Plan the ultimate driving adventure across Australia with our Sydney to Perth road trip itinerary!
Most travelers hoping to get from Sydney to Perth will just catch a flight.
But if you have the time and resources, consider a road trip from Sydney to Perth! It’s a massive journey, but it’s an incredible way to explore the heart of Australia.
From the natural beauty of Blue Mountains National Park, to South Australia’s rugged coastline to mining towns in Western Australia, there is so much to see on a road trip from Sydney to Perth.
You’ll be taking on the Outback, as well as visiting iconic Australian cities such as Sydney, Adelaide, and Perth. And don’t forget each and every small town you’ll pass on the way, from Broken Hill to Port Lincoln to Southern Cross and more.
So get ready for an epic adventure!
How many days does it take for a Sydney to Perth drive?
7-10 days is a good amount of time for a standard Sydney to Perth road trip. This gives you ample time to enjoy the sights along the way and take detours if you wish!
Some might even argue that 2-3 weeks is better for such a long road trip, especially if you want to explore more of the coast and visit offshore islands.
So the time frame for your road trip will just depend on how many stops you want and how long you want at each destination.
If you were to drive the most direct route from Sydney to Perth, it’s about 41 hours of driving and almost 4,000km.
Throw in some good nights of sleep and some detours to nearby national parks, islands, towns, and beaches, and you’ll easily find yourself spending 10 days driving from Sydney to Perth.
Modify our itinerary however you see fit if you want to lengthen or shorten the drive.
Can you catch a train from Sydney to Perth?
If you don’t want to drive all the way from Sydney to Perth, but you still love the idea of overland travel, you can take the train!
The Indian Pacific Train Journey travels from Sydney to Perth across the entire width of Australia. It also travels from Perth to Sydney.
It’s a 4-day, 3-night luxury train adventure that stops in places like Broken Hill, Adelaide, Cook, and Rawlinna. As you journey across the Outback, you’ll be treated to excellent meals and impeccable service.
So why doesn’t everyone take this luxurious train from Sydney to Perth? It’s very expensive! The journey starts at around $3,500 per person and prices only increase if you want to upgrade to more upscale treatments onboard.
Taking the train from Sydney to Perth is sure to be a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. But most travellers can’t afford the Indian Pacific, so we’re here to help you plan the road trip yourself.
Read our complete Australia travel guide for more travel tips.
Sydney to Perth Road Trip Itinerary
Here is our ultimate Sydney to Perth road trip itinerary! This includes the most convenient and popular stops along the way.
It is a massive drive, so definitely make sure you’re prepared for the journey. Especially in the remote Outback regions, facilities may be limited. Have extra fuel, tyres, water, food, and other essentials.
We’ll also recommend accommodation options in each location. As this epic road trip will take several days, you’ll have to choose a few overnight stops along the way. Where you stay just depends on when you get tired of driving, and how much time you have.
And feel free to use this as a guide, but add any other destinations or remove any from our list. The beauty of a road trip is it’s entirely customisable!
The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.
Sydney
Start your journey in Sydney, the iconic capital city of New South Wales. Spend a few days enjoying the sights of the city before you set off on your adventure.
Highlights include the landmarks in Sydney Harbour, the northern beaches, the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, and so much more.
Check out our Sydney itinerary to help you plan this part of the trip.
Then pick up your car if you’re renting one and hit the road!
Where to stay in Sydney
Blue Mountains National Park
- Distance from Sydney: 112km
- Driving Time: 2 hours
From Sydney, you’ll head west towards Perth. There is a lot of ground to cover, but you can’t drive west of Sydney without stopping in the Blue Mountains National Park.
This oasis of stunning natural beauty is just west of the city. Stop in charming towns like Katoomba, Leura, or Blackheath to grab a coffee and get ready to explore nature.
Blue Mountains National Park has so many amazing lookouts, hikes, and waterfalls.
The Three Sisters in Katoomba is the most famous lookout. This collection of rock formations sticks out from the cliff edge into the Jamison Valley.
Aside from the Three Sisters, you can also check out Sublime Point or Govetts Leap for sweeping views of the valleys and mountains. Or check out local attractions at Scenic World.
After admiring the Blue Mountains National Park, continue on your epic road trip west!
Where to stay in the Blue Mountains
Dubbo
- Distance from the Blue Mountains: 278km
- Driving Time: 3 hours and 15 minutes
Next on your road trip from Sydney to Perth, continue northwest along the Castlereagh Highway. If you have time to spare, feel free to stop in the charming town of Mudgee on the way to do some wine tasting or grab food in town.
