Western Australia road trips that showcase the best of the state

Bucket-list road trips to take you to all four corners of WA.

Updated Dec 9, 2020. What changed?

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With a boundless coast, space-like rock formations and sunshine in spades, there's a reason they call Western Australia the Road Trip State. You could spend days, weeks and even months driving its network of bitumen and dirt trails.

However long you have in mind, here are our top picks of drives that must be ticked off the bucket list.

South Western Australia road trip

That south-west corner of our country is full of surprises. Along its coast are limestone caves, hidden coves and beaches, sand dune systems and the chance to spot whales and dolphins playing in the distance.

Tread inland and it won't be long until you're wandering among ancient trees, kissing the skies on mountain skywalks and tipping back glasses of world-class wine.

Hopetoun, Australia

Distance: 2,171km, 2 days, roundtrip
Route: Perth to Lucky Bay via the coastline, return
Highlights: Rottnest Island, Busselton, Injidup Natural Spa, Geographe Bay, Margaret River, Ngilgi Cave, Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, Walpole, The Gap in Albany, Granite Skywalk in Porongurup National Park, Bremer Bay, Esperance, Lucky Bay, Twilight Bay and Lake Hillier.
Things to do: Take the ferry to Rottnest Island for a day trip, walk under the ocean in Busselton, explore the karst cave system of Ngilgi Cave, take your tastebuds on an adventure in Margaret River, trek through the Walpole Wilderness, walk the Granite Skywalk, spot orca whales in Bremer Bay and swim in Lucky Bay.
Stay at: Terrace Central B&B Hotel in Fremantle, Riveresque in Margaret River, Sleepwell Motel in Albany, Wavecrest Village & Tourist Park in Hopetoun, Bayview Motel Esperance and Wave Rock Motel.
Eat at: Rottnest Bakery on Rottnest Island, Margaret River Brewhouse in Margaret River, Ocean and Paddock in Albany and Fish Face Takeaway and Restaurant in Esperance.

7-day itinerary along South Western Australia:

Day	Route/itinerary
Day 1 Distance: 22.2km Drive time: 30 minutes	Perth to Fremantle and Rottnest Island Drive to Fremantle and catch the ferry to Rottnest Island. Spend the day on Rottnest Island, meeting the local quokkas, snorkelling at The Basin and climbing the lighthouse at Pinky Beach. Take the ferry back to Fremantle and spend the night at Terrace Central B&B Hotel.
Day 2 Distance: 266km Drive time: 3 hours	Fremantle to Margaret River via Busselton and Dunsborough Drive south to Busselton and walk along the famous 2km jetty and duck into the underwater observatory in Geographe Bay. If time permits, put on a helmet for a 30-minute undersea walk. Continue south to Dunsborough for lunch with a view. If you're lucky you could even spot a whale in the ocean. Swing by Ngilgi Cave to explore this vast karst cave system. Spend the evening in Margaret River, tasting the local produce and wine before turning in at Riveresque.
Day 3 Distance: 373km Drive time: 4 hours, 20 minutes	Margaret River to Albany Start out early bound for Pemberton where you can hike through Karri forests and attempt to climb these giant trees. Follow the State Route 10 to Walpole, home to a network of national parks. Choose to hike part of the Bibbulmun Track, walk the treetops in the Valley of the Giants, catch summit views in Mountain Frankland National Park or take it easy in Mandalay Beach in D'Entrecasteaux National Park. From Walpole, take picture breaks at Peaceful Bay, Ocean Bay and Denmark before settling into Albany. Stay at Sleepwell Motel.
Day 4 Distance: 433km Distance: 4.5 hours	Albany to Hopetoun Take Chester Pass Road toward Porongurup and its Granite Skywalk. This walkway is 670 metres above sea level and takes you through stunning rock formations culminating in panoramic views from the Stirling Ranges to the Southern Ocean. Continue along Chester Pass Road turning onto Chillinup Road and Kojaneerup Road to reconnect to the State Route 1 toward Bremer Bay. In Bremer Bay keep an eye out for orca whales from February to April or southern right whales from June to October. Continue to Hopetoun and stay the night at Wavecrest Village & Tourist Park.
Day 5 Distance: 182km Drive time: 2 hours	Hopetoun to Esperance Spend the morning in Fitzgerald River Park. Known for its botanic diversity, it's home to over 1,800 plant species. Drive the National Route 1 to Esperance via Pink Lake (called so for its pink hue) for those happy snaps. In Esperance sink your feet in Twilight Beach or West Beaches sands before taking off to Cape Le Grand. While here, hike to Frenchman Peak and swim in Lucky Bay with its white sand, turquoise waters and local and friendly kangaroo population. Spend the night at Bayview Motel Esperance.
Day 6 Distance: 382km Drive time: 4 hours	Esperance to Hyden (with a day trip to Lake Hillier) Up the game and book a scenic flight to Middle Island, best known for its bubblegum pink Lake Hillier. In the afternoon, start the drive back to Perth along State Route 40. Make your last stop Hyden with its Wave Rock formation. Stay at Wave Rock Motel.
Day 7 Distance: 336km Drive time: 4 hours	Hyden to Perth Continue along State Route 40 west back to Perth.

