

• Great Ocean Road tour – with koalas 🐨.
• Brighton Beach, Moonlit Sanctuary and Phillip Island tour – with penguins 🐧.
• Yarra Valley wine tour – with gin, cider and cheese 🍷.
• Grampians National Park tour – with bushwalks and LOADS of kangaroos 🦘.
• Mornington Peninsula tour – with hot springs bathing 🛀.
• Wilsons Promontory tour – with all manner of native wildlife 🦘🐨.
• Dandenong Ranges steam train ride – plus wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary and chocolate-tasting in the Yarra Valley.

Why not BROWSE THE BEST DEALS – with instant confirmation and hassle-free, mobile-friendly tickets?

Melbourne to adelaide road trip via the great ocean road.

Largely following the coast, the driving time from Melbourne to Adelaide is more like 13 to 14 hours, covering nearly 1,100km . But given you’ll probably stop for a few nights on the way and turn it into a road trip, there’s no need to be daunted by it.

Your Torquay checklist

• Skydive from 15,000ft – see the Great Ocean Road from above and get the thrill of your life.
• Learn to surf – get standing on your board by the end of a beginner’s surfing lesson .
• Book your Torquay accommodation .

Highlights of the Great Ocean Road section of the journey include the Australian National Surfing Museum in Torquay and kangaroo-spotting at the Anglesea Golf Club . Next up is the Round The Twist lighthouse in Aireys Inlet , before beach town Lorne offers rainforest walks in the Great Otway National Park and prime views from Teddy’s Lookout .

3 great experiences to try in Lorne

• Learn to surf – with a beginner’s surfing lesson at Lorne Beach.
• Swing, clamber and balance through the tree tops – on the Live Wire Park super circuit .
• Travel through the trees at 40km/h – on the Shockwave Zip Coaster .

Then you can go kayaking with seals from Apollo Bay , find koalas in the Otway Ranges, surf at Johanna Beach and see the Twelve Apostles rock formations on a scenic helicopter flight . The Great Ocean Road weather is best in the Australian summer. Pick a squally winter day, and you’ll barely see a thing.

Next section: The end of the Great Ocean Road .

The Great Ocean Road Collective

Top Melbourne to Adelaide Tours

If you’re looking for an amazing way to travel from Melbourne to Adelaide, consider taking a scenic bus tour. These Melbourne to Adelaide tours will take you through some of the most beautiful countryside in Australia, and you’ll get to see all the major landmarks along the way.

Traveling from Melbourne to Adelaide is an excellent way to experience all that Australia has to offer. Not only will you be able to take in the breathtaking views of the Outback, rolling vineyards and the shipwreck coast, you’ll also get to explore some of the country’s most iconic landmarks and attractions. The journey between the two cities is filled with delightful scenery and plenty of opportunities for sightseeing, making it a truly memorable experience.

Many of these locations also have fascinating stories attached. So with an organized tour you’ll be able to learn something new about the towns and areas that you might not have known about otherwise.

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Getting From Melbourne to Adelaide

Melbourne to Adelaide is a journey of over 830km that typically takes around 10-12 hours if travelling directly by car. However, for those on a Melbourne to Adelaide tour you’ll likely be taking the scenic route.

In that case, the Great Ocean Road, Grampians and Kangaroo Island offer many incredible sights to be seen, making the journey much longer. Taking this route can extend the length of your trip from Melbourne to Adelaide up to 7 days.

Top Tours from Melbourne to Adelaide

There are a variety of top tour operators that offer unique and personalized experiences on their trips from Melbourne to Adelaide. With many different routes and options, travelers can choose the perfect tour that suits their needs and interests.

We have based chosen these tours from Melbourne to Adelaide based on personal experience, and by weighing their value, the activities offered, and quality of accommodations. The guides from these selected Melbourne to Adelaide tours specialize in the region to make sure you have a trip of a lifetime.

3-Day Melbourne to Adelaide Tour: Great Ocean Road & Grampians

On this bus tour traverse from Melbourne across the Great Ocean Road, stop into Grampians National Park and proceed to Adelaide. You’ll spend your first night in Warrnambool on the Western edge of the Great Ocean Road and the second in Halls Gap in the Grampians before arriving the next evening in Adelaide.

On this Melbourne to Adelaide tour you will experience highlights like the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, the extinct volcano at Tower Hill National Park, MacKenzie Waterfall, Halls Gap and more. Each day you will do a guided hike through some of Australia’s most iconic landscapes.

Accommodation is included, as is 2 breakfasts, 1 dinner and all national park entries. You’ll be an accompanied enthusiastic guide the whole time. This tour is perfect for hikers, or someone who is short on time and wants an efficient adventure from Melbourne to Adelaide while seeing all the highlights along the way.

4-Day Melbourne to Adelaide Tour: Great Ocean Road Experience, Naracoorte and Wine Region

This 4 day Melbourne to Adelaide tour is perfect for anyone who wants to linger a little longer along the Great Ocean Road. You’ll spend your first two nights on the Great Ocean Road. The first will be in Port Campbell close to the 12 Apostles and the second will be in Port Fairy which was dubbed the winner of the world’s most liveable small community in 2012. 

Your last night of the tour will be spend over the border in South Australia in the small town of Naracoorte, which is home to the World Heritage Naracoorte Cave and close to the rolling Adelaide hills. This tour includes special perks like a winery lunch, entry to the caves, 3 breakfasts, lunch everyday and accomodation in 3-4 star hotels.

This tour is great for anyone wants to really immerse themselves in the beauty of the Great Ocean Road and experience some really unique sights like the Naracoorte Caves. The tour has been specially designed to explore at a relaxed pace. They are also very mindful to keep a small group size for the best possible experience.

7-Day Great Ocean Road, Kangaroo Island and Adelaide Tour

On this iconic Melbourne to Adelaide tour you’ll experience the best of Victoria and South Australia. The tour operators’ luxurious air conditioned bus will take you from Melbourne to Adelaide with a stops along the Great Ocean Road, at the Twelve Apostles and all over Kangaroo Island.

Expect to see koalas, sea lions and the iconic sights like the Remarkable Rocks, as well as learn about Aboriginal culture and Kangaroo Island’s bush fire recovery plans. South Australia is known for its great culinary, wine and craft beverage scene, so you’ll stop at a craft breweries and wineries along the way.

