Episode 74 Brisbane to Perth Road Trip [Itinerary + Tips]

In episode 74 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, host Tracy is joined by her husband and regular co-host Doug to share the story of their epic 10-day coast-to-coast road trip across Australia, from Brisbane to Perth. Together t

hey talk through the logistics, highlights, surprises and practicalities of covering 4,500 kilometres (2,800 miles) through outback towns, iconic routes such as the Nullarbor, and three very different states.

Tracy and Doug reflect on the planning that went into the trip, the memorable stops they made along the way, and their favourite places to stay. They also offer honest thoughts on what they might do differently next time. Expect stories of wildlife sightings, the reality of budgeting for fuel and accommodation, preparing the car for such a journey, and a few mishaps on the road (including the drama of a locked-in car key rescue).

The episode wraps up with the total cost of the trip, along with practical tips to help you plan your own bucket-list Australian drive and make it as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.

Click the blue button below to listen:

Listen on Apple >

Listen on Spotify >

Click here to download a PDF Transcript of Episode 74

Episode 74 GTP Podcast Tracy and Doug Collins.

What you’ll learn in Episode 74

📍 How to plan and navigate an Australian cross-country road trip, including the legendary Nullarbor stretch
📅 Strategies for designing comfortable daily driving itineraries and plotting stops
🚄 Tips for sharing driving, staying alert, planning fuel stops, and preparing vehicles for remote travel
🛏️ Insights into booking and choosing motels, roadhouses, and unique accommodations along the route
🥢 Regional food finds (like the “best hot dog on the Nullarbor”), plus recommendations for provisioning
😲 Handling surprises: wildlife encounters, weather, roadside mishaps, and quarantine zones between states

Accommodation stops

Goondiwindi – Town House Motor Inn

Dubbo – Macquarie Inn

Cobar – Cobar Caravan Park

Broken Hill – Hilltop Motel

Port Augusta – Discovery Parks

Ceduna – Highway One Ceduna

On the Nullabor – Nullabor Roadhouse and the Wedgetail Inn, Cocklebiddy

Places, foods and words/concepts mentioned

Places

Nullarbor Plain (and Nullarbor Roadhouse): The iconic, treeless stretch with the longest straight road in Australia (146 km), offering dramatic scenery and vivid reminders you’re truly in the outback.
Perth, WA (Kalamunda): Our final destination in the Perth Hills.
Redcliffe, QLD: Just north of Brisbane, where the adventure began.
Gundiwindi, QLD: The first night’s stop, offering a gentle introduction to road trip life.
Dubbo, NSW: A regional centre known for its zoo (unfortunately skipped due to time).
Cobar, NSW: A mining town with a surprisingly good caravan park cabin and a dramatic lookout over a giant open-cut mine.
Broken Hill, NSW: Outback arts town famous for its heritage, history, and “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” ties.
Port Augusta, SA: Gateway to South Australia’s arid north.
Ceduna, SA: The Nullarbor’s official gateway on the eastern side.
Cocklebiddy, WA: A stopover with remote motels—emphasising just how far you travel off the grid.
Kalgoorlie, WA: Historic gold mining centre with massive open-cut pits.

Food

Hot Dog at Nullarbor Roadhouse: Memorable for being “surprisingly excellent,” with all the trimmings – one of Tracy’s road trip highlight meals.
Palace Hotel, Broken Hill: Known for good pub dining (and its “Priscilla” film heritage), where Tracy enjoyed a Rose gin and tonic.
Chicken Schnitzel at Dubbo Motel: Tasty, reliable comfort food after a long day’s drive.

Words/Concepts mentioned

Fuel Map Australia: Essential app for plotting fuel stops and tracking petrol prices/routes along the way.
Offline Maps (Apple/Google): Downloading maps in advance is VITAL when coverage fails – key for feeling secure and navigating smoothly.
Quarantine Checkpoints: Strict controls on fruit, vegetables, and honey between states (including NSW to SA border stops).
Road Trains: Long-haul trucks are unique to the outback, demanding extra care when overtaking on lonely stretches.
Wedge-Tailed Eagles / Dingoes / Emus / Goats: Wildlife frequently spotted along rural highway.