posted on 19 November 2023
Planning a road trip from Adelaide to Melbourne? No matter which itinerary you choose, there’s a whole heap of things to see and fun places to explore along the way. Below are our top tips on making the most of your Adelaide to Melbourne drive, whether you’re looking to make a direct trip or spend a few days on the road.
From expert tips and driving advice to top stops and route options, this guide covers it all:
- An overview of the Adelaide to Melbourne drive
- What you need to know before you head off
- Choose your drive route: Adelaide to Melbourne road trip itineraries
- Top places to stop between Adelaide and Melbourne
- Frequently asked questions about the Adelaide to Melbourne drive
An overview of the Adelaide to Melbourne road trip
- Driving time: 8 hr 15 min
- Driving distance: 726.5km (direct)
- Route options:
- Direct, Inland Route (8 hr 15 min)
- Coastal Route (up to 5 days)
- Riverland Route (5 to 7 days)
The best time to drive from Adelaide to Melbourne
The drive from Adelaide to Melbourne is a relatively long one, so it’s best to drive during a time of year that’s most comfortable. In Australia, late Summer to early Autumn (February to May) is one of the best times to embark on a road trip, simply because of the typically mild weather conditions.
You’ll enjoy little humidity and no cyclones, and perhaps a dash of rain to keep things cool. Late Summer also means native flora is still in full bloom, and wild animals are out and about for you to see from afar.
By avoiding the peak summer season (December to January), you’ll be able to beat the crowds and congestion no the roads, too.
What you need to know before driving from Adelaide to Melbourne
The drive from Adelaide to Melbourne can take anywhere between nine hours and several days, depending on whether you’re looking to make pit stops to explore regional Australia. Whether you’re taking the direct route or spreading your trip over a number of days, there’s a few key things to know.
Adelaide to Melbourne road trip essentials
A memorable and comfortable road trip calls for the right equipment and gear. Here are a few essentials we suggest taking along with you on your drive from Adelaide to Melbourne:
- Camera: Whether it’s a disposable camera or a professional one, capture the scenic sights on your way from Adelaide to Melbourne with a couple of clear photos (of course, stop safely to use your camera). You’ll be travelling along the scenic Great Ocean Road, so there are sure to be many beautiful photo opportunities on your trip.
- Water: You never know when you can make a pit stop for water, so always carry a few bottles in the car to ensure you stay hydrated at all times (especially if you encounter an unexpected emergency, like a breakdown).
- Walking shoes: If you’re planning on exploring the national parks or bush trails along the way from Adelaide to Melbourne, walking shoes are a must. Not only do they make walking on dirt tracks much easier, but they also provide extra safety and grip so you don’t slip on any dry trails.
- Sunscreen: Australia’s UV rays are harsh, no matter if you’re in a car or outside. As long as there’s sunshine beaming on you, it’s a good idea to put on some sunscreen. Keep some in your car to make sure you’re always protected from skin-damaging sunrays.
- A car booked on Turo: Rent a car in Adelaide to make the most of your road trip – whether you want a luxury SUV, an electric car, a van or anything in between, find the perfect car on Turo and take your trip to the next level.
Petrol stations and EV chargers along the way
There are a few quick stops you can make along your drive from Adelaide to Melbourne for petrol or to charge your car. As a general rule of thumb, most major towns and regional centres will have petrol stations, so make sure to fill up when you get the chance.
Below are a few of the bigger petrol stations for you to make your stops:
- United Petroleum Murray Bridge on 155 Adelaide Rd, Murray Bridge, SA
- Ampol Keith on 2 Dukes Hwy, Keith, SA
- Shell on 60 North Terrace, Bordertown, SA
- bp on 4 Dimboola Rd, Horsham, VIC
- Ampol Foodary Beaufort on 74 Neill St, Beaufort, VIC
- EG Ampol Ballarat Central on 110 Humffray St, Bakery Hill, VIC
- Octane on 12/151 Gisborne Rd, Darley, VIC
Make sure to check the opening hours of these petrol and EV charging stations, as some may be closed depending on the time of night you’re travelling.
Staying safe during your road trip
Be aware of the driving rules in South Australia and Victoria, and practice safe driving at night when there may be wild animals out and about. Also, ensure that you’re prepared to drive the long distance and plan for some rest stops if necessary. Here’s a good rule to follow: for every two hours of driving, plan to stop for at least 15 minutes.
Expert tips and things to remember before you go
Keen on driving from Adelaide to Melbourne? Below are a few expert tips to remember:
- Plan out your road trip itinerary roughly before you go: Whether you’re simply stopping at petrol stations or planning on a 5-day road trip, it’s a good idea to have a rough sense of where you need to stop so you don’t get caught short on food or fuel while on the road.
- Pack all your essentials: Make sure you have everything you need to drive and travel comfortably for a couple of hours, such as food, water, sunscreen and even downloading your favourite playlist.
