tours of south west western australia

• Terms & Conditions
• Site Credits

WESTERN AUSTRALIA’S SOUTH WEST

Australia’s south west.

The cool southern region of our state offers the visitor a spectacular range of holiday experiences.

You’ll see magnificent beaches, lush farmland and mighty forests.

Quiet, well maintained roads are coupled with a blend of busy rural towns, ports and quiet hamlets.

And Australia’s South West hosts some of the world’s finest wineries who welcome visitors with premium wines and fine dining.

Take a look at some of our self-drive and bed and breakfast accommodation options and see why Western Australia’s Southern Wonderland is one of Australia’s most popular self-drive and coach tour destinations.

Discover this area at your own pace with our Self-Drive Tours: Click here

Places of Interest …

Blackwood River Valley

Boyup Brook

Donnelly River

Dunsborough

Fitzgerald River National Park

Gloucester National Park

Hamelin Bay

Jerramungup

Margaret River

Porongurup National Park

Stirling Ranges

Torndirrup National Park

• World Heritage Sites
• Indigenous Experiences
• Travel Insurance
• Privacy Policy

Australia Recommends 2024

Come and Say G'day

G'day, the short film

Discover your Australia

Travel videos

Deals and offers

Australian Capital Territory

New South Wales

Northern Territory

South Australia

Western Australia

External Territories

The Whitsundays

Mornington Peninsula

Port Douglas

Ningaloo Reef

Airlie Beach

Kangaroo Island

Rottnest Island

Hamilton Island

Lord Howe Island

Tiwi Islands

Phillip Island

Bruny Island

Margaret River

Barossa Valley

The Grampians

Hunter Valley

McLaren Vale

Glass House Mountains

Alice Springs

Uluru and Kata Tjuta

The Kimberley

Flinders Ranges

Kakadu National Park

Eyre Peninsula

Karijini National Park

Great Barrier Reef

Blue Mountains

Daintree Rainforest

Great Ocean Road

Purnululu National Park

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Litchfield National Park

Aboriginal experiences

Arts and culture

Festivals and events

Food and drink

Adventure and sports

Walks and hikes

Road trips and drives

Beaches and islands

Nature and national parks

Eco-friendly travel

Health and wellness

Family travel

Family destinations

Family road trips

Backpacking

Work and holiday

Beginner's guide

Accessible travel

Planning tips

Trip planner

Australian budget guide

Itinerary planner

Find a travel agent

Find accommodation

Find transport

Visitor information centres

Deals and travel packages

Visa and entry requirements FAQ

Customs and biosecurity

Working Holiday Maker visas

Facts about Australia

Experiences that will make you feel like an Aussie

People and culture

Health and safety FAQ

Cities, states & territories

Iconic places and attractions

When is the best time to visit Australia?

Seasonal travel

Events and festivals

School holidays

Public holidays

How to get to Australia's most iconic cities

How long do I need for my trip to Australia?

How to travel around Australia

Guide to driving in Australia

How to hire a car or campervan

How to plan a family road trip

How to plan an outback road trip

South West, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia

Guide to South West Western Australia

• Share Share on Facebook Share on Messenger Share on Twitter Share on WhatsApp Copy Link
• Getting to the South West
• When to visit

With its Mediterranean climate, long stretches of quiet beaches and world-class wine, Western Australia’s South West is a region worth tucking in to.

There’s an air of easy-going luxury in the South West, from the tangible opulence of world-class accommodation and fine dining in Margaret River to the luxury of secluded beaches and vast skylines as you head further east. It’s a region where you can indulge tonight and make up for it tomorrow with a hike, surf or yoga session – or not. Its biodiversity and unique collection of spectacular natural attractions will pique your imagination (regardless of your age) and its quirky animal encounters will leave you with long-lasting memories. Whether you embark on an epic road trip, explore on foot or on a guided tour, the only requisite is to ensure you give this remarkable place the time it deserves.

Australia's South West starts just a two-hour drive south of Perth and extends as far as Bremer Bay to the east. It's best explored by car, but you can fly into Busselton regional airport if you're short on time. 

• Perth Airport (PER) is a three-hour drive north of Margaret River; services domestic and international arrivals.
• Busselton Margaret River Airport (BQB) is a 45-minute drive to Margaret River; services domestic flights.

With a temperate climate and four distinct seasons, you can enjoy a visit to the South West at anytime. Summer is great for a beach getaway, but it's a popular time to visit and accommodation should be booked well in advance. Winter is ideal for whale watching, while spring and autumn bring mild days perfect for bushwalking. 

• High season:  Summer (December to February)
• Low season:  Winter (June to August)
• Don’t miss:  The Western Australia Gourmet Escape

Destinations in South West Western Australia

Albany & Denmark

Trips and itineraries

3 days in Margaret River

10-day trip of colourful attractions

14-day road trip through Western Australia's South West Edge

Crossing the Nullarbor

Travellers' stories.

Planning your trip to Australia?

Get expert help from an aussie specialist who has the knowledge and experience to help you plan and book every detail of your trip., featured articles.

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience.  Find out more . By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

• New Zealand (English)
• United States (English)
• Canada (English)
• United Kingdom (English)
• India (English)
• Malaysia (English)
• Singapore (English)
• Indonesia (Bahasa Indonesia)
• Deutschland (Deutsch)
• France (Français)
• Italia (Italiano)
• 中国大陆 (简体中文)

*Product Disclaimer:  Tourism Australia is not the owner, operator, advertiser or promoter of the listed products and services. Information on listed products and services, including Covid-safe accreditations, are provided by the third-party operator on their website or as published on Australian Tourism Data Warehouse where applicable. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Please visit the operator’s website for further information. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD). Tourism Australia makes no representations whatsoever about any other websites which you may access through its websites such as australia.com. Some websites which are linked to the Tourism Australia website are independent from Tourism Australia and are not under the control of Tourism Australia. Tourism Australia does not endorse or accept any responsibility for the use of websites which are owned or operated by third parties and makes no representation or warranty in relation to the standard, class or fitness for purpose of any services, nor does it endorse or in any respect warrant any products or services by virtue of any information, material or content linked from or to this site.

Destinations

Travel Types

Land journey, ocean cruise, rail journey, river cruise, tailor made journeys.

• Inspiration
• Why Travel With Us

Travel agent

Tour personaliser.

• 1300 208 712

Find your next trip

Canada, alaska and usa, new zealand, about travelmarvel, travel insider magazine, why travel with us, enhance your journey, authentic flavours, premium accommodation, insider experiences, book with confidence, traveller club, accreditations, responsible tourism, travel information, travel agent, travelmarvel, wonders of the south west, perth return.

• Check Availability & Book Now
• Travel & Accommodation

Map & Itinerary

Similar trips, trip inclusions.

• 13 nights in premium accommodation
• Services of a Travelmarvel Tour Director and Driver
• 22 delicious meals – 13 breakfasts and 9 dinners
• Unwind during a wildlife cruise on Shark Bay
• Savour a Tuscan lunch and wine tasting at Castello Vicchiomaggio
• Visit the National Anzac Centre in Albany
• Visit the gourmet region of Margaret River
• Enjoy an exclusive factory tour and sample handmade chocolate bars at Gabriel Chocolates
• Itinerary, hotels and inclusions are subject to change
• Please note wildflowers are most prolific during late August to October, however, due to unpredictable weather, sightings are not guaranteed
• Prices include airport transfers
• Price is for land only. Flights not included

Designed exclusively for our guests

Insider Experience

Enjoy an included special or unique excursion or event

Travelmarvel provides further opportunity to pursue your special interests and enhance your holiday with a range of optional experiences

Arrive Perth

Insider experience.

Savour a fantastic stay at Pan Pacific Perth, a premium hotel which has been newly refurbished in 2023 and boasts a terrific central location overlooking the Swan River.

Today your journey through Western Australia’s beautiful south west begins on arrival at Perth Airport. Here you’ll be met by a Travelmarvel Tour Director and transferred to your hotel before setting out on a city tour. Then, enjoy a Welcome Dinner.

Stay: Pan Pacific Perth

Perth, New Norcia, Geraldton

Enjoy offerings from the town’s Spanish Benedictine monks.

Venture north to the monastic town of New Norcia and enjoy a visit to the Museum and Art Gallery. Established in 1847 by Spanish Benedictine monks as a mission for the local Aboriginal people, the monastery is still used for prayer every day. Explore the unique mix of Aboriginal and European heritage and enjoy today’s Insider Experience. This afternoon, continue to the coastal city of Geraldton.

Stay: Geraldton, Ocean Centre Hotel or similar

Geraldton, Monkey Mia

Indulge in a delicious seafood dinner tonight at Monkey Mia.

Enjoy the stunning location of Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort.

Visit the remarkable Shell Beach and later, stop for a picture stop at the stunning Little Lagoon lookout, before heading to Monkey Mia at World Heritage listed Shark Bay for today's Insider Experiences.

Stay: Two Nights, Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort

Unwind during a wildlife cruise on picturesque Shark Bay.

Today, visit one of the best places for dolphin interaction. At Monkey Mia, you’ll enjoy a rare up-close encounter with these clever mammals at the daily dolphin feeding experience (subject to appearance). Then enjoy today’s Insider Experience before spending the rest of the day at your leisure.

Monkey Mia, Kalbarri Skywalk

Travel to the small town of Denham and visit the Shark Bay Interpretive Centre before heading south to explore the spectacular Kalbarri National Park, where around 800 species of wildflowers bloom in the spring. Visit the Kalbarri Skywalk for incredible views of the stunning gorge and surrounding environment.

Stay: Kalbarri Edge Resort

The Pinnacles, Perth

Travel to Nambung National Park to see the Pinnacles and wander among the striking limestone pillars before returning to Perth.

Perth, York, Wave Rock

Enjoy a tour of the historic town of York.

Set out across the stunning Darling Ranges on the way to the charming town of York. Here, enjoy today’s Insider Experience. Then continue to Hyden to see the incredible granite cliff formation of Wave Rock.

Stay: Hyden, Wave Rock Hotel

Coolgardie, Kalgoorlie

Journey to Coolgardie and discover the site of Western Australia’s original gold rush. Continue to Kalgoorlie, where more than half of the gold mined in Australia is sourced.

Stay: The Plaza Hotel Kalgoorlie

Kalgoorlie, Lake Lefroy, Esperance

Head for Lake Lefroy and marvel at the stark white salt pans that stretch into the distance. Then continue to the seaside town of Esperance.

Stay: Esperance, Comfort Inn Bay of Isles Motel

Esperance, Pink Lake, Stirling Range National Park, Albany

Take in the sights of Esperance, including Twilight Bay and Pink Lake. Then drive through the Stirling Range and meet a local wildflower expert. From Bluff Knoll, see the jagged peaks towering over bushland dotted with wildflowers in the spring. Later, arrive in Albany.

Stay: Two Nights, Albany, Dog Rock Motel

Visit the National Anzac Centre in Albany.

ENHANCE YOUR JOURNEY

Here the songs of humpbacks and see southern right whales breach on a whale-watching cruise along the Albany coast (additional expense).

Tour Albany and enjoy today’s Insider Experience. Enjoy free time before heading to Mt Clarence to enjoy views over the Princess Royal Harbour and King George Sound. You may also choose to go whale watching.

Albany, Valley of the Giants, Margaret River

Head to the Valley of the Giants, a world-famous forest of gigantic tingle trees. Visit the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, the most southwesterly point on mainland Australia. Later, arrive in Margaret River where you will have an evening at leisure.

Stay: Two Nights, Stay Margaret River

Margaret River

Enjoy an exclusive factory tour and sample handmade chocolate bars at Gabriel Chocolates.

This morning you’ll see the ancient fossil remains of long-extinct giant animals during a walk through Mammoth Cave. Then, join today’s Insider Experience before enjoying a Farewell Dinner at a local winery.

Busselton, Depart Perth

This morning, head to Busselton and enjoy a unique train ride along the Busselton Jetty over Geographe Bay. Later, continue to Perth where your tour concludes.

The tour was a great success from the moment we left Perth until the tour finished - with the changing scenery, the beautiful wildflowers, and many interesting places.

Barbara - Land Journey, Australia

West Coast Adventure

Perth to Darwin

Grand Tasman

Launceston Return

Hamersley Splendour

Perth to Broome

Successfully added to shopping cart!

You can now go straight to the Checkout, or continue shopping to book extra tours and accommodation.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser .

Your Cart is empty

South West Tours

Explore the stunning South West! Start in Perth before heading out to all the highlights including the white sand and aqua water of Monkey Mia, Esperance, the Pinnacles Desert and more! 

