Sydney to Adelaide road trip: The perfect drive itinerary

by Katie Salomon

posted on June 15, 2023

Planning to venture from Sydney to Adelaide by car? This is one of the most interesting road trip routes, taking you from the East Coast of Australia to South Australia’s capital.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the ultimate Sydney to Adelaide road trip, giving you the lowdown on every must-visit stop along the way. Whether you’re an adventurer seeking natural wonders or a traveller with a taste for culture and history, this road trip has it all.

This article will cover:

• An overview of the Sydney to Adelaide drive
• The perfect Sydney to Adelaide road trip itinerary for you
• More about the best stops between Sydney and Adelaide

With plenty of car hire options in and around Sydney, book through Turo to find the perfect ride for your Sydney to Adelaide road trip.

An overview of the drive from Sydney (NSW) to Adelaide (SA)

Embark on a road trip of a lifetime as you journey from Sydney, New South Wales to Adelaide, South Australia. Along the Sydney to Adelaide drive, you’ll traverse iconic routes like the Great Western Highway, Mallee Highway, and Sturt Highway, making the drive as memorable as the destination – take it from me!

Sydney to Adelaide distance

The direct route from Sydney to Adelaide covers approximately 1,375 kilometres if you opt for the most direct path, taking you via the Sturt Highway and Mallee Highway.

Sydney to Adelaide drive time

The time it takes for your Sydney to Adelaide road trip depends on the route you choose and how many stops you make along the way. Expect to spend at least 15 hours on the road, depending on which route you take:

• Direct Route: If you follow the Sturt Highway and Mallee Highway, you can complete the journey in approximately 15 hours of drive time. However, it’s recommended to take your time and spread this over two days to fully appreciate the sights and experiences and make sure you take enough breaks along the way.
• Sydney to Adelaide via the Riverina: This scenic route extends to about 17 hours and 30 minutes of drive time. To savour the beauty of the Riverina region and its surroundings, plan for a leisurely seven-day trip.
• The Scenic Route: If you opt for the scenic route, you’ll spend roughly 20 hours and 30 minutes on the road. With this option, you have the luxury of taking 14 days to explore and immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and attractions.

Expert tips and things to remember when planning your trip from New South Wales to South Australia

Heading off on a Sydney to Adelaide road trip is an adventure filled with endless possibilities. Before you hit the road, here are some expert tips and essential things to remember to make your journey safe and enjoyable:

• Plan before you get going: Map out your route, schedule stops (aim for a 15-minute break every two hours), and have a rough itinerary in place before you hit the road. This ensures you don’t miss out on must-see attractions.
• Take regular rests: Long drives can be tiring, so remember to take breaks at rest stops or picturesque locations to stretch your legs, refresh, and stay alert.
• Climate/weather conditions: Be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially if you’re travelling during different seasons. Summer brings hot weather so make sure you have plenty of water and an air conditioner that works. Winter may bring wet and icy roads – so be prepared (why not ask your Turo host to add on snow chains to your booking?).
• Snacks, drinks, and first aid: Stock up on snacks, water, and a basic first aid kit. These essentials can be a lifesaver during the journey, especially on the long barren stretches of country roads.
• Speed limits and road rules: Drive on the left and always keep an eye out for speed limits that will be signposted along the edge of the road.
• Plan accommodation in advance: If you plan to stay overnight, it’s wise to book accommodation in advance to secure a comfortable place to rest. Spaces can be limited, especially in regional or remote areas.
• Driving at night: Driving at night can be challenging, especially in rural areas. Be cautious, slow down and watch out for wildlife (which tends to be most active during dusk and dawn.

Petrol stations and EV chargers between Sydney and Adelaide

There are petrol stations and EV chargers along the way, but make sure to plan ahead so you don’t get caught short on fuel or charge.

You’ll find EV chargers in locations like Bendigo, Horsham, Nhill, and Tailem Bend. Before starting your journey, ensure your vehicle is adequately fuelled or charged, and when arriving in Adelaide, top up to explore the historic city comfortably.

The best time to drive from Sydney to Adelaide

While there’s no definitive best time for your road trip from Sydney to Adelaide, many travellers opt for spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). During these seasons, the weather is generally mild, making for pleasant driving conditions. Spring is especially captivating if you want to witness the wildflowers in full bloom and the rolling green hills along the way.

