Are you planning on taking a road trip in Australia? Wondering what are the best road trip options, sight-seeing attractions, drivable routes, and things to see and do? Then read this guide as we handpick one of the unique, most-underrated outback adventures of Australia – Melbourne to Coober Pedy Road Trip.
Often I’ve seen that not many people like the outback for their road trips. On most occasions, visitors who travel to Australia for the first-time venture into the coastal city life to explore beaches and vineyards. However, there’s so much more to the Australian outback region, and it’s simply the best and much more peaceful than the suburbs.
I agree. For road trips – you may often prefer a Melbourne to Sydney route or Melbourne to Adelaide (via the Great Ocean Road). And that’s understandable! Because these are the most scenic routes in Australia. When it comes to the outback, you won’t find much glamour as these major cities hold, and they are less populated and less energetic. But, the lively sense of offering a memorable Aussie vacation always remains the same.
If you ask me, what I’d prefer? I’d go for Australian suburbs. But I’d never ever say a NO to the Australian outback road trip. Because this journey is wild, it’s rugged, it’s beyond the coastal city life of Australia. And that is exactly what we’ll mention in this road trip guide.
In this article, we’ve rounded up a list of the best places to stop and admire between Melbourne and Coober Pedy. Along with the list, we’ve added a map, curated a sample itinerary, and mentioned a few BONUS places to see along the road trip. We also share some essential tips, lesser-known suggestions, and recommendations for your other Australian outback journeys.
About the Outback Australia Road Trip
Before we get into the details of our journey, let’s first look at – why you need to take this outback travel?
Outback Australia is a dream for many, especially for travelers like us, who seek adventure. From backpackers to campers, the place is a delight to everyone who enjoys off-beat ventures. Plus, it doesn’t matter what’s your travel style. Whether you’re traversing across the Simpson Desert, hiking through the glorious trails of Flinders Rangers, or camping under the star-studded sky, there’s a list of endless things to see and do in the outback of Australia.
Hence it’s worthwhile taking a trip to see the charming quirks of wild west Australia.
Why should you take the Melbourne to Coober Pedy Road Trip?
The answer is pretty straightforward: Coober Pedy is one of the most unusual, underrated spots in outback Australia. It’s one of those places in the country that may seem less appealing at first, but it might take some time to really appreciate its beauty. More importantly, the places you visit on your way to Coober Pedy are simply remarkable.
The wildness of the Little Desert National Park, the rolling hills of the Clare Valley, and the striking beauty of Adelaide & Glendambo all add their contribution to making this unique road trip a “must-do” thing in Australia.
Planning Tips for Melbourne to Coober Pedy Road Trip
Now that you know what outback Australia offers let’s get into the finer details of our Melbourne to Coober Pedy road trip. In this section, we’ve provided a detailed map, suggested driving routes, listed down places to see, and much more.
Driving Times for Melbourne to Coober Pedy
The journey to reach Coober Pedy from Melbourne is extremely long. If you drive non-stop, the whole trip takes 16hr 59mins which is approximately 1559kms (or 968 miles). However, a non-stop journey isn’t realistic, and we wouldn’t recommend this at any cost. To make the most out of your journey, span this road trip over the course of 4-5 days. This is ideally the best duration to admire the scenic spots falling between Melbourne and Coober Pedy.
Here’s a quick glance at suggested & alternative routes & their times:
Via the National Highway A87: 16hr 59mins (1559kms) – the recommended route.
Via the National Highway A8 and A87: 17hr 20mins (1561kms) – not the best route, given the traffic near Adelaide.
Renting a Car in Australia
Of course, you’ll need a car. If you have your own vehicle, make sure the condition is safe for the entire journey. I mean, you do not want to take a vehicle that can break down mid-way. For tourists, renting a car is your best bet. I recommend choosing Rentalcars.com for its affordability and service. You can choose a variety of options from their car list, to get a suitable vehicle for yourself.
Alternatively, you can check Skyscanner for their rental car options. They, too, have a great variety of options to choose from. With affordable rates, you can book the one you desire.
Map of Melbourne to Coober Pedy Road Trip
Let’s look at the drivable routes mentioned in the map below. The one highlighted in blue is the National Highway A87 for Melbourne to Coober Pedy route.
Please note: The total journey time (as shown in the map) can vary depending on the traffic and weather. Please do check these details before you start your road trip travel.
