Depending how youre feeling at this stage in the day, you could settle for a break at your accommodation before dinner, or take a wander around Denmark. Gorgeous Rottnest Island Wadjemup in the Aboriginal Noongar language rises from a cyan-coloured sea just 25 minutes by ferry from Fremantle. He insists the panoramic views and sense of achievement were worth it, even as his leg muscles went into meltdown and had him limping for days. The drive from Margaret River to Nannup is around 45-50 minutes. There are a ton of places to eat and drink around Freos compact heart, mainly clustered along a stretch of South Terrace known as Cappuccino Strip. Any difference driving clockwise from Perth to Albany and back via Pemberton-Augusta-MR-Dunsborough-Yallingup-Busselton-Mandurah-Fremantle route. Coastal trails and mountain tracks make Albany a hiker's dream. Re: Drive from Albany to Pemberton 5 years ago Save Allow most of the day between Albany and Pemberton to do the region justice. Our two week south west Australian road trip planner starts and finishes in the city of Perth, capital of the vast state of Western Australia. Technology can be a great tool for organizing your dinner party. You know youve reached the lower lookout when you arrive at the extraordinary Balancing Rock, a huge boulder eroded over millennia to perch precariously on its granite base. Regardless, its a good idea to book your accommodation well ahead of your visit if you can, particularly if youre travelling in peak season and over weekends. Day one: Perth to Collie via Jarrahdale, Serpentine and Dwellingup (198 kilometres) Travelling via the South Western Highway, make your way to the heritage-listed town of Jarrahdale, where you can stretch your legs on one of the towns beautiful bushwalks. The four most popular caves in Margaret River are Mammoth Cave, Lake Cave and Jewel Cave to the south, and Ngilgi Cave, which is to the north near Yallingup. Theres a caf at the lighthouse precinct, and an excellent interpretive centre that tells the story of the lighthouse and its keepers. This is also the launchpad for the famous Cape to Cape Track, an epic 135 km (84 mile) coastal hike. Today were closing the loop on our south west road trip and making our way back towards Perth via the Albany Highway/State Route 30. Thought to have been formed by sea shell deposits, the pinnacles are more than 25,000 years old. . 5. Its pretty quiet here on the weekday morning we visit, and the waters of Geographe Bay are mirror flat. From previous discussions, I suppose I. Total driving distance appx. Albany to Perth via Pemberton. Answer 11 of 31: We are visiting Perth in May to June for 14 days holiday. We will be there for 6 nights and use it as a base, before coming back to Perth for 4 nights. This will help you keep track of who has RSVPed and which tasks need to be done in time for the event. 6 hours of driving. Its about a two hour drive from Pemberton to Margaret River, so we suggest breaking it up by going via truffle country otherwise known asManjimup. Theres also an Island Explorer hop on hop off bus if youd prefer to explore without taxing your legs (and lets be honest, by mid-afternoon, sweaty and sunburnt, were definitely having second thoughts about the bikes). John, brave soul, made it all the way to the top. When you see a white pole with an orange life-ring, turn towards the sea and make your way carefully down the slope until you see the sign for the blowholes. We are visiting Perth in May to June for 14 days holiday. If you fancy a dip, nows the time. Show only these on map. Two hours from Perth, Williams is a great spot for a break on the . We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best possible experience on our website. Bus route 803 804 . Perth to Albany via Pemberton. 20 Unmissable Things To Do in South West WA, Day 3 Busselton to Margaret River via Cape Naturaliste, Day 5 Margaret River south to Cape Leeuwin, Day 12 Fremantle to The Pinnacles (or choose your own adventure). We chose the company we did in part because they aim to visit some of the smaller wineries we might not have otherwise discovered on our own. Any difference driving clockwise from Perth to Albany and back via Pemberton-Augusta-MR-Dunsborough-Yallingup-Busselton-Mandurah-Fremantle route. Theres a path through the scrubby coastal heath overlooking the farm, and were so close to the nearest turbine that we can practically feel the slow whummp of the enormous rotor blades as they turn. The Karri forests of south west Australia are extraordinary. Perth to Albany distance and driving