Perth to Melbourne Drive: 10-Day Itinerary and Guide

Looking to drive from Perth to Melbourne?

Then you’re in the right place. This road trip holds a special place in our hearts because it’s the one that was the start of our incredible journey.

With months of meticulous planning, we traded our settled life in Perth, WA (Western Australia), for the open road, towing the remaining belongings of our life in a trailer across the breadth of Australia.

From the historic gold mines of Kalgoorlie to the breathtaking Great Ocean Road, each kilometre became another vibrant stitch in the tapestry of our grand adventure.

And most importantly, we started to learn how to get along as a couple when road-tripping together 24/7!

Join us as we journal this epic journey, peppered with practical tips and candid experiences, to help you plan a road trip from Perth to Melbourne.

Perth to Melbourne: Interactive Map

This interactive map shows the following  information for your drive from Perth to Melbourne:

• Driving route from Perth to Melbourne
• Our road trip overnight camp stops (free and paid)
• Accommodation (camp and motels) on the Nullarbor
• Gas Stations along the Nullarbor
• Places of interest on the drive from Perth to Melbourne

Choosing Your Perth to Melbourne Road Trip Route

Driving from Perth to Melbourne, you must take the Eyre Highway (Nullarbor) in Norseman.

However, to reach Norseman, there are numerous routes you could take:

1. Perth → Kalgoorlie → Norseman = 780 km / 8.5 hours
2. Perth →York → Wave Rock (Hyden)→Norseman = 644 km / 8.5 hours
3. Perth → Margaret River → Esperance → Norseman = 1185 km /13 hours
4. Perth → Margaret River → Albany → Esperance → Norseman = 1300 km / 14 .5 hours
5. Perth → Margaret River → Augusta → Albany → Esperance → Norseman = 1354 km/ 15 hours

The easiest way is to drive to Norseman via Kalgoorlie, along National Highway 94. This is the route we took for this Perth to Melbourne road trip.

There is plenty to explore along the way, including the wild plains of the Nullabor and the stunning coastal Great Ocean Road. If you have more time and want to explore more of Western Australia before hitting the Nullabor, we’ve suggested a few options below.

We chose to drive via Kalgoorlie, but if you have. a little more time and want a more varied road trip, we’d recommend the Perth to Wave Rock road trip which takes in a few interesting Golden Outback stops on the way.

You could then travel to Norseman from Hyden along the Granite and Woodlands Discovery Trail to Norseman. The road is gravel, and although suitable for most vehicles and trailers it can be muddy and boggy in wet weather and is sometimes impassable and flooded in the winter.

If you haven’t visited Southern Western Australia, another option is to travel via the scenic south of Western Australia. You could head south from Perth and include the popular tourist town of Margaret River and the southwestern gems of Augusta, Albany, and Esperance.

If you choose this route, you might like to take a break from driving at the quirky, fun, and free Gnomesville in the Ferguson Valley, just east of Bunbury.

From Esperance, you would then drive north to Norseman and join the Eyre Highway (and the Nullabor), the only road across the south of Australia.

However, travelling via the southern route would entail an extra 500 km from Perth to Melbourne. Also, there is so much to explore that you’d need to add at least a week or more to your itinerary.

Because we had visited southern Western Australia several times, we chose to take the quicker route through Kalgoorlie.

As you map out your route, remember that the journey is as rich as the destination itself.

Here are some insider tips from our experiences in Perth to ensure you start your epic road trip on the right note.

The Journey Begins

This was it.

Months of planning, saving, selling off all of our belongings and saying goodbyes.

Hitting the road with everything we owned in one tiny trailer. Driving from Perth to Melbourne and then onto Brisbane.

We planned to leave the trailer with a friend in Brisbane on our five-month campervan trip across Europe. 

Those five months changed to 12 months, and those 12 months gradually morphed into us road-tripping around the world with no end date in sight.

Before You Leave Perth: Insider Tips

Before hitting the road from Perth to Melbourne, soak up the local scene.

