Grab a hearty takeaway breakfast and good coffee in Canberra (many cafes open ~7:00am) to fuel the first leg north; aim for a cooked breakfast or grab-and-go options for the road.
Drive north-west via the Federal and Barton Highways into the Riverina toward Wagga Wagga; allow ~3h30m including a short comfort stop en route. This route is direct and keeps momentum on the northern push.
Arrive in Wagga and enjoy lunch at a popular riverside café or bakery (most open from ~11:30am for lunches); the town has good supplies for campers. Use this stop to top up fuel and fridge supplies.
Stretch your legs with a walk through Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens and pop into the Museum of the Riverina (museum hours typically ~10:00am–4:00pm) to learn local history. Both are easy, low-effort stops that give insight into the region.
Check in at a caravan park such as BIG4 Wagga Wagga or Wagga Wagga Tourist Park and set up camp; park offices commonly operate into the late afternoon. Get organised for the longer inland stretches ahead.
Choose a laid-back dinner at a local pub that serves regional fare (dinner service typically from 5:30pm) or cook at the site kitchen. Early night recommended to be ready for an earlier start tomorrow.
Pick up pastries and coffee from a Wagga bakery (most open about 7:00–7:30am) or prepare breakfast at the camp kitchen. A substantial breakfast is handy before the Hay stretch.
Head west toward Hay (approx 2–2.5 hours). Consider a quick stop at Coolamon to see local silos and grab supplies; roads are sealed and services are available in major towns.
Explore Hay’s historic sites such as the Hay Gaol (open roughly 10:00am–4:00pm) and the Shear Outback display to learn about outback and wartime history. These low-key heritage stops give a flavour of the inland.
Lunch in Hay at a café or pub (open 12:00pm), choose a hearty country-style meal to keep energy up for afternoon travel. Use the break to top up water and fuel where available.
Continue west to Balranald (approx 1h15m) — this quieter town on the Murrumbidgee is a practical overnight stop before Mungo. The route is straightforward and well-suited for caravans and campers.
Set up at Balranald Caravan Park or a riverside campsite; parks usually have afternoon office hours. Relax on the riverbank or do a short walk to unwind after the drive.
Dinner at a Balranald pub or motel restaurant (many open from 5:30pm) — typical country pub meals and friendly service are the norm. Prepare supplies for an early Mungo start tomorrow.
Quick breakfast at camp or takeaway from Balranald to leave early for Mungo National Park; the park is best visited early to avoid heat and to catch clearer light on the lunette formations.
Drive north to Mungo NP visitor centre / Zanci Homestead (approx 1h30m). The park is remote — check current park access and 4WD requirements; the visitor centre usually opens ~9:00am for information and permits.
Do the Walls of China self-guided walk or a ranger-led tour if available (visitor centre and tour times vary, typically day tours depart mid-morning). This extraordinary lunette system is a must-see for ancient landscape and archaeology.
Enjoy a prepared picnic lunch at the park’s day area (bring water and shade); facilities are basic so come prepared. The remote setting is quiet and rewarding for wildlife viewing and photography.
Head west to Mildura (approx 2h30m) crossing into Victoria; Mildura is a larger regional centre with riverfront caravan parks and services — useful for a night with good facilities.
Check in at a Mildura caravan park (for example, Big4 Mildura or Riverside Holiday Park) and set up camp; park offices usually operate into the late afternoon. Take a walk along the Murray River after arrival.
Dine at a riverside restaurant or local pub in Mildura (many open evenings from 5:30pm) to enjoy Murray River views and fresh regional produce. Consider a relaxed meal after a full day.
Have breakfast at a popular Mildura café (open from ~7:30am) — try a coffee and a hearty breakfast to prepare for the Murray River leg. Pick up any fresh supplies before departure.
Enjoy a morning riverside stroll or hire a small paddlecraft if available (river hire opens seasonally and times vary); this is a relaxing way to experience the Murray before heading on. Visitor info centres open from ~9am for local advice.
Head west along the Murray toward Renmark (approx 2h30m) crossing into South Australia — scenic river towns and vineyards line this route. Plan for a short comfort stop en route.
Arrive Renmark and have lunch at a riverfront café or pub (most open midday) and sample fresh local produce. Renmark is a great base for river activities and fruit-growing region produce.
Take an afternoon short river cruise (if available; cruises have scheduled departures through the day) or cycle along the river trails to explore groves and riverfront parks. Check seasonal availability of cruises and hire services.
Set up camp at Renmark Riverfront Caravan Park or similar; park offices typically open until late afternoon. Prepare for an easy evening with access to town facilities.
Dine at a Renmark bistro or pub specialising in local produce and Murray fish; dinner service typically from 5:30pm–8:00pm. Enjoy a relaxed riverfront sunset if weather permits.
Fuel up with breakfast in Renmark (cafés open from ~7:00–7:30am) and collect picnic provisions if you plan tastings later in the day. Early departure gives more winery time in Clare.
Drive south-west toward Clare Valley (approx 4–4.5 hours depending on route and stops), passing Murray Bridge where you can stop for coffee or fuel. This is a longer driving day—plan breaks every 1.5–2 hours.
Stop for lunch in Murray Bridge or a roadside town; pubs and cafés typically open from midday and provide a good rural stop. Stretch your legs with a short walk at the riverbank if time allows.
Arrive in Clare Valley in the afternoon and visit a couple of cellar doors (many open 10:00am–5:00pm) to sample Rieslings and regional wines — check opening times and book tastings if possible. The Riesling Trail is also great for a short walk or cycle.
Check in to Clare Valley Tourist Park or a nearby campground and set up; parks often have late afternoon reception hours. Enjoy the cool country evening and plan a relaxed dinner in town.
Have dinner at a Clare pub or local bistro (dinner service typically from 5:30pm) and taste Central Australian produce paired with local wines. It’s a fitting final regional evening before heading to Adelaide.
Enjoy breakfast at a Clare café (many open about 8:00am) and take a short stroll on the Riesling Trail if you missed it yesterday. Pack up camp and check road conditions for the final leg.
Drive south to Adelaide (approx 1h15m–1h30m) — this shorter final leg arrives you into Adelaide in time for lunch and city exploring. Roads are well-serviced and straightforward.
Arrive into Adelaide and have lunch at the Adelaide Central Market (open ~9:00am–5:00pm) or head to Glenelg for beachfront dining; both offer excellent regional food options. The market is a great place to sample local produce.
Check in at Adelaide Shores Caravan Park or another metropolitan caravan park near Glenelg; parks accept afternoon arrivals but confirm check-in times. Set up and relax or head into the city.
Take the tram or drive to Glenelg for a stroll along the beach and jetty, or head into central Adelaide for parks and galleries (most attractions operate daytime hours). This is a relaxed way to finish the trip.
Celebrate the end of the northern push with dinner in Adelaide—choose from Glenelg waterfront restaurants or city dining precincts (dinner service commonly from 5:30pm). Enjoy a sit-down meal and reflect on the inland landscapes you passed.