Melbourne to Adelaide is a cracking 3 day Great Ocean Road tour. Whether you go inland or along the coast the scenery is diverse, the towns are historic and the views are stunning. With stops in seaside towns, national parks and wine regions the trip has something for every kind of traveller. Here’s our full guide to the best stops along the way. A 3 day Adelaide to Melbourne road trip is the perfect balance of coastal views, country towns and national parks along the way.
Ballarat: History and Gardens
Just a couple of hours out of Melbourne Ballarat is a must see for history buffs. Famous for its Gold Rush history Ballarat has a living museum at Sovereign Hill where you can delve into Australia’s past. Explore recreated mining towns and participate in hands on activities perfect for families and history nerds. The city’s Botanical Gardens on the shores of Lake Wendouree are a peaceful oasis and a beautiful place to stop and relax.
Ballarat is also an art lover’s paradise with galleries showcasing modern and historic works. A great place to start your trip before you head onto the Grampians Route or continue onto Port Fairy.
Apollo Bay: Coastal Bliss
For those following the coastal route, Apollo Bay is one of the most beautiful coastal towns. Famous for its beaches and coastal views, Apollo Bay is a favourite among beach lovers and those looking to chill out. Spend the day by the ocean, try your hand at surfing or explore the nearby rainforest. The Great Otway National Park, with its lush vegetation, waterfalls, and wildlife, is close by and waiting for an adventure to happen.
Apollo Bay is also the gateway to Bells Beach, Australia’s surfing capital. The combination of sandy beaches and towering cliffs makes for great photography and exploring. The town itself has boutique accommodations and cosy cafes to refuel.
Port Fairy: Seaside Sweetness
Next up on the coastal route is Port Fairy, a cute and charming town with beautiful beaches, heritage buildings and an active arts scene. Take a stroll along the waterfront and eat at one of the many seafood restaurants. Port Fairy is famous for its Port Fairy Folk Festival, attracting visitors from all over.
Nature lovers will enjoy Budj Bim National Park just nearby, an area steeped in Indigenous history and natural beauty. Whether you’re here for the beaches or the town’s artsy feel Port Fairy is the perfect place to chill out on your trip. It’s also a great spot for wildlife, whale watching tours are available during migration season.
Grampians National Park: Views to die for
If you’re driving inland Grampians National Park is a treasure trove. Near Halls Gap this park has heaps of outdoor activities from walking to seeing ancient rock art. The towering Mackenzie Falls are a must see, views and a refreshing stop for nature lovers.
The park is also famous for its wildlife, which includes kangaroos and emus, which are often seen around the area. Whether you want a relaxing picnic or a challenging hike, the Grampians Route has plenty of scenic drives and is one of the top attractions on the inland route. Art lovers can also visit local galleries that showcase works inspired by the surrounding landscape.
Mount Gambier: Craters and Lakes
Cross into South Australia and you’ll reach Mount Gambier, a town with a fascinating volcanic history and crater lakes. The most famous attraction is the Blue Lake which turns blue in summer. The Umpherston Sinkhole is also a must see, a beautiful sunken garden and a magical escape into nature.
Beyond these geological wonders Mount Gambier has scenic drives and natural attractions. Visit volcanic craters, Botanical Gardens, walk around the town’s lake systems. For a surreal experience stop at Fairy Park and Barwon Park, both have otherworldly landscapes and historical attractions.
Coonawarra: Wine heaven
Take a detour to Coonawarra if you’re a wine lover. This wine region is famous for Cabernet Sauvignon and has many vineyards with cellar doors. Drive through the region and taste some of Australia’s best wines while taking in the views.
Coonawarra is perfect for a lazy afternoon, a beautiful experience with local flavours and great views of the vineyards and countryside.
Port Campbell and London Bridge
Back on the coastal route stop at Port Campbell to see the limestone formations that make the Great Ocean Road famous. London Bridge once connected to the mainland collapsed in the 90’s and now is a dramatic rock formation. The area is also known for its cliffs and sunsets that attract photographers and nature lovers.
For those who love the ocean Port Campbell has more than just rock formations. The town has sandy beaches to relax on, and the ocean is close by for fresh seafood and boutique accommodation for the night.
Victor Harbor and Granite Island
Heading to Adelaide Victor Harbor and Granite Island are a must see. Take the coastal route to this seaside town and you’ll be rewarded with coastal views and wildlife. Walk across the causeway to Granite Island and see penguins and take in the views of the Southern Ocean.
Encounter Bay in Victor Harbor is a great spot for whale watching during the migration season and a lovely place to relax and get some sea air.
McLaren Vale: Wine and Ocean Views
Just a short drive from Victor Harbor McLaren Vale is another wine region to visit for wine tasting. Famous for its local produce and world class wines McLaren Vale is a foodies heaven. You can visit several cellar doors each with different wines and vineyard views.
Being so close to the coast, you can taste wine and then head to the beaches for the day.
Murray Bridge and Coorong National Park
Last of all head towards Murray Bridge and then onto Adelaide. This region is the gateway to the stunning Coorong National Park famous for its lagoons, birdlife and beautiful beaches. Spend time taking in the views of the park for those who want to get off the beaten track.
The park has walking trails and driving routes to take a scenic drive through South Australia’s wetlands.
Conclusion
Whether you go directly or make stops along the way, travelling between Melbourne and Adelaide has something for everyone. From seaside towns like Apollo Bay and Port Fairy to national parks like the Grampians and Coorong there’s no shortage of views and natural wonders to see. Add in some world-class wine tasting in regions like Coonawarra and McLaren Vale, and you have a trip of a lifetime.
FAQ
What is the fastest way from Melbourne to Adelaide?
The fastest way is along the Western Highway (A8) and takes around 8-9 hours. The scenic route along the Great Ocean Road is more enjoyable.
Which coastal towns should I visit along the way?
The top coastal towns are Apollo Bay, Port Fairy, Victor Harbor and Port Campbell.
What natural wonders can I see along the way?
Blue Lake in Mount Gambier, Umpherston Sinkhole, London Bridge at Port Campbell and the wildlife on Granite Island near Victor Harbor.
Are there wine regions I must visit?
Yes Coonawarra and McLaren Vale wine regions have some of the best wine tasting with beautiful cellar doors and local produce.
When should I travel?
Spring or autumn is the best time to travel, the weather is mild and perfect for seeing natural wonders, coastal views and wine regions.