Included in the price is breakfast, half of your evening meals and all tips. You will be able to choose which activities you would like to participate in, while also having the option for free time. This tour is perfect for people who want to enjoy delicious food, immerse themselves in local culture and nature, and meet new friends.

Melbourne to Adelaide Tours

Melbourne to Adelaide tours provide a great way to explore some of the best nature and natural wonders Australia has to offer. You’ll be able to see all the major landmarks along the journey, such as the Twelve Apostles, Grampians National Park, Kangaroo Island and the Barossa Valley. Here you can experience breathtaking views and explore various hikes and trails in some of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes.

No matter what you decide to do on your Melbourne to Adelaide tour or which one you pick, you’ll have plenty of time of sightseeing to do. Get ready for an incredible journey filled with stunning scenery, unique native Australian wildlife, amazing food and wine experiences and rich history and culture.

Have you traveled between Melbourne and Adelaide?

Luxury Travel Hacks

Helping YOU Travel As Luxuriously As You Can, As Cheap As You Can!

Adelaide to melbourne road trip with a great ocean road itinerary.

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This post includes a complete guide to a 4-day Adelaide to Melbourne drive, including a Great Ocean Road itinerary.

Everybody loves a road trip especially when shared with international friends. Our recent cross country adventure from Adelaide to Melbourne before continuing to Sydney sees us combining multiple luxury travel hacks . These include the road tripping type of travel , utilising Airbnb and the splitting of costs with a group of friends. These three luxury travel hacks will see us save substantial money and allow us to travel in a more luxurious way while road tripping. However, you will need an a vehicle for this adventure. Be sure to check out the BEST campervan or motorhome hire in Adelaide . 

Interested in other road trips, specifically in South Australia? Check out South Australia Road Trips . 

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Adelaide to Melbourne via Great Ocean Road – What You Need to Know

From distance, safety issues and speed you can travel we have everything covered on what you need to know while travelling from Adelaide to Melbourne. More interested in planning? Check out the ultimate guide to planning a road trip . Interested just in Melbourne? Check out epic things to do in Melbourne .

Wanting to know more about the cost of road tripping Australia? Check out these budget tips for road tripping , or more interested in the cost to travel in general? Check out how much it costs to travel to Australia .

Adelaide to Melbourne Distance

The Adelaide to Melbourne distance is all dependent on the route you take. The most direct route is 727kms and can easily be done in a day. However, this is along a relatively boring highway and there isn’t much to see. I would highly recommend following this route for some epic sightseeing:

• Day 1: Adelaide to Robe via the Coorong (335km)
• Day 2: Robe to Warrnambool (309km)
• Day 3: Warrnambool to Apollo Bay via the Great Ocean Road (160km)
• Day 4: Apollo Bay to Melbourne via the Great Ocean Road (200km)

Following this route the distance is approximately 1000km.

Speed Changing From State to State

Believe it or not the speed changes once you cross the border from South Australia to Victoria when travelling from Adelaide to Melbourne. On an Australia road trip you need to be weary of these changes. Many of South Australia highways are 110km/h however, as soon as you cross into Victoria their highways are commonly 100km/h. With a large police presence on highways and expensive fines you need to be aware of this change while on an Adelaide to Melbourne Road Trip.

Safety on the Great Ocean Road

With the Great Ocean Road being a huge tourist destination it is often horribly busy and roads can be narrow and windy. With this in mind you need to be super weary of your safety and the safety of others on the road. Especially during busy periods such as summer, school holidays and public holidays. Also, depending on what time of year you travel can also effect the conditions of the road, be extra careful after torrential down pours or heavy winds.

Speed limits along the Great Ocean road vary between 80-100 km/h and in towns these reduce to 50-70 km/h, however this number is just the maximum, don’t push your limits. Also it’s important to share the drive if possible or stop for a quick break when you’re feeling tired to recharge your batteries.

It’s also important to know how far you can travel without needing to re-fuel and having an idea where the closest petrol station is. Australia is a huge country and running out of petrol can be a serious problem, especially in isolated areas where phone signal isn’t always great.

Interested in other ROAD TRIPS around the world? CHECK OUT: 

EUROPE: – The Best 5 EUROPEAN Road Trips – ICELAND Road Trip from Akureyri to Reykjavik – ICELAND in a Campervan – Luxury on a Budget – 5 Day Road Trip Tour of NORWAY incl. the Fjords – SPAIN: Road Trip – 5 Days in Asturias – UK Road Trip Tips OCEANIA: – AUSTRALIA – Adelaide to Melbourne Road Trip with Great Ocean Road Itinerary – Comparing the Best Motorhome & Campervan Hire – NEW ZEALAND – Kiwi Campers & Happy Campers NEW ZEALAND – Review of a Maui Campervan – NEW ZEALAND SOUTH AMERICA: – Why You Should Motorhome CHILE – A Unique Way to see Chile

Adelaide to Melbourne Road Trip Day By Day Itinerary

Road trips from adelaide – adelaide to robe.

The distance between Adelaide and Robe, in the Limestone Coast , is approximately 335km and should take around 4.5 hours. Stuck in a car for 4.5 hours isn’t fantastic, no matter how good your spotify playlist, so why not stop off at Coorong, which is about half way between Adelaide and Robe, in the Murraylands , to stretch your legs and enjoy the stunning scenery.

Stop Off in the Coorong

The Coorong, derived from an Aboriginal word karangk meaning narrow neck, is one of the most breath taking places in Australia. Coorong is perfect for the whole family, with a variety of different activities to see and do all year round. The main attraction is Coorong National Park , a vast wetland ecosystem which was formed in 1967 as a sanctuary for a variety of different wildlife, especially birds. Coorong National Park is free to enter and is open 24 hours 7 days a week.

The most popular activity is bush walking and I’m not surprised why, it’s a perfect activity to connect with nature, spend time with friends and keep fit, whilst capturing some mega insta shots! There are a number of different tracks that range from 1km to 25km suiting all levels of fitness.

If hiking isn’t for you, why not try fishing , kayaking or canoeing , within over 150km of lagoon and coastline you can’t find a more suited activity to this natural wonder.

Spend the Night in Robe

Carrying on your journey you’ll eventually hit one of the oldest town’s in Southern Australia, Robe. This seaside town is full of arts, craft and culture, as well as beautiful beaches and tasty food to be enjoyed by all. A visit to the seaside wouldn’t be right without a visit to the local ice cream shop and the one in Robe is not to be missed, with over 45 flavours you’ll be stuck for choice!