Head South of Perth with our South West tours, travelling through the coastal wonderland of Margaret River to take in Busselton Jetty, Middleton Beach, the Stirling Ranges and so much more. There will be endless beaches, wineries and world-class views. Book today with Backpackers World Travel! 

• Most Popular
• Price: Low to High
• Price: High to Low

No Products Available

There are no products which match your search criteria. Select preferences using the the site filter to display more product options

• 1" @click="page--, scrollToFirstTile()">
• {{pageNumber}}

South West Road Trips

Australia’s South West offers a destination of diversity. Experience it all by travelling the entire length of the region, or design your own self-drive journey. It can take you a couple of days or better still a couple of weeks. Enjoy a gourmet getaway, or get immersed in nature; the possibilities are endless!

Geographically, this unique region comprises many contrasting landscapes; from ancient mountain ranges and rugged granite headlands along the south coast ,  to the towering karri trees and hills in the  Southern Forests and Valleys and a network of spectacular caves nearby unspoilt coastlines in the Margaret River region further to the west. The regions’ best attractions are dotted in and around country towns and vast national parks harbouring some of the world’s most unique flora and fauna .

Free yourself with the epic  South West Edge hero route is a 12 day adventure that traverses 1200km from Perth to Esperance, a road trip that will fill your lungs, leave you in awe, and have you breathing more deeply. It feeds your soul with discovery and wonderment; every turn giving you a new experience.

View our South West Map to start planning your road trip in Australia’s South West today!

Driving advice for the South West

Driving in the south west is easy, as there’s plenty of open road and little traffic. You do need to keep alert though, as you’re driving on country roads, and often for long stretches at a time. Remember these simple guidelines to ensure a safe trip:

• Vehicles are not the only road users in the South West
• Try to avoid travel at dawn and dusk as this is when wildlife is most active.
• If you see an animal on the road in front of you brake firmly in a straight line and sound your horn. Do not swerve as it is safer to stay on the road.
• The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for driving in Australia is 0.05.
• If you’re planning to sample wines, beers or liquor, be sure to nominate a Designated Driver.
• The maximum speed limit in WA is 110 kilometres per hour.
• With a maximum of 50 kilometres per hour in built-up areas such as towns and estates.

Road Trip Ideas

Villages in the Valley Road Trip

The South West Edge Road Trip

Highlights of the South West Road Trip

#MelbstoMargs Road Trip

Art Lover’s Road Trip

South West Foodie Road Trip

More road trips.

Design your own self-drive holiday through Australia’s South West.

7 Unique Aquatic Experiences in Australia’s South West

7 Unique Aquatic Experiences

in Australia's South West

Dog Friendly Travel Spots In The South West

Dog Friendly Travel Spots In

Australia's South West

Travelling with kids

What to do..

Where to stay...

Nannup is a place to relax and recharge, get close to nature, discover our heritage or have an adventure.

Here you can easily enjoy natural beaches beautiful vineyards, forests, caves and more, all in a single day. More than 23,000km make up the south west corner of Western Australia, with 1000 of those kilometres consisting of awe-inspiring coastline just waiting to be explored.

Western Australia Expert

Best of the South West Road Trip Itinerary 2023: Locals Guide

Have you been looking for the 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

Distance : Approximately 245 kilometers (152 miles)

Driving Time : Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes (excluding stops)

Free day to explore the area

Distance : Approximately 45 km (28 miles)

Driving Time : 35 minutes (excluding stops)

Distance : Approximately 72 km (45 miles)

Driving Time : 90 minutes without stops

Distance : Approximately 190 km (118 miles)

Driving Time : 2 hours 15 minutes (excluding stops)

Distance : Approximately 55 km (34 miles)

Driving Time : 45 minutes

Explore Albany & surrounds

Distance : Approximately 420 km (261 miles)

Driving Time : 4 hours 45 minutes

This post may contain affiliate links (of companies I book through). This means I may receive a small commission if you book through them. You can read the disclaimer for more information.

Day 1 Best of the South West Road Trip: Perth to Dunsborough

🛣️ Distance : Approximately 245 km (152 miles)

🚘 Driving Time : Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes (excluding stops)

⏰ 8:00 AM: Depart from Perth

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

Day 2 Best of the South West Road Trip: Explore Cape Naturaliste & Yallingup

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.

Day 3 Best of the South West Road Trip: Dunsborough to Margaret River

🛣️ Distance : Approximately 45 km (28 miles)

🚘 Driving Time : 35 minutes (excluding stops)

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

Evening: Dinner in Margaret River

• 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.

Morning: Hamelin Bay or Whale Watch Cruise

• Two hour Whale Watching Cruises depart from May to August from the Augusta Boat Harbour.

🐳 Book Whale Watching Cruise Direct Here

• If you’re visiting during the warmer months, head to Hamelin Bay early for the chance to spot a stingray close to shore. Avoid touching or feeding them, though, as it can disrupt their natural behaviour and potentially harm them.

Local tip : Stingrays are more likely to be spotted on sunny days when the water is calm and clear. Early mornings are a good time to see them as the water is usually calmer and there are fewer people around.

Lunch: Winery or Brewery

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

Afternoon: Caves

• Explore the caves in the region: Margaret River is known for its impressive limestone caves . Choose a cave to visit, such as Lake Cave , Mammoth Cave, or Jewel Cave . Take a guided tour to discover stunning formations and learn about the caves’ geological and historical significance.

❤️ Book Your Cave Tour Direct Here

Evening: Sunset & Dinner

• See the sunset at one of the beaches then have dinner in Margaret River, trying a different restaurant or enjoying a casual meal at a pub.
• Plan your itinerary for tomorrow with this guide on Pemberton .

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

Start your day early from Margaret River. Grab some breakfast to-go or pack a picnic lunch for later in the day.

Head east on Bussell Highway (State Route 10) toward Nannup and enjoy the scenic drive through the picturesque countryside.

Morning: Nannup & Pemberton

⏰ 8:45AM Arrive in Nannup. Stop for a coffee or stretch your legs before continuing on to Pemberton.

⏰ 9:30AM Leave Nannup and arrive in Pemberton about 10:30AM

• Explore Pemberton – our highlights were Beedulup Falls, Big Brook Dam walk, The Cascades, and Warren National Park. Stop somewhere picturesque for a picnic.

Afternoon: Pemberton

• After lunch, continue exploring the stunning area of Pemberton and check into your overnight accommodation.

Family option : Manjimup Heritage Park

Evening: Pemberton

• If you’re not eating in tonight, enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants. Have a look at ideas for things to do in Walpole and things to do in Denmark while relaxing.

🤩 Book your Pemberton Accommodation Here

Day 6 Best of the South West Road Trip: Pemberton to Walpole & Denmark

🛣️ Distance : Approximately 190 km (118 miles)

🚘 Driving Time : 2 hours 15 minutes (excluding stops)

Another early start leaving from Pemberton to Walpole along National Route 1. It will take about 90 minutes to reach Walpole.

Morning: Walpole

• Head to the Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk , an elevated walkway taking you through the canopy of towering tingle trees, with stunning views of the surrounding forest. Take your time to explore the Ancient Empire Walk and the interpretive centre to learn about the unique flora and fauna of the region.
• After the treetop walk, drive to Walpole-Nornalup National Park and visit the Hilltop Lookout, the Giant Tingle Tree, and Circular Pool. This picturesque spot is known for its crystal-clear waters and tranquil surroundings. Take a short walk along the trail to reach the pool and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Leave Walpole and drive the 45 minutes to Denmark.

Lunch: Denmark

• Stop in town for some lunch and stock up any essentials or food you may need.

Afternoon: Denmark

• Visit Greens Pool, one of the most stunning beaches in Western Australia. Its calm turquoise waters and large granite boulders make it a perfect spot for swimming, snorkelling, or relaxing.
• Take a short drive to William Bay National Park and explore Elephant Rocks . These enormous granite rocks resemble a herd of elephants bathing in the ocean.
• If you want to visit a winery, Singlefile Wines is one of our favourites or Boston Brewery for some great beer and food (plus a children’s playground).

Family option : Pentland Alpaca Farm

Evening: Denmark

• Relax in your Denmark accommodation or enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants.

🤩 Book your Denmark 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.

There are car hire booths at Perth Airport , but it’s best to pre-book your car rental. To compare Australian car hire prices, Discover Cars is an award-winning car rental comparison website. They offer competitive pricing in over 10,000 locations worldwide and are highly rated. DriveNow is a good resource to compare campervan hire in Western Australia. It includes all the large companies like Britz, Maui, & Jucy as well as smaller ones. Compare Rental Cars Here .

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.

How many days in WA’s South West?

It depends on how much time you have and the specific places you want to visit. Ideally, allocating at least 7 days will allow you to explore the main highlights. However, if you have more time, extending your trip will allow for a more relaxed and immersive experience.

Are there any specific attractions or activities suitable for families in the South West region?

Yes, the South West region offers various family-friendly attractions. You can visit animal farms, parks, and mazes. Enjoy swimming at family-friendly beaches, explore caves, and take scenic hikes suitable for all ages. Additionally, several wineries and breweries provide kid-friendly activities and facilities.

Final Thoughts: Seeing the Best of the South West

This road trip itinerary of the best of the South West is rushed but allows those who don’t have much time to get a feel for the region. However, you will gain more appreciation for Western Australia if you spend more time exploring the South West and places off the beaten track.

If you have any questions, join our Facebook Group and ask our ever-growing community. Or do you have any photos or tips to share?

Join Facebook Group here

• Western Australia’s South West Travel Guide
• Best Caravan Parks in South West WA
• Top Things To See & Do in the South West WA
• Perth to Albany
• Perth to Margaret River

Save Money Planning Your Trip

Click on the links, which will take you directly to the website.

We fly Virgin Australia domestically due to their competitive prices and fantastic customer service, and fly with Qatar Airways to Europe.

Accommodation 🏩

We mainly use  Booking.com  for accommodation as they consistently have the lowest rates with free cancellation on most properties.

For pet sitting in Western Australia and worldwide, we are members of Trusted Housesitters . Free accommodation for pet and house sitting.

Car Rental 🚘

To compare rental car company prices, we use  Discover Cars , an award-winning car rental comparison website. They offer competitive pricing in over 10,000 locations worldwide and are highly rated.

Campervan/RV Rental 🚐

DriveNow is a good resource to compare campervan hire in Western Australia as it includes all the large companies like Britz, Maui, and Jucy as well as smaller ones.

Travel Insurance 🌏

Cover-More  and Travel Insurance Direct are our preferred travel insurance companies for domestic and international travel. See this Travel Insurance for Australia guide for more information.

20 Unmissable Things To Do In South West WA

23 apr 2024 05 aug 2023 | john.

Last updated on

15 Feb 2024

Looking for the best things to do in south west WA? After searching out just about everything we could on our own South West Australia road trip, here’s our take on 20 highlights that should simply not be missed. Plus a bonus highlight!

The south west of Western Australia (WA) is the stuff of road trip dreams. A vast land of red earth, turquoise ocean, jaw dropping beaches, ancient forests, and a rich history of seafaring, shipwrecks, and intrigue.

I first road tripped the south west corner more than 20 years ago in a rusty old campervan. It’s always stuck in my mind as one of Australia’s most pristine, rugged and beautiful landscapes.

You could spend weeks, if not months here, exploring the epic nature, eating fresh seafood, and enjoying the warm hospitality of the region’s many wineries and breweries.

It’s a place with so much to offer that it’s a serious challenge to settle on a single list of highlights. We’ve given it our best go though. While our natural inclination is to try and see everything a region has to offer, here’s our take on the absolute best things to do in south west WA that just can’t be missed.

20 Unmissable Things to do in South West WA

1. Discover Incredible South Western Australia Beaches 2. Sample the Tasty Craft Breweries 3. Walk Out to Sea On Busselton Jetty 4. Marvel at Canal Rocks 5. Explore the Caves Near Margaret River 6. Escape to Eagle Bay 7. Chill Out at Elephant Rocks & Greens Pool 8. Climb a Fire Tree 9. Hang Out at The Gap & Natural Bridge 10. Stand Inside the Giant Tingle Tree 11. Meet the Hamelin Bay Stingrays 12. Explore Historic Fremantle 13. Visit Iconic Lighthouses 14. Immerse in Australia’s Wartime Heritage at the National Anzac Centre 15. Hike to the Granite Skywalk at Porongurup 16. Castaway on Rottnest Island 17. Watch Sunset at Sugarloaf Rock 18. Climb Into the Canopy in the Valley of the Giants 19. Taste Your Way Through South West WA Wineries 20. Be Delighted on a Unique EcoCruise 21. Bonus Highlight: The Pinnacles Desert

If you’re planning a South West Australia road trip, we visit all of these places and more in our 2-Week Perth to Albany road trip itinerary post.

