Melbourne to Adelaide: The Ultimate Great Ocean Road Trip - From Mount Gambier to Adelaide: A Scenic South Australian Road Trip Through Adelaide’s Hidden Gems (Part 4)
- Mario Ng
- 6 days ago
- 12 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.
Part 4: From Mount Gambier to Melbourne: A Scenic South Australian Road Trip Through Adelaide’s Hidden Gems
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 5: Road to Adelaide: Dumplings, Dennis Bunnik, and Windy Point Views
Date: 1 August 2022
Route: Mount Gambier → Adelaide
From waffles to Woolies, then nonstop to Adelaide—our longest stretch yet
After checking out, it was time for one last meal at the hotel before making our way to Adelaide. As it was our first meal of the day, we opted for a light breakfast, sharing an Eggs Royale and Berry Waffles. We thought it was good to have something sweet and savoury to start our day right.
Perhaps we knew it was going to be a very long drive, and maybe it was also due to my friend being busy with his work in the car, neither of us thought to stop for any detours. After leaving the hotel, we dropped by Woolworths to stock up on some water and snacks before heading to Caltex to feed our car. Thereafter, it was a non-stop drive to Adelaide. We moved off from Mount Gambier at around 11 am, only stopping once for a toilet break at a rest stop. After driving for about four hours, we finally arrived at Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets, right in the heart of the city. It was quite a drive, and I have to admit that it was something. I am not sure if I would drive nonstop for four hours again, but it would have been nice to stop once for a snack or a light meal.
Fueling Up on Dumplings Before an Afternoon of City Wandering
After checking out our hotel room, we wandered around the city. We were going to meet our friends that evening, and we thought we would explore the city in the meantime. The first stop was to enjoy some Chinese dumplings. We were wandering around, felt peckish, and headed straight for the first store that sold food. Adelaide has a significant Chinese population, with a large student body studying at one of the city’s three universities. Hence, it was pretty easy to find Chinese food. After swallowing the entire plate of dumplings, we proceeded with our exploration.
A Must-See for AVgeeks: Visiting Dennis Bunnik’s Office in Adelaide
As a huge fan of Dennis Bunnik, I had to visit his office while in Adelaide. For the unaware, Dennis Bunnik is the joint-CEO of Bunnik Tours, a travel agency based in Adelaide. Who is he, and why should I care? He is a YouTube sensation who gained fame online after his airline review vlogs went viral and became popular among aviation enthusiasts (AVgeeks) and those seeking genuine airline reviews. I quickly became a fan of his after watching his videos and have been hooked ever since. The only reason we stayed at Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets was because of his raving review (link here)! We took a 15-minute stroll to his iconic red building, and I got a photo of myself outside his office! With that done, we proceeded with the rest of our walking tour.
Planespotting and a Mussel Feast: Ending the Day with Good Company
We wandered back to the hotel, and I did some planespotting before we headed back out to meet our friends. We enjoyed a nice dinner at Belgian Beer Cafe, where they had a promotion on mussels every Monday. We shared a few pots of mussels and were stuffed by the end. We continued spending the night chatting about life and our respective environments in Singapore and Adelaide before bidding each other goodbye.
Late-Night Views and Deep Conversations at Windy Point Lookout
With the night still young, I suggested heading to Windy Point Lookout, which is perched on a hill overlooking Adelaide. We grabbed some snacks and coffee at a petrol station before making the short drive to Windy Point. There, we continued chatting away and discussing our futures in Singapore. It was a great chat. And soon, it was time to head back to rest as we had another long day tomorrow.
Day 6: Market Magic and McLaren Vale: Wine, Gin & Good Company
Date: 2 August 2022
Route: Adelaide → McLaren Vale → Adelaide
Exploring Adelaide’s Central Market: Organic Goodies and Bustling Vibes
Rise and shine! The first thing we did was head to Adelaide Central Markets. As we were going to be with friends throughout our time in Adelaide, we had no idea when we would be back here. We wanted to explore all the organic and fresh produce that the market had to offer. We were not disappointed. Essentially similar to Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne, this is Adelaide’s version. I must say that I liked this better. There were lots of fresh pastries, chocolates, coffee, cheese, and the like. Maybe it was the colour theme of this market, but I loved the hustle and bustle of the market and how energised everyone was that morning. That market reminded me how lovely it must be to stay in a city like Adelaide, where there is plenty of fresh produce available right at your local market. I could imagine myself buying some organic eggs, mushrooms, cheese, coffee beans, and grabbing some pastries for breakfast, along with a slice of cake for a tea break. Now, back to reality.
