The South West Edge

The National Hotel, Fremantle. Tourism WA

Enjoy the gourmet café culture of Fremantle for breakfast and browse local boutiques for unique or vintage finds.

Then jump in your 4WD package and head to Bunbury via the rolling hills of the Ferguson Valley.

Spend the morning wine tasting, exploring or mountain biking in Wellington Forest National Park and stop by Black Diamond Lake near Collie for a view of turquoise waters.

Roll into Bunbury, where you can purchase fresh local produce from farmers markets, meet native animals at a wildlife park, shop the boutiques and spend the evening immersed in the nightlife at one of the many bars and restaurants.

Camp at nearby Honeymoon Pool or Potters Gorge campgrounds.

Dolphins Tourism WA

Interact with wild dolphins at Koombana Bay this morning before departing for the Margaret River region, beginning at Busselton and Dunsborough.

Swing amongst the trees on a high ropes course or dive below the Busselton Jetty for a view of colourful sealife. From winter through spring, spot whales as they migrate along the coast.

Indulge in gourmet food at beachfront dining before continuing to Yallingup, and incredible coastal spots like Canal Rocks and Injidup Natural Spa.

Feeling adventurous? Hike the Cape to Cape Track between the lighthouses, or connect with the world’s oldest living culture through an Aboriginal experience.

Take your 4WD and caravan package to Yallingup Beach Holiday Park.

Wills Domain, Margaret River Tourism WA

Famous for its premium wines and world-class surf, Margaret River is also home to plenty of restaurants, wineries, breweries and distilleries for foodies to enjoy.

Visit cellar doors and meet the makers on guided tours with nature-meets gourmet experiences.

Adventure seekers can ride the waves, go rock climbing or abseiling, or take a kayak or canoe along the Margaret River.

Savour the natural surroundings with plenty of underground caves and the stunning Boranup Forest and meet stingrays at Hamelin Bay.

Stay at Conto’s Campsite

Gloucester Tree, Pemberton, Western Australia

Drive to Pemberton through Nannup and Manjimup; home to the Périgord truffle. Search for this black gold in winter, and feast on other local delights such as marron, trout and chestnuts on your way.

Need to stretch your legs? Ride one of the many mountain bike trails or tackle the Munda Biddi, hike the Bibbulmun Track and admire Beedelup Falls.

Test your fear of heights at the 58m-tall Gloucester Tree, once a fire-lookout, and climb the makeshift ladder to the top.

If you have a 4WD and Safari Camper Trailer head to Fonty’s pool and caravan park.

Greens Pool, Denmark, Western Australia FriendsofGreensPool

Take a four-wheel drive tour of the world’s largest moving sand dune system, Yeagarup Dunes, before you head to Denmark via Northcliffe and Walpole.

Enjoy views at Mount Chudalup, join a Walpole inlet eco-cruise and walk among the tops of tingle trees at Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk.

Then, it’s on to Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks – framed by huge boulders which act as a protective shore break for the peppermint tinged waters, this sanctuary is perfect for snorkelling.

Set up camp at Parry Beach or head closer to Albany and stay at Torbay Inlet.

The Gap, Torndirrup, Western Australia © Parks and Wildlife Service

Next stop: Albany, where you’ll find farmers markets, fresh oysters and marron galore, and some of the most pristine beaches this side of the equator.

Go paragliding at Shelley Beach, or wreck diving in King George Sound.

Visit the striking coast at The Gap and Natural Bridge and historical attractions at Discovery Bay.

Ready to take a safari, South West style? Spend an extra day between January and April to join the Bremer Bay orca tour, chasing the largest-known group of orcas in the Southern Hemisphere.

Granite Skywalk, Porongurup National Park

Start off early today and drive inland where it’s another world entirely.

Hike the trails in Porongurup National Park and climb to the top of the Granite Skywalk for spectacular views across the jarrah, marri and karri forest, and undulating farmland to Albany.

Reward yourself with lunch at one of the boutique Porongurup wineries.

Search for wildflowers in spring and climb one of Western Australia’s highest peaks, Bluff Knoll for sweeping views of the Stirling Range National Park.

Twilight Beach, Esperance

With unique wildflowers and fauna in Fitzgerald River National Park, not to mention the dramatic coastal views, you’ll want to visit here before Hopetoun.

Next, head to Esperance and sip on refreshments at Lucky Bay Brewing, sample local olive oil and take in the town museums and craft shops.

Keep the journey rolling by exploring the numerous lagoons and beaches along the breathtaking 40km loop of the Great Ocean Drive before watching a sunset at twilight.

There are a number of campsites available around the Esperance region, however camping within Cape Le Grand National Park at Lucky Bay is an unmissable experience.

Lucky Bay, Esperance Rebina Criddle

The nearby Lucky Bay in Cape Le Grand National Park lives up to its name in plenty of ways – translucent water and sand like icing sugar, not to mention sunbaking kangaroos!

Explore other stunning beaches around Esperance via coastal walk trails or for a bird’s eye view, take a scenic flight to witness the striking juxtaposition of bubblegum pink Lake Hillier on Middle Island against the blue ocean.

Lake Ballard Tourism WA

Return to Perth via Hyden or Kalgoorlie over the next two days – the choice is yours!

If you travel through Hyden, be sure to visit the impressive Wave Rock on your way. Thought to have formed some 130 million years ago, Wave Rock is entirely natural and measures about 15 metre (roughly three storeys) in height.

If you travel back to Perth via Kalgoorlie, immerse yourself in living gold history, quirky outback pubs and be stunned by the scale of the Superpit gold mine.

Break up the journey back to Perth by staying a night or two near Hyden at the Wave Rock Caravan Park or Goongarrie Homestead or Lake Mason near Kalgoorlie.

Travel times are estimated based on an average speed of 80km p/h, the maximum legal speed while towing is 100km p/h and should be adjusted to suit road conditions and weather. The travel times indicated should allow for delays due to road works, traffic, fuel, food and bathroom stops. Travel times and distances are approximate and we recommend using as a guide only, along with a published map book or GPS navigational system.

While you are here to plan your South West trip, we recommend you to check the WA’s agricultural past trails; The Horsepower Highway.