Our Guide to an Adelaide to Perth Road Trip That Won’t Bore You
- Best Route
- Where to Stay
- Ceduna Foreshore Hotel Motel
- Nullarbor Roadhouse
- Merredin Motel
- Where to Eat
- Char Barossa
- Ceduna Oyster Barn
- Northside Tavern Merredin
- Top Things to Do
- See the finest wineries at Barossa Valley
- Learn about highly-evolved plants at the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden
- Enjoy the coastal scenery of Ceduna
- Stand atop cliffs and see whales at Nullarbor National Park
- Take snaps of Eucla National Park’s outlandish sand dunes
- Check out birds and caves at the Eyre Bird Observatory
- Head to the 550-million-year-old Dundas Rocks
- Explore Kalgoolie’s mind-boggling Super Pit Lookout
- Enjoy a stroll at Merredin Peak Heritage Trail
If a Negative Nelly ever told you that a 2,700-kilometer journey will always be a grind and not a grand adventure, show them this article.
From million-year-old rock formations to the so-called true Australian Outback, this Adelaide to Perth road trip guide has the spots and stops that would make even the sternest couch potatoes roll out of town.
You also don’t have to worry about the journey’s nitty-gritty. We share road trip essentials, including the coziest crash pads and the restaurants you shouldn’t skip along your way to Australia’s sunniest capital city.
Best Route
Where to Stay
Ceduna Foreshore Hotel Motel
emmet888_
Address: 32 O’Loughlin Terrace, Ceduna
Contact Details: (08) 8625 2008
Pricing: $$
For killer coastal views, Ceduna Foreshore Hotel Motel is the jackpot.
We picked the Spa Suite and soaked in Murat Bay from a luxurious spa bath and the balcony. Yes, it’s a bit pricey, but the view and modern perks, like the king bed and wide dining table, make up for it.
The Executive rooms offer a more posh weekend crash pad and are perfect for pretending you’re in a travel commercial. Think first-floor digs with all the contemporary features: king bed, writing desk, and, of course, a balcony to soak up the sea air.
If the budget is tight, there are older-style, standard rooms. They cover basic needs at an affordable price.
Nullarbor Roadhouse
Address: Eyre Highway, Nullarbor
Contact Details: (08) 8625 6271
Pricing: $$
It isn’t a complete Adelaide to Perth road trip without stopping by or staying at the Nullarbor Roadhouse, famous for its beautifully isolated location.
Motel rooms here feature different bedding setups to suit every traveler. Comfortable and convenient, with free Wi-Fi to boot—because even in the Outback, you have to stay connected.
If you prefer camping, their caravan sites, both powered and unpowered, let you enjoy the wilderness sunset on a budget.
Merredin Motel
Address: 30/34 Gamenya Ave, Merredin
Contact Details: (08) 9041 1886
Pricing: $$
Nestled among gum trees, Merredin Motel dishes out rustic charm with modern comfort.
With 11 rooms that can sleep up to three, you’ll get that cozy country vibe without sacrificing a single convenience. They have smart TVs, bar fridges, microwaves, and free high-speed internet—because a bit of YouTube won’t hurt on this 9-day trip.
They even have a newly refurbished two-bedroom unit that can accommodate up to five and sits right in town. This is where we stayed and it certainly lived up to the hype.
Where to Eat
Char Barossa
Address: 89 Murray St, Tanunda
Contact Details: (08) 7513 7885
Pricing: $$
Char Barossa is the perfect pit stop to fuel up before hitting the long road to Perth.
The main offerings can be found in their seasonal à la carte menu, which, as the resto’s name implies, features a killer chargrill selection. You can expect staples like lamb racks, Scotch filets, and Wagyu rumps for the fancy folks out there.
If you’re a god of patience who travels with kids, Char has a separate kids’ menu. It has cheeseburgers, fries, nuggets, and sundaes that’ll put a smile on your mini-me’s face.
