Are you planning on spending a long vacation in Australia, letβs say for a month? Then youβre probably wondering about how youβre gonna stuff your time with exciting and joyful things to do.
We have a suggestion! If Melbourne is part of your Australia trip, then youβd be delighted to know that itβs totally possible to
rent a car and embark on a road trip from Melbourne to Perth! Once youβve seen and did everything you wanted in that city, then going on a two-week adventure to the City of Light might be up your alley.
If youβre inclined to go on this grand adventure, weβve prepared an itinerary detailing where youβll go and what you can do each day!
IMPORTANT NOTE: Make sure to pick a drop off point in Perth and to make sure to drop the car off in a timely manner.
Melbourne to Perth Road Trip Itinerary
Driving time: 50-58 hours
Distance: 4,579km - 5,007km approximately
Duration: 2 weeks
What to bring: Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, hiking boots/shoes, walking shoes, snacks, water, comfortable clothing, money (of course!)
IMPORTANT NOTE: Throughout this itinerary, youβll be given suggestions on what you can do in each area, where to stay, where to park, and where to eat. Please make sure to check in advance what you want to do, where you want to stay, and where to eat, then plan your budget accordingly.
Each section has a Google Map hyperlink for each starting and destination point. They will show different routes to take.
Day | Route | Distance | Driving Time |
---|
1 | Melbourne to Apollo Bay | 195km | 3 hours and 30 minutes |
2 | Apollo Bay to Port Campbell | 130km | 2 hours and 15 minutes |
3 | Port Campbell to Mount Gambier | 272km | 3 hours and 20 minutes |
4 | Mount Gambier to Adelaide | 460km | 5 hours |
5 | Adelaide to Port Pirie | 460km | 5 hours and 30 minutes |
6 | Port Pirie to Port Lincoln | 435km | 4 hours and 35 minutes |
7 | Port Lincoln to Ceduna | 405km | 4 hours and 15 minutes |
8 | Ceduna to Border Village Roadhouse | 480km | 5 hours |
9 | Border Village Roadhouse to Caiguna Roadhouse | 350km | 3 hours and 35 minutes |
10 | Caiguna Roadhouse to Norseman | 375km | 3 hours and 50 minutes |
11 | Norseman to Esperance | 205km | 2 hours and 15 minutes |
12 | Esperance to Albany | 485km | 5 hours |
13 | Albany to Augusta | 365km | 4 hours and 15 minutes |
14 | Augusta to Perth | 390km | 5 hours and 30 minutes |
Once youβve picked up your can rental, itβs time to kickstart your journey to Perth! Your first destination on this two-week trip is Apollo Bay!
If you follow the Great Ocean Road, youβll eventually come across Cape Otway.
Cape Otway is home to the Cape Otway Lighthouse. It was built back in 1848 and it is the oldest lighthouse in Australia. Itβs one of the most significant landmarks along the Great Ocean Road. It was built as a beacon of hope for those traveling by boat because before it was built, Cape Otway had its share of tragic shipwrecks. To prevent ships from capsizing, this lighthouse was built. Make your way to the very top of this lighthouse to enjoy a mesmerizing view of the horizon.
To the east of this cape is Apollo Bay, a peaceful coastal town where laid-back travelers will feel at home. There are plenty of things to do in Apollo Bay, both within the town proper, the scenic landscape surrounding it, and the shore!
If you love water activities, there are surf shops that rent out surfboard and offer lessons, you can go kayaking and paddleboarding, snorkeling, and even deep-sea fishing (which we highly recommend because itβll immerse you in a local tradition). You can also take the opportunity to go whale and seal watching.
Outside the town, you can explore the Otways and embark on a short adventure to see the wonders of nature! If you visit Lake Elizabeth, you might get the chance to observe the slippery and skittish platypuses of the land. The Great Ocean Ecolodge is another attraction you can visit, where you can take on an educational dusk tour of the area to learn about the local fauna, like the adorable koala bears!
