THE SOUTH WEST EDGE: PERTH TO BUNBURY

Explore this slice of paradise on the west coast

Are you seeking barefoot luxury and a deep connection to nature? Dive into encounters with dolphins, indulge in amazing wines, walk amid towering karri forests, and unwind to the sounds of the ocean—all in the same day.

Elizabeth Quay Bridge at sunset on Swan River

Day 1—Perth to Rottnest Island return (66km)

Before heading south, spend a day on Perth’s secluded island escape, Rottnest Island. A haven of pristine beaches, bays, bike tracks and walking trails, and home to the happiest animal on earth—the quokka. The best part? It’s a short 30-minute ferry ride from either Fremantle or 45 minutes from Hillarys Boat Harbour. Once docked, explore the conservation-minded reserve on foot, with a hired bicycle or e-bike, via the shuttle, or aboard the hop-on-hop off bus, which loops around the 11km-long island.

The bays and beaches are like a slice of Paradise. With 63 in total, you’ll be spoilt for choice when choosing where to stop for a swim or snorkel: the Basin, Geordie Bay and Little Parakeet Bay, Parker Point, Little Salmon Bayare popular spots to look out for. When it’s time to recharge, stop at one of the many cafés before boarding the ferry back to Perth.

Busselton Jetty on Geographe Bay

Day 2—Perth to Bunbury (172km)

The sooner you get to Bunbury, the more chance you have of meeting the friendly wild dolphins at the Bunbury Dolphin Discovery Centre, so hit the road early. It’s just a two-hour drive from Perth, heading south on the Kwinana Freeway and Forrest Highway, and once you’re there you have a number of dolphin experiences to choose from.

Choose from a wide array of accommodation in and around Bunbury for your overnight stay.

Rottnest's cutest resident, the quokka

Day 3—Bunbury to Margaret River (99km)

Take the 50-minute drive to Busselton for breakfast overlooking Geographe Bay and the longest timber jetty in the southern hemisphere, Busselton Jetty. Walk the 1.8km jetty or ride the train, and take a tour of Australia’s greatest artificial reef. The Underwater Observatory is your window to the colourful sponges, corals and marine life, but you can opt to snorkel or dive the jetty for a closer encounter.

From here, it’s another 25-minute drive to reach Dunsborough and Yallingup for lunch and then head to Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse to catch an Indian Ocean sunset, stopping to stroll on the pristine beaches of Bunker Bay and Meelup Beach along the way. Between June and December, migrating humpback and southern right whales can be spotted from this vantage point.

Continue south on scenic Caves Road and take your pick from Margaret River’s many accommodation options.

Bunbury dolphins

Day 4—Margaret River

Take a morning walk on the Cape to Cape Track, one of the most diverse coastal trails you’ll experience, or grab a coffee and watch the local surfers in action. You’ll find 40 top surfing spots around Margaret River, but Surfers Point is arguably the most famous.

An afternoon of exploration and indulgence awaits. Hop from cellar door to cellar door to sample the region’s premium wines, and stop by the local gourmet produce stores to taste fine artisanal foods.

While you’re on the road, head south on Caves Road for a scenic drive through the tall karri trees of Boranup Karri Forest. Stay and explore the forest’s enchanting underworld with a guided tour of Mammoth Cave, Lake Cave, or Jewel Cave where you’ll find the world’s longest publicly accessible straw stalactite. Or head 15 minutes south to Australia’s most southwesterly point where you can take a guided tour of Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, the largest lighthouse of its kind on the mainland.

The Gap, Torndirrup National Park

Day 5—Margaret River to Pemberton (147km)

Head inland to the old timber town of Nannup—famous for its colour-filled gardens, spring wildflowers and country crafts—and on to the premium cool-climate wine region of Pemberton, the ideal place to stop for lunch or dinner.

Explore the region’s dense forests and waterways on foot or bike—the epic Bibbulmun Track and Munda Biddi Trail meander through nearby Beedelup and Warren national parks.

Extend your stay an extra day for a 4WD, bushwalking and fishing adventure among the tall-timber forests, sand dunes and pristine beaches of D’Entrecasteaux National Park (4WD access only).

Jewel Cave

Day 6—Pemberton to Denmark (186km)

Continue on the Vasse and South Western Highway to Walpole, where you can walk through the canopy of 400-year-old tingle trees on the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk. The 40m-high treetop walkway—the first of its kind— takes you on a gentle climb, revealing breathtaking views of the surrounding forest. In the afternoon, take the 40-minute scenic drive east from Walpole towards Denmark, stopping off at William Bay National Park, where the towering forest meets the Southern Ocean. Head to the sheltered bay of Greens Pool to swim or snorkel, or explore the national park’s rugged coastline on foot with a scenic walk to see the curious bathing giants at Elephant Rocks.