Best stop offs on the way from Sydney to Adelaide

Your road trip offers a chance to explore diverse places across NSW and SA. Here are some of my top recommendations for best stop-offs between Sydney and Adelaide:

• Canberra: Australia’s capital city is brimming with iconic landmarks and cultural attractions, from the Australian War Memorial to the National Gallery of Australia.
• Goulburn: Swing by for the city’s its historic architecture and the Big Merino statue.
• Wagga Wagga: Offers a blend of art, history, and beautiful gardens. Don’t miss the sprawling Wagga Wagga Botanic Garden, the coastline of Wagga Beach or a trip to the Museum of the Riverina.
• Murray Bridge (Murray River): A scenic stop along the Murray River, boasting riverboat cruises and adventurous water sports. Visiting after dark will treat you stunning celestial views (with clear skies and no light pollution making Murray Bridge a hot spot for stargazing).
• The Big Desert Wilderness: An opportunity to connect with nature and experience desert landscapes.
• Albury: A picturesque town on the Murray River, perfect for visiting the local farmers market, strolling through the Albury Botanic Gardens or exploring the Murray Art Museum.
• Wodonga: Known for its parks and gardens, Wodonga is a great pit stop for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Shepparton: Famous for its food and wine experiences while also proving a family-friendly destination, complete with Australia’s largest adventure playground (KidsTown).
• Bendigo: Rich in history, architecture, and cultural attractions, swing by Bendigo for top-notch dining, gold-rush history and even a bustling arts scene.
• Bowral: A charming town renowned for its gardens and boutiques.
• Tailem Bend: A riverside town offering a peaceful break on your journey.
• The Barossa Valley: Australia’s premier wine region, ideal for wine enthusiasts.
• Little Desert National Park: A pristine natural area for nature lovers and hikers.

Choose your Sydney to Adelaide road trip itinerary

Three different routes will get you from Sydney to Adelaide, each offering a unique set of attractions to experience along the way. Here’s a quick overview of your road trip options:

• Route 1: The most direct route (15 hours of driving over two days)
• Route 2: The Riverina drive (17 hours and 30 minutes of driving over five to seven days)
• Route 3: The scenic route (20 hours and 30 minutes of driving over 14 days)

Each route offers its own unique charm and attractions. Let’s take a look at each in more depth to help you curate your perfect itinerary.

Route 1: Direct from Sydney to Adelaide (Sydney to Adelaide, 5 days)

The Direct Route is your best choice for those seeking a quicker adventure. This journey predominantly takes you through the New South Wales section of the Riverina, offering splendid scenic views and opportunities to explore charming small towns.

After leaving Sydney City, you’ll hit the Hume Highway and pass through Bowral and Goulburn. You’ll then weave your way through Yass, Wagga Wagga and the Murray River before entering VIC.

Then, you’ll venture through Tailem Bend and the Murray-Sunset National Park before hitting the M1 which will take your directly to Adelaide.

Tip from the author: Make sure you stop at the country towns along the way and explore the indigenous history of the area. Get a taste of rural living by stopping into Carrathool, Keri Keri and Manangatang along the way.

Route 2: The Riverina drive (Sydney to Adelaide, 7 days)

For those seeking a more extended exploration, the Riverina Drive offers a delightful week-long adventure.