In the town proper, you can experience the local bohemian vibes of its people and simply go on a relaxing stroll. If you love alcoholic beverages, you shouldnβt pass up on visiting the Great Ocean Road Brewhouse, which has a tasting room aptly named Tastes of the Region because youβll be served samples of local flavors. The Apollo Bay Distillery is a similar attraction. There, you can taste newly-distilled handcrafted gin flavors and pair them with some pizza!
Suggestions
Where to Stay: Captains at the Bay, Cape Otway Lighthouse Accommodation, The Otway Haven, Motel Marengo, Seaview Motel and Apartments
Where to Park: Apollo Bay Harbour Carpark, Foreshore Carpark, Marrinerβs Lookout Carpark
Where to Eat: Cafe 153, Apollo Bay Fishermanβs Co-Op, Birdhouse Apollo Bay, The Rawr Bar, Sandy Feet and Health Foods, Casalingo
After staying in Apollo Bay, itβs time to continue on your adventure from Melbourne to Perth by visiting the small town of Port Campbell, which only has a population of a few hundred people!
Youβre probably wondering: βWhat am I even going to do in a town with a population of only a few hundred people?β There are a few exciting things to do, all of which involve the scenic wonders of the town and its nearby attractions!
Port Campbell is home to some of the most scenic wonders along the Great Ocean Road and this is one of the reasons why itβs one of the best destinations to visit as you make your journey to Perth from Melbourne.
The Twelve Apostles are some of the most iconic in this area. These are limestone structures that were formed because of erosion, which resulted in the formation of outcrops just a little bit off the shore. If you take the Gibson Steps to get to the beach level of these formidable stone structures, youβll be able to fully appreciate these massive limestone formations up close.
Just a few minutes away from the Twelve Apostles is Loch Ard Gorge, which was the site of a shipwreck that only had two survivors. The survivors were Tom Pearce and Eva Carmichael. Tom saved Eva from drowning and was hailed as a hero by the locals. The locals even hoped that they would marry, but sadly, they didnβt as Eva went back to here homeland to wed an aristocrat while Tom pursued his sailor apprenticeship. Besides the wonderful story behind its history, itβs a popular place to visit because of its cliffs and its green and blue waters.
Port Campbell also has a beach where families can simply unwind and enjoy swimming. It also has steps that lead to the Scenic Lookout, where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the beach and the humble town.
Suggestions
Where to Stay: Sea Foam Villas, Sow & Piglets Guesthouse, NRMA Port Campbell Holiday Park
Where to Park: Sparks Gully Carpark
Where to Eat: Grassroots Deli Cafe, 12 Rocks Beachbar, Sow and Piglets Brewery, Nicoβs Pizza and Pasta, The Alcove Cafe
On the third day, youβll depart the chill town of Port Campbell and make your way to the city of Mount Gambier, which is located on the slopes of a dormant volcano of the same name! Its major attractions are all tied to the fact that it's a volcano and its limestone caves.
One of its most iconic natural wonders is Blue Lake, which can be seen in the picture above! It is one of the two surviving crater lakes in the area, with the other being Valley Lake. There used to be four, but the Leg of Mutton Lake and Brownes Lake have dried up. Blue Lake is the most popular of the four and this is due to the color of its waters. As the name already suggests, the lake has a thick, vibrant cobalt blue color, but this is only during the months of December to March. Strangely (and fascinatingly), it takes on a grey hue between April to November.
If you want to experience a semblance of what itβs like to go spelunking, you can do so in Mount Gambier by visiting the famous Engelbrecht Cave! Outside the cave, you can book yourself a tour to explore it with a guide who will tell you all about it. The cave is also a popular site for cave divers! It has a section thatβs filled with water, so if you want to experience cave diving, you can definitely do so here!
Other attractions in the area are sinkholes, many of which have been reclaimed by nature and shaped into gorgeous gardens with somewhat elaborate arrangements, such as the Umpherston Sinkhole. They make for great Instagram photo backdrops!
