Traverse the distinctive coastlines of Victoria and South Australia with our full Melbourne to Adelaide drive itinerary!
To drive or to fly from Melbourne to Adelaide?
Highway journeys from Melbourne to Adelaide provide the likelihood to decelerate and soak within the native tradition and pure wonders of Southern Australia.
Although a flight is faster and simpler, highway journeys are one of the simplest ways to discover Australia.
From seeing Nice Ocean Highway highlights just like the Twelve Apostles and the Cape Otway Lighthouse, to exploring South Australia’s offshore islands, highway journeys via this part of Australia are breathtaking.
There are lush nationwide parks, idyllic seashores, and wildlife galore. Pattern native wines in Bellarine Peninsula, Mount Gambier, Kangaroo Island, and McLaren Vale. Admire distant views as you highway journey via small cities and non-touristy areas.
A highway journey alongside Australia’s coast means that you can actually immerse your self within the panorama and see issues extra clearly. So get able to get pleasure from two of Australia’s most unimaginable cities with our Melbourne to Adelaide highway journey itinerary!
Are you able to drive from Melbourne to Adelaide in a day?
You may simply drive from Melbourne to Adelaide in a day in case you take the shorter inland route versus the coastal route.
In case you drive direct from Melbourne to Adelaide on the quickest route, it takes roughly 8.5 hours and covers 732km. That is the inland route, which is barely quicker than the coastal route.
Nonetheless, a lot of the magnificence lies alongside the coast! So we suggest spending not less than 3 days for highway journeys between the 2 cities. This feature is nearer to 11 hours, give or take just a few hours relying what number of detours and stops you are taking.
However to spend an honest period of time in every location we embrace under, it’s your decision as much as every week for this journey! The coastal drive is full of superb issues to see and do, so the extra time you’ve got, the higher.
Vital Word! Earlier than you ebook any worldwide journey, we truthfully suggest getting journey insurance coverage. You by no means know when issues will go flawed, and medical payments can add up rapidly in case you get sick or injure your self abroad.
Our private suggestion based mostly on our personal expertise is World Nomads.
Is the drive from Melbourne to Adelaide price it?
Although it’s a lot faster to fly from Melbourne to Adelaide, selecting to drive is unquestionably price it if in case you have some free time and also you need to discover the charming shoreline and countryside of southern Australia.
Many individuals who go to Melbourne need to drive the Nice Ocean Highway, and this epic highway journey combines these highlights with different landmarks on the best way to Adelaide.
So if you wish to decelerate your journey and expertise the wonders of rural and coastal Australia, a Melbourne to Adelaide highway journey is a incredible concept!
Plan extra Aussie highway journeys with our Adelaide to Darwin highway journey itinerary!
Is it protected to drive from Adelaide to Melbourne?
The drive from Adelaide to Melbourne is protected, so long as you drive responsibly and keep away from driving the automotive at night time. The roads are largely sealed and marked with clear indicators, and also you don’t want a 4WD to finish the highway journey.
Simply be sure to drive safely for your complete highway journey! Take breaks while you’re drained and at all times observe the pace limits.
This highway journey takes you on some rural roads the place wildlife is widespread. Keep away from driving your automotive at daybreak, nightfall, and after darkish, as that is when wildlife is most energetic.
It’s additionally price packing some restoration gear within the automotive, and having contact info for roadside help. You by no means know what can go flawed on a highway journey, from a flat tire to automotive malfunctions to operating out of gasoline. You’ll save heaps of stress if in case you have some useful instruments able to go in an emergency.
However this highway journey is kind of protected and simple, with stops each couple of hours. It’s not like driving via Australia’s Outback the place telephone sign is weak and the roads stretch on for ages! There may be a lot of civilization alongside the best way and telephone reception in case you do must name roadside help.
Melbourne to Adelaide Drive Itinerary
Right here is your Melbourne to Adelaide drive itinerary! This information might be modified nevertheless you want to fit your schedule and journey model.
Begin your journey in Melbourne, the place you may hire a automotive and spend a while within the metropolis earlier than you set off alongside the Nice Ocean Highway and proceed up into South Australia.
