Adelaide to Perth road trip with private guide

Itinerary in brief:

• 3 nights Adelaide
• 1 night Port Lincoln
• 1 night Waterloo Bay
• 1 night Ceduna
• 1 night Nullarbor
• 2 nights Esperance
• 1 night Albany
• 2 nights Margaret River
• 3 nights Perth

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart the UK from your chosen airport.

Included: International flights

Days 3 - 4: Adelaide

With two days to explore this friendly city, you’ll be spoiled for choice on how to spend your time. Why not head to the Oval to visit the iconic cricket ground – you can even walk along the roof if you choose on the iconic Roofclimb – if you’d like us to book this, just ask! Wander through the heritage architecture of Adelaide Central Market, stroll through the Art Gallery of South Australia or visit the National Wine Centre to taste some local vintages. We’ve included a short walking tour with a born-and-raised local, Katina, who will give you an orientation of the city, teaching a little about Adelaide’s history and showing off the best shopping areas and food spots.

On your second day, we’ve included a trip to the McLaren Vale, a wine region just outside of Adelaide. The day will be very wine focussed, including tastings at 4 boutique wineries and a restaurant lunch. You’ll be visiting smaller vineyards but if you have any specific requests, it might be possible to be flexible with the itinerary. If you want something completely private that visits vineyards specific to your wine taste, we can build that too – just ask.  

Included: Two-hour walking tour, all day McLaren Vale Uncorked tour, 4* hotel              

Day 5: Fly to Port Lincoln

After breakfast, you will be met and driven to the airport in time for the short 45-minute flight to Port Lincoln, where your expert guide awaits. You’ll be introduced to Port Lincoln, the thriving seaside town at the heart of the Eyre Peninsula. Enjoy lunch at a local favourite, the iconic Fresh Fish Place, where you can sample some of the area’s delicious seafood bounty, including oysters, scallops, crayfish and crab. In the afternoon you’ll head off-road in a luxury 4WD vehicle, driving through the dunes from Wanna Lookout to Sleaford. Gaze out across the beautiful coastline at Whalers Way and get up close to abundant koalas at historic Mikkira Station. Pop into a vineyard for wine tasting and check into the Port Lincoln Hotel to freshen up before relaxing over dinner at a local restaurant to toast the start of your Adelaide to Perth overland tour.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, internal flight, private touring in luxury 4WD, dinner, 4* hotel    

Day 6: Coffin Bay to Streaky Bay

Begin your day sprawled out on the famed sandy shores of Coffin Bay National Park. Experience nature in its most pure state as you unearth the untamed bush, beach and wildlife that defines this iconic wilderness. Awakened by the wild, continue down the coast to taste world-famous Coffin Bay oysters. Glide through crystal-clear waters to a working oyster farm and pluck, shuck and sample local Pacific oysters straight from the source. After lunch, you’ll head up the West Coast of the Eyre Peninsula, taking in beautiful sights such as Locks Well and Cummins Lookout. Come late afternoon, you’ll arrive at your accommodation in Elliston. Relax and enjoy a barbecue dinner overlooking Streaky Bay.

Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, private touring in luxury 4WD, 3* hotel         

Day 7: Streaky Bay to Ceduna

After an early breakfast, you’ll head north to Baird Bay to swim with wild Australian sea lions and dolphins on a three-hour eco-cruise (payable locally). This is guaranteed to be one of the most incredible wildlife experiences of your life. If it’s not operating, or you’d rather stay on dry land, we offer an alternative itinerary visiting the only colony of Australian sea lions on the mainland at Point Labbat.

Enjoy some free time in Streaky Bay for lunch before you take a coastal drive to Ceduna. Come late afternoon, check into the 4.5-star Eco Villas on the beach - relax and watch the sunset over the ocean as you sample fresh local produce and wines.

Included: Breakfast, dinner, private touring in luxury 4WD, 4.5* hotel   

Day 8: Drive to Nullarbor

This morning, you’ll head off early to travel through Denial Bay and onto Ocean Beach for some off-road cruising through Davenport Creek dunes. A little further on, the world-famous swells of Cactus Beach and the vast, deserted beaches of Point Sinclair offer endless photo opportunities. Onwards to the Head of Bight, where rugged outback plains give way to the Southern Ocean and play host to migrating Southern Right Whales from June to October. Finally, you’ll delve into the depths of the outback and begin the 1,660km expedition across the Nullarbor Plain. By nightfall, check into the iconic Outback Roadhouse Motel, just a few kilometres from Western Australia.

Included: Breakfast, lunch, private touring in luxury 4WD, 3* hotel         

Day 9: Drive to Esperance

You’ll be up before the sun today as we continue across the mighty Nullarbor, taking in Australia’s longest straight road, 90 Mile Straight. Head off-road four-wheel driving along the Balladonia Track to see some unique historical highlights. Watch the ever-changing landscapes from your window as your Guide regales the history and stories that make this land unique. Have some free time for lunch and a stretch of the legs in Norseman.

Turquoise water will replace red dirt as we head towards Esperance. This part of Western Australia has no less than nine national parks and some of the best beaches in the world. Arrive in Esperance in the early evening and check in at our accommodation. After a long day, relax at a local restaurant or have some takeaway in your room at the resort.

