Western Australia was made for road trips. Vast horizons, winding coastal highways, towering forests and majestic outback landscapes filled with ancient stories set the scene for journeys as unforgettable as the destinations themselves. Whether you have a single day or two weeks to explore, these five routes reveal the state at its most spectacular, from vineyard escapes close to Perth to once in a lifetime adventures across the Kimberley. If you are planning your own journey, Western Australia’s Road Trips Guide is the perfect place to start.
Short road trips from Perth for you to choose
Just beyond the capital city, countless easy escapes await, perfect for a day or a weekend getaway. Each one captures a piece of Western Australia’s relaxed lifestyle, from vineyard lunches and local produce to seaside exploration and open-air art. Here are our top three routes to spark your next adventure:
1. Swan Valley & Perth Hills
Just a short drive from Perth CBD / Boorloo, the Swan Valley and nearby Perth Hills offer a charming countryside escape. Rolling vineyards stretch beside the winding Swan River / Derbarl Yerrigan and roadside stalls sell local produce. Spend the day exploring wineries, breweries, and artist studios, or take a scenic walk through forest reserves. It is a perfect taste of rural life only 30 minutes from the city.
Recommendations:
Margaret River chocolate company: A local favourite offering handmade chocolates and sweet treats in a charming countryside setting. Visitors can watch chocolate being made through large viewing windows and sample signature creations.
The House of Honey: A celebration of natural honey and bees, offering tastings, honey ice cream and an insight into sustainable beekeeping.
Mondo Nougat: Traditional Italian nougat in a variety of flavours, made using age-old recipes passed down through generations.
The Hike Collective: Guided hikes through the Perth Hills that reveal waterfalls, wildflowers and scenic lookouts. A great way to connect with nature while learning local stories from experienced guides.
Off The Beaten Track: Adventure tours and guided hikes through some of the region’s most scenic bushland trails, perfect for travellers who want to explore beyond the cellar doors.
2. Rockingham
Head south to Rockingham, a laid-back coastal town famous for its marine life and adventure. With clear turquoise waters, it’s a paradise for water enthusiasts. Swim alongside friendly dolphins, snorkel coral-studded reefs, or relax on white beaches. Coastal trails and foreshore cafés offer activities away from the water.
Recommendations:
Rockingham wildlife encounters: Swim alongside wild dolphins in their natural habitat or take a cruise to observe them up close. This experience blends adventure with respect for the region’s diverse marine life.
Shoalwater Islands Marine Park: A sanctuary for snorkelling, kayaking and wildlife watching, with limestone reefs and sheltered lagoons teeming with fish and seabirds.
3. Mandurah
Continue south to Mandurah / Mandjoogoordap, a vibrant escape defined by art, waterways, and coastal charm. The estuary is perfect for boating and nearby wetlands attract colourful birds. Stroll along the waterfront, browse local galleries, or dine on fresh seafood. Mandurah offers a slower pace and a blend of art and nature.
Recommendations:
Mandurah Estuary: A picturesque network of waterways perfect for cruising, kayaking or dolphin spotting. The calm estuary is the heart of Mandurah life, surrounded by cafés, boardwalks and scenic cycling paths. Join Mandurah Cruises for relaxing seafood and dolphin cruises that showcase the region’s rich marine life and vibrant foreshore.
Giants of Mandurah: A collection of towering wooden sculptures created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. Hidden among wetlands and bushland, each giant invites visitors to explore and connect with nature.
Discover the South West nature and wine drive
This premium journey blends vineyards, forests, caves, and coastal beauty, showcasing some of Western Australia’s most diverse landscapes. Travelling through rich farmland and unspoilt coast, this route offers a perfect mix of indulgence and adventure that delights all the senses.
Things you should know
Allow four to five days for this 800-kilometre loop from Perth. The route is ideal for a slower pace, with opportunities for wine tastings, forest walks, and seaside detours. Head south through Busselton / Undalup and Collie, then continue to Pemberton and the Margaret River Region before looping back north. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, offering mild weather, wildflowers, and food and wine events.
