The Ultimate Melbourne to Adelaide Road Trip Guide for Backpackers & Young Travelers
Looking for a truly epic Aussie adventure? The road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide is one of Australia’s most scenic and rewarding travel experiences. From dramatic coastal cliffs to sleepy wine towns and blue crater lakes, this route has everything a backpacker or solo traveler could want.
Whether you're renting a campervan, hitching rides, or road-tripping with friends, this guide covers routes, highlights, transport options, hostels, and must-see stops—perfect for anyone in their 20s or 30s chasing freedom and unforgettable landscapes.
🛣 How Far Is It from Melbourne to Adelaide?
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Direct Distance: ~730km (via inland highway)
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Scenic Route (via Great Ocean Road): ~1,000km+
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Driving Time:
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Inland Route: ~8 hours non-stop
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Great Ocean Road: 3–5 days recommended for sightseeing
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🧭 Best Way to Travel: Rent a car or campervan. It gives you total freedom to explore off-the-beaten-path gems and national parks. Public transport is limited in these areas.
🌊 Route Options: Coastal or Inland?
🌅 Scenic Coastal Route via Great Ocean Road (Highly Recommended)
This is the most iconic way to travel between Melbourne and Adelaide. Think jaw-dropping cliffs, eucalyptus forests, and adorable beach towns.
Suggested Itinerary:
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Day 1: Melbourne → Torquay → Lorne → Apollo Bay
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Day 2: Apollo Bay → Great Otway National Park → 12 Apostles → Port Campbell
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Day 3: Port Campbell → Warrnambool → Mount Gambier
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Day 4: Mount Gambier → Coonawarra → Adelaide
🏜 Inland Highway Route (Faster but Less Scenic)
Perfect if you're short on time and more into wine regions and Aussie countryside.
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Melbourne → Ballarat → Horsham → Bordertown → Adelaide
🏞️ Top 7 Must-See Stops Along the Way
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Torquay – Surf town vibes and gateway to the Great Ocean Road
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Lorne – Waterfalls, hikes, and coastal cafés
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Apollo Bay – Sleepy fishing village with great seafood
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Great Otway National Park – Rainforest hikes, glow worm caves
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12 Apostles – Australia’s most iconic rock formations
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Mount Gambier – Famous for its surreal Blue Lake and sinkholes
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Coonawarra – Hidden gem wine region with world-class reds
📸 Pro Tip: Pack a drone or wide-angle lens—this road trip is a visual dream.
🏨 Where to Stay: Budget-Friendly Accommodation
🛏️ Apollo Bay
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Apollo Bay Eco YHA – Great social vibes, eco-conscious, clean kitchen
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Surfside Backpacker Lodge – Laid-back surf shack with bonfire nights
🛏️ Port Campbell
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Port Campbell Hostel – Steps from the beach, good kitchen and comfy beds
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NRMA Port Campbell Holiday Park – Great if you're campervanning
🛏️ Mount Gambier
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Jubilee Motor Inn – Budget private rooms
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The Old Mount Gambier Gaol – A hostel in a former prison (yes, seriously)
🛏️ Adelaide
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Adelaide Central YHA – Super central, clean, and social
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The Guesthouse – Artsy, minimalist, and budget-friendly
🚐 Campervanning Tips
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Use apps like WikiCamps or CamperMate to find free/cheap campgrounds
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Fill up your tank in larger towns—fuel gets pricey in remote areas
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Bring a headlamp, power bank, and a decent playlist (no signal in some spots)
📝 Things to Know Before You Go
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Drive on the left side in Australia!
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Kangaroos are most active around dusk and dawn—drive carefully
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Some areas don’t have phone signal—download offline maps
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National park entry fees may apply (especially in Otway region)
💬 Final Thoughts: Is This Road Trip Worth It?
Absolutely. The Melbourne to Adelaide drive offers a taste of everything Australia is known for: wild coastlines, chill surf towns, ancient forests, and the freedom of the open road.
It’s perfect for solo travelers, couples, or backpacking groups looking for a bit of nature, culture, and a whole lot of adventure.
🎒Pack light, drive safe, and don't rush it—this journey is meant to be savored.
