by Dawn Teh
posted on 25 May 2024
Set out on an epic Melbourne to Perth road trip and adventure across the vast Australian landscape which promises a kaleidoscope of breathtaking views. You’ll discover quaint towns, arid deserts, lush wine regions, and rugged coastlines.
Of course, this 3,500 km journey is not without challenges. So even if you’re a seasoned road tripper, take the time to carefully plan your itinerary for a safe and enjoyable trip. This guide will provide all you need to know about the mesmerising journey from Melbourne to Perth by car to help you along the way.
In this complete guide, we’ll be covering:
- An overview of the Melbourne to Perth road trip
- How to get from Melbourne to Perth
- Melbourne to Perth road trip itinerary
- Best stops on the Melbourne to Perth road trip
- Alternative route on the Melbourne to Perth road trip
- Travel tips for your Melbourne to Perth road trip
- Pet-friendly accommodation between Melbourne to Perth
An overview of the Melbourne to Perth road trip
A Melbourne to Perth road trip will take you across three states (Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia), with the bulk of the journey covering the iconic Nullarbor region of Australia. Here are some key things to know about the route while planning your itinerary.
- Melbourne to Perth road trip distance: Around 3,460 km by car. This is a long journey, so you’ll need to stop by a few places overnight.
- Melbourne to Perth drive time: About 36 hours.
- How much petrol do I need for the Perth to Melbourne road trip? This depends on many factors (like your car and driving style). As a rough guide, a Toyota RAV4 that consumes about 7L of petrol per 100km would need about 245L for this whole trip. There are enough petrol stations along the way on this trip so you won’t have to worry about filling up fuel jerry cans.
- Driving from Melbourne to Perth in 5 days: This is doable, but you’ll have to drive around 7 hours a day which means you won’t have much time for sightseeing.
- Driving from Melbourne to Perth in 3 days: It would be difficult to complete this drive in 3 days as you’ll be driving around 13 hours each day.
- Time difference between Melbourne and Perth: During daylight savings, Melbourne is 3 hours ahead of Perth. When daylight savings ends, it will be 2 hours ahead.
As a point of comparison, taking a train from Melbourne to Perth would take around 3 days, while a flight would take around 4 hours and 10 minutes.
How to get from Melbourne to Perth
Your first leg on this epic Australian road trip will take you along the M8, leading you out of cosmopolitan Melbourne towards Adelaide.
Once you’ve explored the laid-back city of Adelaide, this is where your outback experience truly begins as you make your way along the A1 (Augusta Highway then Eyre Highway). Once you’re past the town of Ceduna, you’ll enter the expansive Nullarbor Plain. You’ll easily recognise it when you’re suddenly surrounded by nothing but vast stretches of flat, arid land as far as the eye can see.
Quirky outback towns also punctuate the barren landscape every few hundred kilometres. They’re great for picking up some warm grub after a long drive and offer a glimpse into Australia’s outback life. Once you reach the town of Norseman in WA, you’ll head onto the Coolgardie-Esperance Highway before turning onto the Great Eastern Highway at Coolgardie.
From there, you’re on the home stretch to Perth where you’ll conclude your trip. You should ideally plan for at least a 7-day road trip from Melbourne to Perth to see the key sights along the way.
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Melbourne to Perth road trip itinerary
From the breathtaking scenery of the Victorian Central Highlands and rolling vineyards of South Australia to the stunning coastline and the vast, raw beauty of the Nullarbor Plain, you’re in for a real adventure on this road trip.
There’s plenty of diverse Australian terrain and culture to explore, so keep reading to pick out the best spots while creating your Melbourne to Perth road trip plan.
Best stops on the Melbourne to Perth road trip
Melbourne to Adelaide
Best attractions:
- Grampians National Park (Pinnacle Lookout, Burrong Falls, Boroka Lookout)
- Horsham Silo Art
- Bordertown Recreation Lake
Say goodbye to the buzzing city life of Melbourne and venture out into the charming Victorian countryside. Make sure to immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of Grampians National Park as you’ll find unforgettable views at the Boroka and Pinnacle Lookouts. The whimsical Sister Rocks (a collection of large graffitied granite boulders) also offer a unique backdrop for photos. Whether you love or hate the graffiti will be a point to discuss with your travel companions.
The Horsham Silo Art paints a picture of Australia’s rich cultural tapestry on a giant canvas. It serves as a reminder of the important Indigenous Australian culture and stories passed down for generations. Finally, as you approach Adelaide, relax with a picnic by the tranquil Bordertown Recreation Lake.
