Set off from Melbourne early and take the Western Freeway toward Ballarat, stopping for coffee and a quick stroll through the historic Ballarat Botanical Gardens or the Sovereign Hill precinct if time allows; the gardens are a refreshing stretch and Sovereign Hill offers a fun, immersive glimpse into gold-rush history. Continue west with a short detour into Horsham for fuel and lunch supplies, then follow the Western Highway through the Wimmera plains — keep an eye out for kangaroos at dawn and the changing light across farmland as you head toward Bordertown.
After arriving in Bordertown mid-afternoon, stretch your legs at the Ngarkat Conservation Park lookout or take a short walk along one of the town’s nature trails to appreciate the mallee landscape; the Bordertown Visitor Information Centre can point you to short local walks and wildlife-spotting areas. Visit the Bordertown Heritage Museum for a quick dive into local history, or sample regional produce at a cafe or bakery in town before settling into your accommodation.
For a relaxed evening, enjoy dinner at a local pub or café — try regional lamb or fresh seasonal dishes where available — then take a short dusk drive to the nearby wetlands for birdwatching as the sun sets. Finish the night with a slow walk through town or an early return to your accommodation to rest up for the next day’s drive toward the Coorong and Murray Mouth.
Leave Bordertown after breakfast and head west along the A8, aiming to reach the Coorong by late morning; stop at Tailem Bend for a quick leg stretch and coffee, and if you have time visit the Old Tailem Town historic precinct for a short wander. Continue toward the Coorong National Park and pull in at the Salt Creek or Policeman’s Point viewing areas to take in sweeping lagoon and sandbar panoramas — keep binoculars handy for pelicans, black swans and Australasian bitterns.
Drive the scenic coastal route toward the Murray Mouth and book a short guided boat or ranger-led cruise (seasonal) to experience the unique meeting of river and sea and learn about Ngarrindjeri culture and the park’s ecology. After the cruise, picnic at the Murray Mouth picnic area or enjoy fresh seafood at a nearby café in Meningie, then take a gentle walk along the dunes or the Coorong Boardwalk to absorb the quiet, wide-open landscape.
As evening falls, settle into accommodation in Meningie or nearby Salt Creek and head to a low-lying vantage point to watch the sun set over the lagoons — the light on the water is spectacular. If the night is clear, step away from town lights for stargazing; otherwise enjoy a relaxed dinner featuring local Murraylands produce and reflect on the transition from Victorian farmland to South Australian coastal country before the drive into Adelaide tomorrow.
Start with breakfast at a laneway café in the East End—try Exchange Specialty Coffee on Leigh Street—then wander through the nearby Adelaide Central Market to sample local cheeses, pastries and seasonal produce while chatting with stallholders. From there stroll across Victoria Square toward the leafy grounds of Parliament House and the North Terrace cultural precinct, popping into the Art Gallery of South Australia for a quick highlights run of Indigenous and colonial works.
After lunch at a Gouger Street eatery (seafood or modern Asian are great choices), spend the afternoon exploring the South Australian Museum to see the Pacific and First Nations collections, then cross to Rundle Mall for boutique shopping and the iconic mall’s sculptures. Finish the afternoon with a relaxed walk through the Botanic Garden and up to the Adelaide Oval roof or Riverbank precinct for panoramic city and river views.
Dine in the vibrant West End or on the banks of the River Torrens—consider a meal at Peel Street or nearby Bank Street Social for seasonal, local dishes—then catch an evening performance at the Adelaide Festival Centre or a live-music venue on Hindley Street. If you prefer a quieter end to the day, take a twilight stroll along the Torrens to the Popeye riverboats and enjoy a nightcap at a rooftop bar overlooking the city lights.
After the city sights of Adelaide, head north to the Barossa for a morning of classic cellar-door visits — start at Seppeltsfield for its historic surrounds and the Centennial Cellar Tour, or in McLaren Vale drop into d’Arenberg Cube to explore the art, views and a tasting. Pair your tastings with a late-morning visit to a local providore such as Barossa Valley Cheese Company or the Salopian Inn’s bakery cabinet to sample regional cheeses, fresh bread and seasonal preserves.
Spend the afternoon lingering over tastings at two or three boutique producers — try Henschke or Yalumba in the Barossa for age-worthy Shiraz and tours of family vineyards, or in McLaren Vale visit Coriole or Wirra Wirra for coastal-influenced varieties and cellar-door lunches. Break up wine visits with a short scenic detour to Mengler Hill Lookout (Barossa) for panoramic valley views or a stroll along McLaren Vale’s Shiraz Trail and a visit to a local olive grove for oil tastings.
For dinner, book a long, relaxed meal at a vineyard restaurant — Appellation at The Louise in the Barossa or d'Vine Bistro in McLaren Vale serve seasonal, local produce matched to wines — and enjoy a sunset over vines as the day cools. Finish the evening with a quiet drive back toward Adelaide (or stay overnight in the region) and, if staying locally, take a brief after-dinner walk through the village to sample regional gelato or a cheese plate before turning in.
Start your final day with a relaxed breakfast at one of Glenelg’s beachfront cafés—try The Moseley or La Beach—for coffee and fresh pastries while watching early morning surfers and ferries cross the bay. After breakfast, stroll the Jetty Road shops before walking the Glenelg Jetty and beach, or catch the historic Glenelg-Adelaide tram back into the city for a last quick visit to the Botanic Garden or Riverbank if you prefer city greenery over sand.
Spend the afternoon exploring coastal highlights: take a short drive south to reach Henley Beach for a laid-back lunch at Henley Square’s seafood kiosks and a wander along the dunes, or head west to Semaphore for its nostalgic carousel, pier and Sea Scouts’ lookout. If time allows, book a late-afternoon dolphin-spotting cruise from the Outer Harbour/Port Adelaide area, or visit the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary vantage points to spot wildlife and reflect on the change from inland vineyards back to coastal country.
For your final evening, enjoy a sunset dinner on the foreshore—Salt Cafe & Bistro at Glenelg or The Moseley’s waterfront seating are great choices—savor local seafood and a crisp South Australian wine as the light fades. Finish by planning your return: use this relaxed time to confirm ferry or driving times, pack up souvenirs from Jetty Road, and take one last moonlit walk along the shore before turning in or beginning your drive back toward Melbourne the next morning.