The Perfect 7 Day Adelaide To Melbourne Road Trip Itinerary
After spending almost a month living and working in Adelaide, we were ready for the next big adventure in our Australia journey. With around a week until we were due in Melbourne for our next job, it was the perfect time to complete one of our most-anticipated scenic drives along the Great Ocean Road, with some other fun stops in-between.
Although the east coast of Australia is a popular first stop for most backpackers and road trippers, this side of the country has a completely different vibe, with plenty of unique, beautiful spots to explore.
In this week-long Adelaide to Melbourne itinerary, you’ll explore the changing landscapes from coastal peninsulas to dramatic national parks, ending in the vibrant city of Melbourne.
Planning to spend a few days in Adelaide before starting? Check out my two day Adelaide itinerary!
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Itinerary Overview
Getting from Adelaide to Melbourne
You CAN take a condensed, three day overland tour from Adelaide to Melbourne, but honestly, this cuts out so many wonderful discoveries along the way, so I’d absolutely recommend self-driving this trip.
The total drive time for this itinerary is around 16 hours across the seven days – not accounting for traffic (which can be an issue in some areas, especially along the Great Ocean Road and heading into Melbourne).
I’m a full-on advocate of van-life-ing your way around Aus, and hiring a campervan is a great way to experience this route, even if the weather isn’t playing ball. We bought our own camper van in Australia, so we didn’t need to hire a vehicle, but I’d recommend Britz – they have depots in both Adelaide and Melbourne so you can book a one-way trip.
Alternatively, you can rent a car and either stay in hotels and hostels or, for a truly outdoorsy and budget-friendly trip, bring a tent.
Day 1: Fleurieu Peninsula
Drive time: 2hrs 30min
Essential things to do: McLaren Vale, Victor Harbor, Granite Island
Where to stay: BIG4 Port Elliot Holiday Park, YHA Port Elliot (hostel), Nightcap at Hotel Victor, Anchorage Seafront Hotel
We actually checked out the Fleurieu Peninsula as an overnight trip when we were living temporarily in Adelaide, and it makes the perfect start to a coastal and country drive from South Australia to Victoria.
Leaving Adelaide in the rear view, head out on the Southern Expressway, where urban living quickly turns to fields and small towns.
McLaren Vale Wine Region
It won’t be long until you hit the McLaren Vale Wine Region, home to around 65 wineries. It’s probably a bit early for knocking back a bottle, but the non-driver can sample the local wares and spectacular views at Oliver’s Taranga Vineyards, Kay Brothers Winery or Hastwell & Lightfoot.
Cape Jervis
There’s a shorter route straight across the peninsula to get to Victor Harbor quickly, but I’d recommend taking the more scenic drive out to Cape Jervis, where you’ll be able to see Kangaroo Island. This route drives through some beautiful hilly landscapes and past some great ocean lookout points (I’d recommend a quick stop at HMAS Hobart Memorial Lookout to eye up the rugged coastline).
On the way to your next destination, you’ll pass through Deep Creek National Park, a peaceful and tranquil stretch of countryside with forest, wildlife and gentle peeks at the ocean.
Victor Harbor
Victor Harbor is an absolutely charming Australian seaside town, with laidback vibes and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to take a wander soaking up the sea air, and you can also take a guided walking tour to learn more about the town’s history.
Victor Harbor is also a brilliant place to experience some of South Victoria’s magical marine life – head out into the ocean with a Seal Island tour or ocean adventure/whale spotting experience.
Granite Island
Before visiting Victor Harbor, we’d done next to no research on what to actually do there. It turns out Granite Island is THE place to see, and our favourite part of the day. Granite Island is a tiny, uninhabited island just off the shore, with giant granite boulders – hence the name. The island really is tiny, and we spent no more than an hour there, but it’s absolutely worth visiting.
In the busier months, you can ride a horse-drawn tram across the wooden bridge to Granite Island. We visited during the quieter months so this wasn’t available, but it’s only a very short walk. As we made our way across, we were delighted by a pod of dolphins that decided to pop up in the water to say hello!
The scenic tracks around the island are really fun to explore – and if you’re really lucky, the local penguin colony may make an appearance!
Encounter Bay, Port Elliot & Horseshoe Bay
If you have time at the end of your day, have a drive around to some of the scenic viewpoints in the area around Encounter Bay, Port Elliot and Horseshoe Bay. If it’s the right time of year, you might even spot whales out at sea!
Where to stay
Our biggest mistake was staying at a campsite in Jervis Bay rather than Victor Harbor, as there are minimal amenities and the clifftop campsite was very exposed to the elements (plus, there was a whole school trip taking over the kitchen, so we ended up cooking our dinner out of the wind in an empty shed…).
