Leave Canberra after breakfast and head west along the Federal and Hume Highways, stopping at Gundagai to stretch your legs and admire the historic Dog on the Tuckerbox and the old stone bridge. Continue through pastoral Riverina landscapes, arriving in Wagga Wagga mid-morning for a coffee at Blue Ember Espresso and a relaxed riverside walk along the Murrumbidgee River to see the scenic wetlands and Wagga Botanic Gardens.
After lunch at one of the cafés on Baylis Street, visit the National Art Glass Gallery for local art and the Museum of the Riverina to learn about the region’s farming heritage. Take a short drive to the suburb of Kooringal or the lookout at Wyanga Park for panoramic views, then check into your accommodation and freshen up before an easy late-afternoon stroll across the historic Hampden Bridge precinct.
Dine at one of Wagga’s lively bistros—try seasonal local produce and a Murray-Darling wine—then wander the riverbank as the lights reflect on the water. If you’re up for it, catch live music at a local pub or enjoy a quiet nightcap on your accommodation’s patio, preparing for tomorrow’s longer drive toward Mildura.
Leave Wagga Wagga after breakfast and take the Sturt and then Silver City Highway route west, stopping in Hay to stretch your legs and visit the Hay Gaol Museum and the iconic shearing sheds that tell stories of the Riverina’s pastoral past. Continue on through sleepy Riverina towns, arriving in Balranald for a coffee and a short walk along the Murrumbidgee floodplain before crossing into Victoria toward Mildura in the late morning.
On arrival in Mildura, settle in and head straight for the Murray River precinct to explore the bustling Mildura Wharf, enjoy a riverfront lunch at The Rusty Paddle or The Wharf Cafe, and join a relaxing paddle-steamer cruise on the PS Marion for scenic views and local history. After the cruise, visit the Mildura Arts Centre or the Australian Inland Botanic Gardens to see regional flora and seasonal displays.
As dusk falls, take a drive up to the lookout at Kings Billabong for sweeping sunset views over the riverine wetlands, then sample regional produce and a local Riverland or Murray wine at one of Mildura’s acclaimed restaurants such as 10 Vine or Fiorentina. Finish the evening with a leisurely stroll along the riverfront or a nightcap at a waterside bar, preparing for tomorrow’s journey along the Murray toward Renmark.
Set out from Mildura after breakfast and follow the scenic Murray River drive west, stopping at quaint river towns like Wentworth to see the confluence of the Darling and Murray Rivers and visit the historic Wentworth Gaol and the PS Ruby paddle-steamer display. Continue into South Australia with a short detour to the Lock 7/Lock 8 area for a riverside walk and birdwatching—keep an eye out for waterbirds and river redgum stands as you approach Renmark mid-morning.
On arrival in Renmark, settle into your accommodation then head to the Renmark Paringa Visitor Information Centre and nearby Renmark Riverfront Park for a relaxed lunch overlooking the Murray; afterwards join a guided Murray River cruise or a hire-bike circuit along the river trails to explore the citrus groves and heritage precinct. Pop into local producers such as the Renmark Club or a cellar door for a tasting of Riverland wines, or visit the Renmark Paringa Heritage Museum to learn about irrigation history that shaped the region.
As daylight softens, take a short drive up to Paringa Bridge for sunset views across the Murray and the old wharf precinct, then enjoy dinner at a riverside restaurant—try fresh Murray cod or seasonal produce paired with a chilled Riverland riesling. Finish the night with a peaceful riverside stroll or a drink at a local pub, listening to the gentle river sounds and preparing for tomorrow’s Murraylands and wine-tasting adventures.
Leave Renmark after breakfast and follow the Murray River south, enjoying the changing riverine scenery as you cross into the Murraylands; stop at Waikerie for a riverside coffee and a walk along the jetty, or detour to the historic Lock 3/4 area to watch river traffic and spot waterbirds among the red gums. Continue toward Murray Bridge and arrive mid-morning to stretch your legs at the iconic Murray Bridge itself — take in the views from the Causeway and visit the nearby Swanport Reserve for riverside birdwatching and photos.
After checking in, head into town for a leisurely lunch at the riverside Murray Bridge Hotel or the Crown Hotel, sampling local Murray cod or fresh seasonal produce, then book a tasting at a nearby cellar door such as Koppamurra Wines or a Riverland producer for crisp rieslings and shirazes. Spend the afternoon exploring the Murraylands Heritage and Visitor Centre or take a short guided cruise or hire a kayak to paddle beneath the railway lift bridge, learning about the area’s irrigation history and enjoying the peaceful river views.