1. Discover Incredible South Western Australia Beaches

To say the south west corner of Australia is a beach lover’s dream might just be one of the biggest understatements you could make.

There are more than a thousand kilometres of coastline between Perth and Esperance. So you could say the south west of Australia has something of a monopoly on beautiful stretches of powdery white sand lapped by impossibly turquoise sea.

From iconic surf breaks like Yallingup and Prevelly, to picture perfect spots like Greens Pool in Denmark and Little Salmon Bay on Rottnest Island, you’ll find some of the nation’s best beaches in Western Australia, if not the world.

Whether you’re into surfing, snorkelling, diving, fishing, swimming, sailing, or just taking in some Vitamin D while reading the latest Tim Winton novel, you’ll be hard-pressed not to find your ideal beach escape here.

2. Sample the Tasty Craft Breweries

It’s no secret that we’re partial to a brewery visit here and there, and I must admit to being just a little bit excited about the prospect of visiting breweries in Margaret River and the south west region. Especially Beerfarm, a little over 20km (12.4 miles) from Margaret River and home to one of my all-time favourite beers, Asam Boi Gose.

What I didn’t realise is that south west WA is dotted with an array of craft breweries, serving up top notch beers and tasty meals in snazzy taprooms across the region.

For us, Margaret River Brewhouse gets top billing for being stumbling distance from the centre of town and pouring a stunning red IPA. We also recommend seeking out the beautiful setting at Eagle Bay Brewing to sample their excellent XPA. Or tickle your tastebuds with a delicious raspberry gose at Boston Brewing Co near Denmark.

Personally, finishing the day with a sundowner at Beerfarm looking out over the countryside was a beery highlight of the trip. If that sounds like your kind of road trip, then you may just love this corner of Australia as much as we do. Just take turns being the designated driver if you still want to be friends at the end.

3. Walk out to sea on Busselton Jetty

At just shy of 2km (around 1.1 miles), Busselton Jetty is one of the world’s longest timber-piled piers. Building started in 1865, and the jetty was extended during the following centuries in an attempt to accommodate larger ships…before the government realised Geographe Bay just didn’t get any deeper.

Today you can walk or take a train ride to the far end of the jetty to visit the excellent Underwater Observatory on one of their regular tours (book ahead if you can).

Keen divers and snorkellers can also explore Busselton Jetty’s new Underwater Sculpture Trail and Artificial Reef. The jetty is already renowned as a fantastic site for a shore dive thanks to the diversity of marine life drawn to the structure. Now there are also 13 underwater sculptures to check out along with the local sea critters, who have apparently been quick to move in.

It’s also worth sticking around for sunset when Busselton Jetty is particularly picturesque, before enjoying a cold one and some dinner at nearby Shelter Brewing Co or one of the many restaurants here.

Busselton Jetty is in the town of, yep, Busselton! It’s around 220km (137 miles) and a 2.5 hour drive south of Perth. You can wander the length of the jetty 24 hours a day. The Underwater Observatory is open from 9am to 4pm daily, though this can change depending on the weather and sea.

4. Marvel at Canal Rocks

One of the many highlights of  Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park , Canal Rocks showcases the unrelenting power of the Indian Ocean as it continues to shape the ruggedly beautiful West Australian coastline.

Made up of several granite outcrops carved apart by the ocean’s constant battering over millennia, it’s a spectacular spot to really appreciate the power of nature. What makes Canal Rocks even more unique is that nature has well and truly departed from the norm here, sculpting ruler straight channels right through the rock.

You can explore the area via a series of narrow wooden walkways that get you up close and personal with the surging ocean. For the more adventurous (and mobile), there’s plenty of rock clambering to enjoy here.

A word of warning though, while the area is stunningly beautiful, the pounding ocean is about as treacherous as it gets, so be sure to tread carefully.

Canal Rocks is around 40km (25 miles) north of Margaret River towards Cape Naturaliste. There’s no park entry fee for Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.  

5. Explore the Caves Near Margaret River

For a bit of time travel into Australia’s geological past, we highly recommend seeking out some of the incredible caves that dot the landscape of South West Australia.

If you’re based in Margaret River for a few days, there are a bunch of caves within easy driving distance. The most popular of these are Mammoth Cave, Lake Cave, Ngilgi Cave and Jewel Cave. Some of the caves near Margaret River can only be visited on a guided tour so it’s best to check ahead for opening and tour times.

One of our faves, Mammoth Cave, is just 15 minutes’ drive from Margaret River and partially wheelchair accessible. It’s something of a palaeontological treasure trove, yielding thousands of fossils over the years. One of the most special finds is a 50,000 year old jawbone of a prehistoric oversize wombat-like creature called a Zygomaturus, still embedded in the cave wall. You can visit this cave on a self-guided audio tour.

Just a few minutes further along Caves Road you’ll find Lake Cave. It’s nestled at the base of a large sinkhole hidden within a particularly beautiful stand of karri forest. Only visitable on a guided tour, this cave wows with its beautiful formations, including the famous suspended table reflected in the cave’s namesake lake. Unlike Mammoth Cave, this one requires a bit more puff to get up and down the many stairs, so you’ll definitely feel like you earned that winery visit afterwards.

Buy a multi-cave pass and save If you plan to visit more than one cave, ask at the first cave you visit about multi-cave passes to save some money.

Caves are located throughout the Margaret River region, around 3 hours south of Perth. Head to the Margaret River Busselton Tourism website for more information about the caves, tickets and opening hours. 

6. Escape to E agle Bay

If you want a sneak peek at the abodes of West Australia’s wealthy set, swing by Eagle Bay and spy a few of the luxury escapes that dot the coastline here.

And who could blame them? With a white sand beach, aquamarine water and world class wineries on the doorstep, if I had a few million bucks to spare I’d certainly be tempted to buy a plot overlooking this beautiful, remote-feeling bay at the tip of Cape Naturaliste. We visited on an overcast day and it was still stunning.

It’s worth stopping for a swim or a snorkel, and if you feel like getting your SCUBA on, the wreck of the HMAS Swan lies in 30 metres’ water not far from here. Tours to dive the wreck can be organised in advance through Viator.

If all that activity sounds exhausting, why not relax for a while, and grab some food and a brew at nearby Eagle Bay Brewing Co – this was a favourite lunch stop for us on our road trip through the region.

Eagle Bay is on the Cape Naturaliste peninsula, around 55km (34 miles) and 45 minutes north of Margaret River.

7. Chill out at Elephant Rocks & Greens Pool

Just 15 minutes’ drive west of Denmark, on a coastline awash with stunning beaches and coves, Elephant Rocks and Greens Pool stands out as an absolute highlight of our own South West Australia road trip . This stunning place is definitely on our shortlist of best beaches in Western Australia, if not the country.

Sitting atop the rocks overlooking a ‘herd’ of massive elephant-esque boulders in a frozen charge towards a cyan sea is a moment that stays with you, and undoubtedly why this area is so ‘instafamous’.

Climb down the stairway to explore tiny Elephant Cove or walk around the headland and have a swim in the sheltered waters of Greens Pool. There are plenty of reasons to make a day of it and enjoy this stunning corner of  William Bay National Park . Sunset here is also spectacular – the last rays of the sun turn the rocks a beautiful burnt orange.

There’s a carpark at Elephant Rocks and Greens Pool, and well-maintained toilet facilities. Park entry is free for William Bay National Park.

8. Climb a Fire Tree

Or sensibly admire one from its base.

From the late 1930s, prior to the introduction of aerial surveillance, the forests of south west WA were kept safe by a network of ‘fire trees’. These giants were pegged to allow foresters to climb to platforms high above the canopy and keep a lookout for fires.

While the trees are no longer needed as fire lookouts, two are still set up for visitors brave (crazy?) enough to make the climb. These are the Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree in Warren National Park and the Gloucester Tree in Gloucester National Park, both near the town of Pemberton.

Described as  Australia’s scariest tourist attraction , I had strong reservations before arriving at the Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree. Those concerns weren’t helped by seeing 165 pegs spiralling up into the thick green canopy towards a lookout platform some 65 metres above the ground.

Climbing is entirely at your own risk and this is definitely not an experience for the faint of heart. It’s almost certain there will be a level of regret, if not sheer terror, at some point during your climb. But for those that push on, the reward of unparalleled views across the Karri Forest from the top while you suck in lungfuls of air is simply sublime. Until you realise you need to somehow cajole your jelly legs into getting you back down.

As of early 2024, both the Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree and the Gloucester Tree are closed to climbing while maintenance and inspections are carried out. Check the WA Park Alerts website for the latest info.

Warren National Park is around 15km (9.3 miles) and 20 mins from Pemberton. Gloucester National Park is a 4-minute drive south-west of Pemberton. Both national parks have an entry fee (unless you have a WA Park Pass).

9. Hang out at The Gap & Natural Bridge

Another must see attraction on any South West Australia road trip is The Gap and Natural Bridge, located in beautiful Torndirrup National Park near Albany.

Imagine the boom of the Southern Ocean slamming into the solid granite Australian coastline 40 metres beneath your feet, conjuring a feeling of awe as you’re misted in saltwater. This is what it feels like to experience The Gap in all its glory.

Just a few metres further along you’ll find a viewpoint over the Natural Bridge, a solid granite arch carved out by the ocean over millennia.

Both sites provide a tangible reminder of the impressive power of nature, not to mention the ingenuity of the engineers that built the gravity-defying platform that hangs over The Gap.

If you have time, there are also blowholes in Torndirrup National Park, just 5km (3.1 miles) east of The Gap and Natural Bridge and accessed via a beautiful coastal walk. Just be mindful of nature’s unpredictable, well, nature: the blowholes here are almost invisible fissures in the rock and there are no guarantees you’ll see or hear them at their booming, powerful best. On the day we went, the sea was fairly calm and we actually struggled to even work out where the blowholes were.

To find the blowholes, follow the path from the carpark to its end where you’ll see a pole with an orange life ring. From there, turn to face the sea and carefully make your way over the rock shelf till you see the blowholes sign (or see and hear them first).

Torndirrup National Park is around 18km (11 miles) and a 20 minute drive south of Albany. There’s an entry fee for this national park.

10. Stand Inside the Giant Tingle Tree

You might be inclined, on a road trip in Western Australia, to charge through the Walpole area to get to the Valley of the Giants and its famed Treetop Walk. If you can though, it’s absolutely worth making time for the Walpole Wilderness Area, and in particular, the old growth tingle and karri forest in magical Walpole-Nornalup National Park.

Keep an eye out for a left turn onto Hilltop Road a couple of kilometres out of Walpole on the road towards Denmark. As the road twists and climbs away from the coast, and the forest canopy closes in around you, it’s hard not to be awed by the sheer beauty of this ancient place.

As you travel along the Hill Top Scenic Drive, watch for a small parking area on your right. Here you’ll find a lovely lookout over the Frankland River and Nornalup Inlet towards the Southern Ocean.

Around 3km (1.8 miles) further along you’ll arrive at the Giant Tingle Tree car park. From there, you can explore the pristine karri and tingle forest via a timber boardwalk, soaking up the serenity while learning about the local flora and fauna via information panels.

The shady 800-metre loop walk takes you past the immense, fire-hollowed red tingle tree known as the Giant Tingle Tree. It’s said to be the largest living eucalypt tree in the world by circumference. The loop walk is open 24 hours and it’s free to visit Walpole-Nornalup National Park.

The Hill Top Scenic Drive is a little over 6km (3.7 miles) of unsealed road. While it’s a little bumpy in places, it’s drivable in a two-wheel-drive.

11. Meet the Hamelin Bay Stingrays

Chilling out at Hamelin Bay Beach as the sun dropped over the horizon and the sky erupted in colour was an unexpected highlight of our South West Australia road trip. As amazing as they are though, sunsets aren’t the main reason so many people head to this gorgeous stretch of sand just north of Cape Leeuwin.

The main drawcard, and the reason it’s on our shortlist of unmissable things to do in south west WA, is the Hamelin Bay stingrays. They’ve been frequenting the area for years, attracted by scraps left by fishermen that use the beach and boat ramp.

While these majestic creatures may have scored a bad rap since the tragic death of Steve Irwin, they are actually extremely docile and rarely aggressive towards humans unless provoked or threatened.

If you’re lucky enough to share the water with these critters, it’s likely you’ll find them cruising the shallows on the lookout for a meal. So you may have more chance of seeing them when fishermen are around. From our research, it sounds like summer mornings are also a better bet. Just remember, these are wild animals and can be unpredictable, so don’t approach them or try to touch them. If they’re curious, they will come and check you out in their own time.

