Are you heading over to Western Australia (WA as locals name it) and trying to find the perfect locations to cease off in your Perth to Albany highway journey? Look no additional, I’ve obtained you coated on this journey information…
The West Coast is so insanely stunning, I’m so excited so that you can see it!!! This 8-day Perth to Albany highway journey itinerary is one which I accomplished a few months in the past, and right now I’ll be sharing with you the perfect locations to cease, to hike and to eat alongside the best way.
This Perth highway journey takes you from town to the turquoise bays of Dunsborough, by way of the world-class wineries of Margaret River, previous towering Karri forests in Pemberton, throughout the tree-canopy walks in Denmark, and into the dramatic shoreline of Albany earlier than beelining again to Perth in your last day.
If you wish to take pleasure in your morning espresso overlooking the surf, you’re keen on a hike with a bakery pit cease, you’re keen on a glass of wine within the late afternoon solar, and you discover pleasure in distant campgrounds and swimming in crystal clear coves… this Perth to Albany highway journey is for you!
Let’s tuck in and get you planning the journey of a lifetime!
P.s. If you’re contemplating heading to Western Australia and are excited about going north of Perth, try this 9 day Perth to Exmouth highway journey and be sure to don’t miss Karijini National Park.
Get lifetime entry to my limitless hours of analysis and time spent on the bottom discovering the perfect locations to eat, drink, chill out and discover within the space. You merely open the Google Map in your gadget and all my pins are on the contact of your fingertips.
How to Get There, Where to Stay & When to Visit
Getting to Perth:
Most will fly into Perth Airport (PER), Western Australia’s primary worldwide and home hub, and so that is the place this itinerary begins. This can also be the place a lot of the campervan rental firms are positioned and so you possibly can decide up your car as quickly as you arrive.
We booked our motorhome by way of Ratpack Travel and headed to Apollo to select it up as soon as we’d touched down in Perth. After a brief induction and tour of our residence on wheels, we obtained straight on the highway! Of course, you would additionally rent a automotive after which e book lodging alongside the best way, however I really like a motorhome because it provides you the liberty to chase sunsets, cook dinner roadside breakfasts, and camp intimately with nature, close to seashores or forests.
Where to Stay in your Perth to Albany highway journey:
From vacation parks with full facilities to nationwide park campsites tucked among the many bushes, a Perth highway journey has loads of scenic sleep spots. What I’d say is that throughout the peak months of November to February, you’ll need to e book up upfront. Things get very busy and also you don’t need to waste your treasured journey time driving round in circles in search of someplace to park.
Best Time to do a Perth to Albany highway journey:
Spring (Sept–Nov) is good for the wildflowers and crispy mountain climbing climate. Summer (Dec–Feb) brings seaside days and longer gentle but in addition peak tourism and busier roads. If you’re after quieter trails and moody coastlines, contemplate autumn (Mar–May). This Perth to Albany highway journey itinerary is doable year-round, however winter will be moist and windy within the south which isn’t probably the most splendid circumstances for tenting!
Day 1: Arrive in Perth and decide up the campervan
After touchdown in WA’s capital, it’s time to select up your campervan (having booked by way of Ratpack Travel). It’s a good suggestion to land within the morning with the intention to head straight to get your motorhome after which have the remainder of the day to top off on groceries, seize a espresso and hit the highway. This is what we did and we made it right down to Dunsborough for sundown which was the right begin to our Perth to Albany highway journey.
If time permits, try Kings Park or Cottesloe Beach for a fast style of city-meets-nature earlier than starting your Perth to Albany highway journey itinerary. I can extremely suggest brunch at Magic Apple Wholefoods. See pictures beneath, it’s a dreamy seaside entrance location with all of the smoothie bowls, avocado-infused breakfasts and elixirs. A healthful haven for many who like to nourish their physique on the highway.
Drive time to Dunsborough: ~3 hours (250km)
Day 2–3: Explore Dunsborough
Dunsborough, Western Australia, is a dreamy coastal city and is the primary cease in your itinerary. If you might have one other day to play with in your itinerary, i’d spend it right here!