Day 1

Distance: 22.2km

Drive time: 30 minutes

Perth to Fremantle and Rottnest Island

Drive to Fremantle and catch the ferry to Rottnest Island.
Spend the day on Rottnest Island, meeting the local quokkas, snorkelling at The Basin and climbing the lighthouse at Pinky Beach.
Take the ferry back to Fremantle and spend the night at Terrace Central B&B Hotel.

Day 2

Distance: 266km

Drive time: 3 hours

Fremantle to Margaret River via Busselton and Dunsborough

Drive south to Busselton and walk along the famous 2km jetty and duck into the underwater observatory in Geographe Bay.
If time permits, put on a helmet for a 30-minute undersea walk.
Continue south to Dunsborough for lunch with a view. If you're lucky you could even spot a whale in the ocean.
Swing by Ngilgi Cave to explore this vast karst cave system.

Spend the evening in Margaret River, tasting the local produce and wine before turning in at Riveresque.

Day 3

Distance: 373km

Drive time: 4 hours, 20 minutes

Margaret River to Albany

Start out early bound for Pemberton where you can hike through Karri forests and attempt to climb these giant trees.
Follow the State Route 10 to Walpole, home to a network of national parks. Choose to hike part of the Bibbulmun Track, walk the treetops in the Valley of the Giants, catch summit views in Mountain Frankland National Park or take it easy in Mandalay Beach in D'Entrecasteaux National Park.
From Walpole, take picture breaks at Peaceful Bay, Ocean Bay and Denmark before settling into Albany.

Stay at Sleepwell Motel.

Day 4

Distance: 433km

Distance: 4.5 hours

Albany to Hopetoun

Take Chester Pass Road toward Porongurup and its Granite Skywalk. This walkway is 670 metres above sea level and takes you through stunning rock formations culminating in panoramic views from the Stirling Ranges to the Southern Ocean.
Continue along Chester Pass Road turning onto Chillinup Road and Kojaneerup Road to reconnect to the State Route 1 toward Bremer Bay.
In Bremer Bay keep an eye out for orca whales from February to April or southern right whales from June to October.

Continue to Hopetoun and stay the night at Wavecrest Village & Tourist Park.

Day 5

Distance: 182km

Drive time: 2 hours

Hopetoun to Esperance

Spend the morning in Fitzgerald River Park. Known for its botanic diversity, it's home to over 1,800 plant species.
Drive the National Route 1 to Esperance via Pink Lake (called so for its pink hue) for those happy snaps.
In Esperance sink your feet in Twilight Beach or West Beaches sands before taking off to Cape Le Grand.
While here, hike to Frenchman Peak and swim in Lucky Bay with its white sand, turquoise waters and local and friendly kangaroo population.

Spend the night at Bayview Motel Esperance.

Day 6

Distance: 382km

Drive time: 4 hours

Esperance to Hyden (with a day trip to Lake Hillier)

Up the game and book a scenic flight to Middle Island, best known for its bubblegum pink Lake Hillier.
In the afternoon, start the drive back to Perth along State Route 40.
Make your last stop Hyden with its Wave Rock formation.

Stay at Wave Rock Motel.

Day 7

Distance: 336km

Drive time: 4 hours

Hyden to Perth

Continue along State Route 40 west back to Perth.

Canning Stock Route

One of the greatest four-wheel-drive adventure drives, Canning Stock Route is the longest stock route in the world. It runs from Halls Creek to Wiluna through the rugged territory of the Gibson Desert and is marked by a series of wells and lakes that were used to sustain cattle as they were driven along the way.

Not for the faint-hearted, Canning Stock Route is not well maintained and takes anything from 10 to 20 days to drive. Come well equipped with fuel, supplies and camping gear as there are only two indigenous communities along the route (near wells 33 and 22) where you can refuel. You will also need to obtain a permit to drive the route as it runs through native land.

view over escarpment to plain, canning stock route, western australia

Distance: 1,850km, 10-20 days
Route: Halls Creek to Wiluna
Highlights: Breaden Pool, Gravity Lakes, Kiwirrkurra Rd/Canning Stock Route Intersection, Lake Disappointment, Durba Springs, Little Sandy Desert and a series of wells.
Things to do: Stop by the wells and hunt for the Aboriginal rock paintings and carvings that line the way.
Stay at: There is no accommodation except in Earaheedy near the end of your trip. You will have to camp along the way. Popular camping points include Ruby Plains, Well 49, Well 46, Well 42, Well 38, Well 33, Well 24, Lake Disappointment, Durba Springs and Well 10.

