Melbourne to Adelaide Road Trip: How to Prepare
A Melbourne to Adelaide road trip is one of the most unforgettable experiences youâd have. For one, the trip is filled with lots of adventures and sightseeing. Youâd get to soak in the stunning coastal views, charming towns, delicious food, and unforgettable Aussie landscapes. Get ready to also tick some experiences off your bucket list, like the dramatic cliffs along the Great Ocean Road, world-class wine in McLaren Vale, and the wild beauty of Kangaroo Island.
It doesnât matter whether youâre cruising in a camper van, a motorhome, or your trusty car; thereâs freedom to explore at your own pace. Ready to experience Australiaâs most iconic drives? Keep reading to find out how best to plan ahead.
Melbourne to Adelaide Road Trip Itinerary
A road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide has two routes. You can either take the Great Ocean Road or pass the Grampians and Wine Regions. Letâs explore them better below:
Route Option 1 â The Scenic Coastal Drive (Via Great Ocean Road, 5â7 days)
For a 5 to 7-day trip, here is a day-to-day plan to help you make the most of the journey.
Day 1: Melbourne to Lorne
Set out in the morning and stop in Geelong for a brunch break at King of the Castle or Box Office.
Visit Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre so you can get a hands-on cultural experience.
Then, drive to Torquay. Itâs a gateway to the Great Ocean Road and Australiaâs surf capital. You can also check out Bells Beach or take a surf lesson.
When youâre done, continue to Lorne, stopping at Fairhaven Beach and Eastern View along the way.
Where to Stay: A boutique in Lorne or book one of the luxury suites at Brae.
Day 2: Lorne to Port Fairy (via 12 Apostles)
Next morning, grab breakfast at Swing Bridge CafĂŠ by the river in Lorne.
Head to the 12 Apostles, then stop at Gibsonâs Steps to enjoy a beach-level view.
Consider visiting Cape Otway Lighthouse for more incredible ocean views.
Continue through the Shipwreck Coast and stop in Warrnambool to spot whales. Although this is if youâre travelling between May to October.
Visit Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve for a guided Aboriginal nature tour.
Finally, end the day in Port Fairy. Itâs a peaceful fishing town with cute cottages and a lovely wharf.
Where to Stay: A stylish and cozy boutique hotel, called Drift House.
Day 3: Port Fairy to Coonawarra
In the morning, head to Portland to see fishing boats and tour the Cape Nelson Lighthouse.
Stretch your legs on the Cape Bridgewater Seal Walk while enjoying views of a huge seal colony.
Cross into South Australia and stop at Mount Gambier to see Blue Lake and the beautiful Umpherston Sinkhole.
In the afternoon, drive to Coonawarra. The area is known for its rich red wines. Youâll love this if youâre a wine lover.
Where to Stay: Punterâs Vineyard Retreat. Itâs such a peaceful escape with vineyard views.
Day 4: Coonawarra to Victor Harbor
Begin the day by exploring the Naracoorte Caves. Itâs a World Heritage site with ancient fossils.
Stop in Strathalbyn for antique shopping and a picnic in the Soldiers Memorial Gardens.
In the afternoon, cool off with a swim at Port Elliot, then arrive in Victor Harbor.
Ride the horse-drawn tram to Granite Island or book a boat tour to spot whales, especially if youâre travelling between June and October.
Where to Stay: The Bluff Resort Apartments with beautiful views over Encounter Bay.
Day 5: Victor Harbor to Adelaide
Travel through Mount Compass to McLaren Vale. It's a paradise for wine lovers. Youâd taste your way through top cellar doors like dâArenberg or Yangarra.
At noon, have your lunch at Coriole, enjoying their fresh seasonal dishes and matching wines.
Drive 45 minutes to Adelaide and walk around North Terrace, stopping to shop at Rundle Mall, and end the day with sunset at Glenelg Beach.
Where to Stay: Give yourself a treat with a night at the elegant Mayfair Hotel. Itâs in the heart of Adelaide.
Route Option 2 â Inland Adventure (Via Grampians & Wine Regions, 2â3 days)
For a 2 or 3-day inland road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide, here is a plan to get started:
Day 1: Melbourne to the Grampians
If you leave early, stop at Ballarat for breakfast and a quick stroll around Lake Wendouree.
Drive through Halls Gap to the heart of Grampians National Park. Halls Gap is a great base for hikes and wildlife spotting.
Visit the MacKenzie Falls. Itâs one of the largest waterfalls in Victoria.
For dinner, enjoy local fare in Halls Gap with kangaroo or trout on the menu, paired with regional wines.
Where to Stay: A cozy cabin or eco-lodge in Halls Gap.
Day 2: Grampians to Mount Gambier
Start by crossing the state border into South Australia and hitting Coonawarra, the wine country. You can take a cellar door tour or stop at a vineyard for tastings and lunch.
