Melbourne to Adelaide Road Trip in a Motorhome Rental
Coops Shot Tower, Melbourne Central Photo by Jordan (Flickr Creative Commons)Five days driving along the Great Ocean Road is one of those once in a lifetime experiences. Driving your motorhome rental from bustling Melbourne to scenic Adelaide is a great way to spend your vacation, discovering the beauty and diversity of Australia.
Melbourne to Apollo Bay: Day 1
Before departing on your motorhome rental road trip you may want to spend a day or two in beautiful Melbourne, a stylish city with a never ending list of things to do. From festivals and great restaurants to good wine and art galleries you will find yourself immersed in style and vibrant culture while in Melbourne.
The total distance between Melbourne and Apollo Bay is about 185 kilometres, When you start on your trip head towards Geelong where you may want to stop and visit Bells Beach. Once you’re ready to continue on drive to the Great Ocean Road, which is just west of Torquay. The coastal drive to Apollo Bay is stunning. A fun stop along the way is at Anglesea and its golf course. Don’t golf? You still may be interested in spotting the kangaroos that are known to populate the greens.
Apollo Bay to Port Fairy: Day 2
The 185 kilometre drive from Apollo Bay to Port Fairy is a feast for the eyes. On one hand you have the lush greenery and rainforests of Otway National Park and on the other blue waters and staggering cliffs. Stop at the aptly named Wreck Beach where you can view what’s left of the Twelve Apostles as well as the Loch Ard Gorge. When you arrive at Port Fairy, nestled at the mouth of the Moyne River, you will discover a charming town with a pioneer spirit. You won’t find a lack of restaurants (think of all that fresh seafood!), shops, festivals, or local artisans.
Port Fairy to Halls Gap: Day 3
About two hours from Port Ferry is Halls Gap and Grampians Gariwerd National Park. Golf, fish, hike, canoe or tour local wineries—these are just a few of the activities available to you here. For laidback dining try Kookaburra, while for something a bit more formal you may want to try The Balconies Restaurant.
Halls Gap to Robe: Day 4
Day Four’s drive will take you into Southern Australia via Highway 1 along the coast. Once you cross the border you will also be in Australia’s largest volcanic plain. Stop to visit the cool sink holes and caves in the area or one of the wineries in Coonawarra or Padthaway. Another great site is the Blue Lake at Mount Gambier, which has formed in the crater of a now-extinct volcano. If you continue driving your campervan rental through Beachport you will reach Robe, a quaint coastal town that was once one of the country’s most important port cities. Park your vehicle and begin to relax, enjoying the charms of this seaside resort town.
Robe to Adelaide: Day 5
Driving through Kingston and the wetlands of Coorong you will find the Murray River, which you must cross to get to the city of Adelaide. You can choose to take a fun detour through the Adelaide Hills and Langhorne Creek wine country, or head straight to Adelaide.