We will be driving from Adelaide to Melbourne via the Grampians. We have a half day planned in Adelaide, and would like to break the drive between Adelaide and the Grampians somewhere about an hour or two outside Adelaide, so that the next day's drive to the Grampians is only a few hours. Any suggestions on where to stay? I've looked around and haven't seen much. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Sharon

I'd suggest Robe. Crayfish capital and lovely spot. I personally also like kingston SE although this might be a little too small for some people. robe is definitely bigger.

It's not the MOST direct route, but often the most direct isn't really that exciting.

If you are taking the Western Highway,and believe me I have driven that road many times, there is absolutely nothing worth stopping for after you leave the Adelaide Hills. Murray Bridge on the River Murray is about 90mins distance from Adelaide and that is the only possibilty. The rest are very ordinary country towns. Nhill (about half way)is often used as a stopover town, but it's name really describes it.
The Grampians is only bout 5-6 hours from Adelaide on the Western Highway and I would suggest you drive straight there. Otherwise the previous poster suggests Robe on the Princess Highway (or just off)and I would add Mt.Gambier. Both more than 90mins from Adelaide.

Third way - for your consideration - again not the most direct - but you could detour off either route to Narocoote - and check out the caves.

No idea if there is anywhere to stay there.

fuzzylogic it is "Naracoorte" and there are also caves in the Mt.Gambier area so you don't have to detour. Really the best way to the Grampians from Adelaide is the Western Highway. You turn off soon after Horsham.

Thanks for the input. That's pretty much what I was coming up with (drive straight through or take another route). Guess I'll just tell the old man to shut up or let me drive! Any suggestions for a good place to stay after arriving in Adelaide at 10:00 in the morning, with a 5/6 hr drive the next day? We like wine, if that's any help...

I'd second the votes for Robe; it's charming and has a couple of good B & Bs.
I stayed at Grey Masts on a trip Adelaide - Melbourne and enjoyed it.

www.robe.sa.gov.au/geymasts/

The Sebel Playford on North Terrace is a good hotel in an excellent position but check www.wotif.com.au for all hotels and prices.

Sharon,

For Adelaide try the Majestic Roof Garden Hotel. Excellent rooms, great location and good rates and it's very close to loads of good restaurants as well as the Botanic Gardens. Also, they let us check in at 8.30am after an early arrival with no probs whatsoever.

Robe is a very quiet place, especially out of season but the coastline is spectacular. However, it is stll at least 3 hours from Adelaide. Victor Harbour is closer (but not direct), very nice and good for Whales in the Australian winter months. Mt Gambier is an amazing place with limestone sink holes and the Blue Lake but about 4-5 hours from Adelaide.

Have a great trip!

Thanks for all the replies - this forum is so great for information. We're now leaning toward staying the first night in Adelaide and having a good meal (which we always enjoy ) then heading for Robe for a night (and some crawfish/lobster), then port fairy for a night (which will be our 40th anniversary), then the Otway Conservation Centre for a night, then on to Melbourne. We're thinking one or two days in Melbourne so that we can get out to Philip Island for the penguins etc (which I guess will be doing their dusk thing in early Oct?), and have a couple of superior meals (for which I'll be soliciting advice...) and then on to Darwin. The Grampians are an alternative if the weather is too blustery to enjoy the coast the first day or so. Thanks again for all the help.

Regards, Sharon

Sounds like a good trip. I guess you mean superior meals in Melbourne. Suggestions: Donovans (an excellent place), on the beach front at St.Kilda, Grossi Florentino (frescoe room) or Bottega (top of Bourke St.) for traditional and great Italian, anywhere on Lygon St. Carlton for more Italian, Silks at Crown Casino or The Flower Drum in China town for Chinese( lots of other places there too.) Oyster, on little Bourke st. for seafood etc.etc. bon appetit!

thanks so much for the recommendations, Downunder. If you're ever in LA we'll be happy to steer you to some of our favorite bistros!

Regards, Sharon