Last Updated on October 13, 2025 by Felecia at Road Trips Australia
This journey isn’t just a road trip – it’s one of Australia’s iconic crossings, driving Melbourne to Perth! From Melbourne, travellers will depart on a spectacular 12-day journey through South Australia’s sleepy coastal stops and shimmering pink lake. Stand on the edge of the world along the Great Australian Bight where the outback meets the ocean. Strap in for the vast Nullarbor Plain crossing into Western Australia, where more renowned stops await!
Iconic Australian Road Trip: Driving Melbourne to Perth
| Distance: | 3663 km |
| Length: | 12-days |
| When to Visit: | Spring: August to November or March to May |
| Where to Stay: | Self-sufficient RVs (Recreational Vehicles), Caravans and Camping |
Driving Melbourne to Perth: Essential Preparation for the Nullarbor
Importantly, when preparing for any long journey, primarily through rural and remote regions of Australia, it is essential to be ready. See our top tips for driving the Nullarbor:
1 – Ensure your vehicle is mechanically inspected and reliable
2 – Carry a checked spare tyre, engine oil, coolant, and a tool kit
3 – Pace the trip into achievable daily distances and
4 – Avoid driving at dusk and dawn to limit animal strikes
5 – Use an offline navigation app and UHF radio
6 – Carry extra fuel or top up fuel regularly (some fuel pumps on the Nullarbor may be out of service)
7 – Carry food and drinking water. Potable water is scarce across the Nullarbor
8 – Be prepared to share the road with long Road Trains
9 – Have a good music playlist!
10 – Stop every 2 hours for at least 15 minutes
11 – Carry cash, if EFTPOS machines are down.
Driving Melbourne to Perth: Day-by-day Guide
This is your guide to driving from Melbourne to Perth, an epic journey that trades cityscapes for stunning outback and coastal scenes. This adventure is ideally suited for travellers with their own setup—whether you’re in a tent, a caravan, or an RV, where we’ve included scenic stops and campgrounds, while there are many free stops along the way as well!
Day 1 – Grampians National Park, 271 km
Pull into Troopers Creek Campground, part of Grampians National Park. You can access some stunning walking trails (Gar Trailhead) from the campground that lead to Beehive Falls. Stay for two nights.
Day 3 – Belair National Park, 474 km
Belair National Park Holiday Park is nestled at the base of the Adelaide Hills. Located just 20 minutes from Adelaide, it is the perfect base to explore the City or the adjoining National Park’s walking trails, lookouts, and horse trail rides in the native bushland. Beyond this, many other sightseeing opportunities demand exploration. Visit Victor Harbour or take a winery excursion through McLaren Vale and Hahndorf. Stay for two nights.
Day 5 – Point Gibbon, 526 km
Next, just after Cowell, Port Gibbon Road leads to Port Gibbon and Point Gibbon campsites. This bay-side campground is ideal for self-sufficient travellers. Enjoy a beach walk, explore the dunes, and why not finish the day with some stargazing? Stay for one night.
Day 6 – Elliston, 204 km
Two ways to reach Elliston are via Birdseye Highway or by following the coast via Port Lincoln and Coffin Bay. For an overnight stay, consider Elliston Caravan Park opposite Elliston Jetty and sea caves. Follow Clifftop Drive to witness the stunning rugged coastline and Elliston Clifftop sculptures. Stay one night.
Driving Melbourne to Perth, discover rugged coastlines, shimmering pink lakes and unique rock formations….
Day 7 – Point Sinclair Campground, 325 km
Follow the coastal road and stop to explore the beachside villages, from Venus Bay, Streaky Bay, to Smoky Bay. En route to Point Sinclair, travellers can view the Point Sinclair Pink Lake before reaching the ocean views yet again. This privately owned campground is for self-sufficient travellers, set amidst the coastal shrubland. Stay for one night.
Day 8 – Eucla Caravan Park, 428 km
Welcome to WA, the Nullarbor Plain and the Great Australian Bight! Don’t miss the scenic lookouts offering stunning views of the sheer cliffs that form the dramatic southern edge of the Australian mainland. Eucla Jetty and the old telegraph station also offer an interesting historical stop. For those interested in a hit of Golf, the Nullarbor Links has travellers covered for that too. The holes start at Ceduna and finish in Kalgoorlie. Stay for one night.
Day 9 – Balladonia Caravan and Camping, 518 km
This section of the Nullarbor Crossing conquers the 90-mile straight. Break up the drive by stopping at Murra El Elvyn Cave and Caiguna Blowhole, stop for fuel top-ups and lunch. Pull into Balladonia Caravan and Camping and stay for one night.
Day 10 – Wave Rock, 581 km
Wave Rock is an iconic geological feature of WA, and a part of the Hyden Shire, with an entry fee payable. Take the time to explore the stunning walking trails and history around Wave Rock and The Humps. Various camping and accommodation options exist, notably Wave Rock Caravan Park, located just by Wave Rock. Stay for 2 nights.
Day 12 – Perth, 336 km
Continue from Hyden’s Wave Rock through WA’s wheat belt to Perth.
Why Driving Melbourne to Perth is an Unforgettable Adventure!
In conclusion, navigating this epic drive Melbourne to Perth; we have uncovered an adventure of a lifetime. From the beauty of the Grampians and the serene coastal camps of South Australia to the breathtaking views of the Great Australian Bight. Conquering the iconic Nullarbor Plain and 90-mile straight brings a sense of accomplishment, before arriving at the magnificent Wave Rock! You haven’t just driven across the country; this is an iconic Australian road trip…
