The Wheatbelt Way: Best short road trip from Perth

Would you believe us - if we said you could find some of the most incredible salt-lake landscapes on Earth within just a few hours of Perth?

For travellers with a love for off-grid solitude, sublime outback landscapes & spectacular free camping. The Wheatbelt Way offers some of Western Australia’s most spectacular desert road tripping. And whilst it may look as though you’d need to visit to Mars to witness some of these outer-wordly basins of shifting colours - you may be surprised to learn that they are only 3 hours from the city centre on an accessible self-drive trail.

Plus being filled with spectacular granite outcrops, charming country towns and dozens of free campgrounds - the Wheatbelt Way could be considered one of the best short road trips from Perth.

Having now explored the region 3 times as a renowned Australian travel blogger, Alex Baxter is a seasoned expert to the area - so when she shares her must-visit attractions & favourite campgrounds, we take note. For her most recent expedition, she hopped into 'Goldie', an adorably gorgeous custom campervan available to hire in Perth through Camplify – Australia's favourite van rental platform. This meant we were lucky enough to sit down with her afterwards to uncover the region's best hidden gems & ‘must-knows’ when visiting.

Having now roadtripped the Wheatbelt Way 3 times, renown Australian travel blogger Alex Baxter is ready to help you uncover the region's best hidden gems.

One of the best Short Roadtrips from Perth

“If roadtripping from Perth, you can do it in 3 days,” says Alex - “though I would recommend 5-days is the perfect amount of time - so you can stop off at those offbeat places that you stumble across and aren't listed.”

And her number one tip? 

“If you can go off grid - do it. There's so much to explore out there - and there’s no better way to see it than in a campervan that has all the creature comforts of home.”

Lovingly-curated by a local, Alex’s dream Camplify campervan Goldie came with all the bells and whistles you could need for a cosy adventure vehicle.

"She came with everything from mosquito repellent to sunscreen, to little fairy lights and all little extra creature comforts that you wouldn't really get if you just hired a van through another van rental company," she shared.

“And there's so much sunshine out there - so having solar power was the perfect option to keep all the appliances charged & the drinks chilled.”

Perfect for Free Camping & Travellers on a Budget

With all the incredible free camping options, the Wheatbelt Way is perfect for budget-conscious travellers. As Alex tells, "everywhere you want to go there's a free camp - and they're all set up so well. They all have toilets and picnic tables and fire pits". Keeping a lid on your campground costs - and leave more cash for fuel, local treats, or even your next Camplify adventure!

Free camping with a view at Cowcowing Lake! Zero park fees here.

Wheatbelt Way: The Ultimate 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Salt Lake Wonders & Retro Cinema

Stop 1: Cowcowing Lakes – A Salt Lake Wonderland: Just outside Koorda, you'll find this dazzling expanse of salt flats, constantly shifting in colour and pattern with the seasons. "If anyone has a drone, I implore you to take it because it's just like a whole other world," Alex raved, having seen vibrant pinks, blues, and even greens! Bonus:You can free camp right by the lake’s edge, setting you up for epic drone photography and those massive, mind-blowing big sky sunsets.

Stop 2: Koorda Drive-In – Retro Movie Time: Get ready for a blast from the past at one of Western Australia's last remaining drive-in cinemas. Just roll up in your Camplify van, fling open the back doors, tune into the radio, and kick back for a movie under the stars – it’s the ultimate cosy night in.

Day 2: Granite Giants & Ancient Stories

Stop 1: Marshall Rock - Sunset Spotting: Just outside Bencubbin, Marshall Rock is your go-to for jaw-dropping sunset views over endless farmland. It’s a quick climb to the top , perfect for a relaxed afternoon hike. Free camping at the base means you can wake up to golden light and birdsong. Bliss!

Stop 2: Datjoin Rock - Wildflower Heaven: This quieter stop near Beacon transforms into an absolute wildflower wonderland between July and September. Fields of everlastings stretch as far as the eye can see, and the peaceful picnic area has always been a local favourite. A must-visit if chasing those epic blooms is on your list!

Not just shimmering salt lakes. In the right season, you'll also find blooming fields of flowers on the Wheatbelt Way.

Day 3: Sunset Views & Floral Landscapes

Stop 1: Beringbooding Rock - Off-Grid Marvel: This isn’t just any rock; it’s home to Australia's largest rock water catchment tank, making it a fantastic off-grid basecamp. Go exploring and find the gravity-defying balancing boulder, ancient Kalamaia cave paintings, and the nearby Kangaroo Gnamma Hole – an Indigenous water source. Best bit? Free camping is available right by the rock!

The granite outcrops are among Australia's most spectacular - though most unknown.

Stop 2: Baladjie Nature Reserve - Abundant Wildlife: Near Westonia, Baladjie Nature Reserve is a dream spot for wildlife lovers and van lifers alike. Explore its awesome granite outcrop and hidden caves, watch kangaroos casually grazing, and just soak in the stillness by the salt lake. "Travelling with Camplify made it easy to park up and enjoy it all - with everything I needed onboard," Alex recalled, highlighting the ease of van life.

Just imagine swinging open the barn doors of your custom Camplify campervan to sunset views like this?

Day 4: Wildlife Encounters & Goldfields Heritage

Stop 1: Elachbutting Rock - Nature’s Playground: Often lovingly called the Wheatbelt’s answer to Wave Rock (but without the hordes!), Elachbutting Rock is a stunner. Wander through Monty’s Pass, a natural 30-metre tunnel, and discover its dramatic curved rock face. Alex describes it as "like a painting," with wildflowers, hidden caves, and perfect peaceful spots for free camping. Remote, magical, and totally worth the drive!

