A Western Australia road trip is the perfect way to see why our south west region has attracted so many Western Australia holiday makers. With its spectacular coastline, lush enormous forrest’s and a wide range of gourmet experiences. With the recent ban on international travel and after a few months of lockdown here in Western Australia it was time for the regional borders to re open. This was the perfect opportunity for us to explore close to home and do our very own Western Australia road trip – Welcome to the south west!
The list of reasons to go on a road trip through the south west continues to grow as new attractions emerge throughout this stunning landscape. If your after ADVENTURE, there are many options for actively exploring Western Australias south, including the Bibbulmun and Cape to Cape walk tracks, spectacular mountain hikes like Bluff Knoll, sky walks like Castlerock, world-class mountains bike trails and beautiful lakes and rivers for kayaking.
We explored some of Western Australia’s most pristine white sand beaches, hiked unique mountain ranges, watched the sunrise over national parks, witnessed Southern Right Whales on their annual migration, encountered an impressive display of wildlife including, kangaroos, emus, numerous birds such as the native Kookaburra and wedge tail eagles.
This trip opened our eyes to the beauty of our state and showed us that we don’t really need to be travelling overseas to experience natural beauty. We have it here in our own back barkyard of Western Australia’s south west.
Check out our South West Youtube video below!
Are you ready for an adventure?
We have included in our guide to a Western Australia road trip all the jaw dropping places we went to, best things to do, where to stay, camp site costs, travel distance and tones of photos to inspire you to visit the south west of Western Australia.
Important things to know before you leave for your Western Australia road trip:
Park fees:
When travelling through Western Australia most of the National Parks charge a visiter fee per day on entry. If you are planning on visiting multiple parks it may save you money and time to purchase a Park Pass that covers the amount of time that your planning your road trip for. The Holiday Pass provides unlimited entry to all parks for 5 days, 14 days or 4 weeks and costs $25, $40 or $60 per vehicle. The Annual All Parks Pass provides unlimited entry to all WA parks for 12 months and costs $120 per vehicle. You can purchase Park Passes online here.
Plan your trip:
Before you head off make sure you have a plan of where your going. On some of the roads down south Mobile phone coverage can be sparse so it helps to have some free apps downloaded like Maps.Me or have a map handy.
Download free Offline Apps:
Maps.Me is a fee app and can be used offline. Simply download the area and save all the places you want to visit. When your on the road with no reception you can still use the app to route which way to go. WikiCamps helps you to find campsites, hostels, day stops, points of interest and works completely offline.
Avoid driving in the dark:
Western Australia is home to thousands of unique animals that can often get misplaced and end up crossing our country roads. This puts not only them at risk but also road users, so precaution and care must be taken if you see an animal on or close to the road. This is even more important at night time due to reduced visibility and vehicle headlights which could cause animals to scare. Contact the Wildcare helpline straight away on (08) 9474 9055.
Stay fuelled up:
There are many fuel stations spread out across the south west but in some remote parts they less consistent and can be hundreds of kilometres between stations. We always kept our tank above half empty. If you are unsure head over to the fuel watch website and try out their free trip planner tool. This will allow you to input your starting and finishing locations and will point out fuel destinations along your journey. Be aware that fuel is more expensive in remote areas.
Be realistic about time and don’t rush:
When planning a Western Australia road trip be realist about time. Many of your days will include long drives with not much to see so give yourself enough time to get to your destination and have enough time there to enjoy it and relax.
Check the weather:
Try to plan your road trip around the dry warm months. Even though we get a short winter the south west is always cooler and can get more rain. Be sure to check ahead so that your not spending your road trip inside.
Pack warm clothes:
If your traveling to the south west from May- November at night the temperature can drop to 10-18 degrees. Pack at least a few warmer pieces of clothes.
Bring re-usable water bottles:
Avoid single-use plastics, and minimize packaging by using reusable grocery bags or water bottles when you need to restock food and refreshments. A good re-usable water bottles will keep your water cooler on your hikes.
Perth- The start of your Western Australia Road Trip.
Introducing our wonderful home and one of the most remote, sunniest city in Australia. These days Perth is a far cry from the sleepy town it sometimes gets confused for. Perth effortlessly blends urban cool with raw natural beauty. Its heart is bustling with new bars, restaurants, shopping and cultural spaces. This laid back, quirky city is known for its warm summers and mild winters.
