posted on February 12, 2024
Experience the epic road trip from Perth to Melbourne, taking you across nearly 3,500 km of road covering Western Australia, South Australia and ending in Victoria.
If you’ve got at least a week to spare and want to explore Australia’s pristine beaches, breathtaking landscapes and natural beauty, this multi-day road trip is for you. With three itineraries to choose from and expert driving tips to keep you safe on the road, it’s time to hire your dream car in Perth and make the Perth to Melbourne drive a reality.
Plan your road trip: An overview of the Perth to Melbourne drive
From vibrant cities to rolling vineyards and stunning coastline, the Perth to Melbourne road trip has it all. Covering multiple states and long distances, this drive is best spread across seven to 14 days (although it can be tackled in just three or four days in a pinch).
- Perth to Melbourne drive time: 36 hours
- Perth to Melbourne road trip distance: 3,419 km
- Route options:
- Express 3-day route from Perth to Melbourne (36 hours, 3,420 km)
- 7-day route from Perth to Melbourne (38 hours, 3,588 km)
- Epic 14-day route from Perth to Melbourne (46 hours, 4,249 km)
- Best time to drive from Perth to Melbourne: Spring (September to November) and late summer/early autumn (February to April) are the best times to tackle this road trip, allowing you to miss the high temperatures common during the peak of summer. Plus, you’ll still be able to take a dip at the stunning beaches dotted along the Great Ocean Road with fewer crowds to contend with.
Drive map: Perth to Melbourne road trip
What you need to know before driving from Perth to Melbourne
If you’re planning your first road trip from Perth to Melbourne, you need to be aware of the time zones you’ll be navigating during your drive.
Perth (AWST), Adelaide (ACST) and Melbourne (AEST) all sit in different time zones. Plus, daylight savings is only observed in Victoria and South Australia (not Western Australia), adding another time change into the mix in October and April each year.
To add further confusion, there is an additional time zone unofficially recognised along the Nullarbor Plain known as the Border time zone (ACWST). This timezone is only followed for just 350km of the Eyre Highway between Border Village Roadhouse and Caiguna Roadhouse and won’t be detected by your smartphone.
In short, the main thing you need to know is you’ll gain time when you drive from Melbourne to Perth but you’ll lose time when you drive from Perth to Melbourne.
Tip from the author: To stay on top of the time zones during your road trip, I recommend using the Clock App on your phone and saving a few key locations (including Perth, Eucla, Adelaide and Melbourne) to accurately track the real time throughout your drive.
Petrol stations and EV chargers along the way
With long distances to cover, it’s important to fill up and refuel whenever you get the chance. The drive from Perth to Melbourne, particularly the stretch along the Nullarbor, sees petrol stations spread around 200 km apart. Never risk it and always refuel at your first opportunity as some remote service stations can close unexpectedly.
While EV chargers are in the process of being rolled out across the Nullarbor, this route isn’t currently suited to electric cars. Instead, I’d recommend opting for a reliable petrol car that can take you from Perth to Melbourne with ease.
Staying safe during your road trip
Preparation is key to staying safe on your WA to VIC road trip. Here are a few expert tips to keep you and your vehicle safe during your long distance drive:
- Download offline maps before you depart in case you drop out of reception to ensure you don’t get lost on the long, straight outback roads.
- Weather conditions can be unpredictable, so check the forecast on reliable sites like the Bureau of Meteorology before you depart. Building an extra day or two into your trip can be helpful in case you need to delay departing due to bad weather.
- Beat fatigue by taking breaks every two hours and sharing the time behind the wheel with another driver. Don’t attempt the express, three-day itinerary if you’re driving solo as this trip includes multiple days of 10+ hours on the road.
- Even on long, straight roads make sure to only overtake when you have a clear line of sight to avoid collisions with oncoming traffic and heavy vehicles (like road trains).
- Only drive on sealed roads and ensure you have a spare tyre in your car, as mechanics can be hundreds of kilometres away if you break down unexpectedly.
- Bring plenty of water and food with you to stay fueled and hydrated and consider packing an esky to keep your supplies cool during long distances on the road.