Suggestions
Where to Stay: The Commodore, Comfort Inn the Lakes, Mount Gambier Hotel, The Henty, Blue Lake Motel
Where to Park: The Commodore, Mount Gambier Library Car Park, Hoo Hoo Lookout Park
Where to Eat: The Barn Steakhouse, Thyme at The Lakes, Wild Ginger Thai, Nalou Kitchen, Caffe Belgiornio
During this Melbourne to Perth road trip, youβll visit one of Australiaβs major cities, Adelaide! Itβs the largest city in South Australia, and given that, everything it has to offer you might be overwhelming, especially since youβll just be here for only a day. So, weβve narrowed it down to just four attractions thatβll definitely give you a taste of what the city is all about:
The North Terrace - This is one of the best places to go for relaxing strolls because itβs close to the River Torrens. Not only that, many of the cityβs most important attractions can be found here, such as the South Australian Museum, the Art Gallery of South Australia, the Mortlock Chamber, and even the University of Adelaide. If you want to see as many of the cityβs attractions, you definitely shouldnβt skip strolling around this area.
Adelaide Zoo - Adelaide Zoo is one of Australiaβs largest zoos. It houses and protects over 3,000 animals across approximately 300 species! From flamingos to tigers, youβll be able to marvel at majestic creatures from various ecosystems. There are also two panda bears currently calling the zoo their home, and they go by Wang Wang and Funi! Make sure to come and say hi!
Adelaide Central Market - This is a good place to replenish the food and drinks you consume on the go during this road trip. Youβll find a lot of bakeries, cafes, and more!
Windy Point - If you love getting a good view of city skylines, especially at night, then you canβt go wrong with Windy Point. There, youβll enjoy a wonderful view of the city from high above the ground.
Suggestions
Where to Stay: Tequila Sunrise Hostel, BIG4 West Beach Parks, Adelaide Central YHA, Adelaide Travellers Inn Backpackers Hostel
Where to Park: itβs best to park your car at your accommodationβs parking area
Where to Eat: Sunnyβs Pizza, Parlamento, Nordburger, Midnight Spaghetti
After Adelaide, we bet you want to visit a place thatβs less crowded. Then youβd be glad to know that the next destination on your way to Melbourne is Port Pirie! Yes, it is an industrial town, but it has its fair share of cultural attractions and outdoor areas for you to visit and explore!
One of the canβt-miss attractions of this city is the Port Pirie National Trust Museum, which is the best place to get to know the cityβs industrial history and its importance as a smelting center. It also has exhibits about its natural history. Thereβs even a display of the remains of the wombatβs giant ancestor!
Another one you canβt miss is the Port Pirie Regional Art Gallery. If youβve been curious to see works of art by Australians, then this is one of the best places to visit because it focuses on showcasing the masterpieces of South Australian artists.
If you want to just sit back and relax, you can visit Memorial Park and enjoy the scenery while having a picnic. If you want to go for a refreshing swim, make your way to Port Pirie Beach. Itβs not just a nice place to go for a swim, but it is also a great place to watch the sunset over a backdrop of smelting sites and the silos of this industrial city.
Suggestions
Where to Stay: Comfort Inn Flinders on Main, Port Pirie Accommodation & Apartments, Vagabond Historic B&B, Ellen Hotel
Where to Park: itβs best to park your car at your accommodationβs parking area
Where to Eat: Caffe Primo, A1 Pizza, Little Beans Cafe, Black Pig Bar and Grill, SAFAVI
We hope you love seafood because after, Port Pirie, the next destination of your Melbourne to Perth road trip is Australiaβs seafood capital, Port Lincoln!
But before we get to the food, letβs talk about the fun things that you can do. Given that it is the seafood capital of Australia, that entails that it has a wide variety of exciting water-based experiences.
