Day 1: Adelaide to Lake Tyrrell (~350 km)

Route: Drive northeast from Adelaide through the Riverland region. Stop in Renmark for supplies before reaching the surreal Lake Tyrrell, Victoria’s largest salt lake.

Things to Do & See:

Lake Tyrrell: Walk on the salt crust and capture the mirror-like reflections at sunset.

Sea Lake: Visit the local town and enjoy a meal at the pub.

Fuel Stops: Easy (Renmark, Berri, Sea Lake)

Food Shops: Easy (supermarkets and cafes in Renmark, Berri, and Sea Lake)

Place to Stay: Lake Tyrrell Camping Area (basic facilities, unpowered sites).

Day 2: Lake Tyrrell to Mungo National Park (~300 km)

Route: Head east toward Mildoora, then north to Mungo National Park. Stop in Ouyen for fuel and supplies.

Things to Do & See:

Mungo Visitor Centre: Start your visit with an introduction to the park’s history and culture.

Walls of China: Take a guided tour or self-drive to this iconic lunar-like landscape.

Sunset at Mungo: Watch the dunes glow golden as the sun sets over the ancient lakebed.

Fuel Stops: Moderate (Ouyen, Mildoora; fill up in Ouyen)

Food Shops: Limited (stock up in Ouyen or Mildoora)

Place to Stay: Mungo Lodge (accommodation and campground) or Mungo Shearers Quarters (basic cabins).

Day 3: Mungo National Park

Route: Spend the day exploring the wonders of Mungo National Park.

Things to Do & See:

Walls of China Boardwalk: Walk the boardwalk for stunning views of the lunettes.

Mungo Lookout: Enjoy panoramic views of the park and Lake Mungo.

Guided Tours: Join a cultural or geological tour to deepen your understanding of the area.

Zanci Homestead: Visit the historic homestead and learn about pastoral life in the region.

Fuel Stops: None (nearest fuel in Mildoora or Pinnaroo)

Food Shops: Limited (bring your own supplies)

Place to Stay: Mungo Lodge or Mungo Campground (basic facilities).

Day 4: Mungo National Park to Bendigo (~350 km)

Route: Drive southeast to Bendigo, stopping in Swan Hill for a break and to explore the Pioneer Settlement.

Things to Do & See:

Pioneer Settlement: Step back in time at this living museum in Swan Hill.

Bendigo Art Gallery: Visit one of Australia’s oldest and most respected regional art galleries.

Central Deborah Gold Mine: Take an underground mine tour and try your hand at gold panning.

Fuel Stops: Easy (Swan Hill, Bendigo)

Food Shops: Easy (supermarkets and restaurants in Swan Hill and Bendigo)

Place to Stay: Bendigo Tourist Park (powered sites, cabins) or Bendigo City Centre (hotels and motels).

Day 5: Bendigo to Melbourne (~150 km)

Route: Drive south to Melbourne, stopping in Kyneton or Castlemaine for a coffee and a stroll through these charming historic towns.

Things to Do & See:

Bendigo Pottery: Explore Australia’s oldest working pottery.

Vintage Tram Tour: Ride a vintage tram and discover Bendigo’s gold rush heritage.

Hanging Rock: Detour to this mysterious volcanic formation (optional).

Fuel Stops: Easy (Kyneton, Castlemaine, Melbourne)

Food Shops: Easy (plenty of options in Bendigo, Kyneton, and Castlemaine)

Place to Stay: Return to Melbourne or stay overnight in Bendigo if you prefer.