Are you planning on spending a long vacation in Australia, let’s say for a month? Then you’re probably wondering about how you’re gonna stuff your time with exciting and joyful things to do.
We have a suggestion! If Melbourne is part of your Australia trip, then you’d be delighted to know that it’s totally possible to rent a car and embark on a road trip from Melbourne to Perth! Once you’ve 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 you’re inclined to go on this grand adventure, we’ve prepared an itinerary detailing where you’ll 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
- Route: Melbourne to Caiguna Roadhouse (2,867km, 32 hours), Caiguna Roadhouse to Perth (1,712km, 18 hours and 23 minutes)
- What to bring: Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, hiking boots/shoes, walking shoes, snacks, water, comfortable clothing, money (of course!)
IMPORTANT NOTE: Throughout this itinerary, you’ll 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 |
Day 1: Melbourne to Apollo Bay
Once you’ve picked up your can rental, it’s 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, you’ll eventually come across Cape Otway.
Photo credit: Jayne Harris (@jayneharr33) on Unsplash
Cape Otway is home to the Cape Otway Lighthouse. It was built back in 1848 and it is the oldest lighthouse in Australia. It’s 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 it’ll 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 shouldn’t pass up on visiting the Great Ocean Road Brewhouse, which has a tasting room aptly named Tastes of the Region because you’ll 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, Marriner’s Lookout Carpark
Where to Eat: Cafe 153, Apollo Bay Fisherman’s Co-Op, Birdhouse Apollo Bay, The Rawr Bar, Sandy Feet and Health Foods, Casalingo
Day 2: Apollo Bay to Port Campbell
After staying in Apollo Bay, it’s 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!
You’re probably wondering: “What am I even going to do in a town with a population of only a few hundred people?” There are a few exciting things to do, all of which involve the scenic wonders of the town and its nearby attractions!
Photo credit: Bernard Spragg. NZ on Flickr
Port Campbell is home to some of the most scenic wonders along the Great Ocean Road and this is one of the reasons why it’s 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, you’ll 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 didn’t as Eva went back to here homeland to wed an aristocrat while Tom pursued his sailor apprenticeship. Besides the wonderful story behind its history, it’s 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, Nico’s Pizza and Pasta, The Alcove Cafe
Day 3: Port Campbell to Mount Gambier
Photo credit: Charles G (@chucka) on Unsplash
On the third day, you’ll 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 it’s 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 that’s 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
Day 4: Mount Gambier to Adelaide
During this Melbourne to Perth road trip, you’ll visit one of Australia’s major cities, Adelaide! It’s the largest city in South Australia, and given that, everything it has to offer you might be overwhelming, especially since you’ll just be here for only a day. So, we’ve narrowed it down to just four attractions that’ll 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 it’s close to the River Torrens. Not only that, many of the city’s 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 city’s attractions, you definitely shouldn’t skip strolling around this area.
- Adelaide Zoo - Adelaide Zoo is one of Australia’s largest zoos. It houses and protects over 3,000 animals across approximately 300 species! From flamingos to tigers, you’ll 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. You’ll 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 can’t go wrong with Windy Point. There, you’ll 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: it’s best to park your car at your accommodation’s parking area
Where to Eat: Sunny’s Pizza, Parlamento, Nordburger, Midnight Spaghetti
Day 5: Adelaide to Port Pirie
After Adelaide, we bet you want to visit a place that’s less crowded. Then you’d 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 can’t-miss attractions of this city is the Port Pirie National Trust Museum, which is the best place to get to know the city’s industrial history and its importance as a smelting center. It also has exhibits about its natural history. There’s even a display of the remains of the wombat’s giant ancestor!
Another one you can’t miss is the Port Pirie Regional Art Gallery. If you’ve 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. It’s 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: it’s best to park your car at your accommodation’s parking area
Where to Eat: Caffe Primo, A1 Pizza, Little Beans Cafe, Black Pig Bar and Grill, SAFAVI
Day 6: Port Pirie to Port Lincoln
Photo credit: Feral Arts on Flickr
We hope you love seafood because after, Port Pirie, the next destination of your Melbourne to Perth road trip is Australia’s seafood capital, Port Lincoln!
But before we get to the food, let’s 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 you’re looking to simply relax and feel the sea breeze, then sailing or joining a cruise might be up your alley. Or if you’d like to get up close with the majestic marine creatures calling Port Lincoln’s 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 you’re daring enough, go diving inside a shark cage!
As for seafood, you’ll be spoiled for choice exploring Port Lincoln. You can even go fishing and catch your own food.
