Perth to Margaret River Road Trip: The Ultimate 4-Day Itinerary (2025 Guide!)
If you’re looking for a road trip that combines adventure, relaxation, and some of the best food and wine in Australia, the Perth to Margaret River journey, in our opinion, is an absolute must!
This drive is a showcase of Western Australia’s stunning coastline, rolling vineyards, and breathtaking national parks – including awesome caves. Along the way, you’ll discover charming small towns, hidden beaches, and some seriously good coffee spots.
We’ve done this drive many times, in every season. Each time, we find something new to love. We travel in our caravan with our young kids but also source out the sneaky luxury accommodation (why not!)
This 4-day itinerary includes some of our favourite places to stop and visit. You can modify these suggestions and travel slower, or faster. However, if you have the time, we would suggest travel slow and really explore the region.
How to Get to Margaret River
- Distance: ~270 km (~3-hour drive, nonstop).
- Road Conditions: Fully sealed highways, easy drive.
- Tip: Take it slow and enjoy the stops along the way!
Our itinerary includes places to stay in both accommodation and unique camping spots.
Hiring a car or a motorhome is the best way to explore at your own pace. Don’t worry, you can always book a wine tour from Margaret River so there are no designated driver concerns!
Car options
If luxury or unique accommodation is your thing, then a car would be your best option. We’ve found DiscoverCars to be one of the best hire car comparison websites – they give you the best prices for all the big-name hire car companies.
Motorhome options
StarRV has many luxury options, from larger RVs that sleep many people, to cosy smaller vans – all of which are fitted out with all the mod-cons you could want.
For those new to camping, the Margaret River region is well set up for motorhomes. This option is for you as long as you have a full driver’s licence, a bit of common sense, and a sense of adventure!
For a more budget option, try MotorHome Republic, They compare many different brands of motorhome and RVs, to find you the best price. Check out the deals they have today.
Our Tip: Book your motorhome early, especially in peak summer periods (during the school holidays Dec-Jan)
4-Day Perth to Margaret River Itinerary
Driving to Margaret River isn’t just about the destination, there are many amazing sights to see along the way. I’d suggest having your car (and van) packed the night before, or picking up your motorhome/hire car the day before so you can leave Perth feeling refreshed and ready to go!
Day 1: Perth to Bunbury & Busselton
Stop 1: Perth to Mandurah (1 hr)
- Grab a coffee at a waterfront café.
- Spot dolphins playing in the estuary.
- Let the kids run wild at Mandurah Foreshore Playground.
Mandurah is the perfect first stop to ease into road trip mode. You can find lovely coffee by the marina, and if you’re lucky, spot some dolphins! The foreshore playground will help keep the energy levels at bay for the kids, while you can relax by the water. The laid-back coastal vibe will have you settling into adventure mode in no time.
Stop 2: Bunbury
- Visit Koombana Bay for more dolphin sightings.
- Check out the Dolphin Discovery Centre.
- Enjoy a beachside lunch.
Bunbury is a dolphin-lover’s paradise, offering more chances to see these playful creatures up close. Koombana Bay’s calm waters are home to a friendly pod, and the Dolphin Discovery Centre lets you dive deeper into their world. This is both kid and adult friendly.
There is also a lovely cafe at the Discovery Centre to grab a bite for lunch. (Note: homeschoolers will love this place)
Stop 3: Busselton & Dunsborough
- Walk the famous Busselton Jetty.
- Take adventure to the next level.
- Go whale watching in Dunsborough.
Busselton Jetty stretches 1.8km into the Indian Ocean, making it the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere! Walk or take the train to the end, then descend into the Underwater Observatory for a glimpse of vibrant marine life.
Our Tip: Book the train in advance, or be prepared to wait -it gets busy!
If you’re after something more hands-on, try a guided snorkeling tour beneath the jetty’s eerie underwater sculptures, guided by a marine biologist.
If the ocean isn’t your thing, how about a high ropes & flying fox adventure? Located in the Tuart Forest near Busselton, kids over 7, and adults can have a thrill climbing and swinging along ziplines.
Heading further south? Dunsborough’s whale-watching cruises (Sept-Dec) offer a front-row seat to these gentle giants as they breach and play just meters from the boat.
👉 Snorkel the jetty’s hidden world!
👉 Fly through the trees at the high ropes park!
👉 See whales up close on this epic cruise!
Where to stay in Busselton
Budget: RAC Busselton Holiday Park
Escape to RAC Busselton Holiday Park, where budget-friendly stays meet nature’s serenity! Set among peaceful peppermint trees, this eco-friendly retreat offers cabins, glamping, and powered campsites—perfect for either a stay in a cabin, or to park your motorhome/caravan.
We’ve found cabins are a great way to travel if you’re looking for that laidback style, with a bit more room and a full kitchen. Sometimes you just feel like a home cooked meal!
Enjoy a pool, BBQ area, and wildlife right at your doorstep.
Book your nature stay now! 🏕️🔥
Luxury: Hilton Garden Inn Busselton
Wake up to oceanfront luxury at Hilton Garden Inn Busselton! With stunning beach views, a rooftop bar, and modern, stylish rooms, it’s the perfect base for your Busselton getaway. Whether you’re strolling the jetty or sipping cocktails at sunset, this stay is pure bliss.
Book your luxe escape now! 🏝️💙
Campsite: Too many to pick! Check out Camps Australia Wide
Bussleton is full of amazing campsites -from free overnight stays close by to luxury farm retreats. Check out all of your options here on the Camps Australia Wide app.
Day 2: Dunsborough, Yallingup & Margaret River
- Total Drive Time: ~1.5 hours (with stops).