A Multi-Level Wine Experience at McLaren Vale’s Iconic d’Arenberg Cube
We met up with our friends and we made our way to McLaren Vale. Located just 30 minutes away from the city by car, it is known as the home of South Australia’s wine industry. There are plenty of vineyards here, and it is a great place to chill out during weekends. The first place we went to was The d’Arenberg Cube. A five-storey building situated within the grounds of the d’Arenberg winery, it is almost like an art installation designed to showcase the complexities of wine-making to its guests. Each level offers a different experience, and you first start from the ground floor in a wine sensory room. You slowly make your way up and explore each floor, checking out the Alternate Realities Museum, before making your way to everyone’s favourite floor, the Tasting Room. A friendly reminder, though, that if you are the designated driver, all you can drink is water. For those who fancy, the fine-dining restaurant is on the fourth floor, while the Skydeck is on the fifth floor, where you are guaranteed a panoramic view of McLaren Vale.
Cucina Di Strada and Chalk Hill Wines: Pizza, Wine, and Rainy Day Views
Starting to feel hungry, we made a short drive to Chalk Hill Wines. There is an Italian-style street food eatery called Cucina Di Strada, where we enjoyed lunch. We shared some freshly-made pizzas, and it was great to bond over good food. The view of McLaren Vale was great from indoors, and we were grateful that we had chosen indoor seating, as we soon saw some strong winds blowing over the town that turned into torrential rains.
After lunch was done, we walked next door to Chalk Hill Wines, where we checked out their wine collection. For those who enjoy wine, you should be pleased to know that Chalk Hill Wines offers 45-minute tasting experiences at just A$25 per person. If you prefer, you can also indulge in their Alpha Crucis Tasting, Chalk Hill Wines’ premium brand. Available exclusively by appointment only, this 60-minute tasting experience costs A$35 per person. We walked further up to Never Never Distilling Co., where they are famous for their Ginache Gin. If you have some time, you should definitely check out their website, which details how the Never Never Distillery was set up. Basically, two friends ran into each other for the first time in five years, chatted for a while, realised that they each wanted to set up a distillery, and off they went! This is pure inspiration for the rest of us who always dreamed about doing something but found a thousand and one reasons not to.
With their Gianche Gin highly recommended by our friends, I decided to buy one. To my delight, they bought the bottle for me as a gift! This is something I will always cherish, and I am still waiting for the right opportunity to open this bottle up.
From Campus to Cosy: Wrapping Up the Day in Adelaide
As the sun began to set, we made our way back to the city. With some sunshine left, they showed us the grounds of The University of Adelaide, where I promptly bought a t-shirt and a mug. I am proud to say that I still have them! Night came in, and we enjoyed a simple dinner at our hotel. Our friends had some stuff to do that night, and we were left on our own. As expected, it was a sumptuous dinner at Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets, and I managed to clear some work after dinner in the second-level lounge area. After that, it was lights out!
Day 7: Vietnamese Feasts and Vibrant Flavours in Port Adelaide
Date: 3 August 2022
Location: Adelaide
A Taste of Vietnam in Adelaide: Why Pho Minh Is a Must-Visit
The next day, we woke up earlier to enjoy the buffet breakfast in the hotel. Then, it was time to rest for a while, shower, and pack our bags as we prepared to check out. We left the hotel right on time, around noon, met up with our friend, and then made the drive to enjoy a delicious lunch.
Located 15 minutes away from our hotel, Pho Minh is an authentic Vietnamese eatery that serves traditional Vietnamese noodles and rice dishes. Of course, their most famous dish is their pho, but those into Vietnamese food should try their Bun Bo Hue or Com Tam. We each ordered a Pho Dac Biet, which, although it refers to “special pho” in Vietnamese, really means a bowl of pho with an assorted range of beef ingredients, including sliced beef, rib, tendon, tripe, and beef balls. Needless to say, it was a perfect bowl of hot goodness. We finished up the bowl in no time. Judging by the almost entirely Vietnamese clientele the entire time we were there, it is safe to say that this is the place to be if you fancy a bowl of pho in Adelaide. How did we chance upon this gem? It was highly recommended by a good friend of mine in Singapore. She studied in Adelaide for a few years and shared that I had to go there as she knew I loved Vietnamese food. She praised it as the best Vietnamese eatery in Adelaide! When we shared our plans to visit a Vietnamese restaurant with our friends living in Adelaide, they immediately asked if we were referring to Pho Minh. Enough said. Make sure you head here!