Adelaide
Best attractions:
- South Australian Museum
- Adelaide Botanic Gardens
- Art Gallery of South Australia
- Adelaide Oval
- Adelaide Central Market
From historic sporting sites to tranquil gardens, the charming capital city of South Australia is full of activities catering to different interests. Step into the bustling Adelaide Central Market which showcases SA’s fresh local produce and gourmet delights. For a glimpse of Adelaide’s local history and culture, visit the South Australian Museum, Adelaide Oval, and Art Gallery of South Australia. Lastly, surround yourself with the city’s laidback atmosphere at the Adelaide Botanic Gardens where you’ll find beautifully landscaped lawns and interesting local plant species.
Port Augusta
- Wadlata Outback Centre
- Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden
- Water Tower Lookout
- Mount Remarkable National Park
- Flinders Range
- Port Pirie
With many major roads converging at Port Augusta, many assume the ‘crossroads of Australia’ is just a place to pass through. However, this area is filled with hidden gems including interesting natural attractions and historical sites that shouldn’t be glossed over. The impressive Wadlata Outback Centre brings history to life with the “Tunnel of Time” exhibit where you’ll see what it was like from the time of the dinosaurs, to Indigenous Australian settlement and current modern life. The Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden is another enlightening attraction for learning more about the plant life of Australia’s arid regions. To enjoy the beautiful natural landscapes in the area, visit the Water Tower Lookout, stretch your legs along the many walking trails at Mount Remarkable National Park , and take in the epic Flinders Range (see it from the sky on a scenic flight for the best views).
Stop by the bakery at The Big Galah (a giant cockatoo structure) in the town of Kimba for some delicious pies.
Ceduna
Best attractions:
- Ceduna Jetty
- Pinky Point Lookout
- Point Sinclair Pink Lake
- Head of the Bight Visitors Centre
- Nullabor Links (the world’s longest golf course)
- Windmill Museum at Penong
With some of the best conditions for oyster cultivation, it’s no wonder that the small coastal town of Ceduna is also known as the Oyster Capital of Australia (it even hosts the Ceduna Oysterfest). While you’re here, sample some of the best local seafood at the kid-friendly and unpretentious Ceduna Oyster Barn. For some of the most stunning scenery in the area, stop by Ceduna Jetty and Pinky Point Lookout.
When you’re ready to hit the road towards Perth, make sure to stop at Point Sinclair Pink Lake for a surreal photo of the picture-perfect pink lake against the vivid blue skies. Further down, you definitely won’t want to miss a visit to the Head of the Bight Visitors Centre to witness the awe-inspiring southern right whales during their migration season.
You’ll find several caravan parks and motels in Ceduna, but remember to book early as rooms fill up quickly during the peak season. The Ceduna Bakery Coffee Lounge is another great rest stop for some wholesome baked goods and a good cup of coffee.
Eucla and Border Village
Best attractions:
- Nullarbor National Park (Bunda Cliffs)
- Border Village
- Eucla National Park
- Old telegraph station
- SA-WA border sign
As you continue along the Erye highway you’ll drive past the magnificent Bunda Cliffs, right at the edge of the Australian continent. Once you’ve reached the border of Western Australia (WA) and South Australia (SA), take an iconic photograph next to the WA/SA border sign.
The Border Village Roadhouse is the only place to stay right at the border. Your next bet is the Eucla Motel just 10 minutes further along Eyre Highway. The Old Telegraph station at Eucla is another interesting stop where you’ll get to admire the historic ruins which served as a key communication point connecting WA to the rest of the country.
Cocklebiddy and Caiguna
Best attractions:
- Cocklebiddy Cave
- Eyre Bird Observatory
- Caiguna Blowhole
As you head further west along the Nullarbor Plain, take a stop around the quirky towns of Cocklebiddy and Caiguna. If you’re up for an adventure, journey off-road and visit one of Australia’s longest caves — Cocklebiddy Cave. The Caiguna blowhole is another interesting natural attraction where you can feel gushes of wind from this hole in the ground during air pressure changes — according to Indigenous Australian legend, the wind comes from the breath of spirits. Birdwatchers will also love the Eyre Bird Observatory, where you’ll get to witness rare and endangered local bird species.
Norseman
Best attractions:
- 90 Mile Straight
- Beacon Lookout
- Lake Cowan Lookout
- Dundas Rocks and Lone Grave
Before you come to the end of the Nullarbor Plain at the small town of Norseman, look out for the 90 Mile Straight — Australia’s longest straight road. If you’re behind the wheel, remind yourself not to lose focus as the scenery can get a little monotonous at times. Once you’ve reached Norseman, take some time to admire the Dundas Rocks and Lone Grave, along with Beacon and Lake Cowan Lookouts.