Aside from the resident stingrays, there’s plenty to keep visitors to Hamelin Bay occupied. If chilling out on this spectacular turquoise bay fringed by a white sand beach isn’t enough, there are also swimming, snorkelling and diving opportunities, as well as coastal walks and birdwatching.

Hamelin Bay Beach is around 38km (24 miles) and a 30-minute drive south of Margaret River. There’s free parking in the carpark at Hamelin Bay.

12. Explore Historic Fremantle

I’ll be honest and confess that for me, one of the big drawcards of Fremantle (or Freo, as Aussies affectionately call it) was the beer scene, having supped the occasional Little Creatures brew in my time. And indeed there is a smorgasbord of craft beer joints in this town to keep you well oiled.

As it turned out though, it was actually the deep and palpable sense of maritime and convict history, along with Freo’s easygoing arts, culture and foodie scene, that really made me fall in love with the place. The great beer just made it even better.

If you’re history geeks like us, strolling through historic Fremantle, with its abundance of heritage-listed buildings is a buzz in itself. Architectural gems include WAs oldest building, the Round House, and the World Heritage Fremantle Prison, although the whole precinct is beautifully preserved.

Check out the WA Maritime Museum, and our personal favourite, the WA Shipwrecks Museum. The latter is chock-full of interesting artefacts recovered from the perilous south west Australian coastline. The highlight here is the beautifully restored and reconstructed stern of the Dutch merchant ship Batavia . It was the subject of Australia’s most notorious and vicious mutiny and shipwrecking on the remote Abrolhos Islands off the Australian coast in 1629.

While it’s pretty easy to explore Fremantle independently by foot, if you are after a bit more in-depth information about the history and culture of Freo, there are also self-guided audio tours and guided tours available.

If all this history isn’t enough, in Freo you have some of the best beaches in Western Australia on your doorstep, the iconic Fremantle Markets to explore from Fridays to Sundays, an abundance of very cool cafes, numerous craft beer joints to sample (including the very slick operation at Little Creatures), and some seriously good restaurants, pubs and wine bars.

Fremantle is just 24 minutes by car south-west of Perth city. It’s an easy day trip or a cool alternative base to Perth.

13. Visit Iconic Lighthouses

It’s impossible to visit the south west of Australia without being drawn to the famous white sentinels that have watched over the rocky coastline here for generations.

Visiting the windswept lighthouses of Western Australia will leave you in awe of the immense power of the Indian and Southern oceans, and the hardy families that lived and worked in these lonely outposts, keeping the light burning and protecting seafarers plying their trade along this wild coast.

Two of the most iconic lighthouses of the Margaret River region are at Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. They bookend the iconic Cape to Cape Track: more than a hundred kilometres of rugged coastline trail showcasing everything that makes the south west corner of Australia so special.

Sixty kilometres (37 miles) to the north of Margaret River, you’ll find 120-year-old Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse , set in thick coastal heath on a headland with a beautiful coastal loop walk. The lighthouse precinct has cosy tea rooms and a decent lighthouse museum. Guided tours are available if you’re keen to learn more about the lighthouse and climb to its balcony.

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse , 53km (33 miles) to the south of Margaret River, is spectacularly sited on the most south-westerly tip of Australia. Standing 39 metres (128 feet) tall, it also lays claim to the title of tallest lighthouse on the Australian mainland. Remote, windswept and beautiful, this wild spot is great for whale watching in season (May to November). There are also lighthouse tours here and an informative interpretive centre.

Both lighthouses are in Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, which has free park entry. There are fees, however, for entry to the lighthouse precincts and for guided lighthouse tours.

14. Immerse in Australia’s Wartime Heritage at the National Anzac Centre

Built to coincide with the 2015 Anzac centenary commemorations, the award-winning National Anzac Centre is set in the Princess Royal Fortress precinct overlooking stunning King George Sound in Albany.

This is an extremely important historical site for Australians and New Zealanders. It’s difficult not to feel a solemn and very tangible sense of history right from the moment you gaze out over the bay and imagine that fateful day in November 1914, when a huge convoy of ships departed these shores to take Anzac troops to the Great War in Europe.

On arrival at the centre, visitors are allocated a card for an actual serviceman or woman who departed Albany for the war. You can use the card to navigate interactive displays throughout the museum, uncovering the very real and often tragic story of the person whose journey you’re following.

It’s worth setting aside a couple of hours to truly appreciate this outstanding museum and the tales of those who fought in the Great War and who, in so many cases, never made it home.

The National Anzac Centre is located just 4km (2.5 miles) outside of Albany. It’s open daily from 9am to 4pm. You can purchase tickets to enter the museum in advance through Viator, while the broader site and grounds can be explored for free.  

15. Hike to the Granite Skywalk at Porongurup

If you’re staying in the Albany area, we absolutely recommend stretching your legs with a hike to the Granite Skywalk in Porongurup National Park. It’s a little over half an hour north of Albany.

You’ll need good lungs and stout legs for the steady 2km (1.3 mile) climb from the carpark through the lovely native forest of the park. We also highly recommend an early start to make the best of the (relatively) cooler morning temps.

In addition to the ‘nearly there’ encouragement from hikers heading back down, you’ll know you’re near the top when the scenery becomes decidedly more ‘bouldery’ and you need to start scrambling more on the ascent.

You’ll soon be rewarded with your first proper view of the immense Balancing Rock from the lower lookout, dramatically poised on its eroded granite perch overlooking the surrounding countryside.

There’s a bit more scrambling required to get to the upper lookout. Your already shaky legs (and nerves) may well be tested as you grip the metal handholds to climb your way between huge boulders to reach a 6-metre (20 foot) high enclosed ladder that will take you to the top.

The skywalk itself is an engineering marvel, cleverly crowning an enormous boulder. As we recovered our breath while enjoying the incredible views over the plains below, we could only wonder at the smarts required to build this unique platform high above the forest.

The hike to the Granite Skywalk starts at Castle Rock in Porongurup National Park , 44km (27 miles) north of Albany. There is an entry fee for this park (unless you have a WA Park Pass).

16. Castaway on Rottnest Island

Probably the least surprising entry on our list, Rottnest Island really doesn’t need much of an introduction: it’s one of the jewels in Western Australia’s tourism crown.

Rottnest Island is named for the island’s cute resident marsupial, the quokka, which 17th-century Dutch sailors took for large rats (hence the name ‘rats nest’ island). Known as Wadjemup in the local Aboriginal Noongar language, the island is an easy day trip from Fremantle or Perth by ferry.

Save time by pre-booking the ferry and a bike To make the best of your day, consider pre-booking a fast ferry, which can also be booked with bikes if you’re feeling energetic. Pre-booked bikes travel over and back with the ferry and can be collected and dropped off as you disembark/re-board. You can also hire bikes and electric bikes once you arrive on the island.

There are loads of options for exploring Rottnest Island’s 19 square kilometres of jaw-dropping amazingness, including walking, running (yep, we saw a few dedicated groups), cycling (both unpowered and powered), and the popular Island Explorer hop-on hop-off bus. You can also join a guided tour by bus, boat, Segway or heritage train. Cars aren’t permitted on the island.

We opted to explore under own steam on pre-booked bikes. We plotted a loop taking in some of the island’s natural and heritage highlights like Wadjemup Lighthouse, the fur seals at Cathedral Rocks, the pink salt lakes, and a sample of arguably some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia. There are more than 60 to choose from on the island; standouts include Little Salmon Bay, Little Parakeet Bay, Geordie Bay and Pinky Beach.

It’s impossible not to be tempted into the crystal-clear waters that lap the island, so factor in time for swimming and snorkelling. If you’ve pedalled yourself into sweaty exhaustion like we did, you might seek reward with a refreshing drink at Pinky’s or Isola before jumping on the return ferry to Freo or Perth.

Staying on Rottnest Island

As one of the truly unmissable things to do in south west WA, it’s difficult to do Rottnest Island justice in a single day. With a variety of accommodation options from high-end waterfront escapes right through to camping, it’s definitely worth staying longer if you have the time, and exploring the island at a less breakneck pace.

On our ride around the island we stopped for some well-deserved refreshments Pinky’s, with it’s lovely pool bar and restaurant right on the beach. The glamping tents here, part of Discovery Resorts , looked very tempting for a night on the sand right by the beach.

Another good option on the other side of the port is Samphire , where you’ll find nice modern rooms and all the resort facilities you’d expect.

Save Your Legs While the loop road around the island is lovely, it’s worth bearing in mind you could end up cycling 25km (15.5 miles) or more. Especially if try to see everything in a day like we did. On the face of it that distance might not sound too bad, but once you add a few hills, some beach walks, a swim or two, and the scorching WA sun (there’s very little shade on Rottnest), it can start to feel more like an endurance test. Unless you really enjoy your exercise, maybe consider a shorter loop around the east and centre of the island, hire an electric bike, or take the bus and save your energy for swimming, snorkelling and the spectacular scenery.

Rottnest Island is accessed by ferry from Fremantle (Northport and B Shed Victoria Quay) and Perth (Barrack Street Jetty and Hillarys Boat Harbour). Depending on your departure point and ferry type, the journey can take anywhere from 25 to 90 minutes.

If you’re just going for the day, we recommend booking a fast ferry and taking the earliest boat out and the latest back, giving you as much time as possible on the island.

17. Watch Sunset at Sugarloaf Rock

Not far from the start of the Cape to Cape Track between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin hunkers Sugarloaf Rock, perhaps one of South West Australia’s most instagrammable spots.

The rugged coastal views here are truly spectacular, but if your luck is in, there are also whales (June to early December) and dolphins to be spotted off the coast. In the summer months, red-tailed tropic birds nest on the rock itself.

The area is also a haven for walkers of all persuasions, from keen hikers traversing the multi-day Cape to Cape Track, to day ramblers out for a short stint along this stunning coastal stretch. If you’re pushed for time but want to get a small taste of the Cape to Cape Track, check out the 3km (1.9 mile) section between Sugarloaf Rock and Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse.

If, like us, you’re visiting as part of a road trip around the national park’s many attractions, we recommend arriving later in the day to experience one of the dramatic sunsets that Sugarloaf Rock is renowned for. While the weather didn’t quite deliver on the day we visited, we were equally awed by the brooding, stormy backdrop that greeted us.

We’ll be back in better weather for that sunset though!!

Sugarloaf Rock is just south of Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse and around a 50-minute drive north of Margaret River. It’s in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, which has free entry. 

18. Climb Into the Canopy in the Valley of the Giants

The Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk is an absolute highlight of any South West Australia road trip. It serves up a birds-eye-view of some of Australia’s most majestic tingle trees, many of which are more than 400 years old.

Set in the Walpole-Nornalup National Park and Walpole Wilderness, just 20km (12.5 miles) east of Walpole, this award-winning 40-metre (131 foot) high walkway lets you get up close and personal with some of the tallest trees on the planet.

After an initial slope up, the cantilevered walkway weaves (and sometimes sways) through this ancient and uniquely Australian tingle forest for 600 metres (0.4 miles), giving you ample time to enjoy the canopy. If you’re lucky, you’ll also spot some of its feathery inhabitants.

Once you’ve descended to terra firma, be sure to check out the adjoining Ancient Empire walkway. Here you can truly appreciate just how immense these giant tingle trees are from the perspective of the forest floor.

There’s a great Discovery Centre on site, and free daily guided walks and talks outside peak periods and school holidays. The Valley of the Giants is open everyday from 9am to 5pm, with last entry at 4pm. There’s a fee for the Tree Top Walk but the Ancient Empire and Discovery Centre are free.

19. Taste Your Way Through South West WA Wineries

For us, a visit to the south west corner of Australia wouldn’t be complete without sampling some of Western Australia’s stunning wines.

While Margaret River wines are known on the global stage, there are also six other distinct wine regions south of Perth, including Peel, Geographe, Blackwood Valley, Manjimup, Pemberton and Great Southern. There are also multiple sub-regions. Which all equates to huge diversity for visiting wine lovers. Happy days!

Of course, Margaret River rightly gets plenty of accolades for its top notch, stylishly designed cellar doors, gourmet food offerings, and its location just a stone’s throw from some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches and coastline. This is cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay country, with sauvignon blanc and semillon also very well regarded.

With so many wineries to choose from and so much wine to sample, we highly recommend leaving the car at home and joining a Margaret River winery tour .

On our tour we got to sip some incredible varieties in a modern tasting room surrounded by floor to ceiling barrels; at the counter in an understated, simple family estate; and on a cosy veranda overlooking the vines. Tours will generally visit a couple of cellar doors and include a tasty lunch.

Outside Margaret River, we were fairly opportunistic in selecting our wine stops depending on how our day was going (or if we passed a vineyard sign!). En route to Pemberton and throughout the ancient karri, marri and jarrah forests, keep your eyes peeled for signs that will take you to some of the region’s best cool climate vineyards, with mainstays of chardonnay, merlot and pinot noir.