You’ll travel 900 kilometres today, one of the reasons having a driver guide makes this journey much more enjoyable!

Included: Breakfast, private touring in luxury 4WD, 3* hotel  

Day 10: Cape Le Grand National Park

Spend the day at one of Australia’s most iconic beaches, where kangaroos lounge on snow-white sand as crystal-clear water gently laps the shore. Located approximately 50km east of Esperance, Cape Le Grand is one of Western Australia’s most scenic National Parks. Wildlife is in abundance, including the iconic sunbathing kangaroos at Lucky Bay, who are always up for a photo opportunity. Swim, bushwalk and unleash your inner wildling surrounded by nature today. Your Guide will share their knowledge of the abundant flora and fauna and cook you up a delicious BBQ lunch in the national park. After your day exploring this stunning national park, you’ll enjoy dinner will be at one of Esperance’s many local restaurants.

Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, private touring in luxury 4WD, 3* hotel         

Day 11: South-West Coast to Albany

Today, you’ll head towards Albany, taking in more spectacular natural landscapes along the way. Cruise through the beautiful Stirling Ranges, which is blanketed with wildflowers come spring, before travelling into the Porongurups for the Walitj Meil Walk, which follows the edge of the forest to a scenic view across the Stirling Range. Enjoy a picnic lunch and travel along the dreamy coastline towards Albany. Take in the views over the coast from Mt Clarence and stretch your legs on a walk at the Desert Mounted Corps Memorial. Arrive at our accommodation late afternoon and enjoy a meal overlooking the ocean.

Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, private touring in luxury 4WD, 3* hotel         

Day 12: Drive to Margaret River

Amble through Albany’s township, unearth its interesting history and grab breakfast before heading to Torndirrup National Park to see coastal highlights, The Gap and Natural Bridge. Hit the road again, stretching your legs at Denmark, a gorgeous town nestled on the banks of the Denmark River. Head into the old-growth forests in the Walpole Wilderness region and traverse the Valley of the Giants. Walk 40 metres high into the canopy of Western Australia’s majestic tingle trees, found nowhere else on Earth.

By late afternoon, you’ll be kicking back by the beach, a glass of famed Margaret River wine in hand. Check into your Margaret River Beach Resort accommodation and enjoy a delicious meal at The Common Restaurant overlooking the ocean.

Included: Lunch, dinner, private touring in luxury 4WD, 4* hotel              

Day 13: Margaret River      

Meander down the main street of Margaret River and peruse its eclectic craft and produce stores. Choose one of many local cafes for breakfast. Today, taste your way around the region’s abundant cellar doors, from wine, beer and gin to dairy and sweet treats. Between tastings, stop for lunch at one of the Margaret River’s great restaurants. Feast into the evening as you unwind back at your hotel with a platter of local produce collected throughout the day.

Included: Lunch, dinner, private touring in luxury 4WD, 4* hotel             

Day 14: Drive to Perth

On the last day of your journey, you deserve a sleep in before breakfast at a famous local beachside café. Enjoy an inspiring walk at Cape Naturalist in Leeuwin-Naturalise National Park, which features incredible vistas that will have you in awe at every turn. Next, arrive at the Ngilgi Cave Ancient Lands, an immersive above and below-ground experience. Go beneath the Earth’s surface for a 45-minute semi-guided tour of the exquisitely decorated Ngilgi Cave. Above ground, discover 600 million years of stories associated with the land and its people. Follow a pathway through the native bushland bringing to life the creation of the land, cave formations, cultural connection and native flora and fauna through a series of experiential nodes.

Stop in at the popular holiday town of Busselton, see the second longest jetty in the world, stretching 1.8km out into turquoise Geographe Bay and have some free time for lunch. Our last stint on the road will have you arriving in Perth around 5 pm, where we will drop you at your pre-booked accommodation.

Included: Breakfast, private touring in luxury 4WD, 4* hotel      

Days 15 - 16: Perth

Start your holiday with a couple of days to enjoy Perth – on your first day we’ve included a 90-minute walking tour of Karrgatup (Kings Park) where you’ll learn about the area’s intriguing past and spiritual significance to Noongar People. Start your experience with the Noongar welcome and ochre ceremony before hearing a Dreamtime story, traditional songs and Noongar language against the backdrop of modern-day Perth.

On your second day, we’ve included a bike & ferry day trip to Rottnest Island. You’ll head over on the ferry and pick up your hire bike on arrival in Rottnest. Bring along your snorkel and fins in your bag and head off to discover the island! Our favourite beaches are Little Parakeet Bay, Ricey Beach and Little Salmon Bay. You can also kayak along Pinky’s Beach and relax in the warm shallow waters of Porpoise Bay.

Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for quokkas, the tiny local marsupials that have made Rottnest their home. You won’t need to go out of your way to meet the little animals – you’ll find them munching on berries in the shade of the trees or lurking behind fishermen in search of a snack. They are very friendly and cheeky, but you mustn’t feed them – hard to resist as they are so cute!

Included: Karrgatup (Kings Park) walking tour, Rottnest bike and ferry trip, 4* hotel    

Day 17: Depart Perth

This morning you’ll be driven to the airport in Perth, ready for your flight home to the UK.            

Included: Transfers, international flights            

Day 18: Arrive UK