Route Highlights:
1. Collie lakes and trails
A detour inland brings you to Collie, a small town surrounded by shimmering lakes, forest tracks, and colourful street art. The nearby Black Diamond Lake is known for its vivid blue water, and it is an ideal stop for a swim or a gentle walk.
2. Busselton Jetty and Underwater Observatory
The historic Busselton Jetty stretches nearly two kilometres into Geographe Bay and is the longest wooden-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. At its far end, the Underwater Observatory offers a window into an extraordinary marine ecosystem where coral gardens and fish thrive beneath the surface.
3. The Margaret River Region
Renowned for world-class wineries and natural beauty, this region is the beating heart of the South West. Between tastings, visitors can enjoy coastal walks, surfing famous breaks, or dining at award-winning restaurants that celebrate local produce.
4. Cape to Cape Track
Running for 135 kilometres between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin, the Cape to Cape Track is one of Australia’s most iconic coastal walks. Even a short section offers breathtaking views of cliffs, beaches and native bushland, with whales often visible offshore during migration season.
5. Boranup Forest
Stretching between Margaret River and Hamelin Bay, Boranup Forest is an enchanting landscape of towering karri trees. Visitors can explore it on foot, by car or even by quad bike, with filtered sunlight and birdsong creating a sense of calm beneath the canopy.
6. Pemberton and the Bicentennial Tree
In the heart of the tall-timber country, Pemberton is famous for its towering karri forests. The Bicentennial Tree rises more than 60 metres high and offers sweeping views for those who dare to climb its laddered trunk. Around town, visitors can also discover walking trails, local art and relaxed country cafés.
The South West Edge: forests, wine and wild coastline
An iconic 9-14 day loop from Perth to Esperance / Kepa Kurl, this journey flows through celebrated wine regions, tall timber forests and white sand beaches, with the option to return through the outback. Expect cellar door tastings, forest drives and turquoise bays that look like they were made for unhurried afternoons. For route basics and timing, see the official South West Edge itinerary.
Things you should know
Many travellers trace the coast to the Margaret River Region, continue east via Albany / Kinjarling to Esperance, then choose an inland return. The full loop covers roughly 1,800 kilometres with well signed roads, regular fuel and a mix of boutique stays and holiday parks. Spring brings wildflowers across forests and coastal heath, summer is ideal for swimming days, and autumn suits cellar door touring. If you return inland, the outback leg via Wave Rock / Katter Kich near Hyden is a popular add on.
Route Highlights:
1. Margaret River Region: Ngilgi Cave, Wills Domain, Voyager Estate, Olio Bello
Begin in the Margaret River Region, where tastings and nature pair effortlessly. Go underground at Ngilgi Cave to see intricate limestone formations and explore the Ancient Lands experience above ground. The region’s producers are just as inspiring, offering a true taste of the South West’s creativity and care for the land.
- Wills Domain: Long vineyard views and award winning dining in Lucky Bay Brewing.
- Voyager Estate: Organically farmed wines, immersive tastings and a celebrated restaurant.
- Olio Bello: Organic olive oils, farm shop and a lakeside setting that invites a slow lunch.)
2. Hamelin Bay
At Hamelin Bay, clear water and pale sand meet friendly local residents. On calm days you may see smooth and black stingrays gliding close to shore inside Ngari Capes Marine Park. Please admire from a respectful distance and follow local guidance.
3. Albany
Continue to Albany, where rugged coastal lookouts frame the Southern Ocean and heritage streets tell early settlement stories. Coastal walks, whaling history sites and nearby beaches make it a natural pause on the way east.
4. Esperance and Lucky Bay
Finish in Esperance, home to Lucky Bay in Cape Le Grand National Park, where kangaroos often rest on white sand and walkers climb Frenchman Peak for sweeping views. After a day in the park, call into Lucky Bay Brewery back in town for a local pint.
5. Wave Rock
If you choose the outback return, add Wave Rock near Hyden, a dramatic granite wave with deep cultural significance to Ballardong Noongar people.