I’ve lived in Perth for over 20 years, so it would be remiss not to suggest at least a couple of my favourite places I would encourage you to visit before leaving the city.

Kings Park offers stunning views over the city and a chance for a serene stroll in one of the World’s largest inner city parks. Kings Park Botanic Gardens is a beautiful place for a picnic, especially during the spring wildflower festival.

I’ve spent many mornings enjoying breakfast or coffee at Zamia Cafe and burning off some calories later by climbing the DNA tower and strolling through the many bushland trails at King’s Park.

Another iconic place to visit in Perth is Cottesloe Beach—or Cott, as we locals call it. It’s a vibrant spot where you can people-watch or sit with an ice cream from the Gelato Bar and gaze out at the ocean under the shade of towering Norfolk pines.

Of course, there’s plenty more to see and do in Perth, but these iconic spots provide a perfect, relaxing start to your journey.

Where to stay in Perth

If you’re wondering where to stay in Perth before you hit the road, these are a few great options that I have stayed at:

• Holiday Inn, West Perth | ⭐️ 8.4/10 | 1.4 km from centre | Find out more here
• Rendezvous Hotel, Scarborough, Perth | ⭐️ 7.7/10 | Beachside hotel | Find out more here

Day 1: Perth to Kalgoorlie

📍 Distance: 593 km, Driving Hours: 6 hr 30 min 

On the first day of our Perth to Melbourne road trip, pumped with adrenaline and eager to get on our way, we did one of our longer drives, stopping for the night in a motel in Kalgoorlie.

We knew we were doing a long first drive and it would likely be dark on arrival, so we had pre-booked accommodation for the first night rather than pitching the tent.

On the way to Kalgoorlie, we recommend stopping off in Northam, one of Western Australia’s Astrotourism towns. Here, you could have a picnic breakfast on the banks of the River Avon, watching out for the rare white swans that call this place home.

📍 Perth to Northam: 95 km/ 1 hour 20 mins

Or, if you want a real treat, start your day watching the sunrise over the Avon Valley in a hot-air balloon ride from Northam. This ⭐️ 5-star reviewed tour begins at dawn and includes breakfast.

Day 2: Kalgoorlie to Fraser Range WA

 📍 Distance: 265 km, Driving Hours: 2hr 50 min

That was our last night in a proper bed until we reached Melbourne (tenting the rest of the way). We started the day exploring a little of this famed gold digger’s outback town, Kalgoorlie.  

Kalgoorlie Boulder, or ‘Kal’ as locals affectionately term it, is in the Goldfields region of WA. It grew up around the great gold rush of the 1880s, and to this day, gold is still mined from ‘them there hills‘.

Here, you’ll find one of the largest open-cut mines in the world and the biggest in Australia. The super pit in Kalgoorlie is 3.5km long and 1.5 km wide.

In this photo, the haul trucks, which look tiny, are at the bottom of the pit.

Among the old colonial buildings in the centre of Kalgoorlie is a rather flat-looking pink building. In fact, it looks more like a container than a building.

This is Casa Questa, the Pink House, one of the world’s oldest working brothels. Although it no longer operates as such, you can book a tour and learn about its history by calling (08) 9021 4897.

Head to the West Australian Tourist Board for more information on what to see and do in Kalgoorlie.

About 188km and a two-hour drive from Kalgoorlie, you’ll come to the small outback town of Norseman.

Crossing the Nullabor

Here, you turn onto the Eyre Highway, one of Australia’s longest roads. The Eyre Highway links Norseman to Port Augusta in South Australia (SA) and entails 1675 kilometres of driving.

It crosses the Nullarbor Plain, from Norseman to Ceduna, and driving this route is known as ‘crossing the Nullarbor’.  

Crossing the Nullarbor is a quintessential part of any Perth to Melbourne road trip, with its stunningly straight roads, remote wilderness, and the opportunity to spot wildlife like kangaroos and camels.

The 90-Mile Straight is a standout feature, as is the chance to visit the Bunda Cliffs and view the Great Australian Bight.

