The South West - Perth to Perth

This 9 day/8 night self drive itinerary is for the adventurous traveler; those who want to experience the thrills that towering forests, rugged coastlines and mountain ranges have to offer.  The south west of Western Australia certainly has it all, so what are you waiting for? It doesn’t get much better than this!

Daily itinerary

Day 1 - Perth to Bunbury

Collect your rental vehicle and drive South to Bunbury; Bunbury’s love affair with street art, harbour themes and indulgence of coffee and gourmet food has made the city one of Western Australia’s most thriving cosmopolitan cities. Take the Swim with the Dolphins Tour and enjoy snorkeling with the dolphins in their natural habitat, this is one of the most rewarding experiences you'll find anywhere.  Continue your drive to Busselton; best known for its iconic two-kilometre long jetty, this heritage-listed wooden structure extends 2km out into Geographe Bay. The Underwater Observatory at the end of the jetty will take you up close to colourful fish and tropical coral, a must see!  Drive to Dunsborough. Overnight.

Day 2 - Dunsborough

HMAS Swan is one of the largest accessible dive wrecks (113metres long) in the Southern Hemisphere. The decommissioned naval destroyer was scuttled in Geographe Bay off Dunsborough in 1997 and has become one of the most popular dive wreck sites in Australia.  Today you will be diving this spectacular site, it sits in 35 metres of water with schools of bulls eye fish inside, while King George whiting and brim swim around the hull. After your dive, drive to the Cape Naturaliste lighthouse for panoramic views across the ocean.  Between June and September you’ll see southern right whales gliding up the coast on their annual migration. Drive to Margaret River Township; this region is most famous for its wineries. Stay 3 nights.

Day 3 - Full Day Wine Tour

This personalised wine tour will take you to some of the finest vineyards in Margaret River and to help you understand why it is a World Class Wine Appellation.  Taste wines in their infancy and drink others aged to splendid maturity.  Lunch, fabulous scenery, great company, art and produce are part of the day’s experience for the discerning wine lover.

Day 4 - Full Day Mountain Biking Tour

Take a detour from that well worn tourist route and see the beauty of the south-west; the Boranup Forest is definitely best experienced by mountain bike! It’s the jewel of the South West’s soaring Karri forests and is bordered by pristine beaches, honeycombed with hidden caves and sprinkled with secluded rest spots. A true experience! When recovered grab a surfboard and go and explore Margaret River's world class waves. There are more than 40 places to surf - conditions ranging from powerful reef breaks to fun beach breaks or if surfing isn’t your thing watching is just as much fun.

Day 5 - Margaret River to Pemberton

Today you will be Adventure Caving & Abseiling; they will have you crawling through narrow cave entrances, staring in wonder at the massive flowstone formations and abseiling the Willyabrup Sea Cliffs; this is one of the premier sites in the South West.  Starting at small cliffs and gradually progressing until you are ready to conquer the Steel Wall; a 40 metre abseil.  There is nothing quite like leaning back over the edge!  When finished drive to the historic Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse; situated at the most south westerly tip of Australia. This famous landmark is over 100 years old and remains an important working light station. Then take the Brockman Highway which heads east from the Margaret River area to Pemberton; heart of the tall timber country. Overnight.

Day 6 - Pemberton to Albany

Drive to Valley of the Giants and do the Tree Top Walk; enjoy being suspended 40 metres above the ground on an amazing walkway. See the giant Tingle and Karri trees from a bird’s perspective, the spans are up to 100 metres long, and seem to be floating in space. Then head to William Bay National Park; home to the stunning Greens Pool, a perfect place for a picnic lunch. The transparent water of the pool is beautiful on a clear day and is home to the huge rock formations known as ‘Elephant Rocks’ that rest in the water. Pass through Denmark on the way to Albany; this beautiful harbour is best seen from the top of Mt Clarence, near the main port area. You look over King Georges Sound, and down to Princess Royal Harbour, where the town itself is located. Overnight.

Day 7 - Albany to Stirling Range National Park

Drive to Stirling Range National Park, home of Bluff Knoll; the highest peak in the southwest of Western Australia. Hike the 6kms to the top; it is listed as one of the 25 best hikes in Australia.  With 360° views at the summit it offers ocean glimpses on a clear day. The hike will take you to an altitude of 1095 metres and should take between 3-4 hours. An exhilarating adventure! Back on the road and drive the 250kms to Hyden; this tiny town located in Western Australia's semi-arid wheat belt is home to the fascinating geological formation known as Wave Rock. Visit at sunset if you make it in time. Overnight

Day 8 – Hyden to York

Take a tour to visit Wave Rock; at 14 metres high, and 110m long, the face of this unique attraction appears ready to crash but has been frozen in time. A must see! Also visit Hippos Yawn, Gnamma Holes and finally Mulka's Cave, a place with many well preserved examples of beautiful aboriginal art cave paintings. Start driving to York, passing typical Western Australian farms before arriving in the historic town of York. Nestled on the banks of the Avon River in the gently rolling farmlands of the beautiful Avon Valley, As Western Australia's first inland settlement, York offers unique insights into a rich and colourful past both before and following European settlement in 1831. Overnight.

Day 9 – York to Perth

Today, take a tandem Skydive, enjoy the rush and awesome views over the lush Avon Valley, Perth City & beyond to Rottnest Island. A great introduction to skydiving; 15 minutes of training, then up in the aircraft and out you go. Enjoy the thrill and speed of free-fall with the Tandem Master opening the parachute at 5,000ft. A real rush! Spend the afternoon exploring the area before arriving in Perth. Dine at one of the fabulous restaurants. Overnight.

Not adventurous enough? Or want to spend more time relaxing in the vineyards around the Margaret River? Just let us know… We are here ready to custom build your holiday. Remember this is your adventure; we are here ready to personalise this itinerary just for you! Enquire here and we put your personal adrenalin filled trip together!

Return to self-drive tours...