Thinking about taking a trip from Melbourne to Adelaide?
Skip the chaos of the airport and drive your own adventure with the ultimate Melbourne to Adelaide road trip itinerary. From exploring shipwrecks from the 1600s to admiring magnificent coastal rock formations, there’s lots to see and do during your road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide.
In this guide, we’ll be covering:
- Melbourne to Adelaide drive: overview and top tips
- 1-day road trip itinerary
- 4-day road trip itinerary
- 7-day road trip itinerary
- Top stops between Melbourne and Adelaide
So what are you waiting for? Check out our itineraries and make your South Australia road trip from Melbourne your best one yet!


Melbourne to Adelaide road trip: An overview
Here’s a quick overview of what to expect on the Melbourne to Adelaide road trip. From where to refuel and driving conditions to look out for, these expert tips will make your journey as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Distance from Melbourne to Adelaide:
The distance from Melbourne to Adelaide is 725.7km via National Highway A8. However, this distance may vary depending on the stops you make along the way, such as at the picturesque boutique-filled village Port Fairy, or the German heritage town, Hahndorf. And trust me, with so many iconic locations to visit, you’re sure to make a few detours while on your road trip.
Melbourne to Adelaide drive time:
The driving time for the most direct route between Melbourne and Adelaide is 8 hours and 30 minutes. This time doesn’t include breaks or the extra distance you may cover if you want to stop at an attraction or regional town on the way.
Tip from the author: If you’re taking the scenic route via the Great Ocean Road, Limestone Coast and Coorong, the drive time will be closer to 15 hours.
When to go from Melbourne to Adelaide
It’s best to drive from Melbourne to Adelaide during the cooler months (June to August) to avoid exploring in the dry summer heat. This also helps you beat the crowds as many outdoor attractions and roads along this route will become congested during the peak summer season (December to February).
The best route from Melbourne to Adelaide
The best route from Melbourne to Adelaide largely depends on how long you’re willing to drive for and whether you’ve got time to visit a few Aussie favourite spots along the way.
If you have a few days to spare, the scenic route along the Great Ocean Road offers incredible water views, sparkling beaches and sprawling national parks to enjoy.
Don’t worry about your options. We’ve got you covered with a 1-day, 4-day and 7-day road trip itinerary below!
The best stopover between Melbourne and Adelaide
Where to take a break when driving from Melbourne to Adelaide really depends on your interests. If you’re a sucker for coastal scenery, then a beach town like Lorne may be the perfect pit stop. On the other hand, if you’re interested in shopping for handmade trinkets and art, a boutique village like Port Fairy may be ideal.
Driving conditions: What is the road from Melbourne to Adelaide like?
The National Highway A8 is a well-maintained road for an easy direct drive between Melbourne and Adelaide. However, you may witness some closures on the road during emergencies or bushfire season. While driving along the A8, you’ll encounter a few unforgettable sights, like the Southern Ocean or the Blue Lake at Mount Gambier.
Petrol stations and EV chargers from Melbourne to Adelaide
There are more than enough petrol stations and EV chargers for you to recharge between Melbourne and Adelaide. Some of the biggest petrol stations along the way are located in Horsham, Ararat, and Nhill.
What kind of vehicle is best?
The best vehicle ultimately depends on what you’re comfortable driving and where you want to visit. If you plan on travelling along the A8, a regular car (like a sedan or compact SUV) will do. However, if you’re going off track to explore more rural towns and national parks on the way, a 4×4 or ute may be more appropriate. Plan your perfect road trip and hire the best vehicle suited to your plans on Turo.
What to bring
We all know that snacks and water are essential for every road trip, but also make sure to bring anything else to make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable. Hiking shoes, swimmers, towels and even a beach tent (which you can add onto your booking on Turo) are great options to maximise your adventure.
Discover the perfect Melbourne to Adelaide driving itinerary

