Embracing the Electric Road Trip Revolution
At Stardust Charters, we believe that exploring Western Australia’s breathtaking landscapes shouldn’t come at the cost of our environment. As proud Tesla owners and EV enthusiasts, we’ve spent countless hours discovering the most beautiful routes that are perfectly suited for electric vehicles.
The days of range anxiety are behind us. Western Australia has embraced the electric revolution, with charging infrastructure expanding rapidly across our state. Today, we’re sharing our insider knowledge on the best Tesla-friendly road trips from Perth that combine stunning scenery with practical charging solutions.
Our family fleet of Teslas—Ruby, Snow White, and Frosty—have collectively travelled thousands of kilometres across WA’s diverse terrain during private tours and transfers for our clients. Each journey has deepened our appreciation for sustainable travel and reinforced our commitment to promoting cleaner transportation options for future generations.
Perth to Margaret River: The Classic Wine Country Tesla Adventure
The 270km journey from Perth to Margaret River has become one of WA’s most Tesla-friendly road trips, with strategic charging options making this iconic route more accessible than ever for EV drivers.
Driving Time: Approximately 3 hours direct, though we recommend allowing 4-5 hours to enjoy stops along the way.
Charging Infrastructure
The Perth to Margaret River corridor boasts several reliable charging options:
Baldivis: DC rapid chargers at the BP centres either side of the Kwinana Freeway provide a quick top-up 45km south of Perth
Bunbury: The Tesla Supercharger station at Eaton Fair Shopping Centre offers 120kW charging, with DC rapid chargers in the centre of Bunbury
Margaret River: Destination chargers at numerous wineries and accommodations allow for convenient overnight charging. Rapid chargers and Tesla Superchargers in town offer a quick return to Perth
Our Model Y ‘Frosty’ particularly enjoys this journey, effortlessly handling the highway driving while maintaining impressive efficiency. The route offers the perfect balance of distance and charging availability, making it ideal for Tesla owners new to long-distance EV travel.
Must-Visit Sustainable Stops
The journey between Perth and Margaret River features several eco-conscious attractions that align perfectly with the sustainable ethos of Tesla travel:
Fair Harvest Permaculture Farm: Explore this sustainable living demonstration site just outside Margaret River
Glenarty Road: Visit this farm-to-table winery and restaurant committed to sustainable agriculture
Cape to Cape Track: Access stunning sections of this coastal walking path, with several Tesla-friendly accommodations nearby
In 2021, Garry took his first EV wine tour through this region in his Model 3 ‘Pearl’, discovering that the peaceful hum of electric driving enhanced the serene vineyard experience. The absence of engine noise allowed for a deeper connection with the natural surroundings—something our clients consistently mention when we chauffeur them through wine country.
Photo by Hc Digital on Unsplash
Perth to Albany: The Great Southern Electric Highway
The 420km journey to Albany represents a more ambitious Tesla-friendly road trip from Perth, but recent infrastructure improvements have made this stunning coastal route entirely feasible for EV travellers.
Driving Time: 4.5-5 hours direct, though we recommend spreading the journey over two days to enjoy the scenery.
Strategic Charging Planning
The Perth to Albany route requires more strategic charging planning:
Williams: The Williams Woolshed offers Tesla Supercharger stations, perfectly positioned 161km from Perth. A 15-20 minute stop here is ideal for a light meal and restroom break while adding sufficient range.
Kojonup: Public charging and Tesla Supercharger options available approximately 98km from Williams. This optional stop is perfect if you’d like to explore the charming town or visit The Kodja Place.
Albany: Multiple charging options including Tesla destination chargers at major hotels and Tesla Superchargers near tourist locations. A full charge here takes approximately 30-40 minutes from low battery.
Our Model X ‘Snow White’ completed this journey recently with just one 30-minute charging stop, demonstrating how Tesla’s impressive range makes longer WA trips increasingly practical.
Natural Wonders Along the Way
The Great Southern region offers some of WA’s most spectacular natural attractions:
Porongurup National Park: Ancient granite domes with incredible biodiversity, just 40km north of Albany. The Castle Rock Skywalk provides breathtaking panoramic views and is well worth the moderate 2.2km hike.
