About The Tour
Travel the width of Australia from west to east, taking in the unforgettable scenery on the way on our Perth to Melbourne tour. You’ll walk along some of Australia’s best beaches in Esperance, Eyre Peninsular and the famous Great Ocean Road. Inland the scenery is just as impressive as you explore the Flinders Ranges and Grampians National Park. There are plenty of opportunities to meet Australia’s famous and iconic native wildlife, whether you prefer on land kangaroos and koalas or the playful sealions of Baird Bay. Accommodation is a mix of hotel and camping under the stars, so you can sleep under the spectacular night sky illuminated by the Milky Way.
Tour Details
Our Perth to Melbourne tour will give you the best flexibility for booking your next adventure! This tour is separated into small journeys, giving you the flexibility to spend little or more time in the main place at the end of each journey. This means you’ll get the chance to spend more time discovering new places in Adelaide, or simply board the next leg of your journey to Melbourne. Just select the dates of the tours when making the booking. Your accommodation is included when on tour, but we have left the accommodation in Adelaide completely up to you. So, you have the chance to stay at a fancy hotel, crash at a mate’s place, find a sociable hostel or spend the night in the tent beneath the stars – the choice is yours!
Perth to Adelaide Tour
Operating days:
2018
May 13 & 27
June 10
September 16 & 30
October 14 & 28
November 11 & 25
December 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30
2019
Jan 6, 13, 20 & 27
Feb 3, 10 & 24
Departs Perth: 6:45am
Arrives on Adelaide: approximately 7:30pm
Adelaide to Melbourne Tour
Operating days: Wednesday and Saturday (Saturday departure November to April only)
Departs Adelaide: 6:30am
Arrives Melbourne: 8:00pm
Additional Information
If you are traveling with a child under the age of 18 years old, where we stay in dormitory accommodation, you will need to upgrade to a private room. Please call us prior to making the booking to check for availability
Luggage restriction is 15kg backpack/soft travel bag and one hand luggage size bag per person.
Sleeping bags are not provided or offered on the tour. You will need to bring your own on the day of your tour.
This tour does require a moderate level of fitness.
Please make us aware of any dietary requirements when you book. Part of the enjoyment of this tour is the active hands-on participation of everyone and you will be required to assist with light duties such as setting up camp, preparing meals and cleaning dishes.
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes, water bottle, insect repellent, weather appropriate clothing (including a rain jacket), sleeping bag, sunscreen, swimmers and snacks in your hand luggage on the bus. Its also a great idea to have a torch or headlight and a travel pillow.
Itinerary
Experience the wild and remote wilderness of Western Australia and famous coastal drives along the south coast from west to east on our Perth to Melbourne Tour. Immerse yourself in a combination of spectacular outback scenery and unrivalled beaches, with plenty of opportunities to meet Australia’s iconic wildlife along the way. Sleep under the ever-changing colours of the southern sky as you settle inside your swags on this Perth to Melbourne Tour.
Your Perth to Melbourne adventure is a combination of our 9 Day Perth to Adelaide Tour and 2 Day Adelaide to Melbourne Tour, giving you a great tour package to explore the West and South coast of Australia.
Tour Highlights
- Wave Rock
- Frenchmen’s Peak Hike
- Spectacular beaches of Cape Le Grande National Park and Lucky Bay
- Sandboarding at Lake Newland
- Mikkira Station
- Great Ocean Road & Twelve Apostles
- MacKenzie Falls
Day 1: Perth to Fitzgerald River National Park
Our adventure from Perth to Melbourne begins by heading out of Perth, east over the Darling Ranges, before stopping for our first coffee break at the historic town of York, Western Australia’s oldest inland town. From York, we head towards Wave Rock, where you can enjoy lunch and grab a photo with the iconic and unusual rock formation. By the late afternoon, we will arrive in Fitzgerald River National Park. We spend our first night swag camping at the Fitzgerald River National Park.
Accommodation: Swag camping (with facilities – only toilet facilities)
Meals included: Lunch and dinner
Day 2: Cape Le Grand National Park
Wake up refreshed and begin the day in style, with a hike up East Mount Baron, one of the three quartzite peaks which make up the Barren Range. Once we conclude our hike, we will take a scenic drive to Esperance, where you can enjoy a coffee and a leisurely stroll around the area.
Prepare yourself and get your camera ready as this beautiful part of Western Australia has a total of 9 National Parks. We camp at the most picturesque out of the lot – Cape Le Grand National Park. The beaches here are stunning, and you will often find native Eastern Grey Kangaroos sunbaking on Australia’s whitest sand.
Enjoy the afternoon, and spend it in any way you like! You can set out on a coastal bushwalk, go for a dip in the calm waters, or go on an adventure with your camera, capturing images of this picturesque location. Then settle down to spend the night swag camping at Cape Le Grand.