On the way to Denmark, our lucky dip approach to selecting vineyards found us sipping delicious wine in a lovely, ambient, wood panelled winery with some of the friendliest hosts we’d met on our trip. Denmark is part of the Great Southern wine region, literally the coolest wine region in Western Australia. It’s famous for riesling, shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir and chardonnay.

Whether it’s cool climate pinot noir or premium Margaret River shiraz, if you like wine, you’ll definitely enjoy the diverse wine regions in the south west of Australia! We’ll certainly be back for more.

20. Be Delighted on a Unique EcoCruise

Incredible, educational, hilarious, offbeat, beautiful, unique and thought-provoking – just some of the descriptors that jump to mind when I think about how to describe the WOW Wilderness EcoCruise out of Walpole.

To be honest, it’s a tour that defies description, largely due to the larger-than-life presence of tour guide Gary Muir. He not only takes you on a physical journey through the sparkling waters of Walpole-Nornalup Inlets Marine Park, but somehow manages to weave a story covering the history, geology, nature, ecology, biodiversity and sociology of this unique and very special area, as seen through the eyes of a local.

Gary’s delivery is part larrakin, part teacher, part comedian, and all performer. His stories, delivered at a breakneck pace, are nothing short of hilarious, but will somehow leave you better informed and more curious than you arrived.

After cruising the serene and jaw-droppingly beautiful waterway with dolphins, sea eagles and ospreys for company, and with Gary’s stories ringing in your ears, there’s an opportunity to stretch your legs and walk through the wilderness area to a secluded beach. Then it’s back to the boat for tea and cake ahead of the return journey to Walpole.

This unforgettable eco-tour runs daily at 10am out of Walpole and lasts for 2.5 hours. It’s extremely popular, so book ahead if you can.

Walpole is around 120km (75 miles) and a 1hr20 drive from Pemberton. 

21. Bonus Highlight: The Pinnacles Desert

Ok, so it’s not strictly located in the south west corner of Australia. But if you’re visiting Perth you may, like us, find it impossible to pass up the opportunity to scoot 2 hours north to the Pinnacles Desert, perhaps one of the most interesting places to visit in Western Australia.

Set in Nambung National Park, the Pinnacles Desert is one of the most unique places we’ve ever been. Thousands of ancient limestone pillars pincushion the mustard-coloured desert here, against a backdrop of Indian Ocean and vast, vivid sky.

The Pinnacles is especially picturesque at both sunset and sunrise (along with being much cooler and with far fewer flies). For easy access to the site, we suggest staying locally, like nearby Cervantes.

You can drive around the area via the 4km (2.5 mile) Pinnacles Loop, an easy, well-maintained unsealed track. Or walk the 1.5km (0.9 mile) Desert View Trail. There’s also the excellent Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre, where you can learn more about the nature, culture and geology of this stand-out natural wonder.

Nambung National Park has a park entry fee (unless you have a WA Park Pass), which you can sort out at the pay machines in the carpark. You can access the Pinnacles Desert anytime while the Discovery Centre is open daily from 9.30am to 4.30pm.  

If you’ve got any questions or thoughts about things to do in South West WA, drop us a line in the comments below.

And if you’re looking for a planner for exploring the south west of Australia, check out our  2-Week Perth to Albany Road Trip itinerary.

6 thoughts on “20 Unmissable Things To Do In South West WA”

In the process of planning a short trip, location yet to be decided. It appears I was wrong to cross Sth W W.A off the list. You’ve just proven me wrong. I’d say our holiday will be in the Sth W Region. lol

Hey Elaine, that’s great to hear.

It really is a beautiful corner of Australia and we hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

All the best John and Danielle

Thanks so much, gonna try and tackle as much of the list as we can!

Thanks for the comment Si, and good luck getting through the list, they’re all certainly worth seeking out.

Hope you have a fabulous trip.

Really informative

Many thanks Chris, hope it’s been useful!

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Western Australia Tours & Trips from Perth

An adventure starting in Perth is a great way to see Western Australia. We have 30 tours that range from 3 days up to 24 days. The most popular time for tours from Perth is September, which has the most tour departures.

30 Western Australia tours from Perth with 87 reviews

• Coach / Bus

7 Day Perth to Exmouth Explorer Loop

It was an incredible all-round experience: incredible places, the itinerary was designed to perfection, with optimal timing management to always be in the right place at the right time. The guide, Laura, was exceptional, she was able to make even long driving journeys light and fast. An experience that I would recommend to anyone, it will always remain in my memories!

6 Day Perth to Exmouth Coral Coaster (One Way)

I had a wonderful time with fantastic people! Saw mostly everything we could up the coast, meals were good, accomodations (shared room option for me) were reasonable. The bus was comfortable, however I'm a small person & activities on offer were enjoyable. Massive shout-out to our Awesome Tour Guide Rhett, who was asked to fill in for the usual guy. It was Rhett's first Perth to Exmouth tour after driving 6 days from Gold Coast to Perth to then drive 23 people up to Exmouth, giving us really interesting information, and managing to entertain also. Not to mention the brilliant driving! To make it even more difficult for Rhett, we all had different iteneries (from booking through different companies) & some changes were made, so we wouldn't miss any of the highlights. All round, I would recommend this trip for people traveling on their own, that don't want to do the drive themselves. It does work out cheaper for us solo traveling.

• Christmas & New Year

Best of Perth, Margaret River & Rottnest Island

• Hiking & Trekking

Hike Western Australia's Cape to Cape Track

Perth to Exmouth & Return

The tour was all in all amazing. I would have loved to stay at a few stops a bit longer then 20 minutes, but I definitely recommend this tour!

• Overland Truck

Perth to Broome Adventure

Amazing tour! Very knowledgable tour guides (Lucy and Tom), great food and we visited some of the most beautiful places on earth :) Would definitely recommend doing this tour!!

Australia’s West Coast & Ningaloo Reef – 8 Day Boutique Comfort Tour

Perth 7 Days All-Inclusive Touring Grand Packages

All is good. The drivers guides have a good knowledge of places we were visiting and drove us very safely.

• In-depth Cultural

4 Day Albany, ANZAC, Tree Top Walk and Margaret River

Our driver/guide (David) was amazing.Great personality.Learned so much. The tour itself was great-very good variety of activities Accommodation and food were also very good Highly recommend this trip

Western Wonderland (15 Days)

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

South Western Escape (2024/2025, 11 Days)

West Coast Encompassed – Perth to Karijini National Park – 13 Day Tour

• Walking Adventure

Best of Western Australia - 8 days

• Health, Spa & Wellness

3-Day Margaret River Yoga Glamping Retreat from Perth

【Perth】7 Days Perth & Rottnest Island Packages

What people love about western australia tours from perth.

I loved every aspect of this tour. Geoff was an AMAZING tour guide!!

A great tour with an excellent driver/guide, Carlos, full of information, well organized and sensitive to our needs. Lots of wonderful places to see and experience from sunrise to sunset. Long bus rides at times and a full bus so little room to stretch out. But worth traveling the distances. Highly recommend the one way tour and fly out from Exmouth

Tours starting from Perth

• Perth to Perth tours (15)
• Perth to Exmouth tours (5)
• Explorer from Perth (23)
• Family from Perth (15)
• In-depth Cultural from Perth (6)

Best of South West WA: One Week Road Trip Itinerary

When visiting Perth, exploring the South West of Australia is a must. The region has spectacular natural attractions, stunning coastal scenery and delightful food and wine. A road trip through the region is a great way to experience the best of Western Australia.

It’s a popular road trip from Perth, for both tourists and locals alike. You’ll hear us locals refer to it as a road trip “down south.”

It’s important to plan your route carefully, to make sure you maximise the time spent seeing the main attractions in the region, without finding yourself constantly on the road driving to the next spot.

To make life easier, in this guide I’ll step you through a suggested one week itinerary for a Southern Western Australia road trip.

Table of Contents

Best Time for a South West WA Road Trip

This one week south west Australia itinerary can be done at anytime of the year.

Winters (June – August) in the South West can be cold and rainy (usually more so than Perth). But there are also many sunny but mild days – which come without as many people as you might get in summer!

For the best weather for exploring many of the region’s beaches, late spring to early Autumn (November – April) would be the ideal time of the year to road trip south western Australia.

Mid December to late January are the busiest months, thanks to the warm weather and coinciding with the busy Australian school holidays. Make sure to book accommodation well in advance if visiting during this period!

During the cooler months from May to October, another Western Australia 1 week itinerary could be a Perth to Kalbarri or (slightly longer) Perth to Exmouth road trip.

If you’re spending some time in Perth before starting your road trip, make sure to check out my fun 3, 5 and 7-day Perth itineraries to make planning a breeze!

About this South Western Australia 7-Day Itinerary

Departing from Perth, exploring the whole region in one week is do-able but will require some driving.

We based ourselves in three towns over six nights to ensure we had a full day of exploring in each area.

This South Western Australia 7 day itinerary is ideal for those who want to see the key attractions and sights in the region in just a week. If you do have a few extra days, I would spend them exploring the Margaret River Region.

Distances & Driving Times South West WA

• Perth to Yallingup: 260km, ~3 hours (if driving to Margaret River, allow 3.5 hours)
• Yallingup to Denmark: 345km, ~4 hours
• Denmark to Albany: 55km, ~40 minutes
• Albany to Perth: 420km, ~5 hours

Getting Around

You will need a car for this road trip – public transport is very limited (or non existent!) in many of the towns you’ll be visiting.

You should hire a rental car in Perth, as there will be the largest range of options and availability.

I recommend using Discover Cars – this highly-rated car aggregator offer the best prices across a large range of suppliers, plus the flexibility of free cancellation.

Compare car rental prices and get the best deal here.

A 4WD vehicle is not required for this road trip, you will spend most of your time on sealed roads. There may be the occasional gravel road in some of the National Parks, but they are 2WD suitable.

South West Australia Road Trip Map

Click below for an interactive map of this suggested South Western Australia road trip itinerary.

Day 1: Perth to Margaret River

It’s road trip time! Get ready to commence the round trip on this South WA road trip itinerary, departing from Perth.

To make the most of your day, set off from Perth early to start the 3 hour drive south to the Margaret River Region.

It is an easy drive down the highway, mostly going at 110 km/h until you reach Busselton.

You could visit Black Diamond Lake or Gnomesville in the Ferguson Valley on the way to Margaret River

It’s worth stopping Busselton to check out the heritage listed Busselton Jetty, the longest timber jetty in the southern hemisphere. Walk or take a train ride out to the end of the jetty, where an underwater observatory awaits.

Grab a bite to eat in town (Shelter Brewery, in front of the jetty is a personal fave!), or continue on the 30-40 minutes to reach your destination, Yallingup or Margaret River.

TIP: Busselton or Dunsborough are good stops for groceries to pick up snacks and dinner supplies for the next few days.

After your long drive, you probably don’t want to spend too much more time in your car!

If staying in Yallingup, go for a walk down to Yallingup Beach. This sheltered lagoon that makes for the perfect swimming and snorkelling spot.  

Visit a Cave in Australia’s South West

If you have time and are feeling adventurous, check out one of the acclaimed caves in Margaret River.

Here’s a brief summary of what to expect from each of the caves. Please note some of these are self-guided, semi-guided or fully guided, depending on the cave.

Hence bookings are strongly recommended as they do sell out.

• Ngilgi Cave:  this cave offers  semi-guided tours  leading you through its distinct aspects, including awe-inspiring stalactites hanging overhead and secret nooks to crawl through and explore.
• Mammoth Cave:  immerse yourself in a  self-guided tour  showcasing the cave’s vast chambers while you learn its rich history through an informative audio guide.
• Lake Cave:  this cave has a permanent underground lake with a distinctive stalactite and stalagmite formation joining to meet in the middle.  Guided tours  are provided to access this remarkable attraction.
• Jewel Cave:  Situated near Augusta, join the  guided tour  of three large caverns displaying mesmerizing flowstone resembling frozen waterfalls.

It’s hard to pick a favourite, but if I had to choose just one to visit,  Lake Cave  would be my recommendation.

For sunset, check out the iconic Sugarloaf Rock or kick back at your accommodation to watch the sun go down with a glass of wine in hand.

Where to Stay in the Margaret River Region

In the Margaret River region, the main towns are Dunsborough, Yallingup and Margaret River town. There is a wide range of available accomodation in these towns and the surrounding areas.

Dunsborough is on the west coast, with a shopping complex including a supermarket and lots of residential houses. A 10 minute drive away is Yallingup , a small beachfront town with houses nestled onto a hill with sweeping coastal views.