Lonely Planet for Australia
Lonely Planet is a leading pioneer in curating destination travel guides. There’s nothing quite like using their own book, to get excellent travel tips & advice. Being one of the most influential travel books of all time, Lonely Planet has curated some excellent guide books, road trip planners, travel tips, and useful resources. I personally recommend getting a copy of Australia for your own travels.
The Best Melbourne to Coober Pedy Road Trip Stops
Finally, let’s take a look at the best road trip stops between Melbourne and Coober Pedy (listed in the order if you drive from Melbourne)
Ballarat
The first stop on your Melbourne to Coober Pedy road trip is Ballarat – one of Victoria’s award-winning tourist attractions. When I first traveled to this city, I absolutely loved its Victorian architectural heritage. The town is immensely proud of its deep roots, dating back to the gold rush days of the 19th century. With so much history around, it’s unstoppable for tourists like us to learn & understand its contribution.
I could state plenty of reasons you need to stop and spend some time at Ballarat. Firstly, it doesn’t matter if you’re a history buff or not; there are other things that might interest you. If you love modern cuisine, you’re right in the presence of an amazing culinary scene. Visitors stop by at Ballarat and enjoy delicious local cuisine at Catfish for Thai food, Fu Man Lou Dumpling Bar for great dumplings, and The Forge for fresh classic pizzas.
Suppose you love sampling wine; head to the Pyrenees Wine Region to relish Victoria’s most evergreen wines. It’s 40-minutes away from the central city, so you’ll have to do some driving around.
That’s not all! If you’re seeking some family-friendly activities at Ballarat, the Ballarat Wildlife Park will offer the fun required. Here, you get the chance to be up close with native wildlife like koalas, kangaroos, and reptiles. Furthermore, the Sovereign Hill in the town is a hard miss. Being Australia’s number one outdoor museum, the place is a must-visit for all travelers exploring the town.
Horsham
Horsham, one of my favorite cities in the heart of Wimmera, is a gateway to some of Australia’s most natural sights. It acts as a perfect base for tourists to come and explore the region’s astonishing beauty. The town has its own reputation for building a lively sense of atmosphere for the locals to contribute their share in the arts communities and regional development.
The reason I recommend Horsham as one of the road trip stops is because of its sight-seeing variety. If you spend some time, you’d really know its beauty. Popular attractions like the Horsham Botanic Gardens, Horsham Police Paddock, and Horsham Regional Art Gallery make up a good share to attract tourists. However, the exploration doesn’t end here. With the famous Silo Art Trail and the Grampians National Park, located 30-36 minutes away from the city – you could do much more than just tour around!
Given that you drive a little more, you could take a day trip to Murtoa Stick Shed and Dimboola’s Pink Lake from Horsham.
All these attractions and nearby experiences make Horsham one of the best places to visit in Victoria.
Little Desert National Park
My third recommended stop is the Little Desert National Park, located between the Wimmera River and the South Australian border. Famous for hikes, walks, and overnight camping – the national park has been a favorite weekend getaway destination for locals and tourists alike. I had seen people taking a trip from Melbourne to the Little Desert National Park only to camp. I asked a few of my friends before my visit, and they said, “it’s a surreal experience to camp & hike at Little Desert.”
On my visit, I didn’t find this national park crammed with scenic photo stops; however, it does a great job of featuring excellent hiking trails. So, if you’re an adrenaline junkie, who loves to take on challenges, then the Little Desert National Park is the place for you.
Personally, I am not much of a hike-lover, but I did admire the Stringybark Loop – which is a 1km circuit across the Nhill-Harrow Road. This trail is suitable for families and kids who simply want to cherish the beauty of this national park. Moreover, the Stringybark Loop introduces you to a variety of the park’s vegetational features – including desert stringybark, yellow gums, and silver banksia. Besides, Keith Hateley Nature Walk and Pomponderoo Hill Nature Walk also take you around the park’s recreational spots.
What I like the most about this national park is its camping experience. I stayed at Ankle Bend campsite, which was indeed one of the best experiences of my road trip. There are several options, too – such as Kiata campgrounds, Yellow Gum Walkers Camp, and Horseshoe Bend.
Please note: Campers wishing to spend overnight at Ankle Bend and Horseshoe Bend will apply camping fees. You will need to arrange your accommodation by visiting the Parks Victoria website.