Follow the Coral Coast Highway
Turquoise bays, vibrant coral gardens and abundant marine life
The Coral Coast Highway is one of Western Australia’s most breathtaking routes, stretching from Perth to Exmouth. This spectacular journey is famous for its dazzling beaches, ancient gorges and vibrant marine experiences. Travelling through two World Heritage listed sites, Shark Bay / Gathaagudu and Ningaloo Reef / Nyinggulu, the route unveils the contrasting colours and textures that make Western Australia so unique.
Things you should know
Allow 8-11 days for this journey. Many travellers choose to drive one way and fly the return leg, as Qantas operates regular flights connecting Perth and Exmouth. AVIS also offers convenient one-way car hire deals between the two destinations, making it easy to plan a flexible itinerary. The route covers around 1,200 kilometres and offers easy driving conditions with well-marked highways and regular fuel stops. Along the way, you will find relaxed coastal towns with comfortable accommodation and friendly local eateries. Spring brings wildflowers that blanket the roadside, while autumn and winter are ideal for snorkelling and swimming with marine wildlife.
Route Highlights:
1. The Pinnacles
The Pinnacles in Nambung National Park is an otherworldly landscape of golden limestone spires rising from the sand. Walk among the formations at sunrise or sunset when long shadows stretch across the terrain, or visit the interpretive centre to learn how these ancient pillars were formed.
2. Pink Lake at Hutt Lagoon
Near Port Gregory, Hutt Lagoon stuns visitors with its bubble-gum pink hue created by natural algae. The colour shifts throughout the day from pastel rose to deep magenta, making it a photographer’s dream. The lake is especially beautiful under bright midday light, when the pink surface glows vividly against the blue sky.
3. Kalbarri Skywalk
High above the Murchison Gorge, the Kalbarri Skywalk / Kaju Yatka features two lookouts that extend 25 and 17 metres beyond the cliff edge, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Set within Kalbarri National Park, this spot showcases dramatic red rock formations carved over millions of years. The walkways are accessible and safe for all ages, providing a thrilling yet peaceful perspective over the gorge.
5. Shark Bay, Monkey Mia and Shell Beach
Shark Bay is a place of exceptional beauty and biodiversity, recognised as a World Heritage-listed site for its unique ecosystems. The highlight is the wild dolphin experience at Monkey Mia, where bottlenose dolphins swim close to shore in the shallow waters each morning. Visitors can learn about their conservation and the area’s rich cultural history at the visitor centre. A short drive away lies Shell Beach, one of the few places on Earth made entirely of tiny white shells rather than sand.
6. Francois Peron National Park
For a taste of the outback by the Indian Ocean, explore Francois Peron National Park / Wulyibidi , where red sand dunes meet vivid blue water. A four-wheel drive is recommended to reach the best viewpoints, where you can see dugongs, manta rays and other marine life gliding below the cliffs. The park is also rich in Aboriginal heritage, offering a rare chance to experience the cultural and natural heart of the region.
7. Ningaloo Reef
Ningaloo Reef is the world’s largest fringing coral reef and a World Heritage-listed site of beauty and biodiversity. Here, you can snorkel straight from the beach at Turquoise Bay or join a guided tour to swim with whale sharks, manta rays and humpback whales between March and August. The crystal-clear waters, colourful coral gardens and abundant marine life make it an unforgettable experience for divers and snorkellers alike.
8. Cape Range National Park
Bordering Ningaloo Reef, Cape Range National Park features rugged limestone ranges, deep canyons and tranquil beaches where the desert meets the sea. Hike along Charles Knife Gorge for sweeping views of the arid landscape and the coastline beyond, or unwind at Yardie Creek, where red cliffs reflect beautifully on the still water below. The park is a paradise for photographers and nature lovers seeking a moment of calm in Western Australia’s wild landscape.
The Kimberley’s Gibb River Road: iconic outback four wheel drive adventure
A journey through the heart of the Kimberley, the Gibb River Road is one of Australia’s most legendary drives. Stretching for about 660 kilometres between Derby and Kununurra / Goonoonoorrang, it leads through red dirt country, ancient sandstone ranges, deep gorges and rivers that run crystal clear. Along the way you’ll discover natural swimming holes, outback stations and some of the oldest landscapes on Earth, each one holding stories that go back tens of thousands of years. It is a route best tackled by travellers who love adventure, space and silence.
