7-Day Melbourne to Adelaide Road Trip Itinerary via the Great Ocean Road

Melbourne and Adelaide are two of the most liveable Australian cities. Built along the coast, both Melbourne and Adelaide offer easy access to incredible beaches. With the world-renowned Great Ocean Road located between these two capital cities, a coastal road trip between Melbourne and Adelaide is among one of the most scenic road trips in Australia.

A drive between Melbourne and Adelaide via the inland route takes only 8 hours. However, a drive between Melbourne and Adelaide along the south coast can take up to 12 hours. Note: Estimations based on a non-stop drive with no traffic & regular breaks are suggested to avoid driving fatigue.

To allow adequate breaks and to visit the popular attractions along the south coast, 3-day is the minimum for a Melbourne to Adelaide road trip via the Great Ocean Road. For the best experience and to fully discover the south coast, 7-day is the ideal duration for a coastal drive between Melbourne and Adelaide.

In this article, I have put together a detailed 7-day Melbourne to Adelaide Road Trip Itinerary via the Great Ocean Road. Suggestions on where to eat & where to stay are also provided for your convenience. Hope you can find this itinerary useful in your trip planning process.

If you are time restricted & only wish to visit the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne, you may wish to check out this article on: ‘Great Ocean Road One Day Itinerary‘.

Day 1: Melbourne to Torquay via Geelong

Torquay is located at the eastern end of the Great Ocean Road. With only a 1 hour and 20 minutes drive from Melbourne CBD, many people will choose Torquay as the first stop of their Melbourne to Adelaide road trip.

However, Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula are also very scenic and well worth a visit in their own right. They are conveniently located along the drive between Melbourne and Torquay. Hence, I highly suggest visiting them before heading off to Torquay. If you do not wish to spend a whole day in this area, I suggest at least checking out the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula when driving by.

For more detailed information on visiting Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula, you may wish to also check out this article on: ‘One Day Itinerary in Geelong & the Bellarine Peninsula‘.

Itinerary

1. Melbourne to Geelong: A drive between Melbourne and Geelong takes just over 1 hour on average & this drive is relatively straightforward.
2. National Wool Museum: The only wool museum of this scale in Australia. A visitor information centre is also conveniently located on the ground floor of the National Wool Museum, which you may also wish to check out.
3. Geelong Bollard Trail Walk: The most famous and popular walking trail in Geelong, featuring over 100 timber bollards dotted along Geelong’s waterfront area. These bollards are sculptures of iconic figures from Geelong & a great way for visitors to learn Geelong’s history.
4. Geelong Botanic Gardens: Although small, Geelong Botanic Gardens is extremely picturesque & a great place to relax.
5. The Dell & Clifton Springs: A beautiful former mineral spring site overlooking the incredible Port Philip Bay.
6. Portarlington Pier: Located at the northern end of Bellarine Peninsula, Portarlington Pier is the best place for a sunset walk in the Bellarine Peninsula.

Where to Eat

• Breakfast: The Hardware Societe in Melbourne for a mouthwatering French breakfast.
• Lunch: Cafe Francisco Geelong for a delicious kebab and a quick meal.
• Dinner: The Gypsy’s Lunchbox in Torquay to satisfy your burger cravings.

Where to Stay

Geelong and Torquay are only a 25-minute drive away from each other. Hence, you can stay in either Geelong or Torquay for the first night of this road trip.

Since Geelong is bigger and more urbanised than Torquay, there are much more accommodations, shops, and eateries in Geelong. In addition, since Torquay is a popular holiday destination for people visiting the Great Ocean Road, in general, accommodations are more expensive in Torquay.

For more detailed information on accommodation options & pricing, you may wish to check out:

• Geelong on Booking.com
• Torquay on Booking.com

Day 2: Torquay to Apollo Bay

On the second day of this road trip, you will officially start to explore the extraordinary views along the Great Ocean Road.

From here on, you will drive past countless pristine beaches and breathtaking lookouts. You will likely have the urge to stop at every single one of them, but you do need to control this urge to some degree. Otherwise, it will take you way over 7-day to complete this coastal road trip between Melbourne and Adelaide.

For more information on attractions along the Great Ocean Road, you may wish to check out this: ‘Great Ocean Road One-Day Itinerary‘.

