Best Stops to Make On An Adelaide to Perth Road Trip

This blog post is all about the best stops to make on an Adelaide to Perth road trip.

Driving from Adelaide to Perth is one of the most iconic road trips in Australia.

This is not a journey you rush. It’s a slow-burn adventure across coastal cliffs, remote roadhouses, wildlife-filled national parks and stretches of road so straight they feel surreal.

While plenty of guides focus on how to drive the Nullarbor, this post is all about where to stop.

Whether you’re self-driving, campervanning, or considering a group tour like Untamed Escapes, these are the best stops to make on an Adelaide to Perth road trip, mixing well-known highlights with lesser-known gems.

Some of these stops I experienced firsthand on my Untamed Escapes tour, others are brilliant additions if you have extra time or want to customise your route.

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• The Best Kangaroo Island Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days Here
• Tribe Hotel Perth Review: The Best Hotel View in Perth
• When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Kangaroo Island: Ultimate Guide

This blog post is all about stops to make on an Adelaide to Perth road trip.

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Unmissable Stops to Make on An Adelaide to Perth Road Trip

An Adelaide to Perth road trip isn’t about racing west.

It’s about surrendering to long horizons, wild coastlines, roadhouse coffees that taste better because you’ve earned them, and places so quiet you can hear the wind thinking.

This route is remote, yes, but it’s also packed with moments that sneak up on you.

Tiny towns with unexpected charm. Beaches that look Photoshopped. Campgrounds where kangaroos hop past your tent at sunrise.

Here are the stops to make on an Adelaide to Perth road trip that will make the journey unforgettable, and tell you exactly why you should pull over at each one.

1. Port Germein, South Australia

Port Germein is the kind of place that gently tells you to slow down.

It’s coastal, calm and beautifully unassuming, and it makes the perfect first pause before the real road trip energy kicks in.

The town’s claim to fame is its long wooden jetty, stretching out into Spencer Gulf like an invitation.

Walking it feels meditative. Pelicans drift below, the sea glints in the sun, and suddenly Adelaide feels far away.

This is where the road trip mindset begins to settle in. Coffee in hand, ocean breeze on your face, nowhere to be but west.

Things to Do in Port Germein

Port Germein is best known for its 1.6km wooden jetty, once used for exporting wheat and wool.

Today, it’s a peaceful place for a stroll, photos and sea breezes before heading inland.

• Walk the jetty at golden hour
• Look out for pelicans and dolphins
• Picnic along the foreshore

The Best Restaurants in Port Germein

This is more of a BYO snacks stop, but nearby Port Pirie has bakeries and cafés worth stocking up at.

Where to Stay in Port Germein

• Budget: Port Germein Caravan Park
• Mid-range: Foreshore units in Port Pirie
• Luxury: Not applicable here – save luxury for later stops

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2. The Flinders Ranges (Optional but Powerful Detour)

If you have the time, this detour is worth every kilometre.

The Flinders Ranges feel ancient in a way that’s hard to put into words. Jagged ridge-lines, deep gorges and wide skies make you feel small in the best possible way.

Driving through here, the land shifts dramatically. Colours deepen. The air feels different.

Sunrise and sunset paint the ranges in burnt oranges and dusty pinks, and nights bring stars so bright they don’t feel real.

This is one of the best stops to make on an Adelaide to Perth road trip and one of the most striking landscapes in South Australia, and it adds real emotional weight to your road trip story.

Things to Do in the Flinders Ranges

If you can detour north, the Flinders Ranges add enormous value to your road trip.

• Wilpena Pound scenic lookouts
• Bunyeroo & Brachina Gorges
• Sunset hikes and stargazing

Where to Eat in the Flinders Ranges

• Woolshed Restaurant (Wilpena Pound): Outback dining classic
• Pack supplies in Port Augusta beforehand

Where to Stay in the Flinders Ranges

• Budget: Wilpena Pound Campground
• Mid-range: Wilpena Pound Resort
• Luxury: Arkaba Conservancy (high-end, immersive stay)

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3. Port Augusta

Port Augusta is practical, but it’s also symbolic.

It’s the gateway to the outback and the point where the road trip starts to feel serious.

