We fly into Perth late afternoon so were only here for an evening on Day 1, but well be back to explore a little more at the end of our road trip. There are plaques and points of interest along the way, telling the story of its past and present. from $254. This historic little town on the Blackwood River harks back to the early 1900s and was built on industries of timber milling and agriculture. This unpaved (but 2WD-suitable) route loops off Caves Road around 3 km (1.8 miles) south of Lake Cave and rejoins Caves Road just south of Boranup Forest Maze. We plan overnight. Since mid-February 2022, travel to and around Australia is possible again woot! We hope to visit properly one day. V Limousines. Quickest way to get there Cheapest option Distance between. After the tour, we hitch a ride back to shore aboard the little red train that runs on tracks the length of the jetty. We trace a coast-and-hinterland path down to the most south-westerly point on the Australian continent, spending a couple of days searching out some of the best places to visit in Margaret River and surrounds, before heading east to Albany and then looping back towards Perth via an inland route. Answer 1 of 31: We are visiting Perth in May to June for 14 days holiday. If you don't have much time, you could skip the Margaret River region, and take a more direct route from Perth to Denmark via Bridgetown, Manjimup, Pemberton, and Walpole to Denmark. For specific information on travelling to the state of Western Australia (WA), where this road trip itinerary takes place, head here. The Granite Skywalk is at Castle Rock and the trail leaves from the Castle Rock picnic area (be sure to get a parking ticket from the machine). The coast here faces south, so the sun sets over the land to our right. There are also a network of walking trails around the cape, and you could definitely lose yourself here for a few hours. If you're heading towards Yallingyup, Augusta, Pemberton the Eaton Superchargers will get you through. This is a town built on logging because Pemberton is surrounded by giant Karri trees. The Margaret River and Leeuwin-Naturaliste coast packs a huge punch in the nature stakes, and there are a ton of places to visit in Margaret River besides its world renowned wineries (though wine tasting is most definitely on our agenda). We Aussies are spoiled for choice when it comes to road tripping the epic outdoors, but one of our greatest regions for exploring is the wedge of country between Perth and Albany in south west Australia. After overnighting in Cervantes, we recommend heading back to the Pinnacles Desert for sunrise to watch as this magical place erupts from an otherworldly expanse of shadowy sentinels into the light of day. For information on coming to Australia, click here. Any difference driving clockwise from Perth to Albany and back via Pemberton-Augusta-MR-Dunsborough-Yallingup-Busselton-Mandurah-Fremantle route. Last updated February 2021 These are some of the tallest trees in the world and its truly something to be among the giants. You have to climb up and over a natural window in the outcrop, then shimmy along a narrow crevasse, using metal handles hammered into the granite. Albany to Hopetoun (3.5 hours) The longest drive along the route from Perth to Albany and Albany to Esperance follows the outskirts of Fitzgerald River National Park into Ravensthorpe before you arrive at Hopetoun. If youre looking for more great road tripping itineraries and adventures,check out our Road Trips page, and our bucket list of 100 ultimate road trips around the world. THE FAST ROAD TO ALBANY The quickest way to drive to Albany from either Margaret River or Augusta is via Manjimup and then the Muir Highway. Fly from Albany (ALH) to Perth (PER) 6h 13m. Albany to Perth via Pemberton. This trip is suitable for two-wheel drives. The coastal drive from Perth to Margaret River via the Pemberton tree tops has been voted Western Australia's most popular road trip route. Members save up to 25% on maps and guides, Choose from our range of travel insurance options to find the one that suits you, 832 Wellington Street, If you're planning a road trip to Albany, you can research locations to stop along the way. Withso many things to do in Albany, it's well worth scheduling a day to stay put and explore everything this city has to offer. Phone reception is fine in and around the main towns, but everywhere else including while youre driving on the long stretches of road will be patchy at best. From the carpark at the top of the hill, you have the option to head right to Greens Pool, or left to Elephant Cove. The limestone of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste ridge is pockmarked with spectacular, million-year-old caves and visiting at least one is a must. While the demographic of the tour was decidedly older than us, the 2.5 hour slow boat tour out of Walpole is easily one of the most memorable and educational tours weve been on, all thanks to Garys charisma and encyclopaedic knowledge. Stop 3 - Pemberton. Our first stop is Mammoth Cave, where a self-guided audio tour takes us on a boardwalk journey through the stunning, stalactite-filled chambers of this ancient place. A short drive west of Walpole, and around 4.3 km (2.7 miles) along Hilltop Road (off the South Coast Highway), is the Giant Tingle Tree. But a quick online search of things to do throws up plenty of options to fill a day or more here. So we manage to squeeze in a late morning wine tasting at Forest Hill Winery on our return from Elephant Cove and Greens Pool. Our fave was Whisper on Essex Street, a cozy little wine bar in an historic mill converted into a charming French townhouse. Or the other way round. Re: Drive from Albany to Pemberton 5 years ago Save Allow most of the day between Albany and Pemberton to do the region justice. Highly recommended. But what fun is a road trip without exploring your surroundings! If you've got more time, or if you prefer beaches to mountains, then from Perth to Albany you can road trip via Margaret River. This is a classic Western Australia beach scene a stretch of pearly white sand and aqua-hued water edged by smatterings of ochre rock. Check out our Ultimate Guide to Denmarkfor a full list of highlights. