Perth to Albany Self Drive Loop Itinerary

Welcome to Perth, Australia’s sunniest capital. Settle into your accommodation and unwind in this remarkably isolated city, whose nearest neighbour, Adelaide, lies over 2,200 kilometres away. 

Discover soft sandy beaches, striking skyscrapers, expansive green parks and a vibrant street art scene, including Kings Park and Botanic Garden with sweeping river views. This afternoon, enjoy a Swan River cruise past iconic landmarks and elegant riverside suburbs, with insightful commentary, possible wildlife sightings, and a relaxed pace perfect for soaking in the scenery. Continue to Mosman Bay, explore beaches, swim at Cottesloe, and finish with wine, sunset views, and dessert overlooking the illuminated skyline.

Included Meals: Light Dinner

Accommodation: Perth - 2 Nights

Discover the stunning natural wonders of Western Australia with a day trip to the Pinnacles, a unique limestone formation dating back between 20,000 and 2 million years, though the region’s origins trace back 3.5 million years. 

Explore dazzling white sand dunes, spot kangaroos in their native habitat, and admire breathtaking coastal views and valleys filled with ancient grass trees. Enjoy a delicious lunch in the coastal town of Cervantes, followed by a visit to Thirsty Point, known for its pristine beaches and aquamarine waters. End your day at Lake Thetis, home to ancient stromatolites—one of Earth’s earliest life forms.

Included Meals: Lunch

Collect your rental vehicle and hit the road and set a course for the seaside town of Busselton. 

Arrive in Busselton and take a stroll along the iconic, heritage-listed jetty. Originally built in 1865, the 1.8km jetty features its own railway! Ride to the end to glimpse colourful fish, tropical corals, and possibly a migrating whale or two between June and November.

Approximate Distance: 225 km | 261 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Busselton - 2 Nights

At Busselton Jetty, embark on a captivating journey 1.7 kilometres out to sea aboard the electric Jetty Train, taking in sweeping 360-degree views across stunning Geographe Bay. 

Beneath the jetty, discover an extraordinary underwater world within Australia’s largest artificial reef, alive with vibrant corals, sponges, fish, and marine life. Descend 8 metres into the observatory and immerse yourself in a living seascape of over 300 species. This unforgettable experience offers a rare sense of wonder, connection, and insight into the delicate beauty and ever-changing rhythms of this remarkable marine ecosystem.

Head onwards to the beautiful Margaret River Region - one of Australia’s best-kept secrets and home to fine boutique wineries and gourmet food producers. The Margaret River Region stretches from Busselton down to Augusta, the most south-westerly point in Australia. 

The region produces less than 3 per cent of Australia's wine, but over than a fifth of the country's premium wine originates here.

Brimming with spectacular beaches, coastal trails, world-class surf breaks and gourmet cuisine, Margaret River is guaranteed to win your heart.

Your home away from home will be a family apartment at Margarets Beach Resort, just 500 metres from pristine Gnarabup Beach.

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

Accommodation: Margaret River - 2 Nights

This Hidden Gems of Margaret River tour reveals some of the region’s most charming lesser known experiences across farm, vineyard and coast. 

The day begins at a private farmstay nestled among the trees where emus, alpacas and other friendly animals roam, with freshly baked scones served with strawberry jam and cream alongside locally roasted coffee or tea. The journey continues with an exclusive guided chocolate tasting of handcrafted creations made from premium cacao sourced from sustainable farms. The day also includes a farm to plate lunch at Olio Bello olive farm, visits to three boutique wineries for tastings, and a coastal stop with views of the Indian Ocean where dolphins or migrating whales may appear.

Included Meals: Lunch

Head for the historic Albany, stopping in Denmark to meet some much-loved giants. The Valley of the Giants is world famous for the Tree Top Walk suspended 40 metres high in the canopy of the ancient tingle forest which you can choose to add into your itinerary today.

The wonderfully-named tingle tree is one of the biggest timber giants on earth. These giant eucalypts are only found in Western Australia and have been standing here for over 400 years. The incredible walkway cleverly weaves through the majestic trees without damaging them, giving you close up views of their trunks and canopies, and over the densely forested hills beyond.

The charming city of Albany marks the first spot where European settlers arrived in Western Australia.
Home to elegant public buildings, historic homes and gracious churches, this heritage town also boasts stunning views from the main street into the Princess Harbour's deep blue waters.

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.

Bunbury is a seaside city that offers protected beach bays mere minutes from budding local bars, trendy restaurants, boutique shops and alluring coffee houses and cafés dotting street art corners and hidden alleyways. 

One minute you can be walking down the main street, and in the next hit the water where wild bottlenose dolphins can be spotted close to shore.

Approximate Distance: 340 km | 211 miles   Total Driving Time: 3 hours 45 mins

Accommodation: Bunbury - 1 Night

Welcome to the incredible world of dolphins! This is a wildlife experience not to be missed and will ensure guests have the best opportunity to see wild bottlenose dolphins in their natural environment. 

Watch them socialise, play, fight, mate, and feed from the comfort of the custom-designed 11m vessel that is low to the water and offers 360-degree views. Best of all, dolphin sightings are guaranteed (or a full refund will be provided) however they are wild animals so their location, behavior and proximity to the vessel will vary from day to day.

This afternoon, drive to Fremantle. Sitting on the edge of the Indian Ocean, this beautiful coastal town is only 20 minutes from Perth. Fremantle in Western Australia (WA) is a vibrant, eclectic city. Home to some of the most beautiful heritage buildings, great beaches, delicious seafood and talented artists and designers, Fremantle offers seven day shopping and a fantastic array of food, fun and entertainment for all ages.

Approximate Distance: 165 km | 102 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours

Accommodation: Fremantle - 2 Nights

A 30-minute ferry ride from the city, Rottnest Island has sandy beaches, coral reefs and smiling Quokkas to meet. These cat-sized native creatures are known as the happiest animals in the world! 

Explore Rottnest's rugged coastline and witness its abundant wildlife up close. This is the ultimate thrill ride for nature lovers.

Explore the beauty and tranquility of Rottnest as you sit back and relax in the comfort of an air conditioned coach. This 90-minute tour around the island takes you out to some of Rottnest's most spectacular locations including the Wadjemup Lighthouse and the rugged West End. This tour will provide you with an insight into Rottnest's cultural and historical heritage, diverse wildlife and fauna and social heritage. You will also have a chance to step outside and have a stroll along the boardwalk at the majestic look-out point at West End.

Say farewell to Perth today as you board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional Western Australia experience. We know you will enjoy your Perth to Albany Self Drive Loop vacation and we hope you will return soon to discover even more highlights of this incredible continent.

Approximate Distance: 25 km | 15 miles   Total Driving Time: 30 mins