Geelong to Barossa road trip

Start your holiday with this action-packed five-day road trip from Spirit of Tasmania Quay in Geelong to the stunning Barossa. With plenty of pit stops, iconic landmarks, and eateries on the way, it’s the ultimate journey for foodies and nature lovers.

The drive from Geelong to Warrnambool takes you through beautiful coastal and rural landscapes. Take the Surf Coast Highway to make the most of the photo moments, including a pit stop in Torquay, the birthplace of Australian surfing. Pop into The Salty Dog Cafe for brunch, a local favourite.

Continue the winding coastal drive along the Great Ocean Road. When hunger strikes, take the signs towards Apollo Bay and stop at the home of the scallop pie, Apollo Bay Bakery

On arrival in Warrnambool, stretch your legs at the Warrnambool Botanic Gardens, or dive into local history at Flagstaff Maritime Village, where shipwreck tales come alive.

Continue along the Princes Highway, taking in the rolling hills and glimpses of the ocean. Grab a coffee in Port Fairy, or walk to Griffiths Island Lighthouse, where you may spot a wallaby or two.

Take an optional detour to Portland, 85km west. Australia’s first European settlement in Victoria offers a rich maritime history, stunning beaches, and the opportunity to see southern right whales (depending on the season).

Take a final stretch of the legs at Dartmoor, a quirky little town known for its chainsaw wood carvings that depict local history and wildlife. 

Driving into Mt Gambier, you can’t help but notice the change in landscape, from rolling farmland to a geological wonderland. Visit the Blue Lake, and the Umpherston Sinkhole, a sunken harden in the heart of town.

Today’s route hugs the Limestone Coast, where volcanic history and coastal charm are sure to provide an unforgettable drive.

Start your morning with a final wander through Mt Gambier, perhaps stopping by Engelbrecht Cave, where underground tours reveal the limestone caves hidden beneath the city.

Head to Cape Northumberland, South Australia’s southernmost point. A stunning location to stretch your legs whilst exploring historic lighthouse ruins and sea cliffs. Short on time or looking for a fully accessible activity, Tantanoola Caves Conservation Park is an easy stop along the Princes Highway. 

The historical seaside town of Robe is an absolute must-visit. Browse art galleries, boutiques, and grab a coffee at Mahalia Coffee before taking a coastal walk past the Obelisk, a maritime navigation marker with breathtaking ocean views. Grab lunch from the food truck and a tasting paddle at Australia’s only wood-fired brewery, Robe Town Brewery.

Drive into Kingston SE via Larry the Big Lobster, an Aussie road trip classic, before strolling along the foreshore.

As you head inland from the coast and into the Murraylands, today you will experience wide open spaces, quirky landmarks, and spectacular natural features.

Just north of Kingston, take the scenic detour into Coorong National Park, where you can enjoy a short walk on the Pelican Point Nature Trail or visit Jack Point Pelican Observatory.

As you near Meningie, keep an eye out for the stunning Pink Lake. Pending weather, the lake shimmers in soft hues of bubblegum or mauve, making it a perfect spot to stretch your legs and grab some colourful snaps.

Located on the shores of Lake Albert, Meningie is an ideal spot for lunch. Visit the Meningie Cheese Factory Museum, walk the Pelican Path by the foreshore, and grab some lunch.

Dinner in Wellington is sorted, head to one of South Australia’s oldest country pubs Welly Hotel, where the river ends and the fun begins.

Your final stretch takes you from riverside serenity into the heart of South Australia’s most iconic wine region – the Barossa.

Cross the Murray River Bridge and enjoy a morning coffee at the Murray Bridge Wharf Precinct. Enjoy the murals and learn about the history of the paddle steamer. A visit with The Murray Bridge Bunyip is a must. It can be found lurking in her cave on the banks of the Murray River.

As the vineyards stretch into view, stop at Lyndoch for your first taste of Barossa wine. Wander local galleries, pick up gourmet goodies, and pop into Chateau Yaldara, a gorgeous estate on the banks of the North Para River.

Arriving in Tanunda, the cultural heart of the Barossa, you’ll be swept up in its timeless charm. With every step along the main street, you're surrounded by sandstone cottages, quaint boutiques, and cellar doors, each offering a taste of the region’s rich winemaking history.

Finish your five-day adventure with a visit to some of the Barossa Valley’s famous wineries: Jacob’s Creek, Yalumba, or Seppeltsfield.

As you sip a glass of Barossa Shiraz, take a time to reflect: from surf beaches and shipwreck coasts, to limestone caves and pink lakes, you’ve experienced some of southern Australia’s most diverse and stunning landscapes, all in just five days!

Information included in this blog is correct at the time of publishing. Please contact individual operators for further information.