Road Trip From Melbourne To Adelaide: 3 Unique Itineraries

Plan your ultimate road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide with 3 unique itineraries! Explore scenic stops, free camping spots and must see highlights for caravanners and campers. Adventure awaits! Embarking on a road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide is a quintessential Australian adventure.

Whether you’re a time pressed traveller or a leisurely explorer this journey offers something for everyone. With a road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide driving distance of approximately 900 kilometres, the route is packed with scenic coastal drives, historic landmarks and natural wonders.

Below we’ve come up with three distinct itineraries – 3 days, 7 days and a 14 Day return trip. Each taking a different route to minimise location duplication. All overnight stops prioritise free or low cost camping. Absolutely perfect for caravanners and campers.

Table Of Contents

Road Trip From Melbourne To Adelaide
Key Comparisons And Insights

Itinerary Duration Route Focus Overnight Stops Best For
3 Day Express 3 Days Coastal & Mountain Free Camping Time pressed travellers
7 Day Coastal 7 Days Limestone Coast Low Cost Camping Leisurely coastal explorers
14 Day Return 14 Days Inland & Coastal Mix of Free & Paid Camping Comprehensive exploration

Key Insights On Travel Times And Distances

  1. The 3 Day itinerary is the most time efficient, covering approximately 1,097 km in total, with daily driving times ranging from 3.5 to 6 hours.
  2. The 7 Day itinerary is more relaxed, totalling around 1,143 km, with most driving days under 4 hours.
  3. The 14 Day return trip is the most comprehensive, covering roughly 2,226 km round trip, with driving times averaging 3-5 hours per day.

Each itinerary offers a unique perspective on the Melbourne to Adelaide road trip stops, ensuring you’ll find one that suits your travel style.

3 Day Express Adventure: Coastal And Mountain Highlights

This fast-paced itinerary is ideal for those short on time but eager to experience the best of Victoria’s coastline and mountains.

Day 1: Melbourne to Port Campbell (285 km)

  • Stops: Torquay, Lorne, Apollo Bay
  • Overnight: Port Campbell Recreation Reserve (free camping).

Highlights

  • Twelve Apostles: Iconic limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean.
  • Loch Ard Gorge: A stunning gorge with a rich shipwreck history.

Day 2: Port Campbell to Halls Gap (287 km)

  • Stops: Warrnambool, Port Fairy
  • Overnight: Plantation Campground, Grampians (free camping).

Highlights

  • Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve: A volcanic crater teeming with native wildlife.
  • Grampians National Park: Spectacular mountain ranges and waterfalls.

Day 3: Halls Gap to Adelaide (525 km)

  • Stops: Horsham, Bordertown
  • Arrival in Adelaide.

Highlights

  • Little Desert National Park: A unique arid landscape.
  • The Bend Motorsport Park: A must visit for car enthusiasts.

Alternative Stops

Bells Beach, Otway National Park, Hamilton.

Road Trip From Melbourne To Adelaide

Road Trip From Melbourne To Adelaide

3 Day Express Adventure: Coastal And Mountain Highlights At A Glance

Day Route Distance Travel Time Stops Highlights Overnight Stay
1 Melbourne to Port Campbell 285 km 3.5 hours Torquay, Lorne, Apollo Bay Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge Port Campbell Recreation Reserve (Free)
2 Port Campbell to Halls Gap 287 km 3.5 hours Warrnambool, Port Fairy Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, Grampians Plantation Campground, Grampians (Free)
3 Halls Gap to Adelaide 525 km 6 hours Horsham, Bordertown Little Desert NP, The Bend Motorsport Arrival in Adelaide

7 Day Coastal Expedition: Exploring the Limestone Coast

This relaxed route hugs the coastline, showcasing the beauty of Victoria and South Australia’s southern shores.

Day 1: Melbourne to Apollo Bay (187 km)

  • Stops: Geelong, Anglesea
  • Overnight: Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve (low-cost camping).

Highlights

  • Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch: The gateway to this iconic drive.
  • Erskine Falls: A picturesque waterfall near Lorne.

Day 2: Apollo Bay to Port Fairy (188 km)

  • Stops: Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell
  • Overnight: Southcombe Park, Port Fairy (low-cost camping).

Highlights

  • Gibson Steps: A dramatic coastal viewpoint.
  • The Arch: A natural rock formation.

Day 3: Port Fairy to Mount Gambier (178 km)

  • Stops: Portland, Nelson
  • Overnight: Mount Gambier Central Caravan Park.

