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Ultimate 15-20 Day Canberra to Adelaide Road Trip Itinerary: Scenic Coastal and Outback Adventure

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Day 1: Explore Canberra

Canberra, Australia on June 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Lonsdale Street Roasters

Enjoy specialty coffee and a hearty breakfast in this popular Canberra cafe, known for its excellent beans and cosy atmosphere.
AUD20, 1h

9:30am

Visit Australian War Memorial

Explore Australia's military history through engaging exhibits and the moving Roll of Honour. The site opens at 10:00am, so arrive early to beat the crowds.
Free entry, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Cupping ROOM

A modern cafe serving fresh, locally sourced meals, perfect for a midday refuel and a great selection of craft coffee.
AUD25, 1h

1:30pm

Tour Parliament House

Take a guided or self-guided tour of Australia's political heart, open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm. The architecture and views over Lake Burley Griffin are stunning.
Free, 1.5h

3:30pm

Walk around Lake Burley Griffin

Relax with a scenic walk or bike ride around the lake, enjoying the well-maintained paths and striking views of Canberra's landmarks.
Free, 1.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at Pilot – Lake Burley Griffin

Dine lakeside with exquisite modern Australian cuisine, ideal to unwind on your first night with sunset views.
AUD70, 2h
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Day 2: Snowy Mountains Adventure

Thredbo, New South Wales on June 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Beloka Espresso Bar

Start your day with quality coffee and breakfast options in Cooma before heading towards the Snowy Mountains.
AUD18, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Thredbo

Enjoy a scenic 2.5-hour drive from Canberra to Thredbo, a premier alpine village in the Snowy Mountains.
Fuel AUD30, 2.5h

11:30am

Thredbo Village Exploration and Chairlift Ride

Discover alpine charm with a ride on the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift, open from 9:00am to 4:30pm. Take in panoramic views and consider short hikes to nearby lookouts.
AUD35, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at The Gredo Pub

Enjoy classic pub meals in a cosy alpine setting, ideal after some mountain exploration.
AUD30, 1h

3:00pm

Hike to Goat Track

A stunning moderate trail offering spectacular mountain views; allow about 2 hours for a return trip.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Stones Ginger Bistro

Savour Asian-inspired dishes with local ingredients in Thredbo village, open till 9:00pm.
AUD45, 1.5h
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Day 3: Alpine Villages & Falls

Bright, Victoria on June 17, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast in Thredbo

Grab a quick breakfast at Thredbo Cafe to fuel your drive south.
AUD15, 0.5h

7:30am

Travel to Bright

Drive about 3.5 hours through spectacular scenery to the charming alpine town of Bright, known for hiking and autumn colours.
Fuel AUD40, 3.5h

11:15am

Explore Bright Main Street and Local Markets

Roam the quaint shops and if timing aligns with market days, enjoy local artisan crafts.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Waters Bakery

Delight in artisan baked goods and light meals, perfect for a mid-day treat.
AUD20, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Millawarra Falls

Take a 30-minute drive to scenic Millawarra Falls, with easy walking tracks for stunning nature views; usually accessible all day.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Girldown Kitchen & Bar

Enjoy innovative Australian cuisine in a relaxed setting, open till 9:00pm.
AUD50, 1.5h
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Day 4: Great Ocean Road Highlights

Apollo Bay, Victoria on June 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at The Bright Patisserie

Enjoy fresh pastries and coffee before your scenic drive.
AUD18, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Apollo Bay via Great Ocean Road

Begin one of Australia’s most iconic coastal drives. Stop at lookouts like Marriners Lookout and Loch Ard Gorge along the way. Total driving time is about 4 hours without stops.
Fuel AUD50, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Apollo Bay Seafood Café

Fresh seafood with harbour views, popular for fish and chips and local catches.
AUD35, 1h

2:00pm

Walk part of Great Otway National Park

Explore Maits Rest Rainforest Walk, a 15-minute easy circuit showcasing lush fern gullies and towering trees, open year-round.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Relax on Apollo Bay Beach

Enjoy the sandy beach and ocean views before dinner.
Free, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Chris’s Beacon Point Restaurant & Villas

Exquisite dining with stunning views over the bay, serving modern Australian cuisine with local seafood.
AUD70, 2h
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Day 5: Portland & Coastal Drive

Portland, Victoria on June 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Moby

Warm up with coffee and breakfast rolls, a popular local spot in Apollo Bay.
AUD20, 1h

8:30am

Drive from Apollo Bay to Portland

Travel west along the coast, approximately a 3.5-hour drive through rugged coastline and forested areas.
Fuel AUD40, 3.5h

12:15pm

Lunch at Portland Cable Trams Café

Enjoy a classic Aussie lunch and explore the nearby historic wharf.
AUD25, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Portland Cable Trams and Maritime Discovery Centre

Ride the historic tourist trams and discover Portland’s rich maritime history, operating hours 10:00am-4:00pm.
AUD20, 2h

4:00pm

Explore the Great South West Walk sections

Short walk options to explore coastal or forest scenery, perfect for an afternoon stretch.
Free, 1.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at Charter’s Tower

Dine on local produce with contemporary style in Portland’s finest dining venue.
AUD60, 1.5h
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Day 6: Murray River & Wine Country

Barossa Valley, South Australia on June 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Portland Bay Coffee

Fuel up for the day with fresh coffee and pastries.
AUD15, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Barossa Valley

A 5-hour drive north into South Australia’s premier wine region, with scenic river and vineyard views. Break up the drive with stops at small towns.
Fuel AUD70, 5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Maggie Beer's Farm Shop

Iconic stop for regional fresh food, wines, and produce; great for a relaxed and flavoursome lunch.
AUD40, 1h

2:30pm

Wine Tasting at Jacob's Creek Visitor Centre

Sample award-winning wines with vineyard views; open daily 10:00am to 5:00pm.
AUD15 for tasting, 1.5h

5:00pm

Explore Tanunda Township

Wander the quaint historic streets, boutique shops and galleries.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Fino at Seppeltsfield

Enjoy fine dining paired with Seppeltsfield wines in a stunning setting; reservation recommended.
AUD80, 2h
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Day 7: Adelaide Arrival and City Tour

Adelaide, South Australia on June 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bar 9, Barossa Valley

Light breakfast and coffee before departing to Adelaide.
AUD20, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Adelaide

A 90-minute drive from Barossa Valley to Adelaide city centre.
Fuel AUD20, 1.5h

11:00am

Visit Adelaide Central Market

Australia’s largest fresh produce market, open 7:00am to 3:00pm weekdays, ideal to taste local specialties and snacks.
Free entry, 1.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Market Street Social Kitchen & Bar

Enjoy vibrant atmosphere and locally inspired meals inside the Central Market precinct.
AUD35, 1h

2:00pm

Walk along North Terrace - State Library, Art Gallery & Museum

Explore Adelaide’s cultural institutions, free entry, open till 5:00pm.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Botanic Gardens

Open till dusk; enjoy a peaceful stroll to unwind from travel.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Orana

Experience one of Adelaide’s top fine dining restaurants featuring native Australian flavours; bookings essential.
AUD120, 2h
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