2-Week Perth To Adelaide Road Trip Itinerary: Best Places To Stop

This post may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure

Planning a Perth to Adelaide road trip? This is one of the most iconic drives in Australia, taking you from coastal towns and national parks through to the vast landscapes of the Nullarbor.

It’s a long journey, but with the right planning, it’s an unforgettable one.

Need a hire car? Compare the best prices & deals!

Stay connected from the moment you land with an eSim. There’s no need to swap physical SIM cards. It takes just a few minutes to set up before you leave. We always use an eSim from Airalo.

Where To Stop On Your South-West Australian Road Trip

Time to get inspired with some of the most incredible landscape, world-famous scenery and attractions as you road trip through South-West Australia.

Don’t forget to make time for some of the most beautiful Western Australian beaches and South Australian beaches along the way!

Spend a day exploring Fremantle, with restaurants, heritage buildings and trendy weekend markets. A river cruise along Swan River will allow you to see scenery only viewable on the water.

Or head to the beach for a day of sun and sand. Cottesloe Beach is iconic and you will find plenty to see and do.

Take a stargazing tour to Pinnacle Dessert for a memorable night out.

If you have an extra day, take a ferry to Rottnest Island and see the adorable quokkas. This is an incredible day trip from Perth and one you will be glad you did.

WHERE TO STAY: Hyatt Regency Perth

It is also home to the longest jetty in the Southern Hemisphere, stretching 1,841 metres. You can walk the full length or take the train, and there’s also an underwater observatory at the end if you want to do something a little different.

There’s also a fantastic playground, calm swimming areas, and plenty of space for kids to run around, making this a great family-friendly stop to kick off your trip.

WHERE TO STAY: RAC Busselton Holiday Park

This region is one of the highlights of the entire road trip, and it’s worth taking your time here if your itinerary allows.

This part of the trip feels completely different, with towering karri forests and a much quieter, nature-focused atmosphere.

On your way, you will pass through Hamelin Bay, which is famous for its stingrays, beautiful turquoise water, and wooden jetty ruins or Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse and waterwheel, which is the most south-western point in Australia.

If you have the chance while in Pemberton, ensure you visit the Yeagarup Dunes in D’Entrecasteaux National Park to have some fun. It’s the largest land-locked mobile dune system in the southern hemisphere.

Augusta is a beautiful place for a waterside picnic lunch if you have the time. You will see dolphins and pelicans in the area.

WHERE TO STAY: Big Brook Cottages

Start by heading towards Denmark, where you can stop at some of the region’s most beautiful beaches, including Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks.

For food lovers, there is a great range of lovely cafes, restaurants and pubs meals to enjoy; also, a chocolaterie, cheesery and a gelato company.

WHERE TO STAY: Denmark Waters B&B

Albany has a mix of history, coastal views, and outdoor attractions. If you arrive early enough, you might have time to visit Torndirrup National Park or explore the foreshore.

Albany is the site of the first European settlement in Western Australia, with colonial buildings remaining. There are also some beautiful beaches, with Little Beach voted as one of Western Australia’s best beaches.

Visit the old Whaling Station or take a whale-watching cruise if visiting during the whale season.

WHERE TO STAY: Beach House At Bayside

Between July and November, Southern Right Whales come to Bremer Bay to calve in the calm waters, very close to shore.

A little further off the coast, from January to April, you have the chance to join a tour to see Killer Whales in the wild too.

Bremer Bay is also a popular spot for snorkelling and scuba diving due to the unique underwater environment and low variation in water temperature throughout the year.

Don’t miss a chance to visit Fitzgerald River National Park and Point Ann.

WHERE TO STAY: Bremer Bay Resort

Head out to Cape Le Grand National Park, where you’ll find some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia, including Lucky Bay — famous for its white sand and kangaroos on the beach.

We love Blue Haven Beach for a sheltered, tranquil swimming spot. Soak up the gorgeous view from the top of the viewing platform before taking the winding stairs down to the sandy beach below.

