Epic 1-Day Road Trip: Adelaide to Brisbane via Great Ocean Road, Melbourne, and Sydney

Day 1: Road Trip Adventure

Adelaide, Australia

7:00AM

Breakfast at The Pantry on Egmont

Start your day with their famous banana bread and a rich flat white to fuel your adventure ahead.
Drive straight on South Rd towards the South-Eastern Freeway; then connect to the Princes Highway.
AUD25, 1 hour

8:00AM

Departure for Great Ocean Road

Hit the road towards the Great Ocean Road with excitement, witnessing stunning coastal landscapes on the way.
Take National Route 1 (Princes Highway) for approximately 2.5 hours to the Great Ocean Road entrance.
Free, 2.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit The Twelve Apostles

Marvel at the iconic limestone stacks rising majestically from the Southern Ocean.
Follow Great Ocean Rd to The Twelve Apostles - clearly signposted.
AUD15 for parking, 1 hour

11:30AM

Lunch at Peterborough Hotel

Enjoy a hearty lunch featuring local seafood while gazing at the ocean views.
Drive along Great Ocean Rd towards Peterborough, approximately 30 minutes away.
AUD30, 1 hour

12:30PM

Continue to Melbourne

Get ready for a scenic drive to Melbourne, where urban culture awaits.
Continue along Great Ocean Rd, merging back onto the Princes Highway towards Melbourne.
Free, 2 hours 30 minutes

3:00PM

Explore Melbourne's Laneways

Stroll through Melbourne's vibrant laneways adorned with street art, shops, and cafés.
Drive to the CBD and park; walking is encouraged within this area.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Coffee Break at Hardware Societe

Take a much-deserved break with Melbourne's famous coffee and delectable pastries.
It's a short walk from the laneways; simply head to Hardware Lane.
AUD15, 1 hour

5:30PM

Drive to Sydney

Set out for Sydney with anticipation for the iconic attractions awaiting you.
Follow M1 from Melbourne; it's about a 9 hours drive. You may opt for a quick overnight stop.
Free, 9 hours

3:30AM (next day)

Arrive in Sydney

Check into a hotel for some much-needed rest before continuing the journey to Brisbane.
Arrive in Sydney after the long drive; check into your accommodation.
AUD150 (hotel cost approx.), 2 hours (check-in and wind down)
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