posted on January 17, 2024
Ready for an epic multi-day road trip from Adelaide to Perth? Traversing the most iconic roads of South Australia and Western Australia, the Adelaide to Perth road trip is a bucket list driving itinerary.
Spanning over 2,695 km and best explored over at least seven days, this drive will take you along the Nullarbor Plain (Australia’s longest stretch of straight road) and the Eyre Highway, stopping off at Port Augusta, Ceduna, Norseman, Esperance and more along the way.
In this complete guide, we’ll cover:
- An overview of the Adelaide to Perth road trip
- What to know before you guide: expert tips for staying safe on the outback roads of SA and WA
- Choose your own Adelaide to Perth road trip itinerary:
- Top places to stop between Adelaide and Perth
- Nearby road trips to keep the drive going from Perth
- Adelaide to Perth road trip: Frequently asked questions
Find your drive and hire a car from a local Turo host in Adelaide.
Plan your drive: An overview of the Adelaide to Perth road trip
The first thing to know about the Adelaide to Perth road trip is that planning and preparation are essential to staying safe. Not only does this driving route include over 28 hours of driving, but you’ll be driving across long, untamed stretches of outback roads.
For those with a sense of adventure and at least a week to spare, this epic interstate road trip is a must to experience the vast landscapes of Australia.
- Adelaide to Perth drive time: 28 hours direct
- Adelaide to Perth road trip distance: 2,695 km (direct via National Highway A1, National Highway 1 and National Highway 94)
- Route options:
- 10-day Adelaide to Perth road trip (38 hours, 3,459 km)
- 8-day coastal route Adelaide to Perth road trip (37 hours, 3,492 km)
- Top stops: Clare Valley, Margaret River, Barossa Valley, Port Lincoln, Streaky Bay, Kalgoorlie, Esperance and Albany.
- Best time to drive from Adelaide to Perth: I’d recommend planning your drive during spring (to see the native wildflowers in full bloom) or winter (to see whales migrating along the coast). Avoid tackling this drive in summer (December to February) as temperatures can soar to close to 50 °C (122 °F) across the Nullarbor Plain due to its desert-like climate.
Road trip from Adelaide to Perth map
What to know before you go: Adelaide to Perth drive
To maximise your time and ensure the best driving experience, plan ahead and keep these expert tips in mind when preparing for the Adelaide to Perth drive.
Driving conditions and staying safe on the outback roads
The Nullarbor Plain stretches a whopping 1,200 km, connecting Australia’s East and West coasts (running from Ceduna in SA to Norseman in WA). The drive from Adelaide to Perth will cover the Nullarbor Crossing, taking you along the sealed Eyre Highway (A1).
While this road is well-maintained and in good condition, it’s a long, straight road with few sights, attractions or places to stop along the way. Typically, you’ll find a roadhouse every 200 km and supplies (including fuel and food), which tend to be very expensive. Make sure to carry plenty of food and water with you as well as emergency supplies and safety equipment.
An EPIRB (Emergency Communication Beacon) and a satellite phone are highly recommended, as there is no mobile phone coverage on over 1,100 km of road and only limited service near some roadhouses.
Tip from the author: If you are planning to make an overnight stop while crossing the Nullarbor Plain, make sure to book early and be prepared for very basic accommodation.
Petrol stations and EV chargers along the way
When driving through the Nullarbor, places to refuel are usually 200km or more apart. The key towns of the Nullarbor (such as Ceduna, Penong, Nullarbor Roadhouse, Eucla, Madura and Norseman) will all have a petrol station for you to refuel. Never risk it, and always refuel at every opportunity.
Currently, there are only a handful of public EV charging stations on the Perth side of the Nullarbor. While several fast chargers are in the process of being installed, an electric car is not recommended for this road trip due to the lack of charging infrastructure.
What kind of vehicle is best for this epic road trip?
