Collect your car and head south to Bunbury, home of the Koombana Bay dolphins. If there is time, take the Dolphin Watch Eco Cruise to see a group of up to 100 wild bottle nose dolphins that live in the city’s bay. From here continue on to Busselton, a popular seaside resort fronting sweeping Geographe Bay and boasting the longest wooden jetty in the southern hemisphere. Finally, make the short drive to Margaret River for a two night stay in this world famous wine region.

Many of Margaret River’s vineyards offer tastings, tours and some excellent food, but there is more to this region than just the wine. The town is a lively mix of artists and crafts people, as well as surfers attracted by the ocean swells. The coastal scenery round about is spectacular, with many fine beaches and sheltered coves. Running parallel with the coast, the rugged limestone Leeuwin-Naturale Ridge is renowned for its vast caverns and caves, many of which can be explored.

Perth > Margaret River | 285 kms

Stay Hotel, Margaret River or similar

From Margaret River, head south towards Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet. Then journey west through the towering Karri and Marri forests that surround the old lumber town of Pemberton. Enjoy a forest walk or, if you prefer, ride the Pemberton Tram that meanders through some of the tallest trees in the world.

The beauty of the forest is enhanced by clear streams and a wealth of wildflowers in the spring. The Pemberton Visitors Centre is located near the town centre and combines the tourist office, Pioneer Museum and the Karri Forest Discovery Centre, giving a fascinating insight into the history and development of the area.

Margaret River > Pemberton | 150 kms

Karri Valley Resort or similar

Take the scenic road from Pemberton towards the southern coast today. There is an impressive forest sculpture walk at Northcliffe and later a chance to experience the Valley of the Giants treetop walk. Also, be sure to stop at Denmark, one of the most scenic towns along the coast, before heading on the Albany for a two night stay.

Albany was Western Australia’s first settlement and was once a major whaling centre. It has numerous white sandy beaches and spectacular coastal scenery. In the town itself there are over 50 historic buildings, many of which have been developed as museums, display galleries or restaurants. The waterfront whaling museum, named Whaleworld, explains the massive whaling operation that once flourished here.

Away from the town, there are scenic coastal walks, with the chance of spotting humpback and southern right whales that pass close to the shore between June and October.

Pemberton > Albany | 260 kms

The Clarence on Melville, Albany or similar

Start early today for the long drive back to Perth. For scenery, visit the Porongurup or Stirling Ranges Nation Park, before meeting the fertile plains and bright, wide-open skies of Western Australia’s wheatbelt. This area was only settled about 150 years ago and the main industries remain wheat and sheep.

To the east of the Albany Highway is Katanning, an early mill town that boasts the first electric street lights in WA. On the same detour, the delightful country town of Wagin has a fabulous Historic Village to wander round and an enormous statue of a ram, celebrating the reason for town’s development.

Albany > Perth | 410 kms