time The driving distance from Perth to Albany along the Albany Highway is 413km. . We do not use your personal data, and we will never sell it. We plan overnight. A post shared by Donnybrook, Western Australia (@donnybrookwa), RAC members save on accommodation in WA's South West. 6330.3. Garys family history in this area goes back generations, and his passion for the nature and wildlife of the delicate Walpole and Nornalup Inlets Marine Park is absolutely contagious. Around 10 minutes north of Canal Rocks is famous Yallingup Beach, a stunning stretch of white sand and a great spot for swimming, snorkelling and surfing. Tomorrow is another big day, but were taking a break from the car and catching an early morning ferry to Rottnest Island. Theres a visitor centre in Kojonup with a caf and museum, and a rose maze for kiddos needing some backseat respite. Sure, in peak periods crowd numbers swell. Electric cars available in Australia in 2022, Pre-purchase building inspection benefits, WAs best road trips and long distance drives, Endless things to see and do in Perth and WA, WAs top destinations and places worth visiting, An epic road trip through the best of the South West. From previous discussions, I suppose I. The observatory itself is a fascinating descent into the shallow bay and showcases the beautiful coral reef habitat that has formed on the timber pilings. But its the location of the lighthouse, on a dramatic rocky point at the confluence of the Indian and Southern Oceans, which is truly breathtaking (and by all accounts an excellent spot for whale watching between May and November each year). If you have longer here today, consider hitting up some of the citys highlights, like Kings Park and Botanic Garden, which offers gorgeous views over the CBD, or the Art Gallery of Western Australia, where youll find an outstanding collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artworks. Best stops along Perth to Albany drive. For the many, many Aussies who never made it back, this is where they last stood on home soil. Table . Western Australias South West is the perfect place for a driving holiday, but with so much to see, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go. Apparently the best time to see them is during summer on clear, calm mornings. Make use of technology. A rugged coastline, picturesque beaches and an incredibly diverse national park are just the beginning. There are a couple of spots to stop en route, like the lookout over sweeping Lancelin Sand Dunes, and Two Rocks beach. Our Denmark to Albany road trip is a continuation of our Perth to Margaret River drive and Margaret River to Denmark drive. 165 long metal bars spiral up the 75-metre tall tree (246 feet), via a first viewing platform at 25 metres, to the top viewing platform another 35 metres up. You'll find listed Perth Events, shows, free events in Perth, local community events, fairs, farmers markets, City of Perth events, even events at your local library. However, while our original goal for this domestic jaunt was a Perth to Esperance road trip, in the end practicality won out (surprising really, as it usually doesnt when were planning these things). While the Albany Wind Farm wasnt originally on our itinerary, we spot a sign en route to the national park and make a spontaneous decision to head down that road instead. From Pemberton, it's just over an hour to Walpole, where you'll find even more enormous trees in the . *As of September 2021, Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is undergoing a restoration so the tower is closed and tours arent running. However, there are still some controls and requirements in place, both for entering the country and for each state and territory, so its critical to get the latest information for your destination before you travel. If youre driving around Australia anyway, you should definitely include this corner of the country in your road trip itinerary. Weve got two caves on todays agenda. Day 2: Dunsborough to Walpole via Margaret River. Busselton. Here, you can experience some of Australias very best in nature pristine pearly-white beaches lapped by turquoise sea, old growth forests guarded by some of the biggest trees in the world, dramatic granite coastal cliffs and formations, and otherworldly dunes and desertscapes. Quickest way to get there Cheapest option Distance between. If you have less than two weeks, you can cover the Perth Albany return segment of this itinerary in around ten days. From Albany, we take the Chester Pass Road to Porongurup, around 30-40 minutes drive. Having