Melbourne to Adelaide Fun 5-Day Road Trip

Looking for an epic road trip to do in Australia? Check out this 5-day journey from Melbourne to Adelaide! Starting in the cultural heart and soul of Victoria, this route winds its way from Melbourne, past the beauty of the Great Ocean Road, alongside the grandiose Umpherston Sinkhole in Mt Gambier, via the salty Pool Of Siloam and many other top Australian attractions, before finishing in the charming city oasis of Adelaide. Traversing over 1100 km in five days, this itinerary is full of beautiful scenery, top Australian attractions, and plenty of places to stop and eat along the way!

Whether you are backpacking in a campervan, solo travelling or simply just excited to try a little van life, this five-day adventure is the perfect Victoria to South Australia itinerary to experience it all. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

How long does it take to drive from Melbourne to Adelaide along the Great Ocean Road?

While a direct route may be slightly shorter, the Great Ocean Road is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia, making it the perfect addition to this itinerary. The drive from Melbourne to Adelaide along the Great Ocean Road takes about 10 hours. As such, if you want to really experience all that the Great Ocean Road has to offer, five days is the perfect amount of time to experience it all.

Travel

5 days


Route

Melbourne to Adelaide

1186km


Best Time of the Year

All year round

Highlights

  • Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre
  • Bells Beach
  • Umpherston Sink Hole
  • Coorong National Park

The Journey

Days

1 2 3 4 5

Tourism Australia Image Gallery

Day 1
Melbourne to Lorne

Distance 141km - Driving Time 2 hours 15 minutes

Once you have arrived in Melbourne, your first stop is to pick up your campervan from the Mighty Melbourne branch. There is plenty to see and do in Melbourne, so if you like, spend a few hours exploring the city before hitting the road. Then, it's time to head west! The first leg of your trip takes you along the Great Ocean Road to the seaside town of Lorne. This scenic drive is one of Australia's most popular, and for good reason. The first stop along the way is in Geelong for a wander and check out the Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre, where you can learn about Aboriginal history in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.

Next up, make a little stop in Torquay. This charming little seaside town is best known for its laid-back charm, great eateries and the famed Bells Beach. While you’re here, be sure to jump in and enjoy the surf, or simply marvel at the surfers down below from the cliffside platforms - it's quite a sight. Once you’re back on the road, all that's left to do is to sit back and enjoy the scenic drive along the first stretch of the Great Ocean Road. If you are still feeling energised once you arrive in Lorne, hit the beach for a paddle or head to Jebbs Pool Swimming hole for a dip. Then settle in at camp for the night.

Where to stay: Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park.

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Day 2
Lorne to Port Fairy via the Great Ocean Road

Distance 230km - Driving Time 3 hours 35 minutes

Wake up and grab a bite to eat at the popular Bottle of Milk cafe in Lorne. This little hole-in-the-wall offers a range of delectable breakfast options, from goat's cheese-stuffed mushrooms and pancake stacks to quick bites and coffee. Once you have had your fill, it’s time to get on the road. The first stop on the itinerary today is to explore the Great Otway National Park. Tucked away a little north of the coast, this stunning park is home to waterfalls, rainforests and plenty of wildlife. While here, be sure to stop by the iconic Redwoods Forest. This remarkable forest is filled with the world's tallest tree species - the Californian Redwoods - that tower at a staggering 60 meters above these fertile soils!

After a bite to eat for lunch, jump back in your campervan and wind back towards the coastline for the ultimate iconic Great Ocean Road stop: the 12 Apostles. These huge limestone stacks are a must-see in this region. Along this stretch, you will also find the infinite beauty of Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge and Gibson Steps - all offering a unique angle and perspective of these precariously balanced rock formations.

End the afternoon by driving to Port Fairy. Here you can enjoy a leisurely walk along the wharf and check out the Griffiths Island Lighthouse before checking into your campsite for the night.

Where to stay when you arrive: Gardens Caravan Park.

