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• Self Drive
• Touring

Self Drive

An ideal way to explore this region is to drive yourself

This trip takes you from Adelaide to the west coast of Australia through the beautiful wine region of the Clare Valley, along the amazing coastline of the Eyre Peninsula and across the Nullarbor Plain. Taste fine wines, swim with sea-lions, surf, whale watch, and cross one of the country’s most austere deserts, the Nullarbor Plain.

Nine days
Approx 3500 km

Adelaide to Perth via the Nullarbor Plain

Day 1
Today drive from Adelaide via the picturesque Clare Valley to the Southern Flinders Ranges Stop in at a winery or two in the Clare Valley on the way and sample some award-winning Australian wines. Also take the time to stop at the historic town of Melrose and have a bite to eat at the before reaching Whyalla. If you happen to be in town between May and August, take a snorkelling trip to see the fascinating multi-coloured cuttlefish that migrate to the Whyalla area each year to breed.

Adelaide - Whyalla: 384km, 3 hours 40 minutes

Day 2
You’ll start your day in Whyalla, the northern gateway to the Eyre Peninsula. Drive via Tumby Bay which is especially beautiful and known for its fishing and stunning beaches. Enjoy views of the picturesque Spencer Gulf today as you travel down the east coast of Eyre Peninsula. Until you reach Port Lincoln, the towns are either fishing or holiday towns overlooking sheltered bays. Port Lincoln is on Boston Bay, three times the size of Sydney Harbour and famous for its beautiful blue water.
At least one overnight stay in the unofficial capital of the Eyre Peninsula is highly recommended.

Whyalla - Port Lincoln: 266km, 2 hours 30 minutes

Day 3
From Port Lincoln travel through the picturesque seaside town of Coffin Bay, famous for its oysters, then follow the Flinders Highway north through, Elliston, Port Kenny and Streaky Bay. There are some spectacular stretches of coastline along this sparsely populated highway. Visitors should stop at Baird Bay and take part in a tour to swim with the sea-lions and dolphins (bookings essential). Ceduna is a welcome overnight stop, and is a great place to taste some of the Peninsula’s delicious local seafood.

Port Lincoln - Ceduna: 400km, 4 hours

Day 4
Today head to the small town of Eucla across one of the straightest stretches of bitumen in Australia, the incredible Nullarbor Plain. Enroute stop at some of the many lookouts for spectacular views of the Nullarbor Cliffs. Visit Head of Bight just 12 kilometres by sealed road from the Eyre Highway, and stroll the boardwalk and viewing platforms. If you are lucky, you’ll see whales frolicking with their calves in the water below (June - October).
Take a short detour into Fowlers Bay where you can take a walk along the jetty and admire the amazing sand dunes that come right into the town.

Ceduna - Eucla: 500 km, 5 hours

Day 5
This day has a high kilometre count, but the roads are long and straight and, for much of the drive, there are few reasons to stop. Make sure you visit the old Eucla Telegraph Station ruins just outside of Eucla.

Eucla - Norseman: 713 km, 7 hours 30 minutes

Day 6
Driving South from Norseman take time to explore the stunning beaches around Esperance. Cape Le Grand National Park, a short drive from Esperance, has some of the most spectacular white sandy beaches you will ever see. If you are feeling fit, a climb to the top of Frenchman’s Peak provides a panoramic view of the surrounding area.

Norseman - Esperance: 206 km, 2 hours
Cape Le Grand – Esperance:  50 km each way

Day 7
Today depart Esperance, and take the inland route to Albany, via the Stirling Ranges National Park where you can enjoy a bushwalk or just admire the majestic ranges, such as the Bluff.
Spend the afternoon exploring the picturesque and historic whaling town of Albany.

Esperance - Albany: 492 km, 5 hours

Day 8
The route from Albany to Margaret River is spectacular, as the road winds through the tall timber country. Make sure you stop at Walpole, and take the Valley of the Giants walk, and then drop into the stunning beach at Green Pools, just outside of Denmark. Travel through the quaint towns of Denmark, on the picturesque Denmark River and picturesque Pemberton, where you can climb the Gloucester Tree.

Albany - Margaret River: 379 km, 4.5 hours

Day 9
From Margaret River, take your time visiting some of the amazing cellar doors, such as Voyagers Estate or Mudbrick Wines then explore some of the stunning coastal scenery of the area. Head North up the coast through Mandurah and into Perth.

Margaret River - Perth: 288 km, 3 hours