Highlights

  • Cape Bridgewater: Known for its blowholes and seal colony.
  • Glenelg River: Perfect for kayaking or fishing.

Day 4: Mount Gambier to Robe (138 km)

  • Stops: Tantanoola Caves, Millicent
  • Overnight: Long Beach Campground, Robe (free camping).

Highlights

  • Blue Lake: A stunning crater lake that changes colour seasonally.
  • Umpherston Sinkhole: A sunken garden with lush greenery.

Day 5: Robe to Victor Harbor (367 km)

  • Stops: Kingston SE, Meningie
  • Overnight: Adare Camp and Caravan Park, Victor Harbor.

Highlights

  • Cape Jaffa Lighthouse: A historic maritime landmark.
  • Coorong National Park: A haven for birdwatchers.

Day 6: Victor Harbor to McLaren Vale (44 km)

  • Stops: Port Elliot, Goolwa
  • Overnight: Moana Beach Tourist Park.

Highlights

  • Granite Island: Home to a colony of little penguins.
  • Cockle Train: A heritage steam train ride.

Day 7: McLaren Vale to Adelaide (41 km)

  • Stops: Willunga, Hallett Cove
  • Arrival in Adelaide.

Highlights

  • McLaren Vale Wineries: Sample world class wines.
  • Hallett Cove Conservation Park: Known for its geological significance.

Alternative Stops

Cape Otway, Tower Hill, Naracoorte Caves, Currency Creek.

7 Day Coastal Expedition: Exploring the Limestone Coast At A Glance

Day Route Distance Travel Time Stops Highlights Overnight Stay
1 Melbourne to Apollo Bay 187 km 2.5 hours Geelong, Anglesea Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch, Erskine Falls Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve (Low-cost)
2 Apollo Bay to Port Fairy 188 km 2.5 hours Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell Gibson Steps, The Arch Southcombe Park, Port Fairy (Low-cost)
3 Port Fairy to Mount Gambier 178 km 2 hours Portland, Nelson Cape Bridgewater, Glenelg River Mount Gambier Central Caravan Park
4 Mount Gambier to Robe 138 km 1.5 hours Tantanoola Caves, Millicent Blue Lake, Umpherston Sinkhole Long Beach Campground, Robe (Free)
5 Robe to Victor Harbor 367 km 4 hours Kingston SE, Meningie Cape Jaffa Lighthouse, Coorong NP Adare Camp and Caravan Park, Victor Harbor
6 Victor Harbor to McLaren Vale 44 km 45 minutes Port Elliot, Goolwa Granite Island, Cockle Train Moana Beach Tourist Park
7 McLaren Vale to Adelaide 41 km 40 minutes Willunga, Hallett Cove McLaren Vale Wineries, Hallett Cove CP Arrival in Adelaide

14 Day Return Trip Odyssey: Inland and Coastal Exploration

This comprehensive itinerary combines inland and coastal routes, offering a diverse experience of Victoria and South Australia.

Days 1-2: Melbourne to Grampians (260 km)

  • Stops: Ballarat, Ararat
  • Overnight: Stapylton Campground, Grampians (free camping).

Highlights

  • Sovereign Hill: A living museum of the gold rush era.
  • Grampians National Park: Hiking trails and Aboriginal rock art.

Days 3-4: Grampians to Robe (435 km)

  • Stops: Naracoorte, Penola
  • Overnight: The Pines Campground, Little Dip Conservation Park (free camping).

Highlights

  • Naracoorte Caves: A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Coonawarra Wine Region: Renowned for its Cabernet Sauvignon.

Days 5-6: Robe to Victor Harbor (367 km)

  • Stops: Kingston SE, Meningie
  • Overnight: Waitpinga Campground, Newland Head Conservation Park (low-cost camping).

Highlights

  • Cape Jaffa Lighthouse: A historic maritime landmark.
  • Coorong National Park: A haven for birdwatchers.

Days 7-8: Victor Harbor to Adelaide (83 km)

  • Stops: Port Elliot, McLaren Vale
  • Overnight: Adelaide Shores Caravan Park.

Highlights

  • Granite Island: Home to a colony of little penguins.
  • McLaren Vale Wineries: Sample world-class wines.

Days 9-10: Adelaide to Mount Gambier (449 km)

  • Stops: Murray Bridge, Keith
  • Overnight: Mount Gambier Central Caravan Park.

