Perth To Margaret River Road Trip: 7 Epic Stops, Planning Tips + FREE Map
Driving is hands down the best way to get to Margaret River from Perth.
The drive is easy and takes ~3 hours with no stops, which is quick by Western Australian standards! You can leave Perth after breakfast and arrive at Margaret River in time for lunch.
You can also stretch the journey and stop at some awesome spots on your way to or back from Margaret River. Like Mandurah and Bunbury, or take a small detour to Yallingup.
Regardless of where you stop, we recommend allowing for at least 3 days for Margaret River, as there’s plenty to do. We spent 1 month in the south west and were still craving for more!
This guide has everything you need to know to plan your Perth to Margaret River road trip – all the stops, things to do, where to stay, and insider recommendations.
Also, make sure to save the free map below, it will come in handy during your road trip.
Let’s get started!
Note: If you want an itinerary that includes Margaret River and beyond, you’ll love our guide to road tripping the southwest!
We recognise the traditional owners of this land, the Noongar.
But first… travel essentials for a road trip to Margaret River
🎉 Activities: There are HEAPS of tours in Margaret River, so we made two guides – one just with the best wine tours, and another with epic tours of everything else.
❤️🩹 Insurance: Protect yourself and your loved ones with the travel insurance we always use
🚗 Car Rentals: Rent a car in Perth and compare these two companies to grab the best deal for your travel dates: Rental Cars and Discover Cars
🏕️ Caravan Rentals: Caravans are SO convenient in road trips! If you’ll rent one in Perth, you can’t go wrong renting from Travellers Autobarn (budget), Jucy Campervans (mid-range), or Star RV (home on wheels)
🛏️ Accommodation: Book your next stay in Margaret River here
✈️ Flights: Find epic ticket deals to Perth here
📞 eSIM: Not from Oz? Grab our favourite eSIM and stay connected at all times!
1) Mandurah
This stunning town is just a 50-minute drive south of Perth, making for a great first (or last) stop on your road trip.
It’s famous for its canals, which interconnect different parts of the town. It’s 99% likely to see dolphins swimming in them! You can bring your own boat or book a tour.
🤩 Explore Mandurah’s waterways by boat on this one-hour cruise, featuring dolphin sightings, canal-side mansions, and informative commentary: Mandurah Dolphin Cruise and Views
2) Lake Clifton Thrombolites
This spot is a 30-minute drive south of Mandurah and it’s home to some of the oldest living organisms on Earth – the thrombolites.
They are over 2,000 years old! You can check them out from the boardwalk.
It’s a great spot to stretch your legs if you’re feeling like exploring something different. There are toilets, picnic tables, and a nice 5-km hike route.
3) Bunbury
Bunbury is a 1-hour drive from Mandurah, or 2 hours from Perth.
It’s an epic stop if you’re coming with kids, as you can go to the Dolphin Discovery Centre, which offers dolphin tours and has a nice aquarium!
The town itself has some cool street art and a bunch of cafés if you want to grab a bite.
🤩 Join a 90-minute cruise from the Dolphin Discovery Centre to search for wild dolphins in Koombana Bay with a marine expert onboard: Dolphin Eco Cruise
4) Ferguson Valley and Gnomesville
Ferguson Valley sits just a 10-20-minute drive inland from Bunbury.
It has stunning rolling hills, lush vineyards, and Gnomesville – a whole village of over 10,000 garden gnomes! Gnomesville is a nice spot to stop and stretch your legs, plus entry is free.
The valley is also packed with top-notch wineries and breweries. You can stop by a few for some tastings and grab a bottle or two to take with you, but don’t drink and drive!
5) Busselton
Welcome to the Margaret River Region! Busselton is a hotspot in the area, a 2.5-hour drive south of Perth.
The biggest attraction here is the jetty – the longest wooden one in the southern hemisphere. You can either take a stroll down the 1.8-km long jetty or hop on the train that runs the length of it.
Snorkelling at Busselton jetty is almost like a rite of passage. But if you don’t want to get wet, there’s an underwater observatory at the end of the jetty where you can see the marine life and stay dry!
We wrote a full guide with 28 things to do in Busselton, check it here for more ideas!
6) Dunsborough
Dunsborough is a small detour but definitely worth it. It’s a 20-minute drive from Busselton and has some beautiful spots like Eagle Bay and Meelup Beach.
