Perth to Albany via The Horsepower Highway

Kobeelya House

Start your trip to Katanning – if you start nice and early, you can make it in time for gorgeous wool products and top grade brunch with delicious coffee at the Williams Woolshed. From there continue your journey to enjoy the historic town’s technicolour street art, part of the Public Silo Trail. You won’t be able to miss two other grand buildings in town: the Kobeeyla House and the Premier Mill Hotel. The imposing 17-bedroom Kobeeyla was built in 1902, and was the first home in WA to be connected to electricity. The Premier Mill Hotel has become one of WA’s foremost boutique hotels – you can treat yourself to a luxe stay for your first night on the road, or just stop by the cellar for a drink at the Cordial Bar.

The Horsepower Highway

Continue your trip down south and turn off 5km after Broomehill Village onto the Horsepower Highway. It’s WA’s new trail that stretches for 75km to the Stirling Range National Park. The Horsepower Highway trail offer you the unique vintage tractors that features its own story of the agricultural history in the region. Some are on display in their original state, while others have been restored in a way that honours the local community from which they come. It’s a really fun, educational way to continue your journey south, with a handy interactive map available for you to track your trip. You can also get more info via the The Horsepower Highway Facebook Page.

Stirling Range National Park

As you follow the trail, you’ll find yourself at the Stirling Range National Park: home of stunning landscapes and the highest point in the South West, Bluff Knoll. Take a drive in the scenic red dirt with majestic view as your background – a perfect stop to get your Instagramable picture. If you feeling the need for adventure, add the Bluff Knoll summit on your list. Do you still need extra challenge? Add the Toolbrunup Peak to the list!

Campgrounds: Mt. Trio Bush Camp & Caravan Parks or Moingup Springs campground

The Gap ©TourismWA

Once you have enough to explore the majestic Stirling Range National Park, continue your trip to the south. Stop for another unique experience – the Granite Skywalk located on top of Castle Rock in the Porongurup. From here, you can continue your trip to Albany, where you can taste some delicious local food produce, try the local brew – Wilson Brewing Company, beach hopping and visit the National Anzac Centre or Albany’s Historic Whaling Station. If you have extra time to explore Albany, make sure to add Albany Wind Farm, The Gap & Natural Bridge and the Albany Public Silo Art.

Campgrounds: Cosy Corner East campground or Kennedy Camping Centre

The Top Walk ©TourismWA

While in Denmark, there are so many activities we recommended for you. Head over to Greens Pool and Elephant Rock, 15-min drive west of Denmark’s centre. Here you can swim in an almost completely sheltered beach with a white sandy beach on your toes and some exposed rock resembles a herd of elephants from several angles. If you have enough swim, let’s take a walk in The Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk. The walk will give you a bird’s eye view of some of the biggest timber giants on Earth. Should you need some time to eat and relax, we suggest you check their local brewery, Boston Brewing Co.

Campgrounds: Parry Beach Campsite or Riverbrand Chalets & Caravan Park.

The Karri Forest ©TourismWA

Enjoy a beautiful Southwest forest when you drive toward Manjimup. Here you can explore the Manjimup Timber and Heritage Park. Something special for your kids to learn in a fun way and the playground on site will keep you and kids entertained. Don’t forget to check out the Four Aces, a straight row of karri trees that are over 300 years old and stand only one kilometre from One Tree Bridge. Perhaps, you still looking for a more peaceful and green forest vibe, lucky you, the town is surrounded by exciting walk trails you can explore.

Dolphin Discovery Centre ©TourismWA

Heading back north to Bunbury, be sure to take a drive with beautiful views of farm life in the South West. Along the way, you can stop at Bridgetown for a quick coffee and enjoy the stunning greenery view. Continue your journey to Bunbury for some local food and explore the town. If you need some unique experience, how about a tour to the WA’s second oldest church, St Mark’s Church (1842), or get closer to the dolphins on a 90-minute boat tour from the Dolphin Discovery Centre.

Bunbury Farmers Market

Before heading back to Perth, make sure to stop in Bunbury Farmers Market for some fresh local produce. With a fully functional commercial kitchen, there is always the option of taking home fresh and delicious sushi, rolls, salads, baguettes, fruit salad, blended yoghurt, muffins, scrolls, Danish pastries, quiches, soups and pies, or treat yourself to a coffee and something to eat from their take away outlet.

That’s how you enjoy a short break down south! If you interested in shorter itinerary to explore the South West Edge, check out our Perth to Albany via The Horsepower Highway