Itinerary

1. Bells Beach: An internationally renowned surf beach with soft sand and a striking view. You may wish to bring a surfboard along as well.
2. Point Addis Beach Lookout: For another outstanding view of the beautiful Bells Beach.
3. Loveridge Lookout / Anglesea lookout: For an impressive view of the remarkable Anglesea Beach.
4. Split Point Lighthouse: A charming lighthouse next to a rugged coastline. There is also a short walk from the lighthouse for visitors to further explore this coastline.
5. Memorial Arch at Eastern View: One of the most popular landmarks along the Great Ocean Road. It was erected to commemorate the WW1 soldiers who helped to build the Great Ocean Road.
6. Teddy’s Lookout: A sensational lookout near Lorne, with an amazing view of the Southern Ocean.
7. Sheoak Falls: A short drive west of Lorne. From the carpark, there is a 30-minute return walk (depending on fitness level) through a gorgeous woodland to visit the stunning Sheoak Falls.
8. Mount Defiance Lookout & Cape Patton Lookout: There are various lookouts along the Great Ocean Road, all showcasing the spectacular coastline along the Southern Ocean. Mt Defiance Lookout & Cape Patton Lookout are two of my favourites between Lorne and Apollo Bay.
9. Marriner’s Lookout (Apollo Bay): After arriving at Apollo Bay, make sure you drive up the hill to check out Marriner’s Lookout for a sweeping view of the marvellous Apollo Bay.
10. Apollo Bay Back Beach & Apollo Bay Harbour: Enjoy a sunset walk along Apollo Bay’s beautiful waterfront.

Where to Eat

• Morning Tea: Great Ocean Road Chocolate & Ice Creamery for some delicious chocolate treats and ice cream.
• Lunch: The Lighthouse Tea Room near Split Point Lighthouse for a light lunch.
• Dinner: Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-Op for their freshly caught Southern Rock Lobsters.

Where to Stay

Apollo Bay is the mid-way point between Torquay and Warrnambool (the two ends of the Great Ocean Road). Therefore, Apollo Bay makes the perfect overnight stop during a road trip along the Great Ocean Road.

You can also stay at Lorne or Port Campbell for the night, but you may need to alter this itinerary a bit to suit your plan.

From my experience, Apollo Bay also offers more options and better value, in comparison to the accommodations in Lorne and Port Campbell. There are more shops and eateries to be found in Apollo Bay as well.

For detailed information on accommodation options & pricing of these 3 locations, you can also check out via:

• Lorne on Booking.com
• Apollo Bay on Booking.com
• Port Campbell on Booking.com

Day 3: Apollo Bay to Warrnambool

The drive between Apollo Bay and Warrnambool is arguably the highlight of the entire Great Ocean Road Drive.

From Apollo Bay west along the Great Ocean Road, you will first drive through a serene rainforest, then be presented with the famous Gibson Steps & 12-Apostles. From the Gibson Steps onwards, you will find countless impressive off-shore rock stacks dotted along this rugged coastline.

For more information on attractions along the Great Ocean Road, you may wish to check out this article on: ‘Great Ocean Road One-Day Itinerary‘.

Itinerary

1. Maits Rest Rainforest Walk: A 30-minute loop walk (depending on fitness level) in a tranquil rainforest in the Great Otway National Park. It is a relatively flat and easy walk but can be wet and slippery in certain spots.
2. Gibson Steps: The lookout platform at Gibson Steps offers a spectacular view of the rugged coastline along the Great Ocean Road. From the lookout platform, there is also a set of narrow steps to the pristine beach under the cliff.
3. 12 Apostles: The most well-known Great Ocean Road attraction. Although many people believe it is overhyped, you will still be better off taking 20-30 minutes out of this trip to check it out and take a photo of this site.
4. Loch Ard Gorge: An impressive cluster of lookouts and walking trails to discover the remarkable Shipwreck Coast. For the best experience, plan for at least 2 hours to explore Loch Ard Gorge.
5. London Bridge: An impressive off-shore stack along a remarkable coastline.
6. The Grotto: A serene spot with captivating rock formations. It is one of my favourite spots along this drive.
7. Bay of Martyrs to Halladale Point Walk: A stunning 30-minute walk to discover the beauty of Bay of Martyrs.
8. Bay of Islands Beach: A pristine beach with a breathtaking view of the Bay of Islands.

Where to Eat

• Breakfast: Check out the freshly baked scallop pies from Apollo Bay Bakery.
• Lunch: Forage on the Foreshore in Port Campbell for a quick lunch & a stunning view of the Port Campbell waterfront.
• Dinner: MADALA 134 in Warrnambool for some quality Thai food.

Where to Stay

Warrnambool is located at the western end of the Great Ocean Road. It is also the largest town along the Great Ocean Road. With a decent range of accommodations, eateries, and shops to choose from, Warrnambool makes a great stop during a Melbourne to Adelaide Road Trip.

For a list of accommodations in Warrnambool, you may wish to check out here on Booking.com.