If sweet isn’t your thing why not check out Robe Town Brewery , full of flavour and friendly staff this brewery is the perfect place to relax and try a number of different ales.

If the sun decides to shine, why not top up your tan and head to Robe beach , 14km of soft white sandy and crystal clear water. If you’re more of an adrenalin junky why not try your hand at surfing or snorkelling.

Accommodation Robe

This property is all about location location location! Enjoy this stylish townhouse located walking distance from bars, shops and restaurants in the heart of Robe. There’s one queen bed and 2 single beds, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind with a group of friends. The host is very knowledgable about the surrounding area and will give you top tips of place to visit. Interested in more places to stay? Check out these other Robe and surrounds Airbnbs .

Interested in staying in this accommodation in robe. Airbnb, is perfect with the link here!

Getting to the Great Ocean Road from Adelaide - Robe to Warrnambool

The distance from Robe to Warrambool via Mount Gambier is 330km and should take you around 3.5 hours. Set off early to make the most of your day as there’s plenty to see and do at your first stop, Mount Gambier.

Visit the Blue Lake & Umpherson Sinkhole in Mount Gambier

Stop off at Mount Gambier where the main attraction is the Blue Lake . Nestled on a gorgeous volcanic landscape, the Blue Lake boasts a vibrant cobalt blue colour during the months of December through to March each year. There’s a 3.6 kilometre walking trail around the lake with plenty of viewing platforms, great for practicing your photography skills.

Mount Gambier is also home to Umpherston Sinkhole , a limestone cave that formed by the corrosion of limestone rocks by seawater waves and the sinkhole was naturally created when the chamber’s roof collapsed. The sinkhole offers an array of scenic spots and a beautiful garden; certainly offering you a very unique experience where you have the opportunity to see possums feeding in a natural habitat.

Enjoy the City of Warrnambool for a Night

Warrnambool is a mixture of city life, adventure and wildlife. Why not head to Towerhill Wildlife reserve to stop some of Australia’s native animals such as emus, koalas, wallabies and a variety of bird life or take a stroll through Botanic Gardens and relax under the shaded trees. Enjoy lunch at Cheese World , a cheese factory selling the award winning Warrnambool Heritage Cheddar or try their famous Sungold milkshakes, calorific but worth it!

Accommodation Warrnambool

This three story house features two distinct bedrooms and an extra sofa bed, perfect for if you are travelling with a group of friends or family. The master suite situated on the top level contains a huge bedroom, including sitting area and a bathroom with a spa bath. The ground floor level is all about entertaining with a large kitchen and lounge room. Finally the basement, with an outdoor area (yes this is possible) contain the other bedroom and sofa bed perfect for resting weary heads after a long drive. 

Want to stay in this glorious three story apartment? You can book it  here!

Great Ocean Road Self Drive – Warrnambool to Skenes Creek

The distance from Warrnambool to Skenes Creek is 160km and should take around 2.5 hours without any stops. However, you’re beginning to head onto the Great Ocean Road . As this is the busiest part of your route, I’d recommend setting of as early as possible because the day took us over 12 hours.

Check Out Some Awesome Beaches – Loch Ard Gorge & Gibson Steps

Loch ard gorge.

If you enjoy epic beaches, then you need to visit the Loch Ard Gorge whilst travelling along the Great Ocean Road . You can expect to see a brilliant beach enclosed by steep cliffs, one that you can get some sweet Instagram worthy shots. Also, there is some really good viewpoints overlooking the beach. Remember to take the camera. If you are tempted to go in the water, then be aware of the waves. The Loch Ard Gorge waves are notorious for their power. However, keep it safe and you will have an amazing beach to spend a few hours getting sun kissed from the stunning Australian sunshine.

Gibson Steps

We have just mentioned an amazing Australian beach, however, the Gibsons Steps is another beach that you really need to see! This is a great place to stretch your legs from the Ocean Road drive. The Gibson Steps has some cool cliffs that fringe the beach and offer a great place to cool down from the sunshine. Also, like the Loch Ard Gorge beach, the waves here can get wild. So be careful if you plan to cool off in the water. This beach is easy accessible and there is plenty of parking for you.

Stop in at Apollo Bay/ Skenes Creek

The best attraction in Apollo Bay is the famous Great Ocean Walk , a 100km of rugged coastline between Apollo Bay and the Twelve Apostles, now don’t worry you don’t have to complete the whole journey! Even participating in a section of the walk to see the dramatic scenery unfold will amaze you. 

Visit Mariners Lookout for a great view of Apollo Bay and surrounding beaches or drive to  Cape Otway Light station  to check out Australia’s most famous lighthouse and maybe even spot some seals too!

Accommodation Skenes Creek – Sea Spirit Ocean View Beach House

Enjoy this stunning two bedroomed cottage in a beautiful location along the Great Ocean road with spectacular views looking out across the ocean. The property is a 5 minute drive from bars, shops and restaurants but is still tranquil with cows roaming the nearby paddocks. The host is very accommodating and the property is clean and cosy with all the facilities you would need for a comfortable overnight stay. 

Accommodation on the Great Ocean Road can be super expensive. Especially one with a view. Do yourself a favour and use the luxury travel hack of utilising Airbnb and stay in the Sea Spirit Ocean View Beach House by clicking here .

Finishing the Great Ocean Road Self Drive – Apollo Bay/Skenes Creek to Melbourne

The final stretch of your journey with take you past Lorne, before heading into the hustle and bustle of Melbourne.

The Perfect Seaside Town of Lorne

Lorne is a classic Australian beachside town full of sandy beaches, quirky coffee shops, spectacular waterfalls such as Erskine Falls and world class cuisine at Brae, one of Australia’s top restaurants. You can even spot whales during the winter months (June to August) from the end of Lorne Pier. Definitely, do yourself a favour and check out this beautiful spot.

The Hustle & Bustle of Melbourne

Melbourne is a fantastic city to visit, full of diverse culture, tasty food, modern art and music. Wander through the famous laneways and immerse yourself in the graffiti art or find a bargain at Queen Victoria Market. If you want a bird’s eye view of Melbourne head up to Eureka Skydeck, the tallest building in the Southern hemisphere, you can even enjoy a hot coffee and piece of cake whilst appreciating the sensations views. If you prefer staying on ground level, visit Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne’s hidden oasis. It’s a beautiful setting to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life and explore over 10,000 different plant species.

