As far as long drives go, Australia certainly has plenty to offer. From north to south or east to west, or even the big lap, point your campervan in any direction and you can be guaranteed a drive that stretches for thousands of kilometres. This Brisbane to Perth road trip is one of the most captivating of all. Full of colourful characters, quirky outback towns, and that long and dusty stretch, the legendary Nullarbor Plain, this is one that will stay with you long after you’ve handed back the keys.
Rambling across four states, this is an experience of Australia that is incredibly unique and maybe a little rough around the edges, but always welcoming. From the almost mythical town of Broken Hill in NSW that has become a queer icon, to the staggering, end-of-world beauty of the Great Australian Bight and the mind-blowing scale of Kalgoorlie’s Super Pit, get ready for an epic expedition across the continent.
Picking up your campervan in the Queensland capital, you’ll set the GPS for west as you follow this day-by-day guide to a Brisbane to Perth road trip.
Brisbane to Perth distance
This road trip itinerary heads southwest from Brisbane to Perth for 4227 kilometres – give or take a few Ks. If you were driving straight through, you’d make the crossing in 45 hours. But we’re pretty sure you’re not here for that kind of drive. So take your time with it to fully interact with the colourful locals and places you’ll encounter along the way and give yourself at least 13 days. Although, to make the most of it, our recommendation would be to plan for 28 days from coast to coast.
Why Hiring a Campervan for a Brisbane to Perth Road Trip is a Great Idea – Expert Advice
“There’s so much history to engage with on a drive from Brisbane to Perth. From Cobar to Broken Hill and Kalgoorlie-Boulder, the landscape is layered with stories from First Nations people to gold prospectors and explorers. You can take it all in at your own pace when you travel in a campervan. You have the ultimate freedom to enjoy the stories from Outback locals and see the sights that make this a truly extraordinary and remote part of the country.”– Harrison Greig, Social Media and Marketing Content Manager
Day 1: Brisbane to Toowoomba
Departing Brisbane today and driving for just under two hours, your first stop is Queensland’s largest inland city of Toowoomba in the Darling Downs region. This vibrant hub, dubbed the ‘Garden City’ on account of its spring Carnival of Flowers event, blends breathtaking scenery, history and lively precincts. It makes a perfect first night before you head deep into outback Queensland.
Sightseeing spots in Toowoomba
Picnic Point Lookout
Don’t miss the sweeping panoramic views from Toowoomba’s heritage-listed Picnic Point Lookout and Parkland. Perched high on the crest of the Great Dividing Range, you’ll overlook the Main Range, the Lockyer Valley and that flat-topped star, Tabletop Mountain. Come for the view and stay for a coffee in the onsite café that overlooks the escarpment.
Cobb+ Co Museum
The world-class Cobb+Co Museum is home to the National Carriage Collection, Australia’s finest collection of heritage horse-drawn vehicles. A visit here reveals a variety of interactive displays, exhibits and workshops through which you’ll get to the heart of Toowoomba’s natural and cultural history.
Day 2: Toowoomba to Goondiwindi
From Toowoomba it’s less than three hours to Goondiwindi, a charming border town perched on the serene banks of the Macintyre River on the Queensland–NSW border. With a name derived from the Indigenous word ‘Goonawinna’, which means the resting place of birds, you can be sure you’ll spot a few feathered friends while here. It’s a good idea to stock up on provisions and little luxuries in town as the distances between towns are about to get bigger.
Sightseeing spots in Goondiwindi
Customs House Museum
The Customs House is the museum’s main building and is a local historic landmark. Here you’ll be transported back in time via the collection of photographs, displays and artefacts from the early pioneers of Goondiwindi, covering the history and growth of the wool industry and agriculture in the region.
Gunsynd the Goondiwindi Grey statue
This galloping monument sits proudly in Apex Park, commanding prominence by the river. Erected in 1974 as a tribute to Goondiwindi’s beloved racehorse, Gunsynd, the monument is a white bas-relief sculpture depicting the famous grey with jockey. In 2004 Gunsynd was listed as one of the top 12 Queensland icons and was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame in 2005.
Day 3: Goondiwindi to Cobar
It’s a big stretch of open road today, taking seven-and-a-half hours to reach Cobar from Goondiwindi. But you’ll enter your second state of the trip after crossing into New South Wales. It won’t be long before the red dust alerts you that you are well-and-truly in the Outback. Once you arrive in Cobar, you’ll be wooed by this charming town built on the back of the copper mining boom.
