Melbourne to Adelaide: The Ultimate Great Ocean Road Trip - Final Stretch: One-Day Drive, Silo Art & City Eats (Part 5 - final)
- Mario Ng
- Jul 17, 2025
- 15 min read
🚗 The Ultimate Melbourne to Adelaide Road Trip Series
What began as a casual chat about Europe turned into the ultimate Melbourne to Adelaide road trip — here’s how we planned every unforgettable kilometre.
From a Dreamliner touchdown to scenic coastal drives, boutique stays, and seafood feasts — our Australian adventure kicked off with style, sunshine, and serious road trip vibes.
From smoked trout breakfasts and sanctuary strolls to a breathtaking chopper ride over the Twelve Apostles — our Great Ocean Road journey hit full stride with wildlife, wonders, and winding roads all the way to Mount Gambier.
From marathon drives and foodie discoveries to wine tastings, Vietnamese feasts, and unforgettable moments with friends — our Adelaide chapter was a rich blend of flavour, friendship, and scenic surprises.
Part 5: Final Stretch: One-Day Drive, Silo Art & City Eats
From silos and sunsets to one final stroll through Melbourne’s markets, we wrapped up our 721-kilometre return drive with heartfelt meals, sky-high views, and the kind of memories only the open road can offer.
🏨 The Ultimate Melbourne to Adelaide Road Trip Series: Where We Stayed
Sofitel Melbourne on Collins – A suite stay to kick off the trip in style
Apollo Bay Waterfront Motor Inn – Coastal charm and convenience
Mount Gambier Hotel – A comfy stop after a long day’s drive
Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets – Boutique vibes, thanks to a Dennis Bunnik review
Sofitel Adelaide – A must-stay. The first five-star hotel in Adelaide in 30 years
Mercure Welcome Melbourne – A quick crash pad after the long return drive
W Melbourne – A luxurious suite stay to end the journey in style
Day 8: From Adelaide to Melbourne: 721 Kilometres, One Epic Drive
Date: 4 August 2022
Route: Adelaide → Melbourne
A Leisurely Morning in Adelaide: One Last Market Stroll
Rise and shine! We were already behind schedule! We are headed back to Melbourne today, and we have an extremely long day ahead! By the time we ate breakfast at the hotel restaurant, it was around 9.40 am. Not exactly early. Having said that, we were still relaxed and took our time enjoying the sumptuous breakfast provided by Sofitel Adelaide. The breakfast spread was good, and we loved our final meal in Adelaide. Next, we somehow still managed to find time to visit Adelaide Central Market one last time. We took the opportunity to purchase some coffee beans and also visited the wet market area. We saw lots of Atlantic salmon heads and baby barramundis for sale, while the fresh oysters were so inviting. We also found more time to visit Chinatown just beside the Market, and caught a beautiful mural. It almost felt like Singapore’s Chinatown, although it was probably just the vibes. I know where to be if I ever feel homesick in Adelaide!
The Long Drive Begins: Adelaide to Melbourne
At 11.36 am, it was go time. After we had keyed our destination into Google Maps, it informed us that we would arrive at Mercure Welcome Melbourne at 7.43 pm. We would be covering 721 km that day. Wow! We did not realise it initially, but I just realised at the time of writing that we would essentially be heading from Adelaide’s Chinatown to Melbourne’s Chinatown, as Mercure Welcome Melbourne is very nearby. What a fun fact to discover! Off we go!
A Meaningful Stop at Coonalpyn Silos
After almost two hours, we were at Coonalpyn. We initially drove past this place when heading to Adelaide a few days ago, and I was awestruck by the huge silos along the road. We mentioned it earlier, and we knew we had to be back here to see it in person. And we were indeed wowed by it. You do not often see such things in Singapore, and I am easily amazed by large and uncommon things when I am overseas. You could call me a country bumpkin, but I enjoy appreciating the culture and beauty of other countries!
We found an empty area to park the car and spent some time taking photos of it. There was a massive mural on the silos, accompanied by a signboard that explained how the mural came to be. It turns out that Coonalpyn used to be a bustling town in the region, but the Millennium Drought, which lasted from 2001 to 2009, caused considerable hardship to the town. The Global Financial Crisis in 2008 exacerbated the issue, and many businesses closed down. As part of an effort to rejuvenate the local area, the community engaged artist Guido van Helten to create a gigantic mural on the Coonalpyn silos. When he first arrived in Coonalpyn, he engaged with with different members of the community, before deciding to paint five Coonalpyn Primary School children on the silos. Now, it is a tourist attraction that can hopefully bring Coonalpyn back to its former bustling self.