With a multitude of options for accommodation in Melbourne our favourites are certainly Airbnb’s due to their value for money. Here are our top tips for Airbnb Melbourne – Luxury Accommodation in Melbourne .

Final Thoughts

Completing the Adelaide to Melbourne road trip will be one of the best things you’ll ever do. You’ll get to see aside to Australia most people don’t. It’s full of beauty, nature and surprises. Remember not to plan too much, have an idea of places you want to see and things you want to do, but to have a real Aussie road trip , just take each day as it comes and enjoy!

Related posts:

The Ultimate 6 Month Australia Road Trip Itinerary

A s many of our readers know, we took off on a big Australia road trip that lasted for 18 months. While most people don’t have over a year to spend exploring one country, it’s not unheard of to plan for a 6 month road trip of Australia.

I would say 6 months is the perfect amount of time to spend exploring Australia. You can spend a good amount of time in the Outback, explore the East Coast more leisurely, and even throw in a trip to Tasmania in that timeframe.

We took 6 months to explore New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania, but that’s only because we tied in work and travel, as well as homeschooling two small kids.

You could easily include the Northern Territories, The Red Center, South Australia and the West Coast into an epic 6 month trip.

Having explored the entire continent of Australia and leaving no stone unturned, we’ve come up with the ultimate 6 month Australia itinerary for those who need a little help with the planning stage…

Can you do a lap of Australia in 6 months?

At a glance: a 6 month road trip itinerary for australia, week 1: melbourne, week 2: the great ocean road, week 3: adelaide, week 4: alice springs & the red centre, week 5: darwin, week 6 & 7: the top end, week 8: lake argyle to broome, week 9: broome to coral bay, week 10: coral bay to perth, week 11: margaret river, week 12: cairns, cape tribulation, daintree rainforest & port douglas, week 13: magnetic island, week 14: the whitsunday islands, week 15-16: outback queensland, week 17: agnes water & town of 1770, week 18: fraser island, week 19: brisbane, week 20: the gold coast, week 21: byron bay to coffs harbour, week 22: coffs harbour to port macquarie to newcastle, week 23: sydney, week 24-26: tasmania, final thoughts, more australia travel tips.

But first, can you visit Australia in 6 months? The answer is yes, absolutely.

I would say that it would take around 4 months to drive around the country and spend a good amount of time in each place, but 6 months allows you to travel a bit slower, take your time more leisurely, and stay longer in places that you really enjoyed.

The great Aussie road trip, also called “doing the lap” , is a dream of many and not a day goes by that I don’t pinch myself and realize how fortunate we were to be able to do it ourselves.

If you are short on time, and need a quick overview of an itinerary to get your planning started, here is our suggested itinerary at a glance.

• Week 1: Melbourne. Spend a week exploring the city, take day trips to Phillip Island, Morning Peninsula, Yarra Valley and The Grampians.
• Week 2: The Great Ocean Road. Spend a week driving the iconic Great Ocean Road route towards Adelaide.
• Week 3: Adelaide, Barossa Valley, Kangaroo Island. Spend a day or two in Adelaide before visiting the nearby Barossa Valley for 2-3 days of wine tasting and exploring the charming countryside. Take a trip to Kangaroo Island for 2-3 days.
• Week 4: Alice Springs and The Red Center. Take the Ghan Train from Adelaide up to Alice Springs. Spend a week exploring Uluru, Kings Canyon and the West Macdonnell Ranges.
• Week 5: Darwin. Spend a week exploring Darwin and it’s surrounding national parks, such as Katherine Gorge, Litchfield National Park and the Adelaide River.
• Week 6-7: The Top End. Visit Cable Beach, Kakadu National Park, and then head down towards Timber Creek and Lake Argyle.
• Week 8: Lake Argyle to Broome. It’s a long drive from Lake Argyle to Broome but there’s not much to see on the way. Take 2 days driving the trip and stop in small outback towns on the way. Spend 2-3 days in Broome and visit 85-mile beach.
• Week 9: Broome to Coral Bay. Spend a couple of days driving from Broome to Coral Bay, stopping in Exmouth. Spend 4 days in Coral Bay, swim with manta rays, visit Cape Range National Park and Carnarvon.
• Week 10: Coral Bay to Perth. Spend 3 days driving to Perth stopping at Kalbarri National Park and Nambung National Park. Spend 4 days in Perth.
• Week 11: Margaret River. Drive over to Margaret River and spend 2-3 days there. Then fly to Cairns. Spend a couple of days in the city of Cairns, take a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef.
• Week 12: Cape Tribulation, Daintree Rainforest & Port Douglas. Spend a week exploring the rainforest region of Cape Tribulation and the Daintree. Base yourself in Port Douglas.
• Week 13: Magnetic Island. Spend a week on Magnet Island to recuperate from all the driving on a relaxing, quiet island. Slip into “Maggie Time” and recharge.
• Week 14: The Whitsundays. Take a boat back to Townsville and drive down to Airlie Beach to visit The Whitsundays. Spend a week exploring the islands here, such as Hamilton Island, Daydream Island, and Hayman Island. Make sure to visit Whitehaven Beach.
• Week 15-16: Outback Queensland. Spend a couple of weeks exploring the small towns of Outback Queensland. Be sure to visit Winton and Longreach. Here’s a two week itinerary for Outback Queensland here. (You could also drop this, if you did not want to make the detour inland. Alternatively, if you’re driving between west and east coast Australia, you can add it in here)
• Week 17: Agnes Water and Town 1770. Drive back to Agnes Water and spend a couple of days exploring the remote settlement of Town of 1770. Drive down to Hervey Bay and relax on the coast for a few days.
• Week 18: Fraser Island. Spend a 3-4 days on Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island. Drive a 4WD along 75-mile beach, explore the island’s fresh water lakes, go fishing, check out the shipwreck and look for migrating humpback whales from the shore.
• Week 19: Brisbane. Drive down to Brisbane from Fraser Island stopping in Noosa Heads and the Sunshine Coast. Spend 2-3 days in Brisbane.
• Week 20: The Gold Coast. Spend a week on The Gold Coast, visiting Surfer’s Paradise and Byron Bay.
• Week 21: Coffs Harbour. Drive down to Coffs Harbour stopping at Yamba and Woolgoolga for 2 days each. Spend 3 days in Coffs Harbour.
• Week 22: Port Macquarie. Drive to Port Macquarie stopping at South WestRocks. Spend a couple days in Port Macquarie before driving towards Sydney. Stop off in Newcastle for 1 or 2 nights.
• Week 23: Sydney. Spend a week in Sydney, take a day trip to the Blue Mountains, visit Manly, Bondi Beach, Mudgee Wine Region, and Royal National Park.
• Week 24-26: Tasmania. Fly to Tassie for 3 weeks of rural adventure. Visit Cradle Mountain, Bruny Island, and Freycinet National Park.