Sightseeing spots in Cobar
Great Cobar Heritage Centre
The Great Cobar Heritage Centre sits in the former 1900-era Administration Building of the Great Cobar Copper Mine. The centre captures the essence of Cobar with a collection of exhibits dating from 1869 to its productive height as the country’s leading copper mine in 1911, and through to the present day. Inside, discover artefacts and artworks that reveal the extraordinarily diverse local heritage of Cobar.
Cobar Mining Heritage Park
Cobar Mining Heritage Park is conveniently located just across the road from the museum. Wander the lookout to glean further insight into Cobar’s mining heritage with mining installations dotted through the pretty park. You’re welcome to picnic on the grounds among the relics of a bygone era.
Day 4: Cobar to Broken Hill
Continue west on the Barrier Highway for just under five hours to arrive at iconic Broken Hill. Officially Australia’s first Heritage City and one of its most extraordinary outback destinations. Plan to spend at least a full afternoon and evening here; there’s a lot to see. Broken Hill more than justifies two nights. Between the galleries, Silverton and the Living Desert Sculptures at sunset, one afternoon simply isn’t enough to do it justice.
Sightseeing spots in Broken Hill
Living Desert Sculptures
Designate sunset hour to the Living Desert Sculptures. This remarkable collection of 12 sculptures are at their most absorbing as the sun dips behind Sundown Hill, silhouetting the shapes crafted from sandstone from the Wilcannia region. Arrive early enough to wander the nearby 180‑hectare flora and fauna sanctuary and stay after sunset to observe the dynamically luminous stars above.
Silverton historic town
Famous for its role in silver mining history and on the silver screen, the historic town of Silverton perfectly captures the charm of the outback. It may feel instantly recognisable given it’s had parts in many iconic Australian films, such as Mad Max 2 and Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Silverton is home to impressive colonial buildings, including the Silverton Gaol Museum, where you’ll find collections of photographs, household items, and mining and medical equipment. It’s just a 25-kilometre drive from Broken Hill.
Day 5: Broken Hill to Port Augusta
Another day, another border crossed as you drive into South Australia on your way to Port Augusta, which is a relaxed four-and-a-half drive from Broken Hill. Here is where the outback meets the ocean at the Spencer Gulf and you’ll be welcomed by stunning views of both the sea and the dramatic backdrop of the Flinders Ranges. Port Augusta makes a worthy two-night base. Use the extra day to properly explore the Flinders Ranges backdropping the town, or take a longer wander through the Arid Lands Botanic Garden at your own pace.
Sightseeing spots in Port Augusta
Sightseeing spots in Port Augusta
Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden
Located on the shores of Upper Spencer Gulf and backdropped by the Flinders Ranges, the garden showcases a diverse collection of arid zone habitats in a picturesque setting of more than 250 hectares. Because of its coastal location, the garden also features a biologically rich marine environment dominated by grey mangroves. It’s home to more than 150 bird species and crossed with walking tracks for you to admire the floral beauty. If you need a pause, head to the café that serves native-inspired food.
Wadlata Outback Centre
At the Wadlata Outback Centre enter through the wide-open jaws of Max, a giant Ripper lizard, to discover the vast history and creation of the Flinders Ranges. Journey back to when the dinosaurs first roamed this land in the Tunnel of Time and meet the people who first owned, explored and settled in the region. It’s also the city’s accredited Visitor Information Centre, so a great place to plan for the long road west.
Day 6: Port Augusta to Streaky Bay
Today you’re crossing over to the western side of the Eyre Peninsula with a drive that has you arriving in Streaky Bay in around four-and-a-half hours. You might just find your heart snatched by this pretty coastal town with its pristine beaches and wild Great Australian Bight beauty. Streaky Bay is the kind of coastal town that has a way of keeping you longer than planned — if your schedule allows, an extra night here is well worth it before the epic Nullarbor stretch ahead.
Sightseeing spots in Streaky Bay
Murphy’s Haystacks
You’ll find the striking forms of the ‘inselbergs’ (that’s German for ‘island mountain’) between Streaky Bay and Port Kenny on the Eyre Peninsula. These enigmatic, natural pink granite formations shaped by wind and time rise from the surrounding farmland, creating a striking scene. The best time to take in their otherworldly beauty is at sunset when they glow with amber hues.
Point Labatt sea lion colony
From the viewing deck of the Point Labatt Conservation Park you can watch the lives of endangered sea lions and New Zealand fur seals unfold. The bay below is their only permanent mainland colony in Australia and a place where seal pups learn to swim, play and unwind. For a better view, grab the binoculars out of the campervan.
