Traverse the unique coastlines of Victoria and South Australia with our complete Melbourne to Adelaide drive itinerary!
To drive or to fly from Melbourne to Adelaide?
Road trips from Melbourne to Adelaide give you the chance to slow down and soak in the local culture and natural wonders of Southern Australia.
Though a flight is quicker and easier, road trips are the best way to explore Australia.
From seeing Great Ocean Road highlights like the Twelve Apostles and the Cape Otway Lighthouse, to exploring South Australia’s offshore islands, road trips through this section of Australia are breathtaking.
There are lush national parks, idyllic beaches, and wildlife galore. Sample local wines in Bellarine Peninsula, Mount Gambier, Kangaroo Island, and McLaren Vale. Admire remote views as you road trip through small towns and non-touristy areas.
A road trip along Australia’s coast allows you to really immerse yourself in the landscape and see things more clearly. So get ready to enjoy two of Australia’s most incredible cities with our Melbourne to Adelaide road trip itinerary!
Drive past the Twelve Apostles and the Great Ocean Road on your way to Adelaide.
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Can you drive from Melbourne to Adelaide in a day?
You can easily drive from Melbourne to Adelaide in a day if you take the shorter inland route as opposed to the coastal route.
If you drive direct from Melbourne to Adelaide on the quickest route, it takes roughly 8.5 hours and covers 732km. This is the inland route, which is slightly faster than the coastal route.
However, most of the beauty lies along the coast! So we recommend spending at least 3 days for road trips between the two cities. This option is closer to 11 hours, give or take a few hours depending how many detours and stops you take.
But to spend a decent amount of time in each location we include below, you may want up to a week for this trip! The coastal drive is packed with amazing things to see and do, so the more time you have, the better.
Important Note! Before you book any international trip, we honestly recommend getting travel insurance. You never know when things will go wrong, and medical bills can add up quickly if you get sick or injure yourself overseas.
Our personal recommendation based on our own experience is World Nomads.
Is the drive from Melbourne to Adelaide worth it?
Though it’s much quicker to fly from Melbourne to Adelaide, choosing to drive is definitely worth it if you have some free time and you want to explore the charming coastline and countryside of southern Australia.
Many people who visit Melbourne want to drive the Great Ocean Road, and this epic road trip combines those highlights with other landmarks on the way to Adelaide.
So if you want to slow down your journey and experience the wonders of rural and coastal Australia, a Melbourne to Adelaide road trip is a fantastic idea!
Plan more Aussie road trips with our Adelaide to Darwin road trip itinerary!
Is it safe to drive from Adelaide to Melbourne?
The drive from Adelaide to Melbourne is safe, as long as you drive responsibly and avoid driving the car at night. The roads are mostly sealed and marked with clear signs, and you don’t need a 4WD to complete the road trip.
Just make sure you drive safely for the entire road trip! Take breaks when you’re tired and always follow the speed limits.
This road trip takes you on some rural roads where wildlife is common. Avoid driving your car at dawn, dusk, and after dark, as this is when wildlife is most active.
It’s also worth packing some recovery gear in the car, and having contact information for roadside assistance. You never know what can go wrong on a road trip, from a flat tire to car malfunctions to running out of fuel. You’ll save heaps of stress if you have some handy tools ready to go in an emergency.
But this road trip is quite safe and easy, with stops every couple of hours. It’s not like driving through Australia’s Outback where phone signal is weak and the roads stretch on for ages! There is lots of civilization along the way and phone reception if you do need to call roadside assistance.
Driving through Kangaroo Island, SA
Melbourne to Adelaide Drive Itinerary
Here is your Melbourne to Adelaide drive itinerary! This guide can be modified however you like to suit your schedule and travel style.
Start your adventure in Melbourne, where you can rent a car and spend some time in the city before you set off along the Great Ocean Road and continue up into South Australia.
You can also do the road trip in reverse, if you want to start in Adelaide and finish the drive in Melbourne. Car rentals are easy to find in both cities.
The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.
Melbourne
Before you set off on your drive, consider spending a few days in Melbourne. This vibrant city has so much to offer, from museums and galleries to nightlife and a thriving cafe culture.
Highlights of Melbourne include the laneways adorned with world-class street art, the Royal Botanic Gardens, the National Gallery of Victoria, and sightseeing on the Yarra River.
Food lovers can check out the iconic Queen Victoria Market, sports fans can tour the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and beach lovers can head down to St. Kilda for some golden sand.
The city is full of quirky cafes, cool rooftop bars, intriguing architecture, and beautifully landscaped parks.
You don’t need a car to get around Melbourne, as there are helpful trams and buses for navigating the city streets. When it’s time to start driving from Melbourne to Adelaide, you can pick up your rental car and hit the road!
Check out our ultimate Melbourne itinerary for inspiration!
Geelong
- Distance from Melbourne: 74km
- Driving time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Driving from Melbourne towards Adelaide, you’ll be taking the route along the coast as its much more scenic! Your first stop is Geelong, which is only 1.5 hours away from downtown Melbourne.
