Incredible Adelaide to Perth Road Trip Itinerary (2025)

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Explore the wonders of South Australia and Western Australia on an Adelaide to Perth road trip itinerary!

Those hoping to experience the magic of rural Australia should consider an Adelaide to Perth road trip.

Both South Australia and Western Australia have some of the country’s most remote landscapes, from the vast Nullarbor Plain to the cliffs of the rugged Great Australian Bight.

A road trip from Adelaide to Perth takes you past stunning beaches, relaxed coastal towns, and unique natural wonders that you can’t find anywhere else.

You’ll likely encounter little to no crowds, as this road trip traverses some non-touristy and remote parts of Australia. The natural beauty is unbelievable, the stars in the night sky are vast, and the sunsets over the ocean are unmatched.

You can go whale watching, wine tasting, wildflower spotting, hiking, camping, dolphin watching, surfing, and more. Wildlife is abundant, the roads are long and empty, and the beauty of Australia is waiting to be explored.

So instead of catching a quick flight, consider taking on a road trip from Adelaide to Perth!

How many days does it take to drive from Adelaide to Perth?

It will take at least 3 days to drive from Adelaide to Perth, though we recommend saving at least 5-7 days for your road trip! There are lots of cool things to see and do along this drive, so you’ll want to make a few stops.

If you take the most direct route from Adelaide to Perth, and you drive for 9 hours a day with minimal stops, you can complete the journey in 3 days.

This direct route is about 27 hours in total and covers over 2,600km.

For a more enjoyable Adelaide to Perth road trip, you can take the coastal routes rather than the most direct route. Our road trip itinerary includes coastal highlights such as Margaret River, Esperance, and the Eyre Peninsula.

This coastal Adelaide to Perth road trip is about 37 hours of driving and covers over 3,560km. Depending on how many stops you want to make, a good time frame for this road trip is around 1-2 weeks! You could easily stretch it out to a month or more if you want to really slow down and relax in each location along the way.

Is there a passenger train from Adelaide to Perth?

Yes, the Indian Pacific Railway takes passengers from Adelaide to Perth over 3 days and 2 nights.

If you want to travel from Adelaide to Perth by land, but you’d prefer to sit back and enjoy the landscapes without driving, take the train.

The train is a more luxurious way to travel across Australia. It’s also quite expensive! But you’ll get excellent service, delicious meals, comfy onboard cabins, and fun excursions along the way.

But for travellers who prefer a more affordable and flexible independent adventure, we’re going to outline an ultimate Adelaide to Perth road trip guide!

The Ultimate Adelaide to Perth Road Trip Itinerary

Here is our complete Adelaide to Perth road trip guide. Feel free to reverse this itinerary and modify it to suit your schedule and travel style.

We’ll be covering the coastal routes of South Australia and Western Australia, which is not the most direct route but it is the most beautiful.

For each destination, we’ll also recommend places to stay. You’ll have to choose multiple places to stay overnight, and there are hotels, motels, caravan parks, free camps, and more along the way.

So pick up your rental car or campervan in Adelaide (or Perth if you’re going in reverse) and hit the road!

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Adelaide

Before setting off on your epic Perth road trip, consider spending at least 3 days in Adelaide to soak in the city sights.

You can tour the Adelaide Central Market and taste local delicacies, or take a day trip to Kangaroo Island. Admire local art and culture at the Art Gallery of South Australia, or stroll through nature at the Adelaide Botanic Garden.

There is lots to do in the capital city of South Australia, so take some time to absorb it all before hitting the road.

There are also lots of places to get rental cars in Adelaide as well, which will set you up for success on your road trip.

Where to stay in Adelaide

Budget: Adelaide Central YHA, perfect for backpackers and budget travellers
Mid Range: Adelaide Riviera Hotel, an affordable yet classy and comfortable stay
Luxury: Majestic M Suites, elegant premier suites overlooking the Adelaide skyline

Port Augusta

Distance from Adelaide: 308km
Driving time: 3 hours and 25 minutes

Next on your road trip is Port Augusta, a convenient stop on Australian road trips. Port Augsuta lies right at the crossroads of several major road trip routes through the Outback. For road trips between Sydney and Perth, or Adelaide and Darwin, Port Augusta is a likely stop along the way.

The town is located at the top of Spencer Gulf in South Australia, and it’s a great place to relax and refuel on a mighty road trip around Australia.

The nearby Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden showcases the region’s unique desert flora, while the scenic waterway of Spencer Gulf provides opportunities for fishing and boating.

There isn’t a lot to do besides these two attractions in Port Augusta, so you can just use it as a stopover spot before you continue south down the Eyre Peninsula.

