Driving across Australia from Melbourne back home to Perth was an adventure that our family will never forget. With our campervan packed full of luggage from our return trip to Australia from the US, our toddler excited for the road ahead, and our beagle, Sniffy, by our side, we set off on an epic 10-day journey. Taking the shortest route, we managed to balance driving with fun stopovers, exploring Australia’s diverse landscapes along the way. Here’s how we did it.
Day 1: Melbourne to Ballarat (115 km)
We kicked off our trip with a short drive from Melbourne to Ballarat. It felt good to ease into the journey, especially after our long trip back from the US. Ballarat’s gold rush history made it a perfect first stop, and we spent the afternoon at Sovereign Hill, where our toddler had a blast panning for gold, and Sniffy got to sniff around the historic streets. We parked our campervan at a local campsite near Lake Wendouree, where we could relax and stretch out after the short drive.
Highlights:
- Exploring Sovereign Hill and its recreated gold rush town.
- Taking a stroll through the Ballarat Botanical Gardens while Sniffy stretched his legs.
- Enjoying a peaceful evening by Lake Wendouree.
Day 2: Ballarat to Horsham (185 km)
The next day, we packed up our campervan and continued our journey west to Horsham. With a few stops in small towns like Beaufort, we let Sniffy out to explore some new sights and smells. Horsham offered a quiet reprieve, and we found a lovely caravan park to settle into for the night. Our toddler was thrilled to see a playground nearby, while Sniffy enjoyed the open space to run around.
Highlights:
- Stopping for coffee in Beaufort, a small, charming town.
- Visiting the local art galleries in Horsham before dinner.
- Camping near the Wimmera River and taking a family walk with Sniffy.
Day 3: Horsham to Adelaide (450 km)
This day was one of the longer drives, but the scenery kept us entertained as we crossed into South Australia. Adelaide greeted us with its urban vibe, and we made sure to park our campervan at a campsite close to Glenelg Beach, where we spent the evening enjoying the fresh sea breeze. Sniffy loved running on the sand, and we treated ourselves to fresh seafood for dinner while watching the sunset.
Highlights:
- A picnic stop in Bordertown, where Sniffy made some new furry friends.
- Exploring Glenelg Beach with our toddler and beagle, soaking up the laid-back coastal vibe.
- Feasting on fresh seafood while watching the sunset over the ocean.
Day 4: Adelaide to Port Augusta (300 km)
We said goodbye to Adelaide and headed north to Port Augusta, where the landscape started to change. The road became more remote, and we saw fewer towns as we approached the edge of the outback. In Port Augusta, we found a cozy campsite near the water, and after a long day on the road, we were all ready for some downtime. Sniffy was happy to stretch his legs along the waterfront, and we enjoyed a quiet evening under the stars.
Highlights:
- Visiting the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden in Port Augusta.
- Watching the sunset over the Spencer Gulf.
- Relaxing in a peaceful campsite before tackling the Nullarbor.
Day 5: Port Augusta to Ceduna (470 km)
The next leg of our trip took us through more remote areas as we drove from Port Augusta to Ceduna, the last major stop before crossing the Nullarbor. We stocked up on supplies and made sure our campervan was fueled and ready for the long, isolated stretch ahead. We spent the night at a campsite by the ocean, where Sniffy and our toddler enjoyed playing on the beach. The fresh sea air was a great way to recharge before the big adventure across the Nullarbor.
Highlights:
- Stopping in small outback towns along the Eyre Highway.
- Stocking up on fresh seafood in Ceduna, known for its oysters.
- Relaxing at a beachside campsite, soaking in the coastal scenery before heading inland.
Day 6: Ceduna to Nullarbor Roadhouse (300 km)
Now the real adventure began – crossing the Nullarbor Plain. The wide-open landscapes and endless horizon gave us a true sense of the Australian outback. We took our time driving, stopping at scenic lookouts like the Head of Bight for incredible views of the Southern Ocean. By the time we reached the Nullarbor Roadhouse, we were ready for a break. We parked our campervan at the roadhouse’s campsite, and while it was remote, it had everything we needed for a comfortable night.
Highlights:
- Stopping at the Head of Bight to see the Southern Ocean and, if the timing is right, whales during migration season.
