The Melbourne to Adelaide one-way campervan route is one of Australia's finest — combining the world-famous Great Ocean Road, the rugged Grampians National Park, and the serene Coorong wetlands into a single epic trip. This guide covers one-way fees, route options, and how to get the best deal.
One-Way Fees: Melbourne to Adelaide
| Brand | Typical One-Way Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apollo / Mighty / Cheapa Campa | $200 – $300 | Competitive pricing; occasional waiver promotions |
| Britz / Maui | $250 – $350 | Premium brands; slightly higher fees |
| Jucy | $150 – $250 | Often the cheapest option |
| Spaceships | $150 – $250 | Good value for budget travellers |
Three Route Options
Route 1: Great Ocean Road + Inland (Best Overall)
Distance: 920 km | Duration: 5–7 days | Highlights: Twelve Apostles, Apollo Bay, Otways
This is the classic route that most travellers choose. Drive the Great Ocean Road from Torquay to Warrnambool, then cut inland through Hamilton to join the Western Highway to Adelaide. You get the best of the coastal scenery without doubling back.
Day-by-Day Outline
- Day 1: Melbourne → Torquay → Anglesea → Lorne (Great Ocean Road begins)
- Day 2: Lorne → Apollo Bay → Otway Rainforest → Port Campbell (Twelve Apostles)
- Day 3: Port Campbell → Warrnambool → Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve
- Day 4: Warrnambool → Hamilton → Horsham → cross into SA
- Day 5: Border Village → Mount Gambier Blue Lake → Coorong National Park
- Day 6–7: Coorong → Adelaide
Route 2: Great Ocean Road + Grampians (Best for Nature Lovers)
Distance: 950 km | Duration: 7–10 days | Highlights: Twelve Apostles, Grampians, Coorong
Adds a 2-day detour through the Grampians National Park — spectacular sandstone mountain ranges with incredible bushwalking, Aboriginal rock art, and wildlife. This is the route for people who want to see it all.
Grampians Highlights
- The Pinnacle: The most famous hike in the Grampians — 4.2 km return, stunning ridgeline views
- Mackenzie Falls: Victoria's largest waterfall, accessible via an easy 2 km walk
- Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre: Indigenous heritage and Dreaming stories
- Halls Gap: The main town, with kangaroos literally grazing on the lawns at dusk
Route 3: Western Highway Direct (Budget/Relocation)
Distance: 730 km | Drive Time: 8 hours | Duration: 1–2 days
The direct route via Ballarat, Ararat, Horsham, and the border town of Bordertown. This is the route for relocation deals with tight timelines. It's flat and unexciting but efficient. Break the drive at Horsham or Murray Bridge for an overnight stop.
Full Cost Comparison
Scenario: 7-Day Hire, 2-Berth, Shoulder Season
| Option | Daily Rate | One-Way Fee | Fuel | Campsites | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mighty (mid-range) | $65 × 7 | $250 | $180 | $210 | $1,095 |
| Jucy (budget) | $50 × 7 | $175 | $160 | $210 | $895 |
| Relocation deal | $5 × 3 | $0 | $130 | $60 | $205 |
Great Ocean Road Campervan Tips
The Great Ocean Road is one of the world's great coastal drives, but campervans require some extra planning:
Vehicle Size Matters
- 2-berth campervans (under 6m): No issues whatsoever. The road is well-maintained and all lookout car parks accommodate small campervans.
- 4-berth campervans (6–7m): Generally fine but the winding section between Apollo Bay and the Twelve Apostles requires careful driving. Take it slow.
- 6-berth motorhomes (7m+): Possible but challenging on the tightest sections. Some caravan parks along the route have length restrictions.
Where to Camp on the Great Ocean Road
- Torquay: BIG4 Torquay Holiday Park — walking distance from Bells Beach
- Apollo Bay: Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve — council-run, affordable, right in town
- Johanna Beach: Free beachside camping (basic facilities only) — one of the GOR's hidden gems
- Port Campbell: Port Campbell Recreation Reserve — walking distance from the Twelve Apostles
- Warrnambool: BIG4 Figtree Holiday Park — full facilities, whale watching platform nearby
Arriving in Adelaide
Most Adelaide depots are located in the northern suburbs (Wingfield, Enfield, Regency Park) — about 15–20 minutes from the CBD and 25–30 minutes from Adelaide Airport. Plan your drop-off to allow time for:
- Vehicle cleaning (avoid the $200+ cleaning fee)
- Fuel top-up
- Vehicle inspection
- Shuttle or taxi to the airport/city
If you have time before your flight, Adelaide's Central Market is one of the best food markets in Australia — perfect for a final Australian meal.
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