Did you know that by driving from Melbourne to Adelaide you’ll get to see one of Australia’s most famous natural landmarks? Bathing Beach is the perfect place to go for a swim, lay beneath the sun, or enjoy a picnic on the sand. Kennett River is home to plenty of koalas and is regarded as one of the best places to see these fuzzy creatures in the wild in Australia. Your first stop is just 15 minutes from Port Campbell and goes by the name of the Bay of Martyrs. From Port Campbell National Park to Victor Harbor, there are so many incredible places to see along the way. It has sweeping views of St. George River and the coast. Murray River Riverboat Tour Including Lunch from Adelaide. By the time you’ve reached Coorong National Park, you will be only a couple of hours from Adelaide. Beyond the picturesque bay, Geelong is home to other attractions suitable for people of all ages. 132. With so much to see, it might even be worth driving back by renting a car from Adelaide to Melbourne. An energetic atmosphere, authentic but polished Thai menu and impressive cocktail list makes Golden Boy a popular dinner haunt for locals. Whatever you do, make sure to allocate at least a couple of days at the start of your road trip so you can get to know the city of Melbourne. Adelaide Tourism: Tripadvisor has 222,402 reviews of Adelaide Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Adelaide resource. Other popular attractions include Queen Victoria Market, Federation Square, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, and the Melbourne Zoo. Dear members, I'm currently planning a one week trip to Adelaide from Melbourne during the month of April. Distance: 483 km (300 miles) | Time without stops: 5 hours 6 minutes. The Sydney to Adelaide road trip itinerary that we suggest is very scenic in spring with all the bright yellow canola fields and the farm animals that you can spot from the car. I enjoy learning about the culture and history of various towns. … Watch the sunrise over the Barossa Valley, … Despite the name “Twelve Apostles,” there were only eight limestone stacks to begin with. There are plenty of lookout points to stop and take pictures, but swimming and fishing are also permitted on the beach. This has made it a favorite among locals. This is the largest city on the Fleurieu Peninsula and is a popular end of year trip destination for Australian high school graduates. Penola dates back to the mid 19th century and has many heritage buildings, especially on Church Street and Wilson Street. Be sure to consult a map before you visit to decide which hike is right for you. It is 1,750 hectares in total with hiking trails and points of interest scattered throughout. This diverse national park features everything from beaches to mountains, which means you could spend lots of time hiking here. Great Ocean Walk, one of the most scenic hiking trails in Australia, runs through Apollo Bay. Opt for the sumptuous four course chef’s selection or fill your table with plates like golden dahl, sprouted lentils, fried cauliflower, sardine with harissa, falafel and marinated eggplant. This small town, which lies on Great Ocean Road, might seem sleepy but in reality it is anything but. Wineries offer tours and tastings, with the most popular wineries being Penley Estate, DiGiorgio Family Wines, Wynns Coonawarra Estate, and Brand’s Laira Coonawarra. Here, countless authentic eateries offer a gastronomic gateway to Asia, while produce from all over South Australia including fruits, vegetables, cheeses, small goods, chocolate, honey and breads pack stalls manned by local producers. Drive half an… Other spots to settle in seaside as the sunsets include Brighton, Henley Beach, Semaphore, Port Noarlunga and Grange. This stunning spot is beloved by locals for a reason. There's nothing more relaxing than an Adelaide vacation. It’s a hub of city life and cultural activity, though with it’s … Also, be sure to go beyond the CBD and explore hip boroughs like St Kilda, the Docklands, Southbank, and Fitzroy. It has a lighthouse that dates back to 1859, and has many unique geological features including balsaltic reefs and boulders. Torquay is also the home of Rip Curl, one of the best known surf wear retailers in the world. It is conveniently located on Great Ocean Road and is an ideal spot for relaxing on the beach or embarking on an outdoor adventure. Walk along the foreshore and grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants dotting Jetty Road before kicking your shoes off and pulling up a seat at the bar without even taking your toes out the