The Great Ocean Road: A Melbourne to Adelaide Campervan Road Trip

Looking for an adventure that’s all about coastal vibes, amazing wildlife and iconic Australian landscapes? Get ready for a campervan road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide down the Great Ocean Road. Load up the van, get your travel group together and hit the road!

Day 1-2: Melbourne

Start your journey in Melbourne, the city that has it all – cool cafés, street art and a buzzing artsy vibe. Make sure to walk past the iconic Flinders Street station and get some city views in. Before you leave, fuel up with a top-notch coffee and grab some snacks for the road. Then, drive your campervan west and head towards the famous Great Ocean Road. Your first stop is the surf town of Torquay. Relax, check out the local surf shops and hit the beach before driving further along the coast.

Photo Tip: If you have the time make your way to Brighton Beach in Melbourne, close to Saint Kilda. The colorful beach shacks make for a great photo!

Melbourne CBD, VIC. Photo: Tourism Australia.

Day 2-3: The Great Ocean Road

This stretch is all about the views! The Great Ocean Road is a scenic masterpiece, so take your time and soak it all in. Drive past windswept beaches, lush rainforests and dramatic cliffs. Be sure to stop at the Twelve Apostles for a coastal walk with epic views and let the crashing waves set the mood. After a day of sightseeing, find a seaside spot to park up and fall asleep to the sound of the ocean.

Great Ocean Road, VIC. Photo: Tourism Australia.

Day 3-4: Otways & Limestone Coast

After waking up to coastal bliss, keep heading west towards the Otway National Park. Whether you're up for a rainforest hike or just want to spot some koalas in the wild, this is the place to be. Once you’re done exploring nature, continue to the Limestone Coast. Swing by Mount Gambier to check out the Blue Lake or, if you’re up for a bit of spelunking, explore the caves at Naracoorte.

Otway National Park, VIC. Photo: Tourism Australia.

Day 4-5: Fleurieu Peninsula

It’s beach time! As you head closer to Adelaide, make your way to the Fleurieu Peninsula. Victor Harbor is the perfect spot to soak up the sun, take a dip in the ocean or even catch a wave or two. Feel like something a little different? Hop on the horse-drawn tram to Granite Island, where you can spot wild penguins. With beach views all around, it's the ideal place to park your van for the night.

Fleurieu Peninsula, SA. Photo: Tourism Australia.

Day 5-6: Adelaide

Your final day on the road takes you straight into Adelaide city. Known for its laid-back lifestyle and top-tier food scene, Adelaide is the perfect end to your road trip. But before you get there, consider a stop at one of the wineries in McLaren Vale to toast your journey. Once you arrive into the city, park up, stretch out and get ready to explore Adelaide. Foodies should check out the Central Market and nature lovers should go for a stroll through the Botanic Gardens.

Adelaide City, SA. Photo: Tourism Australia

Campervan Tips

• Best Time to Go: Spring or autumn gives you ideal weather without the summer crowds.
• Campgrounds: Plenty of great spots along the Great Ocean Road and the Limestone Coast to park for the night.
• Essentials: Pack sunscreen, a solid playlist and don’t forget your camera for all those jaw-dropping coastal shots.