Pick your perfect Melbourne to Adelaide road trip itinerary from our options below.
Route 1: The direct Melbourne to Adelaide road trip (1 day)
A direct drive from Melbourne to Adelaide takes a little over eight hours, perfect if you want to get straight to your destination. Be sure to prepare for the drive beforehand and consider making some rest stops along the way.
Stops along the way
- Ararat: A small city in south-west Victoria known for its local ghost tours at the abandoned Ararat Lunatic Asylum and its rich gold rush history, courtesy of Chinese migrants. It’s home to the Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre, which preserves the experiences of Chinese miners.
- Horsham: Horsham is a regional town in the western region of Victoria. The town is surrounded by botanic gardens, national parks, and even a regional art gallery.
- Nhill: Another small town in western Victoria with a population of almost 2,000. The town sports an aviation heritage centre and the Australian Pinball Museum.
- Kaniva: Further down the Western Highway is Kaniva, a regional town known for its artistically-painted silo and rare native flora and fauna, such as the red-tailed black cockatoo. It is a popular pit stop for road trippers travelling between Melbourne and Adelaide.
- Bordertown: As the name suggests, Bordertown is located at the state border between Victoria and South Australia. This small town is a hidden gem for art lovers and culture buffs, home to the Walkway Gallery as well as the Bob Hawke Gallery.
- Keith: Keith is dubbed the “Lucerne capital of Australia”, known for its unique purple paddocks and as the gateway into the Limestone Coast.
- Tailem Bend: Nearby the River Murray, Tailem Bend is a South Australian rural town with several iconic attractions, such as the Swanport Bridge, the Pangarinda Botanic Garden, and its world-class motorsport park.
- Stirling: Stirling is a small town located in Adelaide Hills and is surrounded by beautiful conservation parks, botanic gardens, and running creeks.
Top stop: For a truly unforgettable break on your Melbourne to Adelaide road trip, make a short detour to Mount William Station, nestled in the heart of the Grampians. This picturesque estate offers breathtaking views and a chance to immerse yourself in traditional country life. Stay in the spacious homestead, enjoy gourmet meals, and unwind with activities like tennis, hikes, or a picnic in the stunning surroundings—perfect for recharging on your journey.
Route 2: Melbourne to Adelaide road trip in 4 days
- Total distance: 911.8km
- Total driving time: 11hr 10min
If you’re keen on a short road trip between the two state capital cities, we recommend the following three stops to make your drive a true adventure.
Day 1: Melbourne to Lorne
- Distance: 141.3km
- Driving time: 2hr 14min
First stop, Lorne! A beautiful surfing town along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Lorne is perfect for a quick beach trip and some waterfall sight-seeing. If the spectacular ocean view on Teddy’s Lookout isn’t enough to make you stop at Lorne, the scenic Erskine Falls will definitely do so.
Tip from the author: If you’re feeling extra adventurous and have some time to spare, you might also want to check out the Werribee Open Range Zoo on your way from Melbourne to Lorne. Geelong is another small rural town you can make a pit stop at. The 12 Apostles is also only an hour and a half’s drive away.
Day 2: Lorne and the 12 Apostles to Port Fairy
- Distance: 186km
- Driving time: 2hr 22min
After enjoying some time at the beach in Lorne, spend half a day admiring the 12 Apostles at Port Campbell, and then dedicate an afternoon immersing yourself in the arts at Port Fairy. A picturesque town famous for its bespoke boutiques, antique stores, and handmade arts and crafts shops, there’s lots to see and do at Port Fairy. Take a break from the road and embark on a well-deserved shopping evening in this coastal town.
Day 3: Port Fairy to Coonawarra
- Distance: 211km
- Driving time: 2hr 23min
Crossing into South Australia, spend your third day on the road exploring the small town of Coonawarra. Book a night in this town and take a full-day wine tour in the famous Coonawarra wine region. Pay a visit to wineries including Bellwether Wines, DiGiorio Family Wines and the Wynns Coonawarra Estate.
Day 4: Coonawarra to Adelaide
- Distance: 373.5km
- Driving time: 4hr 2min
The trip from Coonawarra to Adelaide is the final stretch on your road trip, taking only four hours (in normal traffic conditions) to complete. You’ll want to take the A66 and National Highway A8 for the quickest drive. If you want to extend your trip to five days, consider stopping and spending a night at Victor Harbor, a penguin-filled coastal town halfway between Coonawarra and Adelaide.

Route 3: Melbourne to Adelaide road trip in 7 days
Make a whole holiday from your Melbourne to Adelaide road trip with this scenic seven-day itinerary.
- Total distance: 1,197.7km
- Total driving time: 14hr 51min
Day 1: Melbourne to Cape Otway
Distance: 224km
Driving time: 3hr 19min
Cape Otway is a scenic attraction that makes for a great pit stop on your way from Melbourne to Adelaide. Located along the Great Ocean Road, Cape Otway is a bounded locality in the Colac Otway Shire and is best known for its lighthouse (or light station) and the Hopetoun Falls. While at the cape, you can also explore the Great Otway National Park.
Day 2: Cape Otway to Halls Gap
Distance: 287.4km
Driving time: 3hr 38min
Halls Gap is a serene small village at the edge of Grampians National Park in Victoria, Australia. It’s surrounded by many things to see and do, including unforgettable hiking trails, exquisite mountainous views, and native wildlife. In fact, we recommend staying at least a day and a half in this beautifully hidden Victorian town.
Day 3: Halls Gap
Spend a day at Halls Gap and its surroundings and immerse yourself in Mother Nature. From the Venus Baths to Boroka Lookout, a few stunning natural wonders are hiding around Halls Gap. If you’re lucky, you may even encounter native wildlife, such as wallabies, kangaroos, and even emus, while exploring the area.
Day 4: Halls Gap and the Grampians to Mount Gambier
Distance: 221.3km
Driving time: 2hr 37min
A two-for-one pit stop, take a driving break at Mount Gambier, a small town in Grampians National Park. With cosy cottages for hire perfect for a night in, Mount Gambier is a convenient place to stop and explore. Around Mount Gambier are the Umpherston Sinkhole, Centenary Tower, and Engelbrecht Cave, all of which make for great photo opportunities.
Day 5: Mount Gambier to Beachport
Distance: 84.5km
Driving time: 1hr 3min
Beachport is a small coastal town along the famous Limestone Coast of South Australia, best known for its scenic sandy beaches that stretch seemingly endlessly, brilliant surfing waves, and friendly Aussie locals. It’s a wonderful place to stop your drive and take a breather while enjoying some beautiful beaches.
Day 6: Beachport to Hahndorf
Distance: 354.2km
Driving time: 3hr 44min
We’re reaching the final days of your road trip, and what better way to spend them than at a culturally rich, contemporary village called Hahndorf? Heavily influenced by German culture, Hahndorf is home to the German Migration Museum and a prestigious art studio showcasing the unique works of German artist Sir Hans Heysen.
Tip from the author: If you’re curious about what German architecture looks like, there’s no need to fly all the way to Europe. Stop by Hahndorf to admire your fill.
Day 7: Hahndorf to Adelaide
Distance: 26.3km
Driving time: 30min
Hahndorf is only a 30-minute drive from Adelaide, so make the most of the small heritage town before heading back to city life. Head west on the National Highway M1 and you’ll arrive at the Adelaide CBD in no time.

