Western Australia Road Trip: 8 Days from Perth to Margaret River
Wildlife encounters, turquoise beaches, spectacular caves and good food, a family-friendly road trip through Western Australia.
Western Australia is a wonderful destination for a road trip. Think crystal-clear water, wild dolphins, curious quokkas, ancient limestone caves, towering forests and some seriously good food. With a little planning, you can combine nature, wildlife and relaxed coastal towns into a memorable holiday.
We spent seven days exploring the region, travelling from Perth and Fremantle down to Bunbury, Margaret River, Augusta and Busselton before returning to Perth. Along the way, we visited wildlife centres, went whale watching, explored caves, enjoyed local cafés and discovered some beautiful stretches of coastline. We have previously visited Perth and Fremantle, so I haven’t included much on the itinerary in those 2 spots, however, if you have more time, strongly recommend spending time in both Freo and Perth.
This itinerary is based on our own trip, including the places we visited, where we ate and a few things I would do differently next time. I’ve also included several places we missed but would love to explore on a future visit.
Our Western Australia road trip at a glance
- Day 1: Perth Arrival and chill
- Day 2: Rottnest Island and Fremantle
- Day 3: Fremantle, Penguin Island and drive to Bunbury
- Day 4: Bunbury Dolphin Discovery Centre
- Day 5: Whale watching, Eagle Bay and Ngilgi Cave
- Day 6: Canal Rocks, chocolate and wineries
- Day 7: Jewel Cave, Augusta and Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
- Day 8: Busselton Jetty and return to Perth
We stayed at Mantra Bunbury Lighthouse for our Bunbury nights, Peppermint Brook Cottages in Margaret River and Mantra on Hay in Perth. There are many lovely places to stay in the Western Australia region, these just fit in with our budget and what we wanted to see.
If you enjoy nature-based travel, I would recommend allowing enough time to appreciate the coastline rather than treating this as a race to tick off attractions. There is plenty to see, and some of the best experiences are the unexpected stops along the way.
We did this trip in October 2025, which is why we were lucky enough to include whale watching as part of our adventure.
Day 1: Arrival to Perth
Whether you are coming from another part of Australia or overseas, take your first day to chill in Perth. If you have time add a few extra days to this itinerary to explore Perth and Fremantle.
Day 2: Rottnest Island and Fremantle
Rottnest Island: a full day of beautiful nature and wildlife
Rottnest Island was one of the highlights I would recommend including in any Perth itinerary. Catch a ferry from Fremantle and spend the day exploring the island’s beautiful beaches, turquoise bays and wildlife.
The island is famous for its quokkas, small marsupials that have become an Australian favourite. You can explore by bicycle or use the island bus to reach different beaches and viewpoints. Visit The Basin for a swim, Little Salmon Bay for snorkelling, and Wadjemup Lighthouse for panoramic views. If time allows, head to the rugged West End for dramatic ocean scenery. For lunch, I recommend Frankie’s on Rotto, a relaxed spot serving handmade sourdough pizzas and pasta.
Ferry information: Rottnest Express, Sea Link or Rottnest Fast Ferries
Book your ferry in advance, particularly during school holidays, and check the return timetable before you leave. Bring water, sun protection and a reusable bottle. If you’re cycling, make sure everyone in your group is comfortable with the distances and terrain.
Evening: Explore Fremantle
After returning to the mainland, spend some time exploring Fremantle, affectionately known as Freo. The historic streets, independent shops, cafés and waterfront make it a destination in its own right.
Visit Fishing Boat Harbour for a relaxed meal, browse the local shops and, if your visit falls on an opening day, explore Fremantle Markets for food, souvenirs and local products.
If you have more time, the historic Fremantle Prison and the Round House are also worth considering.
My tip: If you’re tired after a full day on Rottnest, don’t feel obliged to fit everything into the evening. Fremantle deserves a full day visit.
Day 3: Fremantle, Penguin Island and Bunbury
Breakfast at Roasting Warehouse South Fremantle
Start the day with coffee and breakfast at Roasting Warehouse South Fremantle.
Allow some time for a short wander around South Fremantle, but keep an eye on the clock. We planned to leave the café by 10:50 am to reach our next activity on time.
Penguin Island and the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park
We headed to Perth Wildlife Encounters for our booked Penguin Island excursion.
Our planned schedule was:
- 11:30 am: Arrive and collect ourselves before departure.
- 12:00 pm: Ferry to Penguin Island.
- 1:15 pm: Dolphin, penguin and sea lion cruise.
- 2:30 pm: Guided wildlife walk.