Things you should know
Plan 10-14 days for this journey. The Gibb River Road is open only during the dry season, usually from May to October, when river crossings are passable and waterfalls flow gently after the rains. A four wheel drive vehicle is essential, and while the road is graded, conditions can vary. Services are limited, so plan fuel stops and supplies carefully. There are basic facilities at places like Imintji, Mount Barnett, and Drysdale River Station. The drive can be made west to east or east to west, and each direction offers striking views of the changing landscape. Most travellers camp under star-filled skies, though there are also station stays and wilderness lodges for those seeking comfort without losing the outback feel.
Route Highlights
1. Tunnel Creek
Close to Windjana Gorge lies Tunnel Creek National Park, where a stream runs through a 750-metre tunnel carved into the limestone. Visitors can wade through shallow water, torch in hand, to reach the other side. The cave holds cultural significance for the Bunuba people and was once a refuge for Aboriginal leader Jandamarra.
2. Windjana Gorge
Inside Windjana Gorge National Park, towering limestone cliffs rise dramatically above the Lennard River. The gorge was once part of an ancient reef system, and fossils of marine life can still be seen in the rock.
3. Bell Gorge
Considered one of the most beautiful gorges in the Kimberley, Bell Gorge rewards those who take the short hike down with a natural amphitheatre of cascading water. After the wet season, a wide waterfall tumbles into a deep, cool pool, perfect for swimming on a warm day.
4. Manning Gorge
Set within Mount Barnett Station, Manning Gorge is another classic Kimberley stop, known for its adventurous trails accessible via a short swim or small boat crossing of the Manning River. The trail leads through rocky terrain to a wide pool and a cascading waterfall surrounded by ancient cliffs, ideal for a refreshing dip after the hike.
5. Purnululu National Park and the Bungle Bungle Range
A World Heritage-listed site, Purnululu National Park is home to the famous Bungle Bungle Range – a maze of beehive-shaped domes banded in orange and grey. The formations are best appreciated on a scenic flight, but walking among them offers an even deeper sense of wonder. Inside the park, visit Cathedral Gorge, where high red walls create perfect natural acoustics, and Echidna Chasm, a narrow passage that glows gold when sunlight filters through.
6. El Questro and Emma Gorge
Located near the eastern end of the Gibb, El Questro is a vast property that showcases the Kimberley’s rugged charm in comfort. Walk to Emma Gorge, where a clear pool sits beneath a dramatic cliff face veiled by a gentle waterfall. Visitors can also enjoy guided hikes, scenic flights and relaxing soaks in natural thermal springs.
7. Aboriginal Rock Art and Camping with Custodians
The Kimberley holds some of the oldest rock art in the world, depicting stories, animals and ancestral beings that share the region’s deep cultural heritage. Travellers can connect with Traditional Owners through Camping with Custodians, a community-run initiative offering campgrounds on Aboriginal lands. Staying at these sites provides a unique opportunity to learn about Country, hear local stories and support communities directly while exploring this ancient landscape.
8. Safety and Permits
Before setting out, check Main Roads Western Australia for current conditions and seasonal closures. Carry sufficient fuel, water and spare tyres, and let someone know your travel plans. Permits may be required for access to certain parks and Aboriginal lands, always check with local visitor centres. Mobile coverage is limited, so plan accordingly and take time to travel safel
Conclusion
From easy day drives through vineyards to epic journeys across otherworldly landscapes and coastlines, Western Australia’s road trips capture the state’s wild beauty and endless horizons. Each route tells its own story, whether you are tasting local wine, swimming beside whale sharks or watching the sky turn golden at sunset. Along the way you will meet welcoming locals, uncover small towns filled with character and travel through landscapes that shift from forest to reef to outback in a single day.
No matter which road you choose, every journey invites you to slow down, reconnect with nature and feel the true spirit of Western Australia. So choose your route, turn the key and embrace the freedom of the open road as the adventure of a lifetime awaits.