Perth to Albany, Denmark and Pemberton

If you're headed down the south coast on a 2-3 day trip, Denmark and Albany are two heralded cities that have it all.

Fringed by cakey soft beaches and craggy cliff faces, spend your days pumping those legs along the networks of walking trails in Pemberton and Porongurups. At night, dine on freshly shucked oysters overlooking the beach.

D'Entrecasteaux National Park, Western Australia

Distance: 1,005km, 11.5 hours, roundtrip
Route: Perth-Albany-Denmark-Pemberton-Perth
Highlights: Pemberton and Porongurups.
Best time to drive: November to June has the least amount of rainfall. If you're not keen on peak prices and tourists, avoid December and January travel.
Things to do: Explore Albany by segwey, trek the Walpole Wilderness, go on a 4WD adventure through Pemberton's Warren National Park and D'Entrecasteaux National Park and eat your way around the local produce of Porongurups.
Stay at: Ace Accommodation Albany and Pemberton Lake View Chalets.
Eat at: D&C Grill - Taste of Albany in Albany, Mrs Jones cafe in Denmark and Lavender and Berry Farm Cafe in Pemberton.

3-day itinerary from Perth to Albany and Denmark:

Day	Route/itinerary
Day 1 Distance: 418km Drive time: 4.5 hours	Perth to Albany via Porongurup Take State Route 30 bound past Mundaring State Forest and Arthur River to Porongurup. Eat your fill on the local produce. In Albany, get your bearings by zipping around town on a guided segway tour. Cool your jets on any one of Albany's famed beaches. Pick from Middleton Beach, Little Beach or check out Torndirrup National Park's Cable Beach and Cave Point Lighthouse. Stay at Ace Accommodation Albany
Day 2 Distance: 240km Drive time: 2 hours, 45 minutes	Albany to Denmark to Pemberton Travel west and walk in the footsteps of giants as you drink up sky-high views on the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk. Once you've had a taste of the forest, check out the over a series of short hikes and viewpoints. Highlights include Frankland Wilderness Lookout, the Swarbrick Art Trail and Greens Pool. Keep on west and turn in at Pemberton Lake View Chalets in Pemberton.
Day 3 Distance: 323km Drive time: 4 hours	Pemberton to Perth Go on a 4WD adventure through Pemberton's Warren and D'Entrecasteaux National Parks. Complete your trip by heading back to Perth along the National Route 1.

Day 1

Distance: 418km

Drive time: 4.5 hours

Perth to Albany via Porongurup

Take State Route 30 bound past Mundaring State Forest and Arthur River to Porongurup.
Eat your fill on the local produce.
In Albany, get your bearings by zipping around town on a guided segway tour.
Cool your jets on any one of Albany's famed beaches. Pick from Middleton Beach, Little Beach or check out Torndirrup National Park's Cable Beach and Cave Point Lighthouse.
Stay at Ace Accommodation Albany

Day 2

Distance: 240km

Drive time: 2 hours, 45 minutes

Albany to Denmark to Pemberton

Travel west and walk in the footsteps of giants as you drink up sky-high views on the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk.
Once you've had a taste of the forest, check out the over a series of short hikes and viewpoints. Highlights include Frankland Wilderness Lookout, the Swarbrick Art Trail and Greens Pool.
Keep on west and turn in at Pemberton Lake View Chalets in Pemberton.

Day 3

Distance: 323km

Drive time: 4 hours

Pemberton to Perth

Go on a 4WD adventure through Pemberton's Warren and D'Entrecasteaux National Parks.
Complete your trip by heading back to Perth along the National Route 1.

Perth to Esperance

Esperance is one of the most aesthetically pleasing spots on the southern coast of WA. Its beaches are pristine with surf that begs to be ridden, but it's not so much Esperance as what lies beyond that takes your breath away.

On its doorstep is Cape Le Grand. Famously known as the home of Lucky Bay, this piece of heaven is all pearly white sands, turquoise green waters, beach-loving kangaroos and colourful wildflowers.

From Esperance you can also charter a flight to Middle Island to spy its bubblegum pink Hillier Lake from above.

Kangaroo at Lucky Bay in the Cape Le Grand National Park near Esperance, Western Australia

Distance: 1,522km, 16 hours and 40 minutes, roundtrip
Route: Perth to Esperance, return
Highlights: Cape Le Grand, Lucky Bay, Lake Hillier, Hyden Wave Rock.
Things to do: Relax on Twilight Beach, fly over Lake Hillier or, if that's too expensive, visit Pink Lake, hike through Cape Le Grand and play with kangaroos at Lucky Bay.
Stay at: Comfort Inn Bay of Isles in Esperance.
Eat at: Coffee Cat and Fish Face in Esperance.

