Are you heading over to Western Australia (WA as locals call it) and searching for the best places to stop off on your Perth to Albany road trip? Look no further, I have got you covered in this travel guide…
The West Coast is so insanely beautiful, I’m so excited for you to see it!!! This 8-day Perth to Albany road trip itinerary is one that I completed a couple of months ago, and today I’ll be sharing with you the best places to stop, to hike and to eat along the way.
This Perth road trip takes you from the city to the turquoise bays of Dunsborough, through the world-class wineries of Margaret River, past towering Karri forests in Pemberton, across the tree-canopy walks in Denmark, and into the dramatic coastline of Albany before beelining back to Perth on your final day.
If you like to enjoy your morning coffee overlooking the surf, you love a hike with a bakery pit stop, you’re partial to a glass of wine in the late afternoon sun, and you find joy in remote campgrounds and swimming in crystal clear coves… this Perth to Albany road trip is for you!
Let’s tuck in and get you planning the trip of a lifetime!
P.s. If you’re considering heading to Western Australia and are interested in going north of Perth, check out this 9 day Perth to Exmouth road trip and make sure you don’t miss Karijini National Park.
Get lifetime access to my endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. You simply open the Google Map on your device and all my pins are at the touch of your fingertips.
How to Get There, Where to Stay & When to Visit
Getting to Perth:
Most will fly into Perth Airport (PER), Western Australia’s main international and domestic hub, and so this is where this itinerary starts. This is also where most of the campervan rental companies are located and so you can pick up your vehicle as soon as you arrive.
We booked our motorhome through Ratpack Travel and headed to Apollo to pick it up once we’d touched down in Perth. After a short induction and tour of our home on wheels, we got straight on the road! Of course, you could also hire a car and then book accommodation along the way, but I love a motorhome as it gives you the freedom to chase sunsets, cook roadside breakfasts, and camp intimately with nature, near beaches or forests.
Where to Stay on your Perth to Albany road trip:
From holiday parks with full amenities to national park campsites tucked among the trees, a Perth road trip has plenty of scenic sleep spots. What I would say is that during the peak months of November to February, you’ll want to book up in advance. Things get very busy and you don’t want to waste your precious adventure time driving around in circles looking for somewhere to park.
Best Time to do a Perth to Albany road trip:
Spring (Sept–Nov) is ideal for the wildflowers and crispy hiking weather. Summer (Dec–Feb) brings beach days and longer light but also peak tourism and busier roads. If you’re after quieter trails and moody coastlines, consider autumn (Mar–May). This Perth to Albany road trip itinerary is doable year-round, but winter can be wet and windy in the south which isn’t the most ideal conditions for camping!
Day 1: Arrive in Perth and pick up the campervan
After landing in WA’s capital, it’s time to pick up your campervan (having booked through Ratpack Travel). It’s a good idea to land in the morning so that you can head straight to get your motorhome and then have the rest of the day to stock up on groceries, grab a coffee and hit the road. This is what we did and we made it down to Dunsborough for sunset which was the perfect start to our Perth to Albany road trip.
If time allows, check out Kings Park or Cottesloe Beach for a quick taste of city-meets-nature before beginning your Perth to Albany road trip itinerary. I can highly recommend brunch at Magic Apple Wholefoods. See photos below, it’s a dreamy beach front location with all the smoothie bowls, avocado-infused breakfasts and elixirs. A wholesome haven for those who love to nourish their body on the road.
Drive time to Dunsborough: ~3 hours (250km)
Day 2–3: Explore Dunsborough
Dunsborough, Western Australia, is a dreamy coastal town and is the first stop on your itinerary. If you have another day to play with on your itinerary, i’d spend it here!
You’ve got so much to explore, including the crystal-clear waters of Meelup Beach, hiking the scenic trails of Cape Naturaliste, and the likes of the ancient Ngilgi Cave. One of the best things to do in Dunsborough is to visit Sugarloaf Rock at sunset and spot migrating whales (in season) from the lighthouse lookout. Consider these hikes whilst you’re in the area:
- Cape Naturaliste to Sugarloaf Rock (3.5km return): A short trail with big views.
- Meelup Reserve Trail (7.5km one way): A gorgeous track connecting stunning beaches.
Dunsborough also has lots of incredible spots to eat, with some seriously stunning boutique wineries, beachside cafes, and locally sourced menus dotted throughout the region.
A few of my favourite to check out are:
- lunch at ilma Beach House
- sunset wine at Wise Wine
- brunch at Meelup Farmhouse
- Coffee + pastry at Merchant & Maker
- gelato at Elski Danish Ice Creamery
- Lavendar afternoon tea at Cape Lavender
If you would like access to every pin and recommendation from my Perth to Albany road trip, you’ll absolutely love my Australia Google Map Legend. It will save you SO much time and money whilst showing you all the best spots at the touch of your fingertips.
You can also find my Best Things To Do In Dunsborough, Western Australia here.
If you’re looking for a surf spot, you’re spoilt for choice around here. Check out Yallingup Beach which offers powerful reef breaks and is ideal for experienced surfers, but there’s also a protected lagoon for swimming and beginners. There’s also Smiths Beach, Injidup Beach and Boneyards (Yallingup).
Whether you’re into surfing, snorkelling, or sipping wine in the sun, Dunsborough is a must-visit on any South West WA itinerary and is one of the best stops on your Perth to Albany road trip.
