The AFL's Gather Round is coming back to South Australia for the third time in 2025. If you’ve got your tickets, now it’s time to plan how you’re getting to Adelaide and where you’re staying for the ultimate footy festival.
Good news—G’day Parks has you covered with a scenic journey from Melbourne to Adelaide. Whether you’re a returning or first-time visitor for Gather Round, why not fully switch onto holiday mode and take a leisurely drive past spectacular scenery on the Great Ocean Road and Limestone Coast?
It’s easy as to book your accommodation via the G’day Parks app or online, so let’s start dreaming up your football road trip!
Melbourne to Geelong (75km)
We’ll begin in the bayside city of Geelong, home of the Geelong Cats. Walk along the foreshore at Cunningham Pier – a taste of the sea views to come – to Eastern Beach Reserve, past the city’s street art, and through the botanic gardens. For thrills, check out Adventure Park Geelong’s waterslides and rides.
Barwon River Holiday Park is moments from the river. There’s a swimming pool and separate wading area for children, who will also go bananas for the playgrounds, bouncing pillow, and pedal karts. An eight-berth Three-Bedroom Poolside Villa will start your holiday on the right note, overlooking the pool with spacious, modern rooms including a kitchen, lounge, and bathroom.
Discovery Parks – Geelong is another family favourite by the Barwon River, with an indoor, heated pool, playground, giant games, and bike hire. Start the day with a coffee from the on-site café on the deck of your Deluxe Spa Cabin, which sleeps up to six people with an open-plan living and dining area, spa ensuite, and outdoor setting.
Geelong to Torquay (21km)
Image Credit: Bells Beach - Cameron Murray/Assemble Agency, Visit Victoria
Want to learn how to surf or ride some of Victoria’s best waves? Torquay is the state’s de facto surfing capital—and the start of the Great Ocean Road. Learn about surfing history at the Australian National Surfing Museum, then go out and do it at Bells Beach! Alternately, the Surf Coast Walk hugs the coast so you can experience the scenery and sea breeze with two feet on the ground.
Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park has a two-night minimum stay for all cabins, so you can pause and soak up the surf. There’s a bouncing pillow, playground, fishing platforms, BBQs, and amenities for a flawless stay. A five-berth Seaview Cabin has a bathroom, outdoor deck, and large couch that’s perfect for a cosy movie night.
Torquay to Anglesea (19km)
Image Credit: Anglesea - Robert Blackburn, Visit Victoria
The surfing doesn’t stop in Anglesea, and nor does the Surf Coast Walk. Surrounded by red cliffs, visit Anglesea Main Beach or Point Roadknight Beach for safe swimming. Go snorkelling in Point Addis Marine National Park or hire a canoe to paddle the river. By the way, did someone say free tastings at the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery?
Anglesea Family Caravan Park is packed with in-park fun, from the playground and bouncing pillow to mini golf and sports facilities. There’s a solar-heated pool to splash around on sunny days, and a kiosk to purchase tasty snacks. A Three-Bedroom Cottage sleeps seven people with cooking facilities, a bathroom, and an outdoor deck setting for a comfortable stay.
Anglesea to Lorne (29km)
Image Credit: Teddy's Lookout - William Watt, Visit Victoria
It’s time to get out your camera as you pass through the Memorial Arch on your way to Lorne. Lorne is home to Cathedral Rock, one of the West Coast’s premier surfing spots (while Main Beach is beginner-friendly). Teddy’s Lookout provides a beautiful view, as does Lorne Pier—with your choice of a fishing rod or an ice cream in hand.
Image Credit: Live Wire Park - Belinda VanZanen, Visit Victoria
In contrast to the town’s chill nature, thrill seekers can hit up Live Wire Park for an extreme zipline and treetop obstacle course. If you only visit one of the nearby waterfalls, Erskine Falls is unmissable; survey the cascades from the lookout above, then descend steps into the gully to admire the pool and falls.
Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park embodies the town’s relaxed vibe. There are picnic spots on the riverbanks, BBQ facilities, and a playground at Ocean Road Park. A cosy, four-berth Riverview Family Cabin adds to the tranquillity, with a kitchen, bathroom, deck, and water and foliage views.
Lorne to Kennett River (23km)
Image Credit: Koala Spotting - Darren Donlen, Visit Victoria
The tiny towns of Wye River and Kennett River are the best places to take it slow. There are multiple walking tracks to set your own pace and admire the wildlife and scenery. You might spot a koala hugging the trees or a platypus gliding in the lakes.
