The south west corner of Western Australia combines world-class wineries, surf breaks, giant tingle forests and quiet white-sand bays. This 5–8 day campervan itinerary takes you from Perth to Margaret River, then along the Southern Forests to Albany on the Great Southern coast.
It is one of the easiest road trips in Australia: roads are good, towns are close together and campgrounds are plentiful.
Quick Overview
| Route | Distance | Recommended Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perth → Margaret River → Albany → Perth | ~1,300 km | 5–8 days | Wine, beaches, forests and wildflowers |
South West WA Route Map
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Route Overview
Head south from Perth to Bunbury and Busselton, then follow the Capes region to Margaret River. From there, turn inland through the karri forests to Pemberton and Walpole before reaching Albany. Return to Perth via Wave Rock country or the Albany Highway.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Stop at Mandurah for the estuary, then Bunbury for dolphins at the Dolphin Discovery Centre. Finish at Busselton and walk the 1.8 km jetty, one of the longest timber jetties in the world.
- Busselton foreshore holiday parks
Spend two days exploring the Capes. Visit Cape Naturaliste lighthouse, the caves around Yallingup and Cape Leeuwin at Augusta. Sample wine, chocolate and craft beer around Margaret River town.
- Mammoth Cave and Lake Cave
- Surfers Point and Prevelly Beach
- Cellar doors in the Wilyabrup area
- Margaret River caravan parks
- Prevelly and Gnarabup coastal campgrounds
Drive through Nannup and into the karri forest. In Pemberton climb or admire the Gloucester Tree and ride the Pemberton Tramway.
- Pemberton caravan parks
Walk the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk among red tingle trees, then visit Elephant Rocks and Greens Pool near Denmark.
- Walpole and Nornalup holiday parks
Albany is WA's oldest colonial settlement. Visit the Anzac Centre, Torndirrup National Park (The Gap and Natural Bridge) and the Whale World museum.
- Albany holiday parks
Return north via the Albany Highway through Mount Barker and the Porongurup Range, with cellar doors along the way.
Best Time to Visit
Spring brings wildflowers and mild days, while autumn is calm and quiet. Summer is hot and busy. Winter is wetter, but whale season runs June to October.
Cost Overview
See our budget guide for more detail.
Campervan Tips
Book coastal sites early
Margaret River and Busselton campsites fill in school holidays.
Watch for kangaroos
They are most active at dawn and dusk, particularly on forest roads.
Fill up in towns
Fuel stations are less frequent between Pemberton and Walpole.
Where to Stay in the South West
Caravan and holiday parks are plentiful from Busselton to Albany. Margaret River and Busselton are the busiest, and summer and Easter bookings should be made well ahead. In the forests around Pemberton and Walpole, caravan parks tend to be smaller and quieter.
For lower-cost options, Department of Biodiversity campgrounds and local shire-run sites are scattered through the region. Check our free camping guide for rules and tips.
- Book Margaret River over school holidays and long weekends.
- Walpole and Nornalup campgrounds are close to the Tree Top Walk.
- Albany has several holiday parks close to the town centre and the harbour.
Highlights Worth Adding
Wine and food
Margaret River is known for cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay. Many cellar doors also have restaurants, breweries or chocolate and cheese tastings. Designate a driver, as random breath tests are common.
Beaches and surf
Surfers Point, Yallingup, Smiths Beach and Hamelin Bay are popular. Check conditions before swimming, as rips are common on exposed beaches.
Caves
Jewel, Lake and Mammoth caves can each be visited with a guided or self-guided ticket.
Forests
Karri and tingle forests near Pemberton and Walpole are among the tallest in Australia. The Tree Top Walk lifts you around 40 metres above the forest floor.