You’ve obtained a lot to discover, together with the crystal-clear waters of Meelup Beach, mountain climbing the scenic trails of Cape Naturaliste, and the likes of the traditional Ngilgi Cave. One of the perfect issues to do in Dunsborough is to go to Sugarloaf Rock at sundown and spot migrating whales (in season) from the lighthouse lookout. Consider these hikes while you’re within the space:
- Cape Naturaliste to Sugarloaf Rock (3.5km return): A brief path with large views.
- Meelup Reserve Trail (7.5km a technique): A beautiful monitor connecting beautiful seashores.
Dunsborough additionally has a lot of unimaginable spots to eat, with some severely beautiful boutique wineries, beachside cafes, and regionally sourced menus dotted all through the area.
A number of of my favorite to take a look at are:
- lunch at ilma Beach House
- sundown wine at Wise Wine
- brunch at Meelup Farmhouse
- Coffee + pastry at Merchant & Maker
- gelato at Elski Danish Ice Creamery
- Lavendar afternoon tea at Cape Lavender
If you want to entry to each pin and advice from my Perth to Albany highway journey, you’ll completely love my Australia Google Map Legend. It will prevent SO a lot money and time while exhibiting you all the perfect spots on the contact of your fingertips.
You may also discover my Best Things To Do In Dunsborough, Western Australia right here.
If you’re in search of a surf spot, you’re spoilt for alternative round right here. Check out Yallingup Beach which affords highly effective reef breaks and is good for knowledgeable surfers, however there’s additionally a protected lagoon for swimming and inexperienced persons. There’s additionally Smiths Beach, Injidup Beach and Boneyards (Yallingup).
Whether you’re into browsing, snorkelling, or sipping wine within the solar, Dunsborough is a must-visit on any South West WA itinerary and is without doubt one of the finest stops in your Perth to Albany highway journey.
Overnight advice: Campground at Tasman Holiday Parks.
Day 4: Margaret River: Wine, Waves & Wilderness
Next cease in your Perth to Albany highway journey itinerary is the long-lasting Margaret River area. This had been on my bucket record for some time, and it didn’t disappoint. Most folks mentioned to me ‘if you like Byron Bay, you’ll love Margaret River’, and now, after visiting, I can see why.
There’s a stunning wellness scene with loads of yoga studios and spas to test into. If you fancy weaving a yoga class into your Perth to Albany highway journey I’d try Swell Yoga or Gnarabup Yoga Studio. Then there’s Empire Retreat & Spa and Bodhi Wellness Spa Retreat, must you want to test into someplace particular.
This space can also be world-famous for the surf and the wine so remember to try one or two of the wineries on Caves Road (the highway upon which a lot of the wineries are positioned) while you’re right here. Oh and
My should tries in Margaret River:
- Margaret River Bakery – get your morning espresso and a sourdough loaf or lunch to-go
- Domaine Naturaliste – wine tasting
- Pierro Wines – Small winery, well-known for his or her PIERRO Chardonnay – one of the vital collected wines in Australia. Can go in and style all of them. $5 surcharge for his or her flagship others are all free.
- Brunch at White Elephant Cafe
Day 5: Pemberton & Peaceful Bay – Climbing Trees & Forest Magic
Okay this stretch of your Perth to Albany highway journey dives inland for a sizzling minute into tall tree nation. In Pemberton, you’ve obtained the Gloucester Tree (which was truly shut after we handed by way of) which is an exciting climb for these with a head for heights. Then, after I like to recommend making your approach towards Peaceful Bay by way of Walpole the place you are able to do the well-known Valley of the Giants tree prime stroll!
- Gloucester Tree (53m climb)
- The Cascades Picnic Spot
- Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk: A should for any Perth to Albany highway journey itinerary—you’ll stroll 40m above the traditional tingle bushes!
Overnight advice: Peaceful Bay Caravan Park, proper close to the water (see image beneath).
