A must when in Perth is to head down to the southwestern part and embark on a road trip along the coast of Western Australia. This road trip includes some of Australia’s finest beaches, aptly named the Beaches Road Trip. Absolutely stunning beaches, unique locations, and driving through ancient forests will keep you constantly excited about what the next destination has to offer! Here’s my guide to ensure you have the best experience and see all the highlights of magical South West Australia.
What time of the year is best go on a road trip in South Western Australia?
The optimal time to explore the South West is during the months of November – April when weather conditions are at their best!
It’s definitely possible to do it in the second half of the year, from March – October, but be prepared for colder weather, and the risk of rain is significantly higher. The positive side is that there are still many sunny days, and it’s much less crowded than in the summer.
General tips for a road trip in South Western Australia
As you’ll see, it’s entirely possible to complete this Western Australia road trip in a week! If you have more time, consider adding an extra day, especially in the Margaret River area, as there’s much to see and do!
Also, think about which mode of travel would suit you best. This road trip is perfect for a campervan, with many free places to stay. Alternatively, you can rent a car and stay in hostels or hotels. Both options work well. Hotels book up quickly during the summer months. A campervan provides much more flexibility, and you don’t need to plan as much in detail compared to choosing a regular car, where you need to book all hotels/hostels in advance.
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Perfect itinerary for your road trip in South West Australia
Day 1: Perth to Dunsborough
To make the most of the day, it’s best to set off early in the morning. Getting to the Margaret River region is easy and smooth, taking about 3 hours and simply following the highway.
First stop: Busselton
Busselton is known for its incredibly long jetty, actually the second-longest wooden jetty in the world!
There are two options to explore this jetty – one is to walk out (which we did). The other, and perhaps more common, is to take the train out. It may sound odd, but you can actually take a train. At the end of the jetty, there’s an underwater observatory. Don’t miss it!
Apart from the jetty, Busselton also has a wonderful beach to hang out on! There are cozy cafes and restaurants around. My recommendation is to spend the day here before heading to check in at your accommodation.
Don’t forget to make a stop at Sugarloaf Rock, preferably at sunset, to capture some incredibly beautiful photos!
Black Diamond Lake
Black Diamond Lake is another stop on the way that shouldn’t be missed! I was captivated by this place because of its tranquility and the fantastic color of the water.
Where to stay?
In the Margaret River region, Dunsborough, Yallingup, and the town of Margaret River are the best places to stay. There are several accommodation options, including backpacker hostels, hotels, and Airbnb.
Day 2: Explore the Margaret River region in Western Australia
Start the day by visiting Meelup Beach in Dunsborough. It’s a beautiful beach, and the best part is that you can also rent SUPs and kayaks here. Perfect for a day at the beach. There’s also an outdoor grill here, so you can easily spend the whole day.
Dunsborough is otherwise a relatively small and compact town, mostly consisting of vacation homes, but there’s also a larger supermarket, so take the opportunity to shop here.
Start the day by visiting Meelup Beach in Dunsborough. It’s a beautiful beach, and the best part is that you can also rent SUPs and kayaks here. Perfect for a day at the beach. There’s also an outdoor grill here, so you can easily spend the whole day.
Dunsborough is otherwise a relatively small and compact town, mostly consisting of vacation homes, but there’s also a larger supermarket, so take the opportunity to shop here.
Yallingup - Injidup Natural Spa
Yallingup is a fantastic area within the Margaret River region. There are many beautiful vineyards, but the main attraction is Injidup Natural Spa, an incredibly popular spot. Spend the afternoon here and enjoy this natural spa!
Another place worth visiting is Canal Rocks, a bridge extending along various rocky formations.
Just over ten minutes from Injidup Natural Spa, we also stopped at a super cozy little café called Cape Lavender. They had homemade pastries, ice cream, and lots of other items flavored with their own-grown lavender. Everything was delicious, and it’s a very “Instagram-friendly” café with all its colors.
Margaret River Town
The town of Margaret River is located in the center of the famous Margaret River Region wine country. Simply driving around this region is an activity worth doing. The rolling green fields and vineyards make this area enchanting!