For more info on the Little Desert National park, download this visitor guide pdf.
Bordertown
As the name suggests, Bordertown literally lies in the middle of the two Australian states – Victoria and South Australia. Upon your arrival in the Limestone Coast region, Bordertown is the first destination you’ll hit. Compared to other places listed in this guide, there isn’t much to do around this town. However, it’s worthwhile to stop and check out its two most popular attractions – Walkway Gallery & Bob Hawke Museum and Bordertown Wildlife Park. Of course, there are plenty more – but I think you should prioritize these two on your visit.
I am not much of an art lover. However, I do appreciate good art being represented on some topics. And I enjoyed visiting the Walkway Gallery because of its varied touring exhibitions and events. I was lucky enough to see one local artist creating a live masterpiece on the spot. Furthermore, the section of Bob Hawke Gallery is also worth your exploration.
The other point of attraction, the Bordertown Wildlife Park, is a must-visit sight to spot white kangaroos. It’s the only colony in Australia to house these species of kangaroos in their natural habitat.
Adelaide
I’m pretty sure that Adelaide requires no such introduction! Along with being one of Australia’s most charming cities, Adelaide is a heart-warming cultural town filled with thriving restaurants, exquisite bar scenes, vineyards, beaches, immersive festivals and events, and much more. Honestly, I could brag a ton of reasons why you need to visit Adelaide right now. It’s just a lovely town, and you could do many things in just a short venture.
While you’re here, do not forget to visit the stunning Adelaide Botanical Gardens. Spread over an area of 50hectares, this lush green space is a paradisical home to Australian native plants. It houses different species, including the Madagascan palms and Amazonian water lilies. The best part? Adelaide Botanical Gardens is absolutely free to visit.
When you’re short on time, I ideally suggest visitors explore Adelaide Central Markets. Being the largest market of all in the Southern Hemisphere, Adelaide Central Markets features over 70 vendors selling different types of artisan food and local produce. Plus, you could grab lunch or sip wine at any one of the multicultural cuisine restaurants located here. Food lovers can book a gastronomical tour to discover Adelaide’s culinary tales.
Apart from the botanical gardens and the central markets, there’s a lot more to Adelaide. Enjoy a game at Adelaide Oval, discover self-guided walking tours, and explore hiking trails at Cleland Conservation Park. Furthermore, if you’re staying overnight in Adelaide – I recommend taking day trips to the Fleurieu Peninsula, Adelaide Hills, or Clare Valley. All-in-all, the city of Adelaide is a bustling city housing glorious Australian attractions.
Clare Valley
Located two hours north of Adelaide, Clare Valley is one of South Australia’s most awarded wineries. The wine region has been enriched with an evergreen history, incredible wine cellars, luxury accommodation, and award-winning restaurants. From Adelaide, it’s a perfect weekend day trip to Clare Valley.
When you explore Clare Valley, you’ll soon realize there’s much more to the region than just being a “valley of the vineyards.” Local families run businesses here, farmers put out their weekly markets, walking trails lead you to the valley’s most intriguing places, and familiar regional stories surround the atmosphere. So whether you’re looking to sample SA’s most classic wines or simply explore the countryside with family – Clare Valley offers the best family-friendly experience.
Other Popular Things to Do at Clare Valley (which you shouldn’t miss):
- Wander through the Riesling Trail.
- Explore the wineries of Sevenhill Cellars and Pikes Wines.
- Book a stay in a luxury homestead.
- Discover week-long festivals, markets, and local fare.
Port Augusta
Although Port Augusta doesn’t offer much when it comes to sight-seeing, it still acts like a perfect base to explore other Australian landmarks. Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park is only a 2hr drive away from the central town of Port Augusta. So, eventually if you plan to stay overnight to explore the Flinders Ranges and Outback – the town will be your best place to relax.
Furthermore, there are nearby attractions (optional) to visit. These includes exploring the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden, Wadlata Outback Centre, and Dutchman’s Stern Conservation Park. Oh! there’s a lovely coastal town of Fitzgerald Bay located to the south of Port Augustus. Its famous for fishing and boat sailing.
Lake Hart
Located in the Woomera region, Lake Hart is one of the beautiful and accessible lakes of South Australia. There’s not an awful lot of stuff to do around the lake, but it still makes a great admirable spot between Port Augusta and Glendambo. Moreover, what I would recommend is to leave early from your hotel. You do not want to miss the sunrise over Lake Hart; its beauty is much appreciated from 6 am to 8 am.