Highlights

  • Monarto Safari Park: An open-range zoo.
  • Blue Lake: A stunning crater lake.

Days 11-12: Mount Gambier to Port Campbell (267 km)

  • Stops: Portland, Warrnambool
  • Overnight: Port Campbell Recreation Reserve (free camping).

Highlights

  • Cape Bridgewater: Known for its blowholes and seal colony.
  • Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village: A recreated 19th-century port.

Days 13-14: Port Campbell to Melbourne (285 km)

  • Stops: Apollo Bay, Lorne
  • Return to Melbourne.

Highlights

  • Twelve Apostles: Iconic limestone stacks.
  • Great Otway National Park: Lush rainforests and waterfalls.

Alternative Stops: Horsham, Bordertown, Tailem Bend, Robe, Port Fairy, Torquay.

14 Day Return Trip Odyssey: Inland and Coastal Exploration At A Glance

Day Route Distance Travel Time Stops Highlights Overnight Stay
1-2 Melbourne to Grampians 260 km 3 hours Ballarat, Ararat Sovereign Hill, Grampians NP Stapylton Campground, Grampians (Free)
3-4 Grampians to Robe 435 km 5 hours Naracoorte, Penola Naracoorte Caves, Coonawarra Wine Region The Pines Campground, Little Dip CP (Free)
5-6 Robe to Victor Harbor 367 km 4 hours Kingston SE, Meningie Cape Jaffa Lighthouse, Coorong NP Waitpinga Campground, Newland Head CP (Low-cost)
7-8 Victor Harbor to Adelaide 83 km 1 hour Port Elliot, McLaren Vale Granite Island, McLaren Vale Wineries Adelaide Shores Caravan Park
9-10 Adelaide to Mount Gambier 449 km 5 hours Murray Bridge, Keith Monarto Safari Park, Blue Lake Mount Gambier Central Caravan Park
11-12 Mount Gambier to Port Campbell 267 km 3 hours Portland, Warrnambool Cape Bridgewater, Flagstaff Hill Port Campbell Recreation Reserve (Free)
13-14 Port Campbell to Melbourne 285 km 3.5 hours Apollo Bay, Lorne Twelve Apostles, Great Otway NP Return to Melbourne

Final Thoughts On A Road Trip From Melbourne To Adelaide

A road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide is more than just a drive – it’s an opportunity to explore Australia’s diverse landscapes and rich history. Whether you choose the 3 Day express, the 7 Day coastal route, or the 14 Day odyssey, each journey promises unforgettable memories. Amanda and I have done all of these routes in parts and visited all of the places outlined. We can highly recommend it.

Remember to check campground availability, especially during peak seasons and always practice responsible camping. Happy travels!

Road Trip From Melbourne To Adelaide Itinerary Decisions

Road Trip From Melbourne To Adelaide Itinerary Decisions

6 Frequently Asked Question FAQs About A Road Trip From Melbourne To Adelaide

What is the best route for a road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide?

The best route depends on your timeframe and interests. For a quick trip, take the Great Ocean Road and Grampians National Park (3-day itinerary). For a coastal adventure, explore the Limestone Coast (7-day itinerary). For a comprehensive journey, combine inland and coastal routes (14-day return trip).

How long does a road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide take?

The road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide can take anywhere from 3 days to 2 weeks, depending on your itinerary. The direct drive is about 9 hours (900 km), but exploring scenic stops and attractions will extend your travel time.

Where can I camp overnight on a road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide?

There are plenty of camping options, including free and low-cost sites. Popular stops include Port Campbell Recreation Reserve, Plantation Campground (Grampians), and Long Beach Campground (Robe). Always check availability and book in advance during peak seasons.

What are the must-see highlights on a road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide?

Key highlights include the Twelve Apostles, Grampians National Park, Blue Lake (Mount Gambier), and Coorong National Park. Each route offers unique attractions, from coastal views to historic landmarks and wildlife encounters.

Can I do a road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide on a budget?

Absolutely! Prioritise free camping sites like Port Campbell Recreation Reserve and The Pines Campground (Robe). Many attractions, such as the Twelve Apostles and Coorong National Park, are free to visit, making the road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide budget-friendly.

Is a road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide suitable for families?

Yes, the road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide is family-friendly. With stops like Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, Granite Island, and Monarto Safari Park, there are plenty of activities for kids. Choose a relaxed itinerary, such as the 7-day coastal route, for a stress-free family adventure.

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