With thousands of kilometres of outback road to cover, a reliable car is essential for the Adelaide to Perth drive. While the entire drive can be done in a 2WD, I’d recommend securing a larger vehicle (such as a large sedan or spacious SUV) to ensure you have plenty of room for supplies, like water and food.
If you plan to venture off the main roads and highways, a 4WD is a better option as it allows you to tackle unsealed roads with confidence.
On Turo, you can find plenty of cars capable of tackling this outback adventure from a local host in Perth or Adelaide.
Choose your Adelaide to Perth road trip itinerary
Ready to curate your perfect road trip itinerary? From exploring national parks to indulging in wine tasting tours and even taking a splash in amazing beaches, these two road trip routes will offer something for every adventurer.
Option 1. 10-day Adelaide to Perth road trip
- Driving time: 38 hours
- Driving distance: 3,459 km
- Day-by-day itinerary:
- Day 1: Adelaide to Whyalla via Clare Valley and Port Augusta (4 hours 20 minutes, 385km)
- Day 2: Whyalla to Gawler Ranges National Park (3 hours 5 minutes, 316km)
- Day 3: Gawler Ranges National Park to Ceduna (3 hours 15 minutes, 260 km)
- Day 4: Exploring Ceduna (no driving)
- Day 5: Ceduna to Great Australian Bight (4 hours 57 minutes, 481km)
- Day 6: Great Australian Bight to Balladonia (5 hours 8 minutes, 503km)
- Day 7: Balladonia to Esperance (4 hours 28 minutes, 422km)
- Day 8: Esperance to Albany (5 hours 5 minutes, 481km)
- Day 9: Albany to Margaret River (3 hours 50 minutes, 344km)
- Day 10: Margaret River to Perth (3 hours 5 minutes, 268km)
- Best for: Foodies who want to indulge in wineries and culinary delights of the Eyre Peninsula and the fantastic oysters the coastal town of Ceduna is known for producing.
This epic 10-day route trip itinerary is ideal for travellers who have more time to indulge in the sights, attractions and local cuisine that SA and WA are known for.
Begin your road trip indulging in the Clare Valley’s top-notch Rieslings before weaving your way through national parks, coastal towns and small towns (like Eucla). Don’t miss a detour off the highway to the Great Australian Bight Lookout, with the opportunity to spot southern right whales off the Southern Ocean from June to September.
After crossing the Nullarbor Plain, your final stretch of the journey will take you along the West Coast of Australia. First, you’ll venture along the South Coast Highway to Albany (known for its white sand beaches) before travelling to the Marget River wine region and ending in your last destination: WA’s capital city of Perth.
Tip from the author: There is a quarantine inspection at the South Australian and Western Australian border on day six of your trip, where you’ll have to declare or discard any items you’re carrying interstate (such as fresh produce and animal products).
Option 2. 8-day coastal route Adelaide to Perth road trip
- Driving distance: 3,492 km
- Driving time: 37 hours
- Day-by-day itinerary:
- Day 1: Adelaide to Port Lincoln (7 hours 6 minutes, 651km)
- Day 2: Port Lincoln to Ceduna (4 hours 10 minutes, 404km)
- Day 3: Ceduna to Mundrabilla (6 hours, 581km)
- Day 4: Mundrabilla to Salmon Gums (7 hours 21 minutes, 718km)
- Day 5: Salmon Gums to Esperance (1 hour 12 minutes, 481km)
- Day 6: Esperance to Albany (5 hours 3 minutes, 481km)
- Day 7: Albany to Busselton (3 hours 41 minutes, 332km)
- Day 8: Busselton to Perth (2 hours 29 minutes, 219km)
- Best for: Explorers who are short on time but want to avoid the monotonous inland route by hugging the coastline and seeing the top sights along SA and WA.
While this might be an express route, this coastal driving itinerary still gives you access to the best sights from Adelaide to Perth. You’ll begin with a long day of driving, so depart early to ensure you have plenty of time to soak in the sights of Port Lincoln (Australia’s seafood capital, situated on Boston Bay – one of the largest protected natural harbours in the world).