The most popular attraction for people in Perth is its beautiful soft-sand beaches. Soak up the sun at the iconic Cottesloe Beach, its got sand, shade, surf, grass, amazing cafes, restaurants and bars. Explore the beautiful Swan Valley packed with vineyards, orchards and providores. Spend a day in Fremantle– The laid-back vibes of Fremantle can’t be beaten, so spending a day meandering through the heritage streets is a must. Hit up the markets on the weekend for delicious local produce and hand made goods. Walk it off along the Cappucino Strip (South Terrace) and through Esplanade Park before a beer at Little Creatures.
So much to see and do in Perth!
Go bar hopping in The City you never know what hidden bar you might find. Uncover Kings Park’s best walks and hikes. Watch the sunset and enjoy the food markets in Scarborough.
Admire the city lights from the newly developed Elizabeth Quay. Hop on a ferry bound for Rottnest Island– our short 25 minute ferry ride Island getaway. There are loads of things to do, our top picks include sliding around on push bikes, snorkelling the bays, trying to take the famous quokka selfie and enjoying an ice cold bevy at Thomson’s Rottnest.
Dunsborough
Welcome to the beautiful coastal town in the South West of Western Australia, 254 kilometres south of Perth on the shores of Geographe Bay. Dunsborough is a favourite down south destination being only an easy 3 hour drive south from Perth. This was our starting point of our road trip. You can visit the cute towns on the way like Bunbury or Busselton.
Best things to do?
Here you can find some of Western Australia best beaches, secluded coves and stunning coastal trails. Indulge in local award-winning wineries and breweries offering the perfect excuse for boozy lunch.
Enjoy the sunshine at pretty little Meelup Beach, walk along the rocks to Castle Rock, be in awe of the coastal drive along Eagle Bay, swim in the sheltered turquoise waters of Bunker Bay, go on a scenic coastal walk in Cape Naturaliste. Enjoy a glass of wine at the award winning Amelia Park winery.
Where to stay?
We decided to treat ourselves and swapped the comfortable van for a lake view room at Pullman Bunker Bay. The award winning 5 star resort is tucked away, surrounded by native bush with views of the beach. Its the perfect getaway to connect with nature, relax and unwind.
The resort features a heated infinity-edge swimming pool that overlooks the ocean, gymnasium, tennis court, ocean-view restaurant and bar and an Award-winning Day Spa.
Book your stay at the wonderful Pullman Bunker Bay here.
Yallingup
Distance: 15 km from Dunsborough
Yallingup is a small coastal hamlet nestled into the hillside, overlooking one of the region’s well-known surf beaches. Yallingup is a popular tourist destination because of its beaches, limestone caves, and proximity to Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. Tourism officially began in the south west in the early 1900s with the discovery of Ngilgi Cave by European Settlers.
This area and nearby Dunsborough are significant locations for Aboriginal heritage and many cave burial sites are located beneath the limestone ridge which forms Cape Naturaliste. The most popular cave in this area, and the only one open to the public is Ngilgi Cave, with its striking display of stalagmite, stalactite, helictite and shawl formations.
Best things to do?
Spend the afternoon exploring Yallingup’s sensational coastal spots. Take a walk over the bridge to view the jaw dropping Canal Rocks, a series of protruding rocks popular with fishermen and photographers. Visit the Injidup Spa– a beautiful natural rock pool which is popular with locals and visitors. Scramble over the rocks and walk down into the protected pool. Enjoy an ice cold bevy at the famous Caves House Bar and Restaurant. Watch the sunset at the most photographed rock, Sugarloaf Rock.
Where to stay?
Conveniently located just across Caves House Pub, Caves Caravan Park is a beautiful caravan park surrounded by trees, is only a short walk to the local beach, the famous colourful bakery and cafe. A powered site at Caves House Caravan Park costs $35 AUD a night.
Located right on the beach Yallingup Beach Holiday Park offer powered sites for around $43 AUD a night. Here you are spoilt for choice with a wide range of different accomodation options including, Glamping tents and 4 different cabin options.
