Adelaide to Melbourne Coastal Drive
Drive east along the South Australian coast via the Coorong, Robe, and Blue Lake, then join the Great Ocean Road to Melbourne.
One of Australia's classic interstate road trips, covering about 1,000 km along the coast with daily drives mostly under 4 hours. The first half features wine regions, lagoons, and volcanic landscapes, while the second half follows the Great Ocean Road. Taking three to four days longer than the inland route, it is perfect for travelers who want a leisurely drive and are looking to do a one-way car rental.
The Blue Lake is at its most vibrant blue from November to March; the Great Ocean Road is very busy in summer, so book accommodation well in advance.
Day by day
Day 1 · Wine Country South to Victor Harbor
Adelaide（d'Arenberg Cube, McLaren Vale、Port Willunga、Victor Harbor & Granite Island）
Drive from Adelaide via McLaren Vale to Victor Harbor (approx. 90 km, 2.5 hours driving time including stops).
Stay: Victor Harbor
Day 2 · Coorong Lagoon to Robe
Coorong National Park → Robe
Drive south along the Princes Highway via Wellington or Meningie (approx. 330 km, 4 hours); this is the longest driving day of the trip.
The outer beaches of the Coorong suffer from severe erosion; standard vehicles should not drive onto the sand, stick to the roadside lookouts.
Stay: Robe
Day 3 · Sinkholes & the Blue Lake City
Mount Gambier（Umpherston Sinkhole、Cave Garden / Thugi、Blue Lake / Warwar、Centenary Tower）
Drive from Robe via Beachport to Mount Gambier (approx. 150 km, 2 hours).
Stay: Mount Gambier City Centre
Day 4 · Springs, Volcanoes & Crossing into Victoria
Mount Gambier（Mount Schank、Ewens Ponds Conservation Park） → Great Ocean Road（Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve）
Head south to Piccaninnie Ponds, then drive east into Victoria via Portland to Port Fairy (approx. 200 km, 2.5 hours).
Snorkeling at Piccaninnie Ponds is temporarily suspended; check permit requirements for snorkeling at Ewens Ponds.
Stay: Port Fairy
Day 5 · Great Ocean Road West End Rock Formations
Great Ocean Road（Warrnambool & Logans Beach、Bay of Martyrs、Bay of Islands、The Grotto、London Arch）
Drive from Port Fairy via Warrnambool to Port Campbell (approx. 95 km); driving times between coastal lookouts are very short.
Stay: Port Campbell
Day 6 · Twelve Apostles to Otway Rainforest
Great Ocean Road（The Twelve Apostles、Gibson Steps、Loch Ard Gorge、Cape Otway Lightstation、Maits Rest Rainforest Walk）
Rise early to see the Twelve Apostles, then drive through the Otway rainforest to Apollo Bay (approx. 95 km, 1.5 hours).
The Otway section is winding and wildlife often wanders onto the road after sunset; reach your accommodation before dark.
Stay: Apollo Bay
Day 7 · Eastern Coastal Stretch to Melbourne
Great Ocean Road（Kennett River Koala Walk、Teddy's Lookout、Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch） → Melbourne
Follow the coast from Apollo Bay to Torquay, then take the highway to Melbourne (approx. 200 km, 3 hours); allow most of the day including stops.