We decided to take a road trip in Australia. Initially, our eyes were set on the red heart of the country—we wanted to drive all the way to Alice Springs and trek through the vast, open desert. But as any seasoned traveler knows, time is the ultimate boss. We realized we didn’t have enough days to do that epic desert trip without rushing through it.
So, we pivoted. We changed our plans and decided to tackle the drive from Melbourne to Adelaide and back again.
Now, I know driving the highway between two major southern cities isn’t exactly the same as trekking through the rugged Outback. But we figured, why not use this chance to really get to know Victoria and South Australia?
Now, I know what you’re thinking. Driving a sealed highway between two major southern cities isn’t exactly the same as surviving the rugged, wild Outback. But we figured, why not get to know Victoria and South Australia? Spoiler alert: it was the best decision ever. This trip was absolutely packed with accidental adventures, weird roadside attractions, and actual wildlife. Here is exactly how our detour turned into an epic journey.
Trains, Quirky Sheep, and Wild Kangaroos
Our first big win happened in Dimboola. Instead of just speeding through, we stretched our legs at the Bicentennial Community Park (also known locally as Apex Park). Right there in the middle of the grass is a massive, beautifully preserved old J539 steam locomotive from the 1950s. You can actually climb up the stairs right into the cabin! It’s an awesome, unexpected piece of history parked right in the open.
Not long after leaving town, we also got our first real wildlife fix when we spotted kangaroos roaming completely free in the wild. There is nothing quite like the thrill of yelling “Look, a roo!” and frantically pulling over without causing a multi-car pileup.
Moving further along, we rolled into Kaniva. If you ever find yourself there, you cannot miss their main street. It is lined with brightly painted sheep statues. Yes, sheep statues. It is a vibrant, quirky nod to the town’s pastoral history, and honestly, it’s the exact kind of eccentric small-town charm you hope to find on a road trip.
Giant Art and Stepping Back in Time
One of the coolest parts of driving this route was discovering the Silo Art Trail. We found several of these towering grain silos scattered along the way, completely covered in massive, beautiful murals.
It essentially turns the rural Australian countryside into the world’s biggest outdoor art gallery—and makes for excellent Instagram backdrops.
For a deeper, more profound dive into history, we detoured slightly into the northern Grampians to visit Gulgurn Manja (which translates to ‘hands of young people’). Seeing the ancient Aboriginal rock art paintings here was a genuinely moving experience. Standing in front of art that has survived for thousands of years really puts your 9-to-5 worries into perspective.
Later, after crossing the border into South Australia, we decided to time travel at the Old Tailem Town Pioneer Settlement. Walking through this place is wild—it has over 110 historic buildings, making it look like the set of a Western film. It gives you a stark look at how tough the early Australian settlers had it (and makes you incredibly grateful for modern car air conditioning).
White Kangaroos and the Finish Line
Before we arrived at our final destination, we decided to make a stop in Bordertown, a small town known for its unique wildlife. Our main goal was to visit their famous colony of white kangaroos, a rare genetic variant that stands out with their striking appearance. As we approached the area, we were filled with anticipation, curious to see these unusual creatures.
When we finally caught sight of them, it was an enchanting moment. The white kangaroos were gracefully bounding about their habitat, their pale coats glistening in the sunlight. The sight felt almost otherworldly, as though we had stepped into the pages of a fantasy novel where mythical creatures roam.
It was an experience that combined curiosity with joy, leaving us in awe of nature’s wonders before we continued on our journey.
Finally, after hours of snacks, tunes, and stellar views, we made the scenic descent through the hills and rolled into Adelaide. Sure, it wasn’t the red, dusty desert of Alice Springs, but this road trip through Victoria and South Australia delivered an unforgettable mix of ancient culture, quirky art, and wild nature. 10/10 would pivot again.
