Road trip: Adelaide to Sydney


There's so much more to Australia than just its big cities. This five day cross country adventure takes you through inland South Australia, Victoria and NSW, passing through majestic riverlands, vast open plains, highlands and mountains and pausing for breath in some of the country's most famous regional centres along the way.
Experience natural and man made wonders, delve into local history, stock up on collectables and tuck into some of the country's finest food, produce and wine as you discover what lies between the big smoke.
Day 1: Adelaide to Mildura
4hr 30min | 393km
Take the short hop from Adelaide to the rolling hills and vines of Nuriootpa, the commercial centre of the Barossa Valley. Grab a coffee at Bean Addiction Artisan Coffee Roasters, shop for tasty goodies at Maggie Beer's Farm Shop, stock up on wines from the many famous cellar doors or just stretch your legs at Barossa Bushgardens.

Cross into Victoria and through the red earth, vines and citrus trees towards Mildura with its vibrant arts, shopping, wine and food scenes. Stop off at Junction Park in Wentworth on the way, where the meeting of two of Australia's biggest rivers - the Murray and the Darling - creates a spectacular swirling confluence.
Stay: Mildura Motor Inn serves up quiet, comfortable and clean rooms in the heart of Mildura. For luxurious self contained accommodation, try Indulge Apartments Eighth Street.
Day 2: Mildura to Hay
3hr 15min | 296km

Continuing east, the geography becomes increasingly open and barren as you enter the Hay Plains - one of the flattest, most featureless places on earth. Hay the town has more to offer; discover how shearing shaped the area at the Shear Outback museum, take in the beautiful gardens and historic architecture of Bishop's Lodge Historic House and Rose Garden, or just watch the sun go down from the Sunset Viewing Area north of town before dinner at one of its range of eating options.
Stay: Bishop's Lodge Motor Inn offers comfortable, affordable accommodation just a short walk from the centre of town. For pampering in a beautiful historic building, try The Bank Bed & Breakfast.
Day 3: Hay to Wagga Wagga
2hr 50min | 268km
Continue following the Murrumbidgee east to your next overnight stop, Wagga Wagga. Get a handle on the town's strong retail, artistic and epicurean heartbeat with a stroll around its CBD and a trip to Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, then savour the scientific wine making of Charles Sturt University Wines before dinner at the award winning Magpies Nest Restaurant & Bar.
Stay: The Houston Wagga has boutique, self-contained accommodation in the centre of Wagga. For big comfortable rooms without spending a fortune, try The Lawson Motor Inn.

Day 4: Wagga Wagga to Bathurst
3hr 50min | 315km
Then it's the final run up and into Bathurst, Australia's oldest inland settlement and home to gorgeous heritage streetscapes, lovely parks, eateries, cellar doors, breweries, galleries and other attractions.
Stay at NRMA Bathurst Panorama Holiday Park. The park is located in a quiet location and provides comfortable accommodation.

Day 5: Bathurst to Sydney
2hr 50min | 200km
Visit the Echo Point Lookout to see the famous Three Sisters or ride the jaw dropping scenic railway at Scenic World. If you tire of the views, Katoomba's galleries, day spas, cafes, restaurants, shops and other enticements will keep you entertained, fed and ready for the short run down to big, bustling Sydney and its myriad attractions.
Stay: NRMA Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park has cabins, camping and caravan spots in a lovely beachside and lakeside location. Travelodge Hotel Sydney is a comfortable affordable place to rest your head right in the heart of the CBD.


Stay 4 nights, only pay for 3
Or save 10% on shorter stays at NRMA Holiday Parks and Resorts.