Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Heart of Nature!! Are you ready for the road trip of a lifetime? Southwestern Australia awaits you with its stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, and charming towns. Whether you're an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or a cultural enthusiast, this road trip has something for everyone.

Busselton WA, Australia

Denmark WA, Australia

Albany WA, Australia

Perth WA, Australia

Australia

Margaret River WA, Australia

Bremer Bay WA, Australia

Western Australia, Australia

10 Day Road Trip in South-Western Australia

We start the trip at the capital city of Western Australia, Perth. Perth is a thriving city that blends natural beauty with urban sophistication, offering a high quality of life makes it an attractive place to visit. It is a very walkable city and because we stayed in the city center we chose to walk to the bell tower.

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Rottnest Express

** I would actually recommend people to stay on the island at least one night to take the time to explore the island and its many beaches. One day trip was not enough for me.**

Just before sunset, we made our way to Heirisson Island (via Uber). One of the highlights of Heirisson Island is its population of western grey kangaroos, which roam freely in a designated enclosure on the island. Visitors can come to observe these iconic Australian animals in their natural habitat. 

If you are in Perth on a weekend, definitely go to Fremantle Markets to get lunch.

Pick up a rental car at no birds and head down South. Make a stop at Bunbury  farmer's market to get some fresh fruits and food.

Natural attraction famous for its towering tingle trees, some of which are over 400 years old and reach heights of up to 75 meters. The highlight of this forest is the Tree Top Walk, a 600-meter-long elevated walkway that rises 40 meters above the forest floor, offering breathtaking aerial views of the lush canopy. This unique experience allows visitors to walk among the giants and appreciate the grandeur and tranquility of the ancient forest from a new perspective. Alongside the Tree Top Walk, the Ancient Empire boardwalk meanders through the forest at ground level, providing an intimate encounter with the massive trunks and diverse flora and fauna of this woodland.

Then spend the whole afternoon at Hamelin bay.  Known for its pristine white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The bay is famous for its friendly stingrays, which often swim close to shore, offering a unique and memorable wildlife interaction for visitors.

After the hike, head back to Denmark and spend the afternoon/evening at Greens Pool to unwind. Sheltered by granite boulders, the pool creates a natural lagoon perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and picnicking in a peaceful setting.

The highest peak in the Stirling Range National Park as an iconic natural landmark, Bluff Knoll offering both breathtaking views and a challenging hiking experience. Rising 1,099 meters above sea level, Bluff Knoll entices adventurers with its rugged beauty and diverse flora and fauna. The ascent to the summit rewards hikers with sweeping vistas of the surrounding landscape, including vast plains, rocky outcrops, and distant coastlines. The climb, although demanding, is accessible to most fit hikers and provides a sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit. 

An impressive renewable energy project harnessing the power of the region's strong coastal winds. Comprising 18 sleek wind turbines standing majestically atop the rocky cliffs, the wind farm not only provides a sustainable source of electricity but also offers a striking visual spectacle against the backdrop of the Southern Ocean.

Today is the longest day of driving in the trip. It takes around 4.5-5 hours to drive from Albany back to Perth.  Stop for coffees in a small town called Mount Barker. The town looks like a wild wild west town with cool looking wooden buildings. Lots of cafes and restaurant plus a big SUPA IGA. 

It was a long day. Early pick up at 5.30am at Albany town hall and we came back to Albany around 7pm. But it was well worth it because we got to see not only orcas but also dolphins, a blue whale, and sea lions. And it saved us 4 hours ( 2 hours each way) in total of driving. Very convenient.

Depending on the month you go, there are different tours in terms of what type of whales you can expect to see. We went there towards the end of the Orca season and we took the chance. We did not want to drive to Bremer bay ourselves (2 hours away from Albany) and found that Naturaliste charter offers an orca expedition tour that includes a car ride from and back to Albany so we took it. 

The museum offers a captivating journey through time, spanning millions of years of history and encompassing diverse themes such as biodiversity, Aboriginal culture, social history, and maritime heritage. You can explore immersive galleries featuring interactive displays, multimedia installations, and artifacts that bring the stories of Western Australia to life. 

No Birds Car Rental - Bayswater Car Hire - No Birds

No Birds Car Rental offers the most competitive price hands down. The rental process is very simple and  straight forward. You can book the car in advance on the website and if you are early enough, you'd get early bird price as well.

• Here you have to pay first then you get serviced later. In most cafes you go up to the counter to order and pay first then wait to be served.

• Fully cashless: You can buy everything with card. No need for cash. super convenient.

• Speed limits: The speed limit in WA is very low. The highest we saw was 110km/hour (outside of the city) and it goes very low in the city like 30km/hour with many speed/traffic cameras all over the city. If you look on google map, it shows the locations of these cameras.

• You really have to be cautious about wildlife while driving. We saw many dead kangaroos on the road. They usually come out and cross the street around dusk and dawn so be on the look out

• GPS navigation add on recommended. When renting a car, get the portable GPS navigation system as well as some places has no signal cellphone service so you can't rely on your phone's google map

• There is usually a milage/area restriction on rental cars. Make sure you mention to them the furthest area you plan to drive to and pay additional cost accordingly. 

The most fun and popular activity you can do on Rottnest island is to rent a bicycle/e-bike/Segway and drive around the island. Although there is an option to take a bus that runs around the island for people to hop on and off, with the bikes you have a total freedom to go anywhere and stop anywhere you want. We bought the ferry tickets that included the bike rental. As soon as you arrive at Rottnest pier, the bikes are carried down from the boat by the crew, ready for you to pick up. Be prepared for some steep hills and the heat from the sun. Open your google map and explore.

