Road trippin’: Perth and Margaret River

Stats:
6 days / 5 nightsDrive distance = 535kms

Travel time = 5 hours 45 mins

Key roads = State Route 5, State Route 2, State Route 10

Day One – Perth CBD, Cottesloe

If you’re not on a first name basis with Perth, spend today checking out the Western Australian city. If you know it like the back of your hand, skip forward to day two.
Your wheels are a’ waiting in Perth (Airport or CBD). Once you’ve successfully navigated your way in and out of the car hire hub, make your way into the heart of Perth and spend some time exploring.

Pimp your ride with some driving tunes, handpicked for you by the lastminute lovelies. Find your Spotify playlist at the bottom of this itinerary.

Find yourself at King’s Park, one of the largest inner-city parks in the world, and unroll the picnic rug. Delicious fresh produce is plentiful in the region so you won’t be hard pressed to find amazing cheeses and nibblies for your picnic. Breathe in the fresh air and discover the rich diversity of wildflowers and landscaped gardens while you recline in the sun. From here you’ll have spectacular views of the city, Swan River and Darling Ranges.

King’s Park

Cottesloe Beach is another must-see when in Perth. A 15 minute drive from the city centre along the State Route 5, the iconic beach is one of the most popular spots for swimming, surfing and drinking in picturesque ocean sunsets.

Enjoy dinner at one of the great restaurants housed underneath the Crown Metropol Perth. Celebrity chef Guillaume Brahimi’s eatery, Bistro Guillaume lives here and is definitely worth a visit. Stay tonight at the Crown Metropol. Read Pia’s review of her stay (warning: you may find it hard to leave).

Book a Perth hotel.

Day Two – Fremantle

Begin the day with a delicious breakfast at Tuck Shop Cafe, Pie House and Delicatessen in the centre of Perth’s CBD. Known for their amazing coffee and tasty treats, Tuck Shop will satisfy your caffeine cravings and provide the perfect kick-start to your Aussie road trip adventure.

Grab your wheels and hit the State Route 2. A short thirty minute drive South West, Fremantle is a must-visit for tourists and locals alike. Make sure you head to the famous Fremantle Esplanade for some happy snaps, and if you’re up for a history lesson, make a trip to Fremantle Prison to learn about your convict ancestry.

By now it’s got to be close to lunch time. And have we got the perfect place for you! Little Creatures Brewery is positioned on Fremantle wharf with a great view of the marina. They brew their own beer and cider there so be sure to have a walk around and check out the network of pipes that characterise the ceiling, before you park your bum on a bench. Grab yourself a tasting board if you just don’t know what to order (or you want to try a little of everything – we don’t blame you!). You can easily lose a few hours here to the hops & yeast fairies.

We’re going to assume you’re not up for driving after that pit stop (if you are, you’re doing it wrong). Check yourself into a hotel nearby and then get some fresh Fremantle air. Find your feet and go for a stroll along the marina and back into the centre of Fremantle for a night cap at Bar Orient – this joint is great for those who want to have a quiet drink, and others who want to have a boogie and a sing-a-long.

Book a Fremantle hotel.

Day Three – Yalgorup National Park, Bunbury, Busselton, Margaret River

Today you’re going to track some serious mileage. Pile in your wheels, pump some tunes and 90 minutes south (State Route 2) to Yalgorup National Park.

The park is situated on a narrow coastal strip and is home to ten lakes that run in a chain. Home to a mix of native flora and fauna, you’ll spot birds, kangaroos, emus and other Aussie locals. Pull on your boots and go for a hike along the natural bushwalking trails and then cool off afterward with a dip in the water. Yalgorup Park fronts Geographe Bay, one of the top ten places to visit in the world, as voted by Lonely Planet. The bay is famed for its breathtaking beauty, and with 30 kilometres of sandy white beaches and crystal clear water, it’s a spectacle that cannot be missed.

Afterward, continue on the coastal drive to Bunbury, approximately 45 minutes away.
Hot tip: State Route 2 changes into State Route 10, so you’re safe to stay on the same road.

Bunbury Regional Art Galleries is situated in the city centre of (you guessed it) Bunbury and is definitely worth a visit, boasting a large range of artwork in a variety of different media. Learn about the region through marvelling at the local art and cultural offerings.

Whilst in Bunbury, pull over by the coast and see if you can spot the local dolphin inhabitants frolicking in the water. During the cooler months, you may even see a whale or two.

Next, collect your party people and get moving to Busselton (45 minutes away). On the coast, Busselton lays claim to amazing beach views and tourist sites such as the Busselton Jetty and Wonky Windmill Farm and Eco Park, where you can say hello to lots of little furry friends.

Find yourself some afternoon tea at Laundry Cafe and get ready for the next leg of the journey.

Pop back into the car and drive to Margaret River to find a cosy bed for the night. Our fave is Smiths Beach Resort.

Book a Margaret River hotel.

Day Four/Five – Margaret River

Ahh Margaret River, the pinnacle of the trip. We’re sure you’re aware but Margaret River is famous for its wineries, exceptional produce and beautiful scenery. Take a deep breath and drink in your surroundings.

There are plenty of ways to successfully explore the area, so take your time to decide how to spend the next day or two. Why not ditch the car and sign up for a sip ‘n’ cycle wine tour? You’ll be able to check out the Margaret River, suss out the local wineries and get some exercise at the same time. Tick, tick and tick!

Make sure you visit Cullen Wines for a top drop (or three). An institution in the region, the winery has many delicious offerings that it is well-known for, including the 2011 Kevin John Chardonnay. If you need to break up all the drinking with some solids, Cullen Wines also has a great restaurant where you’ll be able to sample Margaret River’s best paddock-to-plate produce.

Take advantage of the incredible local produce

Not only is Margaret River known for its great wineries but it also has a thriving arts and culture scene. Spend some time wandering the artisan trail and exploring the local artwork. Grab yourself a bargain or two – we love a holiday souvenir!

Treat yourself to lunch at one of the many amazing restaurants and then sample each of the vineyards that you missed. Don’t worry, there’s plenty of time to get to all of them. If you’re up for more organised cellar door visits, have a browse at your options here.

Leeuwin Estate is one that we’re sure you’ve heard of, and surely can’t afford to miss. Put Eagle Bay Olives on your hit list too for some top notch olive oil to add to the pantry.

If relaxation is at the top of your priority list (amen!), make sure you tick that one off by lazing away the day with more wine and food tastings. That’s what the Margaret River is all about.

Tonight, get a good sleep because you’ve got a long drive ahead of you tomorrow.

Day Six – Perth

Begin the day with a hearty breakfast and a good dose of caffeine and then bundle into the car for a final time.

Perth is a three hour drive away, but not to worry – you’ve surely got a killer playlist to dance along to on the way back. Drive along the B10 and B2, stop to see the sights that you’ve missed along the way.

Haven’t seen enough of Perth? Book into a Perth hotel and tick off some more sights.

Make sure you don’t miss out – enter the competition here!

Have we missed anything? Add your tips in the comments below!

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