A couple admiring a kangaroo on the beach at Lucky Bay, Cape Le Grand National Park, Western Australia © Tourism Australia

Lucky Bay, Cape Le Grand National Park, Western Australia © Tourism Australia

Lucky Bay, Cape Le Grand National Park, Western Australia © Tourism Australia

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


Trip Overview

12 days
ferry, car
2,036km (1,264mi)

Day 1: Rottnest Island and Fremantle

1hrs 42km (26mi)

Take the ferry to Rottnest Island to revel in pristine nature and spot quirky local wildlife before unwinding in Fremantle.

Day 2: Fremantle to Mandurah

1hrs 76km (47mi)

Fuel up in Fremantle before driving south to explore the coastal charm and splendour of Mandurah.

Day 3: Mandurah to Bunbury

2hrs 147km (91mi)

Slow your pace with a relaxing morning before an exciting afternoon of vineyard hopping and dolphin swims around Bunbury.

Day 4: Bunbury to Margaret River

1.5hrs 94km (58mi)

Make your way to Busselton, located on the family-friendly haven of Geographe Bay, where adventures amid stunning scenery await.

Day 4: Margaret River

From laid-back wine tours to thrilling coastal adventures, curate the perfect day exploring the Margaret River region.

Day 5: Margaret River to Hamelin Bay

1.5hrs 82km (51mi)

Explore the cultural side of the Margaret River region, dine on world-class local produce and admire the marine life of Hamelin Bay.

Day 6: Hamelin Bay to Pemberton

3hrs 244km (152mi)

Make your way to Augusta to marvel at whales and dramatic coastlines before enjoying the trees and truffles of Pemberton.

Day 7: Pemberton to Denmark

3hrs 220km (137mi)

From the beach to the bush, today is a balance of adventurous tours and scenic sightseeing at your own, leisurely pace.

Day 8: Denmark to Albany

2hrs 135km (84mi)

Today, make a leisurely drive to Albany, stopping at wineries, museums and scenic lookouts.

Day 9: Albany to Bremer Bay

3hrs 241km (150mi)

Expect epic views as you wind your way toward Bremer Bay, known for its population of orcas.

Day 10: Bremer Bay to Hopetoun

4.5hrs 360km (224mi)

A drive lies ahead, but you can’t leave Bremer Bay without spotting its famous marine giants.

Day 11: Hopetoun to Esperance

4hrs 342km (212mi)

Depart Hopetoun and set your sights on Esperance, a place where kangaroos hop along bright white beaches.

Day 12: Esperance and the Rainbow Lakes

1hrs 53km (33mi)

A Stonehenge replica and pink-hued lakes – today is anything but expected.