You know youve reached the lower lookout when you arrive at the extraordinary Balancing Rock, a huge boulder eroded over millennia to perch precariously on its granite base. RAC acknowledges and pays respects to the Traditional Custodians throughout Australia. The shorter route takes you from Perth to Albany, then on to Esperance, and returning to Perth via Wave Rock and York. Our next stop, Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, gives us a chance to get up close with these amazing trees in their upper reaches. Or the other way round. 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. With a full tummy, get back on the road to Margaret River. While its effectively an outer suburb of Perth, it feels a world away from the big city. Our Perth to Albany road trip in Western Australia is one of the entries on our Bucket List of 100 Ultimate Road Trips Around The World check out what else is on the list. Back on the South Coast Highway, we set the GPS for the National Anzac Centre in Albany. It is also home to the longest jetty in the Southern Hemisphere, stretching 1,841 metres. [Note: The distance between cities in Western Australia (Australia) distance chart below is straight line distance (may be called as flying or air distance) between the two locations . Coastal trails and mountain tracks make Albany a hiker's dream. Albany to Perth via Pemberton. After a quick dip, head to lunch at the nearby Montys Leap, a local vineyard offering stunning views and delicious grazing boards. What?! Weve pre-booked tickets for a tour of the Underwater Observatory at the end of the jetty, and set out for a lovely wander along the wharf and out into Geographe Bay. #instafail). What's on in Perth Events for Seniors and Over 55's in Perth. Its a two hour drive to Bunbury from Perth and were only stopping here to stretch our legs, but on the chance we might see some dolphins, we park up at the centre and wander down to the beach. We plan overnight. Then were chased off the rocks and all the way back to Denmark by a solid wall of rain. Total driving distance: Driving is optional today but if you do drive, the trips are shortOvernight: Fremantle. Depending how youre feeling at this stage in the day, you could settle for a break at your accommodation before dinner, or take a wander around Denmark. As luck would have it, theres a small pod of five or six dolphins chasing each other back and forth along the shoreline. Pemberton WA. A suck-your-gut-in-narrow wooden walkway takes you out into the heart of the rocky scene, to where the sea churns through gaps and you can feel the spray on your face. If youd rather self-tour though, your options are many check out this site for some tips and suggested wine trails. The upper lookout is not for the faint of heart. 2 hours (with lots of stops)Overnight: Margaret River. The 830 kilometre round trip topped RAC's Best of the . Total driving distance appx. If youre here on a weekend, start your day here with something tasty and some souvenir shopping. This will help you keep track of who has RSVPed and which tasks need to be done in time for the event. Stunning beaches, ancient forests, delicious food and wine explore spectacular south west Australia with our two week Perth to Albany road trip itinerary loop (start and finish in Perth). Having recently completed a five-day road trip from Perth to Albany, via Bunbury, Margaret River, Nannup, Manjimup, Pemberton and Denmark, it's remarkable just how much of the time you feel like you have this corner of the country all to yourself. 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. We plan overnight. Pemberton is especially spectacular in the spring, but the tall Karri trees are gorgeous all year round. Or more if, like us, you sign up for a Margaret River wine tour. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best possible experience on our website. The observatory itself is a fascinating descent into the shallow bay and showcases the beautiful coral reef habitat that has formed on the timber pilings. There are plaques and points of interest along the way, telling the story of its past and present. Hopetoun Connection. Once youre done taking in all the beauty and tranquillity from above, jump back in the car for the final stretch to Pemberton. Located on the Vasse Highway from Busselton and Nannup. Amongst the trees on the road from Perth to Albany Stop 4 - Walpole. starting from Perth 41 minutes Rockingham 3 hours Pemberton 2.5 hours Albany. Total driving distance appx. It's a great destination and a logical point from where you make the return drive to Perth. There may be some variations of this track, but the most popular is the one that passes by the Yeagarup Sand Dunes and through D'Entrecasteaux National Park. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and . Make sure you download maps if using them. We pick up some fresh juices from a local caf and wander for a bit before settling on the beach for some people watching. Other popular stops include Rockingham Beach, Denmark Animal Farm & Pentland Alpaca Stud, and Bluff Knoll. Pls help me decide! You may have spent so much time enjoying the South Coast of Western Australia you don't have much time to enjoy an Albany to Perth Road trip. Theyre so understated, in fact, that we overshot the path and almost missed them. Albany is where Australia and New Zealand mustered their first contingent of troops for the convoy to the Great War in Europe in 1914. Tip: Dont miss the fantastic pano views from the Convoy Lookout at the top of Forts Road. This is a town built on logging because Pemberton is surrounded by giant Karri trees. Answer 1 of 22: Friends, Family and I will be in WA in late Nov into Dec this year, 2012. Direct. From here, the Coastal Survivors Walk and the Pupalong Loop Walk wind away, serving up some spectacular cliff-edge panoramas and views over the Southern Ocean. Its around 45 minutes from Bunbury to Busselton, and we arrive early afternoon. Meaning that you can get home . 170 km (105 miles)Total driving time appx. As you head along The Gap Road, keep an eye out for signs for Cable Beach on the left. Till next time! There are lots of other options for dinner around here too. While weve seen plenty of wind farms from a distance on our travels, this is the first time weve had the chance to get right up in the shadow of these vast turbines and its pretty cool. Sure, in peak periods crowd numbers swell. Check for updates before visiting. The Hawaiian Ride for Youth has raised more than $30million for mental health support services in WA. The ultimate Perth to Albany and beyond road trip itinerary BY Fleur Bainger Last updated . Meelup is gorgeous during the day (moreso with the shifting clouds and light we have on our visit), but this spot is also renowned for its moonrises-over-ocean. We chose the company we did in part because they aim to visit some of the smaller wineries we might not have otherwise discovered on our own. . Your included flights advised via email with 24 hours to select alternative flights, routing or airline (alternatives may be at a higher price). A STRONG contingent of Fremantle riders will take part in a 700km fund-raising cycle from Albany to Perth next month to help West Australians struggling with their mental . Travel time Nannup-Balingup 45mins as its a VERY winding road and Balingup-Bridgetown approx 30mins. We make our way back in the early morning as were keen to spend a couple of hours here before moving on. The coast here faces south, so the sun sets over the land to our right. Virgin Australia also flies up to three times a day from Perth to Albany Airport. Tickets cost $18 - $23 and the journey takes 3h 24m. Dramatic nature is a theme of this journey, so in keeping with that, for the second last day of our road trip in Western Australia we head around 2.5 hours north of Perth for a visit to one of the states most famous natural attractions the Pinnacles Desert of Nambung National Park. Theres a visitor centre in Kojonup with a caf and museum, and a rose maze for kiddos needing some backseat respite. Then make it your civic duty as Western Australian to have lunch at the Truffle and Wine Co with Manjimup being responsible for almost 70 per cent of Australias truffles, its an absolute must-do for any self-respecting WA foodie. It takes approximately 4 hours 35 minutes to drive from Perth to Albany. DAY 4 Set off on a leisurely drive home via Albany Highway. Getting to Albany is easy, with direct flights from Perth, the capital of Western Australia, around 420km (260 mi) or a five-hour drive to the north-west. One of the most unique experiences in the South West, the Granite Skywalk! We plan overnight. Stop 3 - Pemberton. When we were researching our Perth to Albany road trip, a certain eco-tour out of Walpole kept turning up on our radar. Day 5: West Cape Howe to Two Peoples Bay (Albany) Day 6: Two Peoples Bay to Fitzgerald River National Park. Find the top 10 trips from Albany to Perth and plan a trip that works best for you. 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. I would like to visit the Tree Top Walk, Green Pools etc. 275 km (170 miles)Total driving time appx. If you have longer here today, consider hitting up some of the citys highlights, like Kings Park and Botanic Garden, which offers gorgeous views over the CBD, or the Art Gallery of Western Australia, where youll find an outstanding collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artworks. 3. 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. There are also a couple of lovely wine bars in the area. Its about an hour and a half and well make a stop here to stretch legs and use the amenities. There are more than 60 beautiful beaches (definitely some of the loveliest beaches in Western Australia that weve seen), snorkelling and diving sites, cycling and walking trails, WWII relics, historic lighthouses and heritage sites and, of course, the islands most famous resident the charming quokka (wed post a pic of the quintessential quokka selfie that just about every visitor to Rottnest posts, except that we found it virtually impossible to take a quokka selfie. If you are short on time, take Albany Highway and make stops on the way down. . 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. If youre travelling during a full moon, aim to be here before the moon starts its ascent above the horizon. 