Are you planning a road trip from Perth but are struggling to create the perfect route? Knowing where to stop and what sights to see can be tricky, especially if you have never planned such a long road trip before. Luckily for you, we are here to help with our guide that walks you through the perfect Perth to Melbourne road trip, taking you through Albany, Port Augusta, Adelaide, and more on your journey to Melbourne. We have broken down each day for you below to provide you with the perfect itinerary for your 14 day trip.
Day 1: Perth to Margaret River
Your journey begins with a three hour drive that will take you to Margaret River. There is plenty to do in this region, allowing you to start your journey with a busy and entertaining stop. You should set aside some time for Jewel Cave to marvel at its wonders, or explore one of the many wineries in the region. We recommend staying in Augusta or Brusselton.
Day 2: Margaret River to Albany
It’s a four-hour drive today, as you head to Albany. The port city has much to offer, making it the perfect place to refuel, eat, and get your retail therapy fix! There are lovely cafes, boutiques lining the streets, and the opportunity for some outdoor activities too. You can paddleboard, hike, and visit Little Beach in Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve to enjoy some peace and beautiful views before you move on.
Days 3-4: Albany to Esperance
You have a slightly longer drive today, spanning five hours, so make sure you have the supplies you need and to stop regularly where needed. Esperance is a beautiful town and one that is very hard to leave, so make sure you allow two nights to make the most of your stay.
With stunning scenery, you can spend your time outdoors, snorkelling at the bays or strolling through the national parks. We recommend making time for Cape Le Grand National Park, Lucky Bay, or Twilight beach. If you time your visit right, you might get to see Pink Lake in all its glory, too!
Day 5: Esperance to Cocklebiddy
Driving to Cocklebiddy takes around six hours and you are heading into some remote areas, so make sure you have plenty of supplies and are well rested before you head off. On your journey, there aren’t many towns and they are all spread out, so we recommend stocking up on fuel before you go! It’s worth stopping in Madura to spend the night, where there are options for a hearty dinner and relaxing caravan parks to choose from.
Day 6: Madura to Border Village to Ceduna
Today, you will head into South Australia along the Eyre Highway, the longest straight road in Australia that connects Western and South Australia. You have a few opportunities to stop on this road, including Border Village, a town divided between the two states. We also recommend seeing Bunda Cliffs where you can enjoy Australia’s rugged coastline and natural beauty; it is a must for all travellers!
Day 7: Ceduna to Port Augusta
A five hour journey marks your halfway point in your trip as you drive to Port Augusta. You might see some whales off the coast as you drive before arriving at Port Augusta, where you can enjoy a night’s rest at one of their campgrounds. If you do have the energy to drive for another three hours, though, you can skip this overnight stop and enjoy an extra day in Adelaide.
Days 8-9: Port Augusta to Adelaide
Adelaide is quiet compared to other Australian capital cities, but there is still plenty to see and do! You can enjoy fantastic bars and restaurants, plenty of shopping, and wonderful events throughout the year. Adelaide is known for being one of the best wine regions in Australia too so make sure you set aside some time to relax and sample what they have on offer.
Day 10: Adelaide to Mount Gambier to Port Fairy
After your time in Adelaide, drive four and a half hours to Mount Gambier. This is the perfect town to stop at, where you can enjoy some lunch and see its volcanic landscapes and crater lakes. Blue Lake is a must-see, especially in the summer, when the water becomes a beautiful cobalt blue.
Continue your drive for another two hours to reach Port Fairy, a historic fishing town that is filled with sandy beaches and river inlets. Make sure you allow time to walk and enjoy these views before getting some rest.
Days 11-12: Port Fairy to Port Campbell to Apollo Bay
As your journey comes to an end, enjoy some time along the Great Ocean Road. Take your time here to ensure that you soak up the scenery. We recommend stopping to see the 12 Apostles, the limestone stacks sitting along the coast of the Southern Ocean. It is a great way to enjoy the rugged beauty in Australia and have a peaceful moment to yourself. We recommend stopping at Port Campbell and using that as your base to explore more of the area.
As you continue with your journey, you will find Apollo Bay, where the hills meet the ocean, creating a beautiful Bay that is worth stopping and enjoying.
Day 13: Apollo Bay to Kennett River to Lorne
Spend your day exploring Apollo Bay and its coastal country, where you can swim, surf, dive, and paddle in its clear waters. You can also walk through the rainforest, or, depending on your plans, head to the community markets (available only on Saturday).
For wildlife lovers, we recommend stopping at Kennett River, where you can see koalas in the wild! Continue with your drive until you reach Lorne, where you can enjoy its vibrant arts community, fantastic cafes, and sandy beaches.
Day 14: Lorne to Torquay to Melbourne
The final leg of your road trip takes you from Lorne to Torquay, where you can enjoy plenty of outdoor activities, but Torquay is best known for its surf beaches. Make sure you visit them, especially Bells Beach, the surfing capital of Australia.
One last hour and a half drive will bring you to Melbourne, where it’s worth spending a few days in the city. There is plenty to see and do in Melbourne, from botanical gardens to art galleries and museums, so you certainly won’t be bored!
Start your road trip from Perth today
With the itinerary planned for your Perth road trip, there is not much else left for you to do, other than hire your campervan and begin your road trip! When hiring a campervan, we recommend Travellers Autobarn, who have a huge range to choose from at prices to suit everyone. Their campervans are perfect for long road trips like this, with space for you to unwind after your busy days exploring. Check out their campervan hire prices in Perth to book yours and start your road trip!