Where to stay in Port Augusta

Budget: Discovery Parks, one of the top caravan parks in the area and around Australia
Mid Range: Crossroads Ecomotel, eco-friendly and affordable motel
Luxury: Majestic Oasis Apartments, apartment rentals of various sizes

Plan more epic Australian journeys with our Adelaide to Darwin road trip guide.

Port Lincoln

Distance from Port Augusta: 342km
Driving time: 3 hours and 35 minutes

Though you could head directly west from Port Augusta along the Eyre Highway, we recommend going south so you can check out the rugged coastline of the Eyre Peninsula.

So head south and spend a few days in Port Lincoln, a vibrant coastal city known as the “Seafood Capital of Australia”. The town got its name thanks to its thriving fishing industry, particularly for tuna, kingfish, and lobster. Definitely treat yourself to some seafood while you’re here!

Overlooking the stunning Boston Bay, one of the largest natural harbors in the world, Port Lincoln offers breathtaking ocean views, fresh seafood, and a variety of water-based activities.

Adventure seekers can experience shark cage diving with great white sharks, while nature lovers can explore Lincoln National Park, home to rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, sand dunes, and diverse wildlife.

After exploring Port Lincoln at the southern end of the Eyre Peninsula, head northwest along the coast. You may also want to check out Coffin Bay National Park on the way, which has rugged limestone cliffs, pristine beaches, and diverse wildlife.

Where to stay in Port Lincoln

Budget: Grand Tasman Hotel, Basic yet comfy rooms above a local Port Lincoln bar
Mid Range: Deco Beach Luxury Apartments, beachfront apartments
Luxury: The Central Cottage, private cottage near the beach and town centre

Baird Bay

Distance from Port Lincoln: 285km
Driving time: 3 hours

After enjoying a scenic drive through Coffin Bay and the majority of the Eyre Peninsula, spend some time in the charming coastal towns of the peninsula’s western coast.

Baird Bay is a convenient place to set up camp, though the nearby townships of Venus Bay, Streaky Bay, and Port Kenny are all beautiful places to hang out.

Because Baird Bay is so tiny, the main accommodations are either home rentals or camping (listed below). The nearby town of Streaky Bay has more hotel options and caravan parks for those who need them!

The small fishing village of Baird Bay offers visitors the unique opportunity to swim with wild sea lions and wild dolphins in the calm, crystal-clear bay—an unforgettable wildlife encounter.

The surrounding area features rugged limestone cliffs, sheltered beaches, and diverse birdlife, making it a haven for nature lovers and photographers.

This is one of the most beautiful parts of South Australia, particularly for nature lovers who want to spot wildlife and admire the rugged southern coast of the country.

Where to stay in Baird Bay

Camping – Baird Bay Camping Ground, a small campground nestled amongst the sand dunes
Mid Range – Streaky Bay Motel, affordable motel in the nearby Streaky Bay
Luxury – Shades of Blue Eco Retreat, serene hilltop holiday home with ocean views

Nullarbor Roadhouse

Distance from Baird Bay: 455km
Driving time: 4 hours and 50 minutes

As you leave the Eyre Peninsula, continue west along the Eyre Highway and take on the massive drive along the famous Nullarbor Plain.

The Nullarbor Plain, stretching across South Australia and Western Australia, is one of the most vast and remote landscapes in the world.

This expansive plateau is famous for its flat, treeless terrain and the longest straight stretch of road in Australia along the Eyre Highway.

So start your day bright and early, have a warm coffee before you leave Baird Bay, and take on about 5 hours of the Nullarbor Plain.

Where to stay on the Nullarbor Plain

When you reach the famous Nullarbor Roadhouse, this is the perfect place to stop and relax for a few hours. Nullarbor Roadhouse offers fuel, food, and accommodation in an otherwise harsh and isolated landscape.

With limited services available for hundreds of kilometers in either direction, it provides a welcome break for road-trippers, truck drivers, and adventurers exploring the region.

The roadhouse also features quirky Nullarbor-themed signage, a small shop, and nearby access to the breathtaking Bunda Cliffs, where visitors can take in stunning views of the Southern Ocean.

You can grab accommodation here, or continue on another 2 hours to the Bunda Cliffs and spend the night in Eucla.

Eucla and the Bunda Cliffs

Distance from Nullarbor Roadhouse: 196km
Driving time: 2 hours

As you continue your Nullarbor road trip, you’ll absolutely have to pull over and admire the rugged coastline of the Bunda Cliffs.

The Bunda Cliffs are a breathtaking natural wonder carved by erosion along the southern edge of the Nullarbor Plain. Here you can admire the towering limestone cliffs and get epic views of the Great Australian Bight.

Take some time to snap photos, have a picnic, and soak in the awe-inspiring vastness of the Great Australia Bight and these mammoth cliffs.