• Day 1: Sydney to Goulburn – Day one kicks off in Sydney and leads to Goulburn, a historic city in the southern Tablelands region of New South Wales. Travel South through Sydney, making your way to the Remembrance Driveway/M31. All up, the Sydney to Goulburn drive should take just over two hours.
• Days 2-3: Goulburn to Canberra – Continuing on the M31, this part of the trip will take you to Australia’s capital city, Canberra, home to Australia’s federal government and plenty of historic buildings and museums to explore. This portion of the drive is a little over an hour.
• Day 4: Canberra to Wagga Wagga – The quickest way to get to Wagga Wagga is along the Hume Highway. This will take just under three hours. Along the way, you will see the undulating countryside, and there are plenty of stops, from the wineries in Yass to the beautiful country town of Gundagai on the Riverina.
• Day 5: Wagga Wagga to Bendigo – Head out of town on the A41 before merging onto the Hume Freeway M31. In Seymour, find your way to the C384, which will take you to Toobora. From there, head North East on the B75, which merges with the B280. Four and half hours drive later, you’ll find yourself in Bendigo.
• Day 6: Bendigo to Ouyen and Murray Bridge – Keep heading North West and take a midday snack break in Ouyen, a small town in the Mallee region of Victoria. This part of the drive should take just over three hours and will take you from the lush greenery of rural south Victoria to the wheat lands of North-West Victoria. Then, keep heading West, crossing the Victorian border into South Australia and following the Mallee Highway to the Murray Bridge.
• Day 7: Murray Bridge to Adelaide – Follow the M1 for another hour and you’ll hit Adelaide. Once you arrive, check out the Adelaide Central Market to refuel, recharge, and stock up on gourmet meat, cheese and organic veggies.

Route 3: The scenic route (Sydney to Adelaide, 14 days)

Take the Scenic Route via the coast if you’re up for a leisurely two-week adventure. This route takes you from Sydney to Adelaide via Melbourne or Geelong.

This route will take you via the coast and is a great option for those who want to stop in the art epicentre of Australia, Melbourne. This is also a great route for those looking to do the Melbourne to Sydney road trip or a Melbourne to Adelaide road trip. Let’s take a look:

• Days 1-2: The drive from Sydney to Canberra will take approximately three hours of drive time and takes you along the M31 to the M23. This is an easy drive along well-maintained roads.
• Days 3-4: The drive time from Canberra to Albury-Wodonga is just over three hours and 30 minutes, and will take you through quaint country towns like Yass, Coolac and Holbrook.
• Days 5-6: Another three-and-a-half hour drive time and you’ll get from Albury-Wodonga to bustling heart of Melbourne (Australia’s cultural capital).
• Days 7-8: From Melbourne, you’ll head to Geelong, with a drive time of one hour.
• Days 9-10: After spending a night in Geelong, you’ll head West and for about two hours before entering the coastal town of Warrnambool.
• Day 11: From Warrnambool, head West along the coast, through Portland, and cross the Victorian border into South Australia and soon you’ll find yourself in Mount Gambier. All up, this should take a little over two hours of drive time.
• Day 12: From Mount Gambier, you want to start heading North, away from the coast. In about two hours and 15 minutes of drive time, you’ll find yourself in Keith.
• Days 13-14: From Keith, you want to start heading West again to get to Adelaide. This will take approximately two hours and 45 minutes of drive time.

The best Sydney to Adelaide road trip stops

Heading off on a Sydney to Adelaide road trip is a thrilling adventure filled with captivating stops and experiences along the way. Here are some of the must-visit destinations to add to your road trip:

Goulburn

Kick off your adventure is Goulburn, a picturesque spot in the southern tablelands of New South Wales. You can’t miss the Big Merino and the Goulburn Rail Heritage Centre, where historic locomotives take the limelight. And if you’re feeling a bit adventurous, this place is great for rock climbing, abseiling, or caving.

Canberra

The next stop you don’t want to miss is Canberra, Australia’s capital city. Here, drive by the Parliament House, explore the Australian War Memorial, and wander through the National Gallery of Australia. It’s also a foodie hot spot, so check out some of the local restaurants.

Tip from the author: Want a full 360 view of the city and the city surroundings? Head up to Mount Ainslie to take in Canberra’s magnificent setting from above.

Wagga Wagga

Beautiful parks and markets are the biggest draw in Wagga Wagga, in the New South Wales Riverina region. Plus, spend some time exploring the Wiradjuri Walking Track or see the botanical gardens full of native and exotic plants.

Albury-Wodonga

As you continue your journey, Albury-Wodonga beckons with attractions like the Albury Botanic Garden and the serene Lake Hume. Stroll around these beautiful spots, and bring a picnic blanket to take in the serenity.

Melbourne

Melbourne, known as the art epicentre of Australia, offers a plethora of cultural and dining experiences. From the iconic Eureka Tower to the enchanting Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, this city is a haven for culture enthusiasts.