Torndirrup National Park: Home to The Gap and Natural Bridge rock formations, where the Southern Ocean has carved dramatic coastal features. Tesla’s regenerative braking is particularly valuable on the winding descent to these attractions.
Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve: Pristine beaches and wildlife habitats including the rare noisy scrub-bird. The parking area offers a tranquil spot to enjoy lunch.
During our family trip in 2023, we discovered that travelling this route in our Tesla allowed us to reach remote lookouts and nature spots with minimal environmental impact. The regenerative braking proved particularly valuable on the winding coastal roads around Albany.
Photo by Karel Topič on Unsplash
Perth to Pinnacles: Desert Wonders on a Single Charge
The 200km journey to the otherworldly Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park has become one of our favourite day trips, easily achievable after a quick charge in any Tesla model.
Driving Time: 2-2.5 hours each way, making it perfect for a day trip from Perth.
Charging Considerations
This shorter road trip offers several charging options:
Jurien Bay: Top up at Tesla Superchargers after heading through the Pinnacles. A 15-minute charge adds plenty of range for the return journey and allows time to enjoy the beautiful beach.
Lancelin: Tesla Superchargers available if taking the scenic coastal route. This charming coastal town makes for a perfect lunch stop while adding range.
Photography Paradise
The Pinnacles route offers exceptional photography opportunities that our clients adore:
Yanchep National Park: Koala spotting and pristine bush settings. The parking area has shaded spots that help preserve your Tesla’s battery in summer months.
Lancelin Sand Dunes: Vast white dunes creating dramatic landscapes, particularly beautiful during the golden hour before sunset.
Hangover Bay: Crystal clear waters and stunning coastal views, just a short drive from the Pinnacles with ample parking.
Pinnacles Desert: Otherworldly limestone formations, especially magical at sunset when the golden light creates dramatic shadows. Visit in late afternoon when temperatures are cooler to maximize your Tesla’s efficiency.
We’ve found that Tesla’s minimal operational noise makes wildlife photography particularly rewarding along this route. Birds and kangaroos seem less disturbed by our presence, allowing for more natural observation experiences.
Perth to Kalgoorlie: The Electric Goldfields Adventure
For the truly adventurous Tesla traveller, the 600km journey to Kalgoorlie represents the frontier of EV road tripping in WA. While requiring more planning, this historic route is now entirely possible in a Tesla.
Driving Time: 6-7 hours direct, though we recommend breaking the journey with an overnight stay in Merredin or Southern Cross.
The Charging Network
The Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail has been transformed with a strategic network of high-powered charging options for Tesla adventurers:
Northam: WAEV network DC fast chargers located at Northam provide the first major recharge point, approximately 100km from Perth. With 150kW charging capability, you can add significant range during a short break. A 20-minute charge here typically adds 150-200km of range.
Merredin: A critical charging hub at the halfway point featuring WAEV network 150kW DC fast chargers. This strategic location allows Tesla vehicles to comfortably reach Kalgoorlie with a full charge here, making it an ideal lunch stop on your journey. We recommend the Merredin Visitor Centre’s excellent displays about the Golden Pipeline while charging.
Southern Cross: Recently installed WAEV network fast chargers offer a reassuring backup option for Tesla drivers who prefer shorter charging intervals or want to explore this historic gold rush town. A 15-minute top-up here provides peace of mind for the final stretch to Kalgoorlie.
Kalgoorlie: The journey culminates with multiple charging options including destination chargers at several hotels and the Kalgoorlie Visitor Centre which offers public charging facilities. A full overnight charge at your accommodation ensures you’re ready for local exploration.
This route demonstrates how rapidly WA’s charging network is expanding. When we first purchased ‘Pearl’, our original Tesla Model 3, in 2021, this journey would have been challenging. Today, it’s completely viable with minimal planning.
Charging Cost Comparison
The economics of this journey are compelling:
Traditional Fuel Cost: Approximately $150-180 round trip in a comparable luxury SUV (based on current fuel prices)
Tesla Charging Cost: Approximately $50-60 for the entire round trip using a mix of Superchargers and WAEV network chargers
Savings: Around $100 per round trip, while producing zero tailpipe emissions
Gold Rush History Meets Sustainable Future
The contrast between the region’s gold rush history and the cutting-edge technology of Tesla travel creates a fascinating journey narrative:
Cunderdin Museum: Houses the No. 3 Pump Station from the original pipeline, showcasing the engineering marvel that first brought water to the goldfields.