Margaret River
Distance: 37 km from Yallingup
Welcome to the world famous Margaret River region. This small town boasts some of the best vineyards in the world, along with the lush forests drives, unique caves, picturesque rivers and epic surf breaks.
Best things to do?
Watch sunset over the Indian Ocean at Surfer’s Point in Prevelly – only 10 minutes’ drive away, enjoy a scenic drive along the towering Boranup Karri Forest, home to the third largest tree species in the world. Visit Lake and Mammoth Caves – see highly decorative limestone and crystal formations only 20 minutes’ drive from town. At night town comes alive with a totally different scene of fantastic foodie restaurants, wine bars and pubs with live music. Get outside and enjoy the fresh air on one of gorgeous National and State forest trails. Go for a drive down Caves Road and enjoy the changing scenery with spectacular wineries, farms, breweries, galleries and wildflowers. Sit back, relax and let someone else do the organising and driving on a winery tour.
Where to stay?
Margaret River Tourist Park is in the centre of Margaret River and laid-back venue offering simple cabins with kitchens, plus BBQ facilities, a pool and a playground. A powered site costs $38 AUD per night.
Hamelin Bay
Distance: 34 km from Margaret River
Hamelin Bay on the southwest coast is a serene open sandy bay with bright white sand, turquoise waters filled with marine life and spectacular coastal cliff walks.
Best things to do?
The real draw card here is the famous local sting rays at Hamelin Bay. These beautiful creatures love to come to the shoreline to say hello to visitors. Go for a walk long the newly built wooden boardwalk up around the cliffs.
Windy Harbour
Distance: 162 km from Hamelin Bay
Windy Harbour is a small settlement situated on Crown reserve, surrounded by D’Entrecasteaux National Park.
D’Entrecasteaux National Park combines pristine natural beauty, spectacular coastal cliffs, beaches, sand dunes and tall forests in a spectacular landscape along the southern coastline. The park has a choice of campgrounds, wild coastal vistas and offers a multitude of excellent fishing spots. Views from the trails and lookouts at Point D’Entrecasteaux are spectacular.
Best things to do?
One of the best ways to experience Windy Harbour’s stunning setting is to take a walk along a cliff top. Coastal Survivors Walk is a coastal walk along the dunes and cliff tops which links Point D’Entrecasteaux and Windy Harbour via Cathedral Rock. Take a pleasant scenic drive to the lighthouse on the edge of the harbour for exceptional panoramic views of the coastline. Witness Windy Harbours Natures window. Walk along Salmon Beach, enjoy the surrounding D’Entrecasteaux National Park and camp overnight at Windy Harbour.
Where to stay?
Visitors to Windy Harbour Camp Ground can stay at the Nature Based Camping Ground and enjoy the stunning scenery and serenity that typifies Windy Harbour. The camp site is only simple but nice caravan park with big sites. The beach is located across the road. A powered site costs only $20 AUD a night. We loved waking up and being surrounded by Kangaroos in the camp ground.
Shannon National Park
Distance: 53 km from Windy Harbour
Shannon National Park lies halfway between Manjimup and Walpole in the heart of karri country. The Great Forest Trees Drive shows off the best of this magnificent old growth karri forest. Snake Gully Lookout and the Big Tree Grove are great places to view these forest giants up close. Camping, bushwalking, birdwatching and picnicking are all popular activities within Shannon National Park. You can even go canoeing on the Shannon Dam.
Where to stay?
We decided to spend a night at a Shannon Camp ground on the way to Walpole. The campground has toilets, gas barbecues, hot water showers and a variety of 60 campsites.
Unpowered sites cost $15 AUD pp and can be paid at the fee shelter at the Shannon Lodge.
Walpole
Distance: 67 km from Shannon National Park
The small township of Walpole offers a wide range of outdoor activities including swimming, boating, sailing, inlet cruises, fishing, bush walking, and tree climbing. The town is located on the Walpole Inlet; a small estuary connected through a narrow channel with the bigger and deeper Nornalup Inlet.
Best things to do?
The Walpole area is best known for the ‘Valley of the Giants’. It is here you can find the huge Red Tingle trees that are only found in this part of the world. Visit the number 1 attraction in the area. The incredible Tree Top Walk, a 600-metre walkway rises 40 metres above the forest floor and provides a birds eye view of the forest.