- 3:15 pm: Return ferry.
The cruise explores the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, offering opportunities to see local marine wildlife in its natural environment. Wildlife sightings vary, which is part of the experience.
We planned to order takeaway from Pengo’s Café or bring our own snacks. This is a useful approach when you have a fixed departure time and don’t want to spend your excursion rushing to find lunch.
Check the operator’s current timetable and seasonal operating arrangements before booking, as island access and wildlife experiences can change. For our case, we arrived and our cruise was cancelled due to bad weather. (We received a full refund.)
Drive south to Bunbury
After returning to the mainland, we drove to Bunbury, allowing approximately 1.5–2 hours for the journey, depending on traffic.
We stayed at Mantra Bunbury Lighthouse, which was okay, although I would probably choose a different property next time.
For dinner, we had a booking at Froth Craft Bunbrewery, conveniently located within walking distance of the hotel. It was great!
My tip: This is a full day involving an early start, a timed wildlife excursion and a drive. Keep the evening simple rather than planning another major activity.
Day 4: Bunbury’s dolphins and marine life
Bunbury is worth more than an overnight stop. Its marine life and waterfront make it a good place to slow down before continuing south.
Breakfast in Bunbury
There are several options to start the day:
- The Townhouse Coffee Co.
- Hello Duck
- Little Spencer Coffee Co.
- Bunbury Farmers Market, particularly useful if you prefer takeaway breakfast or want to pick up supplies for the road.
Dolphin Cruise
We started with a short visit to the Dolphin Discovery Centre, with the main event, a 10:30 am booking for the dolphin cruise.
The centre provides an opportunity to learn about dolphins and the local marine environment. Depending on the current programme, there may also be scheduled animal feeding sessions and other experiences. Our notes included a 12:45 pm baby loggerhead turtle feeding session and a 2:00 pm shark feeding session. Check the centre’s current schedule, availability and ticket inclusions before planning your day around these times.
The highlight however is the Dolphin Cruise. On the cruise, the team will introduce you to the Bottlenose Dolphins as they interact in their natural environment. They can be seen frolicking, playing, sleeping and feeding during the cruise. The informative commentary from the skipper will keep you updated throughout. It was amazing.
Lunch and a relaxed afternoon
For lunch, options include Benesse Bunbury or Bunbury Farmers Market.
If you have time, enjoy a walk around Koombana Bay or explore more of Bunbury’s waterfront.
For dinner, we had Last Slice Bunbury on our list. Great pizza and beers.
My tip: The Bunbury Farmers Market had great take away lunch options and also a hot food counter with casual communal seating. We enjoyed this as we could get a variety of items to eat.
Day 5: Whale watching, Eagle Bay and Ngilgi Cave
We left Bunbury and headed towards the Margaret River region, where we stayed at Peppermint Brook Cottages.
This was one of our more activity-packed days, combining a whale-watching cruise, a brewery lunch and a cave experience.
Whale watching with Naturaliste Charters
Our plan was to arrive at Naturaliste Charters by 9:30 am for a 10:00 am departure.
The cruise was scheduled to last approximately two hours, although we allowed up to three hours depending on wildlife sightings. Morning or afternoon tea was included, with complimentary drinks and biscuits available on board.
Whale watching is seasonal, so check the operator’s dates and departure location before planning your route.
It was stunning. A wonderful experience. Humbled in nature is how we felt.
Lunch at Eagle Bay Brewing Co.
After the cruise, we booked lunch at Eagle Bay Brewing Co..
This is a lovely option for a leisurely meal in the Dunsborough area. I recommend booking ahead and allowing flexibility if your wildlife cruise runs later than expected. There is a wonderful playground, delicious food and beers and just so beautiful.
Ngilgi Cave Ancient Lands Experience
Our afternoon activity was the Ngilgi Cave Ancient Lands Experience, scheduled for 3:30 pm.
Allow approximately 90 minutes for the self-guided experience. The visit combines the natural beauty of the cave with interpretation of the area’s Aboriginal cultural heritage. We thoroughly enjoyed adventuring through this cave. There is even a small side inside the cave for kids to explore.
Afterwards, we headed to Peppermint Brook Cottages to settle in.
For dinner, we enjoyed a delish pasta at The Spot Italiano.
My tip: This schedule is tight. Whale cruises can overrun, so confirm the cave’s check-in requirements and cancellation policy before locking in lunch. If you prefer a relaxed day, move the cave visit to another day.
Day 6: Canal Rocks, chocolatiers and a winery
After a busy previous day, we planned a more relaxed exploration of the Margaret River region, with coastal scenery, local food and a little family fun.