Day 7: Streaky Bay to Ceduna
A short drive today takes you to Ceduna in a little over an hour. It might be a minimal driving day, but this is where the road trip becomes truly epic. From Ceduna, the Eyre Highway stretches ahead across the Nullarbor without a bend in sight. Fuel up, stock up and prepare to embrace what is one of the world’s great drives. But don’t rush off too soon, Ceduna’s beaches, pink lake and Smoky Bay oysters deserve some attention before you leave.
Sightseeing spots in Ceduna
Ceduna Jetty
Just a few steps from the main street, the 380-metre-long jetty stretches over the foreshore of Murat Bay. This strollable pin-up is sure to rack up the likes on your Insta reel, especially at sunset. If it’s hot, a plunge here is lovely with a safe swimming enclosure.
Lake MacDonnell pink lake
Talking about photogenic sights to fill your socials, Lake MacDonnell pink lake is the big time. This milky salt lake on the way to Point Sinclair takes on a salmon tone on clear days, but what makes this anomaly truly amazing is the adjacent Green Lake hued by algae. Together they make a stunning contrast.
Day 8: Ceduna to Nullarbor Roadhouse
Travel further westwards today as you continue your Nullarbor journey. From Ceduna, the iconic Nullarbor Roadhouse is just over three hours drive. Along the way, there’s opportunities to stretch your legs and take in the scenery.
Sightseeing spots on the Nullarbor
Head of Bight Whale Watching Centre
One of the most spectacular whale-watching sites in South Australia, the Head of Bight lookout offers visitors the chance to spot Southern Right whales congregate for the calving season between May and October. At this unique geographical spot, a mini desert of towering sand dunes meets a sheer line of 90-metre limestone cliffs, while below, the whales frolic in the sheltered bay.
Bunda Cliffs
The longest uninterrupted sea cliffs in the world, the limestone Bunda Cliffs mark where the Nullarbor meets the Southern Ocean and run for more than 100 kilometres along the coast, soaring up to 90 metres high. Standing atop of these cliffs at the Head of Bight, it’s as though you have come to the edge of the world. Indeed, you have come to the edge of the mainland.
Day 9: Nullarbor Roadhouse to Eucla
Welcome to Western Australia! You’re on the home stretch now. Eucla is a little over two hours from the Nullarbor Roadhouse and marks the far western end of the crossing, but before you pass through this wisp of a town, there are a couple of must-sees to tick off.
Sightseeing spots in Eucla
Eucla Telegraph Station ruins
While in town, be sure to check out the sun-bleached remains of the Old Telegraph Station in Eucla. The original town was established in 1877 as a manual repeater station for the overland telegraph, but most of that has now been claimed by the encroaching sand dunes. The result is a fantastically photogenic, if eerie, sight that’s well worth allocating time to explore.
Eucla sand dunes
From the ruins, a short walk through the shifting white sand dunes leads to the Southern Ocean and the remnants of an old timber jetty on a pristine, deserted beach. The jetty is no more than a skeletal frame and the dunes are constantly on the move, giving the whole area a somewhat dystopian feel.
Day 10: Eucla to Norseman
It’s a long stretch today, taking around seven hours to reach Norseman, which marks the western end of the Nullarbor. Along the way, check out a few must-sees and relish this last and vast section of the legendary road.
Sightseeing spots on the way to Norseman
90 Mile Straight
The 90 Mile Straight delivers what it promises, almost. Actually it clocks in at 91.1 miles, or 146 kilometres, making it the longest and most unrelentingly straight line of road in the world. Spanning from Caiguna to Balladonia, it’s a flat and featureless one-and-a-half hours of driving. Not really suitable for gams of eye-spy.
Balladonia Heritage Museum
After the 90 Mile Straight, your eyes and legs will need a break, so when you pull into Balladonia, head to the Heritage Museum housed at the Balladonia Roadhouse. The museum has a curious collection of artefacts and historical bric-a-brac, but it’s most unusual exhibit is pieces of the US Skylab Space Station, which crash-landed nearby in 1979.
Day 11: Norseman to Kalgoorlie-Boulder
An easy drive today exits northwards for just over two hours to arrive in the historic outback city of Kalgoorlie-Boulder. This mining centre has literal gold running through its veins and is an engaging place to spend time learning about the industry and the history of mining here. It deserves at least half-a-day to explore.
Sightseeing spots in Kalgoorlie-Boulder
Super Pit Lookout
Astonishing in scale, the Super Pit has a strange beauty with its multi-coloured tiers leading into a cavernous pit. It’s one of the largest open-cut mines in the world and the biggest gold mine in Australia. The hole itself is approximately 3.7 kilometres-long, 1.5 kilometres- wide and around 480 metres deep. You could fit Uluru into it nicely, so consider this fact as you marvel at the pit form the lookout.
