Vibrant pink and orange sunset skies illuminate towering limestone stacks along a sandy beach and steep coastal cliffs with Oceania Tours and Safaris, 12 Apostles, Great Ocean Road, Victoria. © Tourism Australia

Oceania Tours and Safaris, 12 Apostles, Great Ocean Road, Victoria © Tourism Australia

Melbourne to Adelaide along the Great Ocean Road


Trip overview

4 days
car

Day 1: Melbourne to Apollo Bay via Lorne

3hrs 187km (116mi)

Weave your way out of Melbourne and embrace Victoria’s rocky, wave-washed coast.

Day 2: Apollo Bay to Port Fairy

2.5hrs 185km (115mi)

Your second day on the Great Ocean Road brings you to some of the drive’s most remarkable sights. Expect to be wowed by towering rock formations and wide, empty beaches.

Day 3: Port Fairy to Robe

3hrs 281km (175mi)

Venture inland to discover sunken gardens, cenotes (sinkholes filled with water) and underground caves.

Day 4: Robe to Adelaide

3.5hrs 336km (209mi)

Your final day brings you into Adelaide, known as Australia’s Festival City. There’s plenty to see and do in the city, and just outside it lies some of Australia’s best wine regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, this road trip is fully flexible, allowing you to adapt the route, pace and direction to suit your travel style.

  • Route in reverse: This road trip works equally well starting in Adelaide and finishing in Melbourne, offering the same route highlights like Port Fairy and the 12 Apostles
  • Adjusting your pace: While this itinerary recommends four days to complete the road trip, you can easily extend this to six or seven days to spend extra time exploring the coastal towns and national parks along the way. 
  • Side trips and detours: Additional destinations can be added to your trip – such as heading inland to the rocky peaks of the Grampians or stopping in the wine region of McLaren Vale.
  • Flexible stops: You can easily shorten or extend your driving days based on your accommodation and driving preferences.

Yes, the Great Ocean Road is the perfect family road trip, giving you plenty of quality time and kid-friendly activities.

Here are a few family-friendly highlights:

  • Wildlife: Have an open-range safari experience at Monarto Safari Park.
  • Coastal towns: The quaint towns along this route – like Apollo Bay and Lorne – offer beautiful beaches, casual eateries and waterfalls.
  • Surf culture: Kids over the age of five will love surfing the waves of Port Fairy during a lesson with Go Surf School

The drive along the 243km (150mi) Great Ocean Road is one of the most scenic in Australia, with winding coastal roads and a slower pace.

  • Viewpoints: A highlight of the Great Ocean Road is the number of viewpoints, where you can stop and marvel at the rocky cliffs.
  • Iconic landmarks: Incredible rock formations – like the 12 Apostles, London Bridge and Loch Ard Gorge – will take your breath away.
  • Wildlife: Wild koalas can be spotted in the trees at Kennett River, kangaroos graze at golf courses in Anglesea and echidnas are common along forest trails. 
  • Open road freedom: Cruising along curved coastal roads offers the ultimate feeling of freedom. Take it at your own pace and enjoy Australia's laid-back energy. 

Yes, before setting off, it helps to be prepared for a scenic but slower-paced driving experience along the Great Ocean Road between Melbourne and Adelaide.

  • Valid driver's licence: You can drive using a valid overseas driver's licence, and depending on where you're from, you may also need an International Driving Permit or an official English translation of your licence.
  • Driving on the left and toll roads: Vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road in Australia. Leaving Melbourne via the CityLink tollway requires a toll pass, which can be linked to your hire car or paid online.
  • Winding coastal roads: Most of the route is via a sealed two-lane highway, with sections of tight turns and drop-offs. Use the designated slow-vehicle turnouts to let faster traffic pass, and only overtake when safe and permitted by dashed road markings. 
  • Driving at dawn and dusk: Wildlife (like kangaroos and wallabies) are most active at dawn and dusk, so It's recommended to drive during the daytime. If you drive at other times, reduce your speed and watch carefully for crossing wildlife.

This journey starts in Melbourne and ends in Adelaide (or can be driven in reverse).

  • Starting point: Melbourne is serviced by Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine / MEL), Victoria's main international gateway. Avalon Airport (AVV) services domestic flights and is located at Geelong, near the start of the Great Ocean Road.
  • Ending point: Adelaide is serviced by Adelaide Airport (ADL), located just 15 minutes from the city centre. From here, you can fly domestically around Australia or commence your journey home.