Stock up on supplies, enjoy a proper café breakfast, and take a moment to look out over Spencer Gulf.

From here, towns become smaller, distances grow longer, and the sense of adventure quietly ramps up.

Things to Do in Port Augusta

• Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden
• Lookouts over Spencer Gulf
• Last major supply stop before heading west

The Best Coffee Shops in Port Augusta

• Cafe Sass: Reliable coffee and breakfast
• Standpipe Restaurant: Casual dining with local produce

Where to Stay in Port Augusta

• Budget: Majestic Oasis Apartments (excellent value)
• Mid-range: Crossroads Ecomotel
• Luxury: Not a luxury hotspot, functional over fancy

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4. Kimba

Kimba wears its identity proudly.

This tiny town sits halfway across Australia and leans into it with silo art, roadside sculptures and a warm, welcoming feel.

It’s the kind of place where you stretch your legs, chat to locals, and realise how much personality small towns can hold.

Grab a coffee, take the obligatory photo, and enjoy the novelty of being genuinely in the middle of something huge.

Things to Do in Kimba

• Photograph the Halfway Across Australia sign
• Silo art trail
• Browse local markets if passing on a weekend

The Best Restaurants in Kimba

• Kimba Bakery: Classic Aussie pies
• Kimba Roadhouse: Easy lunch stop

Where to Stay in Kimba

• Budget: Kimba Gateway Hotel
• Mid-range: Kimba Units
• Luxury: Not applicable

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5. Talia Caves, Eyre Peninsula

Talia Caves are dramatic in a way that sneaks up on you.

Wind howls through limestone caverns, waves crash violently below, and suddenly the ocean feels powerful rather than peaceful.

This stretch of coastline doesn’t try to be pretty. It’s rugged, loud and alive.

Watching the Southern Ocean slam into the cliffs here is humbling and slightly hypnotic.

Things to Do in Talia Caves

• Explore sea caves and blowholes
• Watch waves crash into limestone cliffs
• Short coastal walks

Where to Eat in Talia Caves

No facilities here. Eat in Elliston or Streaky Bay before or after.

Where to Stay Near Talia Caves

• Budget: Elliston Caravan Park
• Mid-range: Streaky Bay Motel
• Luxury: Coastal Airbnbs around Elliston

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6. Venus Bay

After the drama of the cliffs, Venus Bay feels like an exhale.

Long, quiet beaches stretch endlessly, the water softens, and the pace drops again.

This is the kind of place where you wander barefoot, sit in silence, and let the road trip fatigue melt away.

It’s simple, understated and peaceful in a way that sticks with you.

Things to Do in Venus Bay

• Long beach walks
• Swimming in calm conditions
• Sunset photography

Where to Eat in Venus Bay

• Venus Bay General Store: Snacks and essentials

Where to Stay in Venus Bay

• Budget: Venus Bay Campground
• Mid-range: Seaside cottages
• Luxury: Beachfront holiday homes

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7. Murphy’s Haystacks

Rising unexpectedly from farmland, Murphy’s Haystacks feel almost surreal.

Massive granite boulders sit scattered across a field like they’ve been dropped there by accident.

Walking among them is oddly grounding. No crowds, no noise, just open space and strange, beautiful shapes that make you slow down and look properly.

Things to Do in Murphy’s Haystacks

• Walk around massive granite formations
• Photography at sunrise or sunset
• Short, easy detour stop

Where to Stay Nearby

Most people continue to Streaky Bay or Ceduna for accommodation.

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8. Streaky Bay

Streaky Bay feels like it understands you. It knows you’ve been driving for hours.

It knows you’re craving good coffee, fresh air and maybe some fish and chips by the water.

The jetty stretches out into calm blue water, cafés buzz gently, and everything feels easy.

It’s friendly without trying too hard, and exactly what you want from a coastal stop.

Things to Do in Streaky Bay

• Jetty walk
• Local beaches
• Coastal drives nearby

Where to Eat in Streaky Bay

• Elliot’s Café: One of the best coffee stops on the route
• Drift: We grabbed a coffee here for the road, but the food look amazing too.
• Streaky Bay Fish & Chips: Road trip essential

Where to Stay in Streaky Bay

• Budget: Streaky Bay Foreshore Tourist Park
• Mid-range: Streaky Bay Motel
• Luxury: Ocean-view Airbnbs

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9. The Nullarbor Plain

The Nullarbor isn’t about landmarks. It’s about distance.