Image Credit: Kennett River Beach - Belinda VanZanen, Visit Victoria
Afterwards, Kennett River Beach is a peaceful place to sip a locally roasted coffee from Kafe Koala General Store.
Kennett River Family Caravan Park masterfully blends seaside and bushland for a restful stay. Plate up delicious meals thanks to BBQs, camp kitchen, and the neighbouring general store, and kids will flock to the playground. An eight-berth Family Cabin has an open-plan living area, deck, bathroom, and three bedrooms.
Kennett River to Apollo Bay (22km)
Image Credit: Apollo Bay Seafood - Emily Godfrey, Visit Victoria
As you leave Kennett River, pull over and walk the short track towards the spectacular Carisbrook Falls, before continuing to Apollo Bay—best known for delicious, fresh seafood.
Keen hikers can trek the Great Ocean Walk or head into the Otways rainforest. It takes 30 minutes to drive through the Great Otway National Park, passing rainforest, fern gullies, and waterfalls, to arrive at the picture-perfect Cape Otway Lightstation. Alternately, zipline through the forest at Otway Fly Treetop Adventures!
Following sun-kissed beach days, Apollo Bay Holiday Park is the best place to come home to. The park is walking distance from the shore – not to mention restaurants to taste superb seafood – and has a heated pool, playground, and games room. A six-berth Pool Cabin comes with outdoor furniture, a bathroom, parking space, and self-contained kitchen.
Apollo Bay to Peterborough (109km)
Pack your camera and charge your smartphone, because this stretch through Port Campbell National Park passes the Great Ocean Road’s most iconic landmarks. The staircase to the beach at Gibson Steps. The road’s famous lookout over the Twelve Apostles. The cliffs at Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge. The Grotto’s still cave and rock pool, cradled by spectacular rock formations.
Image Credit: The Grotto - Emily Godfrey, Visit Victoria
Grab lunch as you pass Port Campbell, or detour onto the 12 Apostles Food Artisans Trail for foodie heaven.
Great Ocean Road Tourist Park lies at the intersection of the river and ocean, where there are water views to die for and a boat ramp for easy fishing access. After a big day of exploring the Great Ocean Road’s attractions, a four-berth Two-Bedroom Ensuite Cabin affords private bathroom and cooking facilities to refuel and rest.
Peterborough to Warrnambool (54km)
Our next destination, Warrnambool, has a reputation for street art, so make sure you wander past murals and installations. Learn about the region’s history at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, or sample delicious cheese and milkshakes at Cheese World.
Travel 15 minutes out of town to Hopkins Falls, or visit Tower Hill Reserve for walks, wildlife, and picnics at a nature reserve inside a dormant volcano.
As you cruise towards the end of the Great Ocean Road, Discovery Parks – Warrnambool is waiting by the beach to welcome you with outstanding facilities. Play your heart out with a pool and spa, playground, and pedal karts before retiring to your accommodation. A five-berth Deluxe Two-Bedroom Cabin has a deck, full-size kitchen, and bathroom with a walk-in shower.
Swap the beach for the river at Central Warrnambool Holiday Park and Motel, which is a short walk away from fishing, water skiing, and riverside walking opportunities, with free boat storage (subject to availability). Have fun jumping on the bouncing pillow, splashing around the pool, and clambering over the playground. A Superior Family Apartment allows you to spread out and relax, with a kitchenette, ensuite, and your own car park.
Warrnambool to Port Fairy (30km)
Image Credit: Port Fairy - Rob Blackburn, Visit Victoria
As its final stop, Port Fairy has everything you’ll have fallen in love with along the Great Ocean Road. We’re talking delicious seafood, local walking tours that highlight the town’s history and scenery, and the chance to get up close to Australia’s wildlife.
Port Fairy Holiday Park keeps the fun going, from swimming in their indoor pool (with a children’s waterslide) to tennis courts where you can challenge each other to a friendly match. There’s a bouncing pillow, playground, kiosk, and outdoor games, too. A five-berth Deluxe Villa provides the ultimate luxury with a fully equipped kitchen, deck, and large bathroom.
Port Fairy to Portland (71km)
Portland is a maritime town with lots of fun activities—from riding the 7.4km-long foreshore Cable Tram to taking a fur seal tour. Hike a section of The Great South West Walk to admire incredible flora and fauna.
The Cape Nelson Lighthouse is a lovely place to catch the sunset or admire panoramic views, with a café at the base.