We were in South Australia just after the COVID pandemic was over. I am sure that the COVID-19 crisis caused a lot more hardship to the community. It is tough for small towns all over the country, and we were thrilled to visit them and have meals there, hopefully contributing a little to their communities. We were thus delighted to have found a cafe just across the road. We discovered Coonalpyn Silo Cafe, a beautiful cafe that serves a variety of food, including sandwiches, pastries, and burgers. As we were not feeling too hungry, we opted for some coffee and shared a slice of homemade carrot cake. You cannot go wrong with carrot cake. Obviously, it was great. While relaxing, I spent a little time admiring the different artefacts in the cafe. I saw a wall frame with various pictures commemorating the Australian soldiers who fought in the Vietnam War. I thought it was pretty remarkable and figured there must be war veterans living in Coonalpyn. The cafe also sells Coonalpyn Silo postcards, and I bought a few to remind myself of the great time I enjoyed in Australia. After spending about 30 minutes there, it was time to head on.
🚧 Road Trip Tip: Don’t Just Drive Past – Circle Back for the Unexpected Gems
🛑💡 Saw something interesting from the road? It’s probably worth the detour.
Don’t just drive past—circle back for the unexpected gems. When we first passed the Coonalpyn silos, we didn’t stop. But going back was one of the best decisions we made. Small towns like Coonalpyn often hold rich stories, like the stunning silo mural painted to revive the local community. We sipped coffee, admired the art, and felt like we were part of something bigger. Always follow your curiosity—the best road trip memories often come from the places you almost skipped.
Cruising Through South Australia
Probably because both of us knew we had to clear 721 km that day, we did not make any unplanned detours. We were zooming across the highway heading back to Victoria. My friend was driving back to Melbourne, and I took the opportunity to check out the amazing Australian landscape. I probably used the word ‘beautiful’ too many times, but it was just the word to describe all that I have seen. Halfway through the perfect Aussie weather, I saw a rainbow just appearing on the horizon. Amazing. This is a reminder that everything is going to be all right! It is indeed different as a passenger, as I could use my phone to snap so many pictures throughout the journey. I spotted a few wind turbines and saw a moving train. It might sound weird to you, but I dig such things. You do not get to see such things in Singapore! Around 5.30 pm, we were still only halfway there, and the skies were darkening. The landscape still looked perfect. At one point, I saw a wind farm in the distance.
After initially being tempted to make a detour, we decided to stick to our plan as we wanted to reach the city by nightfall. At 7.30 pm, we reached Ballan, a small town about 75 km from Melbourne. We were reaching! We stopped at a Mobil petrol station to top up the gas, as well as to grab a cup of coffee from McDonald’s. Kudos to my friend, as he drove nonstop for almost 400 km. After getting my energy back with a McCafe Long Black, I took over the driving as he earned a well-deserved break. At about 9.30 pm, we finally reached Melbourne, passing Arts Centre Melbourne as my friend took a photo and uploaded an Instagram story.
A Late Arrival and Comfort in Melbourne’s Chinatown
As we knew we would be arriving in Melbourne late, we booked a night at the Mercure Welcome Melbourne, an affordable hotel to sleep. After checking in, we went out to find some food. At 10 pm, most stalls in Melbourne would be shut. However, you can always count on Chinatown. Off we went to China Bar, which has a long queue! Thankfully, you can trust the Chinese to be efficient in everything they do. We were inside in no time! Fried rice and wanton noodles were ordered, and our starved tummies were once again satisfied. We were thoroughly exhausted by this point, and we headed back to our hotel rooms to get a well-deserved rest. I slept like a baby as I enjoyed uninterrupted sleep until the next morning…
Day 9: Markets, Michelin Bites & Boutique Comfort
Date: 5 August 2022
Location: Melbourne
Exploring Melbourne: Familiar Flavours and Local Finds
After managing to get a full 8 hours of sleep, we got up feeling energised and ready to start our day! We checked out and walked around Chinatown looking for a place to eat. Perhaps we were starting to feel homesick, but we somehow ventured towards a Chinese eatery. Ultimately, we headed to Tim Ho Wan for breakfast. For those who are unaware, Tim Ho Wan is a restaurant originating from Hong Kong, where the original stall won a Michelin star. Soon, branches sprouted all over the city and around the world. Although the food cannot be compared to the original branch, it was good enough for us (at the risk of offending foodies!). Not feeling too hungry yet and wanting to squeeze in more meals during the last few days in Australia, we had a light meal. We ordered some porridge and vermicelli rolls, washing them down with some soya milk.
