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<\/a><\/p>\nDay 1: Melbourne to Port Campbell<\/h2>\n1. Melbourne<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.flydriveandstay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Melbourne.jpg\")
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Let the road trip commence!<\/p>\n
Before you hit the road, we highly recommend taking the time to properly explore Melbourne.<\/p>\n
Melbourne is the capital of the state of Victoria and is one of the most vibrant cities in Australia.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Other popular attractions include Queen Victoria Market, Federation Square, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, and the Melbourne Zoo.<\/p>\n
Also, be sure to go beyond the CBD and explore hip boroughs like St Kilda, the Docklands, Southbank, and Fitzroy.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Official Site<\/a><\/p>\n The first stop on your Melbourne to Adelaide drive is Geelong!<\/p>\n Geelong is a coastal city roughly 1 hour southwest of Melbourne.<\/p>\n It is most famous for its waterfront esplanade that features everything from a 19th century carousel to a sea bath.<\/p>\n It also has a curved art deco style boardwalk that is perfect for a photo opp!<\/p>\n The Baywalk Bollards are also a sight to behold.<\/p>\n They are a series of colourful sculptures along the water that tell the story of Geelong’s history.<\/p>\n Beyond the picturesque bay, Geelong is home to other attractions suitable for people of all ages.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Official Site<\/a><\/p>\n Get your surf on in Torquay!<\/p>\n This famous seaside town is just 22 minutes from Geelong, making it the perfect place for a brief stop.<\/p>\n Surfing is what Torquay is known for.<\/p>\n There are several of the best surf beaches in the world here, including Bells Beach and Jan Juc Beach.<\/p>\n The Australian National Surfing Museum, with house exhibits showcasing all kinds of surfing memorabilia, is located in town.<\/p>\n Torquay is also the home of Rip Curl, one of the best known surf wear retailers in the world.<\/p>\n Further, if you’re looking for a place to do some hiking, then you are sure to love the Surf Coast Walk.<\/span><\/p>\n This gorgeous coastal trail begins at Torquay’s Point Impossible Beach and winds its way southwest, along rugged cliffs and limestone reefs.<\/p>\n Art meets surfing in the charming Australian town of Lorne.<\/p>\n This small town, which lies on Great Ocean Road, might seem sleepy but in reality it is anything but.<\/p>\n Lorne is a major surf hub, thanks to Lorne Beach.<\/p>\n It also has a bustling arts scene, with many galleries and art parks scattered throughout.<\/p>\n If you’re looking for a place to pull over and have a picnic, head on up to Teddy’s Lookout.<\/p>\n This stunning spot is beloved by locals for a reason.<\/p>\n It has sweeping views of St. George River and the coast.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Official Site<\/a><\/p>\n Only a short distance out of Lorne and you will find yourself passing through Kennett River.<\/p>\n Do yourself a favour and stop in this Australian town.<\/p>\n If you don’t, you might miss out on your one chance to see wild koalas!<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Specifically, we recommend taking a drive down Grey River Road.<\/p>\n Be sure to look closely at the gum trees as this is where the koalas are likely to be lounging.<\/p>\n Take your time on this road and remember to pack your camera so you can snaps as many pics as possible of these loveable animals.<\/p>\n Official Site<\/a><\/p>\n Apollo Bay is a natural paradise, which is why it is well worth a stop en route to Adelaide.<\/p>\n Just 30 minutes southwest of Kennett River lies this small Australian town.<\/p>\n It is conveniently located on Great Ocean Road and is an ideal spot for relaxing on the beach or embarking on an outdoor adventure.<\/p>\n Great Ocean Walk, one of the most scenic hiking trails in Australia, runs through Apollo Bay.<\/p>\n Mariner’s Lookout is also worth checking out as it offers panoramic views of the turquoise blue coast.<\/p>\n Activities in Apollo Bay include horseback riding on the beach and whale watching.<\/p>\n Particularly in the winter and spring, it is a popular spot to find southern right whales who use the region as their breeding ground.<\/p>\n Official Site<\/a><\/p>\n Get out in nature and explore one of Australia’s most stunning parks: Great Otway National Park.<\/p>\n This diverse national park features everything from beaches to mountains, which means you could spend lots of time hiking here.