by Dawn Teh
posted on June 14, 2024
Get ready to explore picturesque coastal scenery, exquisite wineries, and some of the country’s best surfing spots as you embark on the iconic Perth to Margaret River road trip. The problem with this journey is that there are so many things to see along this cruisey three to four-hour drive, you can easily miss some of the best hidden attractions along the way.
Fortunately, this guide has all the best stops mapped out for you depending on what you’re into. Keep reading to discover all the best attractions and activities along with driving tips to plan your Perth to Margaret River road trip.
An overview of the Perth to Margaret River road trip
The Perth to Margaret River drive is pleasant with paved roads throughout the towns you’ll pass by. Any regular car will be able to make the journey. But if you’re travelling in a group, you might want to choose an SUV or larger sedan for a comfortable ride. Before we get into the details about the many attractions, here are some important details about the trip to help you plan your journey.
- Perth to Margaret River distance: Approximately 270 km
- Perth to Margaret River drive time: 3 hours 15 minutes (without stops)
- Top places to stop: Lake Clifton Thrombolites, Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, Cape Peron, Busselton Jetty, Jewel Cave, Sugarloaf Rock, Bunbury Dolphin Discovery Centre, Margaret River wineries and craft breweries, whale watching in Dunsborough, and Bunbury Museum + Heritage Centre.
Top stop: As you embark on the Perth to Margaret River road trip, a whale-watching tour with Naturaliste Charters in Dunsborough is an experience you won’t want to miss. Their tours offer the chance to witness humpback whales, southern right whales, and even rare blue and minke whales. With knowledgeable guides and small group sizes, you’ll gain fascinating insights into marine life while cruising along Western Australia’s stunning coast.
How to get from Perth to Margaret River
To get from Perth to Margaret River, you’ll take the Kwinana Freeway to get out of the city, which will become Forrest Highway after the town of Pinjarra. After that, take Robertson Drive, then Bussell Highway at Devonport which will lead you straight into the town of Margaret River.
Distance from Perth to Margaret River
The distance from Perth to Margaret River is approximately 270 km. The drive itself takes around three to four hours. However, the total time of your whole trip could be a lot longer depending on how often you stop along the way.
How many days for a Perth to Margaret River road trip?
The Perth to Margaret River road trip can be done within a day if you set off early. However, that would only leave you with a few hours to explore the sights along the way.
For a more in-depth exploration of the area, a three to five-day road trip would be enough to explore the great natural attractions, indulge in delicious food and wine, and take your time to enjoy the journey.
You might want to stop overnight at bigger towns like Mandurah, Bunbury, Busselton, and Dunsborough.
What is the best time of year for a Perth to Margaret River road trip?
Although this is a beautiful journey to embark on at any time of year, the ideal time to visit Margaret River would be during the spring (September-November) or autumn (March-May) months. During these periods, you’ll get to experience pleasant temperatures and blooming wildflowers while avoiding the busy summer and school holiday crowd.
Top places to visit on your Perth to Margaret River drive
Whether you’re looking to catch some waves, taste world-class wines, or simply soak in the stunning natural landscapes, there’s something for all travellers exploring the Perth and Margaret River regions. Keep reading to discover the top places you won’t want to miss.
Best natural attractions
- Best beaches: Whether it’s surfing, swimming, or sunbathing, there are endless options along this route for those who love the waves and gorgeous white sand beaches. Some of the top beaches include Cape Peron, Yallingup Beach, Back Beach, Hamelin Bay, Myalup Beach, Preston Beach, Bunker Bay Beach, and Meelup Beach.
- Cape Peron: With crystal clear waters, pristine white sand beaches, mysterious caves, and colourful reefs, you’ll find many opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, and exploring marine life at Cape Peron — just an 8-minute drive from Rockingham.
- Lake Clifton Thrombolites: Discover hundreds of little dome-shaped structures that line the Lake Clifton shoreline which are ancient living fossils.
- Tuart Forest National Park: Take a scenic drive or walk through this park to see the majestic Tuart trees which are around 300-400 years old. This natural Tuart forest is the last of its kind in the world.
- Ancient caves: Step into an underground world adorned with breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites that delicately hang from the cave ceilings. There are four caves in the region open to visitors — Jewel Cave, Mammoth Cave, Lake Cave, and Ngilgi Cave.
- Cape Naturaliste: Stop by the striking Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse which offers panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and tackle on some of the walking trails in the area.
- Canal Rocks: Take the bridge that crosses over The Canal Rocks (a stunning granite rock formation) to get some of the most stunning views of the ocean.