Kalgoorlie
Best attractions:
- Super Pit
- Hannans North Tourist Mine
It’s time to leave the Nullarbor now and head towards some of WA’s most iconic mining towns. On your way there, stop by the gleaming white salt lake of Lake Lefroy to enjoy a peaceful moment in this vast, unique landscape. Once you reach the historic mining town of Kalgoorlie, popular attractions include the Super Pit (one of Australia’s largest open-pit gold mines) and Hannans North Tourist Mine. If you have some time, take an off-road detour to see the Lake Ballard sculptures. You’ll find a fascinating, almost surreal collection of 50+ statues scattered across the barren salt plain.
Coolgardie
Best attractions:
- Coolgardie Historic Railway Station
- Warden Finnerty’s Residence
- Coolgardie Goldfields Exhibition Museum
Step into the opulent gold rush era when you visit Coolgardie. Beautiful heritage buildings line the streets with places like the Coolgardie Goldfields Exhibition Museum and Warden Finnerty’s Residence offering a glimpse of life in the late 19th century.
Southern Cross
Best attractions:
- Yilgarn History Museum
- Baladjie Rock
Housed within a spectacularly preserved heritage building, the Yilgarn History Museum showcases the pioneering days of Southern Cross and the role it played in Western Australia’s gold rush. If you can afford a detour, head 45 minutes out of Southern Cross to see and climb Baladjie Rock — a large granite outcrop that sits on the edge of the Baladjie salt lake.
Merridin
Best attractions:
- Merredin Military Museum
- Merridin Railway Museum
- Silo art
Merridin is another treasure trove of historical sites in the Eastern Wheatbelt region. Culture seekers will enjoy a live performance at the majestic Cummins Theatre, while history buffs can explore the extensive army memorabilia at the Merredin Military Museum or some locomotive history at the Merridin Railway Museum. Of course, a drive through Merredin isn’t complete without marvelling at the impressive silo art, where functional grain silos have been turned into towering canvases that showcase the artwork of Kyle Hughes-Odger.
Northam (York and Toodyay)
Best attractions:
- The Old Northam Railway Station
- Mount Ommanney Lookout
- York Motor Museum
- Mount Brown Lookout
- Connor’s Mill Museum
- Toodyay Miniature Trains
- Newcastle Gaol Museum
Once you’ve reached Northam, you’re only an hour and a half away from Perth! Before your epic road trip comes to an end, take some time to explore the historic town of Northam (if you can, detour to York and Toodyay as well). You’ll find a rich blend of history and breathtaking scenery in this area.
For a glimpse into the town’s vibrant past, visit the Old Northam Railway Station, Connor’s Mill Museum, and York Motor Museum. Sweeping views of the Avon Valley and the surrounding rolling hills can be found at Mount Ommanney and Mount Brown Lookouts. They’re particularly stunning during the wildflower season where hues of yellow, pink, and purple paint the landscape.
Stop by Beehappy Apiaries in Toodyay for some organic honey and other interesting bee products. The Cola Museum and Cafe is another interesting place for a meal with 1950s-inspired meals and decor.
Alternative route on the Melbourne to Perth road trip
Instead of the classic inland itinerary, there is a scenic coastal alternative for your Melbourne to Perth road trip. The journey is much longer (5,100 km compared to the original 3,460 km). But the detours are well worth the journey as you’ll be greeted by some of the most stunning ocean views and pristine beaches that you’ll ever encounter.
The main difference in the journey is in the first and last portions of the road trip. From Melbourne to Adelaide, you’ll drive along the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne to Adelaide to see iconic sites like the Twelve Apostles. Then from Adelaide to Ceduna, you’ll mix things up again by taking a detour through the Eyre Peninsula which is full of charming seaside towns, delicious seafood, and opportunities for encounters with marine life.
The drive from Ceduna to Norseman is the same as the original route.
From Norseman you’ll get a chance to take another scenic coastal drive. Instead of heading north towards the mining towns, continue south to the pristine beaches of Esperance and follow along Western Australia’s southwest coastal region (passing Albany and Margaret River) before finally arriving in Perth.
Where should I stop between Melbourne and Perth?
For this alternate route, here are some key stops along the way you won’t want to miss.