<\/p>\n Expect to find temperature rainforest, a rugged coastline, dramatic waterfalls, and the Otway Ranges.<\/p>\n Triplet Falls is the most popular waterfall in Great Otway National Park owing to its triple cascade.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, another point of interest is the Cape Otway Lightstation, which dates back to 1848.<\/p>\n The lighthouse overlooks Bass Straight and is the ideal spot to stop and take a rest.<\/p>\n In total, the park is home to 57 miles of hiking trails.<\/p>\n Be sure to consult a map before you visit to decide which hike is right for you.<\/p>\n Official Site<\/a><\/p>\n Did you know that by driving from Melbourne to Adelaide you’ll get to see one of Australia’s most famous natural landmarks?<\/p>\n That’s right, the Twelve Apostles are right off of Great Ocean Road on your journey to Adelaide.<\/p>\n This collection of limestone stacks is one of the best photo spots in the country.<\/p>\n They are located off the shore of Port Campbell National Park.<\/p>\n Despite the name “Twelve Apostles,” there were only eight limestone stacks to begin with.<\/p>\n Currently, there are seven after one collapsed in 2005.<\/p>\n Fun fact: Throughout history, the Twelve Apostles have been referred to by several other names, including the Pinnacles and the Sow and Pigs.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n It is a sight to behold (especially at sunset) and like the Twelve Apostles, is also part of Port Campbell National Park.<\/p>\n The gorge is named after a ship, which was called the Loch Ard, that ran aground on Muttonbird Island (located nearby) in 1878.<\/p>\n Loch Ard was nearing the end of its journey from England to Melbourne when it accidentally hit the shore.<\/p>\n Today, the gorge is a popular tourist attraction that is accessible via a set of stairs that leads down to a beach.<\/p>\n There is also a pathway that goes to the east side of the gorge if you wish to venture beyond the beach.<\/p>\n Snapping a photo here in front of the gorge is a must.<\/p>\n You’ve arrived at your day 1 destination, which means the first day of your road trip is complete!<\/p>\n Port Campbell is a tiny coastal town on Great Ocean Road.<\/p>\n 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).<\/p>\n Beyond these two sites, be sure to take advantage of your time in Port Campbell by exploring other parts of the national park.<\/p>\n It is 1,750 hectares in total with hiking trails and points of interest scattered throughout.<\/p>\n Attractions include the Grotto, the Gibson Steps, and the London Arch.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, keep your eyes peeled for all types of wildlife, such as pelicans, penguins, peregrine falcons, black swans, and albatrosses.<\/p>\n Day two of your road trip takes you from Port Campbell to Coonawarra.<\/p>\n Your first stop is just 15 minutes from Port Campbell and goes by the name of the Bay of Martyrs.<\/p>\n This is another site that showcases Australia’s natural beauty.<\/p>\n The Bay of Martyrs is part of the Bay of Islands Coastal Park, a 32 kilometre coastal reserve.<\/p>\n Specifically, the Bay of Martyrs is 2.5 kilometres long and comprises two bays: Crofts Bay and Massacre Bay.<\/p>\n You’ll find the bay extremely photogenic and much less crowded than Port Campbell National Park.<\/p>\n This has made it a favorite among locals.<\/p>\n There are plenty of lookout points to stop and take pictures, but swimming and fishing are also permitted on the beach.<\/p>\n Keep driving west from the Bay of Martyrs and you will eventually hit the city of Warrnambool.<\/p>\n This Australian coastal city is located on Lady Bay.<\/p>\n It is home to many beaches, the main one being Bathing Beach.<\/p>\n Bathing Beach is the perfect place to go for a swim, lay beneath the sun, or enjoy a picnic on the sand.<\/p>\n It is located in front of Lake Pertobe Adventure Park, which has all kinds of fun activities for children and adults alike.<\/p>\n Another Warrnambool attraction is Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, which allows you to learn about the city’s maritime history, especially its history of shipwrecks.<\/p>\n Lastly, if you are interesting in trying to spot some whales, then head to Logans Beach where there is a dedicated whale watching platform.<\/p>\n Official Site<\/a><\/p>\n Port Fairy is a tiny coastal town of just 3,000 people.<\/p>\n Its main industries are tourism and fishing.<\/p>\n There are many excellent surfing beaches here, including Old Passage and the East Beach.