Breakfast at Margaret River Bakery
Start at Margaret River Bakery, a delicious breakfast stop. Comfy couches and delicious coffee and brekkie. Take away options also available. Its always packed.
Canal Rocks
Our first major stop was Canal Rocks, a spectacular coastal formation where waves move through channels in the granite rocks. It was so much fun clambering over the rocks and exploring the area. Stunning.
Gabriel Chocolate
Next, visited Gabriel Chocolate for a sweet treat and a browse. Ended up buying a lot of chocolate as gifts to take home.
Local chocolate makers and food producers are part of what makes this region enjoyable.
Lunch at Fishbone Wines
We planned a leisurely lunch at Fishbone Wines.
The Margaret River region is known for its wine, but you don’t need to spend an entire day visiting wineries to appreciate its food and landscape. Choose one place you genuinely want to experience, make a reservation where needed and leave time to enjoy the surroundings.
Yallingup Maze and Mini Golf
In the afternoon, we visited Yallingup Maze, a fun option for families and a welcome change after a morning of coastal sightseeing.
For dinner, we went to Margaret River Brewhouse. Book ahead! Great play ground. Delicious food.
My tip: The maze and minigolf was a great change from sight seeing and a chance to relax and have fun.
Day 7: Jewel Cave, Augusta and Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
This day took us further south towards Augusta, where the coastline becomes wilder and the landscape feels increasingly remote.
Breakfast at YARDBYRD
Start with breakfast at YARDBYRD, approximately 10 minutes from our accommodation and conveniently placed for the drive to Jewel Cave.
Jewel Cave
We had booked the 10:30 am guided tour at Jewel Cave.
Allow around one hour for the tour and wear comfortable shoes. There are stairs and uneven surfaces, so this is worth keeping in mind when travelling with children or anyone who has mobility difficulties.
Jewel Cave has impressive limestone formations and is a memorable introduction to the underground landscapes of the region. I have never experienced anything like this cave in my entire life. When they turned off the lights, the pitch darkness was incredible.
Lunch at The Colour Patch
After the cave, we had lunch at The Colour Patch in Augusta.
This is a good opportunity to slow down and enjoy the coastal setting before continuing to the lighthouse.
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
Our final major stop was Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, with a 3:00 pm booking.
The lighthouse stands at the southwestern tip of mainland Australia, where the Indian and Southern oceans meet. The surrounding coastline is dramatic, and the setting is particularly striking in windy or changeable weather. We did the hike to the top and it was wonderful to feel that strong ocean breeze and admire the working lighthouse.
For dinner, we planned Burger Baby Margaret River, back in town.
My tip: Augusta deserves more time than we gave it. If I returned, I would spend at least another day exploring the southern coast, visiting Hamelin Bay and driving through Boranup Forest.
Day 8: Busselton Jetty and back to Perth
Our final day was a journey north towards Perth, with a stop at one of the region’s best-known attractions.
Morning drive to Busselton
After breakfast at Margaret River Bakery, we checked out and drove to Busselton, allowing approximately 50 minutes for the journey.
Busselton Jetty Underwater Observatory
We had booked the Busselton Jetty Underwater Observatory, with our tour scheduled for 1:00–2:45 pm.
The jetty is a landmark of the region, and the underwater observatory offers an opportunity to see marine life beneath the water without having to snorkel or dive.
Arrive at the foreshore at least 30 minutes before your booked time. Parking is not immediately beside the jetty, so allow time to walk from the car park.
After the tour, enjoy the foreshore, take a few photographs and grab a late lunch or coffee at The Good Egg, if the timing works.
Return to Perth
We allowed approximately 2.5–3 hours to drive back to Perth, with extra time for traffic, fuel and returning the hire car.
Our final overnight stay was planned at Mantra on Hay in Perth.
My tip: Check your hire-car return deadline before booking a late activity. A long drive on the final day is much less stressful if you leave a generous buffer.
What we missed, the places I’d include on our next Margaret River trip
Eight days gave us a wonderful introduction to the region, but there were several places I would love to explore next time. Rather than repeat the same itinerary, I’d spend more time in Augusta and discover more of the quieter coast and forest.
1. Hamelin Bay — for stingrays and beautiful beaches
Hamelin Bay is high on my list for a return visit.
The beach is known for its clear water, white sand and stingrays that sometimes come into the shallows near the old jetty and boat-launch area. Sightings are not guaranteed, as these are wild animals, but the beach is beautiful even without them.