2-day itinerary from Perth to Esperance:

Day	Route/itinerary
Day 1 Distance: 697km Drive time: 7.5 hours	Perth to Esperance Start the day early and take State Route 40 east. You can continue along the 40 though for a shorter route, turn off at Jelcobine to get onto the 107 before reconnecting onto the 40 toward Esperance. This is a long day so if you need to break it up into two, feel free to. Tuck in for the night at Comfort Inn Bay of Isles in Esperance.
Day 2 Distance: 126 km Drive time: 1.5 hours	Esperance to Lucky Bay to Esperance In the morning catch a seaplane over Lake Hillier. Or, explore Esperance with its many beaches and lakes. Drive to Cape Le Grand and Lucky Bay to splash around its perfect water, snap a pic with its kangaroos and wander through its wildflower fields in spring. Visiting between June and October? Keep an eye out for the migrating southern right whales in the ocean. Drive back to Esperance and stay another night.
Day 3 Distance: 714km Drive time: 7 hours, 40 minutes	Esperance to Perth Take the route 40 back, stopping by Hyden for its Wave Rock formation. At 15 metres high and 110 metres long, this natural rock formation is curved into the shape of a wave and is popular with tourists. Stay the night in Hyden. Or, if you've got enough drivers, complete the trip back to Perth. Worth a quick stop in is Corrigin. This country town is known for its bright yellow canola fields.

Day 1

Distance: 697km

Drive time: 7.5 hours

Perth to Esperance

Start the day early and take State Route 40 east.
You can continue along the 40 though for a shorter route, turn off at Jelcobine to get onto the 107 before reconnecting onto the 40 toward Esperance.
This is a long day so if you need to break it up into two, feel free to.

Tuck in for the night at Comfort Inn Bay of Isles in Esperance.

Day 2

Distance: 126 km

Drive time: 1.5 hours

Esperance to Lucky Bay to Esperance

In the morning catch a seaplane over Lake Hillier. Or, explore Esperance with its many beaches and lakes.
Drive to Cape Le Grand and Lucky Bay to splash around its perfect water, snap a pic with its kangaroos and wander through its wildflower fields in spring.
Visiting between June and October? Keep an eye out for the migrating southern right whales in the ocean.
Drive back to Esperance and stay another night.

Day 3

Distance: 714km

Drive time: 7 hours, 40 minutes

Esperance to Perth

Take the route 40 back, stopping by Hyden for its Wave Rock formation. At 15 metres high and 110 metres long, this natural rock formation is curved into the shape of a wave and is popular with tourists.
Stay the night in Hyden. Or, if you've got enough drivers, complete the trip back to Perth.
Worth a quick stop in is Corrigin. This country town is known for its bright yellow canola fields.

Coral Coast (includes Perth to Pinnacles)

Point your compass north and ready your Instagram as you skirt your way up part of the Coral Coast. This drive takes you from Perth to the Pinnacles, then further up to Jurien Bay and Gregory.

It's a popular tourist route, to be fair, but one that deserves all its accolades. From sandboarding over sand dunes at Lancelin and sizing up against the 12-metre high rock formations of the Pinnacles to spotting sea lions in Jurien Bay and snapping pics of the pink salt lake at Gregory, this road trip will not be easily forgotten.

The Pinnacles, Nambung National Park

Distance: 538km, 6 hours each way
Route: Perth-Gregory
Top road trip stops: Lancelin Sand Dunes, Cervantes, The Pinnacles, Jurien Bay, Dongora and Geraldton.
Best time to drive: March to October due to the cooler weather.
Things to do: Hire a sandboard and go surfing down the Lancelin sand dunes, fish for crayfish at Jurien Bay and jetski from Geraldton to the pink lake.
Stay at: The Heights Bed & Breakfast in Jurien Bay and Belair Gardens Caravan Park in Geraldton.
Eat at: Cervantes Bar & Bistro in Cervantes, Jurien Jetty Cafe in Jurien Bay and Salt Dish in Geraldton.

3-day itinerary up the Coral Coast:

