9 Day South West Explorer Itinerary

Welcome to Perth! Settle into your comfortable accommodation and unwind in Australia’s sunniest capital, where coastal charm meets a vibrant city atmosphere. 

From soft sandy beaches and striking skyscrapers to lush green parks and a thriving street art scene, there is plenty to discover. Begin your stay with a guided walking tour through the city’s laneways and cultural landmarks, from Perth Town Hall to hidden gems like Wolf Lane and London Court. Learn local stories and finish with a well-earned drink before relaxing in the surrounds of Kings Park and enjoying the city’s lively dining scene.

Accommodation: Perth - 2 Nights

Feel the thrill of adventure as you experience Rottnest Island by sea and by land. After a relaxed ferry ride, climb aboard the Eco Express adventure boat and power around the island on an exhilarating coastal journey.

Skimming past rugged cliffs and turquoise bays while spotting wildlife, including fur seals at Cathedral Rocks. The wind, spray, and scenery bring Rottnest’s wild side to life. Back on shore, slow the pace as you hop on a bike and explore at your own rhythm, riding between secluded beaches, hidden picnic spots, and sun-soaked coastal paths. This experience blends adrenaline, freedom, and natural beauty into one unforgettable Rottnest Island adventure.

Collect your rental vehicle and head toward the seaside town of Busselton, stopping in Bunbury to meet Western Australia’s playful dolphins. On a wildlife cruise with 360-degree views, watch wild bottlenose dolphins socialize, play, feed, and more.

Admission to the Dolphin Discovery Centre and Interaction Zone is included to explore before or after the cruise. Continue to Busselton and stroll the iconic heritage-listed 1.8 km jetty, complete with its own railway, where you can spot colourful fish, coral, and even migrating whales between June and November.

Approximate Distance: 225 km | 139 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Busselton - 2 Nights

Spend a full day in Busselton, one of Western Australia’s favourite seaside spots. The highlight of your day is the Busselton Jetty Underwater Observatory Tour, where you can see over 300 marine species, rain or shine.

Take the jetty train for a scenic ride to the end. Optional activities include walking or cycling along the foreshore, swimming in the calm, shallow waters, picnicking or using the barbecue facilities, hiring see-through kayaks in summer, or walking the seafloor with a custom dive helmet to explore the underwater world.

Head to the Margaret River Region, stretching from Busselton to Augusta, where you can explore boutique wineries, taste gourmet local produce, stroll along spectacular beaches, hike coastal trails, and watch world-class surf breaks. 

Next, Journey through the Ancient Lands Experience in Yallingup bushland - an interactive pathway revealing the region’s cultural and geological history. Descend into Ngilgi Cave to explore at your own pace, marveling at stalactites, stalagmites, delicate helictites, and colourful shawls formed over thousands of years, while learning about the land, local flora, and fauna.

Approximate Distance: 50 km | 31 miles   Total Driving Time: 45 mins

Accommodation: Margaret River - 2 Nights

Embark on the Margaret River Discovery Tour, a luxury 4WD adventure blending wine and nature experiences. Discover the secrets of Terroir, showcasing Margaret River's world-class wines.

Enjoy a serene canoe trip along the Margaret River, followed by beachside coffee overlooking top surf spots. Explore an ancient waterhole, tasting local honey amid Aboriginal history.

Indulge in a lunch at Fraser Gallop Estate, pairing exquisite wines with regional produce. Conclude with a 4WD journey and cliff-top walk along the Wilyabrup Cliffs, offering breathtaking views and insights into the region's unique terroir.

Included Meals: Lunch

Travel to historic Albany, with the option to visit Denmark’s Valley of the Giants. Walk the famous Tree Top Walk, suspended 40 metres above the canopy of ancient tingle trees, some over 400 years old and found only in Western Australia. 

The walkway offers close-up views of trunks, canopies, and forested hills without harming the trees. In Albany, explore a heritage town with elegant public buildings, historic homes, and churches, and enjoy stunning views from the main street overlooking the deep blue waters of Princess Harbour.

Approximate Distance: 345 km | 214 miles   Total Driving Time: 4 hours

Accommodation: Albany - 2 Nights

Take a sensational flight over the stunning Torndirrup Peninsula, Misery Beach, Albany’s Historic Whaling Station, and the dramatic cliffs along the south side of King George Sound. 

Soar above Sandpatch Beach and marvel at natural wonders like The Gap and Natural Bridge, flying over the Albany Wind Farm and other coastal landmarks while completing a full circle of Frenchman Bay and beyond. To the north, enjoy sweeping views of the Stirling Ranges, rolling farmland, and vineyards, taking in Albany’s rugged coastline, dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches, pristine bays, turquoise waters, and diverse landscapes from a unique, thrilling, and unforgettable bird’s-eye perspective high above the Southern Ocean.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Your journey comes to an end as you journey back to Perth to return your rental car and board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional Australian experience. 

We know you will enjoy your 9 Day South West Explorer Family Self Drive Tour and we hope you will return soon to discover even more highlights of this incredible continent.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 420 km | 261 miles   Total Driving Time: 4 hours 45 mins