As the sun softens, climb the steps to the Murray Bridge Lookout or drive to the Monteiths Hill lookout for panoramic sunset vistas over the river flats, then dine at a cosy bistro like Main Street’s Harvest Kitchen or return to a riverside pub for hearty local fare and a glass of Riverland wine. Finish the night with a relaxed riverside stroll along the promenade or a quiet drink on your accommodation’s verandah, listening to frogs and waterbirds as you ready yourself for tomorrow’s Coorong adventure.
Leave Murray Bridge after an early breakfast and drive south toward the Coorong, stopping at the Tailem Bend lookout for sweeping views over the Murray floodplain before continuing to the Coorong Visitor Centre at Salt Creek to pick up maps and local advice. Explore the scenic Old Coach Road and the nearby coastal lagoons on foot—keep binoculars ready for migratory waders, pelicans and the iconic hooded plover along the sandy shorelines.
After a picnic lunch at the Long Point campground or a café in Meningie, join a guided boat or 4WD tour (book in advance) to cruise the narrow Coorong lagoons and learn about Ngarrindjeri cultural connections to the land and sea; visits often include saltwater channels, sand dunes and bird-rich estuaries. Later, take a relaxed drive toward Policeman’s Point and Pelican Point for more birdwatching and a stroll along the beach, or detour into Meningie to visit the Lake Albert foreshore and the Meningie Cheese Factory for local produce tastings.
Return toward Tailem Bend as the sun starts to sink and stop at a dune or beach viewpoint for a memorable Coorong sunset—the vast low light and reflected wetlands make for great photos. Dine at a local pub or bistro in Tailem Bend or Meningie, sampling fresh local seafood or Murraylands lamb, then enjoy a quiet night under the stars, listening for nocturnal birdcalls and the gentle lapping of lagoon waters as you prepare for the Adelaide Hills detour tomorrow.
Leave Tailem Bend after breakfast and head west along the Princes Highway, then turn north into the rolling Adelaide Hills — stop at Hahndorf for a morning coffee and a stroll along the historic main street to browse artisan shops and German-style bakeries. Continue up to Mount Lofty Summit for panoramic views over Adelaide and Gulf St Vincent, then take a short walk through Cleland Conservation Park to spot native wildlife like koalas and kangaroos among the eucalyptus.
Drive the scenic Range Road toward Stirling and Aldgate, pausing for a relaxed lunch at a hillside cafe such as The Stirling or Ashton Hills Winery where you can sample cool-climate Adelaide Hills pinot and local cheeses. After lunch, visit a cellar door like Shaw + Smith or Barratt Wines for a tasting, or explore the Mount Lofty Botanic Garden’s seasonal displays before descending into Adelaide’s eastern suburbs in the late afternoon.
Arrive in Adelaide city centre as twilight falls and check in to your accommodation before an evening at Gouger Street or Peel Street for dinner — try modern Australian fare paired with a South Australian shiraz. Finish the night with a stroll along the River Torrens or a visit to the Adelaide Oval precinct for a rooftop drink, soaking up the city lights and reflecting on the scenic Murraylands and Coorong leg of your journey.
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a café on Gouger Street or in the East End near Rundle Street, then wander the Adelaide Central Market to sample local cheeses, fresh produce and bakery treats while chatting with stallholders. From there stroll through the nearby laneways to the Art Gallery of South Australia and the South Australian Museum for a quick immersion in Indigenous art, colonial history and natural history exhibits before heading to the River Torrens for a peaceful paddle-boat ride or riverside walk.
After lunch at a riverside bistro or a picnic on the lawns of Elder Park, take a short tram or drive to North Terrace to visit the State Library’s Mortlock Wing and the Botanic Gardens, or head up to the Adelaide Oval roof for panoramic city views and a behind-the-scenes tour if time allows. Alternatively, detour to Glenelg for a seaside stroll along the jetty and a gelato, enjoying the contrast between the Murraylands landscapes you've travelled and Adelaide’s coastal charm.