For camping and caravan stays, the quieter surroundings of Port Elliot; for hotel accommodation, Victor Harbor has more on offer.
Camping/Campervan: BIG4 Port Elliot Holiday Park
Hostel: YHA Port Elliot
Hotel: Nightcap at Hotel Victor, Anchorage Seafront Hotel
Day 2: Old Tailem Town & Coorong
Drive time: 3.5hrs
Essential things to do: Old Tailem Town, Pelican Path Art Walk, Coorong Pink Lake, Jack Point Pelican Observatory
Where to stay: Kingston SE Foreshore Holiday Park, Ocean View Motel, Lobster Motel.
Today’s all about making a decent dent into your journey towards Melbourne, while checking out a couple of interesting spots in South Australia along the way. Most of the points on this itieneray are ‘pull in’ stops that won’t take up much time.
This section of the route has minimal options for fuel and food, especially once you’re past Meningie, so I’d recommend hitting up a supermarket for snacks before you head out and having a full tank for the day’s drive.
Old Tailem Town
It’s a slight detour to the up to the A1 back towards Adelaide, but believe me, Old Tailem Town Pioneer Village is worth going 20 minutes out of your way for. In fact, it’s one of my absolute favourite quirky tourist spots in the whole of Australia! This fascinating (and slightly spooky) roadside attraction is home to over 100 historic buildings and recreations, giving a fascinating insight into South Australian settler history.
Curious? My guide to Old Tailem Town tells you everything you need to know about visiting.
Meningie
Perched on the edge of Lake Albert, the small town of Meningie is a great spot to enjoy the views across Lake Albert. The Pelican Path Art Walk is a great opportunity to stretch your legs while learning about the cultural history of the Ngarrindjeri.
Coorong Pink Lake
We saw a couple of pink lakes on our road trip, and one thing we learned? Don’t expect an Instagram perfect, Barbie-pink expanse of water. But otherwise, it’s worth pulling over at Coorong Pink Lake to check out the pink-hued salt water.
Jack Point Pelican Observatory
Observe the large colony of pelicans that call Jack Point home.
Kingston SE
There are incredibly minimal options for accommodation or food along this stretch of the highway, so I’d recommend heading down to Kingston SE to end your day’s drive. While you’re here, check out the Big Lobster (one of Australia’s beloved ‘big things’).
Where to stay
Camping/Campervan: Kingston SE Foreshore Holiday Park, where powered sites are available (add an extra hour to the day’s drive time – but take an hour off tomorrow’s!).
Accommodation: Ocean View Motel or Lobster Motel.
Day 3: Mount Gambier
Drive time: 1hrs 40min
Essential things to do: Umpherston Sinkhole, Cave Garden, Blue Lake, Valley Lake Conservation Park, Centenary Tower.
Where to stay: Blue Lake Holiday Park, Old Mount Gambier Gaol, Colhurst House
A relatively easy drive day awaits, as you make your way to Mount Gambier, South Australia’s second largest city. Built into the slopes of a dormant volcano, Mount Gambier combines city amenities with impressive, ancient natural sights.
The major attractions here are all a short driving distance away from each other.
- Umpherston Sinkhole: Also known as ‘The Sunken Garden’, this is a truly unique secret garden inside the sinkhole created by a collapsed cave. You can descend the staircase into the garden for an otherworldy experience filled with vibrant plant life.
- Thugi (Cave Garden): This 30m deep wet cave was a source of water for early settlers, and in ranier seasons, you might catch a small waterfall here.
- Engelbrecht Cave: Learn about the history and geology of the area on a guided tour into the underground depths of the east and west dry caves. (book in advance, from $22 per adult)
In the afternoon, head just outside the town centre to check out scenic views from Mount Gambier itself, plus the stunning lakes that surround it. Head south and in around five minutes’ drive, you’ll be in for a treat with some dramatic, volcanic landscapes.
- Blue Lake: Stop off at the Blue Lake Lookout point to take in the lake that sits in the one of the extinct volcano craters. The lake is known for its striking seasonal colour changes, from grey in the winter to vibrant blue during the summer.
- Centenary Tower: Perched atop Mount Gambier, this commemorative tower provides 360 degree views of the Limestone Coast’s volcanic landscape.
- Valley Lake Conservation Park: Enjoy some scenic walks around another crater lake, keeping an eye out for kangaroos, wallabies, koalas and echidnas, plus a diverse range of birdlife.