See the largest eucalyptus tree in the world as you walk through the ‘Ancient Empire’ loop on the forest floor between 400 year old red tingle trees. See if you can spot the face on the ‘grandma tingle’ tree. This walk is completely free so if you didn’t want to pay for the tree top walk this is a great alternative.
If its a lovely hot day head down to Peaceful Bay beach which is split in two by the Irwin Inlet. Perfect for swimming & snorkelling, kite surfing & enjoying the spectacular coastline which overlooks William Bay National Park from the western end.
Tree Top Walk admission: Adult $21.00 Concession: $15.50 Child: $10.50
Denmark
Distance: 65 km from Walpole
Welcome to the beautiful town of Denmark. Known for its great surf spots, unique rock formations and beautiful beaches. Its the jewel of the south coast. Denmark town centre is peaceful, with no traffic lights and a host of wonderful places to shop as well as delightfully delicious restaurants and cafes. Denmark town is without a doubt the prettiest and charming town we have seen while on our Western Australia road trip.
Best things to do?
Make sure to visit William Bay National Park , see the unique Elephant Rocks and swim in the turquiose waters of Greens Pool and Light’s Beach.
Learn to surf on Ocean Beach with South Coast Surfing Lessons. Indulge in local honey and cheese, And, of course while you are here visiting Denmark Wine Region is a must.
Drive and hour south to Anvil Beach in the Nullaki Peninsula. Shelley Beach is the most visited area in West Cape Howe National Park and a great spot to take your 4WD.
Where to stay?
If you love camping on the beach check out Shelley Beach Campsite. The wide sweep of beach is bounded at both ends by huge granite boulders. The campsite has a long drop toilet and non powered sites cost $11 adult per night.
If your wanting to spend a night in town check out 31 on the Terrace which is centrally located on Denmark’s main street with an old world charm. The room came with a great private verandah overlooking the street. Prices start from $130 per night. Book a room here.
Albany
Distance: 55 km from Denmark
Did you know that Albany is the second largest city in Western Australia? Its the perfect destination for any road trip through Western Australia. It marks the spot where the first European settlers set foot in Western Australia and much of their legacy remains today with colonial buildings standing proudly as museums, galleries and restaurants. This charming city is famous for its rugged coastline, whaling history, convict and settler history and a makes for a sensational south coast adventure. Now people only enjoy watching these creatures, with the whale watching season running from late May to early October.
Boasting a variety restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, as well as a big shopping center with a large supermarket. Pristine beaches, incredible natural attractions, great hiking trails such as on one of the world’s largest long distance walk trails, the Bibbulmun Track. World-class wine, food, fishing, surfing, swimming, diving, hiking, four-wheel-driving, camping and other activities are all within minutes of town. Albany is the perfect getaway but be sure to give yourself plenty of time to see all of what Albany has to offer.
Best things to do?
Torndirrup National Park, a wild and rugged coastal park known for its spectacular wave-carved rock formations including Natural Bridge, the Gap, and the Blowholes. Get your heart racing at the lookouts at both The Gap and Natural Bridge which provide outstanding views of the Southern Ocean and the coast from Bald Head to West Cape Howe. When visiting The Gap you can venture onto a viewing platform 40 metres directly above the surging seas in all but the worst weather conditions. Walk down to the popular Middleton Beach and grab a bite to eat, Emu Point Beach is perfect for kayaking. Hike the Bibbulmun Track which stretches almost 1,000 kilometres (621 miles) between Albany and Kalamunda. Visit the National Anzac Centre to learn about Australia’s war history. Go whale watching and visit a former whaling station Albany’s Whale Museum.
So much to see and do in Albany!
Be amazed at the spectacular Albany Wind Farm which is one of the largest wind farms in Australia. The wind farm walk offers spectacular views of the eco-friendly turbines along the Torndirrup Peninsula at Sand Patch. The white sands of Shelley Beach are surrounded by the rugged wilderness of West Cape Howe National Park. It’s the only area of this spectacular coastal landscape that can be accessed in a two wheel drive, making it a favourite stop for beach-lovers, campers, anglers and bushwalkers. Take a set down to the sheltered Frenchman Bay.