- Sugarloaf Rock: This impressive granite rock stands in isolation from the shore and offers a unique coastal view of the Indian Ocean. It’s also the perfect spot for seeing native birds, playful bottlenose dolphins, and migrating whales.
- Borranup Karri Forest: A scenic drive or hike through Borranup Karri Forest will have you marvelling at the tall, majestic karris and vibrant native wildlife.
Best food and wine destinations
- Mandurah: Head to Cafe Moka, Tree of Life Cafe, or Nourishing the Soul Cafe for some delicious brunch options. Just outside of town, you can grab a wholesome Aussie pie from Midway Farm Stalls. If you’re travelling during March, don’t miss the Mandurah Crab Fest.
- Bunbury: Little Spencer Coffee Co. serves up delicious coffee and pastries, while Gaetano Cucina is a great spot for hearty Italian meals.
- Dunsborough: Don’t miss a detour to this coastal town which is home to inventive cafes, fresh seafood, and luxurious fine dining. Goanna Cafe & Gallery, Eagle Bay Brewing Co., Yarri, and Blue Manna Bistro are just some of the top picks.
- Margaret River wine region: Margaret River is most famous for its world-class wines and fine dining (head to Voyager Estate, Leeuwin Estate, Vasse Felix, and Cape Mentelle for tastings), but there are plenty of casual eats serving up a variety of unique cuisine. Head to La Scarpetta Trattoria for traditional Italian meals, Normal Van for classic American burgers, and Glenarty Road is the spot for rustic farm-to-table dishes. The area also has a vibrant craft beer scene with Black Brewing Co. and Eagle Bay Brewery topping the must-visit list.
Best surfing spots
Being home to the Western Australia Margaret River Pro, it’s no surprise that the Margaret River region is known for its epic surf breaks.
- Beginners can try Smiths Beach, Yallingup Beach, or Redgate Beach, which offer more forgiving conditions.
- Experienced surfers will want to challenge themselves at Main Break at Surfers Point and Cowaramup Bombora.
You can also read this guide for more in-depth information about the best surfing spots in the area.
Best outdoor activities
The South West region is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise with plenty of opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, surfing, snorkelling, caving, kayaking, camping, and more! Here are some of the best highlights:
- Hiking: Some of the most popular long-distance walks include the Cape to Cape and Bibbulman Tracks. You’ll need to block out multiple days to complete these journeys, or you can choose to hike shorter sections of the route. You also won’t want to miss a climb up Bluff Knoll — Western Australia’s tallest peak.
- Mountain biking: You’ll find many trails suitable for riders of different experience levels here.
- Kayaking and canoeing: Explore the tranquil waters of places like Shoalwater Islands Marine Park in Rockingham, Dunsborough Beach, and Geographe Bay by kayak or canoe.
- Snorkelling and diving: Experience the pristine coastline, crystal-clear waters, and rich biodiversity of the Rockingham and Margaret River Region with a snorkelling or diving trip.
- Adventure parks: Head to Forest Adventures or Next Level Monkey Business for some adrenaline-pumping fun on high ropes and zipline courses.
Best Animal Encounters
- Penguin Island: Take a ferry ride to Penguin Island from Shoalwater Bay and get up close to penguins, pelicans, rare Australian sea lions, and a host of other adorable animals.
- Ranger Red’s Zoo & Conservation Park: As a boutique zoo with over 100 species of animals, Ranger Red’s Zoo is known for personalised, hands-on encounters with its squirrel gliders, koalas, wombats, and more.
- Bunbury Dolphin Discovery Centre: Take a cruise through Koombana Bay to see bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat or opt to swim with them if you’d like an up-close encounter.
- Whale watching: Catch a glimpse of the Southern Right and Humpback whales pass through the region. Head to Augusta for some of the best whale-watching spots in WA.
- Eagle Heritage Wildlife Centre: This sanctuary looks after and rehabilitates Australia’s magnificent birds of prey like eagles, hawks, and falcons. Stop by to see and learn more about these amazing animals.
Best places for families
- Baldivis Children’s Forest: This unique, kid-friendly forest has easy walking trails for little legs and plenty of natural spaces for play, exploration, and learning.
- A Maze’n Margaret River: Challenge the whole family to escape Margaret River’s only hedge maze, explore the stunning gardens, and enjoy a coffee at the cafe after a day of outdoor fun.
- Adventurescape Playground: This unique farm-themed playground features a giant pig sculpture, climbing windmill tower, flying fox, and a ton of space for the kids to burn off some energy while parents relax.