- Little Blue Lake: If you have time, it’s definitely worth making the ~15min journey out of town to take a dip in this unique natural sinkhole’s clear water.
Where to stay
Camping/Campervan: Blue Lake Holiday Park
Accommodation: Old Mount Gambier Gaol, Colhurst House
Days 4-5: Grampians National Park
Drive time: 2hrs 20mins
Essential things to do: Hike the trails, visit the lookout points, enjoy nature and kangaroo spotting!
Where to stay: Breeze Holiday Park, YHA Grampians Eco Halls Gap, Halls Gap Motel
Heading inland for a couple of days, Grampians National Park is an absolutely unmissable, spectacular expanse of natural playground. Despite arriving to pouring rain, we had the most incredible time camping out in our van and hitting the trails here.
Arriving around lunchtime, I’d recommend getting a taster of the Grampians by taking a stroll around the Venus Baths and Clematis Falls Trails. The visitor centre in Halls Gap is also a great first stop for picking up your map and getting advice on the condition of the trails.
In the evening, we cooked dinner at our camper van, then had some beers in Paper Scissors Rock Brew Co – they also serve what looked like pretty decent food if you’re not self-catering on your road trip.
On our second, full day, we tackled the Pinnacle Walk in the morning, had then headed to Mackenzie Falls, where we found a picnic spot to eat some lunch. In the afternoon, we spent some time driving around the lookout points – Boroka Lookout is an absolute essential.
Trails in the Grampians
- The Pinnacle Walk – you have two options for this ICONIC Grampians Walk. The traditional moderate-challenging route starts at the Wonderland car park, or there’s a more moderate route from Sundial car park. Both routes offer some of the most stunning natural views in Victoria.
- Mackenzie Falls – tackle around 260 steps on this short but steep trail to get to the base of the falls. Alternatively, there’s a step-free trail at the top which gives you views from above; or a 7km return route from Zumsteins car park along the peaceful river trail.
- Venus Baths – a mostly flat trail heading out of the back of the recreation area, this loop is a magical walk through a rocky wonderland.
- Clematis Falls – an easy path that cuts through tall forest to the 30m seasonal waterfall
Where to stay in the Grampians:
- Camping/Campervans: We loved our stay at Breeze Holiday Park (apart from almost losing our awning in the wind…). Great facilities, right in the centre of Halls Gap’s amenities, and within walking distance of the Venus Baths and Clematis Falls trails.
- Hostel: YHA Grampians Eco Halls Gap
- Hotel: Halls Gap Motel, The Grampians Motel
Get my full guide to Grampians National Park, including the best trails for all abilities, top lookout point and practical advice on where to stay and eat.
Day 6: Great Ocean Road
Drive time: 2hrs 15mins
Essential things to do: Bay of Islands, Bay of Martyrs, London Bridge, 12 Apostles, Great Otway National Park
Where to stay: Bimbi Park (camping or cabins), YHA Apollo Bay Great Ocean Road Brewhouse
Warrnambool
We started our Great Ocean Road journey in Warrnambool, the official westernmost point of the official route. We didn’t spend much time in the town itself, but it has some cute cafes if you’re looking out for breakfast!
Bay of Islands & Bay of Martyrs
Between Warrnambool and Peterborough, the Bay of Islands and Bay of Martyrs are two great early stops to introduce you to the majesty of the Great Ocean Road.
While the Bay of Islands offers a closer view of the rock formations, at the Bay of Martyrs, you can expect sweeping views of limestone cliffs and giant rock stacks.
There’s also a coastal walk to Halladale Point which we used to stretch our legs, leading to beach access and another gorgeous viewpoint.
The Grotto
With a cute name and vibes to match, The Grotto is a former limestone sinkhole cave that has been eroded into an arch beside the ocean. The cove can be seen from above, but to see the grotto itself, there’s a small staircase of wooden steps. We just had to take a photo here, and luckily we landed at a time with minimal crowds so only had a couple of people ahead of us in the queue for THE iconic shot!
The Arch & London Bridge
Two more iconic rock formations along the way, furthering the spectacle and demonstrating the raw power of the ocean to shape the cliffs for thousands of years.
Loch Ard Gorge
The area of Loch Ard Gorge has multiple viewpoints and natural formations, all accessed along paths from the main car park. To the left of the car park, the Tom and Eva Lookout gives you a view of two rock stacks jutting out between cliffs; named after the only two survivors of 1878 Loch Ard shipwreck.
Further along this path, you’ll get to the Ridgeback Lookout – a thin, dramatic length of rock jutting out into the ocean, with weathered layers of serrated limestone and sandstone. It’s truly magnificent, and probably one of our actual favourite points along the whole Great Ocean Road.