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members. The upper lookout is not for the faint of heart. Bus route 803 804 . The Giant Tingle Tree is the grand dame and showpiece of a lovely, 800 metre (1/2 mile) loop walk through karri and red tingle forest. We make our way back in the early morning as were keen to spend a couple of hours here before moving on. Total driving distance appx. 165 long metal bars spiral up the 75-metre tall tree (246 feet), via a first viewing platform at 25 metres, to the top viewing platform another 35 metres up. The Perth tramway network served Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, from 1899 until 1958.The network was initially run by a private company but was taken over by the state government in 1913. I also like Augusta for its country town vibe, river coast and some nice eating spots. Other popular stops include Rockingham Beach, Denmark Animal Farm & Pentland Alpaca Stud, and Bluff Knoll. Show only these on map. Back at the forest floor, a separate boardwalk meanders through a fantastical, Game of Thrones-esque grove of tingle trees called The Ancient Empire. Answer 1 of 31: We are visiting Perth in May to June for 14 days holiday. Regardless, its a good idea to book your accommodation well ahead of your visit if you can, particularly if youre travelling in peak season and over weekends. Well be returning here tomorrow to properly explore this area, so this afternoons visit is purely about the sunset. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best possible experience on our website. The shorter route takes you from Perth to Albany, then on to Esperance, and returning to Perth via Wave Rock and York. If time is on your side today, you can also opt to leave Caves Road for a bit and immerse more fully in the forest along the 14 km (9 mile) Boranup Drive. Can you drive to Perth from Sydney? Its a steady, 2 km (1.24 mile) climb to the Skywalk along a bush track through beautiful native forest we find it a solid cardio workout. This is our kind of town a vibrant waterfront precinct, a hub of historic sites to wander around, some excellent eateries and great drinking establishments. A rugged coastline, picturesque beaches and an incredibly diverse national park are just the beginning. Theres no shortage of places to pick up a bite to eat in the villages dotting the peninsula, but were keen to visit the beautifully-sited Eagle Bay Brewing Co for lunch. Our plan is just to be in Albany. Day 4: Denmark to West Cape Howe. While the Albany Wind Farm wasnt originally on our itinerary, we spot a sign en route to the national park and make a spontaneous decision to head down that road instead. 230 km (140 miles)Total driving time appx. Single room: extra AUD $690. It covers 1,621 km and 17 hours of driving time. Best stops along Perth to Albany drive. 440 km (274 miles)Total driving time appx. Were Danielle and John: a couple of incurable travellers on a journey together to seek out the very best travel experiences on our beautiful planet. 2 hours (with lots of stops)Overnight: Margaret River. We would have loved extra hours at just about every place we stopped, but here are some of our suggestions of what you could do instead: Esperance is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Western Australia, if not all of Australia, and pics of its crystal clear water and shimmery-white shores dotted with kangaroos make it tough to rule out of any south western Australia road trip itinerary. Unsurprisingly, there are also lots of cafs here but the name also reflects Freos Italian heritage, which is still very much alive. And if youve done some swimming and snorkelling at Cosy Corner, youll have worked up an appetite for their freshly cooked woodfired pizzas - so grab a table on the grass and enjoy. Her heartwood has been completely hollowed out by fire over the decades, but this extraordinary, 400-year-old queen of trees is still very much alive. But they are extra impressive in their girth. Total driving distance: No driving today, just ferries and pedal power!Overnight: Fremantle. The track leads to the beautiful Warren Beach (Yeagarup Beach). With hindsight though, unless youve got more days in Albany, this is probably a spot worth leaving for another time. 2 hours (with lots of stops)Overnight: Albany. A quintessential stretch of gorgeous white sand and sparkling aquamarine sea, Hamelin Bay Beach has become famous for the stingrays that cruise the shallows here, weaving between excited ankles and feet. Pls help me decide! Pemberton may not be as established a wine region as its world-famous neighbour, Margaret River, but its working on it. To give you a picture; Pemberton is surrounded by national parks and located in the order of 3.75 hours south of Perth, 3 hours from Albany and half way between Margaret River and the Tree top Walk near Walpole. The route is via Albany Highway (also called State Route 30). Theres also an Island Explorer hop on hop off bus if youd prefer to explore without taxing your legs (and lets be honest, by mid-afternoon, sweaty and sunburnt, were definitely having second thoughts about the bikes). The Porongurup Ranges Castle Rock Granite Skywalk Albanys Middleton Beach Denmarks food and wine scene Elephant Rocks Greens Pool driving through lush forests Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk - Pembertons Diamond Tree Truffle tasting in Manjimup Margaret River region Donnybrooks famous apples. You'll find listed Perth Events, shows, free events in Perth, local community events, fairs, farmers markets, City of Perth events, even events at your local library. This is without doubt one of the most beautiful places on our Perth to Albany road trip (and the competition is fierce). Albany to Perth road trip planner. So we went ahead and visited as much as we could and have captured it all here, with the caveat that if you do as we do, you can expect to be on the go most of the time. Its impressive in its own right but the real head spin comes with a read of the signage onsite turns out these rocks are the remnant foundations of a once vast mountain range where Australia joined Antarctica. The shoulder periods between March May (Aussie Autumn) and September November (Aussie Spring) are said by many to be the nicest times of year, though chilling out by a fire with a Margaret River cab sav in winter has definite appeal for us. Back on land, were drawn to the bright lights and glinting taps of Shelter Brewing Co, which overlooks the grassy foreshore and beach. We visited a local olive oil company, followed by a couple of vineyards, including Thompson Estate and Jarvis Estate, before winding up the day at Margies famous just-out-of-town brewery, Margaret River Brewhouse. Any difference driving clockwise from Perth to Albany and back via Pemberton-Augusta-MR-Dunsborough-Yallingup-Busselton-Mandurah-Fremantle route. Garys family history in this area goes back generations, and his passion for the nature and wildlife of the delicate Walpole and Nornalup Inlets Marine Park is absolutely contagious. Theres actually a festival going on at Esplanade Park the weekend were there and its a hive of activity in addition to all the usual things to do in Fremantle, be sure to check out whats on while youre in town. 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