<\/p>\n Port Fairy also hosts several cultural festivals throughout the year like the Port Fairy Folk Festival and Moyneyana Festival.<\/p>\n Further, no trip to Port Fairy would be complete with a visit to Griffits Island.<\/p>\n Griffits Island is a natural reserve that lies at the mouth of the Moyne River.<\/p>\n It has a lighthouse that dates back to 1859, and has many unique geological features including balsaltic reefs and boulders.<\/p>\n You can also expect to see lots of beautiful birds here, such as short-tailed shearwaters (also called muttonbirds).<\/p>\n Official Site<\/a><\/p>\n Portland is a rather unique city along Australia’s southern coast, which makes it a must-visit on your Melbourne to Adelaide road trip.<\/p>\n It was the site of the first European settlement in the state of Victoria.<\/p>\n As a result, you’ll find over 200 buildings in town that date back to the 19th century.<\/p>\n Portland was founded in the year 1800 by British navigator James Grant.<\/p>\n After its founding, fishing became the dominant industry, which was later rivalled by aluminium.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Cape Spencer Lighthouse, the Portland Cable Tram, and the Great South West Walk are all major attractions in Portland.<\/p>\n Explore some of Australia’s beautiful interior at Mount Gambier.<\/p>\n This city is known for its natural beauty, which mainly takes the form of crater lakes (like Blue Lake) and its volcanic, limestone landscape.<\/p>\n If you’re doing this drive during the summer months, then Blue Lake is a must visit.<\/p>\n It changes colours throughout the year but turns a beautiful bright shade of blue in summer.<\/p>\n The Umpherston Sinkhole is another can’t-miss attraction as you’ve likely never seen anything like it before.<\/p>\n It is a historic sunken garden with plenty of lush flora and great lookout points.<\/p>\n Another geological wonder is Cave Gardens, an incredible garden that contains a 90-foot deep cave.<\/p>\n The Cave Gardens were declared a heritage area in 2001 and have a viewing platform where visitors can take photos today.<\/p>\n Official Site<\/a><\/p>\n Nestled two hours further inland and north of Mount Gambier lies Coonawarra.<\/p>\n This region is famous for its wine and is synonymous with Cabernet Sauvignon.<\/p>\n Wineries offer tours and tastings, with the most popular wineries being Penley Estate, DiGiorgio Family Wines, Wynns Coonawarra Estate, and Brand’s Laira Coonawarra.<\/p>\n In the past, the town of Coonawarra was a stop on the Mount Gambier railway line, but it closed in 1995.<\/p>\n Today, most visitors come to the town for its wine.<\/p>\n The historic town of Penola is also nearby.<\/p>\n Penola dates back to the mid 19th century and has many heritage buildings, especially on Church Street and Wilson Street.<\/p>\n The town is mostly known for its connection to Mary McKillop (St. Mary of the Cross).<\/p>\n McKillop was the first Australian to gain Roman Catholic sainthood and she had lived in Penola for a good part of her life.<\/p>\n Official Site<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Day three will have you arriving in Adelaide, but not without a few stops along the way.<\/p>\n First up is the seaside enclave of Robe.<\/p>\n Robe is roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes from Coonawarra.<\/p>\n It is a port town located on Guichen Bay, one of the oldest towns in Victoria, with European settlement dating back to 1845.<\/p>\n As a result, the town has many beautiful heritage buildings.<\/p>\n In addition to its history, Robe has many beaches for visitors to enjoy.<\/p>\n These include Long Beach (great for water sports) and Little Dip Conservation Park which offers camping and swimming among other activities.<\/p>\n Official Site<\/a><\/p>\n By the time you’ve reached Coorong National Park, you will be only a couple of hours from Adelaide.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Coorong National Park is a protected natural area made up of a lagoon ecosystem called Coorong.<\/p>\n Younghusband Peninsula is also part of the park.<\/p>\n The park was founded in 1967 as a refuge for local wildlife, such as birds and fish, who were suffering from the country’s droughts.<\/p>\n Coorong National Park spans 467 square kilometres and protects a wide range of flora and fauna.<\/p>\n Many rare species of birds live here, including the chestnut teal, Australian shelduck, sharp-tailed sandpiper, and banded stilt, to name a few.<\/p>\n Step back in time at Victor Harbor.<\/p>\n This is the largest city on the Fleurieu Peninsula and is a popular end of year trip destination for Australian high school graduates.