Trip from Adelaide to Melbourne

irishgal on 25/09/2022 - 11:23
Last edited 25/09/2022 - 13:20 by 1 other user

Hi guys, We are desperate for a holiday. Who isn't!!

After going backwards and forwards we have decided to fly from where we live in Perth to Adelaide just after Christmas. Stay there for a week or so and then collect a car and drive to Melbourne and stay there a week or so.

The question is do we drive the car back to Adelaide to drop it off? Dropping it off at a different location seems very expensive. Would appreciate any tips /suggestions for areas to stay and visit in both cities and along the way and car hire suggestions.

Thank you

Travel Adelaide Melbourne South Australia Victoria

Comments

  • oscargamer on 25/09/2022 - 11:29
    +2

    Some companies charge more than others to return to a different place…You'll need to do your own research.

    Given that it's a day drive from A to M, it's not that hard is it ? or you could split up (if you have kids) and they could fly M to P and you could return the car to A and then fly to P the next day?

  • Benoffie on 25/09/2022 - 11:38
    +4

    Taking the Limestone route is the most scenic but unfortunately you may be too late with bookings outside of Mount Gambier. Robe etc will be very busy over the holiday period.

    • irishgal on 28/09/2022 - 08:41

      Thank you. Forgot about Mount Gambier! Any other suggested places to stop would be appreciated.

  • jjjaar on 25/09/2022 - 11:43
    +1

    What you wanna search is for a relocation car hire. Basically people have done the opposite one way journey and you’re getting it back to where it belongs. You will have to be flexible on dates.

  • boomramada on 25/09/2022 - 12:06
    +1

    Use a rental site like https://www.vroomvroomvroom.com.au/
    Check your self the prices difference between one way and return.
    Then plan your journey, can do Great Ocean road and direct route as a two different drive.

    • jv on 26/09/2022 - 00:27

      Use a rental site like https://www.vroomvroomvroom.com.au/

      Just checked for our Xmas holiday and the prices are approx. 60% more than going with smaller, local car rental companies.

      • boomramada on 26/09/2022 - 09:51

        Don't think smaller companies going to do one way pick up and drop off.

        • jv on 26/09/2022 - 09:51

          Some do…

    • irishgal on 28/09/2022 - 08:45

      Thank you for the suggestion. Ive had a quick look at the prices are more comparative.

  • GordonD on 25/09/2022 - 13:13
    +1

    Tasmania is where rental cars are most in short supply, and most expensive.

    So fly to Adelaide, rent a car and drive to Melbourne, then continue to Hobart. Leave the car there and fly back home. They'll probably pay you to take one of their cars to Hobart and leave it there.

    At least check it out.

  • freefall101 on 25/09/2022 - 13:40
    +1

    You could call a couple of car places and see if any have any good prices on a one way. Some routes tend to be more one way than others for some strange reason. My uncle used to have a job just driving cars back from one rental place to another (was great for him in retirement, just go out for a long drive on a regular basis).

    Great Ocean Road can be a bit eh during peak season, there's so many people driving like idiots during school holidays. But a lot of nice places to stay and things to do, worth doing it over a couple of days rather than just heading through in one day because some of the better sights involve a bit of a walk (like Childers Cove and Beauchamp Falls). As a Melbournite I honestly don't know what's worth doing in Melbourne, especially if you have kids (scienceworks and penguins?). Mostly it's eating, drinking and entertainment (good place to head to the theatre, at least compared to Perth/Adelaide), I'd spend more time on the GOR.

    • irishgal on 28/09/2022 - 08:47

      Note, thank you. We have about three weeks. Would love to go to Hobart but not sure I fancy the extra drive at this stage. But havent ruled it out yet

  • ESEMCE on 25/09/2022 - 14:27
    +2

    A good alternate route Adelaide to Melbourne is via Penola (Coonawarra wine region) and Hamilton passing extinct Volcanoes.

    • jv on 26/09/2022 - 00:30
      +2

      I'd spend at least 2/3 nights at Mt. Gambier.

      The have a great visitors centre that shows a documentary about the history of the area and lots of things to do nearby…
      Naracoorte caves tour are a must…

      • ESEMCE on 26/09/2022 - 09:33
        +2

        Yeah, depends on the time you have to commit.

        Going via Mt Gambier adds quite a few road hours to the journey.

        Going via Penola/Hamilton adds maybe 60 minutes to the standard Horsham/Bordertown route.

        I guess for a Perth resident, doing the drive for only the first or second time, the standard route is just as interesting as any other.

  • holdenmg on 25/09/2022 - 15:01

    Adelaide to Melbourne drive in January is Hot Weather, think 40ish…

    • Presence on 25/09/2022 - 15:37
      +2

      Good thing like every rental car since 1995 has got air con lol. You think Perth will be any cooler either?

  • jv on 26/09/2022 - 00:31
    +1

    Don't forget the Giant Koala if going via Horsham…

  • jv on 26/09/2022 - 00:33
    +1

    Also Farq-uhar Street

    Kids enjoyed that one…

  • jv on 26/09/2022 - 00:37
    +1

    Warrnambool is worth a night or two to consider…

    • irishgal on 28/09/2022 - 08:49

      Thank you. I will check it out

  • irishgal on 28/09/2022 - 08:53

    Thanks all for comments/ suggestions. Once we have locked in definite dates I will plan the journey. We are looking for a mixture of sightseeing but fancy some time just wondering around and chilling. Any suggestions of areas to stay over night would be appreciated. We have been to Melbourne once and stayed at St. Kilda. I have no idea about Adelaide !

    • Benoffie on 28/09/2022 - 11:25
      +1

      Limestone Coast planner - https://southaustralia.com/destinations/limestone-coast/plac…

      In Adelaide, depends on what you want to see.

      Wine stuff, obviously Barossa, McLaren Vale and Hills.

      Beaches - take your pick but i personally prefer the northern ones (Semaphore, Largs, Grange). Glenelg is a tourist trap. Good for kids but expensive.

      Heaps to see on North Tce. Art Galleries, Museums etc, all free.

      Be aware the V8s are back beginning December.

      As for Melbourne, recommend the Alto. Reasonable price, tram out front, close to Spencer St station.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join