Melbourne to Adelaide: A 5 Day Coastal Road Trip

A Journey Along the Legendary Coastal Route
Melbourne
TO 
Adelaide
742
 km
Distance
5
DAYS
Calculate trip fuel cost
Last updated on 
July 21, 2023

Embark on a captivating journey from Melbourne to Adelaide with our comprehensive road trip guide. As you traverse through some of Australia's most picturesque landscapes, from bustling urban centers to serene coastal towns, we provide detailed insights and stops to make your adventure unforgettable. With everything from cultural highlights to cozy accommodation spots, this guide promises a trip that's more than just reaching your destination.

Melbourne
Melbourne, the artsy capital of Victoria, is renowned for its coffee culture, laneway art, and sports enthusiasm.
Highlights

Explore the cultural hub of Federation Square.

Attend events at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Discover hidden treasures in the city's famous laneways.

Accomodation in 
Melbourne
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Day 1: Melbourne

No driving today.

Morning: Begin in the cosmopolitan heart of Melbourne. Visit Federation Square, an urban hub teeming with art, culture, and cafes. Wander through the Royal Botanic Gardens, an oasis amidst the city bustle.

Afternoon: Explore the labyrinthine laneways of Melbourne, each revealing unique street art, boutiques, and coffee shops. Take a tram ride down to the vibrant St Kilda to experience the seaside.

Evening: Savor a meal in the bustling Southbank, with the city lights shimmering over the Yarra River.

Day 2: Melbourne to Apollo Bay

Driving Time: 3 hours

The beach at Apollo Bar

Morning: Start the coastal drive adventure, with surf beaches and scenic viewpoints beckoning at every turn.

Afternoon: Stop by Bells Beach, a world-renowned surfing destination. By the time you reach Lorne, plunge into the cascading Erskine Falls nestled amidst a lush rainforest setting.

Evening: The journey to Apollo Bay offers spectacular ocean vistas. The town itself is a seafood paradise, perfect for dinner by the bay.

Stay: Nestle into a beachfront cottage, listening to the ocean's rhythmic symphony.

Day 3: Apollo Bay to Port Fairy

Driving Time: 3 hours

Morning: Drive through the Otway Rainforest. Marvel at the ancient trees and vibrant fern gullies. Consider a detour to the Otway Fly Treetop Adventures for a canopy walk.

Afternoon: Witness the sheer majesty of the Twelve Apostles, limestone pillars rising from the sea. Take in the sweeping views from the various lookout points and boardwalks.

Evening: Continue along the rugged Shipwreck Coast, eventually reaching the historic fishing village of Port Fairy.

Stay: Opt for a boutique bed & breakfast, relishing in old-world charm.

The Crags, Port Fairy

Day 4: Port Fairy to Robe

Driving Time: 3.5 hours

Morning: Explore the quaint streets of Port Fairy, with colonial buildings narrating tales of yore. Visit Griffith Island for a serene morning walk.

Afternoon: Head towards the volcanic landscapes of Mount Gambier. The mesmerizing Blue Lake, with its vivid cobalt blue hue, is a sight to behold.

Evening: As you drive into Robe, the town’s maritime history comes alive in its historic buildings and lighthouses.

Stay: Choose a seaside villa, letting the waves whisper tales of the deep blue.

Day 5: Robe to Adelaide

Driving Time: 4 hours (including ferry)

Morning: Make your way to Adelaide with a pit stop in Coonawarra, renowned for its Cabernet Sauvignon. Visit the Rymill Coonawarra winery for a taste of the region's best.

Afternoon: Upon reaching Adelaide, stroll through the Adelaide Botanic Garden, before ending your trip with a sumptuous dinner at Africola, which offers a unique blend of African flavours.

Highlights
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Highlights
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Adelaide
Adelaide is South Australia's coastal capital, celebrated for its arts scene, world-class wine regions, and historic architecture.
Highlights

Explore the bustling Adelaide Central Market.

Stroll through the Adelaide Botanic Garden.

Visit the renowned Barossa Valley wineries.

Accomodation in 
Adelaide
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