The IDEAL 7-Day South West Australia Road Trip + FREE Map

The South West is one of WA’s most epic road trip regions. We’ve been through this part of the country for years and we still go at least once a year!

It’s spectacular, and you can definitely see all the main highlights in 7 days… But you have to be strategic.

Otherwise you’ll spend all the trip behind the wheel, plus checking in and out of accommodations… Which is the worst part of any road trip.

So if a week is all you’ve got and you want to see as much as possible, this is the itinerary we’d follow! It’s perfect for first-timers or return visitors who want the hits without the hassle.

This 7-day South West itinerary covers all the major highlights – from the Busselton Jetty to Albany’s Misery Beach, and all the epic beaches, wineries, forests, and giant trees in between.

And we designed it so you can base yourself in just two key towns! To skip all the check-ins and maximize exploring time.

We’ve also included a free map, plus tips on renting a car vs a caravan, the best time to do this road trip, and more!

Leave Perth early for the 2.5-hour drive to Busselton!

We LOVE this town, we reckon you could easily spend a few days in, but as you only have one day, stick to the highlights. Here are some ideas:

• Walk the Busselton Jetty, it stretches nearly 2km out to sea! You can also hop on the little tourist train if you don’t feel like walking (it’s expensive but kids love it).
• Snorkel under the jetty. We do this every single time we go to Busselton, it’s absolutely epic! Here’s our full guide on snorkelling this spot, but just know there are heaps of marine life around the pylons, and they even added some underwater sculptures.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chris & Bec | Adventure Travel (@salt.and.charcoal)

• Visit the Underwater Observatory if you’d rather stay dry. It’s at the end of the jetty!
• Relax at the foreshore, it’s perfect for a swim or picnic. The beach here is calm and great for kids too. Plus there are heaps of restaurants and cafés nearby.
• Check out the outdoor markets if you’re visiting in summer!

You can also take a bit a 30-min detour west to Cape Naturaliste. Meelup Beach and Eagle Bay are two of our absolute favourites, the water is ridiculously clear and calm!

You can also visit Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse for some great views, especially during whale season (June to November). Here are more things to do in the area if you’re keen.

Then, it’s a 40-minute drive to Margaret River where you’ll be staying until Day 4.

Where to stay in Margaret River

Margaret River is the best base for exploring the region if you only have 1 week. It’s central, well-connected, and has the most variety when it comes to places to stay! Here are some suggestions:

• Margaret River Tourist Park is a solid option If you’re travelling in a van or on a budget. It’s got a great location close to town, and the prices are usually pretty reasonable.
• Riverview Tourist Park is another good choice. It’s not quite as central, but it backs onto the river, which makes it a peaceful spot to unwind after a big day of exploring.
• Prideau’s of Margaret River is best if you prefer a hotel. It’s right in town and includes free parking (at least it did last time we checked).
• Grande Escape Resort is another hotel with great reviews, although it’s a bit further out of town.

Day 2: Margaret River

You’ll want to spend at least one full day exploring Margaret River itself, there’s heaps to do! Here are some ideas to fill your day:

• Do a wine tour! These usually take up most of the day and are a great way to experience a few cellar doors without needing to drive. Most tours include tastings and lunch. Here are some wine tour recommendations and tips.
• Not into wine? No worries! There are also some great breweries and chocolateries around the area.

• Go kayaking, it’s a great way to take in the scenery at a slower pace. You can hire kayaks or join a guided tour like this one that includes wine and food.
• Go surfing (or watch the pros), this region is famous for it! Main Break and Surfers Point are iconic spots, and there are a few surf schools if you’re new to it.
• Check out the local beaches. Gnarabup Beach and Prevelly are both super easy to reach and perfect for a beach day. Prevelly also has some great spots for a coffee or lunch with a view.

Want more ideas? Check out our guide with +30 things to do in Margaret River (organised by type of traveller)!

Day 3: Pick one of these spots

Use this day to explore some of the other epic places nearby! Everything’s within an hour’s drive, so it’s easy to pick 1–2 depending on what you’re into.

Head to Yallingup if you’re after a remote vibe. The coastline here is rugged and beautiful, with top-notch surf beaches!

Stop by Injidup Natural Spa, snorkel at the Aquarium, or walk around Canal Rocks for stunning ocean views.

Cape Naturaliste near Dunsborough if you want a chill day with calm, turquoise beaches.

If you didn’t visit on the first day of the trip, Meelup Beach and Eagle Bay are both stunning, and the area has a laid-back, family-friendly vibe. You can also pop up to Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse for a short walk and a solid lookout over the ocean.

Augusta, perfect for scenic drives and coastal views. Head to Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet (it’s dramatic and super photogenic).

If you’re visiting between June and November, it’s also a great spot for whale watching. On your way there, swing past Hamelin Bay to spot stingrays right in the shallows!