Geelong

Renowned for its vibrant events and festivals, highlighting sports, music, cars, food, art, and markets, Geelong is a multicultural, community-minded city. For those seeking some thrills, Geelong is known for its hot air balloon rides over the city.

Starting your road trip to Adelaide in Geelong? Travel in style with Turo and rent a car, with plenty of flexible car pick up locations in Geelong.

Top stop: Located just west of Geelong on the bank of the Barwon River, Provenance Wines promises a charming retreat in a beautifully restored bluestone building of the former Fyansford Paper Mill. Enjoy their award-winning wines, indulge in their delectable six-course chef’s selection menu, and soak in the historic charm of the venue.

Bendigo

Make sure to stop by this historical city in the Victorian goldfields. Rich with architecture and cultural heritage, there’s a certain charm in exploring the architecture here. Plus, for a dose of culture, check out the Bendigo Art Gallery.

Warrnambool

Warrnambool, a coastal town, is a coastal gem serving up safe beaches, stunning parks, and the chance to see southern right whales from June to September.

Mount Gambier

Mount Gambier is smack bang in the middle of the Limestone Coast, and boasts natural wonders like the mesmerising Blue Lake and the enchanting Umpherston Sinkhole, an underground garden of Eden.

Tip from the author: Another amazing stop near Mount Gambier is Mount Schank, a dormant volcano where you can enjoy a moderate 2km walk around the crater’s rim for sensational views of the crater, Mount Gambier and surrounding areas. Originally erupting around 4,500 years ago, Mount Schank is the youngest volcano in Australia!

Keith

Keith is a small but lively agricultural hub on the limestone coast. Just a short walk around this quaint town will take you past charming cottages and historic buildings and lead you to scenic walking trails.

Ouyen

Ouyen, famous as the birthplace of the vanilla slice, is a must for any true blue Aussie dessert lover. Explore the cafes and stretch your legs.

Tailem Bend

For adrenaline junkies, Tailem Bend is the spot. It’s home to the Bend Motorsport Park, Australia’s motorsport mecca, and is home to plenty of exhilarating experiences and events. Then, travel back in time to Old Tailem Town, Australia’s largest pioneer village.

Murray River

Discover the tranquillity of the Murray River, where low light pollution creates the perfect setting for a night of stargazing.

Monarto

You can’t miss a pit stop here without going to the Monarto Safari Park. Here, you’ll find the largest safari experience outside of Africa. A sprawling 1,500-hectare haven houses an array of exotic and native mammals, birds, and reptiles, offering an unparalleled safari experience.

Paris Creek

In the rural town of Paris Creek, lush landscapes and abundant dairy and sheep farming await. Enjoy wine tastings and farm stays in this picturesque region.

Adelaide Hills (Macclesfield, Echunga, Hahndorf, Stirling)

Explore the Adelaide Hills, with its relaxing country feel and rolling farmland. Visit Echunga, a historic gold fossicking area, surrounded by scenic hills, farmland, and vineyards.

Each stop on your Sydney to Adelaide road trip promises unique adventures, making your journey as exciting as your destination.

The best way to travel from Sydney to Adelaide by car

And there you have it, the ultimate Sydney to Adelaide road trip, with diverse landscapes, stunning stops, and adventures around every corner. Whether you choose the direct route or a leisurely scenic journey, your road trip along Australia’s southeast corner will be an unforgettable experience.

So, grab your keys, hit the road, and make incredible memories along the way.

With Turo, you can unlock the car of your dreams and tackle the Sydney to Adelaide road trip in style (whether you’re picking up your ride in Sydney, Melbourne, Geelong, Adelaide or beyond.

For Sydney locals wanting to rent out your car, sign up to become a host and start earning – list your car on Turo today.

Katie Salomon

Katie is an experienced traveller and copywriter based in Sydney, Australia. She’s always on the hunt for off-the-beaten-track destinations and hidden gems, whether it's searching for the best Koshari in the bustling streets of Egypt or spending a night under the stars at Mount Cook. In her spare time, you’ll find her heading out, probably in FNQ, on her next road trip (#vanlife), ultra-light hiking her way to the perfect ridge top for the night, or being a passenger princess through rolling green hills - can someone pass the aux?

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