It’s about driving straight for hours and watching the world flatten into sky and scrub.

It’s strangely meditative. Time stretches. Thoughts wander. Wildlife appears when you least expect it.

And then, suddenly, the cliffs emerge and the ocean crashes back into view.

Things to Do in the Nullarbor Plain

• Bunda Cliffs
• Wildlife spotting at dawn and dusk
• Endless horizon photography

Food Stops Along the Nullarbor Plain

• Nullarbor Roadhouse
• Border Village Roadhouse

Where to Stay Along the Nullarbor Plain

• Budget: Roadhouse campsites
• Mid-range: Roadhouse motel rooms
• Luxury: None – this is raw Australia

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10. Eucla

Eucla feels eerie in the best way.

The old telegraph station, half-buried in sand dunes, tells a story of isolation, perseverance and time moving on without you.

Standing here, surrounded by wind and silence, it’s impossible not to feel reflective. It’s haunting, beautiful and completely unforgettable.

Things to Do in Eucla

• Eucla Telegraph Station ruins
• Sand dunes creeping into buildings
• Southern Ocean views

Where to Eat in Eucla

• Border Village Roadhouse is your base here

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11. Cape Le Grand National Park

Cape Le Grand doesn’t feel real at first.

White sand squeaks underfoot. Water glows impossibly turquoise. Kangaroos lounge on beaches like they belong there.

This is the stop that makes every long driving day worth it and is another one of the best stops to make on an Adelaide to Perth road trip.

Hiking Frenchman Peak at sunrise, swimming at Lucky Bay, watching dolphins pass by at dusk. It’s pure magic.

Where to Stay in Cape Le Grand National Park

• Budget: Lucky Bay Campground (unforgettable, beachfront camping)
• Mid-range: Esperance Chalet Village
• Luxury: Cape Arid Rooms or boutique stays in Esperance

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12. Esperance

Esperance feels like a reward. It’s probably the most iconic of the stops to make on an Adelaide to Perth road trip.

Great coffee, beautiful beaches, a relaxed town vibe and endless coastal drives.

Here, you slow down again. You swim. You watch the light change.

You realise how far you’ve come and how glad you are that you didn’t rush.

Best Things to Do in Esperance

• Twilight Beach
• Great Ocean Drive
• Tanker Jetty

The Best Restaurants in Esperance

• Coffee Cat: Best coffee in town
• Fish Face Takeaway: Local favourite
• Taylor Street Quarters: Breakfast spot

Where to Stay in Esperance

• Budget: Esperance Bay Holiday Park
• Mid-range: Hospitality Esperance
• Luxury: Esperance Chalet Village or boutique Airbnbs

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13. Busselton

Busselton is where the road trip begins to soften.

After long days of driving and remote landscapes, this coastal town feels welcoming, familiar and calm.

The star attraction is the Busselton Jetty, stretching nearly two kilometres into Geographe Bay.

Walking it feels soothing, especially in the morning when the water is glassy and the town is still waking up.

There’s also an underwater observatory at the end of the jetty if you want to see marine life without getting wet.

Busselton is also a great place to slow down and enjoy simple pleasures again.

Cafés, brunch spots, shaded parks and an easygoing coastal energy make it an ideal stop before diving into the wine regions nearby.

The Best Restaurants in Busselton

• Hummingbird Café
• The Goose Beach Bar & Kitchen
• Shelter Brewing Co

Where to Stay in Busselton

• Budget: Busselton Backpackers
• Mid-range: Abbey Beach Resort
• Luxury: Aqua Resort Busselton (absolute beachfront)

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14. Denmark & the South West

As you head further west, the landscape softens.

Tall forests replace scrub. Wineries appear. Beaches tuck themselves into quiet coves.

Denmark and the Margaret River region bring warmth, flavour and indulgence after days of isolation. It’s slower, greener and deeply satisfying.