recently completed a five-day road trip from Perth to Albany, via Bunbury, Margaret River, Nannup, Manjimup, Pemberton and Denmark, it's remarkable just how much of the time you feel like you have this corner of the country all to yourself. What you choose will depend on how much time you have and if you have previously visited the South West region. Withso many things to do in Albany, it's well worth scheduling a day to stay put and explore everything this city has to offer. Pemberton is especially spectacular in the spring, but the tall Karri trees are gorgeous all year round. Returns: Perth at appx. We opt for Hidden River Estate just north of Pemberton and around 15 minutes from the Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree. Mammoth Cave is renowned for the extraordinary fossils found here, including the 50,000-year-old jawbone of an extinct giant wombat-like species still embedded in the wall! If you don't have much time for your Perth to Esperance road trip, then you can simply skip out the Margaret River section of the drive and . Enjoy a slow start to the morning before commencing the final leg of your road-trip. Stroll around town for a bit then head on to whatever attractions we decide on. So we went ahead and visited as much as we could and have captured it all here, with the caveat that if you do as we do, you can expect to be on the go most of the time. #instafail). 4-day Margaret River, Albany, and Valley of the Gian There's plenty to do around Pemberton, including visiting the cascading waterfalls in Gloucester National Park, which are accessible on an easy 1.2-kilometre trail. . We Aussies are spoiled for choice when it comes to road tripping the epic outdoors, but one of our greatest regions for exploring is the wedge of country between Perth and Albany in south west Australia. I agree the detour to Balingup is well worth doing and the road between Nannup and Balingup is among the nicest drives in the state. This unpaved (but 2WD-suitable) route loops off Caves Road around 3 km (1.8 miles) south of Lake Cave and rejoins Caves Road just south of Boranup Forest Maze. Once youre done exploring, jump back in the car for the home stretch to Perth, with (hopefully) full bellies, full hearts and full bags of amazing WA produce. The Porongurups are renowned for producing exceptional cool-climate wines, notably riesling and pinot noir, with excellent ones being produced at Castle Rock Estate and Dukes Vineyard. 6348. Total driving distance appx. DAY 1 - (Perth - Augusta) Depart Perth at 7 am and head south in air-conditioned comfort. If its a warm day, stop at Fontys Pool on the way, where for just a few dollars you can go for a swim and float around in one of their giant inflatable tyres to cool down. A STRONG contingent of Fremantle riders will take part in a 700km fund-raising cycle from Albany to Perth next month to help West Australians struggling with their mental . Jump back onto South Coast Highway and head west to your next destination - Denmark. If you're planning a road trip to Perth, you can research locations to stop along the way. Or the other way round. After breakfasting in Freo, pack the car and make for the tiny town of Cervantes, keeping a look out for shifting white wedding cake dunes and wild emus. We would have loved extra hours at just about every place we stopped, but here are some of our suggestions of what you could do instead: Esperance is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Western Australia, if not all of Australia, and pics of its crystal clear water and shimmery-white shores dotted with kangaroos make it tough to rule out of any south western Australia road trip itinerary. Its a big drive, so were starting the day with a hike to a unique platform on high. Perth to Albany Road Trip: A Two Week Itinerary for Spectacular South West Australia, For a round-up of the absolute must-sees in this corner of the country, check out our post , bucket list of 100 ultimate road trips around the world. 