Road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide for camper travelers | News

If you’re looking for a road trip where every moment behind the wheel is as much part of the adventure as any destination, the drive from Melbourne to Adelaide could be just what you need. With this trip you never have to drive all day to reach the next stop, and the route gives you plenty of opportunities to stop and explore. And with camper rental in Melbourne because it’s so easy to organize, it’s never been easier to get out on the open road.

To ensure you don’t miss anything on this trip, below is the ultimate guide to a Melbourne to Adelaide road trip for campervan travellers. This route has something for everyone and breaks the drive into a few days, so you can really make the most of this incredible part of Australia.
Melbourne to Apollo Bay
From Melbourne the drive to Apollo Bay takes about 2.5 hours if you follow the Great Ocean Road. However, it’s worth taking a little 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 shops become harder to find.

Once you reach Apollo Bay, you’ll have the chance to slow down and take it all in. You can stroll along the water’s edge, hit the beach, or if you’re feeling up to it, take a short 15-minute drive to Great Otway National Park for rainforest walks that don’t require a full day off.

Apollo Bay to Port Fairy
Once you’ve finished exploring Apollo Bay, it’s time to get back behind the wheel and head to Port Fairy. This is another 2.5 hours’ drive, but again, it’s worth taking more time to stop at the incredible sites along the way, including the Twelve Apostles, Gibson Steps and Loch Ard Gorge.

When you arrive in Port Fairy, a walk around the harbor and along Griffiths Island will give you coastal views without too many crowds, especially out of season. Or, if you’re in the mood for something more cultural, a visit to the Port Fairy Museum and Archives will give you a fascinating insight into times gone by.

Port fee to mantle
The drive from Port Fairy to Robe takes about 3 hours and, unlike your journey so far, doesn’t really offer much to see along the way. However, once you arrive you are greeted by a small town that provides the perfect location for a few days of relaxation.

The Obelisk Lookout is a great place to visit if you want one of the best views of the coastline, while Long Beach offers opportunities to relax by the ocean or, for the more adventurous, hit 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 now leave the coast behind and head inland on a 5-hour drive to Clare Valley. This is the longest drive yet, but once you arrive, every mile of the road feels totally worth it.

For starters, the Riesling Trail runs straight through the region and is flat enough for an easy walk or short bike ride – especially ideal if you want to stretch your legs after a relatively long drive. You can also explore towns like Auburn and Sevehill, both great places for a pub lunch or to pick 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 arrive, you can walk the River Torrens trail through the city, spend a few hours at the Central Adelaide Market, or head straight to Glenelg for a beach walk and waterfront dinner. Or, if you prefer to stay out of the city center, the Adelaide Hills are just a 20-minute drive away but have a very different feel, with places like Hahndorf and Stirling offering short walks away from the hustle and bustle.

Why choose this route?
This route from Melbourne to Adelaide is ideal for campervan travelers as the driving time is perfectly balanced with some incredible stops along the way. You’re never stuck with tiring, long days on the road, and each overnight location offers you something different to explore, from the coastline to quiet towns. This is a route that you can take your time and enjoy, offering flexibility and allowing you to set the pace at your own pace.