Ceduna Oyster Barn
From thepaleal
Address: Lot 20 Eyre Hwy, Ceduna
Contact Details: 0497 085 549
Pricing: $$
Swinging by Ceduna Oyster Barn is a no-brainer when in Australia’s oyster capital.
Our team shucked and wolfed down their fresh-as-can-be oysters: natural, grilled, Kilpatrick, garlic butter, and sweet chili cream. The Japanese-style oysters drizzled with ginger sauce and served with caviar were hits, too.
Unlucky souls not into oysters shouldn’t pout. They whip out other top-notch seafood options like scallops, fish and chips, and crumbed prawns.
Northside Tavern Merredin
Address: 58 Bates St, Merredin
Contact Details: (08) 9041 1635
Pricing: $$
Northside Tavern in Merredin is a music-filled, country pub you need to hit up before heading to Perth.
If you aren’t driving and don’t mind risking a hangover, their delicious Scotch, beer, and wine are calling your name. The booze will feel better if you time your visit with a live performance.
As for the menu, it screams classic pub fare, with schnitzels, battered fish, and salt and pepper squid. Plus, they have something for the kiddos—chicken nuggets and chocolate brownies that’ll keep them happy while you unwind.
Top Things to Do
See the finest wineries at Barossa Valley
From visitbarossavalley
- Seppeltsfield Winery and Estate – 730 Seppeltsfield Rd, Seppeltsfield
- David Franz – 94 Stelzer Rd, Stone Well
- St Hugo Wines – 2141 Barossa Valley Way, Rowland Flat
The hardest part about stopping by Barossa Valley is resisting the urge to stay forever. The scenery is breathtaking, and the wineries are top-notch.
One of our favorites is the Seppeltsfield Winery and Estate. Here, lucky non-drivers can sip century-old tawny in a heritage cellar but those who prefer indulging in vineyard vistas can opt for a tour of the estate.
David Franz is another winery that won’t waste your time. You can explore their 1860-made cellar door while enjoying vino paired with farm-fresh, local goodies.
Finally, we suggest checking out St Hugo Wines, a producer of prestigious wines since 1847. Their cellar door has stone masonry, open fireplaces, and a Tuscan-like courtyard that might make your jaw drop.
Learn about highly-evolved plants at the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden
Address: 144 Stuart Hwy, Port Augusta West
Contact Details: (08) 8641 9116
The Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden is a testament to the resilience of life in extreme conditions, so skipping this on your way to Perth is a rookie mistake.
This unique and honestly hardcore oasis showcases the resilience of notable Australian flora that can survive in environments where droughts can stretch on for decades.
On top of that, the garden boasts zones that also teem with wildlife. From the sandy dunes inhabited by sleepy lizards to the vast plains of saltbush vegetation with fairy wrens and fungi, each zone is a nature lover’s dream (or a reptile hater’s nightmare).
Enjoy the coastal scenery of Ceduna
Ceduna screams coastal scenery, so missing out on it would be a travesty.
Our team started with Ceduna’s Coastal Walking Trail, a 3.6-km trek along Murat Bay from the Sailing Club to Pinky Point Lookout. The views here are fantastic, and since we stayed at the nearby Ceduna Foreshore Hotel Motel, we didn’t worry about the time.
For something more rugged, you can head to Shelly Beach Caravan Park for the Scenic Dune Walk Trails. But if driving is more your speed, why not take a day trip to Ceduna Waters or Cape Vivonne for epic beach and island views?
Stand atop cliffs and see whales at Nullarbor National Park
From __loveaustralia__
Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zn3kf9LMYdgRKKvq9
Contact Details: (08) 8625 3144
With the majestic Bunda Cliffs as its main viewing deck, you’ll see coastal outlooks like no other at the Nullarbor National Park.
The best part is that, from June to September, these towering, million-year-old cliffs serve as the perfect vantage points to witness southern right whales putting on a show below.