Tourism Australia Image Gallery

Day 3
Port Fairy to Beachport

Distance 250km - Driving Time 2 hours 55 minutes

After a restful night's sleep in your van, you'll be ready to hit the road again and continue your travels crossing into South Australia. After leaving Port Fairy, the next stop on your road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide is the quaint coastal town of Beachport. On the way, stop and stretch your legs in Mt Gambier at the Umpherston Sinkhole. This limestone cavern is a beautiful natural wonder that you won't want to miss. Filled with stunning greenery, don’t forget to bring your camera to capture this unique landmark. While in town, you can also enjoy a hike to the famous Blue Lake, where you'll get sweeping views of the surrounding landscape and marvel at the vivid blues of this lake.

Once you arrive in Beachport, spend some time exploring its stunning beaches and crystal blue waters. Take a stroll along the jetty or relax by the Pool Of Siloam. This unique pool is said to be seven times saltier than the sea and provides a very buoyant experience - no floaties required!

Where to stay when you arrive: Beachport Caravan Park.

Tourism Australia Image Gallery

Day 4
Beachport to Victor Harbour

Distance 398km - Driving Time 4 hours 25 minutes

Looking for a unique travel experience on your road trip through Australia? Then buckle up for day four of this Melbourne to Adelaide road trip! After enjoying a leisurely breakfast in your campervan, it's time to hit the road. Along the way, stop at Coorong National Park along the way from Beachport to Victor Harbour. Located just a few hours' drive away, Coorong National Park is home to some of Australia's most stunning natural landscapes, from pristine beaches and sand dunes to marshes and wetlands.

Next, stop in at Langhorne Creek and try some of the local wines. With its warm climate and fertile soil, this region produces some of Australia's best vintages, perfect for pairing with a delicious meal at one of the local wineries. Once you arrive in Victor Harbor, explore the area by taking a ride on the scenic horse-drawn tramway or visiting the penguin colony along Granite Island. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, there truly is something for everyone in this beautiful coastal town.

Where to stay when you arrive: NRMA Victor Harbor Beachfront Holiday Park.

Tourism Australia Image Gallery

Day 5
Victor Harbour to Adelaide via Cape Jervis

Distance 167km - Driving Time 2 hours 20 minutes

Today marks the last day of this road trip and so be sure to make the most of it. Get an early start to the day with a drive to take a walk around Deep Creek National Park. Just 40-minutes from Victor Harbour, this stunning natural oasis is home to some of the region's most breathtaking views of Kangaroo Island. An early start will ensure you have plenty of time to enjoy the scenic walk along the park's trails through lush forests and past cascading waterfalls. As you make your way through the park, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas - there are plenty to be found! Then it’s time to drive north into the vibrant city oasis of Adelaide.

Once you arrive in Adelaide, be sure to check out the city's bustling Adelaide Central Market. This is one of the largest undercover markets in the southern hemisphere and a must-do! Here you'll find everything from local crafts and artisanal foods to hand-painted artwork, and local produce. Then, spend the afternoon checking out the city's many museums, art galleries, botanic gardens, beaches and shopping experiences.

From here you can choose to end your trip and return your camper to the Adelaide Mighty branch. Not quite ready to end the trip? Why not loop back to Melbourne and take an inland route or keep exploring north towards the Northern Territory or across the bite towards Western Australia? The opportunities are endless.

Does this campervan itinerary look good to you?

So there you have it, the ultimate Melbourne to Adelaide road trip! Five days is the perfect amount of time to explore everything this great region has to offer. From world-famous wine country and stunning coastal drives to unique cultural experiences, this is easily one of the best road trips from Melbourne. And what better way to experience all this than in a comfortable and convenient campervan?

Ready to experience this iconic road trip for yourself? Book your Mighty campervan today and start planning your own adventure! For more tips on your upcoming campervan trip, such as top tips for a cheap campervan trip, check out the Mighty blog.