Melbourne to Adelaide Inland Explorer (Return Loop)

Morning: Pick up your motorhome in Melbourne and take time to get familiar with your vehicle before hitting the road and stock up on groceries and essentials. Head northwest through Western Highway towns, with optional coffee stops in Ballarat or Beaufort for a relaxed start.

Afternoon: Arrive in Halls Gap, the gateway to the Grampians National Park. This region is known for dramatic sandstone ranges and abundant wildlife. Ease into the scenery with a short walk like Venus Baths, or drive to Reed Lookout and The Balconies for your first panoramic views over the Victoria Valley.

Evening: Settle into camp and enjoy a slow evening surrounded by nature. Kangaroos and emus are commonly spotted around Halls Gap at dusk…

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park, 23-27 Tymna Dr, Halls Gap VIC 3381. Powered site.

Image: The Balconies, Grampians National Park, Visit Victoria

Morning: Start early and head to one of the Grampians’ most iconic hikes, The Pinnacle Lookout. The trail offers a rewarding climb through rocky terrain and native bush, with panoramic views over Halls Gap and the surrounding ranges.

Afternoon: Visit MacKenzie Falls, one of Victoria’s most powerful waterfalls, where you can walk down to the base for a refreshing mist-filled view. Alternatively, Silverband Falls offers an easier, family-friendly walk with a gentle cascading drop.

Evening: Return to Halls Gap and unwind. This is a great night to enjoy a pub meal, local wine, or a simple BBQ at camp. The Grampians are part of a designated dark sky region, making stargazing a highlight if the sky is clear.

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park, 23-27 Tymna Dr, Halls Gap VIC 3381. Powered site.

Image: MacKenzie Falls, Tourism Australia/Visit Victoria

Morning: Depart the mountains and travel north through open farmland and dry plains, a big contrast to the Grampians’ rugged landscapes. This stretch gives a real sense of inland Victoria’s scale and rural charm.

Afternoon: Arrive in Mildura, a vibrant Murray River town known for its river lifestyle, citrus farms, and warmer climate. Take a walk along the riverfront, or relax in a riverside café overlooking houseboats drifting by.

Evening: Enjoy sunset along the Murray River, one of the best times of day here. Choose a relaxed dinner by the water or cook in your motorhome while enjoying the peaceful river setting.

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: BIG4 Mildura Getaway Holiday Park, 478 Deakin Ave, Mildura VIC 3502. Powered site.

Image: Farmers Markets, Mildura, Visit Victoria & Rob Blackburn

Morning: Take a slow morning and experience the Murray River properly. Optional activities include a river cruise, paddle steamer experience, or kayak hire for a peaceful float along the water. Alternatively, take the kids to the Trentham Waters Resort for a day of fun!

Afternoon: Explore the surrounding region known for agriculture and food production. Visit Orange World, a working citrus farm offering tractor tours and tastings, or explore nearby wineries and farm gates.

Evening: Check out the Salt Lake on Paschendale Ave for sunset, this is one of Mildura’s standout experiences. The reflection of golden light over the water makes for a perfect home-made picnic night!

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: BIG4 Mildura Getaway Holiday Park, 478 Deakin Ave, Mildura VIC 3502. Powered site.

Image: Orange World Mildura, Peter Foster & Visit Victoria

Morning: A full driving day as you cross from Victoria into South Australia. The landscape gradually shifts from river country to rolling vineyards and wine-growing regions. Stop to stretch your legs on the way near Berri and photograph the Big Orange!

Afternoon: Arrive in the Barossa Valley, one of Australia’s most famous wine regions. Settle into your campsite and explore nearby towns like Tanunda or Nuriootpa, known for bakeries, wine shops, and historic German-influenced architecture.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxed evening among vineyards. Many local restaurants offer regional produce paired with Barossa wines, or you can enjoy a quiet meal at your motorhome surrounded by vineyard landscapes.

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: Discovery Parks – Barossa Valley, 1F Murray St, Tanunda SA 5352. Powered site.

Image: Chateau Tanunda, Tourism Australia / South Australia Tourism Commission

Morning: Spend the day exploring cellar doors. The Barossa is home to some of Australia’s oldest vineyards. Visit Seppeltsfield, known for its historic estate and fortified wines, or St Hugo for a more prestigious Australian wine experience (take guided sensory tasting experience that demonstrates how different glass shapes fundamentally change the flavor profile of the wine!).