Day	Route/itinerary
Day 1 Distance: 220km Drive time: 2.5 hours	Perth to Jurien Bay Point your compass north and get on State Route 60 turning off at Lancelin. Hire a sandboard and test your balancing skills on the Lancelin sand dunes. Get back on the 60 toward Cervantes. Turn off at Hangover Bay onto Pinnacles Drive where you'll be surrounded by its spear-like limestone pillars AKA The Pinnacles. Finish your day in Jurien Bay with a waterfront meal of crayfish which is the area's specialty. Stay the night at The Heights Bed & Breakfast.
Day 2 Distance: 393km Drive time: 4.5 hours	Jurien Bay to Gregory to Geraldton Pop by Dongara for a happy snap with the Big Lobster before visiting Geraldton. This seaside town welcomes heavy breezes making it a mecca for windsurfers keen to skim the waters. Hire your own to get on the water or stay on the beach to get golden. Detour onto an Aboriginal driving trail such as Yamaji Drive Trail and its 14 Aboriginal sites. Drive that extra mile up to Gregory to be enchanted by its pink lake. Named so for its brilliant pink hue, the road drives along its edge giving you numerous chances to take it all in. Alternatively, you can hire a jetski from Geraldton to the pink lake. Spend the night in Geraldton at Belair Gardens Caravan Park.
Day 3 Distance: 419km Drive time: 4.5 hours	Drive back to Perth. You can go the way you came but to save time get on the Brand Highway after Dongara.

Day 1

Distance: 220km

Drive time: 2.5 hours

Perth to Jurien Bay

Point your compass north and get on State Route 60 turning off at Lancelin. Hire a sandboard and test your balancing skills on the Lancelin sand dunes.
Get back on the 60 toward Cervantes. Turn off at Hangover Bay onto Pinnacles Drive where you'll be surrounded by its spear-like limestone pillars AKA The Pinnacles.
Finish your day in Jurien Bay with a waterfront meal of crayfish which is the area's specialty.

Stay the night at The Heights Bed & Breakfast.

Day 2

Distance: 393km

Drive time: 4.5 hours

Jurien Bay to Gregory to Geraldton

Pop by Dongara for a happy snap with the Big Lobster before visiting Geraldton.
This seaside town welcomes heavy breezes making it a mecca for windsurfers keen to skim the waters. Hire your own to get on the water or stay on the beach to get golden.
Detour onto an Aboriginal driving trail such as Yamaji Drive Trail and its 14 Aboriginal sites.
Drive that extra mile up to Gregory to be enchanted by its pink lake. Named so for its brilliant pink hue, the road drives along its edge giving you numerous chances to take it all in.
Alternatively, you can hire a jetski from Geraldton to the pink lake.
Spend the night in Geraldton at Belair Gardens Caravan Park.

Day 3

Distance: 419km

Drive time: 4.5 hours

Drive back to Perth. You can go the way you came but to save time get on the Brand Highway after Dongara.

Perth to Dunsborough and Margaret River

A favourite with families and foodies, the southern end of WA takes in the natural beauty of Dunsborough, the aquatic adventures of Busselton and the food and drink of Margaret River.

On top of wining and dining, spend your road trip exploring the limestone cave system under Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge, basking on the beach at Geographe Bay and hiking or cycling the forested tracks in Nannup.

Western Australia, South West Region, Margaret River; view of Prevelly Beach, a popular surf beach at the Margaret River estuary.

Distance: 640km, 7 hours 15 minutes, roundtrip
Route: Perth-Dunborough-Margaret River-Perth
Highlights: Busselton, Dunsborough, Geographe Bay, Yalingup and Nannup.
Best time to drive: Spring for wildflowers and autumn for cool, crisp days.
Things to do: Hot air ballooning in Perth, walk underwater at Busselton Jetty, whale watching in Dunsborough, exploring Ngilgi Cave and wine tasting in Margaret River.
Stay at: Riverview Tourist Park to keep costs low or one of these romantic getaways for a special vacay.
Eat at: Blue Manna Bistro in Busselton and Mikkis Open Kitchen in Maragaret River.

2-day itinerary from Perth to Dunsborough:

Day	Route/itinerary
Day 1 Distance: 258km Drive time: 3 hours	Perth to Yalingup via Dunsborough From the heart of Perth drive south onto the National Route 1 for Busselton. Grab a bite from a local chippie and walk the historic Busselton Jetty, ducking into the underwater observatory to see Geographie Bay's marine life in their natural habitat. If time permits, don a helmet for a 30 minute undersea walk. Head west to Dunsborough and keep an eye out for whales migrating off the coast. Swing by Ngilgi Cave to explore its vast karst cave system before turning in at Wyadup Brook Cottages.
Day 2 Distance: 374km Drive time: 4 hours, 10 minutes	Yallingup to Perth via Margaret River Surround yourself by the rolling hills of Margaret River. This famous vine region sees vineyards tumble over each other. Sample the finest on a curated wine tasting experience. Or, to stay off the booze taste test the local cheeses, preserves and chocolates instead. Burn your indulgence off in Nannup hiking or cycling through the forested trails of Nannup State Forest. Head back to Perth.

Day 1

Distance: 258km

Drive time: 3 hours

Perth to Yalingup via Dunsborough

From the heart of Perth drive south onto the National Route 1 for Busselton.
Grab a bite from a local chippie and walk the historic Busselton Jetty, ducking into the underwater observatory to see Geographie Bay's marine life in their natural habitat.
If time permits, don a helmet for a 30 minute undersea walk.
Head west to Dunsborough and keep an eye out for whales migrating off the coast.
Swing by Ngilgi Cave to explore its vast karst cave system before turning in at Wyadup Brook Cottages.