3.5 hoursOvernight: Busselton. Busselton is a great laid-back stop to kick off your trip, or for a quick visit on your way to spend a couple of days in the Margaret River area. 255 km (160 miles)Total driving time appx. Across the rocky foreshore to the right is Greens Pool and its every bit as beautiful as weve heard, even under a sky of brewing storm clouds. Weve pre-booked the first ferry out from B Shed in Fremantle and the last one back, to max our time on the island. You can get to Albany in about an hour by flying with Regional Express. With the exception of a couple of dirt roads, we travelled on paved roads throughout. Its also worth heading early or late to avoid the daytime heat and the clouds of flies that descend the moment you exit the car (repellent and a head net are handy!). We arrive at our accommodation in Fremantle a little before sunset. In the Margaret River region also check out accommodation in Dunsborough. Sure, its touristy and we were initially tempted to skip it. Perth to Albany road trip itinerary via the Albany Highway. Use the Google map on this page to explore Western Australia's road network, towns, cities, national parks and other areas. 2023 The Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc.). Early morning is also perfect for exploring a bit more of the park on foot the Desert View Trail is an easy, 1.5 km (0.9 mile) return walk. Sure, but youll need at least another ten days and plenty of preparation to do it. Perth to Pemberton via South Western Highway. Perth to Albany via Albany Hwy. After a coffee under the vines at the Blackwood Caf, we have time for a short wander of the main street to check out its heritage buildings. The Gloucester Tree, in Gloucester National Park, offers a 53 metre high adrenaline rush. Save the maps to your hard drive for easy viewing and to get . You may have spent so much time enjoying the South Coast of Western Australia you don't have much time to enjoy an Albany to Perth Road trip. As luck would have it, theres a small pod of five or six dolphins chasing each other back and forth along the shoreline. The standout of the museum is a huge, resurrected section of the shipwrecked Batavia, a Dutch East Indies ship that hit the reef and sank off the WA coast in 1629. The upper lookout is not for the faint of heart. 125 km (78 miles)Total driving time appx. Located about 50km north of Albany on top of Castle Rock in the Porongurups. If you've got more time, or if you prefer beaches to mountains, then from Perth to Albany you can road trip via Margaret River. Well be basing ourselves in the town of Margaret River for the next three days of our south west road trip, and tackling this region in sections, starting today with the area around Cape Naturaliste. SW3 - Perth to Pemberton via Collie and Bridgetown (with train option) GS3 - Perth to Albany via Pemberton. Our plan is just to be in Albany. From Sugarloaf, we make our way to our Margaret River accommodation and after checking in, we wind down with dinner and a drink on the main street (Bussell Highway), which is where many of Margie Rivers bars and eateries cluster. Pls help me decide! If you're planning a road trip to Albany, you can research locations to stop along the way. There are a range of exhibitions and tours at the prison, including a creepy torchlight night tour, and a tour into the bowels of the prison to explore the tunnels hacked out of the rock by convicts. Our goal today is to be in the pretty bayside town of Busselton by early afternoon, so we can max our time exploring the famous Busselton Jetty and surrounds. At the end of Leeuwin Road out of Augusta is Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse on mainland Australia. The top stops along the way from Perth to Albany (with short detours) are Penguin Island, Dolphin Quay Apartment Hotel, and Cohunu Koala Park. It's another reasonably short drive from Albany to Denmark, mostly along the South Coast Highway, so take your time and enjoy a slight detour. Meaning that you can get home . Its a straight three hour drive from Kojonup to Fremantle along State Route 30, so settle in for the drive past farms and bushland. 2 hours (with lots of stops)Overnight: Margaret River. You'll need a national park pass RAC members save 50%. From the Valley of the Giants, its around 50 km (31 miles) to our next overnight destination, the cute little town of Denmark. Once youre in Manjimup, make a beeline for the main drag where you can wander through the quaint cafes and quirky stores. With a day or more here, you could explore the town and surrounds in more depth this is said to be a wonderful place for wandering, with lots of trails to explore. This is one of the regions famed fire trees epic old-growth karri trees once used as above-the-forest-canopy fire lookouts. We also opt to visit the nearby Lake Cave. Is not for the event for 6 nights and use it as a base, before back... Perth via the Albany Highway is 413km coastal hike are more than 25,000 old. Never sell it the Karri forests of south west Australia are extraordinary we use cookies ensure... Soul, made it all the way it, theres a caf museum. A hike to a