Adelaide to Melbourne Campervan Road Trip

You’re heading to Adelaide for AFL Gather Round (9–12 April 2026).

Flights will be busy. Hotels will be expensive. So instead of flying straight home after the final siren, turn it into a proper holiday and road trip your way back to Melbourne.

Four days. Coastal scenery. Easy driving. Great pubs. No marathon stretches behind the wheel.

Official event info:
AFL Gather Round 
South Australia event page

Can’t Get a Hotel in Adelaide?

If CBD accommodation is tight, you could collect your campervan early and stay at:

Levi Adelaide Holiday Park It’s well set up for motorhomes and has public transport options nearby for getting into Adelaide Oval

Most travellers will hotel it during the footy and pick up their vehicle afterwards, but this is a practical back-up.

Day 1: Adelaide → Robe

Approx. 3–3.5 hours

Why Robe?

Robe is one of South Australia’s prettiest coastal towns. Big beaches, historic stone buildings and that relaxed fishing-port energy that immediately feels like a holiday.

Regional tourism info:
Limestone Coast 
Robe visitor information

5 Things to Do in Robe

• Walk Long Beach at sunset

• Visit the Robe Obelisk lookout

• Wander the heritage streets

• Grab fish and chips by the harbour

• Enjoy a slow coastal drive around town

Limestone Coast SA - Jayme Chapman

Where to Stay: Robe Holiday Park
Powered sites, walking distance to town and beach access.

Dinner Recommendation: The Caledonian Inn (The Cally)
Historic pub, solid menu, good atmosphere. Exactly what you want after a driving day.

Day 2: Robe → Port Fairy

Approx. 3 hours

Cross into Victoria and ease into one of the Great Ocean Road region’s most charming towns.

Regional tourism info: Visit Great Ocean Road 
Visit Victoria

Why Port Fairy?

White cottages, a working harbour, Norfolk pines and brilliant coastal walking. It’s polished without feeling showy.

5 Things to Do in Port Fairy

• Walk around Griffiths Island to the lighthouse

• Swim or stroll at East Beach

• Explore the historic main street

• Watch boats in the harbour

• Sunset along the Moyne River

Where to Stay: Gardens Caravan Park – Port Fairy

Right beside the Botanic Gardens and close to the town centre.

Dinner Options:  Merrijig Kitchen Or for something relaxed: Coffin Sally

Day 3: Port Fairy → Apollo Bay (Shipwreck Coast Day)

Approx. 3–3.5 hours driving plus scenic stops

This is the big scenery day. The key is doing it in the correct order so you don’t double back.

Stop Order for Best Flow

• Loch Ard Gorge

• Twelve Apostles

• Continue east along the Great Ocean Road

• Arrive in Apollo Bay

Tourism information: Great Ocean Road  
Parks Victoria (12 Apostles)

Why Apollo Bay?

Apollo Bay sits between the Southern Ocean and the Otway's rainforest. It’s scenic, relaxed and a perfect final coastal night.

Regional tourism info: Apollo Bay

5 Things to Do in Apollo Bay

• Walk the main beach

• Explore Great Otway National Park

• Do the Maits Rest rainforest walk

• Enjoy local seafood

• Watch the sun dip over the bay

Where to Stay: Apollo Bay Holiday Park
Powered sites within easy walking distance to town.

Dinner: Great Ocean Road Brewhouse
Casual, lively and great for groups.

Day 4: Apollo Bay → Melbourne

Approx. 2.5–3 hours

Follow the Great Ocean Road inland toward Melbourne. No rush required.

Tourism info: Visit Melbourne

Enjoy a slow morning in Apollo Bay, maybe one last beach walk, then arrive in Melbourne mid-afternoon for a relaxed vehicle return.

What Vehicle Works Best for This Route?

This coastal drive suits:

2-berth campervans – easy to drive and park in small towns
Compact 4-berth motorhomes – ideal for families or groups

You don’t need anything oversized for this itinerary unless you need the beds. The roads are sealed and well maintained.

Compare layouts, sizes and suppliers in one place via DriveNow.com.au so you can choose what actually suits your crew.

Ready to Turn Gather Round into a Proper Holiday?

Instead of spending everything on flights and surge-priced accommodation, use the same budget to explore the Limestone Coast and Great Ocean Road.

Compare campervans and motorhomes and lock in early for April 2026 availability.

👉 DriveNow.com.au

Shelley Richardson

Shelley has been working in the travel industry for over 30 years, in aviation, for tour operators and since 2016 for DriveNow. Having travelled extensively worldwide, alone, as a couple and with her family, Shelley has experience to share about how to make the most of your holiday, especially road-trips to amazing destinations.