After a whole day on the island, take the ferry back to Fremantle and enjoy dinner around the area.

There are three major ports  where you can take the ferry to Rottnest island. Elizabeth Quay, Fremantle, and Hillarys boat harbor. Because we stayed in the city, Elizabeth Quay was a better option even though the ticket is more expensive and it takes longer to get to the island.  We did enjoy the smooth boat ride and the captain's narration on Swan river's points of interest and history behind them. Not to mention him pointing out celebrity's beautiful houses by the water. 

The day starts really early as it takes around 2 hours to get to Stirling Range National Park from Denmark (most people would go from Albany which would take 1.5 hours). It is a fun drive though because you get to see sheep, goats, kangaroos, and emus along the way.

• Some people might opt for a camper van. I would reckon camper van if the trip is 2 weeks or longer due to the overall cost. Yes with camper van the accommodations are cheaper as you are just renting the parking spot but the cost of renting a camper van itself is not cheap

Open seven days a week, the market prides itself on providing the freshest fruits and vegetables, often harvested from nearby farms within hours of being sold. Alongside fresh produce, the market features an extensive range of artisanal cheeses, meats, baked goods, and ready-to-eat meals, all prepared on-site. 

After the food stop, continue the journey to Busselton Jetty.

One of the longest wooden jetties in the world, extending 1.8 kilometers into Geographe Bay. Originally built in 1865 to serve the region's timber industry, the jetty has evolved into a popular tourist attraction. It features an underwater observatory at its far end, allowing visitors to view marine life in its natural habitat, and a jetty train that runs the length of the structure, offering scenic rides over the water. The jetty also supports recreational activities like fishing, swimming, and diving.

For free divers and snorkelers, you can check out the live webcam for the day's visibility to decide if you wanna dive there or not.

Busselton Jetty Underwater Cam

Standing 20 meters tall, the lighthouse offers panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and the stunning coastline of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the lighthouse's history, its role in maritime navigation, and the lives of the keepers who once tended it. The area surrounding the lighthouse is also known for its scenic walking trails and abundant wildlife. If you are lucky, you can spot whales from the observation deck.

This viewpoint offers breathtaking vistas of the iconic Sugarloaf Rock, a striking granite island jutting dramatically from the Indian Ocean. This viewpoint is particularly popular during sunrise and sunset, when the rock and surrounding waters are bathed in vibrant hues. The area is a haven for birdwatchers, as it is a breeding ground for red-tailed tropicbirds, and it provides excellent opportunities for spotting migrating whales during the season. It is a must-visit destination for photographers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking to experience the raw beauty of Western Australia's coastline.

After seeing the best sunset of your life, continue your way to the town of Margaret River.

As we are not much of a cave person, we opted for a more relaxing day of trekking at the Boranup Forest Viewpoint. Towering karri trees, some over 60 meters tall, create a verdant canopy, and the viewpoint provides a perfect vantage to appreciate the forest's serene beauty and vibrant biodiversity. You can enjoy the lush green landscape, spot diverse wildlife, and take in the tranquility of this ancient woodland. 

The caves in Margaret River are celebrated for their stunning subterranean landscapes, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region's geological history. Prominent caves like Jewel Cave, Lake Cave, and Mammoth Cave feature awe-inspiring formations of stalactites, stalagmites, and intricate calcite crystals.   Visitors can explore these caves on guided tours, which provide insight into their formation, history, and the unique ecosystems they host.

Or if you have extra day or more time, spend half a day tasting the famous wine of Margaret River region. There are several vineyards and winery in the area to choose from.

Or if you would like do another hike, you can skip Greens Pool and actually head to Castle Rock, which is only 45 minute drive from Bluff Knoll.

Continue your way to Albany town, the last stop on this trip. It is only 45 minute drive from Denmark. 

A challenging 12.5 km coastal hike known for its rugged beauty and panoramic vistas. This trail winds along dramatic cliffs, offering breathtaking views of the Southern Ocean crashing against the rocky shoreline below.  Be cautious with some degraded trails at some parts. 

Stands as a poignant tribute to the soldiers who departed from these shores during World War I. Situated within the heritage-listed Princess Royal Fortress, the center offers a deeply immersive and emotional journey through the experiences of the Anzacs (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) during the Great War. Through interactive displays, multimedia exhibits, and personal stories, visitors gain insight into the sacrifices, challenges, and triumphs of those who served. Overlooking King George Sound, where the first Anzac convoy departed in 1914, the center's location adds a profound sense of historical resonance, inviting visitors to reflect on the enduring legacy of the Anzacs and their profound impact on Australian history and identity.

From the walking trail in the park we made a quick visit to the blue boat house. The Blue Boat House, officially known as the Crawley Edge Boatshed, is an iconic landmark. Located off Mounts Bay Road, it has become one of the most photographed spots in the city, attracting both locals and tourists.

Spanning over 400 hectares, the park offers a diverse range of attractions, from tranquil walking trails and lush native bushland to vibrant floral displays and manicured lawns. The elevated vantage points provide visitors with breathtaking vistas, especially at sunset, making it a popular spot for picnics, leisurely strolls, and outdoor gatherings. Additionally, Kings Park is home to the Western Australian Botanic Garden, showcasing thousands of native plant species, and features cultural landmarks such as the State War Memorial and Indigenous heritage sites. 

10 Day Road Trip in South-Western Australia

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