If you like the idea of beach at your doorstep, white sand, soft waves, beautiful scenery with contrasts of greenery and ocean we highly recommend spending a night camping on the beach at Bettys Beach or East Bay Camping ground.
Where to stay?
Albany Gardens Caravan Park is located right in town and powered sites cost only $28 AUD a night.
Or if you love the option of freedom camping and waking up to the sound of the waves East Bay Camp ground is located on the northern point of Two Peoples Bay and is completely free! There are a few spots to park up and also 2 drop violets available. What we loved about Albany was the fact that we had the option to freedom camping on the beach. Waking up to fresh air and the ocean was a highlight of our time in Albany.
Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve
Distance: 40 km from Albany
Two People’s Bay Nature Reserve boasts unspoilt coastal scenery and offers a wildly beautiful haven for some of the State’s most threatened animals. Take a stroll along the clean white sand of Little Beach and enjoy a scenic view over rolling hills and small granite outcrops. Little Beach is regularly voted one of Western Australia’s best beaches.
Entry into the reserve costs $15 per car/per day. There is a fee station on the left hand side as you drive in and only payable by debit/credit card.
Where to stay?
Two peoples Bay Caravan park is located just 12 km outside of the reserve and is bit like camping in the bush. There is a lot of wide open space to choose from, hot showers and shared kitchen. If you are on a budget it is a well priced spot with power and water. Powered sites are only $25 a night. You can only book on arrival or call (08) 9846 4024.
Waychinicup National Park
Distance: 73 km from Two Peoples Bay
Waychinicup National Park is about 60 km south of Albany and extends from Normans Beach and the Waychinicup River mouth to Cheynes Beach. The protected inlet of the Waychinicup River is popular for swimming, bushwalking, hiking, fishing and canoeing. Also popular for nature photography as the landscape is extremely picturesque, with polished granite rocks tumbled along both sides.
Where to stay?
Located in the Waychinicup National Park, visitors to the the Inlet Campground will enjoy picturesque views of the Inlet, with polished granite rocks on each side. Facilities include a toilet and picnic facilities. Camping costs $11 per night/per vehicle.
Porongorup
Distance: 77 km from Waychinicup National Park
The Porongurup Range is truly unique as is the oldest mountain range in Australia. Over 1.2 billion years old, this ancient range is home to towering granite peaks, ancient geology, unique bushland, wildflowers, majestic stands of karri trees, an abundant animal life and is surrounded by many award winning boutique wineries. It is a place of incredible biodiversity with 750 native plant species in an area of just 2600 hectares.
Best things to do?
Enjoy magnificent views from the suspended walkway at the Castle Rock Granite Sky Walk. A rewarding hike to the top with 360 degrees views of the park. Entry fee is $15 per vehicle.
Porongurup is one of the five wine producing sub regions within the Great Southern. Explore many of the cellar doors each have their own unique character. Hike Devils Slide Porongurup Range’s highest peak, with excellent views from the summit.
Stirling Rangers
Distance: 47 km from Porongurup
Stirling Range National Park is the only major mountain range with in the southern half of Western Australia. The rugged peaks, which rise to more than 1000 metres above sea level, feature stark cliff faces, sheltered gullies, magnificent views and a rich diversity of unique and colourful wildflowers. The park is one of the world’s most important areas for flora with 1500 species, many of which grow nowhere else. Stirling Range National Park is home to one of Western Australia’s highest peaks, Bluff Knoll. This is definitely a must see on your Western Australia road trip!
Best things to do?
Take the challenge and climb Bluff Knoll, which rises more than a kilometre into the air. Its is one of the few places in Western Australia where it snows – but only very occasionally! Start the 6km round trip at around 5 am to reach the 1098 meter summit for sunrise. Entry fee into Bluff Knoll carpark costs $15 per vehicle.
Try rock-climbing at Ellen Peak. You’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the park and surrounding plains. The Stirling Range Drive winds through the heart of the park and offers ever-changing views of rugged peaks, each with its unique character. Enjoy magnificent views from the summit of Mt Toolbrunup, the second highest peak in the Stirling Range. A good degree of fitness is required for this four kilometre return hike.
Where to stay?
