Depart Canberra after a quick breakfast at Two Before Ten (Braddon) — grab a coffee and bacon-and-egg roll to-go so you’re fueled for the first leg. Double-check luggage, sunscreen, and your route via the Hume Highway (A23/M31).
Short scenic stop at Lake Burley Griffin (Lakeshore Drive) for a stretch and photos of the lake and Parliament House from the shoreline — a calm way to start the trip and say goodbye to Canberra.
Begin the direct drive to Gundagai on the Hume Motorway, aiming for a comfortable pace with planned rest stops; enjoy the changing landscapes as you leave the ACT behind.
Coffee and restroom break at Yass Servicentre — stretch your legs, top up fuel if needed, and pick up water and snacks for the road.
Arrive in Gundagai and walk the historic Prince Alfred Bridge precinct — explore the Murrumbidgee River vistas and early river town architecture to get a taste of local history.
Lunch at The Australian Hotel (Gundagai) — enjoy classic pub lunch options such as a chicken parmigiana or a local lamb dish, plus a cold beer or soft drink in the shaded beer garden.
Guided-ish self-walk to see the famed Dog on the Tuckerbox monument and learn the folklore; take photos and visit the nearby Gundagai Historical Museum for a quick look at settler artifacts.
Drive a short distance to the Gundagai Historic Thoroughfare and the old townsite lookout; spend time at the Gundagai Railway Museum or climb to the Gundagai lookout for panoramic river valley views.
Afternoon tea at the Café in the Town Hall (or Red Lion Café) — relax with locally made cakes and a pot of tea or coffee while planning the next stage of the trip toward Wagga Wagga tomorrow.
Leisurely stroll along the Murrumbidgee River walking track to unwind after the drive; birdwatching opportunities and peaceful riverbank scenery make this a pleasant late-afternoon activity.
Check into your chosen Gundagai accommodation — recommended options: Aubrey Cottage for a historic stay or Gundagai Motel for convenient parking and comfortable rooms. Unpack and freshen up.
Drive to the Mirrool Creek lookouts for golden-hour photography or return to town for a relaxed visit to the Gundagai RSL for a casual pre-dinner drink and local conversation.
Dinner at The Royal Hotel Gundagai (or the more intimate Brown Crockery Café if you prefer lighter fare) — sample regional produce, such as Riverina-grown lamb or seasonal salads, and enjoy a locally produced wine.
Evening stroll around the quiet main street to soak in the historic ambience and perhaps stop for an ice cream from a local shop; review maps and notes for Day 2 (Wagga Wagga and Junee).
Return to your room for an easy night — read a bit of local history, set alarms for a relaxed morning departure, and recharge devices for the next day’s drive into the Riverina vineyards.
Breakfast at your Gundagai accommodation or grab a takeaway from Brown Crockery Café — enjoy a hearty breakfast and coffee so you’re ready for the short morning drive to Wagga Wagga.
Depart Gundagai via the Sturt Highway/M31 toward Wagga Wagga — take the scenic route along the Murrumbidgee valley and enjoy the morning light over farmland as you head west.
Arrive at Wagga Wagga and stop at Victory Memorial Gardens for a morning stroll — stretch your legs, see the rose beds and river views, and take a quick photo by the Murrumbidgee River.
Coffee break at Riverina Grocer & Deli or Luscious Cakes & Café on Fitzmaurice Street — sample locally baked treats and refill water before exploring the town.
Self-guided walk through Wagga’s Civic Centre precinct to view the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery and the Museum of the Riverina — enjoy a brief cultural stop to learn about regional art and history.
Drive to the National Art Glass Gallery (if open) or take a short detour to the Botanic Gardens and Museum of the Riverina’s riverside precinct for more local flavor.
Head out of Wagga toward the Riverina vineyards — set your GPS for the Coolamon area and enjoy the open plains as you move into boutique wine country.
Lunch and wine tasting at Pioneer Estate Vineyard & Winery (or Peel Wines, depending on your preference) — enjoy a seasonal share plate or gourmet lunch with a tasting of cool-climate Riverina wines.
Visit another nearby cellar door such as Cooks Estate Wines or a smaller boutique vineyard (call ahead for tastings) to compare varieties and pick up a bottle or two for later.
Leisurely drive toward Junee, passing through small Riverina towns — enjoy the changing light and plan a quick stop at an antique/collectables shop if something catches your eye.
Arrive in Junee and head to the Junee Roundhouse Museum — explore the restored railway roundhouse and learn about the town’s rail heritage with an immersive, hands-on visit.
Check in to your Junee accommodation (recommended: Empire Hotel Junee for historic charm or Junee Motor Inn for convenience) and freshen up before evening activities.
