Victoria

What is there to do between Melbourne and Adelaide?

November 12, 2021 / by Dan Roberts

Best Attractions from Melbourne to Adelaide

The journey from Adelaide to Melbourne is a beautiful experience and can be taken via the Great Ocean Road.

The Great Ocean Road is a national heritage listed 243km stretch of coastline – located in Victoria, Australia – that is world famous for the breath-taking scenery it offers the traveller. Travelling along the Great Ocean Road will make you feel as if you’ve been transported back in time when you arrive at these majestic and awe-inspiring attractions.

You’ve landed in Adelaide, explored as much as you could and loved every moment. You’ve had your fair share of cultural sights and wine tasting but now it’s time to move on bringing the memories with you. The journey from Adelaide to Melbourne is a beautiful experience and can be taken via the Great Ocean Road. There are many options for this journey depending on how much time you want to spend on it. This in itself can be a topic of its own, which I will leave for another day. For now, I’ll just bring up some of my favourite attractions as part of your journey along the Great Ocean Road.

Our three day tour departs Tuesdays and Saturdays from Adelaide at 6:45am and if you find yourself in Melbourne destined for Southern Australia the tour also works in reverse.

Now you’ve bought your ticket and packed your bags ready for the journey along the Great Ocean Road here are the five best things to see and do along the way:

Mornington Penninsula

Ultimate Things to see between Melbourne and Adelaide

Mackenzie Falls

While passing through Grampians National Park the MacKenzie Falls are a must see. The beautiful waterfall flows all year and there are two routes you can take, to the top of the falls look out or straight to the foot of the falls. The walk to the base of the falls is a 2km, 1hr 30 minute trek and can quite steep, for the less able the falls lookout route is 1.9km trek taking 40 minutes return along a gentle gradient. Don’t forget your bathers and camera!

Whale Watching

If you’re setting off on your road trip during the winter month’s whale watching is a rite of passage at Encounter Bay. As the whales are migrating between mid-May and October from Southern shores back to the West coast it is prime opportunity to spot Southern Right, Sperm, Humpbacks and Blue Whales. As we cannot plot or plan whale movements it can sometimes take patience when watching and waiting.

Koala Spotting

The Great Ocean Road is a haven for finding Koalas in their natural habitat chilling out in the eucalyptus trees. The Australian animals are notorious for their sleepy demeanor so it is very unlikely to find them up to much else other than resting or munching on the eucalyptus leaves. If you can’t seem to find you can be confident you’ll know you’re in the right area by the pungent smell of eucalyptus.

 

“Melbourne to Adelaide covers a distance of over 700 kilometres or about 8 to 12 hours of driving”

Real Adventure Group

Helicopter Ride over the Great Ocean Road

For those that aren’t short on cash, a helicopter journey over parts of the Great Ocean Road is a must do. The amazing views are breathtaking from the sky being worlds apart from the experience on land. Make sure you take your camera and phone with full battery ready to snap away all the natural beauty.

Twelve Apostles

The Twelve Apostles are one of the biggest attractions of the Great Ocean Road journey. The limestone rock stacks are believed to have been standing between 10 to 20 million years. Life has taken its toll on the apostles and erosion has claimed four with only eight left though the name remains. The view is stunning and the winds can be high so be prepared to hold onto your hat!

 
GRAMPIANS BOROKA LOOKOUT
Split Point Lighthouse on our Great Ocean Road tours.

The Otways 

Visit the wonderful Otways to explore its ancient rainforest and native wildlife. The  in Otways is a great destination to see Australian native wildlife.. Take the Great Ocean Walk, waterfalls, lush forests, cliff top walks, heritage and coastal trails. Great Otway National Park stretches along the world-famous Great Ocean Road and up through the Otways hinterland. With stunning waterfalls to explore you must visit The Otways on between Melbourne and Adelaide. 

The Grampians National Park

On your Melbourne to Adelaide road trip do not forget a visit to the Grampians National Park. Base yourself in Halls Gap to explore the wilds and the rugged terrains of the Grampians. Check out the amazing waterfalls and the lookouts such as the Boroka Lookout and the Jaws of Death. The Grampians are a great place to experience the heritage, history, and culture of the Aboriginal people.


This list will make you very excited to travel, or perhaps to revisit Melbourne to Adelaide or Adelaide to Melbourne and see the sites you missed while there. There are a number of amazing attractions in Australia that are easy to enjoy from one place to the next, but I can assure you, you will not be disappointed with any of these. The sights listed above helped to wow me when I visited them and will surely leave an impression on anyone who is fortunate enough to make it there as well.

Book A Tour to see the attractions between Melbourne and Adelaide. 

To book your trip to Melbourne click here: Tours in Melbourne

Is Great Ocean Road worth visiting?


Absolutely! The Great Ocean Road is a bucket-list destination for many visitors to Australia, and for a good reason. The drive stretches for 243 km along the rugged coastline of Victoria and offers breathtaking views of the Southern Ocean, stunning beaches, ancient rainforests, and unique wildlife. The Great Ocean Road is a must-see attraction for anyone who loves nature, adventure, and photography.

What is so special about Great Ocean Road?


The Great Ocean Road is known for its natural beauty and stunning landscapes, but it also has a rich history and culture. The road was built by returning soldiers after World War I as a tribute to their fallen comrades, and it is the world’s largest war memorial. Along the road, you can visit charming coastal towns, historical landmarks, and cultural attractions that showcase the region’s history and traditions.

Some of the highlights of the Great Ocean Road include:

The Twelve Apostles: These iconic rock formations are the most famous landmark on the Great Ocean Road, and for a good reason. The towering limestone stacks rise up from the ocean and are a breathtaking sight to behold.

Great Otway National Park: This beautiful rainforest is home to ancient trees, stunning waterfalls, and unique wildlife. You can go hiking, camping, or take a scenic drive through the park.

Bells Beach: This world-famous surf spot is a must-visit for any surf enthusiast. The beach is known for its big waves and annual surfing competitions.

Loch Ard Gorge: This picturesque cove is named after a shipwreck that occurred in 1878. The gorge is surrounded by towering cliffs and is a popular spot for swimming and snorkelling.

How long should you spend on the Great Ocean Road?


The length of time you spend on the Great Ocean Road will depend on your travel style and interests. To truly experience everything the road has to offer, you should plan to spend at least 2-3 days driving along the coast. This will give you plenty of time to explore the towns, natural attractions, and cultural landmarks along the way. However, if you are short on time, you can still see some of the major highlights in a day trip from Melbourne.

What is the best section of the Great Ocean Road?


Every section of the Great Ocean Road is unique and offers its own set of attractions and natural wonders. However, if you have limited time, there are a few sections you shouldn’t miss:

Port Campbell National Park: This section of the road is home to the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and other popular attractions.

Great Otway National Park: This section of the road offers stunning rainforests, waterfalls, and hiking trails.

Apollo Bay: This charming coastal town is a great place to stop for lunch and explore the local shops and galleries.

In conclusion, the Great Ocean Road is definitely worth visiting and is a must-see attraction in Australia. With its natural beauty, rich history, and cultural attractions, the Great Ocean Road offers something for everyone. Whether you have a few days or just a day trip, you won’t regret exploring this stunning coastal drive.

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