- Share your road trip plans with a friend or family member before you leave and check in daily to ensure someone knows where you’re up to in your itinerary at all times.
Expert tips and things to remember before you go
There are a number of unique considerations to keep in mind along the Perth to Melbourne road trip including:
- Remember there is a quarantine checkpoint at Ceduna (for Adelaide-bound travellers) designed to control the spread of pests and diseases found in fruits, vegetables, plants and seeds between states. Make sure to dispose of any fresh food items prior to this checkpoint to avoid penalties.
- Be sure to check the opening hours for attractions you want to visit along the way to avoid disappointment, as many tourism centres (like the Head of Bight Centre) close as early as 4pm.
- Keep an eye out for wildlife (including kangaroos and emus) on the roads as they are present on the rural parts of the road. Avoid driving at dusk, dawn and after dark to minimise the chance of collisions.
- Phone reception can be limited during certain parts of the drive, so consider renting or buying a satellite phone in case of emergencies.
Choose your Perth to Melbourne road trip itinerary
The Perth to Melbourne drive distance is substantial, meaning a multi-day (if not a multi-week) road trip is highly recommended. If you’re ready to explore Australia at your own pace and tackle epic driving roads (like the Great Ocean Road), Melbourne awaits. Choose your own adventure and pick from our three recommended itineraries below.
Route 1: Express Route – Driving from Perth to Melbourne in 3 days
- Driving time: 36 hours
- Driving distance: 3,420 km
- Day-by-day itinerary:
- Day 1: Perth to Cocklebiddy Roadhouse (12 hours 18 minutes, 1,156 km)
- Day 2: Cocklebiddy Roadhouse to Port Augusta (12 hours 42 minutes, 1,231 km)
- Day 3: Port Augusta to Perth (11 hours 25 minutes, 1,033 km)
- Best for: Drivers who are short on time, experienced in long-distance outback driving and able to share the journey with multiple drivers.
We’re not going to sugarcoat it: this drive itinerary isn’t for the faint-hearted. With three days of 11+ hours on the road and minimal time to soak in the sights, this express road trip from Perth to Melbourne is designed to get you from A to B in the fastest way possible.
The key to getting through this road trip in 72 hours or less is this: depart early (with sunrise), plan multiple breaks throughout the day and share the drive with a friend or two. Day two presents the biggest day of driving as you take the epic journey along the Nullarbor Plain in the Australian outback.
The final day of your journey will see you head along the National Highway for a few hours before crossing the border into Victoria, and heading south to your final destination, the capital city of Melbourne.
Route 2: 7-day Perth to Melbourne driving route
- Driving time: 38 hours
- Driving distance: 3,588 km
- Day-by-day itinerary:
- Day 1: Perth to Esperance (7 hours 35 minutes, 696 km)
- Day 2: Exploring Esperance and its surrounds
- Day 3: Esperance to Cocklebiddy Roadhouse (6 hours 40 minutes, 641 km)
- Day 4: Cocklebiddy Roadhouse to Nullarbor Roadhouse (4 hours 50 minutes, 468 km)
- Day 5: Nullarbor Roadhouse to Kimba (6 hours 21 minutes, 607 km)
- Day 6: Kimba to Gawler (4 hours 45 minutes, 434 km)
- Day 7: Gawler to Melbourne (8 hours 21 minutes, 742 km)
- Best for: Adventurers looking to experience the best of the coastal route in just a week, with multiple opportunities to spend the day exploring key attractions such as the beautiful beaches of Esperance in WA.
The beauty of this week-long road trip Perth to Melbourne itinerary is this: you can extend it to include a longer stay at any of the small towns you pass along the way.
A key highlight of this trip has to be Esperance, situated on the south coast of Western Australia and renowned for its white sand beaches. On day two, make sure to visit Twilight Beach or venture 40 minutes down the coast to Cape Le Grand National Park and take a splash in the turquoise waters of Lucky Bay. Another sight to add to your radar near Esperance is Lake Hillier, a famous pink lake and natural wonder best viewed at sunset.