Melbourne to Adelaide via Great Ocean Road
- Torquay and Anglesea
- Twelve Apostles
- Warrnambool
- Grampians National Park
- Mount Gambier
- Coonawarra
- Beachport
- Cape Jaffa
- Fleurieu Peninsula
- Kangaroo Island
- McLaren Vale
- Barossa Valley
Adelaide to Ceduna via Port Lincoln (Eyre Peninsula)
- Yorke Peninsula
- Port Pirie Regional Art Gallery
- Point Lowly Lighthouse
- Whyalla Maritime Museum
- Arno Bay Mangrove Boardwalk
- Glen-Forest Tourist Park & Vineyard
- Lincoln National Park
- Winter Hill Lookout
- Coffin Bay National Park
- Woolshed Cave
- Whistling Rocks
- Streaky Bay
Esperance to Perth via WA South West Coast
Esperance
- Lucky Bay
- Great Ocean Drive (Blue Haven Beach, Twilight Cove, and Ten Mile Lagoon)
- Cape Le Grand National Park
- Esperance Stonehenge
- Esperance Pink Lake
Bremer Bay
- Blossoms Beach and Back Beach
- Fitzgerald River National Park
- Wellstead Heritage Museum
Albany
- National Anzac Centre
- Torndirrup National Park (The Gap)
- Albany’s Historic Whaling Station
- Albany Wind Farm
Denmark:
- Valley of the Giants
- Greens Pool
- Elephant Rocks
Pemberton:
- Beedelup National Park
- Gloucester Tree
- Pemberton Tramway Company
Margaret River:
- Surfers Point
- Wine tasting
- Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
Bunbury:
- Bunbury Regional Art Gallery
- Back Beach
Travel tips for your Melbourne to Perth road trip
Embarking on a road trip across Australia isn’t your average drive. A little extra planning and preparation can go a long way to create a safe and enjoyable journey (especially when you’ll encounter areas with no phone reception and limited gas stations along the Nullarbor). Here are some top tips.
Organise your breaks: Regular intervals of rest are crucial to prevent exhaustion at the wheel. Aim for at least a 15-minute break for every two hours of driving and rest well overnight as your journey will take multiple days.
Have ample emergency provisions: Stash non-perishable food and abundant water in your vehicle. Have enough so that you’ll still have some essentials in case of unforeseen hold-ups or breakdowns.
Plan your fuel stops: Identify and keep an offline list of petrol stations on your route, particularly for the long sections without phone service on the Nullarbor Plain.
Book Nullarbor accommodation in advance: Your accommodation choices are limited along the Nullarbor. Book in advance to avoid issues.
Be aware of biosecurity regulations: Familiarise yourself with Western Australia and South Australia’s biosecurity laws. Discard any fruits, vegetables, and plants as needed to avoid penalties.
Coverage for towing: Make sure your car insurance policy includes towing and emergency assistance. Verify that it extends to the remote areas between Perth and Adelaide that you’ll be traversing.
Share your travel plans: Prior to your trip, update friends or family about your itinerary. You can even arrange to touch base at each significant stop, so they know you’re safe.
Perform a pre-trip vehicle check: Do a basic inspection of your vehicle before setting off, including the tyres, radiator coolant level, brakes, and lights.
Watch out for road trains: Expect to encounter several large, heavy road trains on your route. Maintain a safe distance and allow yourself extra road space when passing them.
Pet-friendly accommodation between Melbourne to Perth
You’ll have quite a few pet-friendly options in bigger cities and towns like Adelaide, so a quick search online should bring up several suggestions.
For the Nullarbor stretch, you’re more limited as these are smaller towns. Here are some possibilities, but always give each place a call to check if they still accommodate pets before making your booking.
- Ceduna East West Motel
- Nullarbor Roadhouse
- Border Village Roadhouse
- Eucla Motel
- Mundrabilla Roadhouse
- Cocklebiddy Hotel Motel Service Station
- Norseman Great Western Motel
- Discovery Parks – Kalgoorlie Goldfields
Hire the perfect car for your Melbourne to Perth road trip
So is the drive from Melbourne to Perth worth it? This journey across the Australian continent isn’t for the fainthearted, but it’s certainly worth the effort if you’re up for some of the most breathtaking and unique Australian scenery as you’ll cover both coastal and outback landscapes. Plus, going by car means you’ll get to go at your own pace.
What are you waiting for? Book your dream road trip ride on Turo today and set off on the adventure of a lifetime. Select from all kinds of cars including SUVs, people movers, or 4WDs. Plus, you can throw in convenient add-ons like GPS systems and child seats.
Dawn Teh
Dawn, an ex-psychologist and avid travel writer, blends her expertise in human behaviour with her passion for adventure. Her writing reflects a unique perspective on personal growth, wanderlust and what it is that helps humans thrive. Her current mission is to live the van life and tour the Australian outback with her family.