sand. This cosmopolitan coastal city is full of attractions for visitors to enjoy. The gorge is named after a ship, which was called the Loch Ard, that ran aground on Muttonbird Island (located nearby) in 1878. In total, the park is home to 57 miles of hiking trails. Snapping a photo here in front of the gorge is a must. Melbourne is the capital of the state of Victoria and is one of the most vibrant cities in Australia. The historic town of Penola is also nearby. Art meets surfing in the charming Australian town of Lorne. Bountiful plates packed with flavour await at Golden Boy. Continue your Adelaide exploration with an environmentally friendly tour with EcoCaddy. Stop for lunch at the multi-award-winning , where you’ll dine on produce sourced from the surrounding gardens, under a heritage rotunda, overlooking ponds and lush greenery. A vacation to Adelaide for one week usually costs around AU$566 for one person.So, a trip to Adelaide for two people costs around AU$1,133 for one week.A trip for two weeks for two people costs AU$2,266 in Adelaide… You’ve arrived at your day 1 destination, which means the first day of your road trip is complete! The Bay of Martyrs is part of the Bay of Islands Coastal Park, a 32 kilometre coastal reserve. On the island, discover its natural attractions … Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Perth to Adelaide. Snag the bests seats in the house and see the sun set from the best vantage point in Adelaide. Lastly, if you want to stretch your legs and are interested in a short hike, consider a visit to the nearby Angahook Lorne State Park or Erskine Falls. Vegan Mozarella is available too, for your herbivore friends. The Baywalk Bollards are also a sight to behold. Leave it up to the chefs and sample the best bits of the menu with the shared degustation. Little extras to make your stay memorable include luxury skincare products, rain showers and a premium complimentary minibar. Just 30 minutes southwest of Kennett River lies this small Australian town. You’ll find the bay extremely photogenic and much less crowded than Port Campbell National Park. Start planning with our three-day Adelaide Hills itinerary. You can also expect to see lots of beautiful birds here, such as short-tailed shearwaters (also called muttonbirds). Here's our guide to exploring Adelaide. Specifically, the Bay of Martyrs is 2.5 kilometres long and comprises two bays: Crofts Bay and Massacre Bay. The Geelong Botanic Gardens, Adventure Park Geelong, National Wool Museum, Geelong Gallery, Serendip Sanctuary, and Narana Aboriginal Cultural Center can all be found in the city. Starting at $50. This city is known for its natural beauty, which mainly takes the form of crater lakes (like Blue Lake) and its volcanic, limestone landscape. Go and See the Giant Burger of Granite Island. Given the city’s connection to the sea (being that is located on Portland Bay) and the important role of fishing, it’s no surprise that there is a Portland Maritime Museum. Port Campbell is a tiny coastal town on Great Ocean Road. With small speak-easy style bars tucked under the streets, swanky watering holes perched above the city skyline, laneways packed with cocktail lounges and quirky bars hidden behind unassuming walls, Adelaide's bar scene is booming. The capital city of South Australia is simply enchanting, a treasure trove of shopping, fine arts, gastronomy and outdoor activity. Adelaide to McLaren Vale, Glenelg Half-Day Wine Tasting Tour. Port Fairy is a tiny coastal town of just 3,000 people. Can’t decide? From Adelaide to Perth you’ll visit pristine beaches and stunning national parks, you’ll cross the vast and empty Nullarbor Plain, the desert landscape that separates SA and WA. Do yourself a favour and stop in this Australian town. Our top spots for a tipple or two include Pink Moon Saloon, Leigh St Wine Room, Maybe Mae, Udaberri, BRKLYN or Bar Peripheral. Attractions include the Grotto, the Gibson Steps, and the London Arch. McLaren Vale Wine Tour from Adelaide with Wine Tastings, Lunch. Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours. The Cave Gardens were declared a heritage area in 2001 and have a viewing platform where visitors can take photos today. If you thought the 'Big Things' road trip from Brisbane to Cairns was awesome, this one will definitely be of interest to you too. Grab breakfast, then embark on a guided tour, taking you through the market’s rich history, much-loved characters and tastes from all corners of the globe. Beyond these two sites, be sure to take advantage of your time in Port Campbell by exploring other parts of the national park. And with so many incredible west-facing beaches in Adelaide, you’ll have front row seats on the sand to a fiery show-stopper as the sun slips behind the ocean. Here, road trip along part of the famous route from Adelaide to Alice … Sign up for our newsletter and get top stories, exclusive offers, events and free travel inspiration straight to your inbox. If you’re looking for a place to pull over and have a picnic, head on up to Teddy’s Lookout. A light, airy and down-right delicious pizza base that has rightly earned Madre a place on our list of Adelaide’s best restaurants. With chef Duncan Welgeoed’s raving fans and great value, Africola is one of the best restaurants in Adelaide so make sure you book ahead. Perched over the River Torrens with sweeping views beyond the city limits, EOS is perfectly positioned for city exploration. This is another site that showcases Australia’s natural beauty. Stroll to Rundle Mall, the Botanic Gardens, Festival Centre, the Art Gallery, Adelaide Oval and Adelaide Central Markets, or explore laneways packed with bars and restaurants. The result? Apollo Bay is a natural paradise, which is why it is well worth a stop en route to Adelaide. It is a port town located on Guichen Bay, one of the oldest towns in Victoria, with European settlement dating back to 1845. Are you planning a Melbourne to Adelaide road trip? Starting at $134. Robe is roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes from Coonawarra. Mariner’s Lookout is also worth checking out as it offers panoramic views of the turquoise blue coast. Regardless of what you may have heard, Adelaide is no longer considered the sleepy city it … It is conveniently located … Triplet Falls is the most popular waterfall in Great Otway National Park owing to its triple cascade. Even if you are only able to stop for a short time in Victor Harbor, we recommend taking the horse-drawn tram to Granite Island and back in order to enjoy the scenic ride and see the local penguins. That’s if you can tear yourself away from EOS. As a result, you’ll find over 200 buildings in town that date back to the 19th century. Meanwhile, another point of interest is the Cape Otway Lightstation, which dates back to 1848. Get out in nature and explore one of Australia’s most stunning parks: Great Otway National Park. Specifically, we recommend taking a drive down Grey River Road. Before you hit the road, we highly recommend taking the time to properly explore Melbourne. Or get a full Sunshine Coast to Adelaide … Reach new heights on the Adelaide Oval Roof Climb at night. My husband and I are looking for a relaxing trip (we are more interested in a countryside, valley type of trip … Adelaide to Melbourne Road trip. The trams cross the causeway to Granite Island, which is home to a colony of wild penguins. The city has a reputation for warmly welcoming visitors. Taste your way through world-famous wine regions just minutes away from the city, soak up the sun at picture-perfect city beaches and spend the night exploring a thriving restaurant and bar scene before retreating to one of the Adelaide's best hotels. There are many excellent surfing beaches here, including Old Passage and the East Beach. Coorong National Park spans 467 square kilometres and protects a wide range of flora and fauna. Find the best … Make sure to try the roti with pandan custard for dessert. One of Australia’s most iconic stadiums, clamber over billowing rooftops and historic grandstands by sunset on a spectacular twilight tour. It is a sight to behold (especially at sunset) and like the Twelve Apostles, is also part of Port Campbell National Park. Activities in Apollo Bay include horseback riding on the beach and whale watching. After its founding, fishing became the dominant industry, which was later rivalled by aluminium. Barossa Valley Hot Air Balloon Ride with Breakfast. Taste your way through world-famous wine regions just minutes away from the city, soak up the sun at picture-perfect … Apollo Bay is a natural paradise, which is why it is well worth a stop en route to Adelaide. Another geological wonder is Cave Gardens, an incredible garden that contains a 90-foot deep cave. You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Sunshine Coast to Adelaide. Esperance to Albany. Just 30 minutes southwest of Kennett River lies this small Australian town. The Grampians National Park is one of the best spots in Victoria, but it’s a … Loch Ard was nearing the end of its journey from England to Melbourne when it accidentally hit the shore. Day two of