You’ll then weave along the Eyre Peninsula coastline to Streaky Bay, the Nullarbor National Park and Ceduna. Once in Esperance, make sure to explore one of Australia’s best national parks, Le Grand National Park as well as stunning beaches such Twilight Beach.
After departing Esperance, head along National Highway 1 to reach Pink Lake (an incredible salt lake on Middle Island) before heading through the WA towns of Albany and Busselton before driving just a couple of hours to reach Perth.
Tip from the author: Be aware there are multiple days on this itinerary with 5 to 7+ hours of driving involved, so be sure to share the drive to avoid fatigue.
Top places to stop between Adelaide and Perth
As you head west from Adelaide to Perth and cross mainland Australia, there is no shortage of incredible places to visit year-round. From pristine beaches to beautiful scenery, we’ve rounded up the must-see locations to add to your road trip itinerary.
Barossa Valley
Shiraz lovers: don’t miss a trip to the Barossa wine region. A short 50-minute drive from Adelaide, this internationally acclaimed region offers access to over 80 cellar doors (best explored by a detour along the Epicurean Way road trip, as long as you have a designated driver with you!).
Clare Valley
As one of Australia’s oldest wine regions, the Clare Valley is a popular day-trip destination just a 90-minute drive from Adelaide. Explore over 40 award-winning cellar doors and the country’s best Riesling producers (some dating back over 160 years).
Port Augusta
Situated on the coast about 310km from Adelaide, Port Augusta’s main attraction has to be the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden. Situated on the shores of the Upper Spencer Gulf, expect sweeping views of the Flinders Ranges and an incredible display of arid zone flora.
Nullarbor National Park
Don’t miss a journey through the coastal Nullarbor Park, protecting the world’s largest semi-arid cave landscapes. Explore the Murrawijinnie Cave, soak in the rugged coastline off Bunda Cliffs and visit the Head of the Bight Visitor Centre for whale watching opportunities between May and October each year.
Port Lincoln
The seafood-focused coastal city of Port Lincoln gives you access to some of SA’s top sights and attractions. Take the short 40-minute drive to Coffin Bay National Park (don’t forget to take a dip at the sparkling Almonta Beach) or the easy 15-minute drive to Lincoln National Park, a hot spot for fishing, swimming and nature walks.
Streaky Bay
Stretch your legs at the coastal town of Streaky Bay. Don’t miss the 2.6km Streaky Bay Historic Walk, guiding you through 28 historic locations, from churches to cottages and monuments, all steeped in local history.
Kalgoorlie
If you opt for the inland route, you’ll pass through the mining town of Kalgoorlie. Known for its gold rush history, Kalgoorlie is the largest city in the Australian Outback and home to inspiring natural attractions like Wave Rock (a 15m tall multicoloured granite cliff).
Esperance
Looking for the whitest beaches and clearest waters in Australia? You’ll find them at Esperance, home to a sparkling coastline and incredible natural sights (like Lucky Bay, populated by an abundance of local kangaroos).
Albany
Stepped in World War 1 heritage and featuring an abundance of coastal beauty, Albany is a must-see destination on the southern tip of WA. Not only was Albany, where European settlers first set foot in WA, but its local museums still pay tribute to ANZAC soldiers who fought in the world wars.
Margaret River
Just south of Perth, you’ll find the Margaret River region, an outdoor playground known for world-class surf breaks, limestone cliffs and premium wines. Visit the nearby Busselton Jetty and explore its thriving underwater observatory, or take a guided tour of a limestone cave.
Best spots to visit along the way for nature lovers
From whale watching to pristine beaches, there’s no shortage of sights to see for nature lovers. Don’t miss these must-see parks, reserves and bays dotted along the pristine coastline from Adelaide to Perth.
- Torndirrup National Park: look out for the blooming wildflowers during spring, and don’t miss the sweeping coastal views of the Southern Ocean from The Gap and Natural Bridge.