The Best 6 Month Australia Road Trip Itinerary

The following itinerary goes in a kind of figure of eight route, because we originally planned to go clockwise around Australia, but we decided to reverse our trip so we could head north for the winter.

Although it’s commonly called a “lap of Australia” because you drive around the outside, at some point you need to cut through the middle to reach the Red Centre to see Ayres Rock. Adelaide sits in the center of the country and has an iconic route to Alice Springs via the Ghan railway, so it makes sense to cut in here.

That’s why this itinerary goes in a figure of eight, rather than a standard loop around.

This itinerary depends on where you start and finish and how you’re getting around. We’ve added in a few flights so you can see more of Australia.

For some, that may be problematic if you intend the drive the entire lap. You will just have to adjust – mostly for getting from the West Coast to the East Coast, making sure to allow for at least five days to drive over. You can also catch a car ferry from Melbourne to Tasmania, so change the itinerary to allow for that, if you wish to drive.

This is only a suggested itinerary, and you might want to change it up depending on what season you are visiting in. Try to time it so that your visit to the Top End and Northern Territory is for the winter.

We planned to visit Victoria for one month, and they finally kicked us out after three. What a revelation this state was!

There are so many great destinations in a small area, and all within easy access of Melbourne.

We recommend you spend a week in Melbourne so you can take day trips to some of our favorite places, such as Phillip Island, Wilsons Prom, The Grampians, The Bellarine, Mornington Peninsula , Yarra Valley, and Echuca.

Melbourne is definitely one of the most exciting cities in Australia. This city has it all, just try and ignore the crazy weather, and your growing waistline from all the coffee and cake.

We loved Squeaky Beach in Wilsons Promontory National Park , and the small town of Bright.

We love the alpine scenery, the cafe scene, the walks, the bike rides, the river, and the kids playground is viewable from the awesome Brewery, which has the best cider ever, by the way. There were so many things to do in Bright , you could easily forget about your road trip and just stay there.

Read more: Places to visit near Melbourne

Finally, found out why The Great Ocean Road drive is so famous. It matched my expectations and we got lucky with the weather.

It has amazing scenery, great towns, lovely coastal and forest walks, waterfalls, rainforests, and lots of native wildlife. Many people drive this in one-two days, we took 2 weeks in the end.

I recommend you take at least a week so you can stop off and do some hiking in the national parks.

After driving the Great Ocean Road, head along to Adelaide.

The city of Adelaide itself isn’t much to write home about. It’s just a city. However, it has so many cool places to visit nearby, such as the iconic Barossa Valley – Australia’s premier wine region.

You should spend a couple of days exploring the Barossa and do some wine tasting, though there is plenty more to do in the Barossa besides drinking wine. You can read about things to do in the Barossa here .

Another great place to visit nearby is Kangaroo Island. You can easily spend 3-4 days on this island taking in all the wildlife. It’s not just kangaroos either, there’s an abundance of koalas, seals, and dolphins.

Here’s how to spend 4 days on Kangaroo Island .

It’s amazing how many wild kangaroos we saw on the south coast. They’re on the beaches, on the golf courses, by the side of the road, in the camp grounds, in the National Parks. It was such a great experience to see them for our kids.

From Adelaide, one of the most iconic things to do in Australia is to take the Ghan train up to Alice Springs and The Red Center. You can actually take the Ghan all the way to Darwin, but don’t miss a chance to visit the Outback – it’s truly a special place.

Spend a week exploring the Red Center from Alice Springs. You can take a couple of days in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to see Ayres Rock and go camping in the outback.

I’d also take a guided tour to learn about the cultural significance of this sacred site and be sure to visit at sunset to watch the sun light up Ayres Rock in a vibrant shade of red.

Then venture to Kata Tjuta, also known as the Olgas, and spend time hiking through the stunning rock formations. After that, head to Kings Canyon and hike the breathtaking Kings Canyon Rim Walk , taking in the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and exploring the lush Garden of Eden.

If you have more time, visit the West Macdonnell Ranges for some more camping and hiking experiences.

To wrap up your time in the Red Center, spend a few days in Alice Springs, immersing in the local art scene at the Araluen Cultural Precinct and exploring the fascinating history at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station.

Take the Ghan all the way up to Darwin and spend a day or two exploring the city. Though we’re not museum people, you can learn about the fascinating history and culture of the Northern Territory people at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.

In the evening, venture to the famous Mindil Beach Sunset Market, and spend the evening browsing the stalls, sampling delicious food from around the world, and enjoying live music as the sun sets over the beach. It’s one of the most iconic things to do in Darwin and easily one of the best sunset spots in Australia .

For the following 2 days, I’d dedicate my time to exploring the stunning Litchfield National Park . I’d take a full day to visit the park’s iconic waterfalls, including Florence Falls and Wangi Falls, where I’d have the chance to swim and cool off in the refreshing natural pools.

Another national park worth visiting from Darwin is Katherine Gorge , where you can kayak or canoe down the river, or take a walk to look for ancient aboriginal rock art.

If you want some wildlife adventure, visit Crocosaurus Cove to get up close and personal with saltwater crocodiles and other fascinating reptiles.

There is no bigger adventure in Australia to have than road tripping the Top End of Australia . It’s the most remote, wild and untamed part of the country (besides Tassie, maybe) and is full of natural wonders to explore.

You cannot miss the iconic Kakadu National Park . I’d recommend you spend 3 days exploring the park, taking in the ancient rock art at Ubirr and Nourlangie, and embarking on a scenic cruise along the Yellow Water Billabong to spot crocodiles and birdlife.

