7-Day South West WA Road Trip Itinerary from Perth

The South West of Western Australia is one of the most rewarding road trip regions in the country. Towering karri forests, world-class wineries, turquoise coastline, spectacular caves, and some of the best camping in the state — all within three hours of Perth. Here’s a day-by-day itinerary I’ve refined over years of personal trips and customer feedback.

Day 1: Perth to Busselton (220 km)

We recommend leaving Perth early to beat the morning rush. The drive south on the Forrest Highway takes roughly two and a half hours without stops.

Busselton highlights:

• Walk the famous Busselton Jetty. At 1.8 kilometres, it is the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Take the Jetty Train if walking isn’t an option. The return trip costs approximately $15 for adults, or you can bundle it with the Underwater Observatory for around $42 to see the artificial reef.
• Hit Meelup Beach or Eagle Bay for a swim. These sheltered beaches have calm, crystal-clear water that rivals anything on the east coast.
• Stock up on supplies at the Bunbury Farmers Market in Glen Iris before you reach Busselton. This place is legendary for its “extreme freshness” philosophy and massive range of pre-made camping meals.

Camping: Kookaburra Caravan Park in Busselton offers comfortable powered sites. Free camping is available at the Tuart Forest National Park rest area (Peppermint Grove Road) for a more rustic experience.

Day 2: Dunsborough and Cape Naturaliste (40 km)

We suggest keeping Day 2 short on driving so you can explore properly. Dunsborough is a relaxed coastal town with excellent cafes, a brewery, and beautiful beaches.

Must-do:

• Drive to the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse. Tours cost roughly $17 for adults and offer panoramic views of the Indian Ocean from the balcony.
• Spot migrating whales from the lookout. The season typically runs from September to December.
• Lunch at Eagle Bay Brewing Co. It offers sweeping views of the farmland and coast, making it a perfect pitstop for families and 4WD travellers alike.
• Walk part of the Cape to Cape Track. The section from Cape Naturaliste to Sugarloaf Rock is roughly 7 kilometres one way and takes you along dramatic granite coastline.

Camping: Jarrahdene Campground in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park offers basic bush camping surrounded by coastal scrub. Bookings are essential through the Parks and Wildlife Service (DBCA).

Day 3: Yallingup and Cave Exploration (30 km)

A short drive south brings you to Yallingup, a surf town with stunning coastal scenery and some of WA’s most impressive caves.

Highlights:

• Ngilgi Cave — a must-visit. Self-guided tours cost around $32 per adult, or you can book a cultural tour with Koomal Dreaming for a deeper connection to the land.
• Yallingup Beach — one of WA’s premier surf breaks. The lagoon offers a protected swimming area for those who aren’t tackling the big waves.
• Wild Hop Brewing Company — stop here for a casual lunch. Their rotisserie chicken and local brews are excellent, and the venue is very kid-friendly.

Camping: Yallingup Beach Holiday Park is right on the coast. Alternatively, bush camp at Boranup Forest (more on that tomorrow) if you prefer solitude.

Day 4: Margaret River (50 km)

Our team often tells renters that this region is the heart of the South West. You could spend a week here and not see everything, but one full day covers the essentials.

Wine tasting: Margaret River has over 150 wineries. We have compiled a quick comparison of our favourites to help you choose:

Winery	Best For	Approx. Cost
Vasse Felix	History buffs (region’s first winery)	~$10 tasting fee
Voyager Estate	Premium, seated experiences	~$65 (Savour Experience)
Leeuwin Estate	Art lovers & fine dining	~$25-39 (Art Series Flight)
Cullen Wines	Biodynamic & organic enthusiasts	Varies (often redeemable)

Other highlights:

• Margaret River Farmers Market (Saturday mornings) — local produce, artisan goods, and excellent coffee.
• The Margaret River itself — walk along the riverbank trail to the Rotary Park or swim at the River Mouth.
• Settlers Tavern — grab dinner at this iconic pub. It is famous for its live music and surprisingly extensive wine list.
• Chocolate and cheese — The Margaret River Chocolate Company and Margaret River Dairy Company are both free to visit and sample.