- Cactus Beach: known by local surfers simply as “Cactus”, this remote beach offers some of the best left and right-hand surf breaks in Australia.
- Nuytsland Nature Reserve: an off-the-grid nature reserve offering access to Baxter Cliffs (one of Australia’s great scenic features and the longest stretch of unbroken cliffs in the world).
- Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks: situated on the edge of the William Bay National Park, these neighbouring swim spots offer green turquoise waters and white sandy beaches.
- Koombana Bay: Fancy a magical encounter with wild dolphins? Book a meet-and-greet experience with a local tourism Western Australia group to get up close and personal with the 100+ bottlenose dolphins that frequently visit these calm waters.
- Fraser Range: Situated halfway between Norseman and Balladonia, this gateway region is home to the towering Mt Pleasant granite hill as well as the world’s largest Eucalyptus hardwood forest.
- Kings Park: Located in the heart of Perth, this is one of the world’s largest and most picturesque inner city parklands, with over 3,000 unique species of local flora to explore.
Perth road trip guide: keep the drive going
Once you’ve arrived in WA’s capital, there’s no need to end your road trip entirely. Take a day trip to one of these nearby locations of build an interstate Perth itinerary to extend your driving journey across Australia.
- Zig Zag scenic drive (a 3km one-way road from Perth through the Darling Ranges)
- Perth to Albany road trip (up to 418 km or 4 hours 40 minutes of driving)
- Perth to Esperance road trip (up to 900 km of driving or 10 hours on the road)
- Perth to Exmouth drive (up to 1,250 km of driving or 13 hours on the road)
- Perth to Broome road trip (up to 3,200 km of driving over three days or more)
- Perth to Melbourne drive (up to 3,500 km of driving or 36+ hours on the road)
Adelaide to Perth road trip: Frequently asked questions
Can you complete the Adelaide to Perth drive in reverse?
Absolutely! To complete the Adelaide to Perth drive in reverse, simply flip the stops and itinerary routes outlined above.
How many days does it take to drive from Adelaide to Perth?
The time it takes to drive from Adelaide to Perth depends on which route you take and how many stops you make along the way. The shortest route from Adelaide to Perth would by the direct inland route, taking 29 hours and covering over 2,700 km.
However, if you opt for the 8-day or 10-day itinerary above, you’ll be spending upwards of 37 hours on the road (but we promise the scenic detours are well worth the extra time behind the wheel!).
What other modes of transport can you take from Adelaide to Perth?
Aside from driving, there are a number of other ways to travel from Adelaide to Perth, including:
- Train: the Indian Pacific departs once a week on a Thursday at 9.40 pm from Adelaide, taking three days and two nights to reach Perth. Tickets range anywhere from $2,085 to $6,950, depending on when you travel and what ticket option you select.
- Fly: You can take a 3-hour 20-minute flight from Adelaide to Perth with services operating daily, with tickets costing anywhere from $330 to $580+.
Ultimately, driving gives you the ability to customise your trip, soak in the best sights of SA and WA and make the road trip part of the adventure when travelling across Australia.
Final advice for the ultimate Adelaide to Perth drive of a lifetime
The road trip from Adelaide to Perth is an epic journey that unlocks some of the best coastal views, great beaches, remote towns and scenic natural parks Australia has to offer. With a big drive ahead of you, having a safe and reliable set of wheels is crucial.
On Turo, you can find the perfect ride for your journey. If you’re starting your road trip to Perth from Adelaide, let Turo connect you with the perfect vehicle for your trip.
Lucinda Starr
Lucinda is a Sydney-based content specialist and avid road tripper. Having travelled across Asia, North America and the South Pacific, she's experienced everything from glamping in a Yurt in -30 degrees in The Yukon, snorkelling in the open seas of Vanuatu and hiking the rocky alps of Kamikochi in Japan. She's currently planning her next overseas adventure, a toss-up between a classic #EuroSummer or a multi-day trek through Nepal.
