Melbourne to Alice Springs road trip: Distance, driving time & stops
Melbourne to Alice Springs road trip: To Port Augusta
For everyone else, the next leg of the Melbourne to Alice Springs journey is from Adelaide to Port Augusta. The quickest route heads to Port Wakefield, then along the Augusta Highway. You can stop at the eerily pink Lake Bumbunga, Port Pirie and Mambray Creek.
But the crucial thing to realise is that you only add a few minutes on to the Melbourne to Port Augusta drive by diverting through the Barossa Valley and Clare Valley wine regions.
8 unusual Barossa Valley experiences to book in advance
- Half day Mustang convertible tour.
- Two hour kayaking experience.
- Half day trike tour with commentary via headsets.
- Wine-tasting tour in a bright red London cab.
- Winery hopping by e-bike.
- Gin-making workshop with lunch.
- Behind the scenes VIP tour at Seppeltsfield.
- Learn about barrel-making at the Yalumba Cooperage.
You can also opt for beach time in Port Broughton at the top of the Yorke Peninsula.
Port Augusta is a crossroads town. From here, the Eyre Highway heads west across the top of the Eyre Peninsula and into Western Australia across the Nullarbor Plain.
Port Augusta accommodation picks
Port Augusta accommodation tends towards the functional. Few people stay here more than one night. Booking site Wotif lists options for from $89, if you’d like to check what’s available.
However, these Port Augusta accommodation choices are particularly worth looking at:
- For heritage and character: Pampas Motel.
- For green credentials: Crossroads Ecomotel.
- For overall quality: Majestic Oasis Apartments.
- For cheap rates and a pool: Discovery Parks – Port Augusta.
Next section: The Stuart Highway.