Summary
Short description
Discover the food, wine and landscapes of the Margaret River and Australia's south-west
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Food & wine | Free Singapore stopover | History & culture | Natural world
The south-west corner of Australia is a seldom-explored treasure trove of natural splendours, great wines and world-class cuisine.
Towering Karri-tree forests, mile upon mile of deserted beaches, sand dunes, wildflowers and wineries can all be found in what is, by Australian standards, a relatively small area, covering a 500km stretch of coastline from Perth to Albany.
Discover the diverse landscapes and gourmet delights of the Margaret River on this leisurely self-drive beginning and ending in Australia's sunniest state capital, Perth. We've also suggested some optional tours to help you make the most of your time in this beautiful corner of Western Australia.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
Perth
Arrive in Perth, collect your hire car and check in to The Richardson Hotel & Spa, a 5-star hotel not far from the Botanical Gardens, Kings Park and the beautiful Swan River. The Richardson makes a great base from which to explore the city's vibrant restaurant scene and abundance of shops.
Stay: The Richardson Hotel & Spa
Room only
Days
2-3
Margaret River
Drive south to Fremantle, Perth's creative, vibrant neighbour, where buskers and artists captivate the crowds and popular craft markets pop up at weekends. Then continue south to the Margaret River region, perhaps stopping off at the beautiful beaches of Busselton where you can take a stroll along the two kilometre jetty, the longest wooden structure in the southern hemisphere. Once you reach Margaret River, check into the luxurious Cape Lodge, which sits surrounded by one of the region's famous vineyards, as well as 40 further acres of native forest, landscaped gardens and peaceful lakes.
Having the following day at leisure gives you plenty of time to explore at will. You could take a drive through the region's towering karri forests, watch surfers ride the waves at North Point, or head further afield to join a whale-watching cruise from Cape Leeuwin. Or of course you could stick to the wineries, stopping off for tastings at the Leeuwin or Cape Mentelle estates.
Stay: Cape Lodge
Room only
Days
4-5
Denmark
Continue east along the coast to Karma Chalets near Denmark and William Bay National Park, home to Elephant Rocks and green pool - both perfect spots for swimming and snorkelling. Explore the park the next day, take a tour of the region's cheese and chocolate factories or enjoy a tree-top walk in nearby Walpole.
Stay: Karma Chalets
Room only
Days
6-7
Perth
Travel back to Perth via the coastal town of Albany, just a short drive from Denmark, a scenically beautiful spot and a great place for whale watching between June and October.
Spend the night in Perth before returning your car to the airport in time for your onward flight.
Stay: The Richardson Hotel & Spa
Room only
Map
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