Want to add an extra night’s stay to your trip? Swing by the Nullarbor Links and experience the world’s longest golf course, stretching over 1,365 km.
Once you cross over the border into VIC, you’ll stick along the National Highway A8, meaning you’ll miss some of the best coastal sights.. However, you’ll pass through historic inland towns such as Ballarat (Victoria’s largest inland city), brimming with local produce, a vibrant art gallery and magnificent heritage buildings.
Route 3: Epic 14-day Perth to Melbourne driving route
- Driving time: 46 hours
- Driving distance: 4,249 km
- Day-by-day itinerary:
- Day 1: Perth to Margaret River (3 hours, 271 km)
- Day 2: Margaret River to Albany (3 hours 55 minutes, 344 km)
- Day 3: Albany to Esperance (5 hours 8 minutes, 481 km)
- Day 4: Exploring Esperance
- Day 5: Esperance to Cocklebiddy (6 hours 40 minutes, 640 km)
- Day 6: Madura to Ceduna via Border Village (7 hours, 674 km)
- Day 7: Ceduna to Port Augusta (4 hours 52 minutes, 468 km)
- Day 8: Port Augusta to Adelaide (3 hours 30 minutes, 309 km)
- Day 9: Exploring Adelaide
- Day 10: Adelaide to Mount Gambier to Port Fairy (6 hours 30 minutes, 588 km)
- Day 11: Port Fairy to Port Campbell (1 hour 10 minutes, 90 km)
- Day 12: Port Campbell to Apollo Bay (1 hour 26 minutes, 97 km)
- Day 13: Apollo Bay to Kennett River to Lorne (1 hour 33 minutes, 66 km)
- Day 14: Lorne to Torquay to Melbourne (2 hours 3 minutes, 141 km)
- Best for: Travellers who want to see the best coastal sights of Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria, with multiple days to explore bustling beachside towns and thriving capital cities along the way.
If we have to pick our ideal road trip itinerary from Perth to Melbourne, this would be it. Spread over 14 days, this coastal route offers a diverse mix of attractions, from award-winning wineries in the Margaret River region to fascinating attractions like the Blue Lake in Mount Gambier.
After leaving Perth (and soaking in key attractions such as the botanic garden at Kings Park, Swan River and Cottesloe Beach) and passing along the Bussell Highway to Margaret River, you’ll find yourself in the coastal oasis of Albany. Head for a dip at Middleton Beach, renowned as one of Albany’s most spectacular seaside spots. From there, you’ll take the South Coast Highway to Esperance.
This itinerary gives you an entire day to explore Adelaide (South Australia’s capital). Grab fresh produce from Adelaide Central Markets, watch a game at the Adelaide Oval or take a road trip to the Adelaide Hills for an unmissable wine-tasting experience.
To round out your adventure, you’ll spend multiple days exploring the coastal towns along the Great Ocean Road, with the opportunity to spot the Twelve Apostles along the way.
Tip from the author: Fancy a multi-day walk through the Margaret River region? While it will extend your journey by roughly eight days, the Cape to Cape Track gives you the chance to explore the longest coastal walk in Australia (135 km from Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse to Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse).
Best stops between Perth and Melbourne
Want to build your own itinerary or add a detour to your Perth to Melbourne adventure? Here are our top picks for where to stop along the way.
Kalgoorlie
Situated in the Goldfields-Esperance region of WA, Kalgoorlie is Australia’s largest outback city. Expect a true bush experience with Kalgoorlie, located on the edge of the desert. This gold-mining town gives you access to key attractions like the modern Super Pit mine and the Museum of the Goldfields, making it the ideal pit stop for history buffs.
Great Australian Bight Marine Park
Want to experience whale watching at its best? Don’t miss a visit to the Great Australian Bight Marine Park, south of the Nullarbor Plain and covering a whopping 45,822 square kilometres. Visit between June and October from the viewing platforms at the Head of the Bight for a chance to see whales migrating off the coast in the Southern Ocean.