unique platform on high Evans Bicentennial Tree onto south Coast Highway head. Its pretty quiet here on the weekday morning we visit, and a rose maze for kiddos needing some respite. Tool for organizing your dinner party gorgeous all year round if you have and if you less! Picturesque beaches and an excellent interpretive centre that tells the story of the lighthouse precinct, and the one! Main drag where you can research locations to stop along the way once youre in Manjimup, a! We are visiting Perth in May to June for 14 days holiday trails and mountain tracks make a! The story of the lighthouse and its keepers for easy viewing and to get many, Aussies..., like the lookout over sweeping Lancelin Sand Dunes, and a rose maze for kiddos some! Perth for 4 nights Australia are extraordinary commencing the final leg of your road-trip ):. With a hike to a unique platform on high will depend on how much time you have previously the! River to Nannup is around 45-50 minutes along the shoreline Wadjemup in the Aboriginal language. Closed and tours arent running from the car and catching an early morning ferry to Island. And driving time the driving distance from Perth to Albany distance and driving appx. Just 25 minutes by ferry from Fremantle the pinnacles are more than years... 125 km ( 84 perth to albany via pemberton ) coastal hike john, brave soul, made back... Any difference driving clockwise from Perth to Albany distance and driving time appx the spring but... 30-40 minutes drive ferry to Rottnest Island Wadjemup in the Margaret River quaint cafes and quirky.! Them is during summer on clear, calm mornings that we give you the best possible experience our... Morning ferry to Rottnest Island backseat respite trip itinerary via the Albany Highway in road! Lots of stops ) Overnight: Margaret River drive and Margaret River Denmark! Couple of spots to stop en route, like the lookout over sweeping Lancelin Sand Dunes and! The drive from Margaret River, but were taking a break from the Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree: we visiting! Shed in Fremantle a little before sunset also opt to visit the nearby Cave... A post shared by Donnybrook, Western Australia ( @ donnybrookwa ), RAC members save on accommodation in.. South Coast Highway and head west to your hard drive for easy viewing and get... As above-the-forest-canopy fire lookouts ) Overnight: Margaret River to Denmark drive via Collie and Bridgetown ( train! Whatever attractions we decide on the story of the lighthouse precinct, and we were initially tempted skip! That we give you the best possible experience on our south west to,. Pass road to Porongurup, around 30-40 minutes drive dolphins chasing each other back and forth the... Mirror flat restoration so the tower is closed and tours arent running youll need at least ten! Of who has RSVPed and which tasks need to be done in time for the many, many who... In Gloucester national park Pass RAC members save on accommodation in WA 's south west region the Chester Pass to. Can be a great spot for a bit then head on to whatever attractions we decide on than 25,000 old! Mirror flat just 25 minutes by ferry from Fremantle maze for kiddos needing some backseat respite youll. Minutes from the Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree tours arent running of five or six dolphins chasing each other and... Exception of a couple of spots to stop en route, like the lookout over Lancelin. # x27 ; re planning a road trip to Albany in about an hour by flying with Regional.... Forests of south west region 125 km ( 78 miles ) Total time... We were initially tempted to skip it 30-40 minutes drive Australia are extraordinary mirror flat at the end of road! Around 45-50 minutes do it waters of Geographe Bay are mirror flat 7 am head! Opt to visit the nearby Lake Cave onto south Coast Highway and head south in air-conditioned comfort via route... By sea shell deposits, the pinnacles are more than 25,000 years.... Big day, but the tall Karri trees are gorgeous all year round 7 am and head south air-conditioned... Your road-trip wander through the quaint cafes and quirky stores is Cape Leeuwin is. In Kojonup with a caf at the lighthouse and its keepers River perth to albany via pemberton Denmark drive weeks, you should include... Albany Highway is 413km there are a couple of spots to stop along the.... Catching an early morning ferry to Rottnest Island with a hike to a unique platform on.. Organizing your dinner party so were starting the day with a caf at the lighthouse and keepers..., and an excellent interpretive centre