Cross the Continent - Perth to Sydney Self-Drive Itinerary

DOWNLOAD: PERTH TO SYDNEY SELF-DRIVE ITINERARY

Perhaps the ultimate cross -country Australian trip, spend 15 days travelling from the Indian to the Pacific Oceans on this 4150km odyssey.

• Perth
• Perth to Kalgoorlie
• Kalgoorlie
• Kalgoorlie to Fraser Range
• Fraser Range to Cocklebiddy
• Cocklebiddy to Border Village
• Border Village to Fowlers Bay
• Fowlers Bay to Port Kenny
• Port Kenny to Port Augusta
• Port Augusta to Renmark
• Renmark to Mildura
• Mildura to Griffith
• Griffith to Goulburn
• Goulburn to Wollongong
• Wollongong to Sydney

Distance: 4157km

Day 1. Perth

Collect your rental car or campervan in Perth today. If travelling in a campervan we recommend allowing at least an hour when picking up your vehicle to ensure you are thoroughly familiar with it before you hit the road. Then take some time to discover what Perth has to offer before beginning your journey.

While in Perth, why not travel down to Fremantle and take the ferry over to Rottnest Island. Affectionately known as “Rotto” by locals, the island is a natural haven, boasting 63 beaches and 20 bays where you can try out a variety of water sports. Take the opportunity to see a quokka, world-famous for being absolutely adorable.

Stay:Discovery Holiday Parks, Perth

Day 2. Perth to Kalgoorlie

Depart this morning and head east on the National Highway 94 to Kalgoorlie.

After your drive in the morning, spend the afternoon relaxing in Hammond Park. Surrounded by desert, the luscious green flora and fauna transports you into a different arena. The animal sanctuary gives you an opportunity to get close to kangaroos, peacocks and emus. Make sure to also see the miniature Bavarian Castle, which has roughly 40,000 gemstones decorating it.

Distance:595 km, 6 hours 25 minutes

Stay:Two nights at Discovery Holiday Park, Kalgoorlie.

Day 3. Kalgoorlie

While in Kalgoorlie, make sure to check out one of the many museums in town detailing different parts of the history. The WA Museum of Kalgoorlie Boulder informs you of the great mining heritage and the goldfields. The Royal Flying Doctor Service Information Centre gives you an insight into the amazing work the Flying Doctors do for regional areas of Australia.

Take a tour in the afternoon of the Super Pit, which is Australia’s largest open cut gold mine. The tour takes you into the workspace as you drive past the huge machinery, and witness the old mine shafts from the internal viewing platforms. The tour is full of a rich history of the area, and especially highlighting the story of Kalgoorlie and gold.

Day 4. Kalgoorlie to Fraser Range

Depart this morning and head south on the National Highway 94 until you reach National Highway 1. Head east along this until you reach Fraser Range.

Fraser Range Station is the opportunity to see a working pastoral station in progress! Take a tour and see a working station from an inside perspective, or explore the bushland for a wide array of flora, fauna and bird life.

Distance:308 km, 3 hours 10 minutes

Stay:Fraser Range Station

Day 5. Fraser Range to Cocklebiddy

Depart this morning and head east on National Highway 1 until you reach Cocklebiddy.

Use this time to relax in a truly authentic country town. If you’re looking for activities to do, the Eyre Bird Observatory is 50 kilometres southeast of Cocklebiddy. You can take a guided tour of the facility and participate in some local bird watching.

Distance:314 km, 3 hours 10 minutes

Stay:Wedgetail Inn Caravan Park

Day 6. Cocklebiddy to Border Village

Depart this morning and head east along National Highway 1. You will leave Western Australia and cross into South Australia.

Take some time to relax from all the driving of the trip, and enjoy the serenity of Border Village. Here, travellers from all over come here to break before undertaking their next journey. Take photos with the “Big Roo”, a giant statue of a kangaroo, which is an icon of the town.

Distance:285 km, 2 hours 55 minutes

Stay:Border Village Roadhouse

Day 7. Border Village to Fowlers Bay

Depart this morning and follow the National Highway A1 to Coorabie. Exit at Fowlers Bay Road.

Fowlers Bay has great fishing spots and beaches. A wide variety of fish are found here, as well as many walking tracks and swimming opportunities. Fowlers Bay is also a great stopover before visiting the Great Australian Bight, where you can admire the views and even go whale watching between May and October.

Distance:408 km, 4 hours 45 minutes.

Stay:Fowlers Bay Caravan Park

Day 8. Fowlers Bay to Port Kenny

Depart this morning and follow the National Highway A1 to Flinders Highway. Exit at Port Kenny.