The beaches here are pristine, with crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, snorkelling, or just chilling on the sand.
It’s also the gateway to the iconic Cape Naturaliste and its historic lighthouse! It’s a must-stop.
The views from the top are insane and you might even spot some whales if you’re there at the right time (August to November). There are also some great walking trails around the cape.
🤩 Join a guided tour of Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse and explore the working tower while hearing stories of shipwrecks, storms, and keepers: Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse Fully-guided Tour
7) Yallingup
Yallingup is another small detour but 100% worth it if you’re craving more pristine landscapes. It’s a short 10-minute drive from Dunsborough, or a 30-minute drive from Margaret River.
Canal Rocks and the Ngilgi Cave are a must-see. If you’re in for a dip, definitely stop by Injidup Natural Spa or The Aquarium!
This is another destination that deserves 2-3 days to be explored. Here’s our guide with all the things to do in Yallingup, check it out!
You arrive to Margaret River – now what?
Margaret River is the heart of Western Australia’s south west for a reason!
This place has everything you need for an epic trip:
World-class wineries and breweries. Each winery has its own vibe and all of them have incredible views. There are dozens of wine-tasting tours, this guide will help you pick the best ones.
Delicious gourmet food. Stop by the Margaret River Chocolate Company for sweet treats, Margaret River Diary Company for delicious cheese, or Vasse Virgin for the best olive oil you’ll ever taste.
Epic surfing. The beaches nearest to Margaret River are best for experts, like Surfer’s Point, which holds the Margaret River Pro every year (here’s our guide with our fave beaches in MR)
Whale-watching. The season is quite long (June to December) and you can see different species as they migrate, like humpback whales, southern right whales, and even blue whales.
Ancient caves. Jewel Cave, Mammoth Cave, Lake Cave… They’re all a short drive from town and are filled with crazy formations, they’re absolutely mindblowing.
Forest adventures. Wooditjup National Park is a massive forest of karri, jarrah, and marri trees, right next to town. Go for a hike or for a mountain biking session!
Plus, Margaret River’s location makes it the best base to explore the rest of the region, including Hamelin Bay, Augusta, and even Pemberton!
Check our guide with 32 things to do in Margaret River to help you plan your itinerary! It has things for foodies, kids, outdoor enthusiasts, and more.
Planning your road trip from Perth to Margaret River
The drive from Perth to Margaret River is pretty straightforward. It’s 270 kilometres, which takes around 3 hours if you don’t stop.
It’s an easy drive on a fully sealed freeway, so no need for a 4WD. You’ll find plenty of petrol stations and rest stops along the way, plus spots to grab coffee or snacks.
When is the best time to visit Margaret River?
Margaret River is excellent all year round, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to do:
Summer (December to February) is ideal if you want to enjoy the beaches and surf. The weather is great for hiking too, but it’s peak tourist season so book everything ASAP.
Spring (September to November) is excellent if you prefer to spend your time in the woods, as the wildflowers will be blooming. The waters can be a bit cold for surfing or snorkelling, but there are fewer crowds.
Autumn (March to May) is perfect for wine lovers, as the vineyards will be in harvest season. There are fewer crowds, too!
Winter (June to August) ain’t bad either, especially if you’re into a more cozy vibe. It’s awesome for whale-watching and there are fewer crowds, but can be rainy.
Just remember, the holiday seasons can get busy, so book your accommodation and tours in advance if you’re heading down during those peak times.
How many days to stay in Margaret River?
We recommend at least 3-4 days, as there’s so much to do. If you want to go through the highlights, a weekend could be enough but it’s going to be a bit rushed.
The sweet spot is 4-7 days, as you’ll be able to do many of the cool things without rushing around. But if you’re like us, you’ll want to spend much more – we stayed in the south west area for over a month and couldn’t get enough.
Where to stay in Margaret River?
There’s no shortage of accommodations in the Margaret River area, here are some recommendations:
Best stay: Prideau’s of Margaret River. The location is excellent but it doesn’t show in the price! It has something for every budget and options for up to 6 people.
Best budget-friendly stay: Riverview Tourist Park. This campsite is in town as well, with cabins and chalets for up to 6 people.
Best caravan park: Margaret River Tourist Park. This caravan park is next to the town centre and has cabins for up to 6 people, as well as powered sites.