Day 4: MR to Denmark/Albany via Pemberton (320-375km, 4-4.5h)

It’s a long driving day, but you’ll hit a couple of really cool spots along the way!

Your first stop is Pemberton, a 1.5-hour drive from Margaret River. There are a few great bakeries there if you didn’t have breakfast before leaving.

Here are some cool and quick things to do while you’re there:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chris & Bec | Adventure Travel (@salt.and.charcoal)

• Climb the Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree. You can climb up to the first platform (20 metres), which is plenty high for a taste of the views!
• Visit the Gloucester Tree. It’s currently closed for climbing, but still worth visiting! Standing underneath it gives you a sense of just how massive these karri trees are, and it’s a good place to stretch your legs.

From there, drive another 1.5 hours to Walpole for another stop at another highlight of the southwest: the Giant Tingle Tree.

It’s an easy and short walk to reach it. The tree is MASSIVE and beautiful!

Then finish the drive in either Albany or Denmark, both about 40 minutes apart. Either town works as a base, we’ll get into the differences between them in the next section.

Where to stay: Albany or Denmark?

Albany is the bigger town, with plenty of restaurants, shops, and accommodation choices. Denmark is smaller and quieter, with fewer options, but still a lovely spot if you prefer a slower pace.

Also, the drive back to Perth will be the same regardless of which town you choose, the difference is like 5 minutes.

We personally recommend staying in Albany. We LOVE this town, it’s one of the very few places in Australia we’ve said we could actually live in!

Albany accommodation recommendations:

• For caravan parks, Emu Beach and Middleton Beach Caravan Parks are our favourites in town. Great locations, not the cheapest but worth it.
• As for hotels, Pelicans Albany and 1849 Backpackers Hotel both have excellent central locations and really good prices.
• If you’re after a bit of luxury, Hilton Albany is the spot. We’ve stayed here before and reckon it’s worth the splurge.

Denmark accommodation ideas:

• For caravan parks, Denmark Rivermouth Caravan Park is great, right at the river mouth with spectacular views.
• For hotels, 31 on the Terrace is a solid option with excellent location and good prices.

Day 5-6: Denmark and Albany

We recommend spending one full day in each of these towns, there’s SO much to see! But beware, you’ll want to come back to both, they’re incredible.

Denmark full-day

Denmark might be small, but it’s PACKED with beauty! As you only have one full day here (2-3 days is best), here are some of the best spots to check out:

• Greens Pool, a calm, sheltered bay with crystal-clear water that’s perfect for swimming.
• Elephant Rocks is a short walk away, with giant boulders scattered along the shoreline that really do look like a herd of elephants!

• If you’re after good surfing spots, Ocean Beach and Lights Beach are good options. Ocean Beach is popular with locals and has surf schools if you’re still learning. Lights Beach is a bit wilder and more exposed, so it’s best suited for experienced surfers.
• Waterfall Beach is a favourite for snorkelling thanks to its clear waters and rocky reef. There’s also a small waterfall that tumbles straight onto the sand from the cliffs behind.

If you’ve still got energy after the beaches, there are some excellent walks and hikes around Denmark too! Check out our full guide with things to do in Denmark for more things to do and tips for your visit.

Albany full-day

We absolutely LOVE Albany. It’s one of our favourite towns in not only WA, but all of Australia. It’s got that perfect mix of beaches, rugged coastline, and a cool local vibe!

We’ve spent from days to weeks here and still can’t get enough. But if we only had one day, we’d visit 3-4 of these spots:

• Misery Beach was crowned Australia’s Best Beach in 2022 by Tourism Australia, and it’s easy to see why! The sand is ridiculously white, the water is crystal clear, and you can snorkel, fish, or even surf here. If you only have time for one beach in Albany, make it this one.
• The Gap & Natural Bridge, two massive rock formations where you can literally feel the raw power of the ocean, while standing safely on a platform.

• Emu Beach has calm, flat waters. It’s perfect if you’re travelling with kids, or if you’re keen on a bit of paddleboarding.
• Albany Wind Farm isn’t just about the massive turbines (although they’re impressive), it’s the coastal views that make this a must! It’s also one of the best whale-watching spots in the region between June and November.
• National ANZAC Centre is an iconic museum. If you’re into history, don’t skip this one – it’s immersive, powerful, and gives you a real insight into Albany’s role in WWI.

And that’s only the highlights! There are blowholes, clifftop walks, and more beaches than you can count. Here’s our full guide packed with extra tips, hikes, and local secrets!

Day 7: Drive back to Perth

Time to wrap up the road trip and make your way back to Perth! The quickest way is via the Albany Highway (State Route 30), it’s about 420 km and usually just under 5 hours of driving (not counting stops).