Geelong is a picturesque Victorian city that blends urban charm and natural beauty.
Stroll along the stunning Waterfront, where you’ll find the iconic Bollard Trail, a Ferris wheel, and plenty of cafes offering seaside views.
Art and history enthusiasts can explore the Geelong Gallery or the National Wool Museum, while nature lovers can venture to the nearby Bellarine Peninsula for its wineries, sandy beaches, and coastal walking trails.
For family-friendly fun, the Geelong Botanic Gardens and Adventure Park are ideal spots to visit. A hot air balloon ride over Geelong is also a popular activity, where you get sweeping views of the Bellarine Peninsula and Port Phillip Bay.
With its relaxed vibe, thriving food scene, and proximity to the Great Ocean Road, Geelong makes for an unforgettable destination.
Torquay
- Distance from Geelong: 22km
- Driving time: 30 minutes
Your next stop is Torquay, the gateway to the Great Ocean Road. Those who love stunning beaches and epic surf breaks will be in heaven here!
Renowned as the birthplace of iconic surf brands like Rip Curl and Quiksilver, Torquay is home to the world-famous Bells Beach, a hotspot for international surfing competitions. Whether you want to surf, swim, or just admire, Bells Beach is a must-see in the area!
Visitors can also immerse themselves in surf culture at the Australian National Surfing Museum or enjoy the golden sands and clear waters of Torquay’s family-friendly beaches.
Beyond the waves, the town offers scenic coastal walks, such as the Surf Coast Walk, and a wonderful local food scene featuring beachfront cafes and gourmet restaurants. Torquay is also a hotspot for adventure activities like skydiving and surf lessons.
Once you’re ready to move on, continue on your ultimate road trip! You’re entering the Great Ocean Road now, so drive mindfully and take plenty of stops to soak in the views on Victoria’s most famous drive.
Apollo Bay
- Distance from Torquay: 93km
- Driving time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
This charming seaside town is a quintessential stop on any road trip along the Great Ocean Road.
There is a bustling main street where you can grab a coffee or lunch. Just steps away lies Apollo Bay Beach where you can go for a swim or just dip your toes in the sand and take a break from being in the car.
Just next to Apollo Bay lies the lush rainforests and wildlife of Great Otway National Park. Before continuing on your road trip to Adelaide, consider spending a few hours exploring this gorgeous national park.
You can visit waterfalls, do some lovely hikes, and admire the Cape Otway Lighthouse that overlooks the Southern Ocean.
After enjoying some downtime in Apollo Bay and Great Otway National Park, continue on your road trip. Or if you wanted to slow down and spend the night somewhere on the Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay is a lovely choice. There are lots of hotels in the area!
Gorgeous coastal views in Apollo Bay
Twelve Apostles
- Distance from Apollo Bay: 85km
- Driving time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Though you’ve probably passed countless stunning lookouts on your Great Ocean Road drive, the Twelve Apostles is one that absolutely cannot be missed.
This collection of majestic limestone stacks rises dramatically from the Southern Ocean on Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast, and is one of Australia’s most iconic natural landmarks.
If you can, try to time your visit to the Twelve Apostles at sunrise or sunset, as this is when the lighting is most magical. There are some clifftop walking trails that offer more incredible views near the Twelve Apostles as well.
After leaving the Twelve Apostles, you’ll be heading to Port Campbell. But this is a stunning section of the Great Ocean Road, so make as many stops as you want along the way! Loch Ard Gorge and the Razorback are just a few of the rugged rock formations you can find on this magnificent stretch of coastline.
Port Campbell
- Distance from Twelve Apostles: 11km
- Driving time: 10 minutes
Port Campbell is another quaint village along Victoria’s Great Ocean Road.
Nestled within the rugged beauty of Port Campbell National Park, the town is just minutes from landmarks like the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and London Arch.
Its tranquil bay, framed by cliffs, offers a safe haven for swimming, fishing, and relaxing walks along the shore. Visitors can enjoy the town’s cozy cafes, boutique shops, and local seafood, while the nearby scenic trails provide breathtaking coastal views.
Though many travellers treat Port Campbell as just a thoroughfare on their Great Ocean Road drive, it’s another convenient place to spend the night if you wanted to break up the drive. There are some small hotels, motels, caravan parks, and campgrounds in Port Campbell.
When you’re ready to continue towards Adelaide, consider stopping off at the Bay or Martyrs and the Bay of Islands lookouts just past Port Campbell. They are gorgeous!
Port Fairy
- Distance from Port Campbell: 89km
- Driving time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Another worthwhile place to stop on road trips from Melbourne to Adelaide is Port Fairy, and it’s just over a one hour drive to get here from Port Campbell. Located near the end of Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, Port Fairy is known for its history and charm.
The town as 19th-century bluestone cottages, heritage-listed buildings, and a bustling wharf. Visitors can explore Griffiths Island, home to a historic lighthouse and a colony of shearwater birds, or relax on the sandy beaches perfect for swimming and surfing.
If you have time to spare on your road trip, you can drive about an hour inland from Port Fairy and explore Grampians National Park!
