Driving to Alfesta

Driving to Alfesta 2027: Crossing the Nullarbor and Touring into WA

For many Alfisti, getting to Alfesta is half the adventure.

If you are travelling from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania or South Australia, the journey west offers some memorable touring country, especially once the road turns toward the Nullarbor and Western Australia.

The WA crew has completed versions of this trip over the past three years, with overnight stops including Norseman, Border Village, Ceduna, Port Augusta, Wudinna and Adelaide, and regular fuel and rest stops at places such as Merredin, Southern Cross, Coolgardie, Kalgoorlie, Balladonia, Cocklebiddy, Nullarbor Roadhouse and the Great Australian Bight lookouts.

You are here… somewhere on the Nullarbor

"You are here… and the adventure has definitely begun."

This roadside sign says plenty about the Nullarbor. It is not just a drive across the country – it's a classic Australian road trip.

As the sign reminds travellers:

"You don't know what you had until you've left."

That is part of the charm. A good coffee, a full tank, a clean windscreen, a comfortable room and a chance to stretch your legs all become things to appreciate.

A note on daily distances

The WA crew has occasionally covered close to 700 km in a day, but that is not the pace we would recommend for everyone.

Many Alfesta attendees may prefer a more relaxed journey, particularly those travelling in older cars or wanting to enjoy the trip rather than simply push through it. A good plan might be to keep most days to around 350–500 km, with shorter days where possible.

The aim is simple: arrive in WA safely, comfortably and ready to enjoy Alfesta 2027.

Key stops across the Nullarbor

The Nullarbor crossing follows a string of iconic roadhouses. Most offer fuel, food and some form of accommodation, but availability can vary, so booking ahead is strongly recommended.

Heading west, useful stopping points include:

Ceduna
A good final major stop before heading further west across the Nullarbor. We recommend the Ceduna Foreshore Hotel/Motel – great rooms, secure parking and an onsite restaurant.

Nullarbor Roadhouse
A classic outback stop, and a useful break before the Great Australian Bight lookouts. As of 2026, the highest octane fuel on offer was 95, so pack a can of octane booster if you prefer to run your Alfa at higher octane levels.

Border Village Roadhouse – Eucla
A popular overnight point near the South Australian and Western Australian border. If possible, try to secure a room away from the highway. We highly recommend you try the steak on offer in the restaurant. Also, a unique fact is that Border Village Roadhouse is on its own time zone – 45 minutes behind SA and 45 minutes ahead of WA!

Mundrabilla
Another useful roadhouse stop once across the border.

Madura
A well-known Nullarbor stop and a handy place to break up the crossing.

Cocklebiddy
A practical fuel, food and rest stop across the WA side of the Nullarbor.

Caiguna
Close to the famous long straight section of highway.

Balladonia
A common stop before reaching Norseman.

Norseman
The western gateway to the Nullarbor and a logical overnight stop before heading toward Perth or Esperance.

Suggested relaxed westbound itinerary

Every group will travel differently, but the following route gives a more manageable outline for those heading west.

Adelaide or Adelaide Hills to Port Augusta

A comfortable first stage out of Adelaide, giving travellers time to ease into the journey.

Port Augusta to Ceduna

A solid but manageable touring day, with options to stop along the way.

Ceduna to Border Village or Eucla

This begins the true Nullarbor experience, with the Great Australian Bight as one of the highlights.

Border Village / Eucla to Cocklebiddy or Madura

A shorter crossing day that allows time for fuel, photos and a relaxed pace.

Cocklebiddy / Madura to Norseman

A practical final Nullarbor leg into Western Australia.

Norseman to Kalgoorlie

A useful way to break up the run toward Perth – Kalgoorlie is famous for the Super Pit, amongst other tourist attractions.

Norseman to Esperance (alternative scenic option)

For those with extra time, Norseman also provides the option to head south toward Esperance before continuing west through the Great Southern through to Busselton.

This adds distance, but it can turn the final part of the journey into a more scenic touring holiday rather than a direct run into Perth via Kalgoorlie and Southern Cross.

Kalgoorlie to Southern Cross

There are a few hotels and motels in Southern Cross – we recommend The Club as a great place to stay overnight or have lunch/dinner.

Southern Cross to Perth

The final stretch into WA's capital. Take time to explore what Perth has on offer. Snap a photo with a quokka on Rottnest Island or visit the Pinnacles two hours north of Perth!

Perth to Busselton

An easy 2.5 hr drive south of Perth – gateway to the Margaret River wine region.

Practical travel tips

Book accommodation early, especially at roadhouses and smaller towns.

Fuel whenever practical rather than waiting until the tank is low.

Carry water, basic tools, wheel brace, jack and any model-specific spares.

Check tyres, fluids and hoses before leaving each major stop.

When travelling in convoy, we recommend using two-way radios.

The navigation app 'Waze' is useful for calculating distances and time frames.

Allow time for the Great Australian Bight lookouts.

Keep an eye on weather, road conditions and wildlife, particularly around dawn and dusk.

Enjoy the journey west

Crossing the Nullarbor is one of Australia's great motoring experiences.

Whether you are travelling solo, with friends or as part of a state convoy, take your time, enjoy the stops and make the journey part of your Alfesta story.

We look forward to welcoming you to Western Australia for Alfesta 2027.