Perth to Melbourne

Jump on the Share Bus from Perth to Melbourne to discover the beauty of the South West, cross the Nullarbor and explore near Adelaide and the Eyre Peninsula, and then drive along the coast to Melbourne.

Trip details

Perth to Melbourne

Trip length: 23 days

Prices:
Early bird: $1288 (6+ weeks before Start Date)
Full fee: $1340

Start Dates:

How it works

The destination is set, but the route is not – you’re in control of your adventure! We’re a shared rental, not a tour. You share the camping, cooking, driving and trip planning as you share the rental of a minibus, trailer and camping equipment.

About the Route

Jump on the Share Bus from Perth to Melbourne to discover the South West, cross the Nullarbor and explore the Eyre Peninsula, South Australia, and the coast to Melbourne. This road trip will be for 23 days and 22 nights. Start out by exploring the South West of Western Australia. Arguably there are some of the best beaches in Australia here! There’s also plenty of forests, nature and hikes. You’ll get to pat stingrays, chill with kangaroos and climb giant trees. Then begin your journey on a classic drive across the Nullarbor. During this journey you can check out the Great Australian Bight, perhaps some whales… and discover Australia’s longest straight road. You’ll catch some great view of the Bunda Cliffs and see a pink lake as well. On the other side of the Nullarbor you can explore the Eyre Peninsula. Enjoy some time beachside, eating seafood, exploring rockholes and exploring National Parks. Then roll into Adelaide and explore the city. You will spend a day here before heading off to Robe, Mt Gambier, the Grampians, and then finally take the Great Ocean Road to Melbourne! Expect to get fit with lots of hiking, snorkelling and exercise as you appreciate the natural sights. This is a no-frills adventure – you’ll be setting up your own tents, cooking your own dinner and sharing your tent with other 1 or 2 travellers. The target age group is 18-35.

Things to note

Please note this is a minibus rental, not a guided tour. The group share the rental of a minibus, trailer and camping equipment. You essentially ‘rent your seat’ on the minibus!

We provide a recommended itinerary to help you. This includes recommendations for different places, camps and activities (like beaches, snorkel spots and hikes!). We also teach you how to use the equipment before you leave, teach you how to attach, detach and pack the trailer. We also remain fully contactable during your trip for any questions.

You will rent your seat as either a ‘driver’ or ‘non-driver’. If you choose non-driver you must never drive. Drivers can share driving and must be aged 21+. The minibus seats 12, and anyone with a regular driver’s license can drive it.

Please bring your own water bottle and sleeping bag. However, limit your luggage to about 20kg – 1 big bag, and one day bag/small backpack. The trailer is full of all the camping equipment you need and has space for your bags. Be prepared to free camp about half the time!!

Trip Highlights

  • See stingrays, kangaroos and whales
  • Explore the Nullabor and the South-West
  • Forests, climbing a giant tree and white beaches in the South-west
  • Explore the rock holes, beaches and national parks of the Eyre Peninsula
  • Visit a pink lake, outback towns and the Bunda Cliffs accross the Nullarbor
  • Be amazed by Mt Gambier
  • Drive the Great Ocean Road

Inclusions

General inclusions

  • Your Toyota Hiace Minibus, to drive to the places you choose (but not on 4WD roads!)
  • Fully equipped trailer with everything you need for camping, cooking, and fun (equipment list)
  • Consumables such as: toilet paper, oil, salt and pepper, gas, bin bags etc
  • Recommended itinerary (but you have freedom!)
  • Guidebook (for activities and camping locations – both free and pay sites)
  • Fuel consumption for unlimited km
  • Comprehensive insurance with roadside assistance
  • Special discounts on activities and accommodation
  • National Park Entries
 

Exclusions

  • Accommodation: although you can choose to stay at plenty of free camps, or budget pay camps
  • Food: We will give you all the equipment you need to cook what you like!
  • Sleeping bag: bring your own for hygiene reasons
  • Guide: it’s just you and fellow “rentees” driving this minibus. Enjoy!

Recommended itinerary

Please note this is the recommended itinerary, you can update it with your crew.

Day 01 Dunsborough/Eagle Bay

Lets go! Meet in the morning to do a handover with Share Bus, meet your trip mates and do a big food shop for the next few days/week. Its a day for beautiful beaches. Head to the Dunsborough and Eagle Bay regions, to check out some amazing beaches. They must be among the best in the world. You should make sure to also check out the ‘Natural Spa’ and grab an ice cream at Simmos in Dunsborough as well.

Day 02/03: Margaret River and Hamelin Bay

Check out Margaret River region known for it’s food, wine and surfing. Why not try a few wineries? Or if thats not your thing – some cheese or chocolate tastings. See nearby Hamelin Bay where stingrays come right up to the beach here, close enough you could even pat them.