Glendambo
Glendambo is one of the most important stops along the Stuart Highway, which offers visitors a range of services travelling to Coober Pedy. It’s the only roadhouse where you can rest and facilitate all your essential needs. Since Coober Pedy is 254km north of Glendambo, you could opt to stay overnight at the nearby caravan park.
How to Plan Melbourne to Coober Pedy Itinerary
By now, you might have a good idea about the places to visit on the Melbourne to Coober Pedy route. But, I understand the pain of collating so much information and then creating a road trip itinerary out of it. To smoothen your efforts, we have suggested a perfect Melbourne to Coober Pedy itinerary (listing the abovementioned places, tours, and excursions). This itinerary will help you nail the perfect outback adventure.
Please note: We’ve a detailed version of this map, featuring the best stops listed in our road trip journey. Visit this page to find a visual-looking map for your travels.
Melbourne to Coober Pedy Itinerary
Day 1
- Melbourne to Ballarat (1hr 27mins)
- Ballarat to Horsham (2hr 7mins)
- Horsham to the Little Desert National Park (35mins)
- Little Desert National Park (overnight stay)
Day 2
- Border Town to Adelaide (3hr 3mins)
- Adelaide to Clare Valley (1hr 46min)
- Clare Valley (overnight stay)
Day 3
- Clare Valley to Port Augusta (2hr 7mins)
- Port Augusta (overnight stay)
Day 4
- Port Augusta to Lake Hart (2hr 30mins)
- Lake Hart to Glendambo (38mins)
- Glendambo to Coober Pedy (2hr 40mins)
The above-mentioned 4-Day Melbourne to Coober Pedy itinerary does justice to exploring some of the best Australian landmarks, places, natural sights & attractions. Moreover, 4 days is the minimum time required to do Melbourne to Coober Pedy road trip.
Where to Stay
Honestly, it’s hard for me to pick the best places to stay between Melbourne and Coober Pedy route. Because the choice of accommodation, budget, and preference so much depends on your overall itinerary and how much time you spend at each location.
For example, you could simply stay 4-5 days in Adelaide and make a trip.
Secondly, all the places listed above and in the itinerary are well equipped with a range of accommodation options. Be it luxury, mid-range, or budgeted-stay – you’ll find the right choice of accommodation for your road trip. I personally used Skyscanner and Tripadvisor for my road trip planner, and it helped me a lot to find specific campsites & budget hotel stays.
And I’ll suggest the same idea to you. Look out for options that are well within your budget so that you can spend more on booking local activities & experiences.
Travel Tip: I always cut down my expenses on booking not-so-luxurious stays. I believe in treating yourself a fancy holiday, but on vacations like road trips, I say it’s best to stay at a standard, budgeted hotel to save my tour cost. I save money to book excursions, day trips, and any other local experience.
Best Australian Outback Tours
These are some of the popular guided tours of the Australian Outback. To make your Melbourne to Coober Pedy itinerary more unique, add some of the local tour experiences and niche activities.
So, this was our guide + itinerary for you to plan a perfect Melbourne to Coober Pedy road trip. Hope you enjoyed reading this guide, as much as I enjoyed curating it. Likewise, the journey doesn’t stop at Coober Pedy. You can extend your trip by elevating your exploration to some of the Northern & Western portions of Australia. These include visiting Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park, Flinders Ranges, Simpson Desert Conservation Park, Alice Springs, and Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park.
Have a great journey!
Further Readings & Resources
Byron Bay to Gold Coast – The Ultimate Byron Bay to Gold Coast Itinerary (+Map, Tips)
Melbourne to Gold Coast – 7 Ultimate Melbourne to Gold Coast Road Trip Spots
Byron Bay Itinerary – How to Spend 2 Days in Byron Bay
Explore the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia.
Accommodation – 10 Gorgeous Places to Stay on the Fleurieu Peninsula
Culinary Stores– A Tale of Fleurieu Peninsula’s Best Fish & Chips
Coastal Cities & Towns – 10 Unique Places to Visit on the Fleurieu Peninsula of South Australia
Hiking & Walking – The Best of Fleurieu Peninsula Hikes: Walking & Hiking Trails