- Amaze Miniature Park: In this massive 4-acre park, you’ll find over 70 miniature buildings, mini golf, Lego displays, and more to keep the whole family entertained.
- Busselton Jetty: Visit the iconic Busselton Jetty stretching 1.8 kilometres out into Geographe Bay, which is the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. You can explore it either on foot or by Jetty Train. Don’t forget to check out the Underwater Observatory while you’re there.
Best history and culture spots
- Bunbury Museum + Heritage Centre: Housed in a restored heritage building, this museum is a treasure trove of local history.
- Bunbury Regional Art Gallery: This historic convent has now been transformed into a vibrant art space showcasing a diverse collection of works by local and national artists.
- Margaret River Old Settlement: This little hidden gem captures the essence of life in the early 20th century with a vintage steam locomotive, meticulously restored buildings, and many little day-to-day items that early settlers used in the past.
Special Events in Margaret River
Margaret River is a vibrant arts, entertainment, sporting, and cultural hub with a calendar that’s jam-packed with numerous special events throughout the year. Seasonal highlights include the Margaret River Pro surfing competition, the Out of the Woods musical festival, and the Gourmet Escape food and wine festival. Check out the Margaret River Region website to discover what’s on down south.
Top tips for a Perth to Margaret River road trip
The Perth to Margaret River road trip is an easy and pleasant 3-hour drive, but it isn’t a short drive either. Whether you decide to do this trip in a day or spread out the attractions over a few days, follow these top tips to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable journey.
Book a car: Get a car that’s suitable for your travel group. You might want to opt for a smaller fuel-saving car if it’s just you and a friend, or a people mover if you’re travelling in a big group. Check out the wide variety of vehicles ready for hire on Turo.
Organise at least one break: If you plan on doing this drive in a day, you should have at least one stop between Perth and Margaret River to combat fatigue on a long drive. If you’re spreading out this journey over a few days, you won’t have any issues.
Have some emergency provisions: You’ll still be near the Perth metropolitan area, but it’s always good to still have some water and non-perishable food in your vehicle in case of unforeseen hold-ups or breakdowns.
Plan your fuel stops: Keep an offline list of petrol stations on your route. Although there are plenty of petrol stations along the route, there are some sections without phone service. This means you might encounter times when you won’t be able to easily search for the next nearest station online.
Do not drink and drive: If you don’t want to miss tastings at the world-famous Margaret River wineries, try booking a tour instead so you won’t have to risk driving while under the influence of alcohol.
Book accommodation in advance: The West Australian South West region gets extremely busy during the school holiday and summer season, so remember to book your accommodation in advance.
Coverage for towing: Make sure your car insurance policy includes towing and emergency assistance. Verify that it extends to the Margaret River region.
Perform a pre-trip vehicle check: Do a basic inspection of your vehicle before setting off, including the tyres, radiator coolant level, brakes, and lights.
Book the ideal car for your Perth to Margaret River drive
Now that you’re all set up with your Perth to Margaret River road trip itinerary, don’t forget to book your ideal ride on Turo. Choose from a wide range of vehicles (from luxurious SUVs to economical compact cars) and select add-ons like GPS systems or child car seats. After that, pick up your vehicle from a variety of convenient locations like the Perth Airport and train stations. Or, you can even request delivery to your accommodation. Once you have the keys, you’re ready to set off on your road trip.
FAQs: Drive from Perth to Margaret River
How far is Margaret River from Perth?
The distance between Perth and Margaret River is about 270 km.
Is Margaret River worth visiting?
Absolutely! Margaret River is known for its stunning beaches, world-class wineries, and delicious local produce. It’s a must-visit destination for any road trip in Western Australia.
Is it easy to drive from Perth to Margaret River?
The drive from Perth to Margaret River is an easy 3-hour drive with completely sealed roads on all major highways and roads. However, do take note that if you’re planning on visiting natural attractions, you might encounter unpaved dirt or gravel roads leading into the place.
Can you do a day trip from Perth to Margaret River?
Yes, it’s possible to do a day trip from Perth to Margaret River. But bear in mind that you’ll need 3 hours to get there and another 3 hours for your return journey. This will only leave you with about 6 hours to explore the area. If you’re planning a day trip, set off early to maximise your time at the Margaret River region.
Dawn Teh
Dawn, an ex-psychologist and avid travel writer, blends her expertise in human behaviour with her passion for adventure. Her writing reflects a unique perspective on personal growth, wanderlust and what it is that helps humans thrive. Her current mission is to live the van life and tour the Australian outback with her family.
