Embarking on an RV travel itinerary from Melbourne to Perth offers a unique opportunity to experience the diverse landscapes and cultural richness of southern Australia. This seven-day adventure will take you through vibrant cities, tranquil countryside, and breathtaking coastal views. Whether you’re an avid road trip enthusiast or a first-time RV traveler, this itinerary promises an unforgettable journey.
Day 1: Melbourne to Ballarat
Key Highlights:
- Distance: Approximately 115 kilometers
- Key Stops: Ballarat Wildlife Park, Sovereign Hill
Begin your journey in Melbourne, Australia’s cultural capital. Pick up your RV and head west towards Ballarat, a city steeped in gold rush history. This relatively short drive gives you plenty of time to explore.
Must-See Attractions:
- Sovereign Hill: Step back in time to the 1850s at this living museum. Pan for gold, watch live performances, and explore the underground mines.
- Ballarat Wildlife Park: Get up close with native Australian animals, including kangaroos, koalas, and crocodiles.
Spend the night at one of Ballarat’s RV-friendly campgrounds, such as BIG4 Ballarat Goldfields Holiday Park.
Day 2: Ballarat to Mount Gambier
Key Highlights:
- Distance: Approximately 350 kilometers
- Key Stops: Blue Lake, Umpherston Sinkhole
Leave Ballarat early and drive towards Mount Gambier, crossing the state border into South Australia. Mount Gambier is known for its volcanic landscape and stunning natural features.
Must-See Attractions:
- Blue Lake: Admire the vivid blue waters of this volcanic crater lake, which changes color seasonally.
- Umpherston Sinkhole: Explore this beautifully landscaped sunken garden, created in a collapsed limestone cave.
Stay overnight at the Pine Country Caravan Park, which offers excellent amenities for RV travelers.
Day 3: Mount Gambier to Adelaide
Key Highlights:
- Distance: Approximately 435 kilometers
- Key Stops: Coonawarra Wine Region, Hahndorf
Continue your journey to Adelaide, South Australia’s vibrant capital. En route, make a detour through the Coonawarra wine region, renowned for its world-class red wines.
Must-See Attractions:
- Coonawarra Wine Region: Visit some of the renowned wineries like Wynns Coonawarra Estate and Penley Estate for wine tasting.
- Hahndorf: This charming German village offers a glimpse into South Australia’s European heritage with its quaint shops and eateries.
Arrive in Adelaide and set up camp at Adelaide Shores Caravan Park, located near the beach and city center.
Day 4: Adelaide to Port Augusta
Key Highlights:
- Distance: Approximately 310 kilometers
- Key Stops: Clare Valley, Port Pirie
Leave Adelaide and drive north towards Port Augusta. Along the way, you can explore the Clare Valley, another of South Australia’s prominent wine regions.
Must-See Attractions:
- Clare Valley: Famous for its Riesling wines, this area offers beautiful vineyard landscapes and cellar doors.
- Port Pirie: A historic port city with attractions like the Port Pirie Regional Art Gallery and Solomontown Beach.
Spend the night at Port Augusta’s Big4 Holiday Park, which offers stunning views of the Flinders Ranges.
Day 5: Port Augusta to Nullarbor
Key Highlights:
- Distance: Approximately 600 kilometers
- Key Stops: Woomera, Lake Gairdner National Park
This day involves a long drive across the vast and arid Nullarbor Plain. Ensure your RV is well-prepared for this remote stretch, and stock up on supplies in Port Augusta.
Must-See Attractions:
- Woomera: A historic military testing range with a fascinating museum.
- Lake Gairdner National Park: If time permits, take a detour to see the shimmering white salt flats of Lake Gairdner.
Camp overnight at one of the roadhouses along the Nullarbor Plain, such as the Nullarbor Roadhouse, which offers basic amenities and a unique outback experience.
Day 6: Nullarbor to Esperance
Key Highlights:
- Distance: Approximately 900 kilometers
- Key Stops: Eucla, Great Australian Bight
Continue your journey across the Nullarbor Plain, crossing the Western Australia border towards Esperance.
Must-See Attractions:
- Eucla: Visit the old telegraph station ruins and enjoy panoramic views of the Great Australian Bight.
- Great Australian Bight: Stop at one of the designated viewing points to witness the dramatic coastal cliffs and, if you’re lucky, spot some southern right whales.
Arrive in Esperance and stay overnight at the Esperance Seafront Caravan Park, offering stunning views of the Southern Ocean.
Day 7: Esperance to Perth
Key Highlights:
- Distance: Approximately 700 kilometers
- Key Stops: Wave Rock, Stirling Range National Park
On the final leg of your journey, head northwest towards Perth. This drive offers the chance to see some unique natural landmarks.
Must-See Attractions:
- Wave Rock: A fascinating rock formation near Hyden that looks like a giant ocean wave.
- Stirling Range National Park: If time permits, take a detour to explore the rugged peaks and diverse flora of this national park.
Arrive in Perth, Western Australia’s capital city, and return your RV. Celebrate the end of your epic road trip with a visit to Kings Park or a stroll along the Swan River.
This 7-day RV travel itinerary from Melbourne to Perth is packed with diverse experiences, from historic towns and world-class wine regions to dramatic natural landscapes. Each day offers a new adventure, making this journey an unforgettable exploration of Australia’s southern and western regions. Ensure your RV is well-equipped, plan your stops carefully, and enjoy the freedom and flexibility that RV travel provides. Safe travels!