Continue to Mount Gambier, a city built on ancient volcanic land. Enjoy the blue lake and Umpherston Sinkhole. The garden is inside a collapsed limestone cave.
Explore the Cave Garden, which is right in the town center, surrounded by historic hotels. Itâs perfect for a sunset stroll.
Have your dinner at one of the historic pubs like the Mount Gambier Hotel or Macâs Hotel.
Where to Stay: Get a boutique hotel near Cave Garden
Day 3: Mount Gambier to Adelaide
The drive takes about 5 hours, so you have to break it into different stops.
First, stop at Robe, a coastal town known for beaches and boutique shops.
At Kingston SE, take a photo with the Giant Lobster.
Get to the Langhorne Creek Wine Region for a wine tasting before you roll into Adelaide.
Where to Stay: A cozy cabin or hotel in Adelaide.
What to Pack & Prepare for the Drive?
Whether youâre preparing for an Adelaide to Melbourne road trip or vice versa, here is a smart checklist to help you hit the road safe and stress-free:
Documents & Car Essentials: Pack these first because they are crucial for staying legal, covered, and in control on the road. The required documents are a driverâs license, car insurance details, car manual, and roadside assistance info.
Navigation & Emergency Communication: Have a reliable GPS or physical map, CB Radio, a phone charger, and most especially, a power station, like EcoFlow DELTA 2 Portable Power Station, to charge all your gadgets.
Safety and Comfort Gear: This is for those âjust in caseâ moments, so youâd be prepared for anything that happens on the road. Have a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, a torch or headlamp, spare clothing, sleeping bags, and blankets for spontaneous stopovers or emergencies.
Food and Drinks: Get yourself a reusable water bottle to keep hydrated on the journey. Non-perishable snacks are also perfect for long stretches without rest stops or sudden hunger pangs.
Entertainment Options: When youâre not enjoying outdoor recreation, you can keep yourself busy with entertainment options like music, podcasts, books, games, and even pre-downloaded shows.
Camping Gear: Be ready to camp out anytime with a tent, sleeping bags, cooking gear, and folding chairs. Donât forget to bring your camera along to capture stunning coastal views and record unforgettable moments.
Road Trip Tips for a Safe & Enjoyable Journey
In your excitement about your next road trip, pay attention to these travel essentials:
First, prepare your car or a Motorhome by changing the oil, checking the brakes, tire pressure, and windscreen wiper fluid. Also, clean the car inside and out and inspect your spare tire, car jack, and emergency tools.
Plan your route with rest and fun in mind. A journey road map can help you out. Plan overnight stays in town or national parks. Also, add culinary and fuel stops.
If youâre renting a car or campervan, make sure to make smart choices. First, you must be 21+ years to rent and have your driverâs license, passport, and possibly an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Also, note that not all vehicles are created equal when it comes to long-distance road trips. Itâs best to go for convertibles, fuel-efficient cars, small crossover SUVs, minivans, or motorhomes, especially if youâre travelling as a family or in groups.
Get all your comfort and hygiene essentials ready, like wet wipes and paper towels, a raincoat, spare clothes, toiletries, hand sanitizer, a cooler with snacks and drinks, and then pet supplies, if necessary.
Conclusion
Now, itâs time for you to stop daydreaming about your Melbourne to Adelaide road trip and take action. This trip promises to be adventurous, filled with unforgettable views, cozy towns, and hidden gems at every turn. However, to make the most of it, ensure you prepare smart, especially when it comes to power. Go with a portable power station like the EcoFlow DELTA 2. That way, you can easily charge your devices and stay connected no matter where you are.
FAQs
Where should I stop between Melbourne and Adelaide?
For rest and refreshments, you can stop at towns like Coonalpyn, Keith, Bordertown, and Horsham. These spots offer great facilities, local charm, and a chance to stretch your legs on the long drive between Melbourne and Adelaide.
Is the drive from Melbourne to Adelaide worth it?
Yes, the drive from Melbourne to Adelaide is absolutely worth it. In fact, itâs one of Australiaâs most unforgettable road trips where you enjoy beautiful waterfront views, historic landmarks like the 12 Apostles, charming towns, and delicious food and wine.
How long does it take to drive from Melbourne to Adelaide via the Great Ocean Road?
The drive from Melbourne to Adelaide through the Great Ocean Road takes approximately 8 to 9 hours and covers around 950 km. Itâs a scenic route filled with many nice coastal views, charming towns, and must-see natural attractions.
Where is the best stopover from Melbourne to Adelaide?
The Great Ocean Road is one of the best stopovers from Melbourne to Adelaide. It offers many beautiful coastal views and iconic landmarks. Other great spots to stop include Port Campbell for the 12 Apostles, Warrnambool for whale watching, and Coonawarra for world-class wine tasting.