Day 04: Pemberton

Pemberton has an incredibly beautiful forest and is filled with GIANT trees. You can climb to the top of several giant trees such as the Gloucester tree which is 58m high. It’s a little bit scary, but amazing. There’s a nice dam and cascades nearby, as well as plenty of forest walks.

Day 05 Walpole and Denmark

Check out the beautiful forests and tall trees of Walpole before heading into the hippy town of Denmark. Walpole is famous for the Giant tree top walk, however there are also other free walks you could do to enjoy the region. Once in Denmark visit the inlet here Ocean Beach to surf, or Greens Pool to chill. Definitely check out the Elephant Rocks as well.

Day 06/07: Albany

Albany will be the biggest town you’ll see for quite a while soon! Remember to stock up on your groceries. Theres some great natural sights nearby. You can explore Torndirrup National Park, hike the Porongorups and think about detouring to see Bluff Knoll. Again, there’s even more beaches in this area to explore as well.

Day 08: Fitzgerald River National Park

Fitzgerald River is a large National Park located between Albany and Esperance. It has swimming beaches, fishing beaches, rocky sea cliffs, calm inlets, steep and easy hikes, unique vegetations, and diverse landscapes. East Mount Barren is a great hike here, but there’s also snorkelling spots!

Day 9/10: Esperance and Cape Le Grand

I’m sure this will be a highlight of your trip. Esperance is the place where all the beautiful photos of incredibly white beaches and kangaroos are taken. In fact, the sand has been scientifically proven to be the whitest in Australia. Make sure you go to Lucky Bay for this experience, and maybe hike up Frenchman’s peak. There are many beautiful beaches to explore all with very white sand and clear blue water.

Day 11: Norseman and Nullarbor

Today you start the trip accross the Nullarbor. Have an easy start by stopping in the town of Norseman – the offical start of the Nullarbor. Its a small mining town, but theres a few things to see and most interestingly a free swimming pool you can refresh yourself at. Once done, head east to get a head start on the Nullarbor. Pull up at a free camp and enjoy your evening in the outback

Day 12: Nullarbor

Some serious driving begins! Make a few stops at the outback towns of Balladonia, Caiguna and Cocklebiddy, checking out local attractions on the way. Madura has a nice look out and camp you can stop at, but if you’re up to the drive you can make it to Eucla – where you can see a town being buried by Sand Dunes and check out the Old Jetty.

Day 13: Eucla to Cactus Beach and Ceduna

Head accross the border and check out the Bunda cliffs. There is an amazing view here, it looks like you’re at the ‘edge of the world’. Not too far from the end of the Nullarbor is Cactus Beach and its nearby pink lake. On one side of the road there is a pink lake, but on the other side it’s blue- so it’s an awesome sight. Cactus beach is a famous surfing spot, but not for beginners (but you can check out the surfers). Ceduna is famous for oysters and seafood; so you could check it out, try some fishing.

Day 14/15: Eyre Peninsula

Take some time to explore the Eyre Peninsula. Explore Venus Bay, Talia Caves and Greenly Beach – home to some really cool rockpools. Explore Coffin Bay National Park today as well, or set up camp nearby and leave it for the next morning

Day 16: Coffin Bay National Park

Check out this amazing national park, it’s close to Port lincoln so once you’re done you could go into down to try (or catch) the fresh seafood. At Coffin Bay National Park you can see Point Avoid, Almonta Beach, Golden Island and Yangie Bay which are all beautiful. In the afternoon, you can start driving a few hours towards Adelaide. There are some nice beaches on the eastern side of the Peninsula that you can explore and camp at

Day 17: Adelaide

Head to Adelaide! There’s a few options for stops along the way for more hiking or beaches. Otherwise, you could head straight into Adelaide to catch a few hours in the Barossa Valley wine region or explore the city.

Day 18: Robe

Your first stop out of Adelaide is Robe, a stunning coastal town that is a fisherman’s paradise. Soak up the sun on one of the many sandy white beaches before setting up camp for the night.

Day 19: Mount Gambier

Spend a day at Mount Gambier, a volcanic town. See Blue Lake, Umpherston Sink hole, Cave Gardens and Tantanoola Caves Conservation Park where you can go cave diving.

Day 20/21: The Grampians

Visit Grampians National Park – Visit to see waterfalls, wildlife and mountains and go hiking. It’s known for its sandstone mountains, wildflowers and wildlife including echidnas and wallabies. You can find out about aboriginal history here as well

Day 22/23: The Great Ocean Road & Melbourne

Get up early to drive to Port Fairy – the start of the great Ocean Road. Stop at Warnambool to get info. Perhaps go as far as the 12 Apostles or Cape Otway. Stop at the famous sights including 12 Apostles, the razorback, the grotto, loch ard gorge and London Bridge. On the last day, head into Melbourne and experience all that the city has to offer!

Discounts

Discounts are available:

  • if you book more than 6 weeks in advance
  • for groups of friends travelling together
  • if you want to stay on the Share Bus for more than one trip

Please send us an email for details and to ask for your discount eligibility.

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