If you love water sports, you can go surfing, kayaking, and paddle-boating! If youβre looking to simply relax and feel the sea breeze, then sailing or joining a cruise might be up your alley. Or if youβd like to get up close with the majestic marine creatures calling Port Lincolnβs waters their home, you can go for a swim with adorable sea lions, go scuba diving and see the wonders beneath the waters, or, if youβre daring enough, go diving inside a shark cage!
As for seafood, youβll be spoiled for choice exploring Port Lincoln. You can even go fishing and catch your own food.
Of course, Port Lincoln isnβt all about the sea. It has its fair share of attractions and activities for landlubbers, such as hiking around Lincoln National Park and visiting areas such as Lincoln Cove and Whalerβs Way, where youβll be treated to spectacular panoramic views of both land and sea!
Suggestions
Where to Stay: Port Lincoln YHA, The Grand Tasman Hotel, Port Lincoln Hotel, Navigatorβs Motel
Where to Park: itβs best to park your car at your accommodationβs parking area
Where to Eat: Fumo 28 Oyster Bar & Seafood, Ming Inn Chinese Restaurant, The Fresh Fish Place, Pizzeria Trieste
Driving for several hours can take its toll on you, so itβs very important to look for a place to sit and rest. Thatβs why the next stop for this South Australian road trip is Ceduna, which is derived from the Wirangu Aboriginal word βchedoona,β which means βa place to sit and rest.β
Ceduna, like Port Lincoln, is another town that is popular because of its seafood. In fact, fishing isnβt merely an activity for catching food. Itβs a pastime as well, so you can try your hand at fishing at the townβs famous jetty, or ride a boat off the coast and try your hand at catching small to big game. Thereβs a wide variety of fish to catch, from trevallies to gummy sharks!
The town is also famous for its oysters. If you make your way to Denial Bay and Smoky Bay, youβll find massive oyster beds. Thereβs even a festival dedicated to oysters called Oysterfest, which usually takes place at the start of October. If you happen to be passing by during the Oysterfest days, you can slurp as many oysters as you want!
Ceduna is also more than just its oyster trade and fishing. Itβs also a great town to learn about aboriginal culture. The Ceduna Aboriginal Arts & Culture showcases artistic works of various mediums by the Kokatha, Mirning, and Wirangu. Their languages are also protected and preserved here.
Suggestions
Where to Stay: Ceduna Foreshore Hotel Motel, Ceduna Motor Inn, BIG4 Ceduna Tourist Park, Highway One Motel Ceduna
Where to Park: itβs best to park your car at your accommodationβs parking area
Where to Eat: Ceduna Oyster Barn, Bills Pizza & Pasta, Cedunaβs Blue Dolphin, Billβs Chicken & Seafood, Down the Lane Restaurant
The next town is a long, long drive away. Youβll be driving along the Eyre Highway to reach the border of Southern Australia and Western Australia. That highway stretches for miles, so youβll be stopping at the conveniently located Border Village Roadhouse to rest and replenish your gas and supplies! It has a restaurant, a bar, a cafe, a laundromat (if you need to wash and dry your clothes), free WiFi, and even a swimming pool! Make sure to rest up!
Three and a half hours away from the Border Village Roadhouse is the Caiguna Roadhouse. Arriving here means youβve now entered Western Australia along the Eyre Highway.
Like the Border Village Roadhouse, this is another stop where youβll spend the night and replenish any of your supplies. You can even refuel here!
You can do some sightseeing here, if you wish! Near the Roadhouse, youβll find numerous caves, some of which have subterranean lakes and underwater passages. Of course, we do not recommend exploring the depths of these places, especially without a knowledgeable guide.
Thereβs also the Nuytsland Nature Reserve, which is home to gorgeous cliff areas, beaches, dunes, and more! If you want to go for a hike and just take in the gorgeous scenery of the reserve before calling it a day, go for it!
After two roadhouses, youβre finally making to another town! This time, itβs the fair town of Norseman, a mining town thatβs named after a beloved horse Norseman. Thereβs even a statue in town that was made to honor the horse! The reason why the horse is beloved is that it actually found the first golden nugget within the vicinity of the town.