This is one of the most gorgeous and wild national parks in Victoria. Though it will add a few hours of driving and more activities to your Melbourne to Adelaide drive, it’s definitely worth it if you have time.
Highlights of Grampians National Park to complete if you have time include the Pinnacle Hiking Trail, MacKenzie Falls, Reeds Lookout, Boroka Lookout, and the town of Halls Gap.
If you’re not heading into the Grampians, just enjoy Port Fairy for a few hours or a day and then continue on your journey to South Australia!
Find more amazing treks with our guide to hiking in Australia.
Mount Gambier
- Distance from Port Fairy: 154km
- Driving time: 2 hours
Cross the border from Victoria into South Australia and prepare for more adventures!
Stop in Mount Gambier, located in South Australia’s Limestone Coast region. The city is home to the stunning Blue Lake, which transforms into a vivid cobalt blue during summer.
Aside from the famous Blue Lake, Mount Gambier has other natural wonders. Explore the incredible Umpherston Sinkhole, a sunken garden filled with lush greenery and hanging vines. Or visit the mysterious caves and underground waterways at Engelbrecht Cave.
Adventure seekers can enjoy diving at Piccaninnie Ponds or wandering through the volcanic landscapes of Mount Schank. Mount Gambier also boasts rich history, charming local wineries, and a vibrant arts scene. If you want to stay overnight, there are lots of affordable hotels in Mount Gambier as well.
Mount Gambier is an incredible adventure destination in South Australia that remains off the major tourist trail in Australia. Discover this amazing place for yourself on road trips Down Under!
Views of rural farmland from Mount Schank
Robe
- Distance from Mount Gambier: 131km
- Driving time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Next on your journey is Robe, another highlight of the Limestone Coast.
Known for its pristine beaches, including the popular Long Beach where you can drive right onto the sand, Robe is perfect for swimming, surfing, and fishing.
Stroll through the town’s historic streets, lined with 19th-century limestone cottages and boutique shops, or visit the iconic Cape Dombey Obelisk, perched on rugged cliffs overlooking the ocean.
Foodies can feast on Robe’s fresh seafood, particularly the famous local crayfish, paired with wines from nearby Coonawarra.
With its relaxed vibe, coastal beauty, and rich heritage, Robe is an idyllic spot for a seaside getaway. Spend a day or two here, or just stop through for a swim as you continue on your epic journey.
Victor Harbour
- Distance from Robe: 354km
- Driving time: 4 hours
About four hours from Robe lies Victor Harbor, a popular spot to stop on road trips to Adelaide. Victor Harbor is a picturesque coastal town on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula.
The town is famous for Granite Island, home to a little penguin colony and accessible by a historic horse-drawn tram or a scenic causeway walk. Seal Island is another nearby attraction that has its own population of seals and sea lions. View both islands on a scenic boat tour from Victor Harbor.
Whale watching is amazing here during the winter months, as southern right whales migrate right along the coastline. Even if you’re not here during whale season, you can still spot dolphins, seals, and other marine life on a boat cruise from town.
Victor Harbor also boasts charming cafes, local markets, and nearby wineries, making it a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Learn about the local history, architecture, culture, and wildlife on a guided walking tour!
Kangaroo Island
- Distance from Victor Harbour: 80km
- Driving time: 2 hours
Though Kangaroo Island is a popular day trip from Adelaide, you might as well visit this location while you’re on road trips along the coast. From Victor Harbor, it’s a much shorter journey to the island than if you were to depart from Adelaide.
So drive from Victor Harbour to Cape Jervis and get the ferry over to Kangaroo Island. Once you’re here, you can explore the famous island at your own pace and admire the wonderful wildlife!
This island sanctuary is home to iconic Australian animals, including kangaroos, koalas, sea lions, and echidnas, thriving in their natural habitats.
Aside from spotting wildlife, be sure to check out the wonders of Flinders Chase National Park, including the epic viewpoints of the Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch.
Food and wine lovers can cample local delicacies like fresh oysters, Ligurian honey, and premium wines. After enjoying Kangaroo Island, hop back in the car and return to the mainland. It’s roughly 3 hours to reach the CBD of Adelaide!
Find things to do on Kangaroo Island with our epic guide!
Adelaide
- Distance from Kangaroo Island: 127km
- Driving time: 3 hours
You’ve finished one of the most beautiful road trips in Australia! Upon arriving in Adelaide, you’re probably ready to get out of the car and enjoy the city.
Luckily, there is so much to do in Adelaide! The city has incredible markets, gardens, and eateries. There are museums galore, fun festivals, and lots of amazing day trips to surrounding nature.
Adelaide is also surrounded by multiple world-class wine regions, including McLaren Vale and the Barossa Valley. Be sure to take a day trip out to the vineyards, admire the rolling hills, and do some tastings at award winning wineries in this stunning part of South Australia! Most of them are only an hour from the city.
Whatever you choose to do in Adelaide, you’re probably thrilled to have completed such a rewarding road trip!
Get ready to experience the wonderful city of Adelaide!
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