Best of the South West Road Trip Itinerary

As a proud Perth local, I can’t help but rave about the stunning beauty and incredible experiences awaiting you in Western Australia’s South West region – breathtaking coastlines, world-class wineries, towering forests, and charming towns that will steal your heart.

I’ve been lucky enough to explore these places firsthand through countless road trips and holidays to the region as a couple and with our daughters.

Best of the South West Road Trip Itinerary Summary

Morning: Bunbury

⏰ 10:00 AM: Arrive in Bunbury

• After driving for about 175 kilometers (109 miles) from Perth, you’ll arrive in Bunbury.
• Spend around 2 hours here – see this list of things to do in Bunbury.
• Head to the Dolphin Discovery Centre located on Koombana Drive, where you can join a dolphin eco cruise at 12 pm – prebook here.
• Enjoy the 90-minute boat ride and observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
• 2pm Depart Bunbury for Busselton.

🐬 Book Dolphin Eco-Cruise Direct here

Afternoon: Busselton

🛣️ Distance from Bunbury to Busselton is approximately 60 km (37 miles).

🚘 Driving Time: Approximately 45 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions.

⏰ 2:45 PM: Arrive in Busselton

• Arrive in Busselton, home to the iconic Busselton Jetty, stretching an impressive 1.8 kilometres into Geographe Bay.
• Take a leisurely walk along the jetty, enjoying the scenic views of the coastline.
• If you prefer, you can choose to take the jetty train to the end and back, saving some time.
• Spend approximately 1 to 2 hours exploring – see things to do in Busselton for ideas – before leaving for Dunsborough.

Evening: Dunsborough

🛣️ Distance from Busselton to Dunsborough is around 22 kilometers (14 miles)

🚘 Driving Time: Approximately 20 to 30 minutes

• Check into your accommodation (for 2 nights) and take some time to relax and freshen up.
• As the day winds down, treat yourself to dinner at one of Dunsborough’s local eateries. Some of my favourites include Clancy’s Fish Pub (a bit out of town), Blue Manna Bistro, and Yarri.
• Plan your itinerary for tomorrow with this guide on things to do in Dunsborough.

🏨 See Dunsborough Accommodation choices here

Morning: Cape Naturaliste

• Start your day with breakfast at a local café.
• Head towards Cape Naturaliste, which is about a 15-minute drive from Dunsborough.
• Explore the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse: Take a guided tour of the lighthouse and learn about its history and significance. Enjoy panoramic views of the coastline from the top of the lighthouse (you may even spot whales during their migration season).
• Take a walk along the Cape Naturaliste Heritage Trail: This scenic trail offers stunning views of the coastline and is a great opportunity for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.
• Or if you prefer beaches, stop at one of the many stunning ones along the coast like Meelup Beach.

Book Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse Direct Here

Afternoon: Yallingup

• Drive to Yallingup, which is approximately a 20-minute drive from Cape Naturaliste.
• Have lunch at one of the local restaurants/cafes near Yallingup.
• Spend some time at Yallingup Beach: Relax on the sandy beach, swim in the clear waters of the lagoon, or try your hand at surfing if you’re feeling adventurous (Yallingup is known for its excellent surf breaks).
• Visit a winery for wine tasting or see Canal Rocks and Injidup Natural Spa.

Evening: Sugarloaf Rock

• Enjoy the sunset at Sugarloaf Rock: Drive back towards Cape Naturaliste to witness the breathtaking sunset at Sugarloaf Rock. This iconic rock formation provides a stunning backdrop for photography enthusiasts.
• Head back to Dunsborough for dinner.
• If you’re interested, you can spend the evening stargazing. Dunsborough and the surrounding area are known for their dark skies, making it a great location for observing the stars.

Morning: Cowaramup

• Head to Margaret River via Bussell Highway and stop in Cowaramup, also know as Cow Town. Stroll through this small town and take photos of the cow sculptures or have a coffee in one of the cafes that line the street.

Mid-Morning: Margaret River Beaches

• Visit a nearby beach: Margaret River is known for its beautiful coastline. Spend some time at one of the stunning Margaret River beaches like Gnarabup Beach, Redgate Beach, or Prevelly Beach.

Afternoon: Wineries

• Discover the region’s wineries: Margaret River is renowned for its world-class wineries. Choose a few vineyards to visit and enjoy wine tasting sessions. Some popular options include Leeuwin Estate, Voyager Estate, Howard Park, and Vasse Felix.

Optional: To enjoy more wine tastings consider a wine tour for tomorrow.

🍷 Book your Margaret River Wine Tour Direct Here

• Check into your Margaret River accommodation (for 2 nights).

• Have dinner at one of the many eateries in Margaret River. Some of our favourites include Margaret River Brewhouse, Swings & Roundabouts, La Scarpetta Trattoria, and Morries.

🏨 See Margaret River Accommodation Here

Day 4 Best of the South West Road Trip: Explore Margaret River

If you’re not going on a wine tour today, you can check this list of things to do in Margaret River or choose the itinerary below.