Mt Trio Bush Camp & Caravan Park is situated in a peaceful natural bush on a working farm bordering the Stirling Range National Park and is situated just 10 minutes from Bluff Knoll. Prefect for the early morning hikers.
Powered sites cost $38 a night ($19pp) and payment is done on arrival at the pay station.
Want to edit your photographs like us? Head to our Presets store for all our preset collections or click on the products below.
Wave Rock/ Hyden
Distance: 272 km from Stirling Rangers
The small town of Hyden is located only 292 km east of Perth and takes about 4 hours from Perth city. Even though its closer to Perth than the south west we had never visited until this recent Western Australia road trip. More than 100000 tourists visit the town every year on their way to the famous Wave Rock.
Best things to do?
Visit some of the most unique natural attractions in WA. Wave Rock is a beautiful granite cliff face that stands as tall as 15 meters and stretches 110 meters wide. It is believed to be over 2,700 million years old. Wave Rock has high cultural significance with the first nation Ballardong people. Local tribes believed that the wave rock was a creation of a Rainbow serpent. It was created in her wake bybdragging her swollen body over the land after she consumed all the water in the land. Since then they have been respecting this area as an icon of cultural learning. A moral from this area time tale is to remembered for life. Entry fee into Wave Rock is $12 per vehicle.
Follow the walking trail to the lesser known Hippos Yawn. The name comes from the rocks resemblance to a yawning hippo. Climb through the throat of Hippo’s Yawn and be sure to catch the interesting shot on camera. Take a look at the Indigenous rock art at Mulka’s Cave and The Humps. Enjoy Lake Magic at sunrise and sunset
Where to stay?
Wave Rock Caravan Park is surrounded by natural bush setting within walking distance of Wave Rock. We spent the night here so we could wake up for sunrise and shoot at Wave Rock. Powered sites cost $38 AUD per night included entry fee into Wave Rock.
Fitzgerald River National Park- Hopetoun
Distance: 235 km from Wave Rock
Fitzgerald River National park is very impressive, especially for its incredible array of plant and animal life. The park is known as one of the most bio-diverse flora regions in the world, protecting 1,900 beautiful and bazar species of flowing plants. The number reprises nearly twenty per cent of Wester Australia’s total plant species. Ravensthorpe and Hopetoun are both gateways Fitzgerald River National Park. Entry into the park cost $15 per vehicle.
This place blew us away, we had never really heard much about Fitzgerald River National Park. While driving through the park we were so happy that we decided to add it to our list of places to see on our ‘Western Australia road trip’.
Best things to do?
One if our favourite and less visited hikes was East Mount Barren Hike. A small mountain walk in Fitzgerald River National Park, this 3km round short trail rises to the summit of East Mt Barren. Starting along boardwalk, the trail then rises steeply before a more gentle approach across a number of ridges. Scrambling to the summit, the jagged rocky shards offer spectacular 360 degrees views of the national park and Southern Ocean.
Have a swim at Four mile beach, go bushwalking, camping, canoeing, fishing and whale-watching.
Where to stay?
Four Mile Campground is a popular camping area near beautiful Four Mile Beach with picnic tables, gas barbecues and hot showers!
The camp ground has only Unpowered sites and costs $30 AUD a night ($15pp). Book online here.
Esperance
Our last destination of our Western Australia road trip!
Distance: 191 kms from Hopetoun
Theres no wonder that Esperance is known for having some of Western Australia most pristine and untouched coastal nation parks. Considered as one of Australia’s most biodiverse ‘hotspots’ it is home to some of the country’s best beaches with crystal clear turquoise waters and snow white beaches. Welcome to Australia’s most unspoilt marine playgrounds and our favourite destination on our Western Australia road trip.
One of the few remaining places on earth where you can enjoy a beach all to yourself. Esperance’s Recherche Archipelago has close to 105 rock islands in crystal clear water just off the shoreline.
You will be spoilt for choice here when it comes to choosing which beach to visit!
Best things to do?
Be in awe at the jaw dropping coastal views as you drive along the 40km Great Ocean Drive Loop. Featuring stunning beaches, rocky headlands, small bays and hidden ocean pools. A walk/cycle trail winds along the coastline from the Esplanade all the way to Twilight Cove and back into town past Pink Lake.