Day 4: Warrnambool to Portland via Port Fairy

Although not as famous as the Great Ocean Road Drive, the coastal drive between Warrnambool and Portland is as scenic (if not more) as the Great Ocean Road Drive. Since most visitors tend to finish their road trips before arriving at Warrnambool, the journey between Warrnambool and Portland can be much more enjoyable than along the Great Ocean Road, especially during the peak seasons.

Since there is so much to discover between Warrnambool and Portland, I highly suggest splinting this section of the road trip over 2-day, if time allows.

For more detailed information on visiting Warrnambool & Portland, you can also check out the articles on:

• ‘Things to Do in Warrnambool‘
• ‘Things to Do in Portland, Victoria‘

Itinerary

1. Stingray Bay to Thunder Point Lookout: Start the day with a relaxing coastal walk in the gorgeous Thunder Point Coastal Reserve between Stingray Bay and Thunder Point Lookout in Warrnambool.
2. Logans Beach Whale Watching Platform: Check out Logans Beach for your chance to spot the impressive Southern Right Whales between June and August.
3. Myojil / Point Ritchie: Head off to Point Ritchie for a stunning ocean view and a range of impressive rock formations after your whale watching at Logans Beach.
4. Griffiths Island & Port Fairy Lighthouse: Under a 30-minute drive from Warrnambool, you can find the secluded Griffiths Island in Port Fairy. Following the well-maintained walkway from the carpark, you will eventually arrive at the picturesque Port Fairy Lighthouse. During the winter months, whales can also be spotted around the lighthouse.
5. Yellow Rock Coastal Park (Portland): A rugged coastline and a tremendous amount of unique yellow-coloured rock formations. A great spot for surfing as well.
6. Cape Nelson Lighthouse: One of my favourite spots along this drive. It features a stunning ivory-white lighthouse against the rugged coastline & the deep blue ocean. If you haven’t spotted a whale by now, Cape Nelson can be your best chance for spotting whales all year round (Southern Right Whales during the colder months & Blue Whales during the warmer months).
7. Portland Town Centre: Finish the day with a leisure walk around Portland Town Centre to check out its over 200 historic buildings.

Where to Eat

• Breakfast: Bohemia Cafe & Bar in Warrnambool for an amazing breakfast in a quirky Bohemian cafe.
• Lunch: Bank St + Co in Port Fairy (name on the door is Toby’s Estate – confusing, but apparently the same place) for a light lunch and an amazing coffee to recharge the day.
• Dinner: Check out Ric’s Pizza Bar in Portland for a pizza night.

Where to Stay

Portland is a great place to stay overnight, with a good variety of eateries and shops around. A decent selection of accommodations is also available in Portland & you can check them out here on Booking.com.

Day 5: Mount Gambier

On day 5 of this coastal road trip between Melbourne and Adelaide, you will be crossing the Victorian and South Australian border & start to discover South Australia’s famous Limestone Coast.

Mount Gambier is the most well-known area along the Limestone Coast. In addition to its impressive coastline, Mount Gambier is also renowned for its unique limestone sinkholes.

For more information on the attractions around Mount Gambier, you can also check out this article on: ‘Things to Do in Mount Gambier‘.

Itinerary

1. South Australia’s Southernmost Point: Check out the breathtaking coastline and remarkable rock formations at South Australia’s Southernmost Point – Cape Northumberland.
2. Mount Shank: Take a short hike to visit a dormant volcano at Mount Shank in Mount Gambier.
3. Little Blue Lake: Cool off after your hike in a picturesque crater lake, the Little Blue Lake.
4. Blue Lake: One of the most famous crater lakes in Mount Gambier. Take a short walk around the lake to appreciate the captivating views of this tranquil blue lake.
5. Centenary Tower: Take a walk up Centenary Tower for a sweeping view of Mount Gambier and its surrounding areas.
6. Umpherston Sinkhole: One of the prettiest sinkhole gardens in Mount Gambier. A walk within this beautiful sinkhole garden is indeed a walk in a fairytale!
7. Cave Garden: A small sinkhole garden located in the middle of Mount Gambier town centre. It also runs a nightly light show for everyone to enjoy.

Where to Eat

• Breakfast: The Lido Larder in Portland for an awesome selection of baked goods and delicious coffee.
• Lunch: Pack a picnic to enjoy with a view of the stunning Blue Lake in Mount Gambier.
• Dinner: Check out Natural Born Grillers in Mount Gambier for a succulent burger.

Where to Stay

Mount Gambier is one of the largest regional towns in South Australia. With a range of accommodations, eateries, and shops to suit different needs, Mount Gambier is the perfect location for an overnight stay.

For a list of accommodations in Mount Gambier, you can find it here on Booking.com.

Day 6: Mount Gambier to Robe via Beachport

After exploring the Mount Gambier region, we will head further west along the south coast to visit the beautiful Beachport and Robe town.