At Portland Tourist Park, it’s not uncommon to find a koala in the trees. Fishers are more than welcome, with a boat wash, ample boat parking space, and a huge, lockable freezer in camp kitchen. Join the kids on the playground or walk to the beach and foreshore reserve. Once you’ve cooked your catch, enjoy dinner on the deck of your Whalesong Spa Villa, with a large lounge, kitchen, and spa bathroom.
Portland to Mount Gambier (105km)
It’s time to cross the border into South Australia. Please note, South Australia has strict laws which prohibit bringing any fruit or vegetables into the state, so make sure to dispose of any produce in the quarantine bins as you cross the border.
Image Credit: Umpherston Sinkhole - Tourism Australia
Mount Gambier is a city shaped by volcanoes, crater lakes, and caves. The Blue Lake/Warwar is a spellbinding body of water; from November to February, its shade is a bright turquoise—but that doesn’t mean it’s any less impressive out of season. The ‘sunken garden’ of Umpherston Sinkhole/Balumbul is another must-see. Follow the steep staircase down to be transfixed by the beauty of this garden that has grown over a collapsed cave. Hike through a volcanic crater at Mount Schank or descend into the depths of Tantanoola Cave and Conservation Park.
Pine Country Caravan Park is a short drive from the Blue Lake, with country hospitality and second-to-none facilities, including a playground and bouncing pillow for kids. A six-berth Two-Bedroom Ensuite Cabin promises a kitchenette, bathroom, and dedicated parking space.
Mount Gambier to Penola (52km)
Trust us—take a detour north to Penola, a hidden gem in the Coonawarra Wine Country. From the topsoil to its famous cabernet, the region is characterised by the colour red and a reputation for incredible wine at more than 25 cellar doors. Penola is a charming country town of cute cafés, specialty shops, and unique attractions, like the historic timber and stone cottages of Petticoat Lane.
Tucked amongst the vineyards, which are especially stunning in the autumn palette, is the idyllic Penola Coonawarra Caravan Park. The park has all the necessary facilities to rest and make the most of the beautiful landscape. A Two-Bedroom Cabin is your home among the vines, with a full kitchen, bathroom, and parking space.
Penola to Beachport (83km)
We’re heading back to the beach—Beachport that is! Sip a coffee as you stroll the jetty – the second-longest in SA – and feel the refreshing sea breeze. Head to the Pool of Siloam to swim in a lake that’s supposedly seven times as salty as the ocean, and therefore very buoyant. There are delightful local walks through native bush and sand dunes in Beachport Conservation Park.
You’ll fall in love with the blue sky and crystal-clear ocean views over Rivoli Bay at Beachport Caravan Park. When you’re not at the shoreline, in-park facilities include a playground, games room, camp kitchen, and fish cleaning station. Surfside Luxury Apartments have 180-degree views of the beach; see the sunrise through your lounge window, with your own bathroom, kitchen, and washing machine.
Beachport to Robe (50km)
Next stop, Robe—a beloved beachside getaway for SA families. Long Beach stretches over 14 glorious kilometres of white sand that you can drive straight onto. If you’re up for four-wheel driving, head to Little Dip Conservation Park. A walk to the Robe Obelisk is a must, and there are historic landmarks, buildings, and ruins to interest history buffs.
At Discovery Parks – Robe, with the beach so close and many in-park activities – like an indoor pool, bouncing pillow, playground, games room, and pedal karts – you won’t know where to start. A Deluxe Two-Bedroom Waterfront Cabin combines practical features and holiday luxury, from watching movies in modern living spaces to chilling out overlooking the Esplanade on the deck.
Robe Lakeside Tourist Park is the perfect place to unwind. They’ve got outstanding facilities – camp kitchen, BBQs, laundry, playground, and fish cleaning room – that make it easy to sit back and relax. Do just that on the verandah of a homely Two-Bedroom Superior Villa; these cabins sleep up to five people with a bathroom and kitchenette.
Robe to Kingston SE (337km)
You’ll find big things in Kingston SE – from the towering Cape Jaffa lighthouse to ‘The Big Lobster’ – which are essential photograph opportunities. Explore Coorong National Park, whether you’re walking, fishing, paddling, or four-wheel driving. Kingston SE is a fishing town, so it makes sense to bring your rod and cast a line on the shore, a boat, or the jetty.