Driving along the Great Ocean Drive is the best way to find a spot to snorkel, swim, surf or look for whales. We were lucky enough to have witness a number of Southern Right Whales frolicking just off the beaches on Great Ocean Drive.
World famous Beaches!
Swim in the turquoise waters of West Beach, Blue Haven Beach and Twilight Cove. Check out the incredible Wylie Bay Sand dunes and the cool sand bar at Wylie Bay beach. 4WD vehicles can head around Wylie Bay beach toward Cape Le Grand, across the white sandy beaches.
Take an Island cruise around the Recherche Archipelago or visit Woody Island. Enjoy a scenic flight along Esperance coastline and of the Pink Lake on Middle Island. Visit Esperance’s own Stonehedge.
Where to stay:
Esperance Holiday Park is only a 5 to 10-minute walk from the town center where you will find a variety of cafes and restaurants. A short 2 minute walk from calm swimming beaches. A powered site cost $36 AUD per night.
Cape Le Grand National Park
Only 50km south of Esperance, Cape Le Grand National Park is the most popular National park thanks to its breathtaking coastal scenery, rugged granite peak and extensive heathlands. Secret Bays and coves, endless walking trails its a place to stay a day or a week. Massive rock outcrops form an impressive chain of peaks, the result of erosion and movement over 600 million years.
Cape Le Grand National Park Fee costs $15 per vehicle per day. If you plan on visiting for more that a day you can save money by choosing a Park Pass that will be more suited to the days you plan on visiting. Check out Park Passes here.
Best things to do?
Lucky Bay- known for being Australia’s whitest beach, what makes Lucky Bay so unique is the famous local kangaroos that make their way down to the beach in hope of meeting some friendly tourist. Snap your kangaroo selfie but remember to not feed them. Visit Thistle Cove; a beautiful bay with a spectacular coastal outlook and a ‘whistling’ rock. Head down to Hellfire Bay which is one of the most beautiful bays in the park and a great spot to enjoy a picnic or a refreshing dip in calm conditions.
While you are there take the short scenic bush trail on the left to Little-hellfire Bay and have the beach all to yourself. Quench your thirst at Lucky Bay Brewing Co, the only brewery in WA to source raw barley direct from local farmers.
Ready for a really cool a hike?
If you love short hikes with incredible views then trek to the top of Frenchman’s Peak for sunrise or sunset. A large cave near the summit is thought to have formed by wave action and underwater currents during a period some 40 million years ago when sea levels were at least 300 metres above their current level and the peaks of Cape Le Grand were largely submerged.
The 3km return walk is mainly an uphill climb on the side of the peak, the hike is rated Class 5 because of the steep gradient. Small trail markers are bolted to the side of the granite rock, prepare for a steep climb up. Allow for a 2 hour return trip. The view up the top of the peak is amazing, 360 views of Cape Le Grand National Park and ocean!
Where to stay?
Lucky Bay Camping is the best campsite to stay at within Cape Le Grande NP. The campsite over looks the azure water of Lucky Bay and is surrounded by bushland. There is a coastal walk trail that takes you all the way to Thistle cove. You might be lucky enough to have sone of the friendly local kangaroos come right up to you.
In summer there is a small coffee van that drives right down to the beach. 4wd and 2wd cars can drive right onto the beach as the sand is super hard.
At Lucky Bay Camp ground you have to book online. The campsite has only unpowered sites and they cost $30 AUD ($15pp) a night. Book online here.
There has never been a better time to embrace the wonders of a Western Australia road trip. By exploring and enjoying whats in our own back yard not only are we discovering some truly unique and breathtaking places but we are supporting our regional areas and small businesses that rely on local tourism.
Theres more than you ever imagined waiting to be experienced and explored and theres never been a better time to take a look at south west Western Australia.
More Road trips please!
Want to read more about road trips in Australia? Check out our Best places to visit in South Australia guide, Why you need to visit Tasmania- A 2 week itinerary or if you love fun-filled, off-road adventures then you will love our 2 week Kimberley Road trip itinerary.
We hope our Western Australia road trip guide has inspired you to pack the car and head out on a south west road trip through Western Australia. The raw untouched beauty of WAs south west has always been one of the great attractions to Western Australia.
Enjoyed this post? Why not pin it or save for later!
