Melbourne, one of the most vibrant cities in the world, is also the starting point of a week-long road trip. Have you always wanted to go on a road trip but don’t know where? Book your flights to Melbourne with your companions and embark on your long-overdue road trip! Plan your Melbourne to Perth road trip ahead of time to get the most from the adventure! The road trip will take you to Perth, the city with the perfect blend of both urban and nature, sitting on Australia’s west coast. Here’s our guide to have a successful road trip from Melbourne to Perth: 

First, let’s get the facts of the route straight. The road trip from Melbourne to Perth via Adelaide is 3,500 kilometres. Expect the drive time to be 36 hours, not including the time your spend for a break or meal. For that amount of driving time, you would want to spread it throughout a few days. Spend 6 to 7 hours driving a day, and you will finish your road trip in 5 to 6 days. On the road, you will drive across four time zones and three states, namely Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia. Since most of the stretch is in good condition, you don’t have to worry about getting a 4WD for this particular road trip. In fact, any car in good condition will get you through this road trip safe and sound. This road trip can be done the other way round. 

Although you can take a break here and there, note that from Balladonia Roadhouse to Norseman in Western Australia, the stretch is 191 kilometers without a fuel stop. Make sure you have enough fuel for that! Having phone service is also important while you’re on the road, because accidents do happen. Before you hit the road, make sure you smartphone is working. Stashing a spare phone in your luggage is a good idea. Mobile phone coverage is available in most of the areas except Nullarbor plain. Weather is another important factor to take into consideration for the road trip. Generally speaking, a road trip is fine throughout the year. As a rule of thumb, check for Fire Danger Ratings, road closure conditions across the Nullarbor Plain. You can’t be too careful!

You will know it when you enter the Nullarbor Plain. There is a big signpost standing on the side of the road reminding you of your current location. The Nullarbor is a flat, treeless area. As you can imagine, catching the sunrise and sunset here is on many’s bucket lists. Driving through the Plain will undoubtedly be one of the best memories in your life! From the Nullarbor, heading north is the quickest way that leads you to Perth, while you drive through some more outback areas before hitting your final destination in the south. To enjoy every moment of your road trip, take some detour and drive along the coast as much as you can. 

If you like beaches and soaking up the sun, do not miss out on the plentiful opportunities here when you drive through Adelaide! Head down to the Glenelg beach for half a day to get sun-kissed skin!

Experience gift vouchers can be a great way to see a new city such as taking the city to sea Adelaide bike tour. If you also happen to love shopping, you’re in for a treat. The Malls Balls are right in the vicinity. Many more things are famous in Adelaide, such as wine. Each wine region in the area is known for different specialties, and Sauvignon Blanc is huge on the Adelaide Hills. Although it’s tempting to take a sip then and now, for your health and safety, don’t drink and drive! 

One of the more known highlights of this route is hitting on the Great Ocean Road, which stretches from Warrnambool to Torque. You will get to see the Twelve Apostles, one of the most famous attractions on the stretch. There are other bits on the road that are surely enjoyable, such as the Apollo Bay and Loch Ard Gorge. What’s more, adorable koala bears can be spotted in Warrnambool! 

Before hitting the road, you might want to get a few things checked and prepared, especially on your first road trip. The more prepared you are, the fewer setbacks you will encounter on your trip! Planning is everything when it comes to a road trip. Get your car checked before you go and consider a 1 2 28 fuel filter.

Know where your destination is and be prepared for some hiccups on the road. Of course, bringing an old-schooled paper map is a plus in case your electronic devices broke down! Also, don’t forget an emergency kit in the hood! The kit should be more extensive than one for daily use. If it’s your first road trip, try not to be overly ambitious and be realistic about the distance you and your companions can handle. You would want to be flexible and be able to stop along the way if you don’t want to waste a good night’s sleep in the car!

Are you ready for your road trip? Whether it’s your first one or not, getting prepared is vital! Make the first step by booking with Cathay Pacific - the airline that will get you to your desired destination on a safe and pleasant flight. Cathay Pacific delivers one of the safest flights in the world, sending passengers to their desired locations for a perfect holiday or a business occasion. With top-notch inflight service and varied entertainment options, you will not be bored onboard. Before you know it, you will arrive at Melbourne Airport feeling refreshed and rested! Still hesitant about an adventurous holiday in Melbourne? Book now and get it out of your system already!

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.