🍜✨ Road Trip Tip: Follow the Foodie Intel — Your Tastebuds Will Thank You
🥢📍 The best bites often come from trusted tips, not travel guides. A Singapore friend pointed us to Pho Minh in Adelaide — and it was pho-nomenal.
When someone who knows your taste tells you a place is unmissable, believe them. Those tips turn into flavourful memories you’ll talk about long after the trip.
Afternoon Chill and Coffee Vibes in Sunny Port Adelaide
After a fabulous brunch at Pho Minh, we had to have some coffee. Our friend brought us to a lovely cafe in Port Adelaide, a beautiful area with lots of sunshine. When we arrived there around 1.30 pm, the surroundings were very peaceful. We loved the vibes there, and I could see myself living here. Admittedly, it was on a Wednesday afternoon. We grabbed some outdoor seats, bought some coffee and cakes, and chatted the afternoon away. We caught up on life, discussed property prices in Adelaide, and pondered how much it would cost to buy a waterfront property in Port Adelaide. After some calculations, we realised that perhaps we should not have made the trip to Australia if we wanted to stop all unnecessary spending. Nevertheless…
Checking In at Sofitel Adelaide: Afternoon Tea and Suite Luxury
Soon, it was time to head back to the city to check in for our final stay and night in Adelaide. It was time to head to Sofitel Adelaide! After dropping off our bags and checking in, we headed straight to the Club Millésime for some light afternoon tea. Le Goûter, or their afternoon tea service, ends at 4 pm, and it was already 3.30 pm by the time we arrived. There was no time to lose! After that, we spent a considerable amount of time snapping numerous photos of our magnificent suite. It is truly a beautiful suite. After heading back to our suite to rest for a while, we returned to Club Millésime in the evening for some light snacks, or L’Apéro. And then, it was time for a proper dinner!
Adelaide Foodie Finds: Amazing Starters and More at Part Time Lover
We were meeting more friends that evening, and we headed to Part Time Lover, a fantastic restaurant in Adelaide. Even though it was on a Wednesday night, the restaurant was packed. We arrived around 7 pm, and the place was filled with people. Ultimately, we were seated at some high tables, which were the only ones available due to the crowd. We ordered different dishes to share, with the Adelaideans recommending and ordering their favourite dishes. We got a couple of starters, popcorn broccoli and fried corn ribs. Admittedly, it did not sound awesome, but the taste blew us away. The popcorn broccoli was coated with vegan hot sauce, and that was easily our favourite dish that night. It just works, and it was delicious. That was the first dish to disappear. Our friend, who dislikes vegetables with a passion, loves this dish. He remarked that if all vegetables tasted that good, he would be eating lots of vegetables. Next came the fried corn ribs. As its name suggests, it is just some corn. Boring name, amazing taste! We are fast becoming vegans at this rate. Once again, the sauce that coats the corn is effective. I have no idea what Part Time Lover coats their vegetables in, but keep it coming. We were floored.
The next dish was the crumbed King George whiting, a fish endemic to Australia. It was pretty good and is a fish and chips without the chips. Next was the local squid, served in a broth-like sauce. Similar to the King George whiting, it was all right. The final dish was the lemongrass chicken served with shredded cabbage, in a soy and sesame dressing. It was pretty decent and tasted good. Overall, dinner was good, and we spent some time chatting away, much like old friends meeting up after a long time. Food-wise, we were probably too blown away by the starters. The main dishes were good, but with such excellent starters, they were overshadowed. Will I be back here again? Definitely. This is a restaurant you must visit while in Adelaide!
Room Service, Chats, and Cherished Memories Before Saying Goodbye
After dinner, all of us returned to the hotel to finally make use of the living room in our suite. In all my stays in hotel suites, this is the first time the living room has been used correctly, with friends hanging around. We ordered some ice cream and hot chocolate from room service, and then relaxed and chatted even more. We loved how this trip was filled with friendship and lots of impromptu detours to different locations.
Soon, it was time to say goodbye till we meet again! After taking a shower, I spent some time checking out the Adelaide skyline, saying my own goodbye and promising I will be back again!
What’s Next?
After soaking up all that Adelaide has to offer, it was time for us to hit the road again — making the long drive back to Melbourne in just one day. Once there, we’re looking forward to spending the next few days exploring Melbourne’s vibrant neighbourhoods, coffee culture, and iconic landmarks. From laneway street art to bustling markets and cosy cafés, there is so much to discover in this city. Stay tuned for more stories and tips as we dive into Melbourne’s unique charm!
👉 Coming up in Part 5:
Buckle up for a whirlwind road trip back to Melbourne — then the final days of city adventures, good vibes, and plenty of surprises!
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