Day 2

Distance: 374km

Drive time: 4 hours, 10 minutes

Yallingup to Perth via Margaret River

Surround yourself by the rolling hills of Margaret River. This famous vine region sees vineyards tumble over each other. Sample the finest on a curated wine tasting experience. Or, to stay off the booze taste test the local cheeses, preserves and chocolates instead.
Burn your indulgence off in Nannup hiking or cycling through the forested trails of Nannup State Forest.
Head back to Perth.

Perth to Wave Rock

No stranger to the Instagram feed, Wave Rock is a monument of Western Australia's outback. Naturally carved over time, it stretches 15 metres in height and offers heaps of fun photo opportunities.

Unfortunately there's not much in the way of tourist attractions between it and Perth. If it's on your bucket list, it can easily be done over a day or half day. Otherwise, you may want to consider tacking it onto a longer trip – for example, as a pitstop on the way to or from Esperance.

Sunrise at Wave Rock, Hyden, Western Australia

Distance: 664km, 7.5 hours, roundtrip
Route: Perth to Hyden, return
Highlights: Corrigin, Mundaring State Forest.
Things to do: Take an epic picture with Wave Rock, run through canola fields in Corrigin and chase waterfalls in Mundaring State Forest.
Eat at: Corrigin Hotel Restaurant & Pub and Wave Rock Bistro in Hyden.

One-day itinerary from Perth to Wave Rock:

Day	Route/itinerary
Day 1 Distance: 664km Drive time: 7.5 hours	Perth to Hyden, return Set off along State Route 40 through Mundaring Forest. Take a breather in Corrigin with a meal and wander through its canola fields. Its Adventure Playground is a fun stop if you have kids in tow. In Hyden, take that Insta-shot along the 110 metre long Wave Rock. Head back to Perth, meandering through Mundaring Forest to catch a glimpse of its gushing waterfalls.

Day 1

Distance: 664km

Drive time: 7.5 hours

Perth to Hyden, return

Set off along State Route 40 through Mundaring Forest.
Take a breather in Corrigin with a meal and wander through its canola fields. Its Adventure Playground is a fun stop if you have kids in tow.
In Hyden, take that Insta-shot along the 110 metre long Wave Rock.
Head back to Perth, meandering through Mundaring Forest to catch a glimpse of its gushing waterfalls.

Avon Valley 500 Loop

Two hours out of Perth CBD, the Avon Valley 500 Loop boasts Spanish and Victorian architecture.

Start in York where Victorian and Federation architecture is the face of converted museums, art galleries and local stores. Then, continue to New Norcia, which is Australia's only monastic town and revels in Spanish architecture having once been the home to Benedictine monks.

York Historic Town

Distance: 395km, 5 hours, roundtrip
Route: Perth-York-New Norcia-Perth
Highlights: Mundaring, York, Northam, Toodyay and New Norcia.
Best time to drive: May to November due to the cooler, more comfortable driving weather.
Things to do: Break up the trip into two days and you can add a hot air balloon ride over Avon Valley to your itinerary.
Eat at: Rivers Edge Cafe in Northam.

One-day itinerary along the Avon Loop 500:

Day	Route/itinerary
Day 1 Distance: 395km Drive time: 5 hours	Perth-York-New Norcia-Perth Rev up your engine for a supercar loop with a European twist. From Perth make a beeline for Mundaring which is surrounded by state and national forests. Walk the heritage trail or visit the No 1 Pump Station to rewind the time back to the 19th century. Next is York. Established in 1831, it was the first inland European settlement and it shows in its well-preserved colonial architecture. Drive up to Mount Brown Lookout for panoramic views over York. There are barbecue facilities up here to make a meal of it. Northam has remnants of its past displayed as cottages, homesteads and an old railway station. You'll continue the history lesson in Toodyay. This picturesque town was once known as Newcastle and is packed full of family friendly adventure. Kids will love the Fairytale Farm while history buffs can visit the Newcastle Gaol Museum and Connor's Mill Museum. Finally, there's New Norcia. It's the country's only monastic town with a population of Benedictine monks. Visitors can visit the Spanish-style monastery, explore its museum and art gallery and are also free to stay the night in a guesthouse, retreat, hostel or campsite.