Fuel stops on the Nullarbor are few and far between, so plan ahead to avoid running low. For detailed fuel stop locations and more driving tips, check out our dedicated guide on driving the Nullarbor.

We travelled across the Nullarbor in about three and a half days, camping at three spots.

😂 Fun fact: Did you know that wombat poo is square?

Wild Camping on the Perth to Melbourne Road Trip

After about 120 km of driving the Nullarbor, we found a pull-off on the side of the road and set up our tent. 

Find ‘Perth to Melbourne Drive Map’ at the beginning of the post to get exact coordinates and details. 

If you are camping while driving from Perth to Melbourne, for a more enriching camping experience, remember these quick tips:

• Leave No Trace: Always clean up after yourself to preserve the natural beauty. When wild camping, remember always to leave the place as you found it. We always have a shovel to dig a toilet hole in the bush area away from the main tent-pitching area. 
• Wildlife Respect: Keep a safe distance from animals and never feed them.
• Fire Safety: Check fire regulations in the area and never leave a fire unattended.
• Be Prepared: Have a first aid kit, extra water, and a reliable communication device.
• Snake Awareness: Be cautious and aware of your surroundings to avoid unwanted encounters. Remember to stomp into the bushes when you go to the toilet to scare off any snakes.
• Deet Protection: Use against flies and mosquitoes for comfort and safety.
• Fly Screen Canopy: Consider bringing one to sit outside without being bothered by pests.

Day 3: Fraser Range to Madura, WA

  📍 Distance: 426 km Driving Hours: 4hr 20 min  

On this portion of your Perth to Melbourne drive, you’ll traverse the Nullarbor, leading directly into the 90-mile straight. Renowned as one of the world’s longest straight roads, it runs unswervingly for 90 miles without a single bend.

It’s here that the essence of adventure truly ignites as you gaze upon the endless road that lies ahead.

Madura Road House Campsite

We stopped the night at the Madura Roadhouse Caravan Park, which had good showers and a basic restaurant.

• Address: Eyre Highway
• Phone: 08-90393464

Day 4: Madura WA to Bookabie, SA

   📍 Distance: 565 km Driving Hours: 6 hrs

On day four of this Perth to Melbourne Itinerary, you will leave Western Australia and enter South Australia after passing through Border Village.

From there, you will pass plenty of lookout areas to stop and take in the views of the Bunda Cliffs overlooking the Great Australian Bight.

It was April, so we were too early to spot any whales, but if you travel between June and October, you can spot hundreds of whales and their young off the coast here.

Day 5: Bookabie to Kyanutta, SA 

📍 Distance: 328 km Driving Hours: 3hr 30 mins

Day five of this itinerary takes you along the last stretch of the Nullarbor, ending at the town of Ceduna.

💡NOTE: Just before you reach Ceduna, you must stop at the Quarantine Station. You cannot take any fruit, vegetables, or plant material into South Australia, a rule in place to prevent fruit flies.

If you breach these regulations, you risk possible fines of up to $100,000. Therefore, before passing the quarantine station, either eat or dispose of any fruit and vegetables in the bins provided. 

Once we arrived in Ceduna, we stocked up on supplies and had a picnic on the foreshore overlooking Murat Bay.

At the end of the day, we pulled off the road at a free spot near Kyankutta. It looked like a lovely place to camp.

However, just after we finished setting up the tent, whether it was the season, environment, or bad luck, we were ambushed by one of Australia’s most ferocious beasts known to campers.

The horsefly.

The female, with her scissor-like jaws, relentlessly attacks, painfully extracting your blood. She can easily penetrate through clothes, and even DEET insect protection doesn’t seem to deter her vampire desires.

This one occasion was so bad that we had to forgo cooking dinner and hastily dive into the tent for cover.

We love wildlife and can handle a lion walking into camp and elephants interrupting lunch, but these guys were just a tad too wild for us.

Day 6: Kyanutta, SA to Middle Beach, SA

📍 Distance: 518 km Driving Hours: 5hr 30min

Luckily, the flies weren’t too bad when we woke in the morning, but we didn’t hang around to wait for them to amass their army.

