Overview
Ready to cross Australia the slow, scenic way? This easy-going itinerary links the vineyards and surf of Western Australia’s southwest to South Australia’s big skies and coastal towns, with a…
Trip Details
Day 1: Perth to Margaret River
Distance: 270 kms
Travel time: ~3 hours
Leave the city behind and cruise south to one of Australia’s premier wine and surf regions. The drive is smooth and coastal, with easy detours for ocean views and short walks.
Where to stop between Perth and Margaret River
Busselton Jetty Stroll the famously long timber jetty for wide-open views of Geographe Bay.
Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse - Climb the short tower for panoramic headland vistas.
Ngilgi Cave - Step underground to see ancient limestone formations and local stories brought to life.
Things to do in Margaret River
Pair cool-climate wines with farm-to-table dining, wander galleries, and head out to Surfers Point in Prevelly for sunset swells. If time allows, explore one of the region’s show caves such as Mammoth Cave to immerse yourself in the karst landscape.
Where to stay in Margaret River
Settle into a centrally located holiday park such as Margaret River Tourist Park or Riverview Tourist Park for easy access to cellar doors, beaches, and trails.
Day 2: Margaret River
Distance: 80 kms
Travel time: ~2 hours
Spend the day exploring at your own pace. With beaches, caves, vineyards, and forest trails nearby, you can mix indulgence with adventure.
Things to do in Margaret River
Enjoy a tasting at a signature winery, step through Mammoth Cave’s towering chambers, then linger at Surfers Point to watch locals carve lines across Indian Ocean swells. Between stops, call into artisan chocolatiers and providores for picnic treats.
Where to stay in Margaret River
Stay a second night at your chosen holiday park to streamline your day of exploring.
Day 3: Margaret River to Denmark
Distance: 320 kms
Travel time: ~3.5 hours
Roll east through forested country and quiet farming towns to the laid-back creative hub of Denmark. The landscape shifts from vineyards to towering eucalypts and bold granite coasts. This is the longest driving day of the trip, so start early and enjoy scenic breaks.
Where to stop between Margaret River and Denmark
Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk - Wander 40 m above ground among ancient tingle trees.
Things to do in Denmark
Make a beeline for William Bay National Park, where Elephant Rocks and the sheltered turquoise waters of Greens Pool invite swims, photos, and slow time by the sea. Later, browse Denmark’s cafes and boutiques.
Where to stay in Denmark
Denmark Rivermouth Caravan Park places you by the inlet for evening strolls and sunrise paddles.
Day 4: Denmark to Albany
Distance: 55 kms
Travel time: ~1 hour
A short coastal hop brings you to Albany, a deep-water port with a rich maritime history and dramatic headlands that face the Southern Ocean.
Where to stop between Denmark and Albany
The Gap & Natural Bridge, Torndirrup National Park - Peer from safe platforms above powerful swell and sculpted granite.
Things to do in Albany
Visit Albany’s Historic Whaling Station to understand the city’s whaling past and transformation into a conservation leader. Walk coastal trails or head to the wind farm boardwalks for sweeping ocean views.
Where to stay in Albany
BIG4 Emu Beach Holiday Park offers a peaceful base near beaches and the city’s heritage precincts.
Day 5: Albany to Bremer Bay
Distance: 180 kms
Travel time: ~2 hours
Turn off the South Coast Highway towards Bremer Bay, a quiet coastal village edged by white sand and clear water. The shorter drive gives you time to enjoy the bays on arrival.
Where to stop between Albany and Bremer Bay
Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve - Detour to Little Beach for postcard-perfect sand and granite headlands.
Things to do in Bremer Bay
Swim in sheltered coves, walk coastal tracks, and keep an eye out for marine life from headland lookouts. In summer, the beaches glow in soft afternoon light.
Where to stay in Bremer Bay
Bremer Bay Beaches Resort Tourist Park provides powered sites close to the water and walking access to the township.
Day 6: Bremer Bay to Hopetoun
Distance: 260 kms
Travel time: ~3 hours
Follow the sealed route back to the highway and on through Ravensthorpe before turning south to the small seaside town of Hopetoun, gateway to Fitzgerald River National Park.
