The Ultimate Adelaide to Perth Road Trip

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Campervan Driving Routes Australia

Adelaide to Perth is easily one of the best road trips from Adelaide. This eleven-day cross-country adventure kicks off in Adelaide, passing through some of the best food and wine experiences of South Australia in the Barossa Valley, alongside the crystal clear blue waters of the South Australia beaches, through the expansive desert beauty of the Nullarbor National Park, and ends in the vibrant Western Australia city of Perth. From desert scapes to ocean views, this is the perfect Australian road trip to give a taster of some of the diversity and beauty that Australia has to offer.

Travel

9 days


Route

Adelaide to Perth

3551km


Best Time of the Year

Any time of year

Highlights

  • Flinders Park
  • Murat Bay
  • National ANZAC centre
  • Albany whaling museum
  • Mammoth cave
  • Nullabor National Park

The Journey

Days

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

South Australia Tourism Commission

Day 1
Adelaide

On the first day of your road trip, you'll pick up your maui camper from the Adelaide maui branch and spend the day exploring the city. Start by taking a stroll through the picturesque Adelaide Botanic Garden or visiting the Art Gallery of South Australia to admire its impressive collection of Australian and international art. Then, sports enthusiasts can catch a game at the Adelaide Oval, while animal lovers can explore the Adelaide Zoo. If you are looking for some retail therapy, head to Rundle Mall to browse through its boutiques and stores. With so much to see and do, Adelaide is the perfect starting point for your adventure through South Australia and Western Australia.

Where to stay: Big4 West Beach Parks.

Day 2
Adelaide to Port Augusta

Distance 308km - Driving Time 3 hours 45min

Leaving Adelaide, head up the coast towards Port Augusta. This scenic drive takes you through some stunning landscapes and offers plenty of opportunities to learn about this region's history. If you are a wine enthusiast, you can easily take a little detour to the Barossa Valley for a quick tasting with lunch. 

Port Augusta is a vibrant and historic city known as the "Crossroads of Australia'' due to its location at the junction of major highways leading north, south, east and west. The area is also rich in Aboriginal culture and history, with many significant sites to explore. One of the must-visit attractions is the Wadlata Outback Centre, which offers an interactive journey through the region's natural and cultural heritage. Another highlight is the Australia Arid Lands Botanic Garden, showcasing the unique flora of the arid regions of Australia. For those interested in local history, the Port Augusta Cultural Centre is a must-do to learn about the city's colourful past.

Where to Stay: Port Augusta Holiday and Caravan Park

Day 3
Port Augusta to Port Lincoln

Distance 342km - Driving Time 3 hours 45 min

Leaving the crossroads of Port Augusta, begin day three by continuing west along the scenic coast to Port Lincoln. This charming coastal town is known for its thriving fishing industry and stunning beaches. Here you can explore a range of attractions such as the Axel Stenross Maritime Museum, which showcases the history of wooden boat building, and the Port Lincoln Railway Museum, featuring vintage trains and carriages. Outdoor enthusiasts can venture to Coffin Bay National Park for a range of activities, including fishing, boating, and hiking. Flinders Park is also a must-visit location, where visitors can witness the spectacular scenery of the rugged coastline and pristine beaches. 

Where to Stay: Port Lincoln Caravan Park.

Mark Clinton

Day 4
Port Lincoln to Ceduna

Distance 403km - Driving Time 4 hours 10 mins

On day four, continue following the picturesque coast as you make your way north towards Ceduna. This small town is known for its stunning beaches, impressive oyster farming industries, and breathtaking sunsets. Make sure to stop at Murat Bay to take in the stunning views and check out the Ceduna School House Museum to learn about the town's history. Art enthusiasts can also visit the Ceduna Arts and Culture Centre to admire the local installations and exhibitions, while foodies can go and taste fresh oysters at the Oyster Barn. End the day by heading to the local supermarket to stock up on food essentials and fuel for the upcoming drive through the desert.

Where to Stay: Big4 Ceduna

Mark Clinton

Day 5
Ceduna to Eucla

Distance 493km - Driving Time 5 hours 10 mins

Driving across the Nullarbor Plain is a unique experience like no other. As the longest straight stretch of road in Australia, it is a vast and barren desert landscape known for its stunning coastal cliffs and wide open spaces. Make sure to have a few playlists or podcasts downloaded for the long drive, as you will find little to no reception along this stretch of road.

Along the way, be sure to stop at the Nullarbor Roadhouse and visit the Nullarbor National Park.  The Cocklebiddy Motel is a great place to grab a bite to eat and keep an eye out for camels, emus and the Nullarbor Nymph on the side of the road. If you have time, consider going whale watching, visiting cattle stations, or playing a unique round of golf on the world’s largest golf course – a dispersed set of fairways spotted along the coastline.

Where to Stay: Eucla Caravan Park. 