On day 6 of our Perth to Melbourne drive, we didn’t stop apart for a lunch break and headed straight to our next paid campsite at Middle Beach.

Middle Beach Campsite

• Address: 555 The Esplanade, Middle Beach Rd, Middle Beach SA 5501, Australia
• Phone: (08) 8520 2374

This site is on the edge of the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary National Park—Winaityinaityi Pangkara – and is surrounded by mangroves.

Day 7: Middle Beach to Tintinara via Adelaide

📍 Distance: 240 km Driving Hours: 3 hours

An hour’s drive from Middle Beach will take you to South Australia’s capital, Adelaide.

If you love gardens – head to the Adelaide Botanic Gardens – It’s free and there’s also a free guided tour at 10.30 am daily.

And, if you are a foodie, Adelaide Central Market is a must-visit. It’s one of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest undercover markets, offering an extensive range of fresh produce, meats, and seafood.

You’ll also find a diverse selection of eateries where you can sample local and international dishes. It’s a straightforward, no-frills destination for quality food and a genuine local experience.

If you’re looking for something more structured, you might like:

• 🪢 Adelaide Oval Roof climb |⏳2.5 hrs | ⭐️ 4.9/5 reviews | Book here
• 🏉 Adelaide Oval Guided Tour | ⏳ 1.5 hrs | ⭐️ 4.8/5 reviews | Book here
• 🚍 Adelaide City Highlights Tour | ⏳ 3 hours | ⭐️ 4.3/5 | Book here

We spent a good part of the day exploring the city before heading to our next free campsite at Tintinara, SA.

Day 8: Tintinara, SA to Port Fairy, VIC

 📍 Distance:  390 km Driving Hours: 4hr 15min 

On this leg of your Perth to Melbourne road trip, make sure to stop off at Mount Gambier to see its beautiful Blue Lake sitting in the crater of an extinct volcano.

Mount Gambier’s Blue Lake showcases an ever-changing spectrum of blue hues throughout the year. From November to late February, the waters shift from a dark blue to a vibrant turquoise.

A 3.6-kilometre track encircles the lake, offering several viewpoints. The most notable is between Blue Lake and Leg of Mutton Lake, providing a splendid vista of this natural wonder’s seasonal transformation.

Just after Mount Gambier, you enter the state of Victoria, Australia.

Port Fairy Accommodation

We spent the night at Catalina Caravan Park at Port Fairy – they have a small restaurant there, and the fish and chips were delicious.

• Address: 531 Princes Hwy, Port Fairy VIC 3284
• Phone: (03) 5568 1608

For more accommodation options for Port Fairy, check out deals on Booking.com

Day 9: Port Fairy to Apollo Bay

 📍 Distance:  185 km Driving Hours: 2hr 40min

Just after Port Fairy, at Allansford, you’ll turn onto the famed Great Ocean Road.

The Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives. It has amazing surf beaches, stunning rainforests, wineries, breweries and arts and cultural events galore.

The Great Ocean Road is not just a drive; it’s an odyssey through time and nature. Built by returned soldiers, it’s a memorial to those lost in WWI, winding through landscapes narrating Australia’s soul-stirring coastal story.

Some of the most famous natural landmarks on the Great Ocean Road are the dramatic rock stacks called the Twelve Apostles.

Funnily enough, they used to be called the Sow and Piglets, but the Tourism Board changed the name to The Apostles. This name then morphed into the Twelve Apostles, even though, at the time, there were only nine stacks.

Today, there are eight rock stacks, with some reaching 50 metres high.

They remain a huge drawcard for tourists and locals alike.

The ‘Twelve Apostles’ are just one group of rock formations along the coast. There are incredible rock formations along this stretch of coast, with various names and stories behind them.

For example, the ‘Tom and Eva’ rocks were named after the only two passengers that survived the shipwreck in 1878 of the clipper ‘Lord Ard’. 

You will pass many lookouts and viewing points for these stunning spectacles.