Lunch: Winery or Brewery

• Have a leisurely lunch at one of the many vineyards or breweries in Margaret River (most breweries are child-friendly).

Evening: Sunset & Dinner

Day 5 Best of the South West Road Trip: Margaret River to Pemberton

🛣️ Distance: Approximately 72 km (45 miles)

🚘 Driving Time: 90 minutes without stops

⏰ 8AM Depart Margaret River

🤩 Book your Pemberton Accommodation Here

Day 7 Best of the South West Road Trip: Denmark to Albany

🛣️ Distance: Approximately 55 km (34 miles)

🚘 Driving Time: 45 minutes

Head towards Albany but turn off South Coast Highway to Torndirrup National Park.

Morning & Lunch: Torndirrup National Park, Albany

• Drive to the Gap and Natural Bridge in Torndirrup National Park to see the powerful ocean waves crashing against the granite cliffs. If the weather is nice, stop at Misery Beach for a swim. Another option is hiking or running the Bald Head Trail – a challenging 12.5 km return trail on the Flinders Peninsula.

• Enjoy a picnic lunch at Frenchman Bay or at one of the many scenic spots in the national park.

Afternoon: Albany Heritage Park

• Visit the National Anzac Centre, a state-of-the-art museum that provides an immersive experience of Australia’s involvement in WWI. Learn about the stories of the ANZAC soldiers and enjoy panoramic views of King George Sound.

🤩 Book National ANZAC Tickets Direct Here

• After, explore the rest of the Albany Heritage Park including the Desert Mounted Corps Memorial, Padre White Lookout, Apex Lookout, Princess Royal Fortress, and Convoy Lookout.

• Check into your Albany accommodation for 2 nights.

Evening: Albany

• Have dinner at one of the many restaurants in Albany.

🤩 Book Albany Accommodation Here

Day 8 Best of the South West Road Trip: Albany

• Read this guide on things to do in Albany and plan your day accordingly. You may want to explore Two Peoples Bay with a stop at Little Beach, take the kids to Emu Point, go on a whale watching tour, hike one of the incredible trails, or enjoy a drink at Wilson Brewing.

• The Granite Skywalk at Castle Rock is an excellent hike in the Porongurup National Park and only a 35-minute drive from Albany.

Day 9 Best of the South West Road Trip: Return to Perth

🛣️ Distance: Approximately 420 km (261 miles)

🚘 Driving Time: 4 hours 45 minutes

Morning: Williams

• Start your day early and grab some breakfast at a local café in Middleton Beach or Albany.

• Begin your journey north on Albany Highway, heading towards Perth.

• Stop at the historic town of Williams, approximately 2 hours 40 minutes from Albany. If you don’t have any food, pick some up here.

Afternoon: Araluen Botanical Park

• Resume your journey towards Perth, and as you approach the town of Armadale, consider making a detour to visit Araluen Botanic Park. It’s a beautiful garden showcasing a variety of native and exotic plants and is especially beautiful in spring with thousands of tulips.

• After exploring Araluen Botanic Park, head back to Albany Highway and continue your drive towards Perth.

Consider ending your Best of the South West tour with a night or two at one of Perth’s best city hotels.

Best Time to Visit WA’s South West

The best time to visit Western Australia’s South West region is generally during spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May). These months offer milder temperatures, pleasant weather, and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer season. Here are some factors to consider:

Spring (September to November)

• Wildflowers: The region is renowned for its stunning wildflower displays during spring, particularly in September and October. The countryside bursts with colourful blooms, creating a picturesque landscape.
• Mild weather: Spring offers comfortable temperatures, usually ranging from 15 to 25 °C (59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). It’s a great time for outdoor activities like hiking, exploring national parks, and visiting wineries.

Autumn (March to May)

• Mild weather: Similar to spring, autumn offers pleasant temperatures ranging from 15 to 25°C (59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). It’s ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the region without the scorching heat of summer.

Summer (December to February) attracts more visitors due to school holidays and warmer temperatures, which can reach high 30s to low 40s (86 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit). If you prefer hotter weather and don’t mind larger crowds, summer is a great time to visit the region’s beaches and enjoy water activities.

Ultimately, the best time to visit depends on your preferences, whether you prioritise specific activities like wildflower viewing, and your tolerance for hot weather.

Getting Around WA’s South West

The best way to get around Western Australia’s South West region is by car, as it provides flexibility and convenience to explore the area at your own pace. If you’re arriving in Perth by air, hiring a car from Perth Airport is a convenient option. Several car rental companies operate from the airport, offering a range of vehicle options to suit your needs.

Once you have your rental car, you can easily navigate the South West region using well-maintained roads and highways. The region is known for its scenic drives, and having a car allows you to visit popular destinations like Albany, Margaret River, and the national parks at your leisure. Remember to plan your routes, check road conditions, and observe speed limits and other traffic regulations.

🤩 Compare Rental Cars Here

Must-Visit Destinations in the South West

Some of the must-visit destinations in the South West region include Albany, Margaret River, Denmark, Busselton, Pemberton, and Dunsborough. These places offer stunning natural landscapes, beautiful beaches, renowned wineries, and unique attractions.

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