Margaret River is slightly further south and inland, and has a main strip with cafes, boutiques and a supermarket.

Accommodation options in each town range from hotels/ motels, B&Bs, villas, serviced apartments, AirBnBs and campgrounds.

Margaret River has the largest range of accommodation, but is slightly further (5-10 minutes drive) from the beach.

If you are struggle to find available or cheap accommodation, also consider staying in Busselton and driving a bit further to the main sights in the Margaret River Region each day.

Dunsborough & Yallingup

• Budget – Lanterns Retreats Quaint accommodation in the heart of Dunsborough, and a 10-minute walk away from the beach
• Mid-Range – Club Wyndham Resort Dunsborough With a beach right on your doorstep, you might not even want to use the pool in this resort with immaculate gardens! Also has an on-site restaurant with outdoor patio.
• Luxury – Pullman Bunker Bay Resort You can’t beat the location of this beachfront resort with pool overlooking the tranquil Bunker Bay. This luxury resort has an award-winning spa and each villa comes with a kitchen.
• Best for Families – Seashells Yallingup I’ve stayed here multiple times and love the self-contained apartments. You can walk to Yallingup Lagoon and the property is right next door to Caves House hotel which has live music on weekends.
• Boutique – Barn Hives Yallingup Cute eco pods located in the middle of a vineyard! Only a 5 minute drive from Canal Rocks.

Margaret River & Surrounds

• Budget – Margaret River Resort Older style resort, but a great location 10 minutes from the center of Margaret River town.
• Mid-Range – Riverglen Chalets Chalets nestled in the middle of the forest, but still only a 10 minute walk from Margaret River town.
• Luxury – Burnside Organic Farm I was lucky enough to have a tour of this beautiful property, and their luxury chalets look stunning! They even have outdoor bathtubs.
• Best for Families – The Villa Margaret River I’ve stayed at this beautiful light-filled 3 bedroom villa, located in the middle of town and walking distance to the best Margaret River cafes.
• Glamping – Olio Bello Lakeside Glamping Luxurious, unique lakeside glamping on an olive farm in the heart of the Margaret River Region

Day 2: Exploring the Margaret River Region

Start the day with a coffee from the Yallingup General Store to fuel you for a busy day of exploring ahead.

Dunsborough Beaches

Head to Meelup Beach near Dunsborough to check out the long stretch of protected, calm beach. This popular spot also has SUP and Kayak hire during the summer months. There are BBQ facilities for those wanting to spend the day here.

For those wanting to avoid the crowds, Castle Rock Beach is only 5-10 minutes drive away and is equally (if not more) stunning as Meelup Beach.

Injidup Natural Spa

It wouldn’t be a visit to Yallingup unless you checked out the popular Injidup Natural Spa! Located at the end of Wydaup Rd , the natural spa is created by waves overflowing rocks into the pool.

Warning: Be very careful of the strong tides and waves that can occur here. Unfortunately, lives have been lost. You can read more about visiting this unique natural attraction in my guide here .

Another spectacular swimming spot nearby is the Natural Aquarium. This requires a short hike, which you can read about in my guide here .

After a morning of sand and sun, spend the afternoon wining and dining at one of the many wineries or breweries in the region.

Looking for more things to do in the Margaret River Region? Check out my detailed guide with 35 ideas for things to do here !

Wineries of Margaret River & Yallingup

Is it a trip to the South West of WA without a visit to at least a winery or two?

Some of my personal favourites are:

• Windance Estate : one of the first wineries you’ll come across on Caves Rd as you set off from Yallingup. Windance is a small family own and run vineyard with a stellar line up of wines. When we first came here a few years ago tastings were done in a little tin shed. These days they have a beautiful open farmhouse style cellar door with sweeping views across the vineyard. They have a beautiful range of rich reds, and we always leave with at least a few bottles!
• Stormflower Vineyard : One of the region’s certified organic wineries! Stormflower has the cutest cellar door set in a thriving garden where you can have your wine tasting outside. The Sauvignon Blanc is our pick.
• Xanadu Wines : driving through the sweeping estate near Margaret River town, this winery impresses on first entrance and then later again when trying their wines. Our favourites are the Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Voyager Estate : Highly acclaimed as one of the oldest wineries in the region, Voyager Estate certainly lives up to the hype. Come here for a (paid) wine tasting or a degustation in their restaurant. You can learn more about the wine-making history of the region as you taste prized Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon wines with a paired wine flight and cheese tasting. Enquire here about availability . Make sure to check out the beautiful estate gardens too before leaving.

Leave the car at home and book onto a local wine tour to make the most of a day exploring and sampling at the amazing wineries in the region.

Recommended Margaret River Wine Tours

• Margies Big Day Out Beer & Wine Tours : go on a gastronomic adventure on this full-day tour with a food-loving guide. Visit three wineries, two breweries and sample chocolates and cheese. Includes pickup and drop-off from accommodations around Margaret River.
• Margaret River Wine Adventure : One for the wine lovers and aficionados. This small-group tour begins with a visit to 3 award-winning boutique wineries, before getting hands-on in an exclusive Wine Blending experience. Create your own wine to enjoy with lunch! The day ends with a visit to a local brewery and the chocolate factory. Pick up available from  Margaret River , or from  Dunsborough/Busselton

There are so many options for local craft breweries these days in the Margaret River Region.

Some of our favourites include Wild Hop (Yallingup), Beer Farm (Metricup) and Eagle Bay Brewing (Eagel Bay).

Go for a Hike

If the weather is suitable, I’d also highly recommend hiking a section of the Cape to Cape track. The “access for more” trail starting at Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse to Sugarloaf Rock is a gentle paved trail with stunning ocean views! Another scenic hike is the trail to reach Quinningup Falls , one of Margaret River’s waterfalls.

Boranup Karri Forest & Viewpoint

While you are on Caves Rd make sure you check out the Boranup Forest Viewpoint.

The Boranup forest of towering Karri trees is located about 25 minutes south of Margaret River. There is an area to park and take in the forest in all its peaceful glory.

Alternatively, take the Boranup Drive tourist drive along an unsealed road which is located in a loop off Caves Rd.

Visit Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse

At the end of 2022, the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse reopened after being renovated for the last few years. Cape Leeuwin takes the title of tallest lighthouse of mainland Australia, and watches over the point where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet.

Cape Leeuwin is near the town of Augusta, 30 minutes south from Margaret River.

You can join a 30-minute guided tour to the top of the tower for a spectacular 360-degree view of the surrounding coastline.

Go Whale Watching

Between late May and August, it’s not uncommon to see whales splashing in the distance as you explore the coast. For an up close and personal view of these majestic creatures, join a whale watching tour.

Tours run from Busselton, Dunsborough and Augusta. Check prices and availability here .

Day 3: Margaret River to Denmark

There are quite a few towns you could visit in the Southern Forests region between Yallingup and Denmark. I’d recommend stopping by at least two to break up the 4-hour drive.

Our first stop was Barrabup Pool, located near the quaint town of Nannup. This natural pool was a great place to stop for a snack and a quick dip, or for a walk along the nearby forest trail.

We then set off for the small town of Pemberton, about an hour’s drive away.

Other quaint country towns to stop by at include Bridgetown and Manjimup.

Pemberton is a quaint town with a few different attractions, making it a great place to stop for a few hours or spend a night or two here.

Pemberton is a great lunch stop. On the main street you have the bakery, Source Kitchen and Wild At Heart Cafe which are all great options.

One of Pemberton’s main attractions is the Gloucester Tree, an old fire lookout tree from the 1940s.

Standing over 53 metres tall, visitors can climb to the top of the tree and experience the views from the lookout on top. Note there are no safety harnesses, so it’s definitely not one for the faint hearted!

As the Gloucester tree is located in a National Park, you’ll need to pay a fee to enter or use a National Parks Pass .

If it’s warm, check out the beautiful man made swimming pool nestled next to the forest. It’s one of my favourite Unique Swimmings Spots in Western Australia.

Beedalup Falls

Jumping back into the car, drive 20 minutes to the nearby Beedalup Falls. Again, a national park ticket is required so keep your day ticket from your earlier visit to the Gloucester Tree.

The Falls feature a short walking trail which allows you to do a loop around the falls and across a suspension bridge. You can take a longer hike and visit the unique Walk Through Tree too!

If you have time up your sleeve, you could spend a night in Pemberton or the beautiful Karri Valley Resort just 20 minutes away.

Where to Stay in Denmark

Continue on your south west Western Australia road trip with a 2.5 hour drive into Denmark.

Denmark is so beautiful, with so much to do and see! If you are arriving during the week, I would recommend to plan cooking some dinners as there isn’t as many restaurants open mid-week, compared to the weekend.

Denmark accommodation is mostly chalet and self contained holiday units, some highly rated options are included below.

• Budget – Koorabup Motel A short drive from Denmark town centre with comfortable and spacious rooms.
• Mid-Range – Karri Aura  Clean and cosy units with kitchenettes and scenic views
• Luxury – Chimes Spa Retreat An adults only retreat with stylish suites. Treat yourself to a spa bath after completing the challenging Bluff Knoll hike!
• Best for Families – William Bay Cottages A range of cottages with full kitchen. Close to Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks too!
• Boutique Luxury Cabin – Upland Farm Luxury accommodation with high end amenities on a sprawling farm (adults only)

Day 4: Exploring Denmark

Start the day with a coffee and checking out the little town of Denmark, located by the river. Our favourite coffee stops are Mrs Jones or Ravens Coffee . The bakery here also has excellent pies if you feel like stocking up for lunch later or a cheeky breakfast pie.

The main attraction in Denmark is the stunning Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks. Luckily, both are located in the William Bay National Park (no fee required for entry).

Denmark Wineries

The afternoon in Denmark can be well spent by visiting some of the local wineries. I recommend Rockcliffe, Forest Hill Wines and Singlefile Wines.

Boston Brewing Co is also worth a visit for a beer tasting paddle or meal.

Another great activity near Denmark is the acclaimed Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk. Time permitting, visit here to walk amongst the tops of the tall tingle trees.

Other Things to Do in Denmark

• Denmark Animal Farm: pet and feed the range of friendly farm animals, including guinea pigs, alpacas, goats, highland cows, chickens and more!
• Dine at the Lake House Denmark, a picturesque winery situated by the lake.
• Hike Monkey Rock: for a panoramic view across Denmark from the top
• Taste Cheese and Wines: At Duckett Mill Wine and Cheese restaurant
• Try the Range of Ciders at Monkey Rock Cidery

Day 5: Denmark to Albany

Today is your shortest day of driving, with Albany only 45 minutes from Denmark. Start the morning with a trip out to scenic Lights Beach off Ocean Beach Rd before hitting the road.

On the way to Albany, I would recommend making the detour through West Cape Howe National Park to visit Shelly Beach and the scenic lookout platform located here .

Just before you reach Albany township you can stop in at Wilson Brewing for a craft beer and lunch stop. The portion sizes here were massive, with food made and served out of the built in food truck at the brewery.

Where to Stay in Albany

During our time in Albany, we stayed at the cutest accommodation, Jeffries Cottage . This little blue cottage has been beautifully renovated.

Some other options in Albany include:

• Budget – Park Avenue Holiday Unit Harbour front accommodation walking distance to restaurants in town
• Mid-Range – Hilton Garden Inn Australia’s first Hilton Garden Inn hotel, newly opened in 2021.
• Best for Families – Pelicans Albany Middleton Beach Close to Middleton Beach, offering self contained apartments.

After checking in, we jumped back into the car to check out Little Beach in Albany.

Little Beach & Two People’s Bay

I had seen so many photos on Instagram of Little Beach, a south west road trip icon! Particularly famous for the unusual shaped boulders in the middle of the beach. The water was also impossibly turquoise in real life.

Best of all, when we visited in late October in the afternoon we had this beautiful beach almost all to ourselves!

We spent an hour or exploring the beach, taking drone photos and enjoying the views.

While walking along Little Beach, at the end there is a short uphill trail to a hidden beach, Waterfall Beach.

To the left of Little Beach across the boulders there are some rock pools that are worth exploring too.

Cocktails in Albany

Albany has a lot of food and drink options (definitely more than Denmark) at night.

I’d recommend checking out Liberte for a cocktail. The bar is very quirky, with Parisian inspired interiors and the restaurant comes highly recommended.

Day 6: Albany & Torndirrup National Park

Some might be tempted to keep moving through Albany, but I’m glad we decided to spend two nights here!

With another big day ahead, start the morning with coffee from Bred Co . It is then a 20 minute drive from Albany to Torndirrup National Park. This National Park is incredibly varied with lots to see and do here.