2. Boranup Forest — a drive through towering karri trees
Boranup Forest would be one of my first stops on a return trip.
The enormous karri trees create a completely different landscape from the exposed coastline. Drive through the forest, stop at Boranup Lookout and take a short walk to appreciate the scale of the trees.
Allow one to two hours. Late-afternoon light can be particularly beautiful, although weather and road conditions should guide your plans.
3. Flinders Bay and Augusta — stay a little longer
We visited Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, but I would love to spend more time exploring Augusta itself.
Flinders Bay is a lovely place for a beach walk, a quiet sunset or land-based whale watching during the winter migration season. The Blackwood River also offers opportunities for kayaking, paddling and peaceful riverside exploration.
If visiting in winter, consider a dedicated whale-watching cruise, subject to the seasonal operating schedule.
I would plan at least one extra night in or around Augusta to enjoy these experiences without rushing.
4. Lake Cave — another spectacular underground world
We visited Jewel Cave and Ngilgi Cave, but Lake Cave is still on my wish list.
The cave is known for its permanent underground lake and the delicate limestone formations reflected in the water. It offers a different experience from the caves we visited.
Allow around an hour for the guided tour, plus time for the surrounding forest and access steps.
5. Mammoth Cave — fossils and natural history
Mammoth Cave would be another option for anyone who enjoys caves and geology.
It has a different layout and interpretation from Jewel and Ngilgi, including fossil discoveries. I would choose either Mammoth Cave or Lake Cave on a return visit rather than trying to squeeze in every cave in the region.
6. Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse and Sugarloaf Rock
We explored the southern cape at Cape Leeuwin, but I’d also like to visit Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse and Sugarloaf Rock near Dunsborough.
Sugarloaf Rock is a dramatic offshore formation, and the surrounding coastline offers beautiful viewpoints and walking trails.
For anyone who enjoys walking, consider exploring a section of the Cape to Cape Track. You don’t need to undertake the entire multi-day hike; a shorter coastal walk can be a wonderful way to experience the region.
7. Explore Margaret River town more slowly
Our itinerary was full of booked activities, which meant we had limited time simply to wander around Margaret River town.
Next time, I’d leave a few hours for independent shops, galleries, local producers and a long lunch. I’d also leave more room for discovering cafés and small businesses along the way.
Sometimes the best part of a road trip is having the freedom to stop somewhere simply because it looks interesting.
Practical tips for planning your Western Australia road trip
Book timed activities in advance. Whale-watching cruises, cave tours, island ferries and the Busselton Jetty experience all work best when you build your day around confirmed departure times.
Don’t underestimate driving distances. The region looks compact on a map, but coastal roads, scenic detours and stops can make journeys longer than expected. Avoid overloading days that already include a booked tour.
Check seasonal availability. Whale watching, island access, wildlife encounters and some visitor attractions operate seasonally or have changing schedules. Check directly with the operator before travelling.
Bring layers and sun protection. Western Australia’s weather can change quickly, especially along exposed coastal areas. Pack a hat, sunscreen, a light waterproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes.
Choose wildlife experiences responsibly. Give animals space, follow operator guidance and avoid touching or feeding wildlife unless a specific, supervised experience explicitly permits it.
Reduce waste along the way. Carry reusable water bottles, bring a reusable coffee cup if convenient, and keep a small bag for rubbish when visiting beaches and nature reserves. Supporting local cafés, food producers and independent businesses is another way to make your trip more connected to the places you visit.
Final thoughts
Our eight-day Western Australia road trip was a wonderful mix of wildlife, coastal scenery, caves, good food and family experiences. From the quokkas of Rottnest Island to the dramatic coastline around Cape Leeuwin, there was plenty to enjoy.
If I were planning a return trip, I would keep the places we loved, but allow more time around Augusta, Hamelin Bay and Boranup Forest. I’d also choose a section of the Cape to Cape Track and leave a little more time for the small towns and local businesses that make the Margaret River region special.
Western Australia rewards a slower pace. You can cover a lot in a week, but there’s plenty of reason to return.
Planning your own trip? Start with the main activities you don’t want to miss, book the time-sensitive experiences, and leave enough room for the beaches, forests and unexpected stops along the way.
Disclaimer: The photos on this website are mostly from Pixabay and credited as in footnotes. We purposefully chose not to use AI to generate images for sustainability reasons. When possible, images will be replaced with author’s own photography and images.
Featured Image by Max Anderson from Pixabay
Quokka Image by Tracey Wong from Pixabay
Whale Watching Image by Andrew Riedel from Pixabay