Get lifetime entry to my limitless hours of analysis and time spent on the bottom discovering the perfect locations to eat, drink, chill out and discover within the space. You merely open the Google Map in your gadget and all my pins are on the contact of your fingertips.
Day 6: Denmark – Greens Pool & Elephant Rocks
Denmark, Western Australia, is a laid-back coastal gem recognized for its wild magnificence. Two of its most iconic pure wonders that most individuals come to the realm to go to are Greens Pool (a sheltered turquoise bay good for swimming and snorkelling) and Elephant Rocks, the place large boulders resemble a herd of elephants wading by way of the ocean.
If you’re feeling lively, there are some beautiful strolling trails by way of William Bay National Park (try Mount Hallowell Trail (11km loop), and once more some boutique wineries price visiting within the space.
I additionally actually cherished Denmark city and felt like I’d stepped into British Columbia, Canada for a second. It was actually giving recent mountain air and ski city vibes. There had been some attractive bakeries and aware residing retailers right here so I’d suggest stopping for lunch if you happen to want it or a stretch of the legs!
I picked up a postcard from the nook store and had a cacao and breakfast within the Green Pantry Cafe while I used to be there and might suggest each. Next to the Green Pantry cafe there was a discover board with a lot of native wellness choices so ought to you might have longer in Denmark – perhaps give one thing new a attempt!
Denmark was a spotlight for me and an absolute should in your Perth to Albany highway journey itinerary!
Day 7: Albany – Bald Head Trail, Misery Beach & Whale-Watching Views
Albany is the dramatic grand finale to your Perth to Albany highway journey. Set between cliffs and coves, it’s wealthy in scenic viewpoints, wildlife, and has a number of the most underrated hikes in Australia.
Highlights in Albany embrace Torndirrup National Park, the place you possibly can go to The Gap and Natural Bridge for epic ocean views, and Misery Beach, as soon as voted Australia’s most beautiful seaside. I’d recommend combining the Bald Head path (12.5km return) with a dip at Misery Beach and a sundown dinner / cuppa identical to we did (see beneath). The surroundings is insane and this was one in all my favorite moments on the highway journey!
If you’re seeking to get one thing to eat in Albany or have a number of hours to discover, I’d suggest:
- Walking the Ellen Cove Boardwalk
- Grassfed beef burgers and wine @ Hybla Tavern
- Coffee and pasty @ Bred co Sourdough Bakery
Overnight advice: Panorama Caravan Park
As i discussed, in every single place i discovered and loved alongside my highway journey obtained pinned onto my Australia Google Map Legend so if you happen to’re doing this journey that shall be your finest buddy!!!
Day 8: Drive Back to Perth
Drive time: ~5 hours (415km)
Ahhhh. It’s time to shut the loop in your Perth to Albany highway journey itinerary and begin the drive again to drop off your camper van. From Albany, there’s a shortcut (route 30 / Albany freeway) again to Perth which implies which you could beeline again to Perth with out having to retrace your steps alongside the coast!
This means your last day is a heavy driving day nevertheless it’s tremendous simple, simply top off with highway journey snacks! On my Australia Google Map Legend i’ve pinned the spots that we dropped the waste from our motorhome and crammed up earlier than dropping our motorhome again off on the depot.
This Perth to Albany highway journey itinerary is truthfully among the finest highway journeys to go on in Australia so if you happen to’re on the fence, contemplate this your signal to e book it and expertise one of the vital magical corners of this nation!
Wishing you the journey of a lifetime!!!!
Have you been to Western Australia?
What are the perfect issues to do on a Perth to Albany highway journey itinerary? Anything you’d add to this Perth to Albany highway journey itinerary bucket record?
Love as at all times and completely satisfied adventuring…
Get lifetime entry to my limitless hours of analysis and time spent on the bottom discovering the perfect locations to eat, drink, chill out and discover within the space. You merely open the Google Map in your gadget and all my pins are on the contact of your fingertips.