12-Day Family Road Trip from Melbourne to Adelaide and Back

Day 1: Arrival in Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia on June 1, 2025

10:00 AM

Checking into Hotel

Get settled into your family-friendly accommodation in Melbourne. Consider the Novotel Melbourne Central for its central location.
AUD0, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Southbank

Enjoy riverside dining at one of the family-friendly restaurants along Southbank. Try Gradi (Address: 6 Riverside Quay, Southbank VIC 3006) for authentic Italian pizza.
AUD80, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit Sea Life Aquarium

Explore the Sea Life Aquarium (Address: 1-3 Cathedral Pl, Melbourne VIC 3002). Kids will love the underwater tunnels and the interactive displays.
AUD160, 2.5 hours

4:00 PM

Dinner at The Meat & Wine Co.

Indulge in a delicious meal with steak and family-friendly options to satisfy everyone’s cravings (Address: 3/1 Southbank Blvd, Southbank VIC 3006).
AUD120, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Exploring Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia on June 2, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hardware Societe

Start your day with a French-inspired breakfast at this delightful cafe known for its delicious pastries (Address: 120 Hardware St, Melbourne VIC 3000).
AUD50, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Visit Melbourne Zoo

Explore the Melbourne Zoo (Address: Elliott Ave, Parkville VIC 3052), home to over 320 animal species. It's a fun place for kids to learn and see the animals.
AUD180, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at D.O.C. Pizza

Grab a casual lunch at D.O.C. Pizza (Address: 299 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053), known for its authentic Italian pizzas that the kids will enjoy.
AUD70, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Royal Park

Relax at Royal Park (Address: Oak St, Parkville VIC 3052), where the children can play and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
AUD0, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Chin Chin

Savor modern Thai dishes at Chin Chin (Address: 125 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000), offering flavorful meals that cater to various tastes.
AUD130, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Day Trip to Brighton Beach

Brighton, Australia on June 3, 2025

9:00 AM

Breakfast at The Little Blue Tray

Enjoy a hearty breakfast near Brighton Beach at this local café known for its comfort dining (Address: 418 Bay St, Brighton VIC 3186).
AUD60, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visit Brighton Beach

Discover Brighton Beach (Address: 1 The Esplanade, Brighton VIC 3186) with its famous colorful bathing boxes, a perfect spot for family photos.
AUD0, 1.5 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Brighton Beach Hotel

Have a casual lunch at Brighton Beach Hotel (Address: 2/3 Campbell Rd, Brighton VIC 3186), with stunning beach views and options for kids.
AUD100, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Ice Cream at Gelato Messina

Treat the family to some of Melbourne's best gelato at Gelato Messina (Address: 122 James St, Fitzroy VIC 3065) after lunch.
AUD40, 30 mins

3:00 PM

Return to Hotel

Come back to your hotel for some rest or enjoy hotel facilities.
AUD0, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Bangkok Thai Restaurant

End the day with authentic Thai cuisine at The Bangkok Thai Restaurant (Address: 135 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000), suitable for the whole family.
AUD100, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Werribee Open Range Zoo

Werribee, Australia on June 4, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Square

Have breakfast at The Square (Address: 1-3 Watton St, Werribee VIC 3030), known for its family-friendly atmosphere.
AUD60, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Werribee Open Range Zoo

Take a safari experience at Werribee Open Range Zoo (Address: K Rd, Werribee South VIC 3030) with African animals, perfect for the kids.
AUD200, 4 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at the Zoo Cafe

Enjoy a family-friendly lunch at the zoo's café just before departing, with multiple options for children.
AUD80, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Return to Melbourne

Return to Melbourne for leisure time at your hotel.
AUD0, 1 hour

5:30 PM

Dinner at Tonka

A modern Indian restaurant in Melbourne (Address: 10 Duckboard Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000) that features delicious family platters.
AUD130, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Phillip Island Adventure

Phillip Island, Australia on June 5, 2025

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty buffet breakfast at your hotel before heading out.
AUD40, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Drive to Phillip Island

Take a scenic drive to Phillip Island, filled with beautiful coastal views (approximately 2 hours drive).
AUD0, 2 hours

10:30 AM

Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park

Explore Moonlit Sanctuary (Address: 550 Tyabb Rd, Pearcedale VIC 3912), where kids can meet koalas and kangaroos in a unique experience.
AUD180, 2.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Nobbies Centre

Choose from various dining options while enjoying views of the ocean at The Nobbies (Address: 1320 Ventnor Rd, Summerlands VIC 3922).
AUD100, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Penguin Parade

Witness the magical Penguin Parade (Address: 1015 Ventnor Rd, Summerland VIC 3922) in the evening, a must-see event on Phillip Island.
AUD120, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at The Island's Table

Experience great local cuisine made with fresh ingredients for families at The Island’s Table (Address: 8-10 The Esplanade, Cowes VIC 3922).
AUD100, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Drive to Adelaide via Great Ocean Road

Great Ocean Road, Australia on June 6, 2025

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Apollo Bay Bakery

Start your journey with fresh pastries and delicious breakfast options at the Apollo Bay Bakery (Address: 86 Great Ocean Rd, Apollo Bay VIC 3233).
AUD70, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Explore Otway National Park