- Check the driving rules in each state: The driving regulations in South Australia and Victoria may vary slightly, so it’s important to do your research and ensure you’re driving according to the rules in each state.
Adelaide to Melbourne road trip itineraries
Ready to plan your Adelaide to Melbourne road trip? From the scenic coastal route to the speedy inland drive, here’s your complete guide to every way to tackle this multi-state drive.
Route 1: Direct, Inland Route
- Driving time: 8hr 15min
- Driving distance: 726.5km
- Must-see attractions: Bordertown (rest stop)
- Best for: The quickest route to Melbourne from Adelaide
By taking the direct inland route from Adelaide to Melbourne, you’ll arrive at your destination in less than a day. However, make sure you’re well rested and prepared to drive the long distance with water, food, and other essentials. Don’t hesitate to stop at petrol stations along the way to fuel up and rest if you need it.
Route 2: Coastal Route
- Driving time: up to 5 days
- Driving distance: 728km
- Day-by-day itinerary:
- Day 1: Victor Harbor
- Day 2: Coonawarra
- Day 3: Port Fairy
- Day 4: Lorne
- Must-see attractions: McLaren Vale wine region, Mount Gambier, Twelve Apostles
- Best for: Coastal views, quaint rural towns and the top tourist attractions
The coastal route from Adelaide to Melbourne incorporates the best of rural coastal South Australia with the scenic Great Ocean Road trip. Starting in Adelaide, you can take a quick 50-minute drive to McLaren Vale wine region, where you’ll see the beautiful Mount Compass and visit tasting galleries and heritage wine cellars in the area. Make sure to nominate a designated driver before making this pit stop!
After resting up, you can drive another 40 minutes to Victor Harbor, a seaside town best known for its horse-drawn tramway and link to Granite Island. You can ride the tram to see penguin colonies on Granite Island and even check out the breeding sanctuary at the nearby Encounter Bay. There are several luxury waterfront accommodations at Encounter Bay that you can stay a night in.
From Victor Harbor, you’ll drive four hours to reach Mount Gambier, close to the South Australian border. Mount Gambier sits on an ancient volcano and is circled by crater lakes such as Blue Lake. Known for its cobalt blue colour from December to March, Blue Lake is the perfect natural attraction to stop and see. You may also want to take the time to explore the majestic Umpherston Sinkhole which was formed by dissolved limestone.
Cross over the South Australian and Victorian border and head into Port Fairy, which is about a two-hour drive away. Here, you’ll be able to visit the photogenic Cape Nelson Lighthouse and challenge the Cape Bridgewater Seal Walk which takes you to a lookout among 650 Australian fur seals.
From this point on, you’ll want to follow the Great Ocean Road itinerary and head to Shipwreck Coast, where, as the name implies, you’ll see an unforgettable sight of 700 shipwrecks along the coastal bed. The nearby Warrnambool town is also famous for whale watching if you’re travelling between May and October. Then, you can drive another hour to see the Twelve Apostles located in the Southern Ocean. Just a stone’s throw away from the Twelve Apostles is also the Twelve Apostles National Park, Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge.
The final pit stop on this five-day road trip is Torquay, which is about a 2 hours’ drive from the Twelve Apostles. Torquay is a small place known as one of Australia’s best surfing towns and is home to Bells Beach. Bells Beach is a great surfing beach for professionals and amateurs alike, with several surfing academies nearby for you to book a class with.
Melbourne is only an hour and a half’s drive away from Torquay, so be sure to make the most of your time at this brilliant coastal town before your road trip comes to an end.
Route 3: Riverland Route
- Driving time: 5 to 7 days
- Driving distance: 382km
- Day-by-day itinerary:
- Day 1: Goolwa
- Day 2: Tailem Bend
- Day 3: Loxton
- Day 4: Renmark
- Day 5: Goolwa
- Must-see attractions: Murray River, Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Site, Banrock Wine and Wetland Centre, Lake Bonney
- Best for: Adventure lovers looking for breweries, native wetland scenery and outdoor river activities
The Murray River flows more than 2,500km from the Southern Ocean to the Snowy Mountains in Victoria and has many beautiful sights to see along the way. You can travel from Adelaide to Melbourne by following the Murray River and visiting all the small towns and national parks surrounding the area in South Australia, before crossing the border and driving the rest of the way to Melbourne.
One of the first stops on the Riverland route is Goolwa, a historic river port at the mouth of the Murray River. Goolwa is known for its award-winning whiskeys and is also close by to the Coorog National Park where you can explore secluded beaches and thriving wetlands.
Just a two-hour drive from Goolwa is the Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Site at Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park. This site is one of the most significant aboriginal cultural places in South Australia and is known as the birthplace of Black Duck Dreaming. If you have time, you might also want to visit the nearby Monarto Safari Park, which takes you through a sanctuary filled with lions, cheetahs, and zebras.