your road trip takes you from Port Campbell to Coonawarra. It changes colours throughout the year but turns a beautiful bright shade of blue in summer. Jump on a tram just 20 minutes to Adelaide’s favourite city beach, Glenelg. Just a minutes’ walk from the Pullman is Rundle St, home some of the best restaurants in Adelaide including Africola and Golden Boy. It’s a long trip, but it’s one of the best road trips … Regions I've travelled extensively include the US, most countries in Europe, New Zealand, and Mexico. It is home to many beaches, the main one being Bathing Beach. Your three day journey has come to an end now that you’ve arrived in Adelaide. Although the population is less than 500 people, it has become a popular spot among tourists owing to its proximity to Port Campbell National Park (along with Loch Ard Gorge and the Twelve Apostles). This is a bustling city full of sophistication, culture, fine art & cuisine, though with just as many natural wonders to explore. Post-dinner head downstairs to the plush basement bar for a nightcap. For more city stays, check out our guide to the best hotels in Adelaide. If you’re looking to make a vacation out of your journey, then continue reading. The lighthouse overlooks Bass Straight and is the ideal spot to stop and take a rest. The first stop on your Melbourne to Adelaide drive is Geelong! Next door, you’ll find the National Wine Centre of Australia, home to more than 120 wines, and Adelaide Zoo. Lorne is a major surf hub, thanks to Lorne Beach. Adelaide is the heart of the world's opal industry, selling gorgeous … The shortest route from Melbourne to Adelaide takes only 8 hours - you could even do this trip … Live it up in the lap of luxury at the brand new 5-star Eos at Skycity. It also has a bustling arts scene, with many galleries and art parks scattered throughout. Only a short distance out of Lorne and you will find yourself passing through Kennett River. Feast on favourites including wok-tossed mussels with Thai basil, chilli jam and lime, mushroom stir-fry with sawtooth coriander paste, garlic stem and green chilli and eight-hour beef cheeks with tangerine jus pickled ginger. Cape Spencer Lighthouse, the Portland Cable Tram, and the Great South West Walk are all major attractions in Portland. Granite Island is a beautiful windswept island full of … Travel from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island, one of Australia’s most popular wildlife destinations, on this activity-filled day trip by ferry, flight or both—your choice. After a … Coorong National Park is a protected natural area made up of a lagoon ecosystem called Coorong. The Ultimate Adelaide to Perth Road Trip Itinerary. A mere 4 minutes by car from the Twelve Apostles and you’ll arrive at yet another natural tourist attraction in the region: Loch Ard Gorge. Kick back in your room and soak in views across the city, hills and beyond. It’s little wonder the pizza is so good, Madre is from the same team behind McLaren Vale’s Pizzateca and head pizzaiolo Ettore Bertonati has a PhD in chemistry. Book Now. Adelaide is Australia’s fifth largest city and the capital of South Australia, and it has a lot to offer eager travelers. Griffits Island is a natural reserve that lies at the mouth of the Moyne River. This famous seaside town is just 22 minutes from Geelong, making it the perfect place for a brief stop. Another Warrnambool attraction is Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, which allows you to learn about the city’s maritime history, especially its history of shipwrecks. It was the site of the first European settlement in the state of Victoria. Many rare species of birds live here, including the chestnut teal, Australian shelduck, sharp-tailed sandpiper, and banded stilt, to name a few. Planning a trip to Adelaide? From exploring the National Gallery of Victoria to enjoying dinner and a drink at a restaurant by the Yarra River, there are so many ways to pass the time in Melbourne. This Australian drive is one of the most scenic in the country. A planned settlement situated on a flat plain, Adelaide’s compact, easy-to-manage layout makes it easy to navigate and access attractions. Day Trips & Excursions. McKillop was the first Australian to gain Roman Catholic sainthood and she had lived in Penola for a good part of her life. Featuring the tropical city of Darwin and the top end’s many national parks, Uluru which is the world’s largest rock and the otherworldly terrain of South Australia’s desert, the Darwin to Adelaide … In addition, there are plenty of top-notch eateries in