Things to Do in Denmark

• Greens Pool
• Elephant Rocks
• Valley of the Giants treetop walk

Where to Eat in Denmark

• Mrs Jones Café: Brunch favourite
• Pepper & Salt: Destination dining

Where to Stay in Denmark

• Budget: Denmark Rivermouth Caravan Park
• Mid-range: Denmark Forest Retreat
• Luxury: Karma Chalets

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15. Margaret River

Margaret River feels like a deep exhale at the end of a long journey.

Tall forests replace scrubland, winding roads lead to cellar doors, and life suddenly becomes about flavours, textures and long lunches.

This region is famous for its world-class wineries, but there’s so much more beyond wine.

Think artisan chocolate, craft breweries, coastal walks, caves, farmers markets and beaches that rival anywhere in the world.

It’s also a place that encourages you to linger. To sit with a glass of wine and watch the afternoon drift by. To choose one more winery, and to stay an extra night.

Best Things to Do in Margaret River

• Wine tasting at Stormflower, Voyager Estate or Leeuwin Estate
• Visit Mammoth or Ngilgi Caves
• Explore Surfers Point or Injidup Beach
• Sample chocolate and local produce

Where to Stay in Margaret River

• Budget: Margaret River Backpackers
• Mid-range: Losari Retreat
• Luxury: Smiths Beach Resort or Cape Lodge

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16. Perth

Arriving in Perth feels surreal. Traffic lights. Cafés. City noise.

But you’re not the same person who left Adelaide.

You’ve crossed a continent. Slept under stars. Watched landscapes transform. And you’ve collected stories you’ll tell forever.

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Self-Drive Road Trip vs Group Tour

Wondering if you should drive Adelaide to Perth by yourself? Or considering a group trip?

Below, I’ve listed the reasons for each, and why we decided to join Untamed Escapes on their Adelaide to Perth road trip.

Self-Driving Adelaide to Perth is Best if:

• You want full flexibility
• You enjoy long-distance driving
• You have camping gear or a campervan

An Adelaide to Perth Group Tour is Best if:

• You don’t want to drive remote roads
• You want meals, camping and logistics handled
• You like social travel

I experienced this journey with Untamed Escapes, and it removed a huge amount of planning stress while still hitting major highlights.

You can use my discount code ORLAGHSESCAPES for 10% off any Untamed Escapes tour.

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Stops to Make On An Adelaide to Perth Road Trip FAQ

1. Is the Adelaide to Perth road trip worth it?

Yes. It’s one of Australia’s most iconic long-distance drives, offering coastal cliffs, wildlife, national parks and vast open landscapes you won’t see anywhere else.

2. How long does it take to drive from Adelaide to Perth?

Most travellers allow 10–14 days to enjoy the journey properly, though it can be done faster if needed.

3. Is the Nullarbor dangerous to drive?

It’s safe if you plan properly. Fuel stops are spaced out, roads are sealed, and preparation is key.

4. Can you do Adelaide to Perth without a car?

Yes. Group tours like Untamed Escapes offer guided trips that remove the need to self-drive.

5. What’s the best time of year for this road trip?

Spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May) offer the best weather and wildlife conditions.

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Is an Adelaide to Perth Road Trip Worth It?

An Adelaide to Perth road trip isn’t just about getting from one city to another, it’s about everything that happens in between.

The quiet coastal towns, the long empty roads, the moments where the landscape feels bigger than anything you’ve seen before, and the places that surprise you when you least expect them to.

From the dramatic cliffs of the Nullarbor to the powder-white beaches of Cape Le Grand, the café culture of Esperance, the gentle calm of Busselton and the indulgent pace of Margaret River, this journey shows you a side of Australia that few travellers truly experience.

It’s remote without being intimidating, adventurous without being exhausting, and deeply rewarding if you give yourself the time to enjoy it properly.

Whether you choose to self-drive or join a group tour like the one I did with Untamed Escapes, this is a route that deserves to be done thoughtfully.

Build in rest days. Stop even when you think you don’t need to. Say yes to the detours, the sunrise hikes, the small-town bakeries and the conversations with people you’ll probably never see again.

If you’re dreaming of a road trip that feels wild, scenic, grounding and unforgettable all at once, Adelaide to Perth should be high on your Australia bucket list.

It’s not just a journey across the country, it’s one that stays with you long after the dust has settled and the car keys are back on the hook.