From Adelaide to Mt Gambier: Cheap as Chips Road Trips

In your Thrifty rental car, an Adelaide to Mt Gambier road trip will take you on an epic journey of sunswept beaches and thrilling nature parks. All you need to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s go road tripping! 

Follow the Peninsula to Victor Harbour 

Just over an hour’s drive south of Adelaide city, you’ll happen upon the coastal gem of Victor Harbour. In order to reach this seaside haven, follow the coast along the scenic Fleurieu Peninsula. Like many road trips, the journey along the way can be embraced as an equal treasure to the final destination. At Victor Harbour, to save on accommodation spending, you can consider camping at the Victor Harbour Beachfront Holiday Park. For an action-packed adventure in this town, head out on a hike along the causeway to Granite Island. This walk won’t only deliver sensational ocean views, but if you’re lucky you might even be able to spot some of the friendly penguins that frequent the area. For a cheap as chips feed, pack a picnic or pick up takeaway and head to Encounter Bay or the picturesque Bluff Lookout.   

Embrace the Serenity of the Seaside Town of Robe 

Nothing quite beats a stop in the sleepy seaside village of South Australia’s Robe. Don’t let the quaint quietness of this historic town fool you—there’s plenty of adventure to discover just below the surface. About three and a half hours from Victor Harbour, this gorgeous stop is definitely worth the trip. Pitch up a tent at Robe Lakeside Tourist Park for dirt-cheap accommodation, then get on your way toward Robe Obelisk. This lighthouse and ship guide landmark are backdropped against the dramatic cliffs and sweeping blue of the South Australian Basin as the ocean stretches out before you. Make the most of the calmness of this Limestone Coast cosy spot and shack up with a serving of good old local fish’n’chips on the beach as you watch the sunset. That golden yellow is more than enough to remind you that the best things in life are free. 

Squeeze in a Stop to the Naracoorte Caves 

While you’re in the area, you can’t go past a quick stop at the thrilling Naracoorte Caves. Located about an hour and twenty minutes from Robe and only an hour from Mt Gambier, it’s time to head inland and explore the hidden jewels of this natural playground. An underground maze of ancient caves that have frozen creatures from history in time in the fossils that still remain, Naracoorte Caves is an unmissable adventure for those wanting to action-pack their road trip. As with all South Australian National Parks, entry to Naracoorte Caves National Park is free. While visitors will have to pay for one of the expert-guided tours, these affordable experiences are well worth it to discover more about this secret world underneath our own. You can even spend the night in the area if you’re wanting to take a break before getting back on the road. There are plenty of camping options available to travellers at the Wirreanda campground and caravan park. That way, you’ll get more time to explore the network of walking trails that transport you through the lush bushland of Naracoorte and the native flora and fauna that call the area home. 

Make the Most of Mt Gambier 

Finally, after an epic journey of coastal beauty and hidden nature gems, you’ll arrive in the stunning Mt Gambier. One of the best things about this regional city is its close proximity to a range of free nature adventures, so you don’t need to spend an arm and a leg to get out on your feet. Right on Mt Gambier’s doorstep, you’ll discover the shimmering turquoise of the spectacular Blue Lake. The 3.6 kilometre walking track around this dormant volcano’s rim makes for a spectacular hike as the lake shines its sensational blue down below you. For more Mt Gambier adventures—all of which are free!— make sure to check out the other limestone sinkholes in the area. Umpherston Sinkhole and Cave Gardens are certainly some of the best ways to experience this scenic area. 

From Adelaide to Mt Gambier, and all the coastal beauty and hidden gems in between, follow this cheap as chips guide in your Thrifty rental car to make the most of a spectacular road trip along Australia’s south coast.