Time your visit properly and you’ll catch glimpses of over 100 of these gentle giants as they frolic, mate, and even birth their calves.
Take snaps of Eucla National Park’s outlandish sand dunes
From growproexperience
Address: Eyre Hwy, Eucla
Contact Details: (08) 9083 2100
Eucla National Park blew us away with its surreal landscape of shifting, powdery sand dunes that are practically begging for an Insta-worthy photo shoot.
Our team also found a curious mix of vegetation, from resilient succulents to hardy Saltbush and vibrant blue bush, adding a pop of color to the stark white dunes.
But the real adventure began when we encountered the park’s elusive residents, including the southern hairy-nosed wombat and red kangaroos.
Dingoes are also said to live here, but they might’ve been not in the mood to mingle with our crew of chatterbugs.
The park’s western end also holds remnants of the Eucla Telegraph station and the original township, offering a glimpse into the area’s fascinating past. They’re worth the walk unless you’re Anakin Skywalker who really hates sand.
Check out birds and caves at the Eyre Bird Observatory
From paulevans2108
Address: Cocklebiddy
If you’re looking for a unique bird-watching experience on this trip, the Eyre Bird Observatory is where the feathery magic happens. Tucked between leafy woodlands and striking white dunes, this stone building is a haven for bird enthusiasts.
The area is also packed with birdlife, specifically over 240 species, including rare and endangered ones like the pink Cockatoo and the Australian bustard. You’re bound to spot some feathered fliers worth tweeting about.
Other notable birds you can also catch sight of are the rainbow bee-eater, Australian ringneck, blue-breasted fairy Wren, brown falcon, and nankeen kestrel.
Head to the 550-million-year-old Dundas Rocks
From markslethlean
Address: Cocklebiddy
Contact Details: (08) 9039 3450
The 550-million-year-old Dundas Rocks has everything an adventurer like you should see. For starters, the spot is set in the rugged wilderness, with stunning rock formations that deserve to be in a museum or art gallery.
You’ll also find the relics of a ghost town that boomed and busted during the gold rush, making Dundas Rocks ideal for history buffs or travelers who just like the eerie vibes of a deserted locale.
In addition, there’s a lone grave at the end of Lake Dundas, a haunting remnant that further amplifies the mystifying aura of this well-kept Cocklebiddy secret.
Explore Kalgoolie’s mind-boggling Super Pit Lookout
From 2keysinacaravan
Address: Outram St, Fimiston
Contact Details: (08) 9022 1100
Detouring at Kalgoorlie is optional, but we highly suggest doing so if you want to witness something truly extraordinary—the Super Pit Lookout. This tourist hotspot is one of the largest open-cut mines on Earth and Australia’s biggest gold mine.
The staggering pit spans 3.7 kilometers in length, and 1.5 kilometers in width, and plunges to depths of around 480 meters. And as a bonus fun (and slightly scary) fact, it’s enough to swallow Uluru whole.
The Super Pit isn’t just about dazzling gold and mind-blowing spectacles, though—it’s also a living piece of history. It actually marks the spot where Irishman Paddy Hannan struck gold, igniting the great gold rush of the late 1800s.
Enjoy a stroll at Merredin Peak Heritage Trail
From jomalcolm
Starting Point: Merredin Railway Dam
Distance: 2.4 kilometers
Difficulty: Moderate
Style: Circuit
Duration: 1 to 1.25 hours
At the Merredin Peak Heritage Trail, we didn’t just stretch our legs but also relished nature’s finest scenes.
Our team wandered through granite rocks that were once water 1890s catchments. We also enjoyed a bird’s-eye view of Merredin and its surroundings, with informative plaques guiding our way.
In addition, we passed through woodlands and even crossed paths with kangaroos and a few echidnas. Another group told us that some mallee fowls also roamed the area, but Lady Luck and the said fowls weren’t on our side that day.