- The surreal experience of driving across one of Australia’s most famous stretches of road.
- Camping at the Nullarbor Roadhouse, a unique experience in the heart of the outback.
Day 7: Nullarbor Roadhouse to Eucla (200 km)
Continuing across the Nullarbor, we crossed the border into Western Australia and made our way to Eucla, a small town with a fascinating history. We explored the old telegraph station ruins buried in the sand dunes, and Sniffy had a great time running through the soft sand. We camped at the Eucla caravan park, which provided a peaceful night before we continued west.
Highlights:
- Exploring the Old Telegraph Station ruins near Eucla.
- Sniffy chasing his tail in the sand dunes while our toddler enjoyed playing in the soft sand.
- Relaxing at the caravan park, with beautiful views over the desert.
Day 8: Eucla to Balladonia (400 km)
We hit the road again, continuing across the Nullarbor to Balladonia, a small stop known for its connection to the Skylab space station crash in 1979. The long stretch of road took us through the heart of the Nullarbor’s flat, open landscape. By the time we reached Balladonia, we were happy to park our campervan and rest for the night, learning a bit of history at the local museum.
Highlights:
- Stopping at Caiguna to see the unique blowholes formed in the limestone.
- Learning about the Skylab crash at the Balladonia Museum.
- Camping under a brilliant starry sky, far from city lights.
Day 9: Balladonia to Wave Rock (320 km)
We left the Nullarbor behind and headed toward one of Western Australia’s most iconic natural landmarks, Wave Rock. This geological wonder, shaped like a giant wave frozen in time, was a hit with our toddler, who loved climbing around the rock formations. Sniffy seemed intrigued by the scent of kangaroos that had passed through. We spent the night at a nearby caravan park, resting up for our final push to Perth.
Highlights:
- Exploring Wave Rock and taking plenty of photos of this unique natural feature.
- Enjoying a quiet night in the bush, surrounded by the sounds of the outback.
Day 10: Wave Rock to Perth (340 km)
The final leg of our journey took us from Wave Rock to Perth. As we neared the city, the landscape began to change, becoming greener and more populated. We made a stop in York, a charming historic town, before driving into Perth. Finally, after 10 days on the road, we arrived in Western Australia’s capital, ready to explore the city and reflect on our incredible journey across Australia.
Highlights:
- Stopping in York to admire its colonial architecture and enjoy a coffee in one of its historic cafes.
- Watching the landscape transform from the rugged outback to the lush greenery as we approached Perth.
- Finally arriving in Perth, ready to explore the city and take a well-deserved break after an epic journey.
Campervan Travel Tips for the Melbourne to Perth Route
Traveling in a campervan gave us the flexibility to explore at our own pace, and it was the perfect way to make this long journey with our beagle, Sniffy, and toddler. However, long drives in remote areas like the Nullarbor Plain require some planning. Here are a few tips that helped us along the way:
- Fuel up often: Gas stations can be far apart, especially across the Nullarbor. Take every opportunity to fill up your tank.
- Stock up on essentials: Before crossing the Nullarbor, make sure you have enough food, water, and supplies for the drive. We found Ceduna a good place to prepare.
- Break up the drive: Driving long distances can be tiring, especially with a toddler and a dog. We made regular stops at roadhouses and scenic lookouts to stretch our legs and enjoy the journey.
- Be prepared for wildlife: Driving in remote areas means you’ll likely encounter wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk. We saw kangaroos, emus, and even a few camels along the way.
- Enjoy the freedom: One of the best parts of campervan travel is the freedom it provides. We loved being able to park up at beautiful locations, enjoy a home-cooked meal in the van, and stay in places that suited our pace.
Our Epic Journey from Melbourne to Perth
Our 10-day road trip from Melbourne to Perth was nothing short of epic. From the historic streets of Ballarat to the vast expanse of the Nullarbor, and finally the vibrant city of Perth, every leg of the journey was filled with new sights and experiences. Traveling in a campervan with our beagle, Sniffy, and toddler added to the adventure, and while it was challenging at times, the memories we made along the way were priceless.
If you’re thinking about taking this trip, we highly recommend it. Just be prepared for long days on the road, stock up on supplies, and embrace the wide-open spaces and remote beauty that only Australia can offer.