Torndirrup National Park

In summary, make sure you visit the key attractions in the park outlined below (a National Park fee is required to be paid once for the day unless you have that Park Pass);

• Salmon Holes beach
• Frenchman Bay beach
• Jimmy Newell’s harbour
• The Gap & Natural Bridge
• Bald Head Trail hike

You can explore the park self-guided, or join a guided tour that includes transport to explore the sights of Torndirrup National Park whilst learning more about this history of these sights.

Albany Wind Farm

After spending a few hours exploring the National Park, head to the Albany Wind Farm.

A free attraction, we were mesmerised by how close we could get to these giant turbines!

There is a short 20 minute walk trail starting at the carpark. Here you can see the turbines up close and learn more about the science behind them.

Great Southern Distillery Visit

On the way back from the wind farm, stop at the nearby Great Southern Distillery .

Enjoy a a whisky tasting (for a small fee) or lunch at the Cellar Door. They also have a gin cellar door back in Margaret River that’s worth checking out too when in town.

National Anzac Centre

Albany is home to the National Anzac Centre . This award-winning museum overlooks the harbour from which over 41,000 men and women departed Australia for World War 1.

After exploring the interactive displays and media at the museum, explore the fortifications and large coastal guns at the heritage listed Princess Royal Fortress, one of Australia’s oldest coastal military sites.

Check ticket prices here.

Other Fun Things to Do in Albany

• Hop Aboard a Scenic Wildlife Cruise : Sail the sheltered waters of Albany’s Kalgan River on this half-day scenic cruise aboard a glass-bottom vessel. You’ll learn about Albany’s history and wildlife, with the chance to spot hawks, eagles, pelicans and kangaroos.
• Explore Albany Heritage Park on Segway: Discover the highlights of the 260 hectare Heritage Park on segway. Traverse sandy beaches and hilly terrain with ease whilst exploring more of Albany with your local guide. Learn more here.
• Explore the Granite Skywalk at the Porongorups: you can join a guided tour departing from Albany. Explore new heights from the Granite Skywalk, with a lunch and wine tasting at a local winery on the way back to town.
• Whale Watching: From June to September the magnificent humpback and Southern Right whales can be seen in the water of King George Sound near Albany. Learn more here .

Dinner & Drinks at Rats Bar

Our last dinner was over the other side of Albany in Middleton Beach.

Rats Bar caught our attention with its delicious sounding menu and great range of local wines. Notably, the risotto was one of the best I had ever had. Rats Bar is recommended for drinks and dinner while in Albany.

Day 7: Albany to Perth

Head over to Naked Bean , touted as one of the best coffee shops in Albany before hitting the road for the long 5 hour drive back to Perth.

You’ll pass nearby the Porongorup National Park, where you can hike up to the Granite Skywalk . Another option would be to do the Bluff Knoll hike in Stirling Range National Park. You can read all about it in my Bluff Knoll guide .

That wraps up your week long road trip exploring the beautiful South West region of Western Australia. There is so much to see and do, but this one week road trip South West WA itinerary gives you time to explore the main sights without feeling too rushed!

You can head further along the south coast and visit Esperance , home to some of WA’s best beaches . Allow at least an additional four nights to your journey. From Albany, it’s a further 5 hour drive to Esperance.

TRAVEL PLANNING RESOURCES My tried and tested recommendations to make your next trip easier

🛡️ Travel Insurance: For my fellow Aussies, I use CoverMore for domestic and overseas travel insurance and they've been great to deal with. Travel with peace of mind knowing you're covered for unexpected events, ensuring a worry-free journey.

🌐 Stay Connected: After trying an eSim for the first time when travelling Japan & Europe for over 4 months in 2023, I'm officially converted! Thanks to Airalo , gone are the days of needing to physically swap plastic sim cards every time you enter a new country. Stay connected wherever you go by easily and affordably purchasing an eSim for all your travel destinations.

🚗 Easy Car Rental : Enjoy hassle-free car rentals on DiscoverCars with a wide range of options, competitive prices, and excellent customer service. I often find it's cheaper than booking direct, and I can compare a large range of suppliers to make sure I'm getting the best price.

💱 Access Local Currency: I've been using Wise in my business and on my travels to save on currency exchange and it's been a game changer! Wise provide a transparent and cost-effective way to access and manage local currency, with minimal fees and the best exchange rates compared to the traditional travel cards which sneakily charge extra fees and usually give you a poor exchange rate. Find out more here .

🏨 Accommodation: I book all my accommodation through booking.com . Discover their vast selection of accommodations worldwide, with great deals and flexible booking options. Plus, if you join their Genius Loyalty program, you get special benefits and discounts on selected stays.

🌟 Attractions & Tours: GetYourGuide is my preferred platform as they make it super easy to compare different tours, book experiences and get the best prices for tours across the world. I've downloaded their mobile app to have all my bookings in one place to easily pull up details when I've got multiple tours booked.

📸If you're wondering what I've used to capture the photos in this article, you can see what's in my camera bag here .

☕ Finally, if you found this free guide useful, you can buy me a coffee to say thanks :)

Just a quick note to let you know this post may contain affiliate links . At no extra cost to you, I receive a small commission on purchases made through these links. By doing so, you are supporting this blog and allowing me to continue providing you with free high-quality travel guides. Thank you!

30 thoughts on “Best of South West WA: One Week Road Trip Itinerary”

Wait, there is such a thing as underground yoga in a cave?! No way!!! I am adding this to my bucket list right now. That was so cool to learn and realize was a thing out there somewhere. And that name of the bar…Rats Bar. This would catch my eye too. Literally laughing out loud. The food did look delicious and will have to try it one day if I ever make it over. Thanks for sharing this!

I never been to Australia! The wineries and the forest really attracts me!

Love the imagery with the drone and land photos side-by-side. And Gloucester Tree Fire Lookout looks like an adventure worthy of a road trip!

I was booked and about to head to Aus for three months right before borders started shutting down, so reading Aus posts is so hard lol! But this road trip sounds and looks so amazing, I’m saving it for later. I definitely want to visit for more than three months now!

Road trips must be a special thing, the coast of Australia seems magical! I hope to do this someday.

Great Post. There is so much to see and do in WA, Margaret River is a particular favourite.

I’ve only been to WA once, but that was more of a romantic trip with my partner (it was our first international trip together), so we didn’t really go around much. Only chilled out in Perth and Fremantle. The next time I visit, I’d love to go on a road trip like this one!

I’ve never been to Australia but this looks like such a great road trip itinerary! Thanks for sharing 🙂

This looks like the type of road trip I would love to set off on! I’ll definitely save this itinerary for when I head to this part of Australia.

My gosh, these views are stunning and this food looks divine. I’ve just saved for my Australia bucketlist. Dying to visit one day!!

I am so amazed by this beautiful area! The landscapes are beautiful and I really appreciate the beaches! I hope to go to Australia one day!

Your pictures make me want to visit right now! I can’t wait to go back and explore WA!

• Pingback: Things to Do in Torndirrup National Park | Tessomewhere
• Pingback: 8 of the Best Romantic Weekend Getaways from Perth for Couples
• Pingback: 8 Unique Swimming Spots in Western Australia | Tessomewhere
• Pingback: A Long Weekend in Denmark | Tessomewhere
• Pingback: Gnomesville: Ferguson Valley Visitor Guide | Tessomewhere
• Pingback: Day Trip to Black Diamond Lake | Tessomewhere
• Pingback: Western Australia Travel Guide: Things You Need to Know | Tessomewhere
• Pingback: Top 12 Must See Beaches in Esperance | Tessomewhere
• Pingback: Quinninup Falls: Hiking to the Hidden Waterfall | Tessomewhere
• Pingback: Ultimate Perth to Esperance Road Trip Guide (2021) | Tessomewhere
• Pingback: Best Things to Do in Margaret River - Tessomewhere

Thank you so much Tess !! We are going to use this Itenary as a rough guide for my Fiances first trip to Australia !!!

Theres some locations in here I had never even heard of !! Yoga in Caves sounds really grounding and relaxing and I love Pemberton so much !! thanks for all you included.

Weve been under the pump lately and were sure what route to take through the south west thanks for including accomodation ideas . this was such a time saver instead of writing our own itinery down so we stay on track and not waste any time in our short holiday period.

• Pingback: 15 Remarkable Natural Landmarks in Western Australia - Tessomewhere
• Pingback: Western Australia Wildflowers: Complete Guide (2022) - Tessomewhere
• Pingback: Cape to Cape Walk Track: Ultimate Guide - Tessomewhere
• Pingback: Ultimate Guide to Karri Valley - Tessomewhere

This is great, but Texas isn’t the largest state in the U.S.! Continental maybe, but Alaska is actually 2.5 times bigger than Texas.

Hehe thanks for the correction!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Check out our range of Western Australian Souvenirs, Maps, Guidebooks, Food, Drink and more

South West Tours

Want to know more we are here to help, subscribe to our mailing list.

Subscribe to our mailing list

• Unique Experiences
• Places to Stay
• Getting Outdoors
• Events & Festivals

Email a Friend

• Full-Day Tours
• Half-Day Tours
• Extended-Day Tours
• Certificates

Use the form below to contact us directly.

Please complete all required fields.

Booking details

Submit booking, confirmation, booking info.

First name:

Special requirements:

Total price:

We wish you a pleasant trip your Aussie Perth Tours team

8 Days Discover South-West Package

Tour departures:.

• We offer departures from Perth every day, throughout the year.
• Minimum participant numbers are required, for the tour to be operated.

Urgent Bookings:

• For urgent bookings during the weekend or within 48 hours of departure, please contact us at +61 8 9221 2400

Experience the Ultimate South West Australia Adventure

Get ready for a remarkable expedition that harmoniously blends the finest destinations in the breathtaking South West of Australia. This captivating journey promises a seamless and enriching experience that immerses you in the region's unparalleled natural beauty, vibrant culture, and remarkable history.

Day 1 ushers you into the adventure with a warm welcome in Perth, where you'll be met at the airport and smoothly transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore Perth's vibrant cityscape at your own pace, offering a taste of the experiences that await.

Day 2 is the gateway to a four-day exploration of Albany, Margaret River, and the South West region. Your journey begins as you depart for Augusta, a scenic drive that reveals the stunning landscapes that define this region. Along the way, you'll have the privilege of visiting the iconic Busselton Jetty, an architectural marvel stretching into the azure waters of Geographe Bay. As you continue, the mystical allure of Ngilgi Cave beckons, offering a captivating glimpse into the subterranean wonders of Western Australia. The day concludes in the charming Margaret River Township, where you can savor the local flavors and immerse yourself in the area's rich culture.

Day 3 unveils the beauty of the natural world as you venture from Augusta to Karri Valley. The towering Karri Valley forest captivates your senses, inviting you to explore its lush greenery and tranquil waters. Beedelup Waterfalls add an extra layer of enchantment to your day, where you can witness the mesmerizing cascade of water in a pristine natural setting. Your journey continues to the iconic Cape Leeuwin, the southwestern tip of Australia, where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet, creating a powerful maritime backdrop.

On Day 4, your exploration takes you from Karri Valley to Albany, a journey marked by a visit to the renowned Green Pools. These crystal-clear waters beckon for a refreshing dip, surrounded by the untouched beauty of the landscape. The Treetop Walk, an iconic experience in the Valley of the Giants, offers an elevated perspective of the ancient Tingle forest, providing an immersive encounter with the region's towering trees.

Day 5 marks your return to Perth, where you'll uncover more of the region's wonders. The Sandalwood Factory reveals the secrets of the fragrant wood that has been sought after for centuries. A visit to a local fruit orchard allows you to savor the freshness of the land's produce, while Dog Rock, a natural rock formation, adds another layer of intrigue to your journey.

Your adventure culminates in Perth by 6 pm, with your heart and mind filled with the captivating memories of this South West Australia odyssey.

Day 6 invites you to embark on a full-day tour, allowing you to delve deeper into the rich tapestry of Perth, Fremantle, Swan Valley, and a Wildlife Park. You'll experience the cultural essence of Western Australia, explore the vibrant streets of Fremantle, and discover the region's exceptional wildlife.

A half-day tour on Day 7 invites you to enjoy the coastal charm of Hillarys Marina, where the blend of modern amenities and natural beauty creates a delightful setting.

On your departure day, Day 8, you'll bid farewell to your accommodation at 10 am, concluding your unforgettable adventure with a smooth transfer to Perth Airport. This South West Australia tour is a harmonious blend of nature, culture, and captivating experiences that leaves an indelible mark on your heart and soul.

We are sorry, there are no reviews yet for this tour.