Of course, Port Lincoln isn’t 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 Whaler’s Way, where you’ll 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, Navigator’s Motel
Where to Park: it’s best to park your car at your accommodation’s parking area
Where to Eat: Fumo 28 Oyster Bar & Seafood, Ming Inn Chinese Restaurant, The Fresh Fish Place, Pizzeria Trieste
Day 7: Port Lincoln to Ceduna
Driving for several hours can take its toll on you, so it’s very important to look for a place to sit and rest. That’s why the next stop for this South Australian road trip is Ceduna, which is derived from the Wirangu Aboriginal word “chedoona,” which means “a place to sit and rest.”
Ceduna, like Port Lincoln, is another town that is popular because of its seafood. In fact, fishing isn’t merely an activity for catching food. It’s a pastime as well, so you can try your hand at fishing at the town’s famous jetty, or ride a boat off the coast and try your hand at catching small to big game. There’s 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, you’ll find massive oyster beds. There’s 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. It’s 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: it’s best to park your car at your accommodation’s parking area
Where to Eat: Ceduna Oyster Barn, Bills Pizza & Pasta, Ceduna’s Blue Dolphin, Bill’s Chicken & Seafood, Down the Lane Restaurant
Day 8: Ceduna to Border Village Roadhouse
Photo credit: from Border Village Roadhouse’s official Facebook page
The next town is a long, long drive away. You’ll be driving along the Eyre Highway to reach the border of Southern Australia and Western Australia. That highway stretches for miles, so you’ll 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!
Day 9: Border Village Roadhouse to Caiguna Roadhouse
Photo credit: Peter Boer on Flickr
Three and a half hours away from the Border Village Roadhouse is the Caiguna Roadhouse. Arriving here means you’ve now entered Western Australia along the Eyre Highway.
Like the Border Village Roadhouse, this is another stop where you’ll 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, you’ll 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.
There’s 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!
Day 10: Caiguna Roadhouse to Norseman
Photo credit: Tamsin Slater on Flickr
After two roadhouses, you’re finally making to another town! This time, it’s the fair town of Norseman, a mining town that’s named after a beloved horse Norseman. There’s 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, you’ll 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 they’re important to the town and its mining industry.
Speaking of displays, if you wander around the town, you’re 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 can’t miss is the Beacon Hill Lookout. There, you’ll 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: it’s best to park your car at your accommodation’s parking area
Where to Eat: Full Moon Cafe and Thai Restaurant, HardyZ Restaurant, bp Truckstop, Cafe on Roberts
Day 11: Norseman to Esperance
After immersing yourself in the mining town of Norseman, you’ll head for the town of Esperance, which is known for being one of the best beach locations in all of Australia! Once you’ve settled into your accommodation, it’s time to go on an adventure to see the town’s 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 you’ve been itching to work up a sweat and get your adrenaline pumping, you’ll have a cycling session of a lifetime at The Piggery!
Aside from cycling, another outdoor activity you’ll definitely enjoy is hiking to the top of Frenchman’s Peak! Though, we only recommend this if you’re a veteran hiker and have great amounts of stamina because of all the ledges. We also only recommend doing this around sunset so you don’t 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 can’t-miss attraction is the Great Ocean Drive, which can be accessed via the cycling or walking trails from Esperance’s esplanade area! As you explore Great Ocean Drive, you’ll 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: it’s best to park your car at your accommodation’s parking area
Where to Eat: Eljay’s Restaurant, Seasons, Taylor St. Quarters, Dome Cafe, Top End Takeaway, Aurelia’s Icecreamery and Cafe
Day 12: Esperance to Albany
Just like Esperance, it’s 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, you’ll be spoiled for choice. If you want some peace and quiet, plus, you’re the type to read a book beneath the shade, you should definitely head to Two Peoples Bay, where you’ll find Little Beach. If you have kids tagging along with you, you’ll 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 you’re 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 shouldn’t pass up on visiting Torndirrup National Park, too. This park is where you’ll find the port city’s 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: it’s best to park your car at your accommodation’s parking area
Where to Eat: Garrison Restaurant and Bar, Liberte, Sugbo Grill, Rustlers Steakhouse and Grill, Three Anchors
Day 13: Albany to Augusta
Just one more stop before Perth! You’re almost there! Now, before you reach the City of Light, you’ll 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 you’ll 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, you’ll find numerous displays of artifacts, photographs, and a whole lot more (there’s 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, you’ll get the chance to observe dolphins, stingrays, and even birds like cockatoos. Who knows what else you’ll find by simply going for a stroll?
But one of the attractions that you shouldn’t 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. You’ll feel like you’re spelunking and entering a magical underground world!
Suggestions
Where to Stay: Augusta Hotel Motel, Georgiana Molloy Motel, Forest House, Karridale Cottages, Sapphire Chalets
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: Augusta to Perth
Day 14! Finally. This is the day you arrive in Perth! If you’re returning your car rental here and looking for a brand new adventure, then you’d 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 you’re 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!
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