East West Road Trip

Australia's East West Road Trip is an epic transcontinental adventure that takes you from the sun-soaked beaches of the east coast to the rugged outback and wild west coast. This iconic journey spans over 4,000 kilometres, crossing diverse landscapes from lush rainforests and arid deserts to historic goldfields and dramatic gorges. It's a trip that demands a sense of adventure, but rewards with unforgettable encounters with Indigenous culture, quirky roadhouses, and some of the most remote and beautiful terrain on the planet.

Highlights & What to See

• Nullarbor Plain: Cross one of the world's largest limestone karst landscapes, where the highway stretches arrow-straight for hundreds of kilometres. Look out for the dramatic Bunda Cliffs, which plunge into the Great Australian Bight – a prime spot for whale watching between June and October.
• Coober Pedy: Dive into the underground world of this opal-mining town, where homes, churches and even hotels are burrowed into the earth to escape the heat. Visit an opal mine and try your luck at noodling for gems.
• Flinders Ranges: Explore ancient mountain ranges, with highlights including Wilpena Pound, a natural amphitheatre of peaks, and the scenic Brachina Gorge, which reveals 600-million-year-old geology and abundant wildlife like yellow-footed rock-wallabies.
• Kalgoorlie: Step into the gold rush era at this historic mining city. Tour the Super Pit, one of the world's largest open-cut gold mines, and wander the grand buildings of Hannan Street.
• Wave Rock: Marvel at this 15-metre-high, 110-metre-long natural rock formation that resembles a giant surf wave, formed over 2.7 billion years.
• Margaret River Region: End your journey in Western Australia's premier wine region, known for world-class cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay, stunning surf beaches, and ancient caves.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allocate a minimum of 10 to 14 days for a one-way trip, though a full 3 weeks allows for a more relaxed pace with detours to side attractions. The journey is best undertaken in a reliable 4WD vehicle, especially if you plan to explore off the main highway. Break the drive into manageable 4–5 hour stints, with overnight stops in key towns like Port Augusta, Coober Pedy, Ceduna, Kalgoorlie and Norseman. Factor in extra time for unexpected road conditions and to simply soak in the vastness of the landscape.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Great Ocean Road: Though a detour, this iconic Victorian coastal drive with the Twelve Apostles makes a spectacular start or end to the trip.
• Kangaroo Island: Accessible via ferry from Cape Jervis, this wildlife haven offers pristine beaches, sea lions, and kangaroos in the wild.
• Yorke Peninsula: A quieter alternative to the Fleurieu Peninsula, with excellent fishing, coastal walks and historic towns.
• Eyre Peninsula: Famous for its seafood, shark cage diving and the stunning coastline of Coffin Bay National Park.
• Esperance: Boasting some of Australia's whitest beaches and the dramatic peaks of Cape Le Grand National Park, it's a perfect stop on the western leg.

Please check official sources for current details.