Day 1

Distance: 395km

Drive time: 5 hours

Perth-York-New Norcia-Perth

Rev up your engine for a supercar loop with a European twist. From Perth make a beeline for Mundaring which is surrounded by state and national forests. Walk the heritage trail or visit the No 1 Pump Station to rewind the time back to the 19th century.
Next is York. Established in 1831, it was the first inland European settlement and it shows in its well-preserved colonial architecture.
Drive up to Mount Brown Lookout for panoramic views over York. There are barbecue facilities up here to make a meal of it.
Northam has remnants of its past displayed as cottages, homesteads and an old railway station.
You'll continue the history lesson in Toodyay. This picturesque town was once known as Newcastle and is packed full of family friendly adventure. Kids will love the Fairytale Farm while history buffs can visit the Newcastle Gaol Museum and Connor's Mill Museum.
Finally, there's New Norcia. It's the country's only monastic town with a population of Benedictine monks. Visitors can visit the Spanish-style monastery, explore its museum and art gallery and are also free to stay the night in a guesthouse, retreat, hostel or campsite.

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Get $5 off activities with code

Available when you spend a minimum of $250 on activities such as hot air balloon flights, rally driving, skydives, high teas and more. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth, Hobart and more. T&Cs apply.

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Up to 50% off Australia-wide flights

Expires 29 Nov 2021

Available on select flights in 2021 to Gold Coast, Launceston, Hobart, Adelaide, Cairns, Darwin, Broome, Perth, Canberra, Alice Springs and more.

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Deal

Perth campervan hires from $58 per night

Available on select travel dates. Sample rate is for a rental in Welshpool. T&Cs apply.

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Deal

Qantas sale: Flights from $99 each way

Verified Today Expires 29 Nov 2021

Available from November 2021 – March 2022. Sample fare is Melbourne-Coffs Harbour. Destinations include Adelaide, Hobart, Darwin, Perth, Alice Springs and more.

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Get 12% off getaways with code

Verified Yesterday Expires 27 Nov 2021

Available on select travel dates. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and more. T&Cs apply.

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Up to 10% off site-wide with code

Verified 2 days ago Expires 29 Nov 2021

Available on activities including jet boat rides, hot air balloon flights, skydives, dinner cruises and more. Destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Perth and more. Minimum spend of $199 required. T&Cs apply.

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Up to 43% off things to do in Australia

Available on select travel dates across Brisbane, Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast and more. Activities include day tours, zoo and animal interactions, tandem skydives, hot air balloon flights, jet boat rides and more.

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Third day free on rentals

Expires 30 Nov 2021

Available on rentals until 12 December 2021 across Australia, including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Cairns, Gold Coast and more. T&Cs apply.

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Australia-wide flights from $59 each way

Expires 15 Feb 2022

Available from November 2021 – September 2022 to destinations including Cairns, Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane, Darwin and more. Sample fare is Sydney-Ballina and Sydney-Coffs Harbour. T&Cs apply.

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Get 12% off escapes with code

Expires 30 Nov 2021

Available on select travel dates. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and more. T&Cs apply.

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Up to 20% off + $99 deposits on Australia adventures

Expires 30 Nov 2021

Available on trips from 6 November 2021 – 15 April 2022. Destinations include Melbourne, Perth, Rottnest Island, Cairns, Darwin, Sydney, Byron Bay, Uluru, Canberra, Jindabyne, Great Ocean Road and more.

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Deal

Up to 36% off domestic stays + free cancellations

Available from until February 2022, including Christmas and New Year's Eve on destinations including Broome, Mackay, Launceston, Darwin, Perth, Cairns, Sydney, Gold Coast and more. T&Cs apply.

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Deal

Up to 50% off Australia experiences

Available on select dates for activities such as skydiving, hot air balloon flights, bridge climbing, high teas and more. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Melbourne and more.

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Up to 42% off activities for kids

Available on select dates for activities like whale watching, go karting, sightseeing tours, attraction passes and more. Destinations include Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney, Canberra and more.

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Get up to $50 off jumps with code

Expires 30 Nov 2021

Available on 15,000ft tandem skydives from Tuesdays to Thursdays until 30 November 2021. Destinations include Cairns, Perth, Noosa, Melbourne, Yarra Valley, Hunter Valley and more. T&Cs apply.

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Up to 36% off domestic getaways

Expires 31 Dec 2021

Available on select dates in 2021, plus get free cancellation with select hotels. Destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Cairns, Brisbane, Townsville, Adelaide, Canberra and more. T&Cs apply.

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Deal

Up to 20% off 2+ days Australia and New Zealand rentals

Expires 11 Dec 2021

Available on rentals until 11 December 2021 when you book 21 days in advance. Destinations include Canberra, Perth, Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Auckland and more. T&Cs apply.

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Deal

Up to 40% off things to do in Australia

Available on select dates and activities including hot air ballooning, skydiving, sightseeing cruises, whale watching cruises and dining. Destinations include Sydney, Cairns, Perth, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Brisbane and more.

