12-day road trip through Western Australia's Southwest Edge

Jump on the Rottnest Express for a short ferry ride from Fremantle to the picturesque Rottnest Island. It’s home to the world's cutest and most photogenic marsupial, the quokka, as well as 63 sparkling beaches.

Few cars are permitted on Rottnest, so the best way to explore is by hiring a bike. Don’t forget your snorkel and fins – Rottnest has beautiful marine life, which is easily accessible from the island’s beaches and bays.

Take a break from the coral and quokkas to climb aboard Rottnest Cruises’ seafood cruise. Indulge in fresh lobster, sparkling wine and a whole new perspective of Rottnest’s beauty during a scenic journey paired with local delicacies.

Head back to the mainland and walk to dinner in Fremantle (or ‘Freo’ to locals). Pop into the cool, French bistro-inspired La Lune for dinner and a glass of rosé or delve into expertly executed Asian fusion at popular haunt, Tonic & Ginger.

Stay the night in one of Fremantle’s stylish hotels for a well-deserved rest. You can't go wrong with the charming, boutique rooms of the Hougoumont Hotel Fremantle, or the ocean views and private balconies on offer at Be. Fremantle.

Chat with local vendors, grab some 'brekkie’ and browse local curiosities at the bustling stalls of Fremantle Markets. When you’ve had your fill, venture further afield to peruse local boutiques for unique or vintage finds.

Visit the Giants of Mandurah, a spectacular sculpture trail by artist Thomas Dambo. Enormous, wooden giants in life-like poses are scattered throughout the region. There are six giants to find, each with its own unique, whimsical charm.

Glide across Mandurah’s tranquil estuary on eco-friendly water bikes with Mandurah Cruises. These pedal-powered devices will make you feel like you’re walking on water as you cruise past dolphins, boats and locals soaking up the city’s waterfront.

Grab a table at waterfront venue Bar Therapy for some therapeutic food and drinks in the sunshine. Watch boats bob past and chat with locals who return repeatedly for the laid-back atmosphere and addictive tacos.

There is nothing quite like waking up to sip your morning coffee on the balcony of your very own houseboat. Check into the best seat in the house aboard a spacious vessel by Mandurah Houseboats for 24/7 panoramic views.

From nutmeg and clove-spiced porridge to quintessential ‘smashed avo,’ you’ll find something to suit every palate at Wood and Stone Café. It's a local favourite. Nestle into the cosy, wood-lined interiors or dine al fresco under green foliage.

According to many Aussies, there’s no better way to start your day than with a dip in the ocean. Do as the locals do and dive into the sparkling waters of Falcon Bay Beach to feel refreshed before departing for Bunbury.

Take a brief detour on your way to Bunbury to visit the rolling hills of the Ferguson Valley. Stop at lush vineyards and cellar doors like Willow Bridge Estate, or discover secret spots on a customised tour with Good Vibes Tours.

Head to Bunbury’s Dolphin Discovery Centre to learn about the region’s bottlenose dolphins. If you’re game, you can pull on a pair of flippers to glide alongside them in their natural habitat during a swim tour, available from November to April.

Check-in for a stay at Mantra Bunbury Lighthouse, a sleek hotel with modern trimmings and ocean-view suites. Freshen up for dinner and head downstairs to Basalt by the Sea for sweeping views of the sunset over the Indian Ocean.

Set out on your journey to Busselton, where your first stop will have you swinging among the trees on a high ropes course at Forest Adventures Pluck up the courage to zipline through the last remaining tall Tuart forest in the world.

Take a stroll or ride a train over the Indian Ocean on the beautifully restored Busselton Jetty. You’ll gain a new perspective of the coastline from the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere.

Visit the Underwater Observatory and Interpretive Centre of Busselton Jetty, where you’ll descend 8m (26ft) below the surface to see one of Australia’s greatest artificial reefs alive with corals, sponges, fish and invertebrates.

Delve into a delicious lunch of fresh local produce at Hummingbird – a local café and eatery embracing a modern, multicultural take on Australian fare with dishes like pork belly udon, beetroot risotto and nasi goreng.

