Drive from Adelaide to Cape Spencer lighthouse on the Yorke Peninsula; this gives sunrise and morning coastal views along a quiet headland before day-trippers arrive.
Short walk to the lighthouse headland to view cliffs, seabirds and seasonal whale/vessel traffic; the headland is exposed—great for photos and birdwatching. Check local signage for safety and coastal track access (walk generally 30–60m).
Lunch at a nearby pub or café (e.g., Marion Bay Hotel or local café) to sample local seafood and relax — services are typically open from 11am; check seasonal hours in small towns.
Overnight in a local accommodation; dinner at a pub or guesthouse—simple local fare and seafood are recommended. Confirm opening times (most pubs open evenings from ~5pm).
Early drive to Cape Jervis to catch a mid-morning ferry to Kangaroo Island; allow time for coffee and ticketing. The drive is long (plan ~3–4 hours depending on exact start).
Board the car/passenger ferry to Kangaroo Island — ferries operate multiple times daily but schedules change seasonally; prebook vehicles. Ferry crossings typically take ~45 minutes to 1 hour.
Arrive Penneshaw and enjoy a relaxed lunch (cafés and the Penneshaw Hotel); check opening times (cafés usually midday onward). Great chance to spot seals off the coast around Penneshaw.
Short coastal stroll and lookouts around Penneshaw; great for wildlife viewing and orientation to the island. Visitor information centres can advise on park conditions and road access for the next day.
Settle into accommodation; evening is a good time to visit local pubs or restaurants in Kingscote for dinner. Confirm hours—many island eateries close earlier in low season.
Drive west across Kangaroo Island to Flinders Chase National Park; roads are sealed in parts and gravel in others—drive carefully and allow ~1.5–2 hours from central Kingscote to the park entrance.
AUD0 (fuel + park vehicle access permitting may apply), 1h45m
Visit the iconic granite boulders sculpted by wind and sea — a short loop walk from the carpark, excellent for photography and geological interest. Park and walk access is open year-round but check for closures after storms.
Walk to Admirals Arch and the Cape du Couedic lighthouse area to see the dramatic cliff formations and resident fur seals on the rocks below; the boardwalk is an easy walk and usually open daylight hours.
Explore a short interpretive trail or lookout to see local flora, fauna and potential kangaroos and echidnas; tracks are best walked in daylight and are usually open 24/7, but check with ranger station for closures.
Drive back toward accommodation (or stay at park campsites if booked) and have dinner — island eateries often close early, so check last service times.
Optional early morning visit to a nearby wildlife spot (e.g., Seal Bay or American River) to see native fauna before heading back to the ferry — check Seal Bay booking/visitor hours (guided beach access often requires a ticket and set times).
Drive to Adelaide and catch an afternoon/evening flight to Perth. Flights between Adelaide and Perth generally take ~3 hours; booking an evening flight gets you into Perth at night. Check current flight schedules for availability.
AUD150-350 (one-way per person, economy), 4h (drive + flight time excluding wait)
Check in to Perth accommodation and enjoy dinner in the city (many restaurants open late). This is a transit day to reposition for the WA southwest coast.
Drive southwest from Perth to the Margaret River / Dunsborough area where Sugarloaf Rock overlooks the Indian Ocean; journey ~2.5–3 hours depending on traffic. Depart early for max daylight.
Visit the iconic offshore rock formation with a short, well-signed boardwalk and viewing platform above rugged coastline — the site is open 24/7 and is best visited in calm seas for photography and whale-season sightings (May–Nov).
Explore nearby beaches and limestone cliffs—Yallingup and the surf beaches are beautiful for a coastal walk, tide pooling and late-afternoon photography. Check local surf/lifeguard flags before swimming.
Dine in Margaret River township—options range from casual taverns to award-winning restaurants; reservation recommended for popular spots, hours usually 5pm onward.
Morning flight Perth → Esperance (~1.5 hours) is strongly recommended to save time; driving is possible but is a long day (~7–9 hours). Check flight schedules and book in advance.
From Esperance airport or town, drive ~45–60 minutes to Cape Le Grand NP; roads to the main parking are sealed with short unsealed sections—check local conditions and park signage.
Visit Hellfire Bay — a sheltered turquoise bay with white sand and a short coastal walk; ideal for swimming, snorkeling and relaxing. The bay is accessible year-round; there are no lifeguards, so swim with caution.
Have a picnic or light lunch at Lucky Bay—bring supplies as facilities are basic. Lucky Bay is known for extremely white sand and friendly kangaroos that often lounge on the beach.
Short walk to Kangaroo Point lookout for sweeping ocean views and dramatic granite outcrops; perfect late-afternoon light for photography and often fewer visitors.
Drive back to Esperance for dinner — fresh local seafood is a highlight in town. Overnight in Esperance or take an evening flight back to Perth if schedules allow.