Explore Western Australia's South West

Pick up your car or motorhome in Perth. If you're collecting a motorhome, allow plenty of time at the branch so the rental company can show you how it works before you leave.

Perth is the capital city of Western Australia, and the only place to combine a city lifestyle with the Australian bush. A visit to King’s Park is a must, which is one of the world’s biggest inner-city parks – even bigger than Central Park in New York! Here, you can take an Indigenous cultural tour, walk amongst the tree tops and have a picnic.

Depart this morning and head south via State Route 2 to Forrest Highway. You will arrive in Bunbury roughly 2 hours later.

Spend the afternoon admiring the local wildlife of Bunbury. The bay is home to more than 150 bottlenose dolphins, which can be seen regularly in the shallow waters. You can even take a tour to swim with the dolphins and have the opportunity to interact with them.

Depart this morning and head south along the Bussell Highway to Margaret River.

Have lunch at the Swooping Magpie, a small, privately owned vineyard. The vineyard prides itself on having an abundance of full-flavoured, high quality and affordable wines to try. You must also try their famous scones with jam and cream, a local favourite! We couldn’t confirm that the Swooping Magpie is still trading, so check it’s open before you go.

Explore the ancient Mammoth Caves in the afternoon. Entering the cave from a bushwalk, you will see fossils from now extinct Australian animals that are up to 50,000 years old. If you visit during winter, you will be able to see the hauntingly beautiful red stream through the cave, stained from the natural tannins.

Spend the morning on a tour of the stunning Margaret River Forest on an electric quad bike. You are taken deep into the Boranup Forest in the Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park to trek where few locals have been. Using innovative iPad technology, you will learn about the indigenous flora and fauna, local animals including the whales and the aboriginal uses of local flowers and trees.

In the afternoon, visit one of Margaret River’s famous wineries. Cape Mentelle is one of the founding five wineries of the region, and crushes about 1,700 tonnes of fruit each year. Try a variety and become a bit of a wine connoisseur. They specialise in varieties of both red and white wines.

Depart Margaret River this morning and head south on Bussell Highway towards Walkington Avenue in Augusta.

Visit the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse and climb to the lookout at the top. The lighthouse is the tallest on mainland Australia on the most south-westerly tip. Here, the Indian and Southern Oceans meet to produce a truly memorable natural experience. Take a break and have a coffee in one of the heritage cottages overlooking Flinders Bay (check what’s open on the day).

In the afternoon, explore the Hardy Inlet and Blackwood River. The Blackwood River is one of the largest rivers in Western Australia’s South West, and is full of local wildlife, dolphins and fish. Have a picnic, or take the opportunity to participate in a variety of water sports.

Depart in the morning and take the Brockman Highway to Darradup. Follow the Vasse Highway to Walpole.

After the drive, spend the day relaxing at the Walpole and Nornalup Inlets Marine Park for lunch. Bring a picnic and enjoy the remoteness of the natural location. Explore the various walking trails or even try out some fishing.

In the afternoon, visit the famous Valley of Giants Tree Top Walk. The walkway takes you 40 metres up into the canopy as you get to explore a different world that most never get to see. You must remember to wear walking shoes, and allow 45-60 minutes to fully enjoy the walk.

Depart this morning, and head east. Take the National Route 1 to Albany.

Spend the afternoon at the National ANZAC centre. The first troops to leave for the First World War, in 1914, left from Albany. Known as where the ANZAC story was born, the centre follows the journey of the troops from Albany, to the Middle East, to Gallipoli and across the Western Front. The Lonely Planet named the National Anzac Centre one of the best new travel experiences in the world, and is something not to be missed.

Journey across the oceans and discover a small part of the Southern Ocean. Take a sailing tour and learn about the tales of the sea, whilst indulging in some coffee, tea and local food. You may even get the opportunity to steer the ship!

Explore the Padre White lookout in the afternoon, the most visited lookout in the region. The lookout is a tribute to Padre White, an army chaplain who would lead parishioners to the summit of Mount Clarence so they could watch the convoys depart for Europe and the First World War.

Depart Albany this morning and take the Albany Highway towards Kojonup/ Perth.

When you arrive in Kojonup, be sure to visit the Kodja Place. The Kodja Place is made up of The Kodj Gallery, Yoondis Mia Mia, The Story Place and The Australian Rose Maze. This culturally significant place tells the Kojonup story, and is a product of the work of many dedicated volunteers who want to share their culture.

Enjoy a snack at Yoondis Mia Mia, as you immerse yourself in the Noongar culture in a traditional Mia Mia camp. Here, you will learn to see the bush through the eyes of the Noongar people, and how they can survive off the land.

Spend the afternoon getting lost in the Rose Maze. Discover the history and culture of three amazing women: Yoondi, the Noongar woman, Elizabeth, an English woman, and the Italian woman, Maria. Throughout this journey, you will get to experience their lives in a completely different time.

Depart for Perth. Head north on the Albany Highway towards Harrison Place. You have now finished your journey.