Travel & Touring | WA Road Trips
If you're heading to WA's South West or Great Southern region and would like to have a tangible map or guide for your holidays, we've got you covered.
From the Ferguson Valley to the Porongurups, we've curated a collection of South West driving itineraries for you to download, print and take with you, so you won't be caught out with no phone battery or patchy WiFi.
Perth to the Ferguson Valley
| Distance and days | 400km round trip, 2 - 3 days |
|---|---|
| Why do it? |
Pinjarra Suspension Bridge - Lake Navarino - The Big Orange - Gnomesville - Wellington Dam - Potters Gorge - Quaint wineries and gourmet producers |
| When to go | Anytime, but especially great in spring after the winter rains result in lush green hills.
|
For those wanting a refreshing change to the established gourmet valleys within Perth or the well-known valleys in the South West, then it’s worth exploring the alternative valley, Ferguson Valley. Set among rolling hills, the spectacular Ferguson Valley has lots on offer for families, couples and curious travellers. With magnificent views around every corner, discover secluded rock pools, freshwater fishing spots, forests, walking trails, quaint historic towns towns and picturesque WA farming landscapes. This route provides a welcome scenic change to the direct Forrest/Bussell Highway.
RELATED:
Ferguson Valley one-day drive trail »
Perth to Albany and Esperance
| Distance and days | 1970km, 7 - 10 days |
|---|---|
| Why do it? |
Pristine white beaches - Great Southern winery region - National parks - Seasonal whale sightings |
| When to go | December to May will provide the best weather to enjoy the southern coast's beaches.
|
Follow the Coastal and Esperance self-drive route from Perth to Esperance through Wheatbelt towns to the breathtaking southern coastline of WA. Here you'll discover superb fishing, pristine nature and the whitest beaches you've ever seen. Plus, get to see the charming towns throughout WA's Wheatbelt region, including historic and heritage-listed attractions, museums, art galleries, monuments and memorabilia. The national parks along this route are also superb, and you might even get to see some whales off the coast.
Art and history loop - Perth to Albany via Busselton and surrounds
| Distance and days | 1155km, 7 days |
|---|---|
| Why do it? |
Art galleries - History - National parks - Wineries - Outdoor adventuring |
| When to go | Anytime
|
Discover the best of Australia’s South West on a great self-drive journey that takes you through some of the fascinating arts, history and culture this region has to offer. Explore Indigenous cultural centres, art galleries and early settler historic sights. This route also offers plenty of outdoor activities along the way like caving, mountain bike riding, rock climbing and hiking in picturesque national parks; as well as water activities like snorkelling, canoeing and sailing. And what's more, you've got one of Australia's most renowned wine regions right there on your doorstep.
Family fun loop - Perth to Albany via Pemberton and surrounds
| Distance and days | 1070km round trip, 5 days |
|---|---|
| Why do it? |
Dolphins and whales sightings - Animal farms - Outdoor activities - Wineries |
| When to go | Anytime
|
The best Aussie family holidays involve a mix of wonderful beaches, superb natural environments and exciting child friendly attractions, things the South West has in spades. This route takes you along some of WA's best dolphin and whale-watching spots, through national parks and caving spots, and to animal farms and eco-parks where your kids can get hands-on with farm animals. When its times to burn off some energy, this itinerary also has opportunities fr outdoor adventures like sand-boarding, canoeing, kayaking, snorkelling and mountain bike riding; and mum and dad can enjoy wine tasting at some of the region's premier vineyards.
Perth to Yallingup via Mandurah, Bunbury and Harvey
| Distance and days | 590km round trip, 2-3 days |
|---|---|
| Why do it? |
Mandurah Foreshore - Dolphin spotting - Harvey Big Orange - Lake Clifton - Pristine beaches |
| When to go | November to May to enjoy the coast and beaches
|
Sometimes it’s not about where you’re going, but the road you take to get there. So why not start your holiday the moment you leave home? Visit the many towns along the way to Yallingup, like Mandurah, Bunbury and Harvey, and discover all the hidden gems they have to offer - including ample dolphin-spotting opportunities in Mandurah and Bunbury. Plus, you get to enjoy some of the spectacular scenery and coast along the way.
Need a place to stay along the way?
RAC members save up to 20%* on accommodation at RAC Karri Valley Resort, RAC Margaret River Nature Park and RAC Busselton Holiday Park.
Last updated November 2020
*Member rate varies according to season. See full website for details. Terms and conditions apply.