You too can do the highway journey in reverse, if you wish to begin in Adelaide and end the drive in Melbourne. Automotive leases are simple to seek out in each cities.
The easiest way to get round is to hire a automotive and discover by yourself! We suggest Rental Automobiles, which has the biggest vary of automobiles for the most effective worth available on the market.
Melbourne
Earlier than you set off in your drive, think about spending just a few days in Melbourne. This vibrant metropolis has a lot to supply, from museums and galleries to nightlife and a thriving cafe tradition.
Highlights of Melbourne embrace the laneways adorned with world-class road artwork, the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Nationwide Gallery of Victoria, and sightseeing on the Yarra River.
Meals lovers can take a look at the enduring Queen Victoria Market, sports activities followers can tour the Melbourne Cricket Floor, and seaside lovers can head right down to St. Kilda for some golden sand.
Town is filled with quirky cafes, cool rooftop bars, intriguing structure, and fantastically landscaped parks.
You don’t want a automotive to get round Melbourne, as there are useful trams and buses for navigating the town streets. When it’s time to begin driving from Melbourne to Adelaide, you may decide up your rental automotive and hit the highway!
Take a look at our final Melbourne itinerary for inspiration!
Geelong
- Distance from Melbourne: 74km
- Driving time: 1 hour and half-hour
Driving from Melbourne in the direction of Adelaide, you’ll be taking the route alongside the coast as its way more scenic! Your first cease is Geelong, which is just one.5 hours away from downtown Melbourne.
Geelong is a picturesque Victorian metropolis that blends city appeal and pure magnificence.
Stroll alongside the beautiful Waterfront, the place you’ll discover the enduring Bollard Path, a Ferris wheel, and loads of cafes providing seaside views.
Artwork and historical past fans can discover the Geelong Gallery or the Nationwide Wool Museum, whereas nature lovers can enterprise to the close by Bellarine Peninsula for its wineries, sandy seashores, and coastal strolling trails.
For family-friendly enjoyable, the Geelong Botanic Gardens and Journey Park are best spots to go to. A sizzling air balloon trip over Geelong can also be a preferred exercise, the place you get sweeping views of the Bellarine Peninsula and Port Phillip Bay.
With its relaxed vibe, thriving meals scene, and proximity to the Nice Ocean Highway, Geelong makes for an unforgettable vacation spot.
Torquay
- Distance from Geelong: 22km
- Driving time: half-hour
Your subsequent cease is Torquay, the gateway to the Nice Ocean Highway. Those that love beautiful seashores and epic surf breaks can be in heaven right here!
Famend because the birthplace of iconic surf manufacturers like Rip Curl and Quiksilver, Torquay is house to the world-famous Bells Seaside, a hotspot for worldwide browsing competitions. Whether or not you need to surf, swim, or simply admire, Bells Seaside is a must-see within the space!
Guests may also immerse themselves in surf tradition on the Australian Nationwide Browsing Museum or benefit from the golden sands and clear waters of Torquay’s family-friendly seashores.
Past the waves, the city provides scenic coastal walks, such because the Surf Coast Stroll, and an exquisite native meals scene that includes beachfront cafes and gourmand eating places. Torquay can also be a hotspot for journey actions like skydiving and surf classes.
When you’re prepared to maneuver on, proceed in your final highway journey! You’re coming into the Nice Ocean Highway now, so drive mindfully and take loads of stops to soak within the views on Victoria’s most well-known drive.
Apollo Bay
- Distance from Torquay: 93km
- Driving time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
This charming seaside city is a quintessential cease on any highway journey alongside the Nice Ocean Highway.
There’s a bustling principal road the place you may seize a espresso or lunch. Simply steps away lies Apollo Bay Seaside the place you may go for a swim or simply dip your toes within the sand and take a break from being within the automotive.
Simply subsequent to Apollo Bay lies the luxurious rainforests and wildlife of Nice Otway Nationwide Park. Earlier than persevering with in your highway journey to Adelaide, think about spending just a few hours exploring this attractive nationwide park.
You may go to waterfalls, do some pretty hikes, and admire the Cape Otway Lighthouse that overlooks the Southern Ocean.