16 February 2023 Plan your itinerary along The South West Edge in WA Enjoy breathtaking scenery, walks, wildlife and wineries, tucked between the ocean and the trees while road-tripping along The South West Edge. Accordingly, prices go up and accommodation availability goes down. We turned up for sunset so we didnt get to mingle with the rays. Single room: extra AUD $690. Or head to the small carpark north of town and wander up the hill to Yallingup Beach Lookout for a great view over the scene and surf. As Australian road trips go, Albany isn't too far from Perth. Albany Regional Airport (11 kms/7 mi from the city); domestic flights only Pemberton WA. 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. Western Australias South West is the perfect place for a driving holiday, but with so much to see, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go. The four most popular caves in Margaret River are Mammoth Cave, Lake Cave and Jewel Cave to the south, and Ngilgi Cave, which is to the north near Yallingup. 2 hours (with lots of stops)Overnight: Pemberton. If you're heading towards Yallingyup, Augusta, Pemberton the Eaton Superchargers will get you through. Climbing is entirely at your own risk (signage at the base of the tree is explicit about this). Getting to Albany is a breeze via the Williams Supercharger, plus Synergy should have some Kempower DC chargers operating in Albany by June. A day or two on the sand and in the sea in the spectacular surrounds of Elephant Cove and Greens Pool would be reason alone for a trip to Denmark. Our Denmark to Albany road trip is a continuation of our Perth to Margaret River drive and Margaret River to Denmark drive. Returns: Perth at appx. Both have welcoming cellar doors with tastings just ensure you have a designated driver. Theres a path through the scrubby coastal heath overlooking the farm, and were so close to the nearest turbine that we can practically feel the slow whummp of the enormous rotor blades as they turn. A highlight on this rugged headland is The Window, a remarkable wind-and-sea eroded picture frame in the limestone cliff that serves up hair-raising views to the sea far below. It's roughly 350km which will take a minimum of four hours, without stops. Gorgeous Rottnest Island Wadjemup in the Aboriginal Noongar language rises from a cyan-coloured sea just 25 minutes by ferry from Fremantle. It does a loop taking in Freos key spots and is a great way to get around and get a sense of the place. Bus route 803 804 . From the Valley of the Giants, its around 50 km (31 miles) to our next overnight destination, the cute little town of Denmark. We do not use your personal data, and we will never sell it. All up, we travel around 2,000 kilometres (1,242 miles), give or take. I would like to visit the Tree Top Walk, Green Pools etc. 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, Around 10 minutes north of Canal Rocks is famous Yallingup Beach, a stunning stretch of white sand and a great spot for swimming, snorkelling and surfing. Pemberton is surrounded by state forest and is also fairly near to the coastline of the Southern Ocean. In fact, you can make the more direct 540 km journey via the Coalfields Route in just 5 hours and 50 minutes of driving. Perth Airport is just 20 minutes from the Perth CBD and around 35 minutes from Freo. Most towns have a petrol station and general store. For the many, many Aussies who never made it back, this is where they last stood on home soil. From previous discussions, I suppose I. We found this was critical in the smaller towns of Denmark and Albany. Total driving distance: Someone else is doing the driving today!Overnight: Margaret River. 2.5-3 hours (with lots of breaks)Overnight: Margaret River. A second fire tree just outside of Pemberton can also be climbed. The reality is, Esperance is a further five hours along the coast from Albany. John, brave soul, made it all the way to the top. 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). Show only these on map. To ensure that you take the 70-minute route and not the 100-minute route, just stick to route 1 for the entirety of the drive. If you have the chance, a truffle-hunting tour with a truffle dog is a must. Leave Manjimup for Walpole. Answer 11 of 31: We are visiting Perth in May to June for 14 days holiday. The 1.8 km (1.1 mile) Busselton Jetty is (said to be) the longest timber-piled jetty in the world, and its the focus of our visit. The Karri forests of south west Australia are extraordinary. The coastline along here is patterned with wind-and-sea-smoothed granite boulders and platforms, edged by sparkling white sands and pools of crystal clear water. We also stop for a cooling arvo beer at Pinks Beach Club, before rolling back into town in time for our return ferry. We opt for an hour-long wander along the Lighthouse Track, a peaceful loop walk around the headland accompanied by speccy ocean views. 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. Our goal today is to be in the pretty bayside town of Busselton by early afternoon, so we can max our time exploring the famous Busselton Jetty and surrounds. If you fancy a dip, nows the time. 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