Stop 2: Westonia - Goldfields History & Country Charm: Step back in time in Westonia, a charming goldfields town where history feels alive. You can even watch modern mining in action at the Edna May gold mine lookout and stroll through the quirky, historic streetscapes. Good news: the town offers

RV-friendly free camping, making it a sweet spot for an overnight stop.

Day 5: Photography Hotspots & Historical Depths

Stop 1: Eaglestone Rock - A Photographer’s Dream: Near Nungarin, Eaglestone Rock dramatically rises from the flat, salt-swept landscape. With the light bouncing off its curves at sunrise and sunset, it’s a premier spot for anyone with a camera. Plus, it’s another free campsite – ideal if you’re keen to catch both golden hours in one visit! "It is a photographer's dream spot," Alex commented, noting the "wide open skies" and the visual appeal of the salt lakes.

Make sure to drop past Eaglestone Rock for a free camp with a view.

Stop 2: Nungarin Army and Heritage Machinery Museum: This museum offers a surprisingly fascinating deep dive into Australia's WWII history. Alex found it genuinely interesting: "There was a huge war camp set up... and now they've got a massive shed full of old war memorabilia stuff and tanks and everything." The museum stands on the site of a significant inland base, originally established to protect against coastal attacks.

Stop 3: Billyacatting Hill - A Hiker’s Delight: Near Trayning, embark on a manageable 2.4km return hike that rewards you with panoramic views and seriously cool granite formations.

During wildflower season, this spot absolutely explodes with colour – bring your camera!

Your Wheatbelt Way Journey with Camplify

Why did Alex pick Camplify for her Wheatbelt Way road trip? 

"The main thing is that it's not sterile," Alex explained, drawing a clear line between Camplify and your average rental company. 

"Being privately owned, the vans have all those creature comforts of home... and it's nice renting off a local - who knows everything about it and is willing to help." 

In case you didn’t know - Camplify is Australia's favourite van hire platform, connecting thousands of van owners right across Australia with travellers seeking custom caravans, campervan & motorhomes available to rent for their next camping trip or bucket-list road trip - just like Goldie.

Goldie - one of the most adorable custom converted campervan you'll find in the Perth & Margaret River region!

For your own self-drive Western Australia adventure,

Camplify opens up a world of advantages:

• Custom Vans: unlock access to thousands of caravans, campervans & motorhomes with custom styling, different layouts and novel inclusion. Need a spacious family caravan - orcosy campervan for 2 ? There’s options galore.

• Local Knowledge: Get invaluable insights directly from locals - who can dish out specific tips for the region & your road trip.

• Creature Comforts: Loads of vans come with those extra touches that make a trip truly special, from full kitchen essentials to solar power - making off-grid camping a breeze.

Find your dream van on Camplify today. Or learn more about how it works. 

Traveller's Top Tips for Your Van Adventure

Here’s Alex’s top tips for new travellers to the Wheatbelt Way region:

• The region is suitable for long and short trips:"5 days is a great amount of time," Alex recommends, to truly soak up the itinerary and just chill. This way, you’ve got room for spontaneous stops at those "offbeat places... that aren't listed."

• Embrace the Quiet: If you’re into peace and quiet, even during school holidays, "you'll still be able to find your own little pocket of privacy and solitude, which is awesome."

• Go Off-Grid Capable: "If you can get it off grid would be amazing. There's so much sunshine out there, so if you've got something solar, you'll be fine," she advises. Good news: many free camping WA spots are well-equipped with toilets, picnic tables, and even fire pits.

• Bring Your Own Firewood: While campfires are generally cool in designated pits (season permitting), Alex suggests it’s best to "bring your own [firewood], like buy it in the towns or bring it with you," rather than scavenging from the surroundings.

• Be a Satellite Map Explorer: "I always have my Google maps on, just satellite mode 'cause then you can kind of see what the salt lakes are like and find roads that cross through the middle of salt lakes because they're not on the Wheatbelt trail," Alex revealed – her secret weapon for finding those truly special, unlisted spots.

• Pack for Chilly Nights: Alex had sunny winter days, but overnight temperatures "got down to 2 or 3 degrees," so definitely pack warm layers and a good sleeping bag!

• Perfect for budget-conscious travellers: "Absolutely," Alex affirmed when asked if it's suitable for campers on a budget. "It'd be one of the best places for budget-conscious campers because there’s so many free camps with everything you need."

• Suitability for first-time campers: The Wheatbelt Way is semi-off-grid, meaning it doesn't have all the comforts or conveniences of a typical caravan park. So, it's a good option for travelers who canpack and prepare adequately. Or, the trip is made very comfortable with the perks of a fully-equipped caravan, campervan, or motorhome. 

• Make Use of the Wheatbelt Way app: there's not much reception out there,  so the self-drive Wheatbelt Way app is great to have on hand. It also has great background information about most of the landmarks in the area.

Begin Your Wheatbelt Way Road Trip Today

The Wheatbelt Way offers travellers a unique & memorable taste of the WA outback and desert - all within just a few hours of the city centre. As one of Perth’s best short road trips suitable for visits of 7, 5 or even 3 days in duration, you’ll love the regions otherworldly salt lakes, ancient granite outcrops & charming country towns steeped in history. 

Ready to hit the open road? Find your dream van for hire in Perth today through Camplify today - and get ready for a WA escape to remember.