Adelaide to Melbourne Road Trip: The Ultimate Great Ocean Road Adventure

An Adelaide to Melbourne road trip is one of the best ways to experience the changing landscapes of southern Australia. Starting in Adelaide, you can travel through South Australia before crossing into Victoria and eventually reaching the famous Great Ocean Road.

Better still, if you're travelling on a budget, you may be able to find a $1/day campervan relocation from Adelaide to Melbourne, allowing you to turn the journey into a road trip without paying the full price of a conventional campervan rental.

Here's how to plan the ultimate Adelaide to Melbourne adventure.

How far is Adelaide from Melbourne?

Adelaide and Melbourne are roughly 730 kilometres apart by road, depending on the route you take.

If you drive directly, it's possible to cover the distance relatively quickly. But that's not the point of an Adelaide to Melbourne road trip.

Allowing extra time means you can stop along the way, explore regional South Australia and Victoria, and potentially include the Great Ocean Road before arriving in Melbourne.

Adelaide to Melbourne road trip itinerary

Stop 1: Adelaide

Start your journey in Adelaide, South Australia's capital.

Spend a couple of days exploring the city before collecting your vehicle.

Highlights include Adelaide Central Market, the city's beaches, North Terrace and the nearby Adelaide Hills.

If you're using a campervan relocation, check your specific pickup instructions carefully, as the vehicle may be located outside the city centre.

Stop 2: Hahndorf and the Adelaide Hills

Just outside Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills make an easy first stop.

Hahndorf is one of Australia's best-known historic German settlements and is surrounded by vineyards, countryside and rolling hills.

It's an easy way to escape the city before beginning the longer journey east.

Stop 3: Mount Gambier

Continue towards South Australia's Limestone Coast and Mount Gambier.

The city is famous for its volcanic landscape and Blue Lake, which changes colour seasonally.

It's a worthwhile overnight stop before crossing the border into Victoria.

Stop 4: The Grampians

Once you've entered Victoria, consider heading north towards the Grampians, also known as Gariwerd.

The region is known for dramatic landscapes, wildlife, waterfalls and Aboriginal cultural heritage.

If your vehicle relocation gives you enough time, the Grampians can make a memorable detour before continuing south towards the coast.

Stop 5: Warrnambool

Head towards the coast and arrive at Warrnambool.

This is where you can begin connecting your Adelaide to Melbourne road trip with the Great Ocean Road route.

Warrnambool is also a good base for exploring nearby coastal scenery.

Stop 6: Port Campbell and the Twelve Apostles

Continue along the coast towards Port Campbell.

This is one of the highlights of the entire journey, with spectacular limestone cliffs and offshore rock formations.

The Twelve Apostles are the most famous landmark along this stretch of coastline.

Allow plenty of time for viewpoints and short walks rather than simply driving through.

Stop 7: Apollo Bay

Continue along the Great Ocean Road towards Apollo Bay.

The landscape changes dramatically as the road winds through coastal scenery and the Great Otway National Park.

Apollo Bay is a popular place to spend the night before continuing east.

Stop 8: Lorne

Lorne is another classic Great Ocean Road stop.

Spend some time on the beach, explore the surrounding scenery or stop for lunch before continuing towards Torquay.

Stop 9: Torquay

Torquay is widely regarded as the gateway to the Great Ocean Road.

It's also famous for its surf culture and proximity to Bells Beach.

From Torquay, continue towards Melbourne.

Stop 10: Melbourne

Finish your road trip in Melbourne.

Return your vehicle if you're travelling on a relocation and then spend a few days exploring the city without worrying about driving.

How many days do you need for an Adelaide to Melbourne road trip?

A direct drive can be completed much faster, but 7 days gives you considerably more opportunity to enjoy the journey.

A possible itinerary could look like:

Day 1: Adelaide → Adelaide Hills
Day 2: Adelaide Hills → Mount Gambier
Day 3: Mount Gambier → Grampians
Day 4: Grampians → Warrnambool
Day 5: Warrnambool → Port Campbell → Twelve Apostles
Day 6: Great Ocean Road → Apollo Bay → Lorne
Day 7: Torquay → Melbourne

If you have fewer days, you can simplify the route. If you have longer, slow down and spend more time on the Great Ocean Road.

Always check the permitted kilometres and timeframe before booking a vehicle relocation.

Adelaide to Melbourne by campervan

Travelling by campervan can make the journey particularly enjoyable. Instead of booking separate accommodation every night, you have your accommodation with you and can experience more of Australia's regional landscapes.

However, conventional campervan hire from Adelaide to Melbourne can be expensive. That's where a relocation can be worth investigating.

Find a cheap Adelaide to Melbourne campervan

If a rental company needs to move a campervan from Adelaide to Melbourne, travellers can take advantage of the journey through a relocation deal. Imoova relocations are available from $1 per day all year round.

You'll need to follow the specific relocation requirements, including the agreed pickup and drop-off locations and timeframe.

For flexible travellers, however, it can be a budget-friendly way to experience one of Australia's most famous road trips.

Start planning your Adelaide to Melbourne road trip

From Adelaide's city streets to the Limestone Coast, Grampians and Great Ocean Road, the journey to Melbourne offers plenty of opportunities to turn a simple transfer into an adventure.

And if you're travelling on a budget, don't only search for traditional campervan rentals in Adelaide.

Check the latest Adelaide to Melbourne vehicle relocations on Imoova and see if you can find a car, campervan or motorhome heading in the direction you want to travel.