Looking for an unforgettable road trip from Melbourne to trendy Adelaide? Whether you’re a first-time road tripper or a seasoned explorer, we’ve got you covered! Pack your snacks, charge your camera, and buckle up—this is your ultimate guide to a smooth, fun, and scenic drive through some of Australia’s most stunning landscapes.
Day 1: Melbourne → 12 Apostles → Mount Gambier
Morning
We kicked off our trip by taking the M1 Freeway from Melbourne toward the world-famous 12 Apostles. It’s a 3-hour drive, so we planned a few stops at service stations and charming country towns along the way to stretch our legs.
12 Apostles & Surroundings
Arriving at 12:15 PM, we started with the “Secret Lookout”—a lesser-known spot offering breathtaking views.
Then, we took the short walk to Gibson Steps, where the dramatic cliffs meet the pristine beach. The fresh coastal air was invigorating, and the 12 Apostles themselves? Just wow. The rugged beauty is even better in person.
From there, we explored more gems along the Great Ocean Road:
London Bridge: A natural rock formation with a fascinating history.
The Grotto: A peaceful, photogenic spot.
Bay of Martyrs & Bay of Islands: Coastal vistas that feel untouched by time.
Evening in Mount Gambier
By 6 PM, we reached Mount Gambier, taking full advantage of daylight savings to visit two local wonders:
Umpherston Sinkhole: A sunken garden with magical vibes.
Blue Lake: A serene lake with vibrant, changing colors.
For the night, we stayed at Limestone Coast Tourist Park—a clean, cozy spot with all the essentials and great views.
Day 2: Mount Gambier → Coonawarra → Victor Harbor
Wine Time in Coonawarra
Wine lovers, rejoice! Just a short drive from Mount Gambier, the Coonawarra wine region delivered a scenic stretch of vineyards along the Riddoch Highway. We visited:
Koonara Wines
Patrick of Coonawarra
Balnaves of Coonawarra (our top pick for their fabulous "The Blend").
Onward to Victor Harbor
Heading toward Victor Harbor via the A8, the road provided picturesque countryside views. A hiccup with our car (a loose front plastic—ugh!) didn’t slow us down too much.
Crossing the Murray River at Wellington was a highlight, as we hopped on a free car ferry—a unique and fun experience.
Victor Harbor Adventures
We arrived at Victor Harbor in the evening, grabbed pizza from Nino’s, and checked into the Anchorage Seafront Hotel. Bonus points for the bathtub—it was perfect for unwinding after a long day!
Day 3: Victor Harbor → Adelaide
Morning Walk on Granite Island
We started the day with a walk around Granite Island, connected to Victor Harbor by a causeway. The coastal views were stunning, and we learned about the island’s dwindling little penguin population—a sobering yet fascinating fact. We also spotted the historic horse-drawn tramway, which added a nostalgic touch.
Onward to Adelaide
From Victor Harbor, it was just a 1-hour drive to Adelaide. After some parking struggles in the city, we checked into Miller Apartments, our favorite accommodation of the trip. The apartment’s full kitchen and central location were a dream.
Dinner at Jack & Jill’s Bar and Restaurant was the perfect way to end the day. The highlights? A refreshing Jill’s cocktail and the flavorful BBQ Barramundi.
Day 4: Adelaide → Hahndorf → Pink Lake → Melbourne
A Taste of Germany in Hahndorf
On our way back to Melbourne, we made a must-stop at Hahndorf, a quaint German-inspired town. The atmosphere was delightful, and we couldn’t resist grabbing fudge from the local sweets shop and fresh sandwiches from the bakery.
Pink Lake Pit Stop
Further along the drive, we visited Pink Lake, a salty, otherworldly marvel. It’s a quick stop, but the views make it totally worth it!
Home Sweet Home
After a few more stops for fuel and leg stretches, we rolled back into Melbourne around 8 PM, tired but buzzing from the adventure.
Final Thoughts
This Melbourne to Adelaide road trip is packed with natural wonders, charming towns, and memorable moments.
From the iconic 12 Apostles to wine tasting in Coonawarra and the cultural richness of Adelaide, there’s something for everyone on this journey.
Have you done this road trip or planning to? Share your tips and highlights in the comments below—we’d love to hear your stories!
Safe travels, and happy road-tripping! 🚗💨 #RoadTripAustralia #ExploreAustralia #MelbourneToAdelaide #GreatOceanRoad #12Apostles #MountGambier #Coonawarra #VictorHarbor #Hahndorf #TravelInspo
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