After having fun with some downtime in Apollo Bay and Nice Otway Nationwide Park, proceed in your highway journey. Or in case you wished to decelerate and spend the night time someplace on the Nice Ocean Highway, Apollo Bay is a beautiful alternative. There are many inns within the space!
Twelve Apostles
- Distance from Apollo Bay: 85km
- Driving time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Although you’ve most likely handed numerous beautiful lookouts in your Nice Ocean Highway drive, the Twelve Apostles is one which completely can’t be missed.
This assortment of majestic limestone stacks rises dramatically from the Southern Ocean on Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast, and is one in all Australia’s most iconic pure landmarks.
In case you can, attempt to time your go to to the Twelve Apostles at dawn or sundown, as that is when the lighting is most magical. There are some clifftop strolling trails that supply extra unimaginable views close to the Twelve Apostles as effectively.
After leaving the Twelve Apostles, you’ll be heading to Port Campbell. However it is a beautiful part of the Nice Ocean Highway, so make as many stops as you need alongside the best way! Loch Ard Gorge and the Razorback are just some of the rugged rock formations you will discover on this magnificent stretch of shoreline.
Port Campbell
- Distance from Twelve Apostles: 11km
- Driving time: 10 minutes
Port Campbell is one other quaint village alongside Victoria’s Nice Ocean Highway.
Nestled throughout the rugged fantastic thing about Port Campbell Nationwide Park, the city is simply minutes from landmarks just like the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and London Arch.
Its tranquil bay, framed by cliffs, provides a protected haven for swimming, fishing, and stress-free walks alongside the shore. Guests can benefit from the city’s cozy cafes, boutique outlets, and native seafood, whereas the close by scenic trails present breathtaking coastal views.
Although many travellers deal with Port Campbell as only a thoroughfare on their Nice Ocean Highway drive, it’s one other handy place to spend the night time in case you wished to interrupt up the drive. There are some small inns, motels, caravan parks, and campgrounds in Port Campbell.
While you’re able to proceed in the direction of Adelaide, think about stopping off on the Bay or Martyrs and the Bay of Islands lookouts simply previous Port Campbell. They’re attractive!
Port Fairy
- Distance from Port Campbell: 89km
- Driving time: 1 hour and quarter-hour
One other worthwhile place to cease on highway journeys from Melbourne to Adelaide is Port Fairy, and it’s simply over a one hour drive to get right here from Port Campbell. Situated close to the top of Victoria’s Nice Ocean Highway, Port Fairy is understood for its historical past and appeal.
The city as Nineteenth-century bluestone cottages, heritage-listed buildings, and a bustling wharf. Guests can discover Griffiths Island, house to a historic lighthouse and a colony of shearwater birds, or loosen up on the sandy seashores excellent for swimming and browsing.
You probably have time to spare in your highway journey, you may drive about an hour inland from Port Fairy and discover Grampians Nationwide Park!
This is without doubt one of the most attractive and wild nationwide parks in Victoria. Although it’s going to add just a few hours of driving and extra actions to your Melbourne to Adelaide drive, it’s undoubtedly price it if in case you have time.
Highlights of Grampians Nationwide Park to finish if in case you have time embrace the Pinnacle Climbing Path, MacKenzie Falls, Reeds Lookout, Boroka Lookout, and the city of Halls Hole.
In case you’re not heading into the Grampians, simply get pleasure from Port Fairy for just a few hours or a day after which proceed in your journey to South Australia!
Discover extra superb treks with our information to climbing in Australia.
Mount Gambier
- Distance from Port Fairy: 154km
- Driving time: 2 hours
Cross the border from Victoria into South Australia and put together for extra adventures!
Cease in Mount Gambier, situated in South Australia’s Limestone Coast area. Town is house to the beautiful Blue Lake, which transforms right into a vivid cobalt blue throughout summer season.
Apart from the well-known Blue Lake, Mount Gambier has different pure wonders. Discover the unimaginable Umpherston Sinkhole, a sunken backyard crammed with lush greenery and hanging vines. Or go to the mysterious caves and underground waterways at Engelbrecht Cave.
