Driving from Sydney to Adelaide means navigating roughly 1,400 kilometres of hugely diverse and beautiful country, passing through everything from coasts to desert landscapes.
The journey is one of Australia's most spectacular long-distance drives, and it links two major cities – Sydney and Adelaide. From ocean views to wildlife to enjoying diverse food and wine, this journey offers something for every kind of traveller.
As you move from one state to the next, the landscape changes from cliffs to forests to open plains. This is what makes a Sydney to Adelaide drive not just a journey but an adventure. Plus, you can choose between a slow exploration and a faster drive. Simply tailor the trip according to your pace, interests, and the type of vehicle you drive.
In this guide, we break down the different routes you can take, the must-see sights along the way, some helpful advice, and even essential power solutions that will help ensure a smooth, comfortable journey across Australia.
Route Options
There are three main ways to drive from Sydney to Adelaide, each of which takes you through different landscapes, durations, and, of course, different experiences.
First off is the coastal route, which passes through the Princes Highway. This is arguably the most scenic road you can take and will take around 16–18 hours of pure driving without stops. That said, travellers usually spend over 5–7 days to enjoy the beaches, national parks, and marvel at the iconic stops.
The route passes through Wollongong, Jervis Bay, Batemans Bay, Narooma, Eden, Lakes Entrance, Wilsons Promontory, and Phillip Island and connects you to the legendary Great Ocean Road and then finally turns inland towards Adelaide. If you enjoy beautiful beaches, wildlife, and fresh seafood, then you might want to consider taking the coastal route.
Next is the inland route, which passes through the Hume Highway and Duke Highway. This road is significantly faster than the coastal route and will take about 14–15 hours of driving, with many travellers and road trippers usually completing it in 2–3 days.
You will pass through Canberra, Gundagai, Albury, Wodonga, Horsham, and the Grampians. Taking the inland route will help you complete the journey faster and is particularly liked for its cooler temperatures, plus the fact that it gets much easier to reach major towns.
Lastly, you may want to consider taking the combination route, which, as the name suggests, is the best of both worlds. You'll take the coastal route on the way to Adelaide and the inland route on the return to Sydney. This mix gives you the best of both worlds. Whichever route you decide to take, keep in mind that each has its own array of beautiful and unforgettable sights and experiences.
Key Highlights
The Sydney to Adelaide drive is sure to provide the avid traveller with great stops, from beautiful coasts to breathtaking landscapes. What's more, together with the NSW and VIC coasts, travellers can begin with a visit to Jervis Bay (~200 km from Sydney), famous for its white sands, turquoise blue waters, and, let's not forget, the dolphin sightings.
When you travel further south, you will reach Narooma (~150 km from Jervis Bay), where you can have amazing seal encounters, all while enjoying its pristine beaches and great seafood.
But if you want an even "bigger" experience, travel a little way to Eden (~120 km from Narooma), and enjoy a bit of whale-watching, often best when you take the drive from September to November. Finally, cross over into Victoria, where Lakes Entrance (~300 km from Eden) awaits the avid angler or kayaker, or even if you want to take a stroll along the lakeside.
As you continue west, you will finally reach Wilson's Promontory (~200 km from Lakes Entrance). Here you can do a bit of hiking and wildlife viewing before making your way to Phillip Island (~150 km from Wilson's Promontory) to see the famous Penguin Parade. Additionally, you can enjoy surfing and stunning views of the ocean coast.
One of the best experiences will come when you continue with the Great Ocean Road, known as the home of the Twelve Apostles (~250 km from Phillip Island to the Apostles via Melbourne and Torquay). You can also check out Loch Ard Gorge, Bells Beach, and the rainforests of the Otways.
But let's not forget the inland route, which comes with its own distinctive appeal. You will start off with reaching Canberra (~290 km from Sydney), where you can check out the museums and art galleries, and let's not forget climb Mount Ainslie and enjoy the panoramic views.
As you continue south-west, you will reach Albury (~330 km from Canberra via Gundagai). Head to Wodonga, which is situated along the Murray River, to enjoy stunning gardens, historic sights, and, of course, strolling along the river. After this, you can then head out to Bendigo (~200 km detour south from the Hume near Wangaratta) and learn a bit about its gold-rush history, enjoy the art galleries, and experience the heritage buildings and structures.
Next, travel further west to reach Horsham (~300 km from Albury via optional Western Highway detour), where you can view and take in the striking landscapes of the Grampians, which are excellent for hikes and sightseeing.
For the direct inland path, continue on the Sturt Highway from Wagga Wagga (~450 km from Sydney), through Narrandera (~90 km from Wagga Wagga), Hay (~200 km from Narrandera), Mildura (~300 km from Hay), Renmark (~250 km from Mildura), and into Adelaide.