Beachport is a small coastal village between Mount Gambier and Robe. With stunning coastal views and access to essential facilities, Beachport makes a great stopover between Mount Gambier and Robe.

Robe is a gorgeous coastal town along the Limestone Coast. It features a rugged coastline with remarkable limestone formations. It is also home to the Southern Rock Lobsters in South Australia & make sure you try them out when visiting Robe.

For more information on visiting Beachport and Robe, you may wish to check out these articles on:

• ‘Top 5 Attractions in Beachport‘
• ‘Robe Road Trip Itinerary‘

Itinerary

1. Beachport Jetty: Take a relaxing morning stroll along South Australia’s second-longest jetty, Beachport Jetty, after arriving at Beachport from Mount Gambier.
2. Bowman Scenic Drive: From Beachport Jetty, follow the signage to check out the spectacular views along Bowman Scenic Drive. Numerous parking bays are available along Bowman Scenic Drive for visitors to park safely before enjoying the views.
3. Beacon Hill Lookout: For a panoramic view of Robe, its magnificent coastline, and the surrounding reserves.
4. Robe Obelisk: The most iconic Robe landmark & one of the most scenic spots in Robe. Make sure you check it out too!
5. Robe Coastal Walk: From Robe Obelisk, follow Robe Coastal Walk towards Robe Lighthouse to better appreciate Robe’s spectacular coastline.
6. Glass Beach: Finish your coastal walk at the peaceful Glass Beach, with a view of Robe Lighthouse in the distance. If lucky, you can also find some colourful sea glasses around Glass Beach.
7. Long Beach: A long stretch of sandy beach near Robe. It is also one of Robe’s prime 4WD beaches.
8. Town Beach: A beautiful beach in the centre of Robe town. Perfect for a sunset walk.

Where to Eat

• Breakfast: Bay Blue Espresso Bar in Mount Gambier for a quick coffee and breakfast to start the day.
• Lunch: Enjoy a delicious lunch at Adventurous Spoon in Robe.
• Dinner: Check out Sails at Robe for their famous grilled Southern Rock Lobster with garlic butter sauce.

Where to Stay

Robe is a great place to base yourself for the night.

Alternatively, you can also stay in nearby Kingston SE, but the accommodation and dining options in Kingston SE are much more limited in comparison.

For a detailed list of accommodation options, you may wish to check out:

• Robe on Booking.com
• Kingston SE on Booking.com

Day 7: Robe to Adelaide

On the last day of this 7-Day road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide via the Great Ocean Road, you will get to explore the stunning Kingston SE, check out the famed Coorong National Park, take a walk along the beautiful Lake Albert, and arrive at the wine capital of Australia, Adelaide.

For detailed information on the attractions between Robe and Adelaide, you may wish to check out here on this: ‘Adelaide to Robe Road Trip Itinerary’.

For visiting Adelaide, you may also wish to check out these articles here:

• The Ultimate 1-Day Itinerary in Adelaide
• 3-Day Adelaide Itinerary Without a Car
• Adelaide Hills Day Trip Itinerary
• Kangaroo Island 2-Day Road Trip Itinerary
• Victor Harbor Day Trip Itinerary
• Port Adelaide Day Trip Itinerary
• Best Adelaide Beaches to Visit
• 10 Best Day Trips from Adelaide
• Barrosa Valley v.s McLaren Vale

Itinerary

1. Kingston Jetty: Take a relaxing walk along Kingston Jetty to enjoy Kingston SE’s stunning waterfront.
2. The Big Lobster: Stop by The Big Lobster, Larry, for a photo with this 17-metre-long fibreglass lobster sculpture.
3. Jack Point Observation Deck: Take a short walk from the car park to visit Jack Point Observation Deck for a taste of the wonderful Coorong National Park.
4. Meningie: Stop by Meningie for a walk along the tranquil Lake Albert.
5. Pink Lake: Check out the Pink Lake near Meningie for a surreal lake view. Note: the pinkness of this lake increases as it dries out during the warmer months.
6. Murray Bridge: Take a break at Murray Bridge along the beautiful River Murray.
7. Adelaide Hills: If time allows, you may wish to check out the picturesque Adelaide Hills before heading down to Adelaide.

Where to Eat

• Breakfast: Drift Cafe in Robe for a light breakfast to start the day.
• Lunch: Check out the delicious baked goods, especially the meat pies, from Meningie Bakery.
• Dinner: Windy Point Restaurant in Adelaide for a meal with the best view of the Adelaide skyline.

Where to Stay

Like many other capital cities in Australia, Adelaide also offers a great range of accommodations to suit different needs. You can check them out here on Booking.com.