Since this is a mining town, much of its attractions are related to that characteristic. One of its leading cultural attractions is the Norseman Historical and Geological Museum. Inside, youβll find displays and memorabilia that will give you a glimpse of a typical Norseman household as well as mining efforts through the tools on display.
Phoenix Park is another similar attraction. While it is a park, it has numerous mining machinery and equipment on display, and signage will educate you about them and how theyβre important to the town and its mining industry.
Speaking of displays, if you wander around the town, youβre bound to see these iron camels. These were made by the artist Kurt Hotker and they were constructed using corrugated iron. They can be found along the roundabout of Prinsep Street.
An attraction that you canβt miss is the Beacon Hill Lookout. There, youβll be treated to spectacular views of several important sites in the town, the famous Lake Cowan, and Mount Thirsty!
Suggestions
Where to Stay: Norseman Eyre Hotel, Norseman Great Western Travel Village, The Railway Motel and Woodlands Guesthouse
Where to Park: itβs best to park your car at your accommodationβs parking area
Where to Eat: Full Moon Cafe and Thai Restaurant, HardyZ Restaurant, bp Truckstop, Cafe on Roberts
After immersing yourself in the mining town of Norseman, youβll head for the town of Esperance, which is known for being one of the best beach locations in all of Australia! Once youβve settled into your accommodation, itβs time to go on an adventure to see the townβs natural treasures!
One of the natural attractions that you should definitely visit is the famous Cape Le Grande National Park. Take your car to this magnificent park and take the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing walk along the Le Grand Coastal Trail, go fishing at Dunn Rocks, and even observe the local fauna! The park is home to Western Grey Kangaroos, and you can meet them at Lucky Bay hopping by the shoreline! Another popular attraction within the park is Hellfire Bay, where you can take a dip into shimmering turquoise waters, plus have a picnic if you have some food with you!
You may also rent a local bicycle and take on The Piggery, which is a scenic bicycle track just 14 kilometers away from the town. If youβve been itching to work up a sweat and get your adrenaline pumping, youβll have a cycling session of a lifetime at The Piggery!
Aside from cycling, another outdoor activity youβll definitely enjoy is hiking to the top of Frenchmanβs Peak! Though, we only recommend this if youβre a veteran hiker and have great amounts of stamina because of all the ledges. We also only recommend doing this around sunset so you donβt have to deal with the heat. The reward is knowing that you conquered what is more of a climb than a hike, a jaw-dropping view of the land, and perhaps a gorgeous sunset.
Another canβt-miss attraction is the Great Ocean Drive, which can be accessed via the cycling or walking trails from Esperanceβs esplanade area! As you explore Great Ocean Drive, youβll be able to find numerous swimming spots like Twilight Cove, to which the cycling and walking trails lead up. Snorkeling is also a popular endeavor here aside from just swimming.
Suggestions
Where to Stay: Esperance Beachfront Resort, Esperance Bay Holiday Park, The Jetty Resort
Where to Park: itβs best to park your car at your accommodationβs parking area
Where to Eat: Eljayβs Restaurant, Seasons, Taylor St. Quarters, Dome Cafe, Top End Takeaway, Aureliaβs Icecreamery and Cafe
Just like Esperance, itβs quite popular for its natural wonders, specifically its beaches! Beach hopping is actually one of the most popular activities that locals and tourists do! If you are going to go beach hopping, well, youβll be spoiled for choice. If you want some peace and quiet, plus, youβre the type to read a book beneath the shade, you should definitely head to Two Peoples Bay, where youβll find Little Beach. If you have kids tagging along with you, youβll definitely have the time of your lives at Middleton Beach and Emu Point Beach. There are more beaches to visit, and if you need to know which one suits your preferences, make sure to drop by the Albany Visitor Centre.