Super Pit Lookout: View one of Australia’s largest open-cut gold mines, an awe-inspiring demonstration of modern mining techniques. The viewing platform has ample parking for your Tesla.
Hannans North Tourist Mine: Experience mining history with modern context through interactive exhibits and demonstrations. Their visitor parking area is convenient for EVs.
During our recent chauffeur service to Kalgoorlie, clients were fascinated by the juxtaposition of historic mining heritage and zero-emission travel. This route perhaps best exemplifies how Tesla-friendly road trips from Perth can bridge our resource-rich past with a sustainable future.
Practical Tips for Tesla Road Trips in Western Australia
After thousands of kilometres exploring WA in our Tesla fleet, we’ve gathered valuable insights for making the most of your electric adventures.
Essential Apps and Planning Tools
Successful Tesla road trips from Perth benefit on good planning tools:
PlugShare: Essential for finding Tesla and non-Tesla charging options with user reviews and live availability. The filter options allow you to see only compatible stations for your vehicle.
Tesla App: Remote monitoring of charging progress allows for relaxed sightseeing. The ability to check charging status from a nearby café or attraction transforms “charging time” into “experience time.”
Facebook: Join WA Tesla owners groups for real-time charging station updates and community tips about new installations or temporary outages.
The integrated Tesla navigation system works well for most journeys, but we always cross-reference with these apps for the most current information.
View a live map from PlugShare to discover how easy your next WA road trip can be with zero emissions:
Driving Technique Tips
Maximising range on Western Australian roads can benefit from some EV-specific driving techniques:
Utilise Regenerative Braking: Particularly valuable on the hilly routes to Denmark and Albany
Climate Control Management: Using seat heaters instead of cabin heating can extend range by 10-15%
Speed Awareness: Highway efficiency drops significantly above 100km/h on most routes
Weather Considerations: Headwinds along coastal routes can impact range by up to 20%. Allow extra margin when travelling along the coast during windy conditions.
Having driven these routes in all seasons, we’ve learned that a Tesla performs exceptionally well in WA conditions with just minor adjustments to driving style.
The Future of Tesla-Friendly Road Trips from Perth
Western Australia stands at the beginning of an electric vehicle tourism revolution. The combination of vast open spaces, stunning natural attractions, and rapidly expanding charging infrastructure makes our state perfectly positioned to become an EV tourism destination.
As proud Tesla owners and sustainability advocates, we at Stardust Charters are committed to promoting eco-friendly exploration of our beautiful state. Whether through our chauffeur services or by sharing our knowledge with fellow Tesla enthusiasts, we believe in the transformative power of electric mobility to enhance the way we experience Western Australia.
The next time you’re planning a getaway from Perth, consider the growing possibilities for Tesla-friendly road trips. Not only will you be reducing your environmental impact, but you’ll also be experiencing our state’s natural wonders in a whole new way—with the smooth, quiet performance that only electric travel can provide.
Your Turn to Experience Electric Exploration
Have you taken your Tesla on a road trip from Perth? Or are you considering making the switch to electric and wondering about the practicalities of longer journeys? We’d love to hear your experiences and answer any questions you might have about sustainable travel options in Western Australia.
For those without their own Tesla, remember that our chauffeur service offers the perfect way to experience electric luxury travel without the commitment of ownership. Our personalised tours to Margaret River, the Pinnacles, and beyond allow you to enjoy all the benefits of Tesla travel with the added advantage of our local knowledge.
Please get in touch using the form below and we’ll help you plan your perfect Tesla adventure through Western Australia’s spectacular landscapes!
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Tesla Road Trip Planning Checklist
✓ Check your destination’s charging options on PlugShare before departure
✓ Plan strategic charging stops that align with meal breaks or attractions
✓ Download relevant apps including Tesla, PlugShare, and ChargeFox
✓ Book accommodation with destination charging where available
✓ Consider seasonal factors that may affect range (temperature, wind)
✓ Pack light to maximise efficiency (every 50kg reduces range by ~2%)
✓ Allow extra time for charging stops to explore local attractions
✓ Join WA Tesla Owners Facebook groups for recent charging updates
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