Epic Perth To Adelaide Road Trip Itinerary: Where to Stop, Stay & Eat

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Explore Australia’s South-West on a Perth to Adelaide road trip, driving your way through some of the most stunning places in Australia. From breath taking coastlines to the desolate Australian outback, this is a road trip to start planning now!

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Driving Perth To Adelaide Or Adelaide To Perth

Before you set off on your south west road trip, you will need to decide how much time you have and the type of transport you are using.

If taking your own car or caravan, ensure they are up to date with servicing and maintenance before leaving.

If hiring a car, campervan or caravan, book with enough time to ensure you get the type of vehicle you want.

During busy travel seasons such as Christmas, Easter and school holidays, you may need to book further in advance for accommodation or campsites too.

Be sure to check our complete road trip planning guide for beginners before you get started!

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

How Long Do I Need For A Perth To Adelaide Road Trip?

At a minimum, you would need at least 2 weeks to do a Perth to Adelaide road trip one way.

This does not give you a lot of time at each stop though, so ideally 3-4 weeks for a return trip would be optimal. And if you have more time to spend, this would allow you to make more stops and detours.

Depending on the type of vehicle you are taking, the accommodation you choose along the way will differ.

If you have a self-contained campervan or caravan, you can freedom camp or stay at affordable campsites.

If you are tent camping, download a free camping Australia app to find campsites with toilet facilities.

For road trips by car, there are hotels recommended at each stop. Some of these are more budget, others are in the mid-range. Alternatively, Airbnb can be great for finding affordable accommodation for your trip.

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 and South Australian beaches along the way!

There is plenty to keep you busy in Western Australia’s capital!

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!

Or take a couple of days to visit Wave Rock and enjoy the sights along the way before you start heading off on your road trip journey!

WHERE TO EAT: The Old Synagogue
WHERE TO STAY: Hyatt Regency Perth

It is also home to the longest jetty in the Southern Hemisphere, stretching 1,841 metres.

Enjoy a stroll to the end or if you aren’t so keen on the walk, catch the replica steam engine most of the way. When you stop, you will find an underwater observatory the kids will love.

The Busselton foreshore is a hub of activity with walkways, a splash playground, a skatepark and places to hire kayaks for time out on the water.

There is also a high ropes course and adventure park.

WHERE TO EAT: The Good Egg
WHERE TO STAY: RAC Busselton Holiday Park

Although Pemberton is not a long drive from Margaret River, there is so much fascinating stuff to see in the area.

There are also lots of fire lookout climbing trees in the area, which you can climb to get some stunning views if you’re not scared of heights.

If you have the chance while in Pemberton, ensure you visit the Yeagarup Dunes in D’Entrecasteaux National Park to have some fun.

The Yeagarup Dunes are the largest land-locked mobile dune system in the southern hemisphere.

And it’s a lovely place – one of the most beautiful sights in the area.

On your way, you will pass through Hamelin Bay, which is famous for its stingrays, beautiful turquoise water, and wooden jetty ruins. You will have to consider nipping down here before you head off.

Also, you can head down to the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse and waterwheel, which is the most south-western point in Australia.

Augusta, a beautiful place for a waterside picnic lunch if you have the time. You will see dolphins and pelicans in the area. You can also visit the
Jewel Cave if time permits you.

In terms of camping accommodation, Big Brook Arboretum and Leaning Marri – Yeagarup Lake are $7.50 per night for campsites. From here, you can walk or drive to Yeagarup Dunes if you went with a travel trailer or a 4WD SUV.

WHERE TO EAT: Lavender and Berry Farm Cafe
WHERE TO STAY: Big Brook Cottages

-Theodore from Camperfront

Located just 50 minutes from Albany, in the Great Southern Region on the Rainbow Coast, Denmark is a must-stop for all travellers.

The gorgeous little town sits on the Denmark River and is surrounded by rugged cliff lines and tall trees.

Denmark is a great place for all types of travellers. Foodies, families, beachgoers, wine drinkers, artists, solo travellers and more – there truly is something for everyone in Denmark.

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.

The region is known for its plentiful wineries, breweries and cideries, and even a meadery.

Be sure to stop into the multiple boutique shops and art galleries in the area, you’ll find some wonderful hidden gems off the main track.

For nature enthusiasts, Denmark has it all. The town is off the direct coastline and has a remarkable country feel.

For beach lovers, you will be in coastal heaven! You cannot go miss Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks, these two locations are among the biggest drawcards to the region. 

For a fantastic lunch, lovely outlook and friendly service, book yourself a lunch at the Lake House Denmark – you will not be disappointed.

If you’re looking for fabulous accommodation in Denmark, you cannot go past Wren’s Nest, your very own little sanctuary in Denmark – it is simply divine. 

WHERE TO EAT: Lake House Denmark
WHERE TO STAY: Denmark Waters B&B

-Erin from Australian Mountains To Sea

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.