Where to stop between Bremer Bay and Hopetoun
Town lookouts around Ravensthorpe - Short viewpoints break up the drive with vistas of farmland and the low ranges.
Things to do in Hopetoun
Explore the coastal edge of Fitzgerald River National Park from sealed-access lookouts and beaches. In late winter and spring, wildflowers carpet the heath.
Where to stay in Hopetoun
Hopetoun Beachside Caravan Park sits close to the foreshore and is ideal for a relaxed evening walk.
Day 7: Hopetoun to Esperance
Distance: 190 kms
Travel time: ~2.5 hours
Continue east to Esperance, a coastal showstopper with powder-white beaches and luminous water. The Great Ocean Drive here is one of the state’s most photogenic loops.
Where to stop between Hopetoun and Esperance
Fitzgerald River National Park coastal lookouts - Short, sealed-access viewpoints to sample the park’s coastline.
Things to do in Esperance
Drive the scenic loop, visit the full-scale Stonehenge replica, and if time allows, head to Cape Le Grand National Park. Lucky Bay’s resident kangaroos and bright sands make for memorable photos and a refreshing swim.
Where to stay in Esperance
RAC Esperance Holiday Park offers ocean outlooks and easy access to the town centre and beaches.
Day 8: Esperance to Norseman
Distance: 205 kms
Travel time: ~2.5 hours
Say farewell to the coast and turn inland to Norseman, the gateway to the Nullarbor. Stock up on fuel, water, and fresh produce before the big, beautiful emptiness ahead.
Where to stop between Esperance and Norseman
Great Ocean Drive viewpoints - Squeeze in a final beach lookout before heading inland.
Beacon Hill Lookout near Norseman - A sweeping vantage to preview the vast plains.
Things to do in Norseman
Stretch your legs on the town heritage walk, check your vehicle and tyres, and enjoy a quiet outback evening under bright stars.
Where to stay in Norseman
Gateway Caravan Park is a simple, convenient overnight base to prepare for the Nullarbor crossing.
Day 9: Norseman to Balladonia
Distance: 190 kms
Travel time: ~2 hours
The Nullarbor begins in earnest. Low scrub, big skies, and shimmering mirages introduce the rhythm of the road and the roadhouse culture that defines this crossing.
Where to stop between Norseman and Balladonia
Roadside photo stops - Capture the first sense of scale as the landscape opens. Balladonia Museum - Learn about Skylab debris and local exploration stories.
Things to do in Balladonia
Browse the museum, refuel, and watch the sun sink into a horizon that seems to go on forever. The night sky is outstanding in clear conditions.
Where to stay in Balladonia
The Balladonia Hotel Motel caravan park offers powered sites and meals, a handy stop between long horizons.
Day 10: Balladonia to Caiguna
Distance: 180 kms
Travel time: ~2 hours
Roll onto the famed 90 Mile Straight, Australia’s longest straight stretch of highway. The sense of space is exhilarating and meditative all at once.
Where to stop between Balladonia and Caiguna
90 Mile Straight sign - A must-have photo at the western or eastern markers.
Caiguna Blowhole - Feel gusts of air emerging from subterranean limestone caverns.
Things to do in Caiguna
Embrace the simplicity: a roadhouse meal, a chat with fellow travelers, and an early night under a blaze of stars.
Where to stay in Caiguna
Caiguna Roadhouse has basic powered sites and facilities, perfect for a restful pause.
Day 11: Caiguna to Cocklebiddy
Distance: 65 kms
Travel time: ~1 hour
A short hop gives you time to slow down, take photos, and enjoy the Nullarbor’s quiet grandeur without rushing.
Where to stop between Caiguna and Cocklebiddy
Roadside pullouts - Watch for eagles riding thermals and the play of light over the plains.
Things to do in Cocklebiddy
Soak up the outback roadhouse vibe, check local information boards for wildlife sightings, and plan the next day’s cliff lookouts.
Where to stay in Cocklebiddy
Cocklebiddy Wedgetail Inn & Roadhouse provides powered sites and hearty meals for travelers crossing the Plain.
Day 12: Cocklebiddy to Madura
Distance: 90 kms
Travel time: ~1 hour
Continue east to the Madura Pass, where the highway drops off the Hampton Tableland with views acros