Check out the Talia Caves, which have been carved out by the waves and are truly a sight to behold. It’s a great location for surfing and rock fishing. Make sure to go out to Baird Bay and try swimming with the seals. Finish the day off with a delicious rump steak from the Port Kenny Hotel – a local favourite!

Distance:311 km, 3 hours 50 minutes

Stay:Port Kenny Caravan Park and Roadhouse

Day 9. Port Kenny to Port Augusta

Depart this morning and head southeast on Flinders Highway until you reach National Highway 1. Follow signs to Port Augusta.

Visit the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Gardens and discover the plants and animals that are able to survive Australia’s toughest conditions. Explore the vivid red sand dunes, woodlands, and vast saltbush plains and even enjoy mountain views from the top of the red cliff tops. After all of this, you can sit back and enjoy the information centre and have afternoon tea.

Distance:331 km, 4 hours 10 minutes

Stay:Port Augusta BIG4 Holiday Park

Day 10. Port Augusta to Renmark

Depart this morning and follow the National Highway A1. If you choose, you can divert further south and visit Adelaide.

You have now reached Renmark, which is situated on the Murray River. Be sure to check out the river, whether you take a ferry along it or even try out some kayaking. Spend the evening at the Possum Parade, where the possums appear at dusk on the lawns of the Renmark Riverfront. It is a relaxing way to finish off your day.

Distance:397 km, 4 hours 10 minutes

Stay:BIG4 Renmark Riverfront Holiday Park

Day 11. Renmark to Mildura

Depart this morning and head east on National Highway A20 and cross the border into Victoria and head for Mildura.

Visit the Sunraysia Cellar Door and take the opportunity to try over 250 wines from 22 Murray Darling wine producers. Speak to the consultants, and they will help you find the perfect wine for you, and for any occasion. It is a great way to take in the local produce and learn about the local wines.

Distance:139 km, 1 hour 30 minutes

Stay:BIG4 Mildura Deakin Holiday Park

Day 12. Mildura to Griffith

Depart this morning and head east along the Sturt Highway to Griffith in New South Wales.

Just 25 km northeast of Griffith is the Cocoparra National Park. The park is a great place for a picnic and the opportunity to explore the local landscape. The eroded cliffs and wide valleys produce a spectacular view and is a great opportunity for some bird watching.

Distance:443 km, 4 hours 40 minutes

Stay:Griffith Tourist Caravan Park

Day 13. Griffith to Goulburn

Depart this morning and follow Burley Griffin Way and M31 to Goulburn.

When you visit Goulburn, you simply must see The Big Merino. It is a statue that is 15.2 metres high, 18 metres long and weighing 100 tonnes, making it the ‘World’s Biggest Merino’. It was built in 1985 as a tribute to Goulburn’s wool industry and the 200-year history of wool in Australia.

Another highlight of the town is the Rocky Hill War Memorial and Museum. It showcases the interesting history of Goulburn’s war past, as well as some breathtaking views of Goulburn from the top of the memorial.

Distance:377 km, 4 hours 10 minutes

Stay:Goulburn South Caravan Park

Day 14. Goulburn to Wollongong

Depart this morning and head northeast on the M31 until Picton Road. Follow the B88 to Wollongong.

The Nan Tien Temple, also known as Southern Paradise, is the largest Buddhist Temple in the Southern Hemisphere and a must-visit whilst in Wollongong. The temple brings together eastern and western cultures, providing an opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in a different culture. Contrasted with the rest of the town, it is a different experience that you should not miss.

Distance:153 km, 1 hour 40 minutes

Stay:Corrimal Beach Tourist Park

Day 15. Wollongong to Sydney via Grand Pacific Drive

Depart this morning and head north to Stanwell Park via Lawrence Hargrave Drive. Follow signs to the Royal National Park.

The Royal National Park is the second oldest national park in the world, and boasts some of the most spectacular views as you drive. Stop at one of the many lookouts to enjoy the natural landscape before entering the city.

Follow the A1 to enter Sydney, the capital city of New South Wales. Make sure to visit all the famous locations including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.

Distance:97 km, 1 hour 56 minutes

Stay:NRMA Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park

Disclaimer

DriveNow's suggested itineraries are made available to assist travellers create and build personalised journey plans.

DriveNow does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of these itineraries and they are provided as is and as advisory only.

Special caution and planning should be taken when travelling in remote areas to ensure sufficient provisions, fuel and prescribed medicines are carried.

Weather conditions can make sealed roads impassable particularly during the northern Wet season. All rental vendors in Australia have restrictions on where their vehicles can be taken, therefore it is recommended that you consult with your vehicle provider on your intended journey when collecting your vehicle. Travelling where restrictions are imposed voids all insurance cover.

You acknowledge that any reliance on or use of any itinerary shall be at your sole risk.