As you take in the sights and scenes, you will finally reach South Australia. Whether you got here via the inland route or you preferred taking the coastal route, there are still plenty of sights to leave you in awe, from the spectacular Mount Gambier (~450 km from the Twelve Apostles on coastal or ~400 km from Horsham on inland detour), known for its vivid Blue Lake, to the sinkholes and caves. If you took the coastal route, consider making a stop at Robe (~150 km from Mount Gambier), which is a charming seaside town surrounded by stunning cliffs and beaches.
And as you approach Adelaide, you can make the most of Murray Bridge (~70 km from Adelaide), by taking river cruises, doing a bit of wildlife watching, and taking part in some family-friendly activities. If you are a wine lover, then you will appreciate taking a detour through the Barossa Valley (~60 km northeast of Adelaide), which is famous for world-class Shiraz, cellar doors, and gourmet experiences.
Both the coastal and the inland routes will offer the avid road tripper some great experiences, including wildlife spotting, scenic hiking trails, and excellent food.
Planning and Tips
When you are planning your Sydney to Adelaide road trip, you'll need to factor in your chosen route, your budget, and your interests. For the coastal route, consider taking seven days to make the most of the beaches, wildlife, and major sightseeing stops.
The inland route is usually faster, and you can complete it in three days. Consider taking this route in spring and autumn to get the most comfortable driving conditions, since taking it in summer brings with it high temperatures and large crowds.
To make the most of the inland route from Sydney to Adelaide, aim for a daily driving target of 300–400 kilometres.
As for the choice of accommodation, it will depend on the route you take. If you take the coastal route option, consider spending the night in caravan parks. This will cost anywhere from $80 to $300 per night. On the other hand, inland drivers can opt to sleep in motels, which can cost between $60 and $150 per night. Using apps like WikiCamps, Booking.com, and Airbnb can help you find decent accommodation.
When it's all said and done, safety should be the top priority. Wildlife experiences are common at dawn and dusk, mostly comprising kangaroo encounters along both the coastal and inland roads. Also, keep in mind that managing fatigue is crucial, so ensure that you take breaks every 2 hours and rotate drivers where possible.
Also, keep in mind that getting good mobile coverage can be tricky when driving through remote areas, which makes offline maps and contact information highly useful. Always remember to check the weather conditions.
Lastly, a typical budget per person would look something like this: fuel $250–$350 total (vehicle), accommodation $400–$800, and food plus activities $300–$600, which would bring the total to around $950–$1,750 per person. To save on costs, consider travelling off-peak, camping, making self-made meals, and taking advantage of free lookouts and coastal walks.
Vehicle and Power Needs
To ensure your Sydney to Adelaide drive goes smoothly, you need to first have a reliable vehicle. As long as your vehicle is well-maintained, you can make the trip.
That said, note that the more fuel-efficient models can help bring down fuel costs over the course of the journey. Travellers who plan on taking the coastal route, accessing available off-grid campsites, or exploring national parks need to seriously consider using a 4WD for its added capability.
Before departure, ensure that your tyres, brakes, oil, and coolant are in good condition. Always bring a spare wheel, as well as basic tools and emergency supplies.
Carrying portable power stations with you for the journey is incredibly useful on a long road trip, as it will help you keep the fridge running and the food fresh. It also ensures that your electronic devices are charged, including cameras and navigation tools.
Take the BLUETTI Elite 100 V2, for instance, with its 1,800W of output and a very decent 1,024Wh capacity. It's a perfect partner to keep phones, laptops, torches, and even a small fridge powered during the Sydney to Adelaide trip. Moreover, its compact design makes it easy to store in most vehicles.
For travellers who plan on going to remote camping spots during their road trip from Sydney to Adelaide, the BLUETTI Apex 300 offers significantly more capability thanks to the 3,840W output and a whopping 2,764.8Wh capacity.
This allows it to power multiple devices simultaneously, such as the portable fridge, induction cooktop, CPAP machine, and lights, all while charging the drone, phones, and camera batteries.
The Apex 300's larger battery capacity makes it a great choice when spending a lot of time off-grid and in areas without access to a power outlet.
The BLUETTI Charger 1 Alternator Charger is an excellent device to bring with you on your Sydney to Adelaide trip. With it, you can comfortably charge your power station while driving without having to connect the power station to a power outlet. You don't even have to install a solar panel on the roof of your car.
The BLUETTI Charger 1 keeps your devices running smoothly, and together with the power station, these BLUETTI solutions provide the power needed to make the Sydney to Adelaide journey smoother and more enjoyable.
Conclusion
The trip from Sydney to Adelaide offers the traveller a stunning array of sights and scenes from coastal landscapes, inland culture, wildlife, wine tasting, and national parks. Whether you take the longer coastal route or opt for the more efficient inland highway, the huge variety of experiences will help ensure an unforgettable road trip adventure from start to finish. Doing proper planning, using the right vehicle for the route you choose, and bringing along reliable power solutions will help make the trip safer and more comfortable. And with a reliable and efficient BLUETTI power station, you can make the most of your Sydney to Adelaide road trip.
