South West Adventure

Day 1 to 3 - Perth

Arrive in Perth, Western Australia’s lively riverside capital, ready for a holiday of a lifetime.

A three night stay in a city central hotel, gives you time to explore Perth and nearby attractions. This exciting city is a wonderful mix of colonial and modern buildings, with street cafés and outdoor restaurants to take advantage of the year round sunshine. Enjoy the spectacular views of the Swan River from Kings Park, the arts and entertainment area around Northbridge or hop on a local train to the old port of Fremantle, with its markets, marina and ‘cappuccino strip’.

For a bit of relaxation, head to the city beaches or take a trip to Rottnest Island to see some quokkas, a unique marsupial found nowhere else on earth.

Day 4 - Bunbury

Pick up your motorhome this morning and head south through rolling pastures, native bush and forests to the old port town of Bunbury. The interactive Dolphin Discovery Centre here is a great way to see these amazing marine animals.

On your way from Perth, the seaside towns of Rockingham and Mandurah are well worth a visit. Both have great beaches, waterfront parks and coffee shops that are popular with locals and visitors alike.

There are welcoming motorhome parks around Bunbury where you can stay and around the other places we have suggested on this itinerary. But, remember, this is your adventure and you can vary the route, stay longer or drive on through as you please.

Day 5 - Margaret River

First stop today must be Busselton, a delightful old logging town with the longest wooden jetty in the southern hemisphere. There are some magnificent views from here of the sheltered beaches along Geographe Bay.

Drive on to Yallingup and Cape Naturaliste, with stops at Bunker Bay and Meelup Beach. At Ngilgi Cave you can learn about the traditional owners of this land with an Aboriginal culture tour of the cave. Further south are the vineyards of Margaret River, where we suggest a two night stay.

Day 6 - Margaret River

Explore the beautiful Margaret River region today. There are some breathtaking coastal trails to walk, fascinating limestone caves to visit and, of course, a host of wineries where you can sample the produce and enjoy fine local cuisine.

South of the town are the tall karri trees of the Boranup Karri Forest, where you can picnic beneath the canopy of these majestic 60 metre high timber giants.

Day 7 - Pemberton

Head inland today to the old timber town of Nannup, famous for its colourful gardens, spring wildflowers and country crafts. You can explore the region’s dense forests and waterways on walking trails through Beedelup and Warren National Parks. If you are brave, you can scale one of Pemberton’s climbing trees, originally used as fire lookouts during the 1940s – the largest, the Gloucester tree, is over 60 metres tall.

In Pemberton itself there are galleries and craft shops to visit and a fascinating Pioneer Museum, telling the story of the early settlers.

Day 8 - Denmark

The forests seem never-ending as you continue your drive towards Walpole. Here you can walk through the canopy of 400-year-old tingle trees on the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, with some breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

On the scenic drive to Denmark, the forests finally meet the Southern Ocean at William Bay National Park. There are scenic walks along the coast and fun swimming and snorkelling at Green Pools Bay.

Day 9 - Albany

Just a short drive today to the old whaling port of Albany. You can visit the ruins of the former whaling station and a unique museum about the region’s history.

Torndirrup National Park is also near, where you can gaze at The Gap, Natural Bridge and the Blowholes and maybe even spot a passing whale.

At Discovery Bay, The National Anzac Centre tells the story of the 40,000 Australian and New Zealand soldiers who fought in the First World War.

Day 10 - Jerramungup

Just north of Albany and well worth a visit are the striking granite peaks of the Porongurup National Park, sculptured by wind and rain over the last billion years. Visit Castle Rock and Granite Skywalk for some panoramic views.

Continue on to the Stirling Ranges National Park and sample one of the walking trails. Over 100 species of birds live here and 1500 varieties of plants, some found nowhere else in the world.

The small town of Jerramungup provides a useful stopping place on your journey along the Southern Ocean.

Day 11 - Hopetoun

Much of today’s drive is along the World Heritage listed Fitzgerald River National Park, a botanic wonderland, renowned for its rugged and spectacular scenery. This unique wilderness is home to almost 20% of Western Australia’s plant species.

Get to Hopetoun early, as the best access to the National Park is from here, and make for the walking trails or viewing areas for some magnificent ocean views.

Day 12 - Hyden

Leave the ocean behind as you head north through the wheatbelt communities of Ravensthorpe and Lake King to the outback town of Hyden.

On your way, visit the remains of Poppet Head gold mine, but leave time to explore the amazing Wave Rock near Hyden. This 15 metre high wave of granite has been shaped by the forces of nature for over two billion years. You can walk beneath it and over the top to see the clever way settlers used it to capture water. Be sure also to visit the Aboriginal rock paintings of Mulka’s Cave.

Day 13 - York

As you drive east towards Perth today, take a detour to see one of the quirkiest attractions of the wheatbelt – the Tin Horse Highway of Kulin – before stopping at Corrigin’s Dog Cemetery, a touching tribute to man’s best friend.

A good stop tonight is at the grand heritage town of York. Much of its Victorian and Federation architecture has been lovingly restored and the town is a treasure trove of cafés, restaurants, galleries, museums and antique shops.

Day 14 - Perth

Complete your South West Adventure with a final short drive to Perth. It is time to reluctantly hand in your home on wheels, before heading to the airport for your flight home – or ask your FREEDOM Consultant to arrange onward flights to other areas of Western or mainland Australia.