The Ultimate South West Coastal Road Trip From Perth

Five days, one drive, and a completely different Western Australia waiting at the end of the Kwinana Freeway. This is the route that takes you from a lively port city through dolphin-filled waters, modern marinas and vineyard country most people only see in postcards. Here’s exactly how to plan your south west road trip from Perth.

What 5 Days South of Perth Gets You

When you start heading south of Perth, the coastline gets a lot more interesting (not that it isn’t stunning in the city, of course). As the highway leads south, you start seeing calm coves, ancient limestone caves, wild forests and some of WA’s best wine country, all within a few hours’ drive down the Kwinana Freeway and Bussell Highway.

This is the classic South West run: Perth to Bunbury, on through Busselton and Dunsborough, and into Margaret River’s wine country. Five days is enough to do it in full, though if you’ve got the time there’s no harm in prolonging it further.

Along the way you’ll swim in Geographe Bay, walk through karri forest, spot (and maybe even swim with) dolphins and sea lions in Busselton and Bunbury and taste your way through dozens of cellar doors.

Pack everything you’ll need for a road trip this diverse, and start up the car. This is a road trip that changes every hour or two. Here’s how to do it just right.

The Perth to Margaret River Road Trip

Sure, you can drive it in one day. But if you do you’ll miss so much. Here’s your ultimate Perth to Margaret River road trip.

Day one and two: Perth

Ease into the week with the Perth classics you won’t want to miss if it’s your first time in WA: Kings Park for city and river views and Cottesloe for a proper swim and sunset before the trip properly begins.

For your first night, stay at either Sanno Marracoonda Perth Airport Hotel, a comfortable, budget-friendly option near Optus Stadium with a pool and on-site restaurant, or the Great Eastern Motor Lodge, tucked in Rivervale a short stroll from the Swan River with self-contained apartments and easy access to both the city and the airport. Either one means you remain close to the freeway for an easy exit the next morning.

Before hitting the road the next morning, swing by Fremantle on the way for brunch at Moore & Moore Cafe, a Freo institution set inside a heritage building with a laid-back, arty feel and a menu that covers all bases. From here, it’s a short walk to the Fremantle Markets where you can pick up some road trip goodies, grab a second coffee then head back to the car and point it south.

Next stop: Mandurah.

Day two and three: Mandurah

Roll on into Mandurah and check into the Atrium Hotel, right in the heart of the tourist precinct and just a five-minute walk from the beach, boardwalk, and marina. The hotel’s light-filled central atrium, indoor pool, and on-site restaurant make it a pretty perfect spot for what you’ll need.

Once you’re unpacked, head to Mandurah Boat Hire, the original self-drive operator in town, and pick out a dinghy, kayak, SUP or pontoon boat; no skipper’s ticket required! From there, cruise out through the Port Mandurah canals and into the Peel-Harvey Estuary, one of the largest inland waterways in WA, taking in the canal-side homes and open water along the way.

In the evening, walk the Mandurah Foreshore path, tracing the waterfront from the Ocean Marina past Dolphin Quay and along Mandjar Bay, taking in most of the town’s best views along the way. Finish up with dinner at The Boardwalk@DQ, right on the Ocean Marina, with share plates and craft beers on tap.

Get a good night’s sleep, then it’s back on the road the next morning, heading south to Bunbury.

Day three and four: Bunbury

In Bunbury dolphins are the main event for many. So, start the day at the Dolphin Discovery Centre in Koombana Bay, Australia’s premier wild dolphin experience. Depending on the season, you can wade into the free Interaction Zone, jump on a Dolphin Eco-Cruise, or even book the Swim With the Dolphins tour between November and April for a proper up-close encounter.

With the afternoon free, head inland to the Ferguson Valley, about 20 minutes from town, and cool off at Honeymoon Pool in Wellington National Park, a favourite swimming spot on the Collie River surrounded by forest. Then if you feel you’ve got a bit more time, Black Diamond Lake, a former coal mine now filled with striking turquoise water, is nearby too.

Head back into Bunbury and check into the Lord Forrest Hotel, right in the heart of the CBD, and settle in for the evening with dinner at the hotel’s own Unwind on Symmons, serving up local and international dishes in the atrium restaurant, with a bar and lounge to follow.

The next morning, it’s back on the road for the final drive into Margaret River!

Day four and five: Margaret River

On the drive down from Bunbury, break up the trip with a stop at Busselton Jetty, the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere, jutting out 1.8km out into Geographe Bay. Walk it, or take the little train if you’d rather save your legs. At the end, duck into the underwater observatory.

Once you’re in Margaret River, spend the day working your way through some of the region’s best cellar doors. Vasse Felix, the region’s founding winery from 1967, and Cullen Wines, one of Australia’s first biodynamic and carbon-neutral vineyards, are both essential stops, with Leeuwin Estate worth adding if you want the full package of wine, art, and a proper restaurant lunch thrown in.

Give the next day over to a mix of more wineries and the coastline the region is famous for. Head north to Injidup Beach, and if the swell’s right, climb over the rocks to the Injidup Natural Spa, a rock pool that fizzes like a jacuzzi when the waves roll in. Gracetown’s Cowaramup Bay is a calmer alternative if you’d rather swim than scramble over rocks.

Stay in Margaret River town or at a vineyard stay if you want to wake up among the vines, then set off early the next morning for the long drive back up to Perth.