If you’re looking for a road trip where every moment behind the wheel feels as much a part of the adventure as each destination, the drive from Melbourne to Adelaide could be exactly what you need. With this trip, you’re never stuck driving all day just to reach the next stop, and the route gives you plenty of chances to pull over and explore. And with campervan hire in Melbourne being so easy to organise, getting out on the open road has never been easier.
To make sure you don’t miss a single thing on this journey, below you’ll find the ultimate guide to a Melbourne to Adelaide road trip for campervan travellers. This route has something for everyone and breaks the drive up into a few days, so you can truly make the most of this incredible stretch of Australia.
Melbourne to Apollo Bay
From Melbourne, the drive to Apollo Bay takes around 2.5 hours if you follow the Great Ocean Road. However, it’s worth allowing a bit more time as there are some great places to stop and explore along the way, such as Torquay, where you can stock up on supplies before stores become a little harder to find.
Once you reach Apollo Bay, you’re given the opportunity to slow down and take it all in. You can walk along the foreshore, head out onto the beach, or, if you’re up for it, take a short 15-minute drive to Great Otway National Park for rainforest walks that don’t require a full day off the road.
Apollo Bay to Port Fairy
Once you’re finished exploring Apollo Bay, it’s time to head back behind the wheel and head to Port Fairy. This is another 2.5-hour drive, but again, it’s worth allowing more time to stop at the incredible places along the road, which include the Twelve Apostles, Gibson Steps, and Loch Ard Gorge.
When you arrive in Port Fairy, a walk around the harbour and along Griffiths Island gives you coastal views without too many crowds, especially in the off-season. Or, if you’re in the mood for something a little more cultural, a visit to the Port Fairy Museum and Archives gives you a fascinating insight into days gone by.
Port Fairy to Robe
The drive from Port Fairy to Robe takes around 3 hours and, unlike your journey so far, doesn’t really offer too much to see along the way. However, once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a small town that offers the perfect location for a couple of days of relaxing.
The Obelisk Lookout is a great place to visit if you want some of the best views over the coastline, while Long Beach has opportunities to relax by the ocean or, for the more adventurous, head out on the waves. Robe is also home to Little Dip Conversation Park and Lake Eliza, making it an excellent place for nature lovers to explore.
Robe to Clare Valley
You’ll leave the coast behind now, heading inland on a 5-hour drive to Clare Valley. This is the longest drive so far, but once you arrive, every kilometre on the road will feel totally worth it.
For starters, the Riesling Trail runs right through the region and is flat enough for an easy walk or short bike ride – particularly ideal if you want to stretch your legs after a relatively long drive. You can also explore towns like Auburn and Sevehill, both of which are great spots for a pub lunch or picking up some sweet treats from a local bakery.
Clare Valley to Adelaide
The final stretch of road to Adelaide only takes about 2 hours from Clare Valley. Once you pull up, you can walk the River Torrens path through the city, spend a few hours at the Central Adelaide Market, or head straight out to Glenelg for a beach walk and dinner by the water. Or, if you’d rather stay out of the city centre, the Adelaide Hills are only a 20-minute drive away, but feel completely different, with places like Hahndorf and Stirling offering short walks away from the hustle and bustle.
Why Take This Route?
This route from Melbourne to Adelaide is ideal for campervan travellers because it perfectly balances driving time with some incredible stops along the way. You’re never stuck doing exhausting, long days on the road, and each overnight location gives you something different to explore, from coastline to quiet towns. This is a route that allows you to take your time and enjoy, offering flexibility and letting you set the pace as you see fit.