Your next stop is Dubbo, a major regional city that you’ll pass as you head into rural, western New South Wales.
Dubbo is most famous for the Taronga Western Plains Zoo, a sprawling open-range sanctuary home to a diverse array of wildlife from around the world.
The city also has a few cultural and historical sites, such as the Old Dubbo Gaol, which offers a glimpse into Australia’s colonial past.
With its welcoming community, thriving arts scene, and proximity to natural beauty like the Macquarie River, Dubbo serves as a gateway to the outback and a popular destination for travelers exploring the region.
You don’t need tons of time here, but it is a convenient place to spend the night on your road trip from Sydney.
Where to stay in Dubbo
Broken Hill
- Distance from Dubbo: 754km
- Driving Time: 8 hours
Today is a great day to smash out lots of driving! As you leave Dubbo, you’ll enter the vast nothingness of the Outback. Feel free to stop at any of the old mining towns or outposts that you pass, such as Cobar.
Other than that, there isn’t much to see on the way to Broken Hill. You’re in the real Outback of New South Wales now, and the roads will be basically empty.
Once you reach Broken Hill, spend some time exploring this famous mining city before you continue your epic road trip.
Some top attractions in Broken Hill include the Living Desert Sculptures, the Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Centre, and the Pro Hart Gallery which showcases works from one of Australia’s most famous artists.
Surrounded by vast desert plains and dramatic sunsets, Broken Hill shows off the beauty of the New South Wales Outback.
Where to stay in Broken Hill
Adelaide
- Distance from Broken Hill: 517km
- Driving Time: 5 hours and 45 minutes
From Broken Hill, you’ll continue along the Barrier Highway as you cross the border into South Australia.
Adelaide is a slight detour off the path to Perth, but not much. And it’s definitely worth exploring the capital city of South Australia while you’re somewhat in the area.
Plus, Adelaide will add some more culture, entertainment, and fun to your road trip from Sydney to Perth.
So spend the day driving from Broken Hill to Adelaide, and then spend a day or two enjoying the city and surrounds!
Adelaide has several amazing parks, gardens, museums, landmarks, and markets that you can explore. You can also take a day trip to Kangaroo Island, a must-visit destination.
Since you have a car, you can drive down to Kangaroo Island from Adelaide without a tour if you want. You would want to dedicate a full day to driving down to Kangaroo Island and touring the island! Or you can book a Kangaroo Island day tour from the city.
Where to stay in Adelaide
Port Augusta
- Distance from Adelaide: 308km
- Driving Time: 3 hours and 25 minutes
From Adelaide, continue north up the coastline of South Australia before stopping in Port Augusta.
Port Augusta is located at the head of the Spencer Gulf. Known as the “Crossroads of Australia,” it serves as a key transport hub, linking the state’s north, south, east, and west.
Historically a major shipping and railway center, it now plays a crucial role in renewable energy projects, including solar and wind farms. The city offers stunning views of the Flinders Ranges and serves as a gateway to the outback.
Here you can learn about local history, culture, and wildlife at attractions like the Port Augusta Culture Centre, Wadlata Outback Centre, or Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden.
Where to stay in Port Augusta
Read next: 14 Incredible Things to Do in Adelaide, Australia
Port Lincoln
- Distance from Port Augusta: 342km
- Driving Time: 3 hours and 50 minutes
From Port Augusta, you’ll be taking another little detour towards the coast so you can explore more of South Australia.
The Eyre Highway takes you straight from Port Augusta across to Western Australia, but we’re going to drive the coastal route along the Eyre Peninsula. There are some lovely coastal towns on this route! However, if you’re short on time you can go straight from Port Augusta to Nullarbor Plain via the Eyre Highway.
If you do want a fun detour along the coast, your next stop is Port Lincoln! This is a must visit destination on the Eyre Peninsula.
Port Lincoln is a vibrant seaside city on the Eyre Peninsula that is a gateway to adventure.
Try epic experiences like shark cage diving, guided cultural tours, deep-sea fishing, wildlife 4WD tours, and encounters with sea lions.
Nearby, Lincoln National Park and Coffin Bay provide opportunities for hiking, camping, and exploring with views of South Australia’s Great Australian Bight. Join a sunset tour to see the area with a local!