Day 6
Eucla to Norseman

Distance 709km - Driving Time 7 hours 15 mins

Halfway across the Nullarbor, and this marks the official halfway point in this iconic Australia road trip! On day six, you'll be driving from Eucla to Norseman, which continues through the vast, arid landscape of the Nullarbor Plain. Before setting off, take some time to explore Eucla National Park. This remote national park boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna, as well as some fascinating geological formations. You can enjoy a nice morning walk to visit the Eucla Jetty, which was once a thriving port for the area's early settlers. However, if you prefer a shorter adventure, check out the Old Telegraph Station. This station dates back to the 1870s and provides a glimpse into the region's past. Then it’s time to get back in your motorhome and begin the long drive west as you can take in the unique beauty of the desert scenery, with its rugged cliffs, expansive salt pans, and sparse vegetation.

Where to Stay: Gateway Caravan Park.

Day 7
Norseman to Esperance

Distance 203km - Driving Time 2 hours 10min

Leaving Norseman, head south towards the coastal town of Esperance, known for its pristine beaches and stunning natural scenery. After cooking up a quick campervan meal, it’s time to hit the road south – taking in the rugged beauty of the landscape, with its rolling hills and vast open plains. In Esperance, be sure to visit Lucky Bay, known for its crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches. This spot is also renowned for being the grazing spot of kangaroos and wallabies. So don’t be surprised if you come across one of these beauties soaking up the sun on the sand next to you. On the way back into town, make a stop at Lucky Bay Brewing for a local brew, take a stroll along the jetty, or challenge yourself to a hike up Frenchman Peak for incredible panoramic views. If you still have time to spare and are looking for a truly unique experience, consider taking a scenic flight to see the famous pink lake from above.

Where to Stay: Big4 Esperance Holiday Park.

Day 8
Esperance to Albany

Distance 481km - Driving Time 5 hours

After you have had your fill of the white sandy beaches of Esperance, it's time to continue the journey west to the coastal town of Albany. This little Western Australian town is famous for its rich history and stunning natural beauty. As you drive towards Albany, you'll leave the desert views behind and trade them for breathtaking coastal views and mountainous landscapes. Once you arrive in Albany, there is plenty on offer to explore. Begin with a visit to the National ANZAC Centre to learn about the town's military history and pay your respects to those who served. Emu Point Beach is also worth a visit, with its calm waters and relaxing atmosphere. For those who love nature, Torndirrup National Park offers a range of hiking trails and stunning vistas, including the famous Natural Bridge and The Gap giving us a geological insight into this land's ancient past. And don't miss the chance to learn about Albany's whaling history at the Albany Whaling Station.

Where to Stay: Big4 Emu Beach.

Day 9
Albany to Margaret River

Distance 343km - Driving Time 3 hours 50mins

Today brings us to the second last day of the trip as we make our way towards  Margaret River – the final stop before reaching Perth. Margaret River is known for its stunning natural scenery, beaches, and world-renowned wineries. It's the perfect place to relax and unwind before driving the final stretch up to Perth. While here, you can explore the beautiful stalactites of Mammoth Cave, navigate the intricate hedge Maze at Margaret River Maze, and indulge in fresh local produce at the local farmers market. Don't forget to visit some of the area's iconic wineries, such as Leeuwin Estate or Voyager Estate.  If you love biking, there are also plenty of bike trails to explore, including fast-paced enduro style to more gentle scenic cross-country trails. And if you have time, be sure to check out the Busselton Jetty, a must-visit attraction just a short drive away from Margaret River.

Where to Stay: Big4 Taunton Farm.

Tourism Western Australia Image Gallery

Day 10
Margaret River to Perth

Distance 270km - Driving Time 3 hours

On the final day of the trip, take some time to explore the beautiful city of Perth before returning the campervan to the maui Perth branch. After the short and scenic drive from Margaret river, begin your Perth exploring with a visit to Kings Park, a stunning parkland with sweeping views of the city skyline. The Art Gallery of Western Australia is also a must-visit for art lovers, with a diverse collection of both contemporary and traditional artwork. Finally, no visit to Perth would be complete without a stroll along Scarborough Beach. This is a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and soaking up the sun for tourists and locals alike. Enjoy your last moments on this unforgettable road trip before returning your campervan and bidding farewell to the beautiful Western Australian coast.

Take this amazing adventure from Adelaide to Perth with maui

This ten-day campervan road trip from Adelaide to Perth is an adventure of a lifetime, taking you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes South Australia and Western Australia have to offer. From the rugged coastline of the Eyre Peninsula to the stunning beaches and wineries of Margaret River, you will experience a diverse range of attractions, including the iconic Nullarbor Plain and the historic town of Albany. With endless opportunities for sightseeing and adventure along the way, this road trip is perfect for anyone looking to explore the natural beauty and cultural richness of both South Australia and Western Australia.

Ready to take this amazing adventure from Adelaide to Perth with maui? Hire a campervan with maui today online or at your local branch, and enjoy this classic Australian adventure for yourself.