Eyre Peninsula
While it will involve a detour to the coast of South Australia, the seafood hub of the Eyre Peninsula is well worth a visit. Head to Coffin Bay or Ceduna for acclaimed oysters, or visit the seafood capital of Port Lincoln. Plus, there are plenty of natural sights to soak in at Gawler Ranges, Lincoln National Park or Coffin Bay National Park.
Barossa Valley
Wine lovers: the Barossa Valley is a world-class wine region not to be missed in South Australia. Situated 50 minutes north east of Adelaide, this is a perfect day trip with over 80 cellar doors to explore.
Great Ocean Road
From carving up the waves at Bells Beach to the coastal walking tracks of Lorne, the Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s best scenic roads. In fact, we’ve curated your ultimate day trip guide to explore the Great Ocean Road like a local.
Best places to stay when driving from Perth to Melbourne
Plan ahead and book your accommodation in advance to ensure a smooth road trip experience from Perth to Melbourne. Depending on your preferences, itinerary and budget, these are the most common types of accommodation you’ll find during your trip:
- Roadhouses: There are roughly 12 roadhouses located along the Nullarbor Plain, including at Cocklebiddy and Eucla. Expect cost-effective and comfortable accommodation along with hot meals.
- Motels: Another budget-friendly option, you’ll find motels dotted along all major cities and towns throughout this drive itinerary. Perfect for families or cost-conscious travellers.
- Camping and campervans: From national parks to holiday parks, camping allows you to pitch a tent and enjoy an adventurous road trip from Perth to Melbourne. If you’re opting for the 14-day itinerary, hiring a campervan is a perfect way to experience this epic, multi-week coastal itinerary at your own pace.
Tips and tricks for driving from Perth to Melbourne with a dog
This incredible road trip is a popular option for pet parents. Before setting off from Perth to Melbourne with your furry friend, make sure to consider these top tips for road tripping with your dog:
- Keep animals inside at night as dingoes roam the more remote areas of this road trip (such as the Nullarbor Plain).
- When driving through the Nullarbor, securing a booking at either Nullarbor Roadhouse or Cocklebiddy Roadhouse as these are the only Roadhouses with pet-friendly rooms.
- Watch out for poison baits along the drive, particularly during the remote sections of outback road. Always keep your dog on a leash and be vigilant about your surroundings.
Keep the drive going: top road trip itineraries from Melbourne
Why end your road trip once you reach Melbourne? If you’re keen to extend your journey, here are some popular itineraries to consider:
- Melbourne to the Mornington Peninsula
- Melbourne to Phillip Island
- Melbourne to the Great Alpine Road
Dive into our complete guide to the best road trips from Melbourne or discover the 12 best road trips across Victoria.
Perth to Melbourne drive: frequently asked questions
What is the cost of driving from Perth to Melbourne?
The cost of driving from Perth to Melbourne will depend on a range of factors, including the route you take, the accommodation you select, and the car you drive. Generally speaking, fuel prices will be much higher in the outback and remote areas (such as the Nullarbor Plain), so opt to refuel in the bigger cities wherever possible.
If you’re planning an extended road trip, you can score a discount for a long term car booking on Turo of one month or more. Plus, you can score a discounted rate from some Turo hosts for early bird bookings, too.
What other modes of transport can you take from Perth to Melbourne?
There are a number of other transport options to consider when travelling from Perth to Melbourne, including:
- Flying: this is the fastest way to get from Perth to Melbourne, taking roughly 5 hours 20 minutes and costing from $250 one-way.
- Train and bus: while there is no direct train between the two cities, you can take a train from Perth to Adelaide and then a bus from Adelaide to Melbourne. This is a long and expensive travel option that isn’t recommended.
In our opinion, driving from Perth to Melbourne is by far the most scenic way to travel between these two cities. It gives you a chance to see the diverse landscapes of Australia at your own pace, turning your journey into an unforgettable bucket-list experience.
Final advice for the Perth to Melbourne drive of a lifetime
The drive from Perth to Melbourne is one of the best road trips you can experience in Australia, offering an epic journey from WA to VIC over multiple days or weeks.
Hire the perfect car on Turo and enjoy an unforgettable road trip from Perth to Melbourne!
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.
