Perth to Melbourne Road Trip – 15-Day Itinerary With Stops You’ll Never Forget

Thinking about driving across Australia? The Perth to Melbourne road trip is one of the most unforgettable journeys you can do — full of stunning coastlines, wild outback stretches, charming small towns, and some seriously underrated wine regions.

We did this exact drive back in 2013, and it still stands out as one of our favourite Aussie adventures. But back then, there wasn’t much online to help plan it. No Facebook groups, no travel apps — just Google Maps, printed notes, and a lot of guesswork.

Looking back now, there’s so much more we would’ve seen if we’d had a proper guide — so here it is.

How Long Does It Take to Drive From Perth to Melbourne?

You’ll need at least two weeks to really enjoy this drive, but if you can stretch it to 3 weeks, even better. The total distance is around 3,400km, and you’ll cover everything from the turquoise beaches of Esperance to the red dirt of the Nullarbor and the dramatic cliffs of the Great Ocean Road.

Our 15-Day Perth to Melbourne Itinerary

We’ve broken down the trip into day-by-day highlights, with optional stops, where to stay, and a few personal tips from our 2013 journey (plus some things we’d do differently today).

Day 1–3: Perth to Esperance (via Margaret River & Albany)

Cape Le Grand National Park – Picture-perfect beaches and kangaroos sunbathing on white sand.

Kick things off heading south from Perth into wine country and forested coastlines.

Highlights:

Margaret River – Great wine, surf beaches, and a dreamy forest backdrop. Start your day at Margaret River Bakery.
Hamelin Bay – Friendly stingrays glide right up to the shore.
Cape Leeuwin – Where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet.
Valley of the Giants – Walk the treetop canopy among giant tingle trees.
Albany – Wild coastlines, ANZAC history, and seriously underrated views.
Cape Le Grand National Park – Picture-perfect beaches and kangaroos sunbathing on white sand.

Where to stay:
Esperance (for a comfy stay), or camp at Cape Le Grand if you’re up for it.

Day 4–6: Esperance to the Nullarbor (via Norseman & Eucla)

Now you’re heading into the real wild. The Nullarbor isn’t just a road — it’s a mindset.

90 Mile Straight. Good luck overtaking these trucks on your Perth to Melbourne road trip

Highlights:

Norseman – The official gateway to the Nullarbor.
Balladonia – Home to a museum with debris from NASA’s Skylab.
90 Mile Straight – Australia’s longest, straightest road. It’s weirdly hypnotic.
Nullarbor Roadhouse – Strong coffee, kangaroo signs, and even stronger personalities.
Head of Bight (seasonal) – Whale watching from May to October.
Eucla – Haunting sand-drifted ruins of the old telegraph station.

Where to stay:
Rural motels, roadhouses, or remote camping spots. Bring fuel, water, and snacks — you’ll thank us later.

Day 7–9: Nullarbor to Adelaide (via Eyre Peninsula)

Back to the coast, and time for some of the freshest seafood in the country.

Coffin Bay National Park, Eyre Peninsula, South Australia

Highlights:

Ceduna – Famous for oysters. Grab a dozen straight from the sea.
Streaky Bay – Small-town charm and funky rock formations like Murphy’s Haystacks.
Port Lincoln – Optional detour, but worth it for shark cage diving or seafood feasting.
Whyalla / Port Augusta – Gateway towns with good refuel-and-rest options.

Where to stay:
Port Lincoln or coastal towns along the Eyre Peninsula.

Day 10–11: Adelaide and Surrounds

Time to take a breather in South Australia’s chill capital.

Highlights:

Barossa or Clare Valley – World-class wines and rolling vineyard views.
Hahndorf – German-style village in the Adelaide Hills.
Adelaide Central Market – This is the perfect place to graze your way through the local produce scene.

Where to stay:
In central Adelaide or a vineyard cottage if you want something a bit more romantic.

Day 12–13: Adelaide to the Grampians

Leaving the coast behind, the Grampians give you a stunning dose of Aussie bushland.

Highlights:

Mount Gambier (optional) – Stop to see the Blue Lake and sinkholes.
Grampians National Park – Hike to the Pinnacle, see waterfalls, and explore ancient Aboriginal rock art.

Where to stay:
Halls Gap – the best base for Grampians exploring.

Day 14–15: Grampians to Melbourne (via the Great Ocean Road)

Saving the best for last — one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world.

Highlights:

Port Fairy & Warrnambool – Quaint towns with rugged coastlines.
Twelve Apostles & Loch Ard Gorge – These natural wonders never get old.
Otway National Park – Lush rainforest trails and waterfalls.
Apollo Bay & Lorne – Charming seaside villages perfect for an overnight stop.
Bells Beach & Torquay – Surf beaches on the final stretch to Melbourne.

Where to stay:
Stay in Apollo Bay or Lorne before making the last push into the city.

Things We Didn’t Know in 2013 (But Wish We Had)

If we could go back and whisper a few things to our younger road-tripping selves…

Always top up your fuel — even if you’re half full.
Offline maps are your best friend — mobile reception is non-existent in some stretches.
Don’t rush — the best moments happen when you go off-plan.
A good camp chair and esky make all the difference.
Get up early — you’ll have the best beaches and lookouts all to yourself. Easy to do as long as you nare ot too hungover 🤔

Final Thoughts

This drive is about more than just ticking off landmarks. It’s the wide skies, the unexpected detours, the roadhouse chats, and the quiet moments at sunset that stay with you.

Whether you’re camping under a million stars or sipping wine in the Barossa, this Perth to Melbourne road trip is a true Aussie rite of passage. One that will leave you sun-kissed, sand-covered, and smiling the whole way home.