Book in at a secluded luxury retreat for the next two nights. Injidup Spa Retreat in the Margaret River region offers uninterrupted ocean views from your villa, along with massages, facials and saunas.

Book a day with McLeod Tours to spend the day exploring the beautiful Margaret River wine region, whose 150 vineyards produce more than 20 per cent of Australia's premium wine. Set aside a whole day for sipping, or tailor a bespoke tour to your needs.

Try your hand at one of our most beloved sports – surfing! With Margaret River Surf School, you can get amongst the action and learn to ride some of the region’s best waves alongside local pros.

If you don't know what coasteering is – now is your chance to find out. Join Margaret River Adventure Co to jump, splash, climb, slide and swim your way along typically inaccessible areas of the region’s stunning coast.

Before returning to your accommodation, enjoy a dip at Injidup Natural Spa – a natural rock pool that bubbles and fizzes in a beautiful, sensory display when the ocean’s waves roll over the smooth boulders.

Explore Ngilgi Cave’s huge, illuminated cavern during an Aboriginal cultural tour with Koomal Dreaming. Feel the powerful vibrations of the didgeridoo as it fills the natural amphitheatre of the cave.

Head west of the Margaret River township to watch pro surfers in action at Surfers Point – it’s seriously impressive. Then, head to White Elephant Café for a delicious lunch overlooking calm Gnarabup Beach.

Get your heart racing with an adventurous activity. Take a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) lesson with Stand Up Surfing, go rock climbing or abseiling or take a canoe along the famed Margaret River with Margaret River Discovery Co.

You’ll find all the creature comforts you need at Hamelin Bay Holiday Park, but the top drawcard here is the scenery. Walk straight to the shore to spot manta rays and dolphins playing in the shallows, then gather around a campfire beneath the trees.

Head to Augusta, where an unusual microclimate means the weather is typically a few degrees warmer than the rest of the region. If you’re visiting between August and October, join a jaw-dropping whale-watching tour for epic thrills on the open ocean.

Make your way to Cape Leeuwin, where the Indian and Southern oceans meet at the southwestern tip of Australia. The Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is one of Australia's best land-based vantage points for spotting whales on their annual migration.

Drive into Pemberton, a former logging town surrounded by soaring white-trunked karri trees. Climb a few steps up one of the trees formerly used as fire lookouts for elevated views, or hike a section of the Bibbulmun Track.

If you’re truffle-obsessed, it's worth taking a slight detour to Truffle Hill. In the winter months (June – August), you can participate in a truffle hunt with the resident truffle-hunting dogs. After, enjoy a truffle and wine tasting.

Within the folds of the dense Karri Forest is the unexpected oasis of RAC Karri Valley Resort. Check into one of the property’s chic chalets and set aside time for fishing, swimming and paddling on the tranquil Lake Beedelup.

Take a four-wheel drive tour with Pemberton Discovery Tours to discover a massive sand dune system that has swallowed up forests and fossilised trees. It’s guaranteed to be an action-packed coastal adventure.

Join an eco-cruise on the Walpole Inlet with WOW Wilderness Cruises. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views of waterside Karri trees, golden beaches and turquoise rivers all brimming with bird and marine life.

Get your caffeine fix at Four Sisters Coffee Shop in Walpole before arriving at the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk. This 40m (131ft) high scenic walkway weaves through the forest's canopy and sways with the breeze.

Continue your journey to William Bay National Park, where you'll find giant granite boulders called Elephant Rocks. It’s a truly jaw-dropping place, and you can be immersed in nature as you dive into Greens Pool.

Check into a cedar cabin at the Karma Chalets in the birdlife-rich hills behind Denmark. Enjoy a relaxing massage at the Karisma Spa before listening to the resident frogs singing you to sleep.

After a leisurely morning, head to The Lake House for a lush picnic lunch. This isn’t just any picnic – your platter will be filled with locally grown and sourced goodies, including fruits and vegetables plucked from the on-site garden.

Stop for a cellar door tasting and a stretch amid the vines at bucolic organic winery Oranje Tractor, where sustainability is at the core of everything they do. Be sure to sample the exceptional riesling and merlot.