Seasonal Guide
- Spring (Sept–Nov): wildflowers, whales and mild weather
- Summer (Dec–Feb): hot and busy, but best for beaches
- Autumn (Mar–May): calm weather and harvest season
- Winter (June–Aug): cooler and wetter, with whale watching and quiet roads
Driving and Safety
Roads are sealed and well signed, but kangaroos are common at dawn and dusk. Fuel is available in every major town, but top up before the stretch between Pemberton and Walpole. Mobile reception is reliable in towns but patchy in the forests. Our best campervan travel apps guide covers offline maps.
Extending Your Trip
If you have more time, add Esperance, the Stirling Range or a trip to Wave Rock. For a longer itinerary, see how long you need for an Australian road trip.
Campsites and Holiday Parks in the South West
The South West has a good mix of holiday parks and national park campgrounds. Book early for school holidays, long weekends and the wildflower and whale seasons.
Perth to Margaret River
- Perth and Fremantle: holiday parks on the city fringe suit your first and last night.
- Mandurah and Bunbury: coastal parks close to dolphin viewing and the Dolphin Discovery Centre.
- Busselton and Dunsborough: foreshore holiday parks near the jetty, cafés and beaches.
- Yallingup and Prevelly: beachside holiday parks in surf country.
- Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park: Conto campground and other basic sites, ideal for self-contained vans.
- Hamelin Bay: a coastal holiday park where stingrays often glide into the shallows.
- Augusta: parks near the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse and the river mouth.
Pemberton to Albany
- Pemberton: holiday parks near the Gloucester Tree and Karri forest walks.
- Walpole: Coalmine Beach and other parks near the Valley of the Giants.
- Denmark: riverside and coastal parks near William Bay.
- Albany: Middleton Beach and other holiday parks close to the town centre.
More Ideas for Your South West Itinerary
Caves, wineries and surf
- Jewel Cave, Mammoth Cave, Lake Cave and Ngilgi Cave along Caves Road
- Cellar doors at Vasse Felix, Leeuwin Estate and smaller family vineyards
- Surf and swimming at Gnarabup, Yallingup and Smiths Beach
- Chocolate, cheese, brewery and olive oil stops between Yallingup and Margaret River
Forests and coast
- Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk in the tingle forest
- Gloucester Tree and the Karri Forest Explorer Drive
- Elephant Rocks, Greens Pool and Wilson Inlet near Denmark
- Torndirrup National Park near Albany, including the Gap and Natural Bridge
History and wildlife
- Whale watching from Albany and Augusta (roughly June to October)
- The National Anzac Centre in Albany
- Busselton Jetty and its underwater observatory
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need for Perth to Margaret River?
Two to three days is enough to see the highlights, but five days lets you continue to Pemberton and Albany.
Is Margaret River worth visiting?
Yes. The region combines wineries, beaches, caves and forests in a compact area.
Can you free camp in south west WA?
Some free and low-cost sites exist, but rules vary by shire. See our free camping guide.
What is the best time for wildflowers?
August to October, with September usually the peak.
Is the drive suitable for a first-time campervan traveller?
Yes. Roads are well maintained and distances are short.
How far is Margaret River from Perth?
About 270 km, or roughly three hours by road.
Can I do Perth to Margaret River as a day trip?
It is possible but rushed. Staying two nights gives you time to enjoy the region.
Are there free campsites in the south west?
A few, but most regional campgrounds charge a small fee. Check local signs and rules.
When is whale watching season in Albany?
Typically June to October, with humpback and southern right whales.
How many days do you need in the South West?
Allow at least five days for Perth to Margaret River and back, and eight to ten days if you continue to Pemberton, Denmark and Albany.
Where can you camp near Margaret River?
Holiday parks at Prevelly and Gnarabup, Conto campground in Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park and parks in Augusta and Hamelin Bay.
When is the best time to visit the South West?
Spring brings wildflowers and mild days, summer is popular for beaches and autumn is quieter with good weather. Winter is wetter but good for whales.
Can I see whales from the coast?
Yes. Humpback and southern right whales pass Augusta, Albany and Busselton between roughly June and October.
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