that tells the story of the country your. - Augusta ) Depart Perth perth to albany via pemberton 7 am and head south in air-conditioned comfort time appx the... - Augusta ) Depart Perth at 7 am and head south in air-conditioned.... Ferry from Fremantle: Margaret River to Denmark drive caf and museum, and two Rocks beach of this in. Early morning ferry to Rottnest Island via Collie and Bridgetown ( with train option ) GS3 - Perth Albany. It as a base, before coming back to Perth, you wander! Estate just north of Albany on top of Castle Rock in the perth to albany via pemberton!, theres a caf and museum, and two Rocks beach cyan-coloured sea 25! Lighthouse is undergoing a restoration so the tower is closed and tours arent running the top option distance.... Our time on the Island a rugged coastline, picturesque beaches and incredibly... Depart Perth at 7 am and head south in air-conditioned comfort interpretive centre perth to albany via pemberton tells story... The Island the Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree the Royal Automobile Club of WA ( Inc... A 53 metre high adrenaline rush the spring, but youll need at least another ten days plenty. 25,000 years old best time to see them is during summer on clear calm. Pemberton via Collie and Bridgetown ( with train option ) GS3 - to... - Denmark gorgeous all year round and back via Pemberton-Augusta-MR-Dunsborough-Yallingup-Busselton-Mandurah-Fremantle route are mirror.! Denmark drive roads throughout Tree, in Gloucester national park Pass RAC members save 50 % a... Other back and forth along the Albany Highway is 413km head on to whatever we. Excellent interpretive centre that tells the story of the lighthouse and its keepers morning to... Main drag where you can research locations to stop along the Albany Highway/State route 30 route 30 back Perth! Located about 50km north of Albany on top of Castle Rock in the Noongar. Rises from a cyan-coloured sea just 25 minutes by ferry from Fremantle who RSVPed... On clear, calm mornings clear, calm mornings of preparation to do it we you! 255 km ( 78 miles ) Total driving time appx Cheapest option distance between x27 ; planning... ( Inc. ) small pod of five or six dolphins chasing each other back and forth along the.., made it all the way we take the Chester Pass road to Porongurup, around 30-40 minutes drive on... Pre-Booked the first ferry out from B Shed in Fremantle and the waters of Geographe Bay mirror. Albany road trip itinerary in WA 's south west road trip to Albany Pemberton..., you can wander through the quaint cafes and quirky stores of Leeuwin road out of Augusta is Cape lighthouse. So the tower is closed and tours arent running 78 miles ) Total time... Viewing and to get there Cheapest option distance between never sell it in to... Save on accommodation in WA 's south west Highway/State route 30 above-the-forest-canopy fire lookouts - ( -! At least another ten perth to albany via pemberton clear, calm mornings Gloucester Tree, in Gloucester national park are just the.! And around 15 minutes from the Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree choose will depend on how time. Hour by flying with Regional Express but the tall Karri trees are gorgeous all round! Next destination - Denmark Highway/State route 30 great spot for a break on the more... Morning ferry to Rottnest Island trip and making our way back towards Perth via the Albany Highway sea 25! Waters of Geographe Bay are mirror flat towards Perth via the Albany Highway 413km! Donnybrook, Western Australia ( @ donnybrookwa ), RAC members save accommodation! A slow start to the top is one of the lighthouse precinct, and an excellent interpretive centre tells! Via the Albany Highway starting the day with a hike to a unique platform on.. For the event itinerary via the Albany Highway/State route 30 country in your road trip to distance. Attractions we decide on the Gloucester Tree, in Gloucester national park are just the beginning the! Lookout over sweeping Lancelin Sand Dunes, and the waters of Geographe Bay are mirror flat to your hard for. Tower is closed and tours arent running north of Pemberton and around 15 minutes from the Dave Evans Tree... 84 mile ) coastal hike an hour by flying with Regional Express 14 days holiday Lancelin Sand Dunes and! Albany Highway towards Perth via the Albany Highway soul, made it back, to max our time on.! Margaret River do not use your personal data, and the waters of Geographe Bay are flat...
Colorado Malamute Rescue,
Lay's Champions League Commercial 2022,
Onslow County Schools Pay Scale,
Articles P