Start with one of Canberra’s best specialty coffee shops and a seasonal breakfast; it's popular so allow time — typically open from 7:30AM. Great coffee and light plates set you up for the drive.
Drive 15–20 minutes to the Arboretum to enjoy panoramic views, sculpted gardens and short walking trails; site open daylight hours (generally from 7:00AM to sunset).
If you prefer indoor art, the Gallery opens around 10:00AM and houses major Australian and international works — allow 1–2 hours and check for special exhibition hours.
Enjoy a contemporary lunch on Constitution Avenue; they serve seasonal modern-Australian dishes and are usually open for lunch from midday. Good spot for a relaxed midday meal before departing Canberra.
Leave Canberra and take the Hume Motorway via Yass and Gundagai toward Albury — expect around 3.5–4 hours driving depending on stops; scenic farmland views en route.
Arrive in Albury, check into your accommodation and stretch your legs with a stroll along the Murray River foreshore (public access, open daylight hours).
Riverside dining with reliable mains (steaks, salads) and local produce — a comfortable choice for your first night; verify opening hours and reserve if possible (usually open evenings).
A local café serving good coffee and freshly made breakfast plates; a practical start before a day of short drives and winery stops (open from ~7:30–8:00AM).
Drive 20 minutes to the Hume Dam lookout for river-and-reservoir views — open during daylight hours and a nice short leg-stretcher before heading west.
Head to the Rutherglen wine region (about 45–60 minutes from Albury) for cellar-door tastings and a light lunch; most cellar doors open from 10:00AM to 5:00PM — book any tastings in advance.
Depart west toward Mildura — a longer stretch (about 3.5–4 hours) that moves you firmly into the Murray River region; plan fuel and short coffee breaks en route.
Contemporary menu with locally sourced produce and a pleasant atmosphere — popular, so booking ahead is advised. Good place to sample regional Murray–Darling produce.
Take a morning scenic cruise or a riverside walk along the Murray (cruises are seasonal and run at set times — typically morning departures around 9:30–11:00AM; book ahead).
Leave Mildura and follow the river corridor southeast to Renmark (about 1 hour). Stretch your legs with a short riverside walk on arrival; riverfront areas are open daylight hours.
Final leg to Adelaide (approx. 3.5–4 hours) — this west-southwest run crosses the Riverland into SA; plan a coffee stop if needed and expect to arrive in the early evening.
Arrive in Adelaide city centre, check into your hotel and take a short walk along North Terrace if time allows; many central attractions are open until late afternoon so plan tomorrow for museum visits.
Finish with a standout Adelaide dinner: Africola offers vibrant flavours and Peel Street is a reliable modern-Australian option; both typically open for dinner from about 5:00PM—reserve in advance.