Adelaide like Africola (North African fare), Golden Boy (Thai food), and Andre’s Cucina and Polenta Bar (authentic Italian cuisine). Adelaide is bursting with culture, flavours, events and entertainment. Sip your way around the laneways of Leigh St, Peel St and Gilbert Place or drink in the boozy goodness of Adelaide's east end. For more dining inspiration, check out our guide to the best restaurants in Adelaide. If you're planning a road trip to Adelaide, you can research locations to stop along the way. They are located off the shore of Port Campbell National Park. With a day spa, rooftop bar and restaurant, luxury suites and tailored services including an on-call cocktail mixologist, hair and makeup artist and personal trainer, EOS has your every need covered. Some of the most popular ones include the Adelaide Zoo, the Adelaide Botanic Garden, Adelaide Central Market, Cleland Conservation Park, and the South Australian Museum. For a quintessential Adelaide experience, step out of your hotel and into a thriving hub of food and culture at the Adelaide Central Market. Particularly in the winter and spring, it is a popular spot to find southern right whales who use the region as their breeding ground. Younghusband Peninsula is also part of the park. Want to plan the trip back? There is also a pathway that goes to the east side of the gorge if you wish to venture beyond the beach. It also has a curved art deco style boardwalk that is perfect for a photo opp! Beyond these two attractions, the coastal city is a great spot for whale watching, as southern right whales come into the harbour to breed between June and September. The sprawling Botanic Garden spans 50 hectares, featuring stunning architecture, majestic avenues and, of course, the famous wisteria arbour. Once considered a sleepy city, Adelaide has undergone a rapid transformation with a burgeoning small-bar scene, world-class art and music, and a festival calendar to rival that of any other Australian city. That’s right, the Twelve Apostles are right off of Great Ocean Road on your journey to Adelaide. This region is famous for its wine and is synonymous with Cabernet Sauvignon. Currently, there are seven after one collapsed in 2005. Hungry? In the past, the town of Coonawarra was a stop on the Mount Gambier railway line, but it closed in 1995. This Australian coastal city is located on Lady Bay. Jump on-board one of their hybrid-electric rickshaws and get pedalled to any destination within the CBD, or let them show you around on a city highlights, street art or history tour. Day Trips & Excursions. Explore some of Australia’s beautiful interior at Mount Gambier. It combines historic landmarks with child-friendly places, which makes it quite unique.. Perth to Adelaide road trip planner. For more bar inspiration, check out our guide to the best hidden bars in Adelaide. Venture just a little further and within minutes of the city arrive in the picture-book perfect Adelaide Hills. Today, the gorge is a popular tourist attraction that is accessible via a set of stairs that leads down to a beach. Day three will have you arriving in Adelaide, but not without a few stops along the way. When you’ve had enough time to explore the charming wine region of Coonawarra, it’s time to hit the road once again for the final day of your road trip. One of the hottest tables in town, Africola is best enjoyed when shared. Another recent addition to the Adelaide hotel scene, Pullman is the perfect retreat after a day exploring. Meanwhile, keep your eyes peeled for all types of wildlife, such as pelicans, penguins, peregrine falcons, black swans, and albatrosses. Unless you’re in a rush, we advise you to stop here and explore a national park very different from the others on this list. This gorgeous coastal trail begins at Torquay’s Point Impossible Beach and winds its way southwest, along rugged cliffs and limestone reefs. This collection of limestone stacks is one of the best photo spots in the country. Further, no trip to Port Fairy would be complete with a visit to Griffits Island. I'm from Canada and love going on road trips in my country. There are also plenty of fun attractions you can stop at along the way! South Australian skies put on a show come sundown when collages of blazing red, yellow and orange paint the sky in a sunset spectacular best appreciated beachside. Today, most visitors come to the town for its wine. Besides Albury and Bendigo, Adelaide … Portland is a rather unique city along Australia’s southern coast, which makes it a must-visit on your Melbourne to Adelaide road trip.