Tips for Road-Tripping from Sydney to Perth in Two Weeks

Road-tripping from Sydney to Perth is an adventure in itself! While it’s possible to complete the journey in two weeks while visiting major sightseeing spots, keep in mind that it requires a lot of driving—around 7 hours per day on average. This leaves little room for extended relaxation, so be prepared for a fast-paced trip.

Our Route

For our trip, we mostly took the coastal route, rather than heading straight through the center of Australia. This allowed us to experience a variety of landscapes, from the coastal cliffs of the Great Australian Bight to the rugged outback of the Flinders Ranges. However, we didn’t spend much time in each location—typically stopping for only a few hours before moving on.

Key Tips for a Successful Trip

1. Car Hire: Choosing the Right Campervan

• Rental Company: We rented a Jucy Cruiser Campervan – affordable and reliable, especially when shared between two or more people.

• Cost: The biggest expense was diesel. $50-$100 Australian every time we filled up. 

• Booking Tip: Don’t wait until the last minute to book—prices can skyrocket! Our van’s daily rate should have been $90, but due to late booking, we paid $170 per day. We also paid 55 dollars extra for the highest level of insurance offered which covered any damages to the vehicle. 

• Storage Considerations:

  • Ensure you have enough space for food and water storage. The camper van we hired had a little “kitchen” in the back which included storage space for cutlery, dishes, cooking appliances, and some of the things we bought. It also included a sink and a little cooler that made a decent fridge. 

  • Pack efficiently to make use of limited campervan space.

2. Be Aware of Fruit & Veggie Quarantine Rules

• Quarantine checkpoints are in place when entering South Australia and Western Australia.

• Banned items include:

  • Bananas, apples, onions, garlic, cucumbers, tomatoes, capsicum, etc.

  • Essentially, anything that could carry fruit fly larvae or diseases affecting agriculture.

• Avoid buying excess fresh produce before crossing state borders. This became a hassle for us as we had just stocked up our pantry with fruits and veggies before crossing into South Australia which lead to us stopping on the side of the road trying to eat as many of the fruits and veggies we just bought and then tossing the rest. There are no signs at grocery stores warning you of this so be aware for when you buy produce during the trip or make sure you only buy enough that you’ll be able to finish before getting to the check points. 

3. Limited Showering Options

• Pack wet wipes for quick freshening up.

• Portable shower: Consider bringing one, but make sure you have enough water or access to a refill station.

• Alternative Shower Options:

  • Some roadhouses offer paid showers for a few dollars. They’re not always the cleanest, but they get the job done!

  • Many campervan parks (which require payment) include shower and toilet facilities.

4. Free Camping Spots

• Outside of major cities, there are many free camping areas available.

• Many free camping spots can be found along the road, not all of them are as nice as others. Can be anything from a nice spot by the ocean or a lake, or could be a small space behind a playground right next to the road, so do your research and pick accordingly. But be flexible. 

• The majority of the camping spots you will find in major cities like Sydney or Melbourne will be camper van parks that require money. 

  • It isn’t a bad idea to stay at one of these parks at least once as they are safe, and do have toilet and shower facilities. We did stay at one while we were in Melbourne just outside of the city. It was called Big 4 holiday park. It was about a 20 min walk from the tram needed to get into the city so it was worth it as there were no free camps in close proximity. 

5. Prioritize Comfort & Safety on the Road

• Stop & stretch: Driving long hours can cause back and shoulder pain. Take breaks regularly.

• Listen to your body: If you feel too tired to drive, find a safe place to stop for the night and start fresh in the morning.

• Keep your space clean: A tidy campervan makes for a more comfortable and stress-free journey.

6. Plan Ahead for Sightseeing & Timing

• Balance driving & sightseeing: Plan ahead to ensure you’re driving enough hours each day while also making stops at key attractions.

• Do research on stops you want to see so you don’t miss out on important sights.

• Be flexible: You may need to prioritize certain stops over others to stay within the two-week timeframe.

Final Thoughts

A Sydney-to-Perth road trip is an unforgettable experience, but it requires careful planning and endurance. With the right preparation—booking your campervan in advance, knowing quarantine restrictions, planning rest stops, and staying organized—you’ll be able to enjoy the journey while making the most of your two weeks!

Safe travels! 🚐✨