Where to stay in Port Lincoln
Port Kenny
- Distance from Port Lincoln: 233km
- Driving Time: 2 hours and 25 minutes
Another lovely place to stop on your road trip from Sydney to Perth is Port Kenny.
Known for its stunning ocean views and laid-back atmosphere, it serves as a gateway to some of the best fishing, boating, and wildlife experiences in South Australia.
The nearby Venus Bay Conservation Park offers rich natural beauty, rugged cliffs, and an abundance of marine life, including dolphins and sea lions.
Port Kenny is popular with anglers seeking King George whiting and other prized fish species. Its proximity to the iconic Talia Caves and the scenic Murphy’s Haystacks, a unique rock formation, makes it a great stop for travelers exploring the Eyre Peninsula’s natural wonders.
Where to stay in Port Kenny
Streaky Bay
- Distance from Port Kenny: 61km
- Driving Time: 40 minutes
From Port Kenny, it’s just 40 minutes to Streaky Bay. This charming South Australian town is definitely worth a stop for those seeking natural beauty and ocean adventures.
Streaky Bay is a popular destination on the Eyre Peninsula for fishing, surfing, and nature lovers. The bay’s clear waters are home to a variety of marine life, including dolphins, sea lions, and the famous giant Australian cuttlefish.
Visitors can explore scenic coastal drives, such as the Westall Way Loop and Cape Bauer Loop, which showcase rugged cliffs, blowholes, and stunning ocean views.
After exploring Streaky Bay, get back to the main route and cover some greater driving distances along the Eyre Highway.
The Eyre Highway is a major highway in Australia that stretches from Port Augusta in South Australia to Norseman in Western Australia. It is the only sealed road across the vast and remote Nullarbor Plain, making it a critical route for cross-country travel.
Where to stay in Streaky Bay
Try more epic Australian road trips with our Amazing Adelaide To Darwin Road Trip Itinerary!
Eucla
- Distance from Streaky Bay: 600km
- Driving Time: 6 hours and 30 minutes
From Streaky Bay in South Australia, you’ve made your way to the Eyre Highway and are now road tripping across the Nullarbor Plain!
The Nullarbor Plain is a vast, treeless expanse known for its flat, arid landscape and extreme remoteness. Despite its harsh environment, the Nullarbor offers breathtaking natural beauty, incredible night skies, and a true sense of adventure for those who make the journey across it.
You won’t be able to cross the entire Nullarbor Plain in one day as it’s about 13.5 hours of driving (you can if you really want to though). We recommend stopping in the middle in Eucla.
a small and remote settlement on the southern coast of Western Australia, near the South Australian border. Located along the Eyre Highway, Eucla is one of the few stopping points for travelers crossing the Nullarbor Plain.
It is best known for the historic Eucla Telegraph Station, which was once a crucial communication link but is now a hauntingly beautiful ruin slowly being swallowed by sand dunes.
The border village also offers access to the stunning Eucla National Park, featuring vast white sand dunes, rugged coastline, and unique wildlife.
Where to stay in Eucla
- Camping: Overnight Camping Area, free roadside camping spot for caravans and cars
- Budget, Mid Range, and Luxury: Eucla Motel, the only accommodation option in town that offers a range of room options
Norseman
- Distance from Eucla: 709km
- Driving Time: 7 hours and 10 minutes
Wake up bright and early and spend the next day of your road trip from Sydney to Perth conquering the Nullarbor Plain. From Eucla, you can drive across the rest of this section of desert in a full day, with time for food and fuel stops.
Fraser Range is a popular place to stop along the way if needed, where you can find service stations and caravan parks.
From Fraser Range it’s about 100km to Norseman where you can take a break and relax in the small country town.
Norseman is a historic mining town in Western Australia, located at the western edge of the Nullarbor Plain and serving as the gateway to the Goldfields region.
Visitors can explore the Beacon Hill Lookout for panoramic views, the Norseman Heritage Trail to learn about the town’s past, and the nearby Great Western Woodlands, the world’s largest intact temperate woodland.
With its rugged charm and deep mining history, Norseman remains an important outback town for those venturing across Australia.
Where to stay in Norseman
Southern Cross
- Distance from Norseman: 355km
- Driving Time: 3 hours and 40 minutes
Southern Cross is another historic gold mining town in Western Australia, located along the Great Eastern Highway. It will be one of the final stops on your road trip from Sydney to Perth!
Founded in 1888 during the gold rush, it played a crucial role in opening up the Goldfields region. Today, Southern Cross serves as a key stop for travelers heading to Kalgoorlie and beyond.