When you’re ready to hit the hay, drive just another 20 minutes down the road and cross the border into Western Australia. The landscape will technically change from Nullarbor National Park to Eucla National Park, but the unique and protected wilderness areas will remain interesting throughout.

The border village of Eucla is another convenient place to spend the night while driving along the Nullarbor Plain.

Where to stay in Eucla

Camping – There are several free camps in the Eucla region, including Cliff Camp, Hearder Hill Rest Area, West Eucla Bight, Nullarbor Campsite, Wattle Dune Camp, and more. Check out anycamp for more information about free camps near Eucla!
Budget, Mid Range, and Luxury: Eucla Motel, the only accommodation option in this rural area

Fraser Range

Distance from Eucla: 607km
Driving time: 6 hours and 10 minutes

After spending a peaceful night in Eucla, try to smash out lots of driving today. In the 6 hour journey to Fraser Range, you’ll complete the western half of the Nullarbor Plain along the Eyre Highway.

When you finish this epic drive, spend the night at the tiny township of Fraser Range before you continue on to the stunning beaches of Western Australia.

Fraser Range is a striking landscape of rugged granite hills and one of the few heavily forested areas in the otherwise arid Nullarbor region. Known for its dense woodlands of eucalyptus trees, including the tall Fraser Range Blackbutt, it provides a stark contrast to the surrounding plains.

The area was first explored in the 19th century and later became a pastoral station, with Fraser Range Station now offering accommodation and camping for travelers crossing the Nullarbor.

Wildlife such as kangaroos, emus, and a variety of bird species thrive in this unique environment.

Where to stay in Fraser Range

Fraser Range Station has basic cottages, apartments, and rooms for travellers making their way through the Nullarbor Plain.

There are also powered and unpowered campsites and caravan parks for those with trailers, camping gear, and campervans.

Your accommodation options are limited in this remote part of Western Australia, so Fraser Range Station is the place to be!

Travel more of the state with our epic Western Australia road trip itinerary!

Esperance

Distance from Fraser Range: 308km
Driving time: 3 hours and 20 minutes

Known for its pristine white sandy beaches, Esperance is a must-visit location on the south coast of Western Australia.

Lucky Bay is the most famous beach here, with its brilliant white sand and friendly kangaroos that often lounge on the sand.

The town is a gateway to Cape Le Grand National Park, offering hiking trails, granite peaks, and scenic coastal views. If you don’t have a 4WD, consider joining a 4WD tour of Cape Le Grand National Park so you can have the ultimate adventure in nature with a local guide!

After exploring Esperance, Lucky Bay, and Cape Le Grand, continue along the coast. If you have time, try to stop in Fitzgerald River National Park on the way. This is an amazing spot to stop on your Adelaide to Perth road trip for swimming, fishing, snorkelling, kayaking, and more.

Where to stay in Esperance

Camping/Budget – Esperance Pink Lake Tourist Park, campsites and basic budget cabins
Mid Range – Esperance Foreshore Apartments, spacious apartments walking distance from the beach
Luxury – Folktales Rest, rustic and unique tiny home for rent

Albany

Distance from Esperance: 480km
Driving time: 5 hours

Albany, Western Australia, is a historic coastal city located about 400 km southeast of Perth. It’s a convenient place to set up camp for a few days while you explore the nearby national parks and historic landmarks.

As the oldest European settlement in Western Australia, Albany has a rich history and was even the departure point for the first Anzac troops in World War I. The city is home to the National ANZAC Centre, a world-class museum that honours the soldiers who fought in the war.

Albany’s natural beauty is equally captivating, with dramatic coastal cliffs, white sand beaches, and scenic lookouts such as The Gap and Natural Bridge in Torndirrup National Park.

Whale watching is also a major attraction, as migrating humpback and southern right whales can be seen from the coastline between June and October.

Middleton Beach and Emu Point are popular spots for swimming and relaxation, while the rugged Stirling Range and Guided Granite Skywalk provide excellent hiking opportunities with panoramic views of the region.

Albany also offers a thriving local food and wine scene, with nearby wineries in the Great Southern region producing premium cool-climate wines. There is lots to do in Albany, so definitely stop here on your road trip!

Where to stay in Albany

Budget – 1849 Backpackers, the cheapest dorm rooms and basic private rooms in the area
Mid Range – Mandala Ace Albany Hotel, clean, simple hotel rooms for great prices
Luxury – Hilton Garden Inn, treat yourself to a luxury hotel on your road trip

Margaret River

Distance from Albany: 343km
Driving time: 4 hours

Now you’re in the final stretch of driving on your Adelaide to Perth road trip! Margaret River is the last recommended stop on the journey, so spend a day or two here soaking in the natural beauty.

Margaret River is known for its amazing surf and delicious wine. Spend a day wine tasting in the incredible vineyards, or indulge in the gourmet produce, including artisan cheeses, chocolates, and craft beer.