For your final evening, enjoy a relaxed dinner in the lively Peel Street or Leigh Street precinct—choose modern Australian cuisine paired with a cool-climate Adelaide Hills wine or a bold Barossa shiraz—and finish with a sunset walk along the River Torrens or a nightcap at a rooftop bar overlooking the city. If your departure allows, take a last slow drive past the illuminated Adelaide Oval and along North Terrace to reflect on your week from Canberra to Adelaide, soaking in the memories of riverbanks, Coorong sands and hillside vineyards.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Canberra to Gundagai drive (stop at Dog on the Tuckerbox & old stone bridge) | Fuel: $20-40 (depending on vehicle); attractions: Free |
| Blue Ember Espresso (coffee in Wagga Wagga) | $5-15 per person |
| Riverside walk / Wagga Botanic Gardens | Free |
| Lunch on Baylis Street (Wagga Wagga) | $15-30 per person |
| National Art Glass Gallery (Wagga Wagga) | Free-$10 (donation or small entry fee possible) |
| Museum of the Riverina | Free-$5 |
| Wyanga Park lookout / Kooringal short drive | Fuel: $2-5; Free to visit |
| Dinner at Wagga bistro + pub music | $25-60 per person (meal), $0-20 entry/cover for live music |
| Drive Wagga Wagga to Hay (via Sturt/Silver City Hwy) | Fuel: $30-50 |
| Hay Gaol Museum & shearing sheds | $5-12 per adult |
| Balranald coffee & walk | $5-15 per person |
| Drive to Mildura | Fuel: $30-60 |
| Mildura Wharf / riverfront lunch | $20-40 per person |
| PS Marion paddle-steamer cruise (Mildura) | $35-60 per adult (seasonal/tour options vary) |
| Mildura Arts Centre or Australian Inland Botanic Gardens | Arts centre: Free-$10 (exhibition); Botanic Gardens: Free |
| Kings Billabong lookout (sunset) | Free; minimal fuel $2-5 |
| Dinner in Mildura (10 Vine, Fiorentina etc.) | $30-70 per person |
| Mildura to Wentworth (drive) | Fuel: $10-20 |
| Wentworth confluence, Wentworth Gaol, PS Ruby display | Free-$10 (museum/entry fees variable) |
| Lock 7 / Lock 8 riverside walk / birdwatching | Free |
| Drive to Renmark & check-in | Fuel: $15-30; accommodation: $100-180 per room |
| Renmark Paringa Visitor Centre & Riverfront Park lunch | $15-35 per person |
| Guided Murray River cruise (Renmark) | $30-60 per adult |
| Hire-bike circuit / cycling | $15-50 per person (bike hire hourly/daily rates) |
| Renmark Paringa Heritage Museum / cellar door tasting | Museum: Free-$5; wine tasting: $5-15 (sometimes refundable on purchase) |
| Paringa Bridge sunset viewpoint | Free |
| Renmark to Waikerie / Murray Bridge drive (via Murray River route) | Fuel: $40-70 |
| Waikerie riverside coffee / Lock 3/4 detour | $5-15; Free sites |
| Murray Bridge Causeway / Swanport Reserve stretch | Free |
| Lunch at Murray Bridge Hotel / Crown Hotel | $20-40 per person |
| Cellar door tasting (Koppamurra Wines or Riverland producer) | $5-20 per person (may be refundable with purchase) |
| Murraylands Heritage and Visitor Centre | Free-$5 |
| Guided cruise / kayak hire under bridges | Cruise: $30-60; kayak hire: $20-50 per person |
| Murray Bridge Lookout / Monteiths Hill lookout (sunset) | Free |
| Drive Tailem Bend & Coorong Visitor Centre at Salt Creek | Fuel: $10-20; Visitor Centre: Free |
| Tailem Bend lookout & Old Coach Road coastal lagoon walks | Free |
| Long Point picnic / Meningie cafe lunch | Picnic: $5-15 per person (self-catered); cafe: $12-25 |
| Guided Coorong boat or 4WD tour (book in advance) | $80-160 per person (guided tours vary by operator) |
| Policeman’s Point / Pelican Point birdwatching | Free |
| Meningie Cheese Factory visit / Lake Albert foreshore | Cheese tastings: $5-15 |
| Coorong sunset viewpoint & return to Tailem Bend | Fuel: $5-15; Free to view |
| Tailem Bend/Meningie dinner | $20-40 per person |
| Tailem Bend to Hahndorf (drive toward Adelaide Hills) | Fuel: $20-40 |
| Hahndorf main street stroll / bakery coffee | $5-20 per person (shopping optional) |
| Mount Lofty Summit & Cleland Conservation Park short walk | Park entry: Free; Cleland Wildlife park (if visiting): $25-40 per adult |
| Lunch in Stirling / Ashton Hills Winery | $20-45 per person (wine tastings extra $10-20) |
| Cellar door tasting (Shaw + Smith or Barratt Wines) | $10-25 per person (may be refundable on purchase) |
| Mount Lofty Botanic Garden visit | Free |
| Drive into Adelaide & check-in | Fuel: $5-15; accommodation in Adelaide: $110-240 per night |
| Dinner on Gouger or Peel Street | $30-70 per person |
| Adelaide Central Market morning visit | Free to browse; tastings $5-20 |
| Art Gallery of South Australia / South Australian Museum | Free-$10 (special exhibitions may charge) |
| River Torrens paddle-boat ride / stroll | Paddle-boat: $6-12 per person; stroll: Free |
| Elder Park picnic / tram to North Terrace & State Library Mortlock Wing | Free |
| Adelaide Oval roof tour (optional) | $30-45 per adult |
| Glenelg seaside detour (tram + stroll + gelato) | Tram: $3-6; gelato: $4-8 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | $1,150 - $3,200 (per person, 2 people sharing where noted) |