There are also short trails to the Island Arch Lookout and Mutton Bird Island Lookout, although we were running short on time so skipped these in favour of seeing Thunder Cave. From the lookout point, you can see the pounding water rush out of the cave into the pool below.
12 Apostles
One of the most iconic sights on the Great Ocean Road is a fitting last stop for the penultimate day of your road trip! The Twelve Apostles are a collection of limestone stacks rising from the ocean, and one of the most photographed stops along the journey. Despite the original name, only seven of the stacks remain due to erosion from the elements – regardless, these seven are still a beautiful spectacle to take in.
At the Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre, there’s access to viewing platforms alongside some information about the geology of the Apostles and the surrounding natural landscape. The Gibson Steps also allow access to the beach, for viewing the Apostles from ground level.
Want to take in the grandeur of the 12 Apostles and the Great Ocean Road from above? Book a helicopter ride (from Apollo Bay) to see the stretching coastline, crashing waves and stunning formations on a truly epic scale.
Great Otway National Park
At around the halfway point between the start and end of the Great Ocean Road, clifftop views change to forest-lined roads as you make your way through Great Otway National Park. This 100,000 hectare area of nature actually stretches all the way down from Torquay, but aside from this point, you’ll mostly be driving alongside rather than through.
We didn’t have too much time on this itinerary to explore in depth, however we did choose accommodation right in the middle of the forest – and were rewarded with plenty of koala sightings! If you’re staying close by, you can climb to the top of Cape Otway Lightstation.
Where to stay on the Great Ocean Road
Camping/Cabins: I cannot recommend Bimbi Park enough as your final place to stay on the Great Ocean Road. We’d had absolutely rubbish luck seeing koalas in the wild on our trip, but within minutes of parking up here, we saw a few other campers crowded around a tree, with our very first wild koala sighting clinging right above our heads!
During our overnight stay, we saw eight koalas – including a mum and baby! Bimbi Park is a gorgeous, forest campground with great amenities. It also offers cabins and even retro style caravan accommodation, so no campervan = no excuse!
Accommodation: Most accommodation in Great Otway immerses you into the magic of the forest. If you’re looking for something more town-centric (or Bimbi Park is booked up), head a little further to Apollo Bay for plenty of accommodation options including YHA Apollo Bay (hostel), Great Ocean Road Brewhouse or Coastal Motel.
Day 7: Great Ocean Road to Melbourne
Drive time: 3hrs 30mins
Essential things to do: Bay of Islands, Bay of Martyrs, London Bridge, 12 Apostles, Great Otway National Park
While the eastern section of the Great Ocean Road doesn’t have quite as much rock architecture to marvel at, it makes up for it in scenic driving and charming seaside towns. Take your time following the road as it hugs the cliffside, taking in sweeping coastline views and stopping at lookout points and towns along the way.
Apollo Bay
Apollo Bay is the first of a few towns we visited along the Great Ocean Road drive, and probably the most picturesque. With a sweeping beach and charming main street, it’s the ideal place to grab breakfast (or lunch) before continuing your journey.
Make sure you check out the little gift shops to pick up a Great Ocean Road souvenir!
Kennett River Koala Walk
If you have time to factor this into your day’s drive and haven’t had your fill of koalas yet, stop off at Kennett River to explore the Koala Walk, which takes around 20-30 minutes to complete.
Lorne
Lorne is a classic Australian seaside town along the Great Ocean Road with a lively beach and pier. If you haven’t filled up on lunch yet, there are plenty of places to eat and boutiques to explore. Teddy’s Lookout offers clifftop views of the Saint George River as it meets the ocean.
Make sure you allow some time to drop into the Great Ocean Road Story museum. It’s free to enter, and we learned about the history of the road, with some fascinating accounts its the construction.
Torquay
Torquay was our final stop on the way towards Melbourne, where the environment began to feel more built up and populous again.
We didn’t actually spend too long here, but we took a nice walk along the coastline before heading into the town to get some chips! If you’ve got time at the end of your drive, you can dig in to Australia’s classic pastime at the Australian National Surfing Museum, or watch locals catch some afternoon waves at Torquay Surf Beach.
Melbourne
From Torquay, it’s around another hour to an hour and a half to get to your final destination, Melbourne. I won’t go into detail here as I have a whole guide to Melbourne including a two-day Melbourne itinerary, which you should definitely check out if you’re planning the next part of your trip!
So there you go – seven days to check out one of my personal highlights of visiting Australia, ticking off a bucket list drive and visiting some incredible places!