The National Anzac Centre is a state-of-the-art interpretive museum that pays tribute to the Australian and New Zealand forces who served in the First World War. Explore interactive exhibits before strolling through the Albany Heritage Park reserve.

Step back in time at Albany’s Historic Whaling Station, overlooking picturesque Discovery Bay. Transport your mind through the region’s intriguing history as you browse artefacts and explore the world’s only preserved Whale chaser ship.

Visit Torndirrup National Park to find The Gap, a granite cliff with a natural split that has been transformed into a thrilling lookout. Venture onto a sheer, level path extending out over the cliff’s edge to watch the waves churn noisily below you.

Before you leave Albany, pick up some local goodies. If you happen to visit on a Saturday, browse some of the country’s best artisan vendors at the Albany Farmers Market and build a basket to save for a picnic lunch.

Don’t skip a visit to the Granite Skywalk in Porongurup National Park. This suspended walkway rises 670m (2,200ft) above sea level to offer panoramic views of the rich surrounding bushland. Get your camera ready.

For wildflowers, rare birds and epic hikes, continue onwards to Stirling Range National Park where you can climb one of Western Australia’s highest peaks, Bluff Knoll. The lookouts nearby are wheelchair accessible.

Continue your journey to the quaint seaside town of Bremer Bay, boasting friendly locals and a pristine coastline. Stay at the Bremer Bay Resort, where the Mount Barren Restaurant pairs panoramic views across the bay with farm fresh produce.

From February to April, you can join Naturaliste Charters off the coast at Bremer Bay to watch the gathering of the largest pod of orcas in the Southern Hemisphere. This is a rare sight, and the reason orcas gather here is still unknown.

Explore the spoils of Fitzgerald River National Park, home to abundant native wildlife and plants. In fact, 75 per cent of the park’s plants are found nowhere else. Go for a swim at Barrens Beach, hike gorgeous trails and admire panoramic views.

Stop at Ravensthorpe, known for its spectacular displays of wildflowers during spring (September – November). Discover the locals’ secret spots on a tour during the Ravensthorpe Wildflower Festival, or check out the town’s impressive silo mural.

Continue your drive to Hopetoun, allowing plenty of time for wildflower photo shoots along the way. Arrive at Wavecrest Tourist Park, where you’ll find cosy cabins right on the beach, and friendly locals eager to share a beer around the campfire.

As you arrive in Esperance, prepare to be blown away by the stunning, pure white sands of the region's beaches. Choose a stretch of sand at one of Esperance's best beaches, fringed by more than 100 islands that make up the Recherche Archipelago.

Lucky Bay is one of Esperance's biggest drawcards – and for good reason. Waste no time making your way to Cape Le Grand National Park, home to bright white sand, electric blue water and local kangaroos who regularly come to stretch out in the sun.

Pause for live music and a refreshment in the sun at Lucky Bay Brewing. Here, you can sample some of the region’s best local ales from the only brewery in Western Australia that sources their barley directly from local farmers.

Join the bubbly team at Esperance Island Cruises for an unforgettable day out on the water. Travel through the region’s electric blue water, watching for dolphins, seals and whales as you weave around rocky isles.

Get a feel for the area's beauty on the Great Ocean Drive, a 38km (24mi) loop from town that showcases the sugary beaches and translucent waters of the area. Be warned; you'll be compelled to pull over every few minutes to snap a photo.

Hop in your car and head to the world's only full-size replica of Stonehenge, aptly named Esperance Stonehenge. Step inside the balanced boulders to test the natural amphitheatre and admire sweeping views over the nearby township.

If you’ve never seen rainbow lakes before, now is your chance. Join Fly Esperance on a scenic flight and soar over a series of colourful waterholes sprinkled among a sea of green grass throughout Cape Le Grand National Park.

Stop for a swim at Twilight Beach – a local favourite for its sparkling waters, sculpted rock formations and perfectly positioned picnic tables. Gaze towards the breaks at either end, where local surfers can often be seen zipping across barreling waves.