• All entrance fees to National Parks and venues as specified in the itinerary are covered. No hidden costs.
• Food and wine/beer tastings are included when they are part of the tour itinerary.
• Enjoy live commentary on board from an English-speaking, locally experienced Coach Captain/Guide.
• We provide the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off for all hotels in Perth CBD and Northbridge, right at your accommodation doorstep.
• Travel comfortably in our air-conditioned coaches with plush seats equipped with seat belts, ample headroom, and clear tour window vehicles.
• As small-group tour specialists, we take pride in offering personalized services to our clients for an unforgettable experience.
• Food and drinks are not included unless explicitly specified in the tour description.
• Gratuities are optional and not included in the tour price.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Some of our tours may not be suitable for individuals with walking disabilities or those requiring a wheelchair. Please feel free to inquire for specific tour recommendations.
• The exact order of the itinerary items may be subject to change as necessary, due to factors such as weather conditions, road conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances.
• Please note that the minimum legal drinking age for participation in beer or wine-tasting tours is 18 years.
• The operation of this tour is subject to a minimum number of participants.

Departure Info

• Enjoy complimentary hotel pickup directly from your doorstep within Perth CBD and the Northbridge area, or you can opt to meet us at our office in East Perth.
• Pickup from a residential address is also available, subject to an additional cost.
• We provide free drop-off service back to your city hotel or any other location within Perth CBD and Northbridge for your convenience.

Passionate service

Secure booking, no hidden fees.

Forgot your password? Don't have an account yet? Sign up.

Proudly Supporting

Traverse the South West Capes with Inspiration Outdoors >>

CLICK TO SEE TOURING OPTIONS

Your South West booking starts here

Browse South West Tours & Things To Do

South West Tours & Things To Do Western Australia

WA's South West region has plenty of places to see and there are many proud locals who want to show you the sights. A tour guide will ensure you see all the secret spots and have the best trip possible. Tours are a great social activity and a chance to meet fellow travellers. It's also worth knowing what to see on your own and where to eat.

• The best way to book Western Australia 
• Bookings processed right here in WA 
• Your booking benefits the local community 
• Quick and friendly service with expert advice 
• Fast processing of your booking 
• Book with us to support Western Australia tourism 

For assistance with your booking call 1300 885 775 ( +61 8 9460 4900 )

Browse Tours & Things To Do by location in South West

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Username or Email Address

Remember Me

Don't have an account? Sign Up

Already have an account? Log in

Reset your password

Please enter your email address or username. You will receive a link to create a new password via email.

Email Address or Username

Remember your old password? Login

• Upcoming Tours
• Bucket List
• Account Settings

• Australian Tours
• Tips & Articles
• Travel Guides
• Attractions
• Travel Videos
• Popular Tours
• Gift Vouchers
• 1300 661 225

• South West WA

The majestic South West of Australia brings together an eclectic collection of landscapes, from lush rolling vineyards, to wild and rugged ocean scenery, and dense forests that break away into desert. There are plenty of things to get stuck into here, whether you’re looking for adventurous pursuits or a laidback trip full of lush landscapes and peaceful scenes.

From the coast, you can spot magnificent humpback whales as they break the water’s surface, explore ancient caves that stud the cliff faces, and wander through forests lined with timber galleries.

Forming one of the world’s 34 biodiversity hotspots, the South West promises a breath-taking experience, from the jaw-dropping views of the Granite Skywalk and the pretty Greens Pool, to the smattering of wineries at Margaret’s River, where you can kick back with a glass of tipple, local truffles, and a fresh supply of crayfish. When the vineyards close for the day, head to the Margaret River Mouth and Southside to cool off.

Explore the South West Tours Departing from Perth

1 Day Pinnacles Tour

Destination : Perth

Duration : 1 Day

Tour type : Day Tour

Currently Unavailable

Pinnacles Day Tour from Perth

Available Now

Rottnest Island Tour

10 Day Adelaide to Perth Tour

Destination : Adelaide

Duration : 10 Days

Tour type : Overland Tour

Explore Other Attractions in Perth

• Broome and the North West
• Coral Coast WA
• Golden Outback WA
• Kalbarri National Park
• Karijini National Park
• Ningaloo Reef
• Stromatolites
• The Gibb River Road
• The Pinnacles
• The Valley of the Giants
• Western Australia

Things to Do near Perth

• Perth Tours
• Broome and the North West Tours
• South West Tours
• Margaret River Tours

If you have a registered account with us,then we have sent you an email to reset your password.

Invalid Username/Password

The Email id you have Entered is not Registered With us.

Your password has been reset successfully please login with new password.

Travel to and around the South West

Include a ‘Down South’ adventure in your WA travel plans. In just under two hours from Perth, via the Kwinana Freeway and Forrest Highway, you’ll reach Bunbury – the northern gateway to WA's South West. TransWA's Australind rail link gets you to Bunbury and the South West in two and half hours from Perth. It also runs regular bus services that get you to many down-south hubs from Perth, including Bunbury, Albany (Kinjarling), Margaret River, Walpole, Augusta, Pemberton, Collie, Boyup Brook, Donnybrook and Bridgetown. The quickest option is a scheduled flight with Regional Express (to Albany (Kinjarling)) and perhaps the most luxurious way to arrive is by sea on a cruise.

With a good network of sealed roads and short distances between towns and attractions, it’s easy to get around down south. A self-drive holiday is a great way to see Australia’s South West your way. Choose from a wide selection of itineraries in the region and search for a local car hire company in Perth, Bunbury or Busselton (Undalup). If you’d prefer to sit back and let someone else take the wheel, you’ve got plenty of options here with short or extended experiences, from 4WD adventures to coach tours. Check out the bus and coach services of TransWA and South West Coach Lines.

Tourism Western Australia acknowledges Aboriginal peoples as the traditional custodians of Western Australia and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We celebrate the diversity of Aboriginal West Australians and honour their continuing connection to Country, culture and community. We recognise and appreciate the invaluable contributions made by First Nations peoples across many generations in shaping Western Australia as a premier destination.

Find your next adventure

Make an enquiry today!

Preferred method of contact —Please choose an option— Email Phone

Select State Western Australia Queensland Northern Territory New South Wales Victoria South Australia Tasmania

Select Region Coral Coast Golden Outback North West South West

Please note that we take your privacy very seriously and will not disclose your details to any third party without prior permission.

Thank you for your enquiry

One of our friendly staff will contact you shortly

Follow us on:

1800 999 677

[email protected]

• Find your next adventure:
• Choose State New South Wales Western Australia Northern Territory Queensland South Australia Victoria Tasmania
• Choose Region Coral Coast Golden Outback North West Perth South West Western Australia
• Accommodation Type Camping Motel

South  West

11 Day Western Australian Spring Tour

4 Day Great Southern Wildflower Tour with Botanical Guide

4 Day South West Forest Wildflower Tour with Botanical Guide

5 Day Southern Ocean National Parks Safari

8 Day Albany, Esperance & Historic Goldfields Tour

Balingup Medieval Carnivale Day Tour

Collie River Cruise Day Tour

Giants of Mandurah & The Cut Tavern

Nannup Flower & Garden Festival Day Tour

Tastes of the Southern Valleys & Wellington Dam

Check Out Our Videos

Get a copy of our Touring Program

View our latest tour program

Where did you hear about us? —Please choose an option— Radio Newspaper Internet Tourism WA Word of mouth

I would also like the touring program posted to me

Select State ACT Western Australia Queensland Northern Territory New South Wales Victoria South Australia Tasmania

Thank you for your request

The touring program will be sent to you shortly.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Sign Up To receive travel news and the latest specials

State/Territory: —Please choose an option— ACT NSW NT QLD SA TAS VIC WA International

Thank you for subscribing

You will now receive our newsletters.

Follow us on social media:

Get our newsletter

See our new 2023/24 Touring Program

Want to recieve exclusive news, videos, tournament highlights, golf important tips and more ?

I understand and agree that my personal information will be collected, stored and used, in accordance with the PGA of Australia's privacy policy .

Baillie upstages pros with South West Open win

Western Australian amateur Adam Baillie has upstaged a host of Tour winners to claim the 2024 South West Isuzu South West Open at Bunbury Golf Club.

The reigning club champion at Lakelands Country Club in Perth’s northern suburbs, Baillie followed up a round of 3-under 69 on Saturday with 5-under 67 on Sunday to finish level with Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia regular James Marchesani (68-68) at 8-under par.

The pair squared off in a playoff where Baillie leant on his superb short game to claim victory, Marchesani having to be content with the winner’s prize purse.

Two strokes off the lead after Round 1, The National Tournament winner Cameron John shot 2-under 70 in the second round to finish outright third at 7-under.

Brady Watt (67) and Scott Strange (69) shared fourth spot at 6-under followed by Braden Becker (69), Marcus Fraser (70) and Zach Maxwell, whose 6-under 66 was the round of the tournament.

Third in the Gosnells Open two weeks ago, Baillie is eyeing off a potential move to the US to attend college.

A member at The Vines Resort, and coached by PGA Professional David Harris and Associate Daniel Hoeve, the 21-year-old is proving to be more mentally resilient of late and needed every ounce of it coming down the stretch.

Playing in the final group with John and fellow WA amateur Zach Capelli, Baillie birdied three of his final five holes to match Marchesani’s two-round total.

The next event on the adidas PGA Pro-Am Series WA swing is the GMW & Radlink Wembley Pro-Am at Wembley Golf Course on Wednesday.

Final scores

Headlines at a glance

Quick links, connect with us.

Related Content

Kobori’s climb continues

PGA Institute launches series of educational scholarships

Order of Merit champion Kobori set for major debut

• Leaderboard
• Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia
• PGA Legends Tour
• adidas PGA Pro-Am Series
• MPP Tournaments
• PGA Professionals Championship
• Qualifying School
• Latest News
• PGA Professionals
• PGA Membership Pathway Program
• PGA Institute
• PGA Academy
• Community Instructor Program
• Benefits of hiring a PGA Professional
• Recruitment Services
• ACE Program
• Challenger PGA Tour Of Australasia
• Where can i play?
• The Scramble
• All Abilities Coaches
• First Tee Australia
• Women’s Golf Network
• Southern Comfort Twilight Rounds
• Official PGA App

Twelve month wait for Western Australia's giant climbing trees to reopen, despite funding injection

Communities in Western Australia's south are hopeful one of its major tourist drawcards will soon be reopened after a promising funding announcement.

The state government last weekend said it would commit $3 million to upgrading Pemberton's two giant climbing trees, which people have been scaling for more than half a century. 

The 61-metre-tall Gloucester and Dave Evans Bicentennial trees were closed to climbers in 2023 for structural safety reasons. 

At the time, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) said it would not rule out closing them permanently, prompting concerns from the region's tourism sector. 

The new funding, which is part of a $165 million adventure tourism package, has gone some way to dispelling those fears. 

But a DBCA spokesperson told the ABC the karri trees would likely remain closed for at least another 12 months. 

"In the meantime, people are encouraged to visit the Gloucester National Park, where entry fees have been waived, and to experience the tree canopy ropes and zip-line course," they said.

Tourism sector keen for more details on tree plan

WA Tourism Council CEO Evan Hall said he would not be holding his breath for a sudden reopening.

"No-one's expecting [the trees] to open soon," he told ABC Radio South West and Great Southern.

"I imagine it might well be quite a few years still before that's back in action."

He said the DBCA had closed and reopened climbing on the trees multiple times in the past. 

"Each time, they just leave it closed for a long time, about a year, before they get around to doing the maintenance," Mr Hall said.

"Then [they] open it again and then discover that the maintenance didn't fix all the problems, so they close it again."

Mr Hall said more work was needed to maintain the trees year round and proactively improve the attraction for visitors.

"The $3 million needs to do more than just get the tree open, [but] to also create more of an experience there."

Local tour guide Graeme Dearle said the funding was nonetheless a good sign.

"We've been lobbying for some time for the trees to be open," he said. 

"We're just really happy to know that the government's obviously been sentimental to our concerns, and [is] putting money towards these key attractions."

Mr Dearle, who runs Pemberton Discovery Tours, said the area's economy was heavily dependent on attractions like the climbing trees to bring in tourists.

"We get a lot of international [and] interstate people visiting and their itineraries are based on these icons," he said.

"I know in a lot of cases people were changing their itinerary because of the trees being closed." 

He said he was excited to hear more details from the government about what the promised upgrades would look like. 

The DBCA said it was already working with engineers and arborists to remove and replace the upper-tree towers on both trees.

• X (formerly Twitter)

Related Stories

Without a harness or safety net, people have climbed these 60m tall trees for decades — but not anymore.

Giant karri tree conquered by totally blind amputee

• Regional Development and Planning
• State and Territory Government
• Tourism and Leisure Industry
• Travel Health and Safety
• Travel and Tourism (Lifestyle and Leisure)