After that, I’d venture to the breathtaking Lake Argyle, where I’d spend a day or two cruising on the expansive lake, taking in the dramatic scenery and learning about the area’s unique ecology.

You can even swim in the lake with fresh water crocs (they won’t hurt you) if you’re feeling brave enough! Read about our experience doing that here.

From Lake Argyle, road trip along to the town of Broome. From here, you can visit the rugged beauty of the Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park, which is one of the top things to do in Broome .

If you have some money in your budget, you can take a scenic flight over the distinctive beehive-shaped domes and then hike among these ancient rock formations, taking in the stunning vistas.

Another plae to visit nearby is the charming town of Halls Creek where you can spend a day learning about the local Indigenous culture and history at the Yarliyil Art Centre and enjoying the peaceful surrounds of the nearby Caroline Pool.

Fitzroy Crossing is another popular destination to visit and is known for being the gateway to the majestic Geikie Gorge. I’d take a boat tour along the tranquil waters, marveling at the towering cliffs and learning about the area’s geological and cultural significance.

Spend a day at the mesmerizing Tunnel Creek National Park, venturing deep into the ancient cave system, wading through the cool waters and discovering the fascinating rock formations and local wildlife.

You cannot visit Broome without relaxing on the iconic Cable Beach , taking in the breathtaking sunsets, walking around to Gantheaume Point to see dinosaur footprints fossilized into the rock face, and experiencing the natural wonder of the Staircase to the Moon, a mesmerizing optical illusion created by the rising moon over the exposed mudflats!

When you’re ready to leave Broome, drive along the coast towards Coral Bay. Stay in the remote town of Port Hedland and spend a day marveling at the natural wonder of the Staircase to the Moon, a mesmerizing optical illusion created by the rising moon over the exposed mudflats. Broome also

Don’t miss a chance to stop off at Karijini National Park and dedicate three days to immersing myself in the rugged beauty of the park.

Hike through the breathtaking gorges, swim in the crystal-clear rock pools (there are not many croc-free pools in this part of Australia, so make the most of it!), and marvel at the stunning waterfalls.

Spend a day or two in the charming town of Exmouth , and explore the pristine beaches.

Finally, head to Coral Bay , the gateway to Ningaloo Marine Park where you have the opportunity to swim with majestic whale sharks or manta rays !

From Coral Bay, head south to the charming town of Carnarvon, where you can spend a day visiting the Carnarvon Gorge National Park and do some more hiking through gorges and swimming in swimming holes.

After that, continue your journey to the Pinnacles Desert , where you can spend a few hours marveling at the otherworldly limestone formations. It’s a unique and surreal landscape that’s definitely worth a stop.

As you approach Perth, make a detour to the beautiful Lancelin Sand Dunes, where you can spend a day sandboarding and taking in the breathtaking coastal views. It’s a thrilling and scenic way to spend your time.

Finally, arrive in Perth and spend the last couple of days exploring the vibrant city, visiting the iconic Kings Park, and strolling along the beautiful Swan River. The city’s lively atmosphere and diverse attractions make for a perfect end to this section of the road trip.

From Perth, drive the short drive to Margaret River , a stunning region on the Western Australia coastline known for its pristine beaches . Spend a day at the famous Surfers Point, where you can ride the powerful waves and take in the beautiful scenery.

Next, head inland to the iconic Mammoth Cave, and spend a few hours marveling at the ancient formations and learning about the region’s rich history. The guided tours are super informative and really bring the cave to life.

Spend a few days in the charming town of Margaret River itself, where you can relax, soaking in the quiet small town vibe, explore the local art galleries, boutique shops, and indulging in some delicious wine and gourmet food.

The wine tastings are a must-do, and the local produce is just incredible.

Then venture to the stunning Boranup Forest, and go for a hike through the towering karri trees and breathe in the fresh, earthy scent of the forest. It’s a great place to unwind and connect with nature.

Wrap up the week by visiting the beautiful Hamelin Bay, soaking up the sunshine and admiring the crystal-clear waters. The resident stingrays often make an appearance, and it’s a truly magical way to end a trip to the Margaret River area.

Fly over to Cairns on the East Coast of Australia. This will be a full travel day and will require an internal flight.

On the second day, spend a day exploring the vibrant city of Cairns , taking a dip in the famous Lagoon.

Next, head north to Port Douglas , where you can spend a couple of days soaking up the sun at Four Mile Beach and exploring the charming town. The Sunday Market is a must-visit for some local crafts and delicious food, if you time your visit right.

From there, venture into the ancient Daintree Rainforest , where you can spend a day or two immersing myself in the lush greenery and taking a guided walk through the pristine wilderness. The Mossman Gorge is a highlight, with its crystal-clear waters and serene surroundings.

Then make your way to Cape Tribulation, where you can spend a day exploring the rugged coastline and taking a guided tour through the dense rainforest. The Cape Tribulation Beach is a perfect spot for some relaxation and wildlife spotting.

We did a kayak tour there , but these tours don’t seem to run anymore, sadly.

Wrap up the week by heading back to Cairns and taking a day trip to the iconic Great Barrier Reef , where you can go snorkeling or diving with the vibrant marine life and colorful coral formations.

Drive down from Cairns to Townsville, the gateway to Magnetic Island. By now, you’re about halfway through the trip and it’s time for relaxation.

I recommend you spend a week on Magnetic Island , a remote island known for its laid-back lifestyle and remote, rugged natural beauty.

Start by exploring the stunning beaches of Horseshoe Bay and the famous Alma Bay. The crystal-clear waters and beautiful scenery make it a perfect spot for some snorkeling or simply soaking up the sun.

Be sure to visit the iconic Forts Walk, where you can spend a few hours marveling at the historic WWII military base and enjoying the panoramic views of the island. The walking trails are super scenic and offer a great way to connect with nature. You also have a great chance of seeing koalas in trees here.

Visit the charming town of Arcadia, and explore the local art galleries, boutique shops, and indulging in some delicious seafood. The local fish and chips are a must-try, and the laid-back vibe of the town is just perfect for unwinding.

Also visit the beautiful Picnic Bay. The resident sea turtles often make an appearance, and it’s a truly magical experience to see them in their natural habitat.

Nothing spells paradise like The Whitsundays. These idyllic islands lay in the heart of The Great Barrier Reef and are known for their pristine white sand beaches and unspoiled natural beauty.