Top stops on the Melbourne to Adelaide road trip
From shipwreck gorges to world-class surfing beaches, there are many iconic spots to consider visiting during your drive from Melbourne to Adelaide. Discover some of our top recommended stops below.
Apollo Bay
Apollo Bay is a scenic stop along the Great Ocean Road and is accessible via Cape Otway, the Otway Ranges, and the Great Otway National Park. A few of this coastal town’s most iconic attractions include the Marriner’s Lookout and the Great Ocean Walk. Just south of Apollo Bay is a great drive that takes you zig-zagging around the surrounding mountains while along the coast.

Bells Beach
Not only is Bells Beach a potential stop along your road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide, but it’s also a stop on The World Surf League Championship Tour. Claiming the title of the longest-running event in competitive surfing, the Rip Curl Bells Beach is filled with all the best surfers in the world come April. A little fun fact: Bells Beach was also featured in the surfing movie Point Break (1991).

Port Campbell National Park
Port Campbell National Park is home to several iconic natural landmarks and sites in Australia, including the Loch Ard Gorge Shipwreck, the Twelve Apostles, Thunder Cave, and the London Bridge. Be sure to visit this national park if you’re interested in seeing some of the best scenes of Mother Nature Australia has to offer.

Mount Gambier and the Blue Lake
Mount Campier is a scenic town in southeast South Australia with a surrounding collection of limestone, volcanic landscape and crater lakes, including the famous Blue Lake. Visit the Blue Lake between December and March for striking blue water sights you’ll never forget.

Loch Ard Gorge
One of the biggest tourist attractions along the Great Ocean Road, Loch Ard Gorge is a grand sea valley just a few minutes from The 12 Apostles. Not only is it an impressive sight to behold, but it has a rich history, having been named after the tragic 1693-ton iron clipper Loch Ard shipwreck.

Robe
A small, cosy town and fishing port on the Limestone Coast of South Australia, Robe sports a unique combination of historical buildings and fishing fleets. Enjoy Robe’s ocean views, catch a fish or two, and pay a visit to Karatta Wine Room & Gallery while you’re stopping by.

Coonawarra
Coonawarra is a wine region in South Australia best known for its red wines. It’s home to one of Australia’s most valuable patches of earth, also known as the terra rossa (red soil). Coonawarra is the perfect pit stop for red wine lovers, although make sure to book accommodation beforehand so you can stay the night in the small town.

Victor Harbor
Spend some time in Victor Harbor, one of the most populous coastal towns in South Australia. There’s a wide variety of things to see and do at Victor Harbor, including visiting the South Australian Whale Centre, exploring the nearby Granite Island, and catching The Cockle Train – a heritage steam train route with coastal cliff views.

McLaren Vale
Another iconic pit stop for wine lovers on the Melbourne to Adelaide road trip is McLaren Vale, a small town south of Adelaide. The d’Arenberg Cube is a famous tourist attraction in this area, sporting a unique architectural exterior with local wines and art experiences featured inside.
Top stop: Nestled in the heart of McLaren Vale, Chalk Hill Wines is a must-visit for its unique combination of gorgeous views and hand-crafted wines. With six generations of winemaking expertise, their award-winning wines speak for themselves.

Halls Gap and Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park
Grampians National Park spans over 1,600 square kilometres and features sandstone mountains, wildflowers, and native Australian wildlife, including wallabies and echidnas. It’s also home to a gateway village known as Halls Gap, which leads visitors through walking trails to MacKenzie Falls and Silverband Falls.

Enjoy your Melbourne to Adelaide road trip with the perfect vehicle. Hire a car from a local Melbourne host on Turo today and enjoy your dream drive (if you’re headed in the opposite direction, brows Adelaide car hire options on Turo). Or, if you’ve got a vehicle to spare and want to rent your car out, list your car on Turo to build your car-sharing business.

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