Cap off your trip to the Limestone Coast at Kingston Foreshore Caravan Park. Central park facilities and beach access to Lacepede Bay provide everything you need for a whale of a time. With a kitchen and bathroom, a Sunrise Villa is the place to – you guessed it – catch the sunrise, and later the sunset as you hang out on the deck.
Kingston to Murray Bridge (224km)
Adelaide is getting closer and closer, but first, welcome to Murray Bridge. The Murray River has adventure and recreation in spades, including fishing, water skiing, and walking trails. Ten minutes away, you’ll find Monarto Safari Park—the biggest open-range zoo in Australia. Pack a picnic lunch or book a specialty animal experience to get up close to magnificent creatures. There are free keeper presentations each day, and hop-on, hop-off buses to seamlessly move from place to place.
Avoca Dell Caravan Park sits on the banks of the Murray River, where you can launch your own boat or watch rowers go past while you savour a riverside picnic. The park has a playground and mini golf, and when it comes to mealtimes, you’re prepared for all weather with an air-conditioned dining room and undercover BBQ area. Book a Deluxe Ensuite Queen cabin for a fully equipped kitchen, balcony, open-plan living–dining area, and room for six guests.
Murray Bridge to Hahndorf (50km)
You can’t visit South Australia without seeing Hahndorf. This town – Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement – is steeped in charm. Leisurely stroll the main street, where you’ll delight in German food, architecture, and handiwork, complemented by local South Australian produce. Pick strawberries at Beerenberg Farm or sample a local Adelaide Hills winery or distillery.
Get to the heart of the hills at the award-winning Discovery Parks – Hahndorf. The park has a pool, bouncing pillow, playground, activity room, pump track, and mini golf to share fun moments with your loved ones. An eight-berth Superior Three-Bedroom Lakeview Cottage is set on the rolling hills, with a kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor setting overlooking the lake.
Arriving in Adelaide?
If your team is playing in the city (or you’re taking the free Barossa Shuttle Bus), there’s lots to do in Adelaide—including the Footy Festival precinct at Elder Park and Pinky Flat, beside Adelaide Oval. Wear your team colours proudly as you explore the Adelaide Central Market’s culinary delights or shop in Rundle Mall (and get a photo in front of the ‘Mall’s Balls’). Visit the pandas at Adelaide Zoo, browse the Art Gallery of South Australia, or picnic in the peaceful Adelaide Botanic Gardens—where you can currently view the free exhibition of large-scale glass sculptures by Dale Chihuly.
There are five G’day Parks around Adelaide—get in quick, because spaces during Gather Round will be snapped up quickly!
Continue your Adelaide Hills immersion at Belair National Park Holiday Park, with charming national park trails just next door, less than half an hour’s drive from the city.
At Brownhill Creek Tourist Park, it’s tough to believe you’re only ten minutes out of the CBD—surrounded by native bushland, a creek, and walking tracks.
Levi Adelaide Holiday Park is tucked in the leafy inner suburbs, where you can relax while staying close to the action with a pool, playground, and tennis court.
For a beachside escape, stay less than 30 minutes from the city at Discovery Parks – Adelaide Beachfront, where you can explore historic Semaphore.
Alternately, embrace a wonderland of in-park activities – including a splash zone, pool, bouncing pillow, sports facilities, and games room – plus direct beach access at Discovery Parks – West Beach Parks.
Heading to the Barossa Valley?
Gather Round is saying “g’day” to the Barossa in 2025, and it’s easy to see why. South Australians love to show off this world class region, where there are more than 80 cellar doors, producing exceptional wines and delicious meals. Drive down the Avenue of Palms as you hop from vineyard to vineyard, and stop in at Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop for hearty food.
Discovery Parks – Barossa Valley has a treat in store for every traveller. There’s a pool, water park, bouncing pillow, kiosk, playground, hire equipment, bike station … need we say more? A Deluxe Three-Bedroom House ticks all the boxes—these villas sleep up to six people and have a modern bathroom, light-filled kitchen, laundry, and private outdoor space.
Gawler Caravan Park is 15 minutes’ drive from Barossa Park and walking distance from the town centre. Buy a local Shiraz to enjoy on your deck or the park’s luscious green spaces. A Two-Bedroom Villa meets every need with full kitchen facilities, modern fittings, a bathroom, and your own balcony space.
Image Credit: Tourism Australia
What are you waiting for? Make sure you're on the ball and lock in your Gather Round getaway with G’day Parks today! It’s easy to book online or via the G'day Parks app.