Overnight recommendation: Campground at Tasman Holiday Parks.
Day 4: Margaret River: Wine, Waves & Wilderness
Next stop on your Perth to Albany road trip itinerary is the iconic Margaret River region. This had been on my bucket list for a while, and it did not disappoint. Most people said to me ‘if you like Byron Bay, you’ll love Margaret River’, and now, after visiting, I can see why.
There’s a gorgeous wellness scene with plenty of yoga studios and spas to check into. If you fancy weaving a yoga class into your Perth to Albany road trip I’d check out Swell Yoga or Gnarabup Yoga Studio. Then there’s Empire Retreat & Spa and Bodhi Wellness Spa Retreat, should you wish to check into somewhere special.
This area is also world-famous for the surf and the wine so be sure to check out one or two of the wineries on Caves Road (the road upon which most of the wineries are located) whilst you’re here. Oh and
My must tries in Margaret River:
- Margaret River Bakery – get your morning coffee and a sourdough loaf or lunch to-go
- Domaine Naturaliste – wine tasting
- Pierro Wines – Small vineyard, famous for their PIERRO Chardonnay – one of the most collected wines in Australia. Can go in and taste them all. $5 surcharge for their flagship others are all free.
- Brunch at White Elephant Cafe
Day 5: Pemberton & Peaceful Bay – Climbing Trees & Forest Magic
Okay this stretch of your Perth to Albany road trip dives inland for a hot minute into tall tree country. In Pemberton, you’ve got the Gloucester Tree (which was actually shut when we passed through) which is a thrilling climb for those with a head for heights. Then, after I recommend making your way toward Peaceful Bay via Walpole where you can do the famous Valley of the Giants tree top walk!
- Gloucester Tree (53m climb)
- The Cascades Picnic Spot
- Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk: A must for any Perth to Albany road trip itinerary—you’ll walk 40m above the ancient tingle trees!
Overnight recommendation: Peaceful Bay Caravan Park, right near the water (see picture below).
Get lifetime access to my endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. You simply open the Google Map on your device and all my pins are at the touch of your fingertips.
Day 6: Denmark – Greens Pool & Elephant Rocks
Denmark, Western Australia, is a laid-back coastal gem known for its wild beauty. Two of its most iconic natural wonders that most people come to the area to visit are Greens Pool (a sheltered turquoise bay perfect for swimming and snorkelling) and Elephant Rocks, where massive boulders resemble a herd of elephants wading through the ocean.
If you’re feeling active, there are some stunning walking trails through William Bay National Park (check out Mount Hallowell Trail (11km loop), and again some boutique wineries worth visiting in the area.
I also really loved Denmark town and felt like I’d stepped into British Columbia, Canada for a moment. It was really giving fresh mountain air and ski town vibes. There were some gorgeous bakeries and conscious living shops here so I’d recommend stopping for lunch if you need it or a stretch of the legs!
I picked up a postcard from the corner shop and had a cacao and breakfast in the Green Pantry Cafe whilst I was there and can recommend both. Next to the Green Pantry cafe there was a notice board with lots of local wellness offerings so should you have longer in Denmark – maybe give something new a try!
Denmark was a highlight for me and an absolute must on your Perth to Albany road trip itinerary!
Day 7: Albany – Bald Head Trail, Misery Beach & Whale-Watching Views
Albany is the dramatic grand finale to your Perth to Albany road trip. Set between cliffs and coves, it’s rich in scenic viewpoints, wildlife, and has some of the most underrated hikes in Australia.
Highlights in Albany include Torndirrup National Park, where you can visit The Gap and Natural Bridge for epic ocean views, and Misery Beach, once voted Australia’s most stunning beach. I’d suggest combining the Bald Head trail (12.5km return) with a dip at Misery Beach and a sunset dinner / cuppa just like we did (see below). The scenery is insane and this was one of my favourite moments on the road trip!
If you’re looking to get something to eat in Albany or have a few hours to explore, I’d recommend:
- Walking the Ellen Cove Boardwalk
- Grassfed beef burgers and wine @ Hybla Tavern
- Coffee and pasty @ Bred co Sourdough Bakery
Overnight recommendation: Panorama Caravan Park
As i mentioned, everywhere i found and enjoyed along my road trip got pinned onto my Australia Google Map Legend so if you’re doing this trip that will be your best friend!!!
Day 8: Drive Back to Perth
Drive time: ~5 hours (415km)
Ahhhh. It’s time to close the loop on your Perth to Albany road trip itinerary and start the drive back to drop off your camper van. From Albany, there is a shortcut (route 30 / Albany highway) back to Perth which means that you can beeline back to Perth without having to retrace your steps along the coast!
This means your final day is a heavy driving day but it’s super easy, just stock up with road trip snacks! On my Australia Google Map Legend i have pinned the spots that we dropped the waste from our motorhome and filled up before dropping our motorhome back off at the depot.
This Perth to Albany road trip itinerary is honestly one of the best road trips to go on in Australia so if you’re on the fence, consider this your sign to book it and experience one of the most magical corners of this country!
Wishing you the adventure of a lifetime!!!!
Have you been to Western Australia?
What are the best things to do on a Perth to Albany road trip itinerary? Anything you’d add to this Perth to Albany road trip itinerary bucket list?
Love as always and happy adventuring…
Get lifetime access to my endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. You simply open the Google Map on your device and all my pins are at the touch of your fingertips.