Set aside some time to wine and dine at Bankrock Station. Hidden in an internationally recognised wetland system, Bankrock Station is the perfect place for wine lovers to sit back, relax, and sip on some delicious wine while enjoying a beautiful wetland backdrop. Lake Bonney is also a 20 minutes drive away, where you can snap some beautiful pictures.
The last few stops on this riverland route are Loxton and Renmark, two picturesque small towns known for their breweries, distilleries, heritage gardens and fresh produce. Check out these two towns for some local bottles and organic wines. After staying overnight and resting up, you can drive the rest of the way (around 7 hours) to Melbourne and start your Melbourne road trip itinerary already well-travelled.
Top places to stop between Adelaide and Melbourne
Mount Gambier
Mount Gambier is a city in south-eastern South Australia and is known for its surrounding limestone formations and crater lakes. Among the crater lakes is Blue Lake, which turns a stunning cobalt blue during the summer months. The town also features the Umpherston Sinkhole which is a beautiful lush sight of a sunken garden.
Cape Otway & Great Otway National Park
The Great Otway National Park stretches along the Great Ocean Road and is filled with rugged coastland, hidden beaches, and rolling mountains. Its blend of nature makes it a great place to stop and explore, with walking tracks of all levels as well as picnic areas and caravan parks for families and passing travellers to enjoy.
Robe
Robe is a small fishing town in South Australia known for its historic buildings, dishing fleets and dense bush. It’s a quaint place to visit and spend a couple of days exploring, with friendly locals and delicious seafood.
Victor Harbor
Victor Harbor is a famed coastal town in South Australia famous for its horse-drawn trams and the Cockle Train. It’s also close to a wild penguin colony on Granite Island.
Great Ocean Road
When it comes to the Great Ocean Road, most visitors stop by the Twelve Apostles, Erskine Falls, and the Loch Ard Gorge. Taking between two to four days to complete, the Great Ocean Road is filled with iconic experiences such as waterfall chasing, kangaroo spotting, and surfing.
Want to make the most of your Great Ocean Road experience? Check out our full Great Ocean Road itinerary here.
Twelve Apostles
Just off the coast of Port Campbell National Park is the Twelve Apostles. The Twelve Apostles are 12 centuries-old limestone rock stacks that jut out of the South Ocean to create beautifully unique rock formations. They’re an internationally famous tourist destination and are the highlight of the Great Ocean Road trip.
Want to keep your road trip going once you reach Melbourne? Why not tackle one the 12 best road trips in Victoria?
Adelaide to Melbourne drive: frequently asked questions
Can you complete the Adelaide to Melbourne drive in reverse?
Yes you can, although the stops you make may be different. Check out our Melbourne to Adelaide Drive guide for more information on the reverse drive.
How long is the Adelaide to Melbourne drive?
The direct drive from Adelaide to Melbourne is between 8 to 9 hours, depending on your fuelling and charging pit stops. The drive time may also increase if you’re planning on making travel stops along the way to explore regional Australia.
What is the most scenic route from Adelaide to Melbourne?
One of the most scenic routes from Adelaide to Melbourne is the Great Ocean Road trip, which takes you through Port Campbell National Park, the Twelve Apostles, Cape Otway, and more. It’s a great route if you enjoy seaside views and picturesque coastal towns.
What is the quickest route from Adelaide to Melbourne?
The quickest route from Adelaide to Melbourne is the direct route, which takes around 8 hours and 15 minutes to drive. You’ll mostly be driving via the National Highway A8 and Western Highway.
How long does it take to get from Adelaide to Mt Gambier?
The drive from Adelaide to Mt Gambier is around 4 hours and 40 minutes, with an overall distance of 435km.
How long does it take to get from Adelaide to the Grampians?
It takes approximately 5 hours and 11 minutes to drive from Adelaide to Grampians National Park in Victoria. The distance is around 474km.
Is it worth driving from Adelaide to Melbourne?
Yes! There are many sights to see and things to do between Adelaide and Melbourne that make a road trip worth your time. Driving is part of the adventure and you’re sure to make many fun memories while road tripping along the rugged coastline between Adelaide and Melbourne.
Final advice for the Adelaide to Melbourne drive of a lifetime
The drive from Adelaide to Melbourne is a memorable road trip, showcasing some of the best rural and coastal views you can find in Australia. Whether you pick the coastal route or the riverland route, you can enjoy a range of indoor activities as well as outdoor exploration.
Road trip from Adelaide to Melbourne with your dream car. Fuel your travels by booking a car on Turo and enjoy the drive of a lifetime.
Lucinda Starr
Lucinda is a Sydney-based content specialist and avid road tripper. Having travelled across Asia, North America and the South Pacific, she's experienced everything from glamping in a Yurt in -30 degrees in The Yukon, snorkelling in the open seas of Vanuatu and hiking the rocky alps of Kamikochi in Japan. She's currently planning her next overseas adventure, a toss-up between a classic #EuroSummer or a multi-day trek through Nepal.
