Adelaide Loop (Australia - 11 days)
Route Overview
The South East Australian Alpine & Coastal Loop
Experience one of Australia’s most spectacular driving adventures on this unforgettable road trip starting and ending in Adelaide. This epic journey combines iconic coastal roads, winding mountain passes and breathtaking alpine scenery into one seamless route.
Travel through the rolling landscapes of the Adelaide Hills before joining the world-famous Great Ocean Road, home to the iconic Twelve Apostles - one of Australia’s most recognisable natural landmarks.
Continue through the towering forests of the Black Spur Drive and the sweeping curves of the Grand Ridge Road, before climbing into the high country along the spectacular Great Alpine Road and starting your return back to Adelaide along the Snowy Mountains Highway.
Coastal Icons & Technical High-Country Roads
- The Great Ocean Road (B100): Drive one of the world’s most scenic coastal highways. Witness the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and the London Bridge - limestone stacks carved by the Southern Ocean.
- The Black Spur & Grand Ridge Roads: Master the tight hairpins and towering mountain ash forests of the Yarra Ranges. The Black Spur is globally renowned among driving purists for its rhythmic curves and prehistoric forest scenery.
- The Great Alpine Road (B500): Ascend the highest year-round accessible road in Australia. Crossing the Victorian Alps this route offers panoramic views of Mount Hotham and the Ovens Valley.
- The Snowy Mountains Highway (B72): Navigate the high-altitude backbone of the Great Dividing Range. This historic route traverses the rugged sub-alpine plains of the Kosciuszko National Park, offering vast wilderness vistas and a dramatic descent through the Talbingo Mountain hairpins.
Regional Highlights
- Adelaide Hills: Begin your journey through South Australia’s premier cool-climate wine region, famous for its German heritage in Hahndorf and artisanal produce.
- Gippsland: Wind through the lush, rolling green hills of Victoria’s dairy country.
Itinerary
- Day 1: Adelaide Hills - North East Road, Gorge Road, Norton Summit Road, and Greenhill Road
- Day 2: The Gateway to the Coast
- Day 3: The Great Ocean Road, Shipwreck Coast, and Twelve Apostles
- Day 4: The Great Ocean Road Continued
- Day 5: Black Spur Drive & Grand Ridge Road
- Day 6: Historic Gippsland & Walhalla
- Day 7: The Great Alpine Road
- Day 8: The Snowy Mountains Highway & Cooma
- Day 9: The Snowy Mountains Highway, Riverina Plains & Narrandera
- Day 10: The Sturt Highway to Mildura (The Citrus Capital)
- Day 11: The Sturt Highway Return back to Adelaide
Route Logistics at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Start/End Point | Adelaide, South Australia |
| States Covered | South Australia (SA), Victoria (VIC), New South Wales (NSW) |
| Mountain Passes | Great Alpine Road, Black Spur |
| Coastal Highlight | The Twelve Apostles (Great Ocean Road) |
Why choose this Australian road trip?
- Combines coastal, forest, and alpine driving in one route
- Features some of Australia’s most iconic scenic roads
- Ideal for multi-day adventures with diverse landscapes and highlights
Trip Information
- No of Days: 11
- Estimated Daily Drive: 4 hrs 38 mins
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Estimated Max Elevation: 1,839m (6,033ft)
Traveller Note! If planning your journey during the Southern Hemisphere winter (June – August) be aware that the Great Alpine Road can experience temporary snow closures. By law, all vehicles entering the alpine resorts during the declared snow season must carry diamond-pattern snow chains and be prepared for sub-zero driving conditions.
Basic Itinerary
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which Australian states does this route cover?
This journey spans South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales.
What are the main highlights of this route?
Key highlights include the Great Ocean Road, Twelve Apostles, and the Great Alpine Road.
Is the Great Ocean Road included in this loop?
Absolutely. You will drive the B100, one of the most famous coastal highways on Earth. This stretch includes the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and the London Bridge—towering limestone stacks carved by the relentless Southern Ocean.
What makes the Black Spur Drive so famous?
Located in the Yarra Ranges, the Black Spur is a pilgrimage site for driving purists. It features a perfectly rhythmic series of curves set beneath a canopy of giant mountain ash trees and prehistoric ferns. It is often misty and incredibly atmospheric, offering a sharp contrast to the open coastal roads.
What is the highest road on this trip?
You will tackle the Great Alpine Road (B500), which is the highest year-round accessible sealed road in Australia.
How does the Grand Ridge Road differ from the Alpine roads?
While the Alpine roads are about sheer height and granite peaks, the Grand Ridge Road in Gippsland is a hidden gem that winds along the "spine" of the Strzelecki Ranges. It offers rolling green vistas of Victoria's dairy country and tight, technical forest driving.
What are the rules for driving in the mountains during winter?
If you travel between June and August, you are entering the declared snow season. By law, all 2WD vehicles entering alpine areas must carry snow chains (for 4WD vehicles they are highly recommended). Even if there is no snow on the road when you depart, conditions can change in minutes.
Are there many fuel stops in the High Country?
In the Alpine region, service stations can be scarce. It is a golden rule to refill your tank in larger towns like Bright or Cooma before heading into the national parks, as the steep climbs will consume fuel faster than coastal cruising.
What makes this route unique?
Few Australian road trips combine world-class coastal driving, dense forest roads, and high-altitude alpine routes into one seamless and diverse experience.