Journey seekers can get pleasure from diving at Piccaninnie Ponds or wandering via the volcanic landscapes of Mount Schank. Mount Gambier additionally boasts wealthy historical past, charming native wineries, and a vibrant arts scene. If you wish to keep in a single day, there are many reasonably priced inns in Mount Gambier as effectively.
Mount Gambier is an unimaginable journey vacation spot in South Australia that is still off the most important vacationer path in Australia. Uncover this superb place for your self on highway journeys Down Underneath!
Gown
- Distance from Mount Gambier: 131km
- Driving time: 1 hour and half-hour
Subsequent in your journey is Gown, one other spotlight of the Limestone Coast.
Identified for its pristine seashores, together with the favored Lengthy Seaside the place you may drive proper onto the sand, Gown is ideal for swimming, browsing, and fishing.
Stroll via the city’s historic streets, lined with Nineteenth-century limestone cottages and boutique outlets, or go to the enduring Cape Dombey Obelisk, perched on rugged cliffs overlooking the ocean.
Foodies can feast on Gown’s recent seafood, significantly the well-known native crayfish, paired with wines from close by Coonawarra.
With its relaxed vibe, coastal magnificence, and wealthy heritage, Gown is an idyllic spot for a seaside getaway. Spend a day or two right here, or simply cease via for a swim as you proceed in your epic journey.
Victor Harbour
- Distance from Gown: 354km
- Driving time: 4 hours
About 4 hours from Gown lies Victor Harbor, a preferred spot to cease on highway journeys to Adelaide. Victor Harbor is a picturesque coastal city on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula.
The city is known for Granite Island, house to a bit of penguin colony and accessible by a historic horse-drawn tram or a scenic causeway stroll. Seal Island is one other close by attraction that has its personal inhabitants of seals and sea lions. View each islands on a scenic boat tour from Victor Harbor.
Whale watching is superb right here through the winter months, as southern proper whales migrate proper alongside the shoreline. Even in case you’re not right here throughout whale season, you may nonetheless spot dolphins, seals, and different marine life on a boat cruise from city.
Victor Harbor additionally boasts charming cafes, native markets, and close by wineries, making it an ideal mix of leisure and journey. Be taught in regards to the native historical past, structure, tradition, and wildlife on a guided strolling tour!
Kangaroo Island
- Distance from Victor Harbour: 80km
- Driving time: 2 hours
Although Kangaroo Island is a well-liked day journey from Adelaide, you would possibly as effectively go to this location whilst you’re on highway journeys alongside the coast. From Victor Harbor, it’s a a lot shorter journey to the island than in case you had been to depart from Adelaide.
So drive from Victor Harbour to Cape Jervis and get the ferry over to Kangaroo Island. When you’re right here, you may discover the well-known island at your individual tempo and admire the fantastic wildlife!
This island sanctuary is house to iconic Australian animals, together with kangaroos, koalas, sea lions, and echidnas, thriving of their pure habitats.
Apart from recognizing wildlife, remember to take a look at the wonders of Flinders Chase Nationwide Park, together with the epic viewpoints of the Outstanding Rocks and Admirals Arch.
Meals and wine lovers can cample native delicacies like recent oysters, Ligurian honey, and premium wines. After having fun with Kangaroo Island, hop again within the automotive and return to the mainland. It’s roughly 3 hours to achieve the CBD of Adelaide!
Discover issues to do on Kangaroo Island with our epic information!
Adelaide
- Distance from Kangaroo Island: 127km
- Driving time: 3 hours
You’ve completed one of the lovely highway journeys in Australia! Upon arriving in Adelaide, you’re most likely able to get out of the automotive and benefit from the metropolis.
Fortunately, there may be a lot to do in Adelaide! Town has unimaginable markets, gardens, and eateries. There are museums galore, enjoyable festivals, and plenty of superb day journeys to surrounding nature.
Adelaide can also be surrounded by a number of world-class wine areas, together with McLaren Vale and the Barossa Valley. Remember to take a day journey out to the vineyards, admire the rolling hills, and do some tastings at award profitable wineries on this beautiful a part of South Australia! Most of them are solely an hour from the town.
No matter you select to do in Adelaide, you’re most likely thrilled to have accomplished such a rewarding highway journey!
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