Camping: Conto Campground in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park is beautifully set in karri forest. Sites cost roughly $20 per adult per night and must be booked online in advance.

Day 5: Boranup Forest and Hamelin Bay (40 km)

We encourage you to drive south through the majestic Boranup Karri Forest. These trees grow up to 60 metres tall and the forest is one of the most photogenic in Australia.

Highlights:

• Boranup Drive — this unsealed forest road winds through towering karri trees. It is perfect for a 4WD camper, though standard vehicles can usually handle it in dry conditions.
• Boranup Lookout — panoramic views over the forest canopy to the coast. A short walk from the car park leads you to the best vantage point.
• Hamelin Bay — famous for the wild stingrays that swim into the shallows. Mornings are usually the best time to see them gliding past the boat ramp.
• Lake Cave — the most visually stunning of the South West caves. Be prepared for a workout, as there are over 300 steps to climb back out.

Camping: Hamelin Bay Holiday Park offers powered sites starting around $47-60 per night. You can also stay at the dedicated Boranup Forest campground for a simpler experience.

Day 6: Augusta and Cape Leeuwin (50 km)

Continue south to Augusta, the last major town before Cape Leeuwin. This is where the Indian Ocean meets the Southern Ocean.

Must-do:

• Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse — the tallest mainland lighthouse in Australia (39 metres). Entry to the grounds is affordable, but the tower climb costs approximately $22 for adults.
• Jewel Cave — the largest show cave in WA. The guided tour takes about an hour and showcases massive chambers and intricate fossil formations.
• The Augusta Hotel — stop here for a classic pub lunch. The lawn area offers commanding views over the Blackwood River and the ocean.

Camping: Turner Caravan Park in Augusta is a popular choice. Free camping is available at Alexandra Bridge campground along the Blackwood River, which offers a peaceful spot with basic facilities.

Day 7: Return to Perth via Inland Route (300 km)

We recommend heading back to Perth via the inland route. Driving through Nannup, Balingup, and Donnybrook provides a lovely change of scenery from the coast.

Stops along the way:

• Nannup — a quiet timber town set on the Blackwood River. Pickle & O is a great spot for coffee and a toasted sandwich.
• Balingup — an arts and crafts village with a quirky main street. The Golden Valley Tree Park is worth a quick visit, especially in autumn.
• Donnybrook — apple country. Look for the Apple Fun Park if you have kids, or buy fresh fruit from a roadside stall.
• Ferguson Valley — if time permits, detour through this emerging wine region. Gnomesville is a unique stop where thousands of garden gnomes have been left by visitors.

Allow four to five hours for the return drive with stops. You will be back in Perth by late afternoon.

Practical Tips for This Trip

• Fuel: Fill up in Busselton, Margaret River, and Augusta. We use the FuelWatch website to find the best prices, which generally average between 165c and 185c per litre in the region.
• Water: Campgrounds in national parks have limited or no water. You must fill your jerry cans in town before heading into the forest.
• Park Passes: Entry fees apply to many national parks. A 5-Day Holiday Pass costs $30, or a 14-Day Pass is $50, which saves money if you visit multiple sites.
• Bookings: National park campgrounds (Conto, Jarrahdene) can be booked online through Parks and Wildlife WA. Spots fill up quickly during school holidays and long weekends.
• Phone signal: Coverage is generally good in towns. Telstra offers the best reach in the forests, but you should still download offline maps before leaving Perth.
• Best time: Year-round, but autumn (March to May) is ideal. The days are warm, the nights are cool, and the forest colours are spectacular.

This South West loop is one of the best introductions to WA road tripping. The distances are manageable, the variety is incredible, and it gives you a taste of what makes this state so special. Our team believes that if you are heading out from Perth for the first time, this is exactly where you should start.