Brisbane to Adelaide road trip: Drive distance, hours & best stops

Brisbane to Adelaide drive via Parkes

After the Goondiwindi to Dubbo section of the drive, the Brisbane to Adelaide road trip route continues along the Newell Highway. If you went to Narromine instead, it’s a very dull drive to Hay via Condobolin and Goolgowi. If you’ve taken the slight diversion to Dubbo, it’s quicker – and more fun – to stick to the Newell. From Dubbo to Hay, it’s 512km.

But it’s just 120km from Dubbo to Parkes. On the way, you can stop at Goobang National Park, which has a couple of fabulous lookouts. The Caloma Lookout is easiest to reach – it’s just a 50m walk from the car park and has great views over the plains.

The 4km return Burrabadine Peak walk from the wildlife-packed Greenbah campground is steeper, but rewarding.

Parkes hosts the Henry Parkes Centre, which houses Elvis museum King’s Castle. There’s also the radio telescope that broadcast the 1969 moon landings to the world.

Suggested Parkes attractions: Moat Cottage, King’s Castle, CSIRO Parkes Observatory.

Parkes accommodation picks: The fairly interchangeable Station Motel, Astro Dish Motor Inn and Bushman’s Motor Inn.

Click through to the next section: Parkes to Hay.