Keep the great outdoor explorations going with a hike along the Bibbulmun Trac, although you likely won’t be keen for the full 1000KM journey! This is one of Australia’s greatest long walking tracks.

Torndirrup National Park is another must-visit! The water-calved rock formations and viewing platform make it a spectacular sight.

WHERE TO EAT: Ocean and Paddock
WHERE TO STAY: Beach House At Bayside

Roughly 8-hours from Perth, the town is famous for its idyllic white-sand beaches and pristine coastal landscapes, including Cape Le Grand National Park.

Locally known at the ‘Bay of Isles’, the town of Esperance offers stunning views overlooking the Recherche Archipelago – a group of 110 islands off the coast.

Though the islands are uninhabited, they’re well worth a visit. There are cruises that take around the bay through the islands as well as day trips to the Wood Island Nature Reserve. 

Next up, take a drive and follow the rugged coastline and enjoy stunning views of the untouched beaches and bushland around Esperance.

Stop over for a picnic, trail walk, or head to 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.

The beach itself is easy to access, and activities including swimming, surfing, paddle-boarding, and snorkelling are all possible.

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

Once you’re done exploring for the day, head to the Loose Goose Bar and Restaurant for a delicious meal or a cold beer.

The popular grill house serves up savoury meats, locally-sourced produce, and a wide variety of drinks.

We also love Fish Face Takeaway for some affordable, fresh from the sea grub. Try out the seafood chowder or seafood crepes!

As for accommodations, check out the A Tranquil Retreat for a lovely bed and breakfast experience, or The Comfort Inn Bay of Isles for a clean, family-friendly option.

WHERE TO EAT: Fish Face Takeaway
WHERE TO STAY: A Tranquil Retreat

-Natasha from the Great Ocean Road Collective

The scenery for most of it is not very exciting, with nothing more than the roadhouses along the way to break up the trip.

At it’s widest point, the Nullarbor Plain stretches 1200 kilometres.

The Nullarbor Plain starts in Western Australian in Norseman, approximately 722 KM from Perth and ends at Ceduna in South Australia, 1921 KM from Perth. The journey will take around 12 and a half hours.

But there is one fun way to pass your time – The Nullarbor Links.

Pack your golf clubs, or bring a cheap club just to enjoy the novelty of playing a single hole of golf at each roadhouse and community along this long route. Kick-off with the first hole in Kalgoorlie.

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

WHERE TO EAT: There are roadhouses along the way to stop for a meal
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.

They will spend a couple of months playing and growing until September when they will start the journey back to Antarctic waters with their mums.

Head of the Bight offers the perfect opportunity to see these incredible creatures as they play.

The boardwalks sit on cliffs overlooking deep water so the whales are able to come in quite close.

With so many whales in the area, it’s not uncommon to stand on the viewing platforms and see more than twenty whales in close proximity.

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.

There is also a free camp area near the entrance of Head of the Bight for fully contained travellers.

The Nullarbor Roadhouse is again the closest location for meals, snacks, basic supplies, and fuel. There is a cafe at the Head of the Bight that offers drinks and simple meals such as toasted sandwiches or soup. 

The Head of the Bight is open from 8 am to 5 pm every day from 1 June to 30 October. You can also visit during the offseason from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

WHERE TO EAT: Nullarbor Roadhouse
WHERE TO STAY: Nullarbor Roadhouse

-Josie from Josie Wanders

The town sits on a bay and the jetty and beach are a great place to relax, fish and spot dolphins.

Check out the roadhouse for the great white shark display. There is also a self-guided walk and a national trust museum if you want to dig into the town’s history.

There is a lot of great scenery around Streaky Bay too.

There are a couple of loop drives that take you along the spectacular coastline. Our favourite is the Cape Bauer Loop.

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

Murphy’s Haystack is 15 minutes from ‘Streaky’. These giant granite boulders in the middle of a paddock are a great sight. Kids will love climbing over them.

For some wildlife, Point Labatt is 30 minutes from Streaky has a large colony of Australian Sea Lions. The views from the cliffs are fantastic and the sea lions below are fun to watch!

There are two caravan parks – we have stayed at both. The Streaky Bay Foreshore Park is right on the water and is ideal for families.

Streaky Bay Islands Caravan Park is five minutes out of town. If private bathrooms, big sites, and a quieter atmosphere are your thing, this is the place for you.

The pick of the spots to eat is the Streaky Bay Hotel. They have good pub grub but best of all it is right on the waterfront. If you want somewhere to relax and have a drink and a meal while you watch a great sunset this is the perfect place.

WHERE TO EAT: Streaky Bay Hotel
WHERE TO STAY: Streaky Bay Motel & Villas

-Natalie & Steve from Curious Campers

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.

This lookout was an observation point during World War II, with gun emplacements still remaining.

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

WHERE TO EAT: Breeze Bistro
WHERE TO STAY: Discovery Parks – Whyalla Foreshore