The town center is also lovely to stay in or spend a day. There are various cafes, shops, and even markets that are cozy to stroll through.
Of course, you can also spend an afternoon at a vineyard and taste the local wines. An easy way is to book a guided wine tour.
Day 3: Margaret River to Pemberton
Augusta and Hamelin Bay
Start by driving about 30 minutes south from Margaret River to reach a small town called Augusta, right on the south coast. I think you can easily spend half a day here.
Here you can visit Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, “Where two oceans meet.”
The most unique thing, without a doubt, is Hamelin Bay. Here, you get the chance to meet stingrays up close, just centimeters from your feet if you dare! And if that’s not enough, the sand on the beach is pure white, and the water is completely turquoise.
When you feel ready to move on, just hop in the car; the next stop is a small town called Pemberton.
Pemberton
After about an hour and a half, you’ll reach Pemberton. It’s a typical small town, like many others in Western Australia. We lived here for a while before moving on to Manjimup. It’s a very small town, but it has incredible charm! Personally, I like experiencing these small places that not many others visit.
What you shouldn’t miss here is the Gloucester Tree. It’s an old lookout tree used in the 1940s to monitor fires. Today, tourists are welcome to climb up the steep steps to experience the breathtaking view. This is not suitable for those with a fear of heights, as there is no safety equipment. You will need to pay a small fee or use a National Park Pass to visit Gloucester Tree since it is located in a national park.
Day 4: Pemberton to Denmark
It’s best to set off fairly early in the morning since it takes about two and a half hours to get to Denmark from Pemberton. Moreover, you’ll need all the time you can get in Denmark!
Denmark is one of my favorite places! Here, you’ll find some of the most beautiful spots in Australia. Before reaching Denmark, you must visit the “Valley of Giants,” located near Tingledale, approximately half an hour from Denmark.
Valley of gaints Tree Top Walk
The Valley of Giants Tree Top Walk is an amazing experience that must be done!! Here, you have the chance to wander with the giants—it’s a 600-meter-long walk 40 meters above the ground. Among gigantic trees, the view is spectacular! Entrance requires a small fee.
Denmark
When you reach Denmark, I would recommend stopping by the bakery for lunch. We tried their pie, which was delicious.
After lunch, it’s time to head to William Bay National Park. In this national park, you’ll find the famous Elephant Rocks and Green Pools. Green Pools is a beach with slightly greenish but crystal-clear water. It’s incredibly beautiful, so take the afternoon to relax and enjoy the beach!
When you feel done here, just take a short walk (5 minutes away) to Elephant Rocks to take in the fantastic view from the top of the cliffs, overlooking the large “elephants” in the water! It’s also a great spot for a swim if you’d like.
Day 5: Denmark to Albany
Only 45 minutes away lies Albany, which is the next stop.
We were unlucky and encountered some unfavorable weather when we were in Albany. Therefore, we never made it to the beaches, which are otherwise a must-visit in better weather. The two beaches you shouldn’t miss are Two Peoples Bay and Little Beach.
You can also visit Torndirrup National Park and The Gap in Albany. The Gap is a natural opening between two large granite cliffs with an observation platform on top. You walk out and see the waves crashing against the cliffs far below your feet, which is quite impressive.
If you feel like you might not have enough time to see everything, it could be a good idea to stay an extra day in Albany! If you decide to do that, you’ll also have time to visit Porongurup National Park, which offers absolutely stunning views! The hike in Porongurup National Park is about 5.5 km long and takes approximately 2 hours to complete.
At the end of the hike, to reach the summit, it even requires climbing a ladder. Highly recommended!
Day 6: Albany to Perth or Esperance
It’s time to head back towards Perth. The drive takes just over 5 hours, so you can take the morning at a leisurely pace and then drive when you feel ready.
If you have a few extra days to spare, I highly recommend heading to the absolutely fantastic Esperance! Esperance is something out of the ordinary, I promise you that!
Have a wonderful road trip in South West Australia!
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