Books, Bites & Body Wash: A Rainy Day Wander at South Melbourne Market
After feeding our tummies, we headed to South Melbourne Market! It was a gloomy day thus far with heavy clouds hanging in the air. It was good to seek some shelter in a market. I chanced upon a bookstore at the market, and stayed there for some time. While my friend tolerated me for a while, I managed to buy a few books! Noice! We hung around and bought more food to share and enjoy together. At one point, I was tempted to buy some fresh fruit home, just because they looked so good! We managed to venture to a Woolworths near South Melbourne Market, so I could buy some body wash to take home. I first enjoyed Thankyou body wash in Australia and tried to find out more about them. It turned out that they are a social enterprise in Australia, where funds from their sales are donated to various water, hygiene, and sanitation programmes in multiple countries. This is the best of both worlds for me. I can enjoy a product while doing good at the same time. I grabbed a few huge bottles of Thankyou body wash at Woolworths.
Checking In, Slowing Down: A Luxurious Night at W Melbourne
Soon, it was time to check in at our final hotel in Australia. We headed to W Melbourne for our best stay yet in Melbourne! Check out our review of our one-night stay at W Melbourne here!
After checking in at W Melbourne, we spent most of our time at this lovely hotel. Only after dinner that night did we head out for a walk around the city, stopping at a pharmacy to buy some essentials for our trip back home. Soon, it was back to our hotel to admire the night city view from our hotel, and call it a night.
Day 10: One Last Adventure: Museums, Markets, and Melbourne from Above
Date: 6 August 2022
Location: Melbourne
Starting with Soul: Breakfast at Lollo and Stories at the Immigration Museum
The final day of our trip to Australia promises to be fun! We started our day with a delicious breakfast at Lollo, one of W Melbourne’s restaurants. After a sumptuous meal, we checked out and drove off to the last few destinations for the day.
We headed to the Immigration Museum, a beautiful museum located in the centre of Melbourne. We thought it was a great museum to visit, as Melbourne, and indeed Australia, is a country that is home to people from all over the world. This museum is a testament to Australia's rich cultural heritage and diversity. We spent some time there, learning about and discovering the challenging journeys people took to find a home in Australia. It was an exciting and meaningful trip to this museum.
Back for Seconds: Sashimi, Prawns, and One Last Cuppa at South Melbourne
We next headed back to South Melbourne Market as we could not get enough of this amazing market! This time, we went to the seafood stores and bought some sashimi and prawns. We also made sure to enjoy a cuppa while at the market. Passing an egg store, I could only look enviously at the various free-range eggs on sale here.
Sky-High Farewell: Soaking in Melbourne from the 89th Floor
Finally, we headed to our last destination in Melbourne. We went to Melbourne Skydeck, known as the Southern Hemisphere’s highest observation deck, to catch a bird’s eye view of Melbourne and beyond. I always make it a point to visit observation decks wherever I travel, as it is pretty amazing to see the city you are visiting from another angle. It is also cool to see the city’s development from right at the top. Thankfully, there are quite a few observation decks in Southeast Asia. I have visited the one at Petronas Twin Towers a few times, as well as Landmark 81 and Bitexco Financial Tower in Ho Chi Minh City, and the Hanoi Sky Lotte Observation Deck in Hanoi. Every single time, I was awestruck. Amazing!
Back to Melbourne Skydeck. From the moment we arrived on the 89th floor, I was wowed. The city looked so beautiful, and I could see the city’s developments. I spotted Port Melbourne, Pan Pacific Melbourne, the city’s many skyscrapers, Flinders Street Train Station, Melbourne Cricket Ground, and the Rod Laver Arena! There was a sign on one of the windows showing that the Great Ocean Road was just 82km away. Tempting, but perhaps the next time. I also saw W Melbourne from the Skydeck, and the building was pretty impressive. I loved the design of this structure. Even though we spent less than an hour here, it is here that I probably took the most photos in Melbourne. It was hard to select the best pictures to upload. After heading down from the 89th floor, it was time for one last walk around the city. We walked along Southbank Promenade, crossing the Princes Bridge, before returning to our car.
🏙️ Road Trip Tip: Always Go Up — The Best Views Are Often from the Top
📸👀 Don’t skip the observation deck — it’s where the city unfolds in full.
Whether it’s Melbourne Skydeck or a tower in Southeast Asia, I always make time to see a city from above. From the 89th floor, I spotted landmarks, mapped our journey in reverse, and saw just how far we had come — both literally and figuratively. It’s not just about the photos (though I took a lot); it’s a chance to pause and take in the big picture. If there’s a skyline view where you’re headed, make it part of your itinerary. You’ll gain more than just snapshots — you’ll leave with perspective.