Afternoon: Enjoy long vineyard lunches featuring seasonal produce, such as Lou’s by Horizon or Char Barossa. Continue exploring smaller villages like Angaston, where boutique producers, artisan bakeries, and gourmet shops are located.

Evening: Return to camp and enjoy a quiet sunset over the vines. This is a slow, indulgent day, perfect for relaxing without rushing.

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: Discovery Parks – Barossa Valley, 1F Murray St, Tanunda SA 5352. Powered site.

Tip: Make sure you have a designated driver!

Image: St Hugo, Tourism Australia / South Australian Tourism Commission

Morning: Enjoy a slow start before heading toward Adelaide. Cook a delicious breakfast in the comfort of your motorhome! The short drive allows time for a final Barossa coffee stop or bakery visit.

Afternoon:  Arrive in Adelaide and explore the city’s highlights. The Adelaide Central Market is perfect for fresh produce, local cheeses, and multicultural food. Walk through North Terrace to see cultural landmarks and museums.

Evening: Head to Glenelg Beach for sunset over the ocean or enjoy a city dinner in one of Adelaide’s laneway restaurants. If you fancy sea food, the Marina has plenty of great choices!

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: Discovery Parks – West Beach Parks, 1 Military Rd, West Beach SA 5024. Powered site.

Image: Glenelg Beach, South Australian Tourism Commission

Morning: Escape the city and head into the picturesque Adelaide Hills. Begin your day in Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement. Stroll along the tree-lined main street, browse artisan shops, local galleries, and specialty food stores.

Afternoon:  Continue exploring the Adelaide Hills with a visit to Mount Lofty Summit for panoramic views across Adelaide and the coastline. Afterwards, visit Cleland Wildlife Park, where you can get up close to kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, and other native Australian wildlife in a natural bushland setting.

Evening: Return to Adelaide via the scenic Adelaide Hills route. Spend the evening exploring one of Adelaide’s lesser-known dining precincts, such as the East End or Plant 4 Bowden, and enjoy a relaxed dinner featuring local South Australian produce.

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: Discovery Parks – West Beach Parks, 1 Military Rd, West Beach SA 5024. Powered site.

Image: Hahndorf, South Australian Tourism Commission

Morning: Depart Adelaide early and travel east through the Adelaide Hills before descending into the Murraylands region. Stop in Murray Bridge, one of South Australia’s largest regional towns and take in the views of the historic bridge that gave the town its name.

Afternoon: Continue your journey through rural South Australia and into Victoria. Arrive in Swan Hill, a charming river town known for its paddle steamer history and relaxed atmosphere. Spend the afternoon exploring the riverfront walking trails or visiting the historic river precinct. Don’t forget to snap a photo of the Giant Murray Cod…

Evening: Settle in for a peaceful evening beside the Murray. Watch the sunset over the river, enjoy dinner at a local riverside venue, or make use of your motorhome’s kitchen and dine under the stars.

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: BIG4 Riverside Swan Hill, 1 Monash Dr, Swan Hill VIC 3585. Powered site.

Image: Murray Bridge Foreshore Reserve, John Montesi

Morning: Leave Swan Hill and travel south-east through Victoria’s productive agricultural heartland. Pass through small country towns and expansive farming landscapes before arriving in Shepparton, the centre of the Goulburn Valley region, known as Australia’s fruit bowl.

Afternoon: Spend a few hours exploring Shepparton. Visit the Victoria Park Lake for a scenic walk around the water, or discover the region’s famous Moooving Art cow sculptures scattered throughout the city. Arrive back in Melbourne mid-afternoon. Settle in your campsite and jump on a taxi ride to the CBD!

Evening: Take a stroll along the waterfront at Docklands, enjoy dinner in one of Melbourne’s vibrant dining precincts, or simply relax and reflect on your inland adventure through Victoria and South Australia. Then Uber back to your motorhome for a good night sleep.

CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATION: BIG4 Melbourne Holiday Park, 265 Elizabeth St, Coburg VIC 3058. Powered site.

Image: Victoria Park Lake Stand Up Paddle Boards, Goulburn River

Morning: Enjoy a last slow morning in your motorhome, cook a nice breakfast, spend time with the kids at the campground’s pool or playground. Then, for a last-day-fun-activity, head to Bubble Planet for an incredible experience through fantastical, pastel landscape designed to appeal to all 5 senses!

Afternoon: Head back to our Melbourne branch to drop your motorhome off before 3:30pm.

Image: Cruisin’ Sandpiper