The small town is surrounded by vast wheatbelt landscapes and is known for attractions like the Yilgarn History Museum, which showcases the area’s rich mining heritage, and Karalee Rocks, an impressive water catchment system built for steam trains.
Southern Cross is also the gateway to the Great Western Woodlands, offering stunning wildflower displays in spring. From Southern Cross, it’s basically a straight shot along the Great Eastern Highway until you reach Perth.
Where to stay in Southern Cross
Perth
- Distance from Southern Cross: 369km
- Driving Time: 4 hours and 20 minutes
Tackle the last leg of driving along the Great Eastern Highway until you reach Perth, the capital city of Western Australia. Your road trip is complete!
Once you’ve made it to Perth, spend a few days enjoying the wonders of the West Coast. You could easily spend a week or more soaking all the delights of Perth, and now that the driving is done you have no more time constraints.
Take some time to visit Perth’s beaches, learn local history in Fremantle, go whale watching in the winter months, and check out the local markets.
Or take fun day trips to places like Rottnest Island and the Pinnacles Desert. Either way, enjoy yourself because you’ve done something few travelers have ever done – road tripped across Australia!
Where to stay in Perth
- Budget: Spinners Hostel, a highly-rated hostel with affordable dorms
- Mid Range: Metro Hotel Perth, a wonderful place to enjoy the delights of the city
- Luxury: Como the Treasury, finish off your road trip in style with an elegant stay in the Perth CBD
Plan your stay with our 5 day Perth itinerary!
Sydney to Perth Road Trip Modifications
Driving from Australia’s east coast to the west coast is an epic adventure. The route we’ve outlined is just one way of tackling the drive. There are so many ways you can alter this road trip itinerary to make it longer or shorter.
Here are some popular ways to explore more of Australia on your Sydney to Perth road trip.
The most direct route from Sydney to Perth
If you want to optimise your time frame and get from Sydney to Perth as quickly as possible, you can just take the main route without detouring to some places we mentioned.
This direct route takes you from Sydney, to Yass, to Wagga Wagga, to Mildura in NSW. Then cross into South Australia and drive through Renmark, Burra, Port Germain, Kimba, Ceduna, and the Nullarbor.
Then cross into Western Australia and follow the same route through the Fraser Range.
Though you’ll miss some highlights along the way, such as Adelaide and coastal South Australia, this will get you to Perth the fastest.
Combine this drive with our Melbourne To Adelaide Drive Itinerary!
Murray River, NSW and Victoria
If you have an open schedule and don’t mind extending your road trip, you can see more of Australia’s East Coast. Head south from Sydney along the Grand Pacific Drive, stopping in towns like Wollongong, Kangaroo Valley, and Kiama.
Cut inland towards the Snowy Mountains to see the gorgeous alpine regions of NSW and Victoria! You can hike, camp, or ski and snowboard in winter.
As you drive through the Snowy Mountains, you’ll also pass the Murray River and you can drive along the river as you head west.
The Murray River region is a stunning and diverse area that stretches along the Murray River, Australia’s longest river, running through three states—New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia.
The region is known for its rich agricultural land, charming riverside towns, and abundant wildlife, making it a popular destination for nature lovers, history buffs, and those seeking outdoor adventures.
Visitors can enjoy activities like house boating, fishing, kayaking, and wine tasting, as the region is home to several renowned vineyards.
Great Ocean Road, Victoria
An alternative to cutting inland along the Murray River is continuing on a coastal route. From Sydney, instead of heading west through New South Wales, head south. You can road trip along the NSW South Coast, then head into Victoria and explore Melbourne.
From Melbourne, road trip along the Great Ocean Road! Then continue on to Kangaroo Island and Adelaide, where you can then take on the road trip to Perth.
This detour will add on at least a day to your road trip, possibly a couple days if you want to take your time on the NSW South Coast and Great Ocean Road.
Esperance, Western Australia
Another way to extend your road trip is seeing more of Australia’s West Coast.
After passing the Fraser Range and Nullarbor Plain in WA, head south along the National Highway instead of continuing west to Southern Cross.
Drive along the National Highway until you get to the coast, where you’ll find yourself in stunning Esperance! With velvety white sand and turquoise water, you can see some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches here.
Add a few days onto your road trip with a leisurely coastal drive from Esperance to Perth. Highlights you can see along the way include Wave Rock, Lucky Bay, Bremer Bay, Albany, Augusta, and Margaret River.
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