Melbourne to Adelaide Road Trip: Fuel Costs, Best Stops & Caravan Parks
Emma Wilson
729 km
Total Distance
9-10 hrs
Drive Time
4-7 Days
Recommended
$108-162
Fuel Cost
In This Guide
The Melbourne to Adelaide drive is one of Australia's most iconic road trips, taking you along the spectacular Great Ocean Road and through stunning coastal scenery. Whether you're doing it in one long day or spreading it over a week, this guide has everything you need to plan your journey including current fuel costs and the best caravan parks along the way.
Route Overview
There are two main routes from Melbourne to Adelaide:
The Inland Route (via Western Highway)
- Distance: 725 km
- Drive Time: 7.5-8 hours
- Best For: Quick trip, less scenic
- Key Towns: Ballarat, Ararat, Horsham, Bordertown
The Great Ocean Road Route (Recommended)
- Distance: 729 km (via Warrnambool)
- Drive Time: 9-10 hours
- Best For: Scenic drive, attractions
- Key Towns: Geelong, Torquay, Apollo Bay, Port Campbell, Warrnambool
We recommend taking the Great Ocean Road route for at least part of your journey. It's one of the world's most scenic coastal drives and features iconic landmarks like the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and the lush Otway rainforests.
Fuel Cost Breakdown
Understanding your fuel costs is essential for budgeting your road trip. Here's a breakdown based on current average fuel prices and different vehicle types:
Estimated Fuel Costs by Vehicle Type
| Vehicle Type | Avg. Consumption | Fuel Needed | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan | 8 L/100km | 58 litres | $108 |
| SUV | 10 L/100km | 73 litres | $135 |
| Campervan | 12 L/100km | 87 litres | $162 |
| Towing Caravan | 15 L/100km | 109 litres | $202 |
* Costs calculated based on average fuel price of $1.85/L and 729km total distance. Actual costs may vary based on driving conditions, vehicle efficiency, and fuel prices at time of travel.
Day-by-Day Itinerary with Caravan Parks
Here's our recommended 5-day itinerary that allows you to experience the best of the route without rushing. Each day includes caravan park recommendations with booking links.
1Day 1: Melbourne to Apollo Bay
Distance: 195 km | Drive Time: 3-4 hours (with stops)
Start your journey along the Great Ocean Road, one of the world's most scenic coastal drives. Stop at Torquay to grab breakfast and visit the iconic Bells Beach before continuing through Anglesea, Aireys Inlet (don't miss the Split Point Lighthouse), and Lorne.
Recommended Stay: Apollo Bay
- Pisces Holiday Park - From $45/night, beachfront location
- BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park - From $55/night, great facilities
2Day 2: Apollo Bay to Port Campbell
Distance: 95 km | Drive Time: 2-3 hours (with stops)
Drive through the stunning Otway Ranges with opportunities to walk among the treetops at Otway Fly. Continue to the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and London Bridge - the highlights of the Great Ocean Road.
Recommended Stay: Port Campbell
- Port Campbell Holiday Park - From $42/night, walk to beach
- Twelve Apostles Retreat - From $50/night, near attractions
3Day 3: Port Campbell to Warrnambool
Distance: 65 km | Drive Time: 1-2 hours (with stops)
A shorter driving day allowing time to explore more of the Shipwreck Coast. Visit the Bay of Islands, The Grotto, and stop at Warrnambool to see the historic Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. Between June and September, you might spot Southern Right Whales from Logan's Beach.
Recommended Stay: Warrnambool
- Warrnambool Holiday Park - From $40/night, family friendly
- Surfside Holiday Park - From $48/night, beachside
4Day 4: Warrnambool to Mount Gambier
Distance: 185 km | Drive Time: 2.5-3 hours
Cross into South Australia and head to Mount Gambier, famous for its volcanic crater lakes. Don't miss the stunning Blue Lake (brightest blue from November to March), Umpherston Sinkhole garden, and the fascinating cave systems.
Recommended Stay: Mount Gambier
- Blue Lake Holiday Park - From $38/night, close to Blue Lake
- Mount Gambier Central Caravan Park - From $35/night, central location
5Day 5: Mount Gambier to Adelaide
Distance: 450 km | Drive Time: 4.5-5 hours
The final stretch to Adelaide. Consider stopping at Robe, a charming coastal town with beautiful beaches and excellent seafood. Continue through the Coorong National Park if time permits - a unique wetland ecosystem stretching over 130km.
Optional Stop: Robe
- Robe Holiday Park - From $42/night, great seafood nearby
Where to Fill Up for Less
Fuel prices can vary significantly along the route. Here are our top tips for saving money on fuel:
Best Places to Fill Up
- Melbourne suburbs: Fill up before leaving - usually cheapest
- Geelong: Competitive prices at major stations
- Warrnambool: Better prices than coastal towns
- Mount Gambier: Good prices, fill up before Adelaide
Places to Avoid
- Apollo Bay: Premium tourist pricing
- Port Campbell: Limited options, higher prices
- Lorne: Tourist town markup
- Small highway towns: Often 20-30c/L more
Recommended Fuel Apps
- Petrol Spy: Real-time fuel prices across Australia
- GasBuddy: User-reported prices and station reviews
- 7-Eleven Fuel App: Lock in prices up to 7 days
- RACV/RAA Apps: Member discounts and price comparisons
Must-See Attractions Along the Way
Victoria Highlights
- 1.Bells Beach - World-famous surf spot
- 2.Split Point Lighthouse - Iconic coastal landmark
- 3.Otway Fly Treetop Walk - 600m elevated walkway
- 4.Twelve Apostles - Iconic limestone stacks
- 5.Loch Ard Gorge - Historic shipwreck site
South Australia Highlights
- 1.Blue Lake - Volcanic crater lake
- 2.Umpherston Sinkhole - Sunken garden
- 3.Robe - Historic coastal town
- 4.Coorong National Park - Unique wetland ecosystem
- 5.Adelaide Hills - Wine country arrival
Total Trip Cost Calculator
Here's a rough estimate of total costs for different trip styles:
| Expense | Budget (5 days) | Mid-Range (5 days) | Comfortable (7 days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel (Campervan) | $162 | $162 | $180 |
| Accommodation | $160 (4 nights @ $40) | $200 (4 nights @ $50) | $360 (6 nights @ $60) |
| Food & Dining | $150 | $250 | $400 |
| Activities & Entry Fees | $50 | $100 | $200 |
| Total Per Person | $522 | $712 | $1,140 |
Ready to Start Your Adventure?
Don't have a campervan? Browse our selection of campervans for hire across Melbourne and start planning your Melbourne to Adelaide road trip today.
Final Tips for Your Melbourne to Adelaide Drive
- Book ahead in peak season: Caravan parks fill up quickly during school holidays and summer (December-February)
- Allow extra time: The Great Ocean Road has many stops - don't rush it
- Check road conditions: VicRoads and SA Traffic can advise of any closures
- Travel outside peak hours: Avoid leaving Melbourne on Friday afternoons
- Consider the reverse: Adelaide to Melbourne is equally stunning
The Melbourne to Adelaide road trip is a journey that combines some of Australia's most dramatic coastal scenery, fascinating geological formations, and charming regional towns. Whether you're doing it for the first time or the fifth, there's always something new to discover along the way.