Another local favourite is Twilight Beach, located just 10-km from town. Boasting stunning turquoise waters and snow-white sand, it’s easy to see why this spot is so popular.

For something truly special, take a Scenic Flight over the incredible pink Lake Hillier and Middle Island from Esperance.

WHERE TO STAY: A Tranquil Retreat

It takes 2 to 4 days to cross the Nullabor, depending on your route, which is between 1,200 and 1,700 km.

This is where the trip shifts into a completely different experience.

From Esperance, head to Norseman before beginning the long drive across the Nullarbor Plain.

This stretch is remote, with long distances between stops, so it’s important to plan ahead. Fill up with fuel whenever you can and make use of the roadhouses along the way.

Tip: Fill up with fuel before you start because it is expensive along the way. And only travel by daylight. The risk of encountering wildlife on the road at night is high, and it’s better to camp overnight instead!

WHERE TO STAY: There are free camping stops plus accommodation at many of the roadhouses.

It is during these months that the Southern Right Whales come from Antarctica up to the relatively warm waters of the Great Australian Bight to mate and give birth.

Early in the season, you will see only adult whales, but from July onwards, the calves will start to appear.

Head of the Bight is very remote, with the nearest towns being Eucla 221km to the West or Fowlers Bay 164km to the East.

It is only 25km from the Nullarbor Roadhouse though, so if you are planning to stay in the area, this is your best option with motel rooms and a campground.

WHERE TO STAY: Nullarbor Roadhouse

This is a great place to slow down, enjoy the coastline, and recover after the long drive.

You can take a walk along the jetty, explore nearby coastal spots, or simply relax. You might even be lucky enough to spot dolphins! .

Smooth Pool is great fun to explore and if the conditions are right Whistling Rock can put on a great show.

WHERE TO STAY: Streaky Bay Motel & Villas

Day 12: Streaky Bay to Port Lincoln

Distance from Perth 2323 KM | Distance from Adelaide 651 KM

Continue along the Eyre Peninsula to Port Lincoln.

Port Lincoln is referred to as the seafood capital of Australia, home to the largest commercial fishing fleet in the Southern Hemisphere.

There are also opportunities for water activities, wildlife experiences, or simply relaxing by the water.

Another good spot to slow the pace if you have time.

If you don’t have a 4WD, join a day tour to see the best of Port Lincoln.

Or maybe you’d rather go swimming with sea lions!

WHERE TO STAY: Port Lincoln Hotel

Another popular choice for fishing, located in the Spencer Gulf, it is a perfect stop towards the end of your Perth to Adelaide road trip itinerary.

Explore one of the walking tracks or head to Hummock Hill for 360-degree views over the town, along the coast and beyond.

Whyalla Foreshore and Marina are great areas to talk a stroll, swim safely or even do some fishing off the Marina.

WHERE TO STAY: Discovery Parks – Whyalla Foreshore

Known as the City of Churches, Adelaide is a beautiful city to explore. A heritage walking tour is a perfect way to do this.

From being the opal mining capital of the world and a hub of activity, with trendy bars, cafes and boutique shopping.

Wander through Adelaide Botanic Garden or head to Glenelg and ride Adelaide’s last remaining tram.

Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute is Australia’s oldest Aboriginal-owned and managed multi-arts centre and a place where you can learn about Aboriginal art and culture.

Cleland Wildlife Park is the perfect place for animal lovers to experience Australian wildlife.

WHERE TO STAY: Intercontinental Adelaide

---

👉 This is a long-distance road trip with remote stretches, so planning ahead is essential — especially for fuel and accommodation.

You will have no shortage of inspiration for your road trip between Perth and Adelaide, whether you are driving one way or doing a return trip and seeing half of these stops each trip!

RECOMMENDED READING: Plan the ultimate trip to Australia with our Australia Travel Guide!