Beyond wine, the area boasts breathtaking beaches, limestone caves, and lush forests, making it a paradise for surfers, nature lovers, and adventurers.

You can swim, surf, sunbathe, go whale watching in the winter months, or enjoy tranquil walks along the Western Australia coastline.

Once you’ve had your fill of Margaret River, it’s just 3 hours until you reach Perth!

Where to stay in Margaret River

Camping/Budget – Riverview Tourist Park, campgrounds, cabins, and chalets surrounded by nature
Mid Range – Grande Escape Resort, spacious rooms and suites in a homey setting
Luxury – Losari Retreat, private villas with patios and hot tubs

Perth

Distance from Margaret River: 271km
Driving time: 3 hours

You’ve made it from Adelaide to Perth! It’s time to kick back, relax, and enjoy an epic Perth itinerary.

Situated along the banks of the Swan River, Perth has a mix of urban sophistication and natural beauty. A top attraction is Kings Park, one of the largest inner-city parks in the world, which offers breathtaking views of the skyline.

Perth’s coastline features pristine beaches such as Cottesloe and Scarborough, popular for swimming, surfing, and sunsets over the Indian Ocean. The city has a thriving arts and cultural scene as well, with lively bars, restaurants, and year-round festivals.

You can also explore more of Western Australia on some amazing day trips from Perth. Bike along the coast and see quokkas on Rottnest Island, or venture into the rugged Outback desert at the Pinnacles. Or just relax in the city and cherish the accomplishment of your massive road trip.

Hopefully your Adelaide to Perth road trip has been an adventure to remember!

Where to stay in Perth

Budget: Spinners Hostel, popular hostel with lots of amenities
Mid Range: Metro Hotel Perth, a modern hotel with excellent city views
Luxury: Como the Treasury, historic and luxury rooms right in the CBD

Optional add-ons for your Adelaide to Perth road trip

If you have more time for your road trip, you can add more destinations onto your journey! You could also just spend longer in each of the places we’ve already mentioned, as there is nothing quite like an extended break in a new place. You’ll always discover new things to see and do!

But if you’re itching for more places to explore, consider adding these on your Adelaide to Perth road trip!

Barossa Valley

If you have more time to spend in the Adelaide area, consider spending a few days in the Barossa Valley.

This stunning wine country will add about an hour to your journey if you stop here on your way to Port Augusta from Adelaide.

You can stop through the Barossa Valley as a day trip, or spend a couple of days enjoying the countryside. Wine enthusiasts may want to spend longer here, as there are so many world renowned wineries to visit!

Explore the charming country towns, try a hot air balloon over the vineyards, or take part in an immersive cooking experience. This is an amazing way to connect with the culture, food, and wine of South Australia!

Flinders Ranges

The Flinders Ranges are a gorgeous collection of mountains in South Australia. They are located about 2 hours north of Port Augusta, making them a relatively easy detour to add before you continue from Port Augusta down the Eyre Peninsula.

The entirety of the Flinders Ranges stretches over 430 kilometres, so you could easily spend several days here exploring all the hiking trails and natural beauty.

Some highlights of the Flinders Ranges that you may want to check out include Wilpena Pound, a natural amphitheatre formed by ancient mountains, and the trek up St. Mary Peak, the highest mountain in the area.

The Flinders Ranges are also known for their incredible wildlife spotting, scenic drives, and rural sunsets.

Gawler Ranges National Park

To cut down on time during the drive, you can skip the coastal towns of South Australia and just continue west on the Eyre Highway from Port Augusta towards the Nullarbor Plain.

You’ll miss the coastal gems and views of the Great Australian Bight, which is a highlight of the drive. But you’ll save time if you go straight along the Eyre Highway.

If you’re staying inland, consider venturing to Gawler Ranges National Park. It’s just about an hour inland from the highway, and has some mindblowing volcanic landscapes, epic hikes, and Aboriginal history.

Rottnest Island

Before nestling down in the city center of Perth after your road trip, consider taking a trip to Rottnest Island! This gorgeous little island off the west coast of the city has pristine beaches and unique wildlife.

Here is where you can take an iconic quokka selfie with these friendly marsupials!

You can also book this as an easy day trip from Perth. This Rottnest Island day tour includes ferries and bikes so you can explore with ease.

Wave Rock

After Esperance, if you find you’re running out of time for the coastal route, you can cut down on travel time by driving inland towards Perth.

If you take the inland route from Esperance to Perth, you’ll pass the famous Wave Rock.

This interesting natural rock formation has been sculpted over millions of years and resembles a giant wave. It’s over 15 meters high and stretches 110 meters long, making it a super cool photo spot to visit while driving through Western Australia.

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