Best luxury option: Olio Bello Lakeside Glamping.It’s a holiday park in Olio Bello’s campgrounds. It offers spa services and guests stay in bungalows with lakefront views, for up to 4 people.
Renting a campervan
The Margaret River Region is perfect for camping!
There are heaps of campsites on the way, one more stunning than the next. None of them are free, but they are very cheap compared to traditional accommodations.
Plus, it’s very cost-effective. You won’t have to pay for accommodation and car rental separately, you can cook all your meals there, and you have way more freedom to explore.
Here are a few great caravan rentals to check out:
Travellers Autobarn is the cheapest option that doesn’t sacrifice quality. Check Autobarn rentals here.
JUCY campervans is the middle ground. Their caravans are often bigger than Autobarn’s while still keeping good prices. Check JUCY rentals here.
Star RV is the best for premium campervans. If you want to go on an adventure without sacrificing comfort, this is it. Check Star RV rentals here.
Alternative ways to get to Margaret River from Perth
If you’re visiting from Melbourne, Sydney, etc, know that the nearest airport is in Busselton (not in Perth), about a 45-minute drive from Margaret River. Find great deals on plane tickets here!
If you’re flying in, make sure to rent a car either at the airport or in town and drive to Margaret River from there.
We recommend looking for rentals in either RentalCars or DiscoverCars. Both are great at finding good deals and offer pick-up and drop-off from dozens of locations (including airports), so compare them and book with the best one!
Want a road trip without the driving?
If you’re not keen on driving but still want the road trip experience, you can either book a tour like this one or use public transportation.
Providers like TransWa and Southwest Coachlines can take you to Margaret River from Perth. However, we don’t recommend planning a trip around public transportation – it’s not as convenient and you’re tied to their schedule.
Free downloadable map of the road trip
Top Tips
The beaches in this area are absolutely stunning, but keep in mind that the Indian Ocean can have strong currents and there’s a risk of large waves. Stick to patrolled beaches unless you’re an experienced swimmer.
If you’re surfing, look for beaches that are at your current skill level and double-check the conditions before heading there, here.
Did you know?
The area is rich in Aboriginal history. The Wardandi people have lived there for thousands of years, and their cultural heritage is still evident.
You can learn about their traditions and stories through various local tours, like this one.
Margaret River’s wine industry kicked off in the 1960s, thanks to Dr John Gladstones. He figured out the region’s climate was similar to Bordeaux, France.
Now, it’s home to over 200 wineries, producing some of the world’s best wines!
FAQs
Is Margaret River worth visiting?
Yes, Margaret River is worth visiting! It’s a top spot in Western Australia for a reason, with its world-class wineries, pristine beaches, and natural beauty.
The bottom line
So, there you have it! The road trip from Perth to Margaret River is an absolute must.
On your way, you can hit up some epic spots like Mandurah’s canals, the ancient Lake Clifton Thrombolites, or the dolphin haven in Bunbury.
Margaret River itself is the heart of it all. With its world-class wineries, gourmet food, surfing spots, whale-watching, and ancient caves, it’s got everything for an unforgettable trip, no matter how much time you have available.
Just make sure you hit up some Margaret River wineries – you won’t be disappointed!
FREE GUIDE: 100+ Epic Things to Do in Western Australia (By Locals)
We’ve spent 10+ years exploring Western Australia. This free guide gives you the places we’d send our mates to.
✅ Sorted by region
✅ Hidden beaches, hikes + 4WD tracks
✅ How long to stay, best times to go
🎁 Bonus map to make planning stupid easy
Our Essential Travel Toolkit
🤩 Wise Card – Online bank to hold money in different currencies worldwide and lowest fees in the market! (FREE debit card here)
🤩 Trip.com – Consistently great accommodation and hotel deals.
🤩 Hostelworld – Looking for the cheapest accommodation? We especially love the “book now, pay later” feature.
🤩 Rentalcars.com – Best range, super easy to compare prices rental car and motorhome prices.
🤩 Viator.com – Easily book tours and experiences at the lowest rate. Great selection all over Australia.
🤩 Tripadvisor.com – Other than our website…😉 the best place to find things to do
🤩 Airalo – eSIM store that solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving travelers access to eSIMs (digital SIM cards).
🤩 Caravan RV Camping – Traveling Australia in a van, caravan or bus? Use our discount code “saltandcharcoal” to get $30 off any orders over $300.