Afternoon coffee or a light snack at Searle’s Bakery, famous for its pastries — pick up their renowned pies or a sweet treat and perhaps take a stroll through the town centre.
Pre-dinner visit to the Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory (if open late) for a sweet tour or to buy local confections as souvenirs; otherwise, enjoy a wander around the heritage streets.
Dinner at The Junction Hotel or The Empire Hotel’s bistro — savor Riverina specialties such as lamb or seasonal produce paired with a local wine, and soak in the historic pub atmosphere.
Evening stroll along Junee’s quiet main street to digest dinner and take in the lit-up historic facades; stop for a nightcap at your hotel bar if you like.
Return to your room to relax and review plans for Day 3 (option to head toward Albury/Wodonga or take a route through the Mallee toward Mildura-style stops); charge devices and set an easy alarm.
Early breakfast at the Empire Hotel Junee or Searle’s Bakery — fuel up with a hearty meal and takeaway coffee for the long drive north-east toward Albury/Wodonga.
Check out and depart Junee on the Hume Highway (M31) heading toward Albury; confirm navigation for either the direct M31 route or the slight inland detour through Coolamon and Lockhart if you want extra scenery.
Short stretch and coffee stop at Holbrook (Holbrook Bakery or the Visitor Centre) — visit the submarine exhibit in the park for a quirky regional photo-op and a quick restroom break.
Arrive in Albury/Wodonga and take a riverside walk at Noreuil Park on the Murray River to stretch your legs and enjoy morning views of the river precinct and heritage bridges.
Coffee or second breakfast at Café 77 (Albury) or Hellenic House in Wodonga — try a locally roasted coffee and a light savoury option while planning the afternoon’s Mallee route.
Quick cultural stop at the Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA) if you fancy modern regional art, or instead stroll through Dean Street’s shops for local crafts and souvenirs.
Lunch at Black Sheep Restaurant & Bar (Albury) or La Maison de Sante (Wodonga) — enjoy seasonal, locally sourced dishes before driving west toward the Victorian Mallee region.
Depart Albury/Wodonga heading west on the Sturt Highway (A20), progressing toward the Mallee towns — keep an eye out for signage to Robinvale/Mildura if you prefer the river-fringing route further north.
Arrive in Swan Hill (optional short detour) for a riverside break at the Pioneer Settlement and a walk along the Murray River — this is a good midway pause to experience classic Murray River town character.
Coffee and a snack at Kettle & Poppies (Swan Hill) or grab something to-go and continue into the Mallee, aiming for evening stops around Ouyen or the smaller townships en route to Mount Gambier the following day.
Check into your chosen Mallee-region accommodation (recommendations: Motel 617 Ouyen or Ouyen Serviceton) and freshen up after the day's driving; unpack and plan the next leg toward Mount Gambier.
Late-afternoon exploration of the town you’ve chosen to stay in — visit a local lookout if available or take a short drive to see typical Mallee plains and sunset light for photos.
Dinner at a local pub or bistro (Ouyen Hotel or nearby community club) — enjoy pub classics and regional produce, and ask locals for tips about scenic roads and quieter stops for tomorrow’s journey.
Evening briefing and map review back at your accommodation — decide whether to take the more northerly Robinvale/Mildura-style river route or the southern Albury-to-Mount Gambier corridor for Day 4.
Wind down with a walk around the quiet main street or relax in your room; set alarms, charge devices, and prepare a small cooler of snacks and water for an early departure toward the coast the next morning.
Early wake-up and quick packed breakfast at your Mallee motel (grab a takeaway coffee and a ham-and-cheese roll or pastries) so you can make the long southbound drive to Mount Gambier while the morning is cool.
Check out and depart your Mallee town heading southwest on the Calder/ Mallee routes toward Nhill and Bordertown, following the route you chose last night; confirm fuel, tyre pressure, and navigation for the ~5-6 hour drive ahead.
Stretch and coffee stop at Nhill Bakery or Nhill Roadhouse — enjoy fresh coffee and a cinnamon scroll while taking a short walk to loosen up and check the map for the remaining distance into South Australia.
Cross into South Australia and make a short detour into Bordertown for a restroom break and refuel; take a quick walk around the heritage main street and pick up bottled water and snacks for the afternoon.
Arrive at Frances or Keith for a relaxed country lunch — recommended: The Keith Hotel for pub fare or a bakery sandwich in Frances; savour local produce and recharge before the coastal leg toward Mount Gambier.
Resume the drive toward Mount Gambier via the Southern Ports route, enjoying open farmland views and the gradual change to greener coastal scenery as you approach the Limestone Coast.
