The best 5-day self-drive loop from
Perth to the South West

There’s a reason people keep coming back to the South West. It’s where old forests meet wild beaches, where boutique wineries sit beside ancient granite, and where a week’s road trip can feel like three holidays in one.

Starting and ending in Perth, this five-day self-drive itinerary loops through Albany, Pemberton, and the Margaret River region, offering a mixture of landscapes, food, heritage, and laid-back adventure for travellers of all types.

Day 1: Perth to Albany – sweeping coastline and convict history

Distance: 415 km (approx. 5 hrs driving)

Leave Perth early and head south-east via the Albany Highway. The scenery shifts from flat farmland to forested hills as you go.

Stop in Kojonup for morning tea – a charming farming town with Indigenous art at The Kodja Place and surprisingly good scones at the Black Cockatoo Café.

Arriving in Albany, you’ll be greeted by a dramatic coastline and one of WA’s oldest European settlements. Spend your afternoon at Torndirrup National Park, visiting The Gap and Natural Bridge – two ocean-carved rock formations that leave no doubt about the Southern Ocean’s power.

Suggested activity: Visit the National Anzac Centre, an interactive museum personalising WWI stories of Australian and New Zealand soldiers who departed from Albany.

Eat: Try local seafood at Garrison or pub fare at the Earl of Spencer.

Stay:
Budget: 1849 Backpackers Albany
Upmarket: The Beach House at Bayside

Day 2: Exploring Albany – natural wonders and heritage

Start with a walk along Middleton Beach, then drive up to Mount Clarence for sunrise views. Later, head out to Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve and visit Little Beach – one of WA’s most stunning beaches.

Lunch: Emu Point Café
Afternoon: Check out the Old Gaol and Museum and Convict Gaol for local history and maybe a ghost tour.

Eat: Liberté – French-Vietnamese fine dining with flair.

Stay another night at your chosen Albany accommodation.

Day 3: Albany to Pemberton – forests, farms and quiet roads

Distance: 240 km (approx. 3 hrs driving)

Stop at Denmark for coffee and art. Walk among the giants at the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk near Walpole. Then on to Pemberton, where you can climb the famous Gloucester Tree for a view across the forest canopy.

Eat: Treehouse Tapas

Stay:
Budget: Pemberton Hotel
Upmarket: Silkwood Estate Chalets

Day 4: Pemberton to Margaret River – towering trees to coastal vines

Distance: 135 km (approx. 2 hrs driving)

Stop in Nannup for a quiet riverside stroll. Arrive in Margaret River for wine tasting at Voyager Estate or Leeuwin Estate.

Things to do:
– Explore Mammoth Cave or Lake Cave
– Watch the sunset at Surfers Point
– Visit the Farmers Market if it’s Saturday

Eat: Morries or Burger Baby

Stay:
Budget: Margaret River Tourist Park
Upmarket: Losari Retreat

Day 5: Margaret River to Perth – beach stops and final bites

Distance: 270 km (approx. 3.5 hrs driving)

Stop at Busselton Jetty and explore the underwater observatory. Then dip your toes at Meelup Beach near Dunsborough.

Lunch: The Goose Beach Bar & Kitchen

Return to Perth by late afternoon.

In summary – why this trip is a true all-rounder

This five-day road trip from Perth gives you pristine beaches, gourmet dining, ancient forests, and genuine Aussie towns. Whether it’s your first WA trip or your fifth, there’s something new around every corner.

Practical information

  • Best time to visit: September to April for wildflowers, wine tours, and warm coastal weather.
  • Driving: All roads are sealed and well-maintained. Watch for wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk.
  • Fuel: Available in all major towns: Perth, Albany, Denmark, Pemberton, Margaret River.
  • Mobile coverage: Reliable in towns, patchy between them. Download offline maps if needed.
  • What to pack: Casual clothing, layers for variable weather, hiking shoes, bathers, insect repellent.
  • Safety tips: Carry water and snacks for longer drives. Be cautious of wet roads in karri forest areas.
  • Opening hours: Wineries and attractions generally open 10am–5pm; some closed mid-week in winter.

More information

Travel itinerary and basic cost estimate (based on two people)

Day Route Distance Stops / Activities Budget Accom. (AUD) Upmarket Accom. (AUD)
1 Perth → Albany 415 km Kojonup, Torndirrup NP, Anzac Centre $120 (1849 Backpackers) $350 (Beach House at Bayside)
2 Albany local Local Middleton Beach, Little Beach, heritage walk $120 $350
3 Albany → Pemberton 240 km Denmark, Tree Top Walk, Gloucester Tree $130 (Pemberton Hotel) $320 (Silkwood Chalets)
4 Pemberton → Margaret River 135 km Nannup, caves, wineries $140 (Tourist Park) $400 (Losari Retreat)
5 Margaret River → Perth 270 km Busselton Jetty, Meelup Beach – –
Total Accommodation Cost (4 nights): $510 $1,420