William Bay National Park

Elephant Rocks

Day 7—Denmark to Albany (54km)

From Denmark, a 55-minute drive east through Albany will bring you to Discovery Bay and the state-of-the-art National Anzac Centre, where you can step into the boots of one of the 40,000 Anzacs who fought in the First World War.

One of Western Australia’s most dramatic coastlines— Torndirrup National Park—is just a 10-minute drive from Discovery Bay, on the other side of the peninsular. Gaze in awe at The Gap, Natural Bridge and The Blowholes (and if you stand atop these tall cliffs between July and October, you may spot migrating whales, too).

Head back to the heritage buildings of Albany and choose from an array of restaurants, taverns and accommodation options.

William Bay National Park

Day 8—Albany to Hopetoun (382km)

A weekend visit to Albany gives you the option of breakfasting at the iconic farmer’s markets for a taste of the region’s fresh local flavours. But you’ll need to rise early to make the most of the day’s activities. Forty minutes north, rising above the karri tree forest, you’ll find the striking granite range of Porongurup National Park—12 peaks sculpted by Mother Nature over the last 1,100 million years.

Take the two-hour return walk to Castle Rock and the Granite Skywalk to take in the rich birdlife, spring wildflowers (August to December) and panoramic views. Continue your journey along Chester Pass Road to Stirling Range National Park and walk the Bluff Knoll Trail ascending Western Australia’s second highest peak.

Plan your day to allow at least three hours for the final leg to Hopetoun for your overnight stay.

The Anglican Church of the Holy Trinity in York

Day 9—Hopetoun to Esperance (193km)

Hopetoun is your gateway to UNESCO World Heritage Listed Fitzgerald River National Park, one of the world’s most naturally diverse landscapes. Hit the park’s walking and driving trails to explore this unique wilderness, home to almost 20% of Western Australia’s plant species, with many found nowhere else on the planet.

Make your way east to Esperance and join the Great Ocean Drive Tourist Loop for an afternoon exploring a string of striking white-sand beaches, from the snorkelling and swimming spots of Blue Haven Beach and Twilight Cove, to the top surf at West Beach, Fourth Beach or Observatory Beach.

Wave Rock

Day 10—Esperance

Explore the 100-plus islands of the Recherche Archipelago on a half-day wildlife cruise. Spot sea eagles and New Zealand fur seals, then head to Woody Island wilderness for a mini land-based adventure among the bandicoots, wallabies and birdlife.

You may also see the extraordinary bubblegum-pink Lake Hillier if you choose to fly or cruise to the archipelago by private charter. Venture 30 minutes east of Esperance and you’ll discover Cape Le Grand National Park and one of Australia’s most famous coastal gems—the white sands of Lucky Bay.

If you’d like to explore further, hit the bushwalking trails for stunning vistas over the Recherche Archipelago, or join an escorted 4WD tour. Consider extending your road trip for an extra day and a 4WD adventure along the outback coast and into the bushwalking, camping and fishing paradise of Cape Arid National Park.

Tree Top Walk

Day 11—Esperance to Hyden (382km)

Drive 380km from the coast, and through the Wheatbelt towns of Ravensthorpe, Lake King and Hyden to reach one of Australia’s biggest breaks—Wave Rock, a 15m-high cresting wave of solid granite shaped by the forces of nature over two billion years. As you explore Wave Rock’s 160-hectare nature reserve, be sure to visit Mulka's Cave where a local Aboriginal legend is retold through more than 450 ancient rock paintings.

Lake Hillier

Day 12—Hyden to Perth (391km)

Take a detour on your journey east to photograph one of the quirkiest attractions in the Wheatbelt—the Tin Horse Highway of Kulin—before continuing to Corrigin’s Dog Cemetery, a touching tribute to man’s best friend. Take the Corrigin-Quairading Road north-west from Corrigin to the grand heritage town of York, which was established in 1831.

With much of its Victorian and Federation architecture lovingly restored, York is the ideal place to stop for lunch, afternoon tea or dinner—it’s a treasure trove of cafes, restaurants, galleries, museums and antique shops. If you’d like a shot of adrenaline with your heritage experience, stay overnight and take a tandem skydive from 14,000 feet over the picturesque Avon Valley. From York, it's an hour and twenty minute drive on the Great Eastern Highway to reach Perth.

MAIN IMAGE: Bicycles are the main mode of transport on Rottnest Island