Perth to Melbourne road trip for backpackers
Perth to Melbourne
Jump on the Share Bus from Perth to Melbourne! Explore the beautiful south west, cross the Nullarbor, visit Adelaide, discover the Eyre Peninsula, and drive the Great Ocean Road to Melbourne.
The destination is set, but the route is not – you’re in control of your adventure!
We’re a shared rental, not a guided tour. You and your group share the rental of a minibus, trailer, and camping gear—along with the driving, trip planning, cooking, and camping experience.
about the
Perth to Melbourne Trip
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 see stingrays up close, 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, look out for whales and experience Australia’s longest straight road. You’ll catch some great views 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
inclusions and exclusions
about the bus and trailer
On this trip you will travel in a 12-seater Toyota Hiace Commuter with a custom-built trailer fully equipped with everything you need. All you need to drive the bus is a regular drivers license. You will have the option to sign up as a driver or non-driver when you book, although we do recommend signing up as a driver if you can.
discover the
highlights of
perth to melbourne
drive the great ocean road
Journey along Australia's iconic coastal route.
amazing landscapes
Visit the unique volcanic landscapes and lakes of Mt Gambier.
explore the nullarbor & eyre peninsula
Discover pink lakes, rugged cliffs, and the pristine beaches.
experience the south-west
Travel through scenic rock formations, national parks, and explore the natural beauty of the region.
Self-guided Nullarbor backpacker trip: adventure awaits!
our recommended itinerary
Dunsborough/Eagle Bay
Let’s 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.
It’s 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.
Margaret River and Hamelin Bay
Check out the Margaret River region known for its food, wine and surfing. Why not try a few wineries? Or if that’s not your thing – some cheese and/or chocolate tastings.
See nearby Hamelin Bay where stingrays come right up to the beach here, close enough you could even pat them.
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.
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 at Ocean Beach to surf, or Green’s Pool to chill out. Check out the Elephant Rocks as well.
Albany
Albany will be the biggest town you’ll see for quite a while! Remember to stock up on your groceries here.
There’s some great natural sights nearby. You can explore Torndirrup National Park, hike the Porongorups and think about detouring to see Bluff Knoll.
Again, there are even more beaches in this area to explore as well.
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 vegetation, and diverse landscapes.
East Mount Barren is a great hike here, but there are also snorkelling spots!
Esperance and Cape Le Grand
We are 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. 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.
Norseman and Nullarbor
Today you start the trip across the Nullarbor.
Have an easy start by stopping in the town of Norseman – the official start of the Nullarbor. It’s a small mining town, but there are a few things to see, and most interestingly, a free swimming pool where you can refresh yourself.
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.
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 lookout 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.
Eucla to Cactus Beach and Ceduna
Head across 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, and try some fishing.
Eyre Peninsula
Take some time to explore the Eyre Peninsula. Explore Venus Bay, Talia Caves and Greenly Beach – home to some really cool rock pools.
Explore Coffin Bay National Park today as well, or set up camp nearby and leave it for the next morning.
Coffin Bay National Park
Check out this amazing national park, it’s close to Port Lincoln, so once you’re done you could go 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.
Adelaide
Head to Adelaide! There are 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.
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.
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.
The Grampians
Visit Grampians National Park where you can 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.
The Great Ocean Road & Melbourne
Get up early to drive to Port Fairy – the start of the Great Ocean Road.
Stop at Warrnambool 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!
Perth to Melbourne backpacker trip:
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