Accommodation: Swag camping (with facilities – with toilet and shower facilities)
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3: Cape Le Grand National Park to The Nullarbor
For those who missed out on spotting any kangaroos yesterday, the early morning is the perfect time to wander down to the beach and capture a few snaps of these beautiful animals. In the early morning, we will hike up Frenchman’s Peak, which offers picturesque views across the inlets and islands of the Recherche Archipelago. We spend lunch time at Norseman, prior to hitting the road along the Eyre Highway to begin our journey east bound. Tonight, you will be treated to an IMAX version of the great southern sky, which will leave you in awe!
Accommodation: Swag camping (with no facilities)
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4: The Nullarbor to Koonalda Homestead
On day four, we have a lot of ground to cover, in fact 500 kilometres of the world’s longest stretch of straight road. Today will certainly give you a sense of the massive size of this ancient land covered throughout the trip.
The Nullarbor is one of the most baron locations on earth. The word ‘Nullarbor’ is Latin for ‘No Trees’ – and you will see why throughout the day, as trees, along with any other sort of vegetation, is non-existent. The saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover” applies to this stretch of land, as beneath the surface, is Australia’s largest underground lake system!
We make a quick pit stop at Eucla, an ancient telegraph township, which is predominately buried beneath sand dunes! We spend the evening camping at Koonalda Homestead.
Accommodation: Swag camping (with facilities – only toilet facilities)
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5: Great Australian Bight and Coodile Park
Today, we make several pit stops, including the world-famous camels/kangaroos/wombats crossing sign. The Bunda Cliffs are our next destination, where the Nullarbor Plain drops dramatically into the Southern Ocean. The road we cover is significant as it runs for approximately 200 kilometres along the Great Australian Bight and is world’s longest uninterrupted line of limestone cliffs.
We will cross over the Dingo Fence, the worlds longest fence, stretching for 5,614 kilometres. The Dingo Fence allows us to enter Yalata Aboriginal lands. In the afternoon, discover the Ceduna Arts and Cultural Centre, displaying stunning pieces of Aboriginal art works. The night is spent at Coodlie Park Bush Camp where we sleep in cool swag huts.
Accommodation: Swag camping (with facilities)
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 6: The Eyre Peninsula
Our sixth day is certainly one that will provide a life time of memories. Make the most of this unique opportunity and swim with sea lions and dolphins in the waters of Baird Bay, a small fishing village located on the Eyre Peninsula. Please note: This Eco-tour is an optional extra. The cost is $160 per person, which is to be paid prior to departure. The duration of this activity is 3-4 hours. For those who wish to stay on land, the morning is yours to spend at your leisure.
After indulging in a delicious picnic style lunch, we’ll continue our action-packed day with a visit to Murphy’s Haystacks, a series of unique warped rock formations. We check out the Talia Caves, a collection of gigantic caverns carved into coastal cliffs. At the Lake Newland Sand Dunes, you will have the chance to experience the thrilling activity of sandboarding. We spend the night back at Coodlie Park sharing stories around a camp fire!
Accommodation: Bush camping (with facilities)
Optional Activity: – Swim with the Sea Lions and Dolphins – $160 per person.
Note: Optional activities are to be paid on the day of your tour. Please let us know when you book if you are in
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 7: Mikkira Station and Port Lincoln
We hit the road in the early morning and witness the spectacular coastal scenery of SA for the last time. Whilst on the road, we’ll make a stop at Lock’s Well, the home of a 283-step dramatic staircase which leads you onto the beach.
Enjoy another delicious lunch on the foreshore of Port Lincoln, and spend the afternoon at your own leisure, exploring this petite little town, known as Australia’s seafood capital. We spend the night camping in Mikkira, which is a working sheep station, surrounded by Manna Gum Trees packed with cuddly koalas!
Accommodation: Swag camping (with facilities)
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 8: Mt Remarkable
Today, you have the option to dive into the deep sea and swim with Great White Sharks, or pay a visit to the Whalers Conservation Center and learn about local whaling history. If you decide to choose the whaling option, you will visit the remains of an old whaling station, and hopefully spot some kangaroos and emus.
If you decide to take on the shark cage diving experience, you’ll head out to sea and change into diving gear, prior to stepping out in a secure cage, to meet-up with the most intimidating creatures of the sea.
In the afternoon, we visit Wadlata Cultural Centre and we’re treated to a guided walk through the region. We spend the evening bush camping at Mt Remarkable.