If you happen to be visiting Albany between May and October, then youβre in luck because during these months, pods of whales often visit the port city and can be spotted near the shores. If you want to observe the whales, the best way to do so is to visit an area like Middleton Beach or book a whale-watching cruise. You can definitely consult with the staff of the Visitor Centre to help you out with that as well.
You shouldnβt pass up on visiting Torndirrup National Park, too. This park is where youβll find the port cityβs most popular natural attractions. The Gap is one such attraction. It is a cleft of granite where you can watch the waves crash into cliffs. The park is also the home of Bald Head Walk Trail, a popular hiking trail. If you want to work up a sweat by hiking, then exploring the park and taking on this trail will surely satisfy your outdoor adventure craving.
Suggestions
Where to Stay: Six Degrees Albany CBD Boutique Hotel, Duke of Albany Lodge, 1849 Backpackers, Hilton Garden Inn Albany
Where to Park: itβs best to park your car at your accommodationβs parking area
Where to Eat: Garrison Restaurant and Bar, Liberte, Sugbo Grill, Rustlers Steakhouse and Grill, Three Anchors
Just one more stop before Perth! Youβre almost there! Now, before you reach the City of Light, youβll be visiting the town of Augusta. Being a coastal town, it shares similarities with Esperance and Albany, especially with its attractions and things to do.
Augusta is the home of the famous Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, a tall lighthouse built from limestone. It is 39 meters tall and is considered to be the tallest lighthouse in Mainland Australia! You can learn all about the history and importance of this famous tower by taking a tour, which is offered at intervals between 09:00 - 16:30.
Besides being the home of the tallest lighthouse in Mainland Australia, Augusta is also the home of the greatest fish & chips youβll ever taste. These out-of-this-world fish & chips are sold by none other than the local favorite Blue Ocean Fish & Chips along Blackwood Avenue! This restaurant has a wide variety of fresh catches that are up on the menu, with the whaler shark as our top recommendation.
If you want to learn about the town, you can enter the Augusta Museum of History. Inside, youβll find numerous displays of artifacts, photographs, and a whole lot more (thereβs even a train!) that preserve and tell the story of the town from different periods. This is a great place to learn how it became the thriving town that it is today.
Just like Esperance and Albany, Augusta has its fair share of scenic trails to follow, which will lead you to coastal gems such as the Historic Water Wheel, Blackwood River, Quarry Bay, and more! Your coastal walk may lead you to Flinders Bay where you can go for a swim. In areas such as Blackwood River, youβll get the chance to observe dolphins, stingrays, and even birds like cockatoos. Who knows what else youβll find by simply going for a stroll?
But one of the attractions that you shouldnβt miss out on is the Jewel Cave. This cave has tours that will take you inside its three massive chambers filled with gorgeous and intricate subterranean rock formations, all for display inside large well-lit rooms! Make sure to visit it and take the one-hour tour they offer to learn more about this mysterious cave. Youβll feel like youβre spelunking and entering a magical underground world!
Suggestions
Where to Stay: Augusta Hotel Motel, Georgiana Molloy Motel, Forest House, Karridale Cottages, Sapphire ChaletsΒ
Where to Park: Skippy Rock Car Park, Colourpath Car Park, the parking area of your accommodation
Where to Eat: Blue Ocean Fish & Chips, Augusta Moon, The Colour Patch, Thousand Suns Cafe, Karridale Tavern
Day 14! Finally. This is the day you arrive in Perth! If youβre returning your car rental here and looking for a brand new adventure, then youβd be delighted to know that the City of Light is filled to the brim with joyful activities to do, such as:
We hope you find this adventure from Southern Australia all the way to Western Australia to be a fulfilling journey, whether youβre by yourself or with family and friends! Safe travels!
Oh! And if you need help with booking a car rental on Klook, make sure to check out
our handy guide to help you book the best car for you!
π₯ Australia & New Zealand Essentials
π¦ Popular Attractions in Australia & New Zealand
β¨ More Activities in Australia & New Zealand to explore
Joyful Perth Activities for Your Next Adventure
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