Enjoy the lush rainforest and beautiful scenery in Otway National Park (Address: Great Ocean Rd, Otway VIC 3233), taking short walks among the trees.
AUD0, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Wye General Store

Stop at this charming spot (Address: 959 Separation Creek Rd, Wye River VIC 3221) for a casual lunch and local treats.
AUD80, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Visit Cape Otway Lighthouse

Explore the historical Cape Otway Lighthouse (Address: Lighthouse Rd, Cape Otway VIC 3233) with breathtaking ocean views and local wildlife.
AUD70, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Check into Accommodation in Port Campbell

Check into a family-friendly accommodation near Port Campbell for the night to explore the Twelve Apostles (Address: 3/4 Campbell St, Port Campbell VIC 3269).
AUD0, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at the Twelve Apostles Restaurant

Enjoy a family-oriented dining experience with stunning views of the Apostles during sunset (Address: 1 Apostles Scenic Dr, Port Campbell VIC 3269).
AUD120, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Exploring Coastal Wonders

Port Campbell, Australia on June 7, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation preparing for a day of adventure along the coastline.
AUD80, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Twelve Apostles

Marvel at the iconic Twelve Apostles (Address: 1 Apostles Scenic Dr, Port Campbell VIC 3269) during the morning light; great for photos.
AUD0, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Explore Loch Ard Gorge

Visit Loch Ard Gorge (Address: 1-2 Lord Ard Rd, Port Campbell VIC 3269) and learn about its fascinating history while enjoying stunning views.
AUD0, 2 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at The Grotto

Have a delightful lunch at The Grotto Café (Address: 2 Grotto Rd, Port Campbell VIC 3269), known for its family-friendly options.
AUD90, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Take Short Coastal Walks

Enjoy short scenic coastal walks at places like Gibson Steps (Address: 1 Gibson St, Port Campbell VIC 3269) to see the coast's beauty.
AUD0, 1.5 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at a Local Bistro

Savor dinner at a local bistro that offers casual dining for families (Address: 15-19 Campbell St, Port Campbell VIC 3269).
AUD110, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Drive to Adelaide

Adelaide, Australia on June 8, 2025

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before heading to Adelaide.
AUD80, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Drive to Adelaide

Head towards Adelaide (approximately 6-hour drive) while stopping at scenic spots.
AUD0, 6 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at Hahndorf

Stop for lunch in the charming village of Hahndorf (Address: Hahndorf SA 5245), known for its German influence and culture.
AUD100, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Check into Hotel in Adelaide

Arrive in Adelaide and settle into your accommodation (consider staying at the Stamford Plaza in Adelaide).
AUD0, 1 hour

6:30 PM

Dinner at The Marine Room

Enjoy your first evening in Adelaide with fresh seafood at The Marine Room (Address: 43 S Esplanade, Glenelg SA 5045).
AUD150, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Exploring Adelaide

Adelaide, Australia on June 9, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Caffe Paparazzi

Start your day with breakfast at Caffe Paparazzi (Address: 207 Gouger St, Adelaide SA 5000), known for its coffee and pastries.
AUD60, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Visit Adelaide Zoo

Spend the morning at Adelaide Zoo (Address: Frome Rd, Adelaide SA 5000) where kids can engage with animals in interactive experiences.
AUD160, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at the Excelsior Hotel

Enjoy a casual lunch option at the Excelsior Hotel (Address: 2 Lothian St, Adelaide SA 5000), famous for its local bistro meals.
AUD80, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Explore Adelaide Botanic Garden

Take some time to enjoy the flora at the Adelaide Botanic Garden (Address: Adelaide SA 5000) for some outdoor fun.
AUD0, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Rundle Street

Discover the dining options on Rundle Street (Address: Rundle St, Adelaide SA 5000) with various choices for the family.
AUD130, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Return Drive to Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia on June 10, 2025

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast in Adelaide before heading back to Melbourne.
AUD80, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Drive to Melbourne

Begin your drive back to Melbourne, stopping at various scenic spots along the way (approximately 7 hours drive).
AUD0, 7 hours

3:00 PM

Lunch En Route

Stop for lunch at a roadside café on your way back, enjoying a break from driving.
AUD100, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Check into Hotel in Melbourne

Arrive back in Melbourne and settle back into your accommodation (Novotel Melbourne Central).
AUD0, 1 hour

6:30 PM

Dinner at Stalactites

Enjoy a casual family dinner at Stalactites (Address: 177 Currie St, Adelaide SA 5000), a popular Greek restaurant known for its offerings.
AUD140, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Final Day in Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia on June 11, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Pancake Parlour

Indulge in a fun breakfast of pancakes and child-friendly options for the last morning (Address: 8/2-4 Station St, Box Hill VIC 3128).
AUD80, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Pack and Leisure Time

Spend a few hours relaxing and packing before departure.
AUD0, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at a Local Cafe

Choose a nearby cafe for a final lunch before heading to the airport.
AUD100, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Check-Out and Depart

Check out of your accommodation and depart for the airport.
AUD0, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Travel Home

Melbourne, Australia on June 12, 2025

Variable

Departure

Catch your flight home, filled with wonderful memories from your Melbourne and Adelaide adventure!
AUD0, Variable
View Hotel Availability