Be sure to sail or seaplane to Whitehaven Beach , the most famous beach in Australia! Spend a day lounging on its pristine sands and visiting the viewpoint at Hill Inlet. The pure silica sand and the turquoise sea make it a perfect spot for some Instagram-worthy photos.

Head to Hamilton Island and spend a couple of days exploring the vibrant marina, indulging in some watersports, and enjoying the island’s luxurious amenities. The sunset views from One Tree Hill are absolutely breathtaking and worth spending an evening there.

Spend a day or two relaxing on the beautiful Daydream Island , where I take a leisurely walk along the Living Reef and enjoy some snorkeling to see the diverse marine life. It’s a great place to unwind and connect with nature.

If you’re all relaxed out and ready for an adventure again, head to Outback Queensland for a couple of weeks soaking in the small town Australian vibe.

Head towards the iconic town of Longreach, where you can spend a few days exploring the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and enjoying a sunset cruise along the Thomson River. The rich history and the rugged beauty of the outback make it a perfect spot to begin my journey.

Next, head to Winton , where you can spend a few days exploring the attractions there. Don’t miss the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum and taking a guided tour to see the Dinosaur Stampede at Lark Quarry Conservation Park. The ancient fossils and the dramatic landscapes are truly remarkable and worth a full day of exploration.

Another captivating town to visit is Mount Isa, where I recommend you spend a couple of days delving into the mining history at the Outback at Isa complex and witnessing the breathtaking views from the City Lookout. It was one of the best sunsets we saw in Australia . The underground tour of the Hard Times Mine is an absolute must-do and offers a fascinating insight into the region’s mining heritage.

Don’t miss the picturesque Lawn Hill National Park, now known as Boodjamulla National Park, and spend a few days to hiking through the stunning gorges, canoe along the tranquil waters, and camp under the starry outback sky. The natural beauty and the remote wilderness of the park are truly awe-inspiring and worth immersing myself in for a while.

Also visit the charming town of Birdsville, and experiencing the thrill of the annual Birdsville Races if the timing is right.

Head back towards the coast towards Agnes Water and the Town of 1770 but by no means back to civilization!

Start by hitting the beautiful beaches and spending a day soaking up the sun at the main beach. The laid-back vibe and the clear waters make it a perfect spot for some relaxation and beach activities after a couple of weeks in the desert!

Head to the iconic Agnes Water Discovery Trail, where you can spend a few hours hiking and exploring the stunning coastal scenery. The walking trails are super scenic and offer a great way to connect with nature.

After that, visit the charming town of Town 1770, where you can spend a couple of days exploring the historic sites, taking a LARC tour and boogie boarding down the sand dunes!

After a few days in Agnes Water, head towards Hervey Bay , where you can relax for a couple days before catching the ferry to…

A week on Fraser Island is the perfect amount of time to enjoy the sites and combine relaxation with adventure!

Start by hopping in a 4WD and driving along the 75-mile beach, also known as the Fraser Island Highway. Visit the stunning Lake McKenzie and spending a day swimming in its crystal-clear waters and relaxing on its pure white silica sands.

Check out the iconic Maheno Shipwreck and the charming town of Eurong. Take a swim in Champagne Pools, a natural rock pool that’s the perfect place to cool off in and feel the power of the ocean spray.

You could easily spend a couple of days indulging in some four-wheel adventures, stopping off at sites to do some fishing on the shoreline and taking in the natural beauty. Here are the many amazing things to do on Fraser Island

From Fraser Island, drive down towards Brisbane , stopping off on the Sunshine Coast and Noosa Heads for a day or so to enjoy the beaches and whale watching experiences.

Then spend a couple of days in the city of Brisbane, exploring the vibrant South Bank Parklands and spending a day strolling along the riverfront, checking out the unique street art, and enjoying a picnic by the lagoon.

Check out the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, where you can spend a few hours cuddling koalas and hand-feeding kangaroos.

Also be sure to venture to the stunning Mount Coot-tha, where you can take a leisurely walk to the lookout and enjoy the panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes.

For Australians, it’s all about the water. There’s no better place to understand this, than on the Gold Coast.

Spend your days on the beaches, surfing or simply soaking up the sun at Surfers Paradise, or visiting some of the world class theme parks , such as Dreamworld and Movie World .

After that, make your way to the charming town of Burleigh Heads, where you can spend a day exploring the lush national park and taking a leisurely walk along the scenic coastal walk.

We lived in Burleigh Heads for 18 months. It’s one of our favorite places in Australia! we find Surfers Paradise to be touristy and overrated. The best side of the Gold coast is from Burleigh Heads down to Coolangatta.

Check out the stunning Tamborine Mountain, explore the beautiful rainforest, visit the picturesque waterfalls, and indulge in some wine tasting at the local wineries.

Also don’t miss the beautiful Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, to get up close with native Australian animals, watching the exciting wildlife shows, and hand-feeding the friendly lorikeets.

The Gold Coast is where Australians go for their vacations, so you know it’s going to be good.

Journey from the Gold Coast to Byron Bay, where you can spend a couple of days exploring the beautiful beaches , taking a walk to the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse, and enjoying the vibrant arts and music scene.

Next, head to the rural town of Yamba , where you can take a leisurely walk along the picturesque beaches and indulge in the peaceful atmosphere after the busy crowds of The Gold Coast.

After that, venture to the stunning Bellingen and spend a couple of days exploring the lush rainforest, browsing through the local Bellingen markets , and enjoying the bohemian vibe of the town.

Don’t miss the Dorrigo National Park, and hike through the enchanting World Heritage-listed rainforest, marvel at the stunning waterfalls, and enjoy a picnic amid the serene surroundings.

Finally, arrive in Coffs Harbour and spend a few days enjoying the laid-back vibe here. Check out the iconic Big Banana, go on coastal walks, and perhaps indulging in some dolphin or whale watching.

From Coffs Harbour, head towards the beautiful coastal town of Port Macquarie . Visit the Koala Hospital, take a scenic coastal walk, and visit the Willi Willi National Park.

You could spend a couple of days in Port Macquarie, before driving down to Newcastle. Stop off at South West Rocks along the way for some stunning coastal views.

Newcastle is a big city with a lot of cool attractions to visit.