Accommodation: Bush camping (with facilities – only toilet facilities)
Optional activities: Shark cage diving with Great Whites – $520 per person
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 9: Mt Remarkable and Adelaide
Day nine sees us on home stretch to Adelaide. We travel on to Lochiel (Pink Lake) and the town of Clare. The first stage of our Perth to Melbourne adventure ends in Adelaide. You will have your breakfast and lunch included, and often, dinner is spent as a group reflecting on the journey which you have just completed.
Accommodation: Not included. Please arrange your own accommodation in Adelaide.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Day 10: Adelaide to Grampians National Park
The second leg of our Perth to Melbourne Tour kicks off with a trip down the Murray River, Australia’s longest river. We stop for morning tea at Tolmer Creek in Bordertown. We move on to the town of Halls Gaps and see the abundance of Australian kangaroos, who call this region their home.
In the afternoon, we continue to Reed’s Lookout or Lake Bellfield, and visit the Jaws of Death, prior to coming across some centuries-old Aboriginal cave paintings in the Grampians National Park.
We will then make our way to either MacKenzie Falls or Silverband Falls for a relaxing walk, before we make the trek up to Boroka Lookout or Venus Baths for breath-taking mountain views. To conclude our action-packed day, we will make a stop in Halls Gap, located at the heart of the Grampians, where you will hopefully spot kangaroos and tuck into a delicious dinner.
Accommodation: Dormitory accommodation
Accommodation upgrade: – Hostel upgrade: upgrade to a twin/double/single (shared facilities): $100 per person – Motel upgrade: upgrade to a twin/double/single (private ensuite): $175 per room
Meals included: Dinner
Day 11: Great Ocean Road to Melbourne
The final day of our Perth to Melbourne tour kicks off with a visit to Tower Hill, a 30’000-year-old extinct volcano. Departing Tower Hill, we head towards the Bay of Martyrs and London Bridge along the Great Ocean Road.
After exploring these locations, we head towards Loch Ard Gorge, situated along the Shipwreck Coast, and the world famous Twelve Apostles, offering sensational photo opportunities.
In the afternoon, we will be treated to a guided bushwalk through the ancient landscape of the Otway Rainforest. We enjoy a relaxing swim in Apollo Bay, before heading to Kennett River where we can spot some native koalas. The iconic Memorial Arch is our last stop for a photo opportunity, prior to passing through the small coastal town of Anglesea, and eventually heading back to Melbourne, where the tour concludes.
Optional activity: Helicopter ride over the 12 Apostles – $145 per person
Meals included: Breakfast
Pickup Locations
Melbourne to Adelaide Tour
| Location |
Address |
Time |
| Base Backpackers |
17 Carlisle Street, St Kilda |
7:10am |
| Bayview on Eden |
6 Queens Road, Melbourne |
6:45am |
| Bayview on the Park |
52 Queens Road |
7:00am |
| Claremont Hotel |
189 Toorak Road, South Yarra |
6:50am |
| Cosmopolitan Hotel |
2/8 Carlisle Street, St Kilda |
7:10am |
| Crown Promenade |
8 Whiteman Street, Melbourne |
7:35am |
| Exford Hotel |
Cnr Russell & Little Bourke Street, Melbourne |
7:25am |
| Habitat HQ |
333 St Kilda Road, St Kilda |
7:15am |
| Hotel Discovery |
167 Franklin Street, Melbourne |
7:05am |
| Ibis Hotel Therry Street |
15-21 Therry Street, Melbourne |
7:00am |
| Immigration Museum |
Cnr Flinders & Market Street, Melbourne |
7:40am |
| Melbourne City Backpackers (was King Street Backpackers) |
Cnr King & Little Bourke Streets, Melbourne |
7:30am |
| Miami hotel |
13 Hawke Street, Melbourne |
6:50am |
| Nomads Industry |
196 A’Beckett Street, Melbourne |
7:05am |
| Nomads St Kilda |
Cnr Grey Street and Jackson Street, St Kilda |
7:05am |
| Rydges Carlton |
701 Swanston Street, Carlton |
6:50am |
| Space Hotel |
Cnr Russell & McKenzie Street, Melbourne |
6:55am |
| St Paul’s Cathedral |
Crn Flinders Street & Swanston Street, Melbourne |
7:15am |
| The Nunnery |
116 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy |
6:55am |
| Travelodge Docklands |
66 Aurora Lane, Docklands |
6:45am |
| Travelodge Docklands |
9 Riverside Quay, Southbank |
7:40am |
| Urban Central |
334 City Road, Southbank |
7:30am |
| Windsor Hotel |
111 Spring Street, Melbourne |
7:20am |
| YHA Metro |
78 Howard Street, North Melbourne |
6:50am |
Adelaide to Perth Tour
Departs from Adelaide Bus Station, 1 Franklin Street. There are no hotel pickups available for this leg of the tour.
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