The main ones are:

• The Bay of Islands
• The Grotto
• The Arch
• The London Bridge
• The Lord Ard Gorge
• The island Lookout
• Tom and Eva Lookout
• The Twelve Apostles
• Gibsons Steps

Great Ocean Road Accommodation

That night, we camped at Apollo Bay Holiday Park.

• Address: 27 Cawood Street, Apollo Bay
• Phone: (03) 52377111

For the latest Booking.com deals on the Great Ocean Road, click here.

Day 10: Apollo Bay to Melbourne

 📍 Distance: 190 km Driving Hours: 3 hours

There were so many places to stop along the Great Ocean Road, but we were on a schedule and couldn’t indulge ourselves too much.

On our final day, before arriving in Melbourne, we walked along Apollo Bay in the morning and then headed off along the coast to Lorne.

After coffee and cake in lovely Lorne, we headed to the lush Erskine Falls. 

The Falls are one of the most popular attractions in Otway National Park and are only a 9 km drive from Lorne.

There is a lookout over the Erskine Falls, just a five-minute walk from the carpark, but if you want to get to the base of this 30-metre waterfall, you have 240 steps to climb down.

Coming back up is great exercise.

The Great Ocean Road ends just past Torquay. From there, you conclude the long drive from Perth and reach Melbourne in about another 100km.

Melbourne

Your road trip from Perth finally brings you to Melbourne, one of Australia’s most hip and happening cities.

Melbourne awaits with its labyrinthine laneways and coffee aroma, which guides you through its vibrant arts scene. Don’t miss the National Gallery of Victoria or the bustling Federation Square before you delve into the city’s pulsating heart.

For the many fun things to do in Melbourne, check out this link below: 

Melbourne Accommodation

If you want accommodation in Melbourne, you can check out the best deals on Booking.com here.

Perth to Melbourne Road Trip Planner

You can grab a free travel planner to ensure your journey is memorable.

Just download it and start planning your epic adventure. Remember, it’s all about making this trip the best possible, so don’t miss out on this great resource!

Click here to sign up for your FREE PLANNER

Long Road Trip Fun

There is no doubt that the drive from Perth to Melbourne is a long road trip, and driving long distances can sometimes be a little tedious. But we managed to keep ourselves occupied with some car karaoke.

You might like to check out our great road trip tips for couples for more ideas on how to make your Perth to Melbourne road trip run smoothly.

Our Road Trip Karaoke Video

Enjoy our embarrassing example of how to stop the boredom setting in on a long drive.

What’s the Best Time of Year for a Road Trip from Perth to Melbourne?

When planning a road trip from Perth to Melbourne, the best time generally falls between spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May).

These months offer milder temperatures, less rain, and comfortable conditions for long drives and outdoor activities.

Avoiding the peak of summer can also mean less crowded attractions and cooler weather, making your journey more enjoyable.

Always check local weather and road conditions before setting out, as Australia’s vast landscape can bring varied climate conditions.

Perth to Melbourne Road Trip… That’s a Wrap

We hope our Perth to Melbourne Drive Itinerary has ignited your travel spark and equipped you for an epic journey.

Do you have questions or want to share your own tales from the road? We’d love to hear from you — drop us a comment below!

🚐 More Resources for Your Road Trip Adventure

ROAD TRIP ESSENTIALS: Gear up with our top picks from the Best Motorhome Tips, and don’t miss the must-have Campervan Accessories for a comfortable journey.

THOUGHTFUL GIFTS: Looking for the perfect gift for camper enthusiasts? Check out our guide to Gifts for Camper Owners.

FUN ON THE ROAD: Keep everyone entertained with our selection of the best Travel Games for long drives.

PLANNING TOOLS: Organize your trip effortlessly with our Printable Road Trip Planner and get inspired by our collection of Road Trip Quotes.

FOR COUPLES: Enhance your journey with our Road Trip Tips for Couples and discover how to make every moment count.

DETAILED PLANNING: Dive deeper into road trip planning with our comprehensive guide on How to Plan a Road Trip.

For more detailed information and other travel resources, visit our Travel Resources Page.

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