Perth and the South West in 7 days

Perth for two days, then a loop south through Margaret River and the karri forests. Distances are long but the roads are easy.

road tripwineWestern AustraliacoastResearched from official sources

When to go

September to November for wildflowers; March to May for calm, warm days.

The plan, day by day

Day 1

Perth city

09:00★Kings Park and Botanic GardenPerth
14:00★Elizabeth Quay and Swan River walkPerth

Day 2

Fremantle

10:00★Fremantle MarketsFremantle
13:00★Fremantle Prison tourFremantleAbout A$25 per person
18:00★Bathers Beach sunsetFremantle

Day 3

Rottnest Island

08:00🚆Ferry to RottnestRottnest Island
10:00★Cycle the island loopRottnest Island
14:00★The Basin swimRottnest Island

Day 4

Perth to Busselton and Dunsborough

08:30🚆Drive southBusseltonAround 2h30.
11:30★Busselton Jetty and underwater observatoryBusseltonAbout A$38 per person
15:00★Meelup BeachDunsborough

Day 5

Margaret River wine country

10:00★Cellar doors along Caves RoadMargaret River
13:00🍽Lunch at a winery restaurantWilyabrup
16:30★Surfers Point, PrevellyPrevelly

Day 6

Caves and capes

09:30★Jewel or Lake CaveMargaret River regionAbout A$28 per person
12:30★Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, AugustaAugustaWhere the Indian and Southern oceans meet.
15:00★Hamelin Bay stingraysHamelin Bay

Day 7

Tall timber and back to Perth

08:30★Boranup Karri Forest driveBoranup
12:30🍽Lunch in BunburyBunbury
14:00🚆Drive to PerthPerth

Before you go

Book the Rottnest ferry and bike hire ahead
Do not touch or feed quokkas
Long drives — check fuel range between towns
Sun protection: WA UV is severe most of the year

This list is created with your trip, so you can tick it off as you pack.

Where this came from

Opening hours, prices and track closures change. Check the official source before you rely on a timed booking — we never earn a commission on anything listed here.