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Up to 23% off flying experiences plus an extra $5 off with code

Available on select dates when you spend a minimum of $250. Activities include hot air ballooning, skydiving, helicopter scenic flights. Destinations include Gold Coast, Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane, Hunter Valley, Sydney and more. T&Cs apply.

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Up to 25% off driving experiences + an extra $5 off with code

Available on select dates when you spend a minimum of $250. Activities include rally driving, go-karting and more. Destinations include Sunshine Coast, Perth, Melbourne, Hobart and more. T&Cs apply.

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Get $20 off classes with code

Expires 18 Oct 2022

Available until 18 October 2022 on classes including cooking, painting, candle making, pottery and more. Minimum spend of $250 required. Destinations include Sydney, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Perth and more. T&Cs apply.

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Deal

Australia stays from $18/night

Available on select travel dates across Sydney, Adelaide, Cairns, Brisbane, Perth and more. Sample rate is for a stay at Melbourne. T&Cs apply.

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Code

$10 off hot air balloon experiences in Perth

Available on select travel dates when you spend a minimum of $300. T&Cs apply.

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Deal

Up to 70% on local deals

Shop for dining experiences, attractions and more for up to 70% off. Destiantiosn include Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Perth, Adelaide and more.

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Flights within Australia from $54 each way

Verified Today Expires 10 Dec 2021

Available from December 2021 – March 2022. Sample fare is Sydney-Melbourne with Jetstar. Other destinations include Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and more.

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Deal

Up to 40% off Australia hotels

Verified Today Expires 27 Nov 2021

Available for stays on select dates. Destinations include Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia.

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Singapore Airlines flights from $574 return

Verified Yesterday Expires 10 Dec 2021

Available for travel from November 2021 – March 2022. Sample fare is Perth-Singapore. Other destinations include Bali, London, Phuket, Johannesburg and more.

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$357 return flights to Thailand

Verified Yesterday Expires 9 Dec 2021

Available on select dates from February – June 2022. Sample fare is Perth-Phuket with Scoot.

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Deal

Worldwide flights with Qatar Airways from $1,409 return

Verified 2 days ago Expires 9 Dec 2021

Available on flights from March – September 2022 to Rome, Los Angeles, Athens, Johannesburg and more. Sample fare is Perth-Dublin.

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Up to 10% off Britz rentals

Verified 2 days ago Expires 13 Dec 2021

Available on Perth rentals until 23 December 2021. T&Cs apply.

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Flights to Europe from $1,379 return

Verified 4 days ago Expires 7 Dec 2021

Available on flights from April – June 2022 to destinations including Paris, Rome, Athens, Barcelona and more. Sample fare is Perth-Dublin with British Airways.

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Deal

Singapore flights from $576 return

Verified 4 days ago Expires 7 Dec 2021

Available on select travel dates from January – September 2022. Sample fare departs from Darwin with Singapore Airlines. Other flights depart from Sydney, Perth and more.

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Deal

Flights to London from $1,445 return

Verified 4 days ago Expires 7 Dec 2021

Available on select flight dates from April – June 2022 departing from Sydney, Brisbane and more. Sample fare departs from Perth with British Airways.

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Flights to Los Angeles from $1,469 return

Verified 4 days ago Expires 7 Dec 2021

Available on select travel dates from March – September 2022 on flights departing from Melbourne, Perth and more. Sample fare departs from Brisbane with Fiji Airways.

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Deal

Up to 50% off Event cinema general entry tickets

Expires 3 Dec 2021

Available until 28 February 2022. Destinations include Sydney, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Perth and more. T&Cs apply.

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Stephanie Yip

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Stephanie Yip is the travel editor at Finder and has been writing about travel and lifestyle for over a decade. She has written for Travel Weekly, Escape, Showpo, The Nibbler and Hostelworld. She was also the editor of kids magazine DMAG. Stephanie has a Bachelor of Communications from the University of Technology Sydney and has visited 55 countries (and counting).

A weekend road trip from Hobart that’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser NSW road trip ideas to set those wheels in motion

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Western Australia road trips that showcase the best of the state

Bucket-list road trips to take you to all four corners of WA.

In this guide

Road trip itineraries

Driving your own car?

Need to hire a car?

South Western Australia road trip

7-day itinerary along South Western Australia:

Canning Stock Route

Perth to Albany, Denmark and Pemberton

3-day itinerary from Perth to Albany and Denmark:

Perth to Esperance

2-day itinerary from Perth to Esperance:

Coral Coast (includes Perth to Pinnacles)

3-day itinerary up the Coral Coast:

Perth to Dunsborough and Margaret River

2-day itinerary from Perth to Dunsborough:

Perth to Wave Rock

One-day itinerary from Perth to Wave Rock:

Avon Valley 500 Loop

One-day itinerary along the Avon Loop 500:

Need a car for your road trip around WA? Book a ride now

Latest deals and discounts for Western Australia road trips

Stephanie Yip

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