While in this region, you may want to spend a couple of days in the Hunter Valley for wine tasting and indulging in gourmet food. Alternatively, head to Mudgee Valley for picturesque vineyards and charming cellar doors. It will be quite a detour, but we really like Mudgee. You can also visit there from Sydney.

Finally, we make it to the iconic city of Sydney! You could easily spend more than a week in Sydney, and I’ve allowed three weeks for Tasmania, but you could add a few more days in Sydney is you like the vibe (don’t have less than 2 weeks on Tassie though!)

Spend a day visiting the iconic Sydney Opera House and climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Spend another day taking a ferry to Manly Beach, where you can soak up the laid-back atmosphere.

Our favorite thing to do in Sydney is the coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee , which has stunning ocean views and plenty of picturesque spots for a swim.

Take a day trip to the Blue Mountains, marveling at the breathtaking scenery and taking a leisurely hike to see the famous Three Sisters rock formation. The fresh mountain air is a welcome change from the city bustle.

Venture south to the Royal National Park , where you can spend a day or two hiking through lush rainforest and discover hidden waterfalls.

Continuing along the coast, for a day at Wollongong for some beach relaxation and to explore the vibrant art scene. The Nan Tien Temple was a serene escape, and I enjoyed learning about Buddhist culture and philosophy.

What better way to end a 6 month trip of Australia than by exploring the wild, remote and rugged island state of Tasmania.

Tasmania has a unique blend of history, small town communities, amazing beaches and mountains, and unmissable hikes.

One of our highlights was the Wineglass Bay to Hazards Beach walk in Freycinet National Park. When you can combine two of Australia’s best beaches in the one walk (Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach ) you know it’s a hike not to miss.

To be standing alone on the famous Wineglass Bay was incredible. It’s definitely worth it to get up early to beat the crowd, folks!

Read more: Outstanding national parks in Australia.

Another highlight was visiting Bruny Island. The rugged coastline, awesome cliffs and sea caves, abundance of wildlife, and a fun and informative guide, made it one of our favorite activities.

Although you can visit Bruny Island on a day trip from Hobart, it’s worth exploring for a couple of days as there are many things to do on Bruny Island.

Port Arthur is another one of the best places to visit in Tasmania, especially if you love history. It was moving, interesting, sad, troubled, and beautiful, all wrapped up in one package.

Port Arthur has a violent and troubled history as a penal colony for some of Australia’s hardened convicts. We loved this Port Arthur ghost tour!

Also, don’t miss MONA, Hobart . We’re not museum people and normally we would run the other way.

To capture our attention a museum has to be interactive, different, fascinating, and maybe a little weird.

MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art, was all that. The founder David Walsh has described the museum as a “subversive adult Disneyland.”

They say time flies when you’re having fun, and 6 months into our family adventure, we definitely had our fair share of fun!

You’ve probably noticed South Australia is not on the list! We didn’t get time for it in our Australian road trip, BUT we have visited there on separate trips. So if you can find a way to fit it into your 6 month Oz road trip we recommend it! We love the natural beauty and abundant wildlife on Kangaroo Island , the stunning Flinders Ranges National park , the quirky Coober Pedy , and the Eyre Peninsula (swim with wild sea lions and incredible beaches!)

We hope this itinerary helped you plan your Aussie adventure and gave you some inspiration for your own trip.

I know how the planning can get overwhelming, but the anticipation and all the excitement soon builds, and before you know it you’re living your dream!

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Road trip Melbourne to Alice Springs - Australia Forum

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After the dive trip, we’d fly to Melbourne for 2-3 nights, then rent a car to drive to Alice Springs . Just wondering if the following itinerary is ‘doable’ (we aren’t hikers so no hiking planned):

Melbourne- Adelaide via Ocean Rd:

2 Overnights: Mt Gambier & Adelaide

Adelaide-Coober Pedy- (1 night) (I know it’s @9 hrs)

Coober Pedy- Uluru (2 nights Uluru) (drive @8 hrs?)

Uluru-Kings Canyon (1 night)

Kings Canyon-Alice Springs (2 nights)

Drop the car off in Alice Springs and fly to Sydney

Does it matter whether one travels in this direction or is it better to start in Alice Springs (flying there from Sydney) & end in Melbourne?

Thanks for any suggestions!

20 replies to this topic

You’re funny!

Have you read about diving opportunities on the Great Ocean Road ? Hundreds of shipwrecks, dolphins, seals, caves & forests of kelp.

Is this better?

Drive to Uluru (2 nights)

Back to Alice Springs, fly to Melbourne

Drive from Melbourne along Ocean Rd to???

and back (1 night? 2 nights?)

Back to Melbourne for 3 nights

Suggestions on where to stop along Ocean Rd? Is it better to just skip Ocean Rd 😞 and visit either Kangaroo Island or Tasmania instead?

Fly direct to Uluru direct from Cairns and then direct to Melbourne . You can compare flight options here:

https://www.webjet.com.au/

Most people drive along the Great Ocean Road to Port Campbell and then return to Melbourne. Some continue to Warrnambool, or head north to the Grampians, or somewhere else. You should allow three days for the road trip if you can.

You won't have enough time to visit Tasmania, based on what you're written. Kangaroo Island is an option, but you have to get there.

Great Ocean Road itineraries are plentiful on the internet:

https://visitgreatoceanroad.org.au/plan-your-trip/itineraries/

https://gretastravels.com/great-ocean-road-2-day-itinerary/

https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/great-ocean-road-itinerary/

Also, when you hit reply, you need to reference the post you are replying to, as TA just puts them all at the bottom.

And, as Armrest say, is it actually Alice that interests you, or Uluru and Kings Canyon?

sweetbiscuit21

Thanks for the hint about posting- didn’t know that.

Is this right?

Is Alice Springs not worth it? Is Kings Canyon better?

With only nine spare nights, I think it best to fly from Cairns direct to Uluru for three nights, then fly to Melbourne for a GOR loop over five or six nights including The Grampians and Ballarat.

You won’t have time to squeeze in Coober Pedy as well - it appears there is only on flight a week from Adelaide to CP.

Alice is not that complicated to add in if you look at the following.

What did you want to do in Alice? The hikes of east and west mcdonnels are fantastic. I assume this is what your interest was? The West Macs are also a 120 km drive north west so you could do as a day trip and just select a few hikes to get done in a day.

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