It’s an inland route, so the scenery isn’t as exciting as the coast, but there are still a few good places to break up the drive:

• Mount Barker, just outside Albany. This little town is known for its heritage railway. If you’ve got a bit of time, the Granite Skywalk in Porongurup National Park makes for a brilliant (and intense) leg stretch.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chris & Bec | Adventure Travel (@salt.and.charcoal)

• Kojonup is about 1 hour north of Mount Barker. This is a nice spot to stop for coffee at The Kodja Place, it’s part visitor centre, part museum, and gives you a good sense of the local Nyoongar culture and history.
• Williams is around 1 hour north of Kojonup, and about 2 hours from Perth. Grab a bite at the Williams Woolshed Café, which has become a bit of a classic stop on this drive. Good food, a gift shop, and plenty of space to stretch your legs before the final push.

Planning your week-long road trip

Renting a car or a caravan

You do not need a 4WD for this road trip! All the places on this itinerary are accessible by sealed roads.

That said, if you’re renting a car, read the fine print in your rental agreement.

Most popular rental companies (like Rental Cars or Discover Cars) offer great deals, but they don’t allow you to drive on unsealed or unpaved roads, not even if you’re in an SUV!

Some companies even charge fees if they find out you’ve been off the bitumen, so make sure to check the policies carefully.

The same goes for campervan rentals. As long as you’re sticking to sealed roads, you’ll have no issues.

For a week-long trip, you might want to rent a caravan with a kitchen and a bathroom but without breaking the bank.

JUCY Campervans have some models with bathrooms and most (if not all) have kitchens. Plus they have good prices and quality. It’s what we’d recommend for this road trip! Check them here.

The cheapest option that still gives you decent quality is Travellers Autobarn. Some vans have small kitchens, but none have bathrooms. If you want to book with them, make sure to plan your bathroom breaks right! Check them here.

If you want the Hilton equivalent of campervans, book with Star RV. These are basically homes on wheels! If you’re keen on an adventure without giving up comfort, this is the way to go. Check them here.

Camping along the road

Camping is one of the best ways to do this Southwest road trip! It saves money, and you’ll often find yourself staying in some pretty special spots.

Most national parks and popular towns have paid campsites with the basics: toilets, BBQs, and picnic tables. Some of the bigger towns have showers and powered sites.

If you’re travelling on a tight budget, there are also free campsites scattered along the route. Facilities are extremely basic (or non-existent). Wikicamps is a lifesaver for finding them!

Access to National Parks

On this southwest WA road trip, you’ll pass through some pretty amazing national parks like Porongurup, Torndirrup, and Walpole–Nornalup.

Some of these parks are free to enter, but others require a park pass per vehicle per day. You can buy one online or at visitor centres before heading in.

You can choose a single-entry pass if you’re only stopping at one. But if you’re planning to visit multiple parks or enter the same one on different days, the holiday or multi-day pass is usually more cost-effective.

Check the WA Parks and Wildlife Service website for the latest info on fees, maps, and park conditions before your trip!

Best time to do a road trip in the southwest

If we had to pick, the sweet spots for this road trip are spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May).

The weather is mild, perfect for long drives and hikes, and in spring the wildflowers are in full bloom which is spectacular.

Summer (December to February) is prime time if you’re all about the beach. The water is warm, the days are long, and you’ll want to pack the snorkel gear! Just keep in mind it’s peak season, so campsites, hotels, and even wineries get busy (and a bit pricier).

Winter (June to August) is a different vibe altogether. It’s cooler and wetter, especially further south, but that just makes the forests feel even more lush.

Waterfalls are flowing, hiking trails are quiet, and it’s also whale season, so you’ve got a good chance of spotting them off the coast, especially around Albany and Augusta.

Top Tips

The forests around Pemberton and Walpole get really dark after dusk, so avoid driving then! There’s a risk of wildlife crossing the road. Best to avoid driving then.

Also, Albany’s weather changes fast. You can be sweating at Middleton Beach one minute, and then need a jacket at The Gap because the wind’s howling. Bring a jumper even in summer just in case.

Did you know?

Albany holds a unique place in Australian history.

In 1914, it was the last departure point for thousands of ANZAC troops heading to the battlefields of WWI. For many, the rugged coastline here was the final glimpse of Australia they ever saw.

Today, the National ANZAC Centre overlooks the harbour, telling their story in a way that makes the history feel very real and close to home.

Overwhelmed by planning? We’ve got you

Planning a road trip feels like piecing together a giant puzzle, from figuring out drive times to choosing between beaches, forests, wineries, and more.

So if your brain’s spinning with tabs and maps… take a deep breath. You don’t have to do this alone!

Our complete Western Australia travel guide on Rexby is your shortcut to a smooth, stress-free trip. It includes:

• +15 detailed itineraries (including this one!)
• Hidden gems only locals know
• Interactive maps and planning tools
• Step-by-step guidance from someone who’s actually done it (us!)

Over 300 travelers have already used our guide to plan their own WA adventures, and now it’s your turn!