<\/p>\n Victor Harbor is known for its natural beauty, but also for the unique horse-drawn trams that are offered here.<\/p>\n The trams cross the causeway to Granite Island, which is home to a colony of wild penguins.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Official Site<\/a><\/p>\n You’ve made it!<\/p>\n Your three day journey has come to an end now that you’ve arrived in Adelaide.<\/p>\n This cosmopolitan coastal city is full of attractions for visitors to enjoy.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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).<\/p>\n Of course, being that it is on the coast, Adelaide also has many beautiful beaches like Glenelg Beach and Henley Beach.<\/p>\n Official Site<\/a><\/p>\n We hope this list has proved to you that driving from Melbourne to Adelaide is the best way to explore South Australia.<\/p>\n From Port Campbell National Park to Victor Harbor, there are so many incredible places to see along the way.<\/p>\n With so much to see, it might even be worth driving back by renting a car from Adelaide<\/a> to Melbourne.<\/p>\n
\n2. Geelong<\/h3>\n
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\n3. Torquay<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.flydriveandstay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Torquay.jpg\")
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\n4. Lorne<\/h3>\n
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\n5. Kennett River<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.flydriveandstay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Kennett-River-1.jpg\")
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\n6. Apollo Bay<\/h3>\n
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\n7. Great Otway National Park
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\n8. The Twelve Apostles<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.flydriveandstay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/The-Twelve-Apostles.jpg\")
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\n9. Loch Ard Gorge<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.flydriveandstay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Loch-Ard-Gorge.jpg\")
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\n10. Port Campbell<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.flydriveandstay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Port-Campbell.jpg\")
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\nDay 2: Port Campbell to Coonawarra<\/h2>\n
11. Bay of Martyrs<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.flydriveandstay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Bay-of-Martyrs.jpg\")
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\n12. Warrnambool<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.flydriveandstay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Warrnambool.jpg\")
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\n13. Port Fairy<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.flydriveandstay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Port-Fairy.jpg\")
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\n14. Portland<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.flydriveandstay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Portland.jpg\")
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\n15. Mount Gambier<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.flydriveandstay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Mount-Gambier.jpg\")
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\n16. Coonawarra<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.flydriveandstay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Coonawarra.jpg\")
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\nDay 3: Coonawarra to Adelaide<\/h2>\n
17. Robe<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.flydriveandstay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Robe.jpg\")
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\n18. Coorong National Park<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.flydriveandstay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Coorong-National-Park.jpg\")
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\n19. Victor Harbor<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.flydriveandstay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Victor-Harbor.jpg\")
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\n20. Adelaide<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.flydriveandstay.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Adelaide.jpg\")
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