One Last Drive: Saying Goodbye to Our Trusty Road Trip Companion
It was time. We made the 30-minute, 25 km drive to Melbourne Airport, stopping to top up the petrol before returning the beautiful Mercedes-Benz CLA200 to the car rental agency. At the risk of repeating myself too often, we loved this beautiful beast that we called our car for the past ten days.
Final Bites & Flight Dreams: Chinese Comfort Food and a Soothing Send-Off
At Melbourne Airport, we started feeling hungry again and decided on the best food money can buy at an airport: Chinese food. Costing approximately A$20 each, we could not wait to eat some Chinese food. Greasy and coated with various sauces, it was delicious. We wiped out the entire plate. Next, time for desserts. We went to Brunetti while waiting for the plane, and had one last ice cream float. This was our final, final meal in Australia. And then, it was time to board. Seeing the beautiful Boeing 787 Dreamliner, it was a dream to board this plane. Almost everything after boarding was a blur because it was a night flight, and we spent most of our time sleeping. The only time we were awake was to eat, and I was glad I pre-ordered the Asian meal. A herbal chicken soup served with brown rice warmed my soul. Desserts came in the form of my favourite chocolate cookies in the air, while I washed down all the food with some healthy-ish coconut water. And then, it was time for bed.
Day 11: Home Again, Heart Full: Reflecting on a Trip of a Lifetime
Date: 7 August 2022
Location: Singapore
Back in Singapore, Already Dreaming of Australia
We finally arrived at Changi Airport in the middle of the night, and we were so exhausted that we each took a taxi straight home. It was another long nap before waking up, already missing Australia! Alas, I also missed home and was happy to be able to read my favourite local newspaper, The Straits Times.
This was the best trip of my life so far, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself so much. Each time my friend and I met, we would always talk about the fantastic time we spent in Australia and how it was truly the trip of a lifetime. We enjoyed life, experienced Australia like never before, met up with friends, and savoured some of the best food the country has to offer. I cannot wait to be back in Australia, and I can only plan and wait for the right time to be back Down Under!
Costs
This adventure was definitely not budget travel, but it was worth every cent for the comfort, experiences, and unforgettable memories we created along the way. So, how much did our Melbourne-Adelaide road trip cost? Let’s break it down!
Airfare - S$2,463.30
Our return air tickets on Scoot's ScootPlus cost S$1,231.65 each, totalling S$2,463.30.
Accommodation - S$4,667.73
Certainly, our hotel stays were the largest expense. With Suite stays most of our time in Australia, it came as no surprise how much it cost in total. As a reminder, we stayed at a range of hotels, including Sofitel Melbourne, Apollo Bay Waterfront Motor Inn, Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets, Sofitel Adelaide, and W Melbourne. Total damage: S$4,667.73
Car-related Costs - S$2,359.94
Car rental: Our Mercedes-Benz CLA200 came at a price, and it was worth it! The price to pay? A$1,784.27 (approximately S$1,695.06).
Petrol: We topped up the petrol 6 times throughout our trip, totalling S$332.69.
Tolls: Believe it or not, we only encountered one toll, which cost S$5.04.
Valet parking: Most of the hotels we stayed in provided valet parking. The costs totalled S$216.00.
Car parks: We also parked at 9 paid car parks throughout our journey, including overnight near our hotels that either did not provide valet parking or that we chose to park at a nearby car park instead. Costs: S$111.15
Grand total: S$9,490.97
Bearing in mind that this excludes food, shopping, tourist attractions, and any type of souvenir-hunting, the grand total of our epic Melbourne to Adelaide Road Trip cost S$9,490.97. Of course, since then, the cost of living and general inflation have raised prices. While it might have seemed crazy then, the prices would be even crazier now! What is the one lesson we learnt? Don't put off doing things you love! Here is a piece of advice I learnt from Top Gun: Don't think! Just do!
What’s Next?
Reflections on the Road: A Trip I Will Never Forget
Reflecting on our time in Australia, I still find it hard to believe how much we accomplished in just ten days. From Melbourne’s cool streets to the stunning Great Ocean Road, quiet towns like Coonalpyn to the city buzz of Adelaide — every part of the trip felt special. We enjoyed excellent food, took in beautiful views, and shared many laughs along the way. Some moments were big, like seeing Melbourne from the Skydeck. Others were small, like finding a good cup of coffee or spotting a rainbow on the highway. But they all stayed with me. This trip was not just about sightseeing — it was about enjoying life, spending time with a good friend, and making memories I will always treasure. I already miss it, and I know I’ll be back someday!
👉 Read it all again:
What began as a simple idea quickly turned into one of the most unforgettable adventures we’ve ever had — here’s how it all came together.
What began as a casual chat about Europe turned into the ultimate Melbourne to Adelaide road trip — here’s how we planned every unforgettable kilometre.
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