Adelaide to Sydney

Adelaide to Sydney

Six days
Approximately 1700 kilometres/ 1050 miles

This itinerary gives you a picturesque tour of the Murray River 4565, a taste of the Outback and three gorgeous Australian wine regions.

Day 1
Begin your journey from Adelaide taking the picturesque route through Chain of Ponds and Kersbrook. Continue towards Williamstown, passing via the Barossa Reservoir with its engineering feat, the Whispering Wall. An acoustic phenomenon, the Whispering Wall allows messages whispered at one end to carry audibly to the other end, 140 metres away. Travel towards Lyndoch, perhaps stopping in at the Lyndoch Bakery for a tasty treat.

Continue exploring the many wineries and attractions of the Barossa. From Tanunda, stop in at the Jacob’s Creek Visitor Centre for a tasting or refreshments in their cafe. Other wineries along the road include St Hallett's Wines, Grant Burge Wines and Rockford Wines, a boutique winery producing high quality traditional wines.

The Barossa also has excellent accommodation. Quaint and historic self-contained cottages, hosted bed and breakfast, heritage or resort style accommodation, hotels and motels are all available.

Adelaide via the Adelaide Hills - Tanunda: 70km, 1 hour

Day 2
This morning take your time to discover the Barossa, one of Australia's most famous wine regions, as it is an easy hour’s drive to your next holiday destination, Clare. There are more than 50 wineries in the Barossa, and you can start exploring them in the town of Nuriootpa, at places like Elderton Wines and Penfold Wines.

The town of Tanunda is a delight, and a walk around is highly recommended to see some of the unique historical attractions. Visit the Barossa Wine and Visitor Centre to obtain a 'Heritage Town Walk' brochure. The main street features country cafes, and is good for antique and craft shopping. Recommended wineries on the outskirts of Tanunda include Peter Lehmann Wines, Richmond Grove and Langmeil Winery.

This afternoon before heading north towards the Clare Valley, drive to the town of Angaston via Mengler Hill Lookout for one of the best views over the Barossa Valley. In Angaston visit the Angas Park Fruit Company    to purchase gourmet South Australian treats, and visit Yalumba, with its stunning heritage buildings, and only working cooperage in an Australia winery.

There are numerous dining options throughout the Barossa. For picnic fare or just to taste and purchase her delicious regional produce, Maggie Beer's Farm Shop is well worth a visit. Travel onto the Clare Valley where there are many choices of accommodation, ranging from motel and apartments, to self contained bed and breakfast cottages and beautiful country estates.

Tanunda - Clare: 100 km, 1.5 hours

Day 3
This morning, discover the Clare Valley before travelling via the historic copper mining town of Burra . The Clare Valley is one of Australia's premium wine growing regions, as well as being an important pastoral region. Visit the heritage town of Mintaro, where all of the heritage buildings are within walking distance. Martindale Hall is approximately 10 minutes drive from Mintaro, and is a magnificent Georgian mansion open to the public. There are more than 30 cellar doors in the Clare Valley and the oldest vineyard is Sevenhill Cellars, established by the Jesuits in 1848.

While Clare is the major town of this small picturesque region, there are many smaller towns with their own charm to explore. For example, Auburn  is recommended for its many buildings of architectural and historical merit. A self-guided walking map is readily available.

Clare via Burra - Blanchetown: 167km, 2 hours

Day 4
Today you'll discover the Murray River  region. There are many towns to explore, such as Waikerie, Barmera, Renmark and Berri, where the region's fruit industry is evident in roadside stalls. Houseboating and water sports are favourite activities along the Murray River. One attraction not to be missed is Banrock Station  near Kingston-on-Murray, where the restored wetlands can be explored by signposted walking trail, and Banrock Station wines can be tasted, purchased and enjoyed with a light meal. A quiet drink or meal at the historic Overland Corner Hotel  is also a must, just outside of Barmera.

There is a range of accommodation available along the Murray River - one option is a farmstay experience on the river, or travel through to Mildura, set on the banks of the Murray River, Mildura is a rich agricultural area with plenty to offer the visitor.

Blanchetown - Renmark: 93 km, 1 hour
Renmark - Mildura: 144km, 1 hour30 minutes

Day 5
Today you’ll travel through Victoria and a number of picturesque Murray River towns including Swan Hill, take a look at Pioneer Settlement for a glimpse of life on the river during the paddle steamer era. Continue onto Echuca and travel to the historic town of Albury, one of Victoria's oldest river towns. Echuca has fine examples of ornate architecture and you'll be able to see the paddle steamers crawling their way along the river. On arrival in Albury, choose from one of the many accommodation options.

Mildura - Albury: 597km, 6 hours 30 minutes

Day 6
Travel to Sydney along the Hume Highway through Gundagai and Goulburn, ending the day's journey in Australia’s Harbour town Sydney.

Albury - Sydney: 575 km, 6 hours