Hannans North Tourist Mine
If the Super Pit has you intrigued about the inner workings of mines, head to Hannans North Tourist Mine, a huge open-air museum with more than 30 exhibits. As you tour the site, you’ll learn about gold rush history and modern-day mining, and even pan for your own real Kalgoorlie gold. Better yet, and you get to keep what you find.
Day 12: Kalgoorlie to Northam
By the end of your five-and-a-half hour drive today, you’ll almost be within stone’s throw of Perth’s city lights. But, no doubt, you’re not eager for the journey to end and there’s still plenty more to see. So pull up for the night (or more) in Northam, a verdant country town in the Avon Valley, where you can wander the river banks and recalibrate after a long and raw outback crossing.
Sightseeing spots in Northam
Northam Suspension Bridge
It’s all swan-spotting and leisurely strolling as you cross the Avon River on the Northam Suspension Bridge. Built in 1975, it’s one of Australia’s longest pedestrian suspension bridges and has become somewhat of an iconic. Just downstream, is the feeding area for Northam’s famous population of white swans, who’ve been living here since being introduced to Western Australia in 1896.
Bilya Koort Boodja Centre
Translating as River, Heart, Land in the local Indigenous Nyoongar language, Bilya Koort Boodja, is set at the confluence of the Avon and Mortlock Rivers. A space for ceremony, meeting, teaching and learning, and a keeping place for Indigenous knowledge and culture, the building is the Centre for Nyoongar Culture and Environmental Knowledge. The interpretive exhibition guides visitors through the culture of the Ballardong People of the Nyoongar Nation and is a must-see to understand the rich First Nations heritage of the region.
Day 13: Northam to Perth
It’s hard to believe your destination is only one hour and 20 minutes away from Northam. Perth is Western Australia’s shimmering capital city. Here you’ll find the CBD edged by dreamscape beaches and festooned with cosmopolitan neighbourhoods, giving it an enviably laidback west coast lifestyle. Stay for a few days to get to know this beautiful city.
Sightseeing spots in Perth
Kings Park and Botanic Garden
After all those dusty, muted outback hues, your eyes will be craving greenery. So head to Kings Park and Botanic Garden. One of the largest inner-city parks in the world, it rambles over 400 hectares in Perth’s heart with serene natural bushland and sculpted gardens. When flowering the Western Australian wildflowers in the Botanic Garden bloom in a spray of incredible colour not to be missed.
Elizabeth Quay
With its toes in the water of Swan River, Elizabeth Quay is one of Perth’s top recreation destinations. Gaze out over the sparkling water views as you dine at some of the city’s best waterfront restaurants or take in public artworks on a gentle quay-side stroll. You may even spot some local native wildlife, such as black swans and resident dolphins.
Finding a campground on your road trip
Finding the perfect campsite is easy with G’Day Campgrounds. Travellers Autobarn customers enjoy 10% off bookings, making it the go-to choice for hassle-free overnight stays across Australia. Alternatively, the free CamperMate app helps you locate nearby sites on the go, or browse our guide to free camping in Australia for budget-friendly options along your route.
Explore other Brisbane road trips
While a Brisbane to Perth drive is a road-trippers dream, there are other incredible adventures to be had from the Queensland capital. Take a look at these awesome journeys.
Get the cheapest rates on campervan hire in Brisbane
Itching to hit the road on this epic adventure? Put your Brisbane to Perth road trip plan into action by grabbing the best campervan deals with Travellers Autobarn. With free unlimited kilometres on every hire and a range of campervans to suit all needs, you’re off to a good start.
DISCLAIMER: All information provided, including prices, availability, and site details, is correct at the time of publishing. We recommend contacting campsites or caravan parks directly to confirm the latest details before planning your visit. Please review our Terms and Conditions for additional information.
FAQs about the Brisbane to Perth road trip
Clocking in at 4227 kilometres, the drive from Brisbane to Perth takes about 45 hours if you’re legging it there. But to really enjoy this trip, stretch out the distance over 10 days or two weeks.
You can pick up your campervan from our Brisbane facility and return in to our Perth facility when you arrive.
You’ll find some free camping options along the way. Check out our free camping guide here.
The Nullarbor Plain can reach scorching temperatures in summer, so you’re better off trying to time your trip for the milder seasons of Autumn and Spring.
No, the Eyre Highway is sealed all the way. You would only need a 4WD if you were deviating from this main arterial road.
The longest stretch without a fuel stop is 280 kilometres between Balladonia and Norseman in Western Australia. When covering such immense distances, it’s always a good idea to have a jerry can of fuel with you.
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