Pull into Mount Gambier and head straight to the Blue Lake lookout (Woolworths Lookout / Centenary Tower area) to see the vivid aquamarine waters; take photos and learn about the lake’s seasonal colour change at the interpretive signage.
Walk the Lake View Drive circuit around the crater rim for different perspectives of the Blue Lake and nearby volcanic features, then visit the nearby Umpherston Sinkhole (Sunken Garden) for contrasting lush gardens.
Check in to your Mount Gambier accommodation — recommended: The Barn Accommodation for character stays or Comfort Inn Lakeview for lake views; unpack and freshen up before an early evening wander.
Visit the Engelbrecht Cave and the nearby Wetlands Walk for a short nature ramble, or pop into the Riddoch Arts & Cultural Centre if you prefer a cultural stop to learn about local artists and histories.
Drive up to Centenary Tower on Mount Gambier for panoramic sunset views over the city, Blue Lake and surrounding farmland; enjoy golden-hour photography and the cooling breeze on the hilltop.
Dinner at The Barn Steakhouse & Grill for a hearty local meal featuring Limestone Coast beef or at Café on the Terrace for lighter, seasonal plates paired with a South Australian wine.
After dinner, take a relaxed evening stroll through the King’s Jubilee Gardens or the city centre to enjoy the calm atmosphere; stop at a local bakery or ice-cream shop if you’d like a treat.
Return to your accommodation to review tomorrow’s coastal route toward Robe and Tailem Bend; charge devices, secure any wine purchases, and prepare a small day-bag for the Limestone Coast highlights.
Wind down for the night — read a bit about the Blue Lake’s geology or the Limestone Coast’s caves, set an easy alarm for a flexible morning, and get a good night’s rest before Day 5’s coastal drive to Adelaide.
Early wake-up and quick breakfast at your Mount Gambier accommodation or Café on the Terrace — grab a takeaway coffee and a light pastry so you can depart before the heat and enjoy the coastal morning.
Check out and drive south-west toward Robe via the Princes Highway (A1) — the morning light softens the Limestone Coast farmland and the route takes you through scenic coastal approaches.
Arrive in Robe and park near Long Beach; take a brisk walk along the jetty and cliffs for fresh sea air and panoramic views, then wander the pretty High Street to browse boutique shops and galleries.
Coffee and light second breakfast at The Marina Café or Sails Café on High Street — sample local seafood dishes or a freshly made ricotta hotcake while watching boats in the harbour.
Visit the Robe Obelisk and the historic Gaol Ruins, then drive out to Cape Dombey Obelisk for coastal clifftop photography and a short stroll along the headland to take in sweeping ocean views.
Head to Long Beach for a relaxed beach wander or optional swim; alternatively, rent a kayak or join a short guided coastal walk if you want a bit more active exploration of Robe’s shoreline.
Lunch at Sails Restaurant & Bar or The Robe Hotel — enjoy fresh local seafood such as King George whiting, or a seafood platter paired with a South Australian white wine while seated near the harbour.
Depart Robe and drive north-east toward Tailem Bend, following the Princes Highway and then the Southern Ports route; enjoy the changing coastal-to-riverine landscape as you head inland toward the Murray.
Arrive in Tailem Bend and stop at the Tailem Bend Sculpture Park and Railway Heritage Museum — stretch your legs, take photos of the Murray River views and learn about the town’s rail history at the Big Yank display.
Coffee break at Third & Rail or a quick snack at the Bend Bakehouse — pick up a coffee and a savoury pie to tide you over for the final leg to Adelaide.
Drive the final stretch north-west toward Adelaide (via the Dukes Highway/A1 and then M1), keeping an eye out for roadside viewpoints and stopping if you need another short break; estimated drive time ~1.5-2 hours depending on traffic.
Arrive in Adelaide and check into your chosen accommodation — recommended: Hotel Richmond for a central boutique stay or Stamford Plaza Adelaide for riverfront comfort; unpack and freshen up after the day’s drive.
Early evening walk along the River Torrens or through Rundle Mall to stretch your legs and get a first taste of Adelaide’s city atmosphere, street art and public sculptures.
Dinner at Peel St (small-plates, seasonal dining) or Africola (vibrant, bold flavours) — choose a restaurant that showcases South Australian produce and linger over a relaxed final-night meal.
After-dinner drinks at Maybe Mae or a quiet nightcap at your hotel bar — reflect on the trip highlights from Canberra to the Limestone Coast and make plans for any next-day sightseeing in Adelaide.
Return to your room to rest — charge devices, organise any wine or souvenirs purchased along the way, and set alarms if you have morning departures or flights from Adelaide tomorrow.