Perth to Brisbane road trip: Best stops, distance & drive time
Perth to Brisbane drive: Northam to Kalgoorlie
There aren’t many attractions on the dry, dull stretch of highway between Northam and Kalgoorlie. But you’ll keep seeing the ‘Golden Pipeline’ by the side of the road. This is what the water from Mundaring Weir is pumped hundreds of kilometres through in order to supply the goldfields.
In Burracoppin, the Golden Pipeline meets the State Barrier Fence. Signs tell the the story of the longest fence in the world.
Kalgoorlie has a surprising amount going for it, given that it’s a mining town in the middle of nowhere. The Museum of the Goldfields and Hannans North Tourist Mine are the best places to learn about the mining heritage past and present.
But the highlight is the Super Pit, a vast open cut gold mine. Take it in from the Super Pit Lookout, or go inside on a special tour.
Where should I stay in Kalgoorlie?
Specialist Australian accommodation website Wotif offers Kalgoorlie accommodation for from $133 a night. Check out the deals page to search for the best value stay.
However, you should consider these options first.
- For central location and a pool: Plaza Hotel.
- For best quality: Quest Yelverton apartments.
- For proximity to the railway station: Quality Inn Railway Motel.
- For pool, free parking and good value: Hospitality Inn (part of the Best Western group).
Attractions between Perth and Brisbane: Kambalda and Norseman
The next section of the Perth to Eucla road trip is from Kalgoorlie to Norseman. On the way, the Old Boulder Cemetery reminds just how many people died during the Western Australian gold rush.
But the best stop is the small town of Kambalda. Here, the Red Hill Lookout blesses you with tremendous views out over the twinkling salt pans of Lake Lefroy.
There are a few more inessential nature reserves and salt pans before you cross Lake Cowan and enter Norseman.
In Norseman, the main attractions are the Beacon Hill and Lake Cowan lookouts. You can also have a picnic amongst old mining equipment in Phoenix Park.
Norseman accommodation options include the Great Western Travel Village motel and the fairly cheap Acclaim Gateway Tourist Park.
Click through for the next section: Norseman to Eucla.