- Highlights: Beach views, caves, iconic wineries.
- Tip: Pack your swimmers and a towel!
Stop 1: Meelup Beach & Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse
- Crystal-clear water perfect for a morning swim.
- Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse has stunning ocean views.
- We once spotted a pod of whales here—absolutely breathtaking!
Start your day with a dip in the turquoise waters of Meelup Beach, one of the most stunning bays in the South West. Then, head to Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, where panoramic ocean views stretch for miles.
Stop 2: Ngilgi Cave
- A mystical underground adventure filled with Aboriginal legends. 🌌
- It’s a perfect activity if the weather turns. 🌧️
Step into another world at Ngilgi Cave, where ancient limestone formations and glowing chambers tell stories of Dreamtime legends. Take a guided tour to learn about the cave’s rich Indigenous history, or go off on a semi-self-guided adventure to soak in the magic at your own pace. If it’s a rainy day, this is the perfect all-weather activity!
Our kids loved this cave (as did we!) – interesting fact, it was one of the few times our autistic, ADHD kids were calm and relaxed. We put it down to the quietness and peacefulness of these caves. There were some challenging sections of stairs where they needed help, but otherwise, it was relatively simple.
Stop 3: Yallingup Lagoon
- Safe swimming spot with shallow, calm waters. 🌊
- Pack a picnic or grab a bite at a nearby café. 🥪
This natural rock lagoon is a dream for swimmers, snorkelers, and families looking for calm, crystal-clear waters. Pack a picnic and enjoy the scenery, or grab a coffee at a laid-back Yallingup café nearby.
If you’re up for a short walk, the coastal views from the Yallingup Lookout are next level!
Arrive in Margaret River
- Settle in and enjoy a relaxing evening in town.
- Stroll through the local shops on the main street
After a big day of exploring, Margaret River welcomes you with its small-town charm and world-class food scene.
Choose from one of the many restaurants on the main street for a peaceful dinner.
Where to Stay in Margaret River
Budget: Discovery Parks Margaret RIver
Discovery Parks Margaret River is the perfect family-friendly farm stay in Margaret River! Wake up to rolling green fields, feed the farm animals, and let the kids run wild in the playground. With spacious caravan sites and cozy cabins, it’s a top spot for all travelers.
Luxury: Grape Juice Retreat
Indulge in a luxurious escape at Grape Juice Studio, nestled in the heart of Margaret River’s wine country. This stylish retreat offers modern elegance, vineyard views, and ultimate relaxation—perfect for a romantic getaway. Unwind in pure comfort after a day of exploring.
Campsite: Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park – Jarrahdene Campground
Escape into nature at Jarrahdene Campground, a peaceful bush retreat in the heart of Boranup Forest. Wake up to birdsong, explore stunning forest trails, and unwind by the campfire under a star-filled sky.
Campsites were of various sizes, read the descriptions for each site to make sure you can fit your setup. We were able to stay hooked up to our van, but it required reversing into the site.
Day 3: Wine & Nature Day in Margaret River
- Total Drive Time: Go at your own pace!
- Highlights: Wine tasting, gourmet food, natural wonders
- Tip: If you want to taste test a few wines, book yourself a tour so you don’t need to think about driving.
Suggestion #1: Explore the local wineries.
After all, Margaret River is known for fantastic wines! Jump in your car or van, and drive around the local area. A good place to start is the visitor information center in the main street – ask what are the top picks for the day.
You may find some wineries do live music, some do awesome pizzas, some have playgrounds for the kids. Depending on the day and the season, you’ll get up to date info from the visitor center.
For info on the best tours if you can’t decide who’s designated driver, check out this article:
Suggestion #2: Find some Caves!
Lake Cave is a breathtaking underground wonder in Margaret River! Descend into a hidden world of crystal formations and a tranquil underground lake, reflecting stunning stalactites above.
I don’t think you can visit enough caves around this area, each cave is unique in it’s own way and simply stunning! We had no idea Margaret River is full of awesome caves.
Find out more info here, and I’d suggest to book ahead as tour numbers are limited.
Suggestion #3: Head to the beach
There are so many beautiful places in Margaret River, but one that stood out for us was Hamelin Bay Beach. A short drive from Margaret River town, Hamelin Bay is a wonderful beach with clear water, long white sandy beaches…. and stingrays!
Head to the jetty and look into the water – chances are you’ll spot these amazing creatures. They are friendly, but remember to keep your distance. Relax for the morning or afternoon in this peaceful place.
Day 4: Exploring Nature & The Journey Back
- Total Drive Time: ~4 hours (with stops).
- Highlights: Karri forests, iconic lighthouse.
- Tip: Leave early to have time for stops.
Stop 1: Boranup Karri Forest Drive
Boranup Karri Forest is a magical escape into towering karri trees, some over 60m tall! You can drive, walk, or cycle through this enchanting landscape, where sunlight filters through the canopy, creating a dreamy glow.
Don’t forget your camera—this place is pure magic! My suggestion is to grab some picnic food from the local produce at Margaret River, find a nice picnic table in the Leeuwin National Park and take in scenery for an early lunch.
Stop 2: Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse marks the spot where the Indian and Southern Oceans collide—a must-visit for history and nature lovers! You can climb to the top for breathtaking coastal views and learn about the lighthouse’s fascinating maritime past.
We haven’t climbed the lighthouse (two young kids – it didn’t sound like fun!) However, the interactive museum was very impressive, you can walk around the lighthouse and out to a viewing platform of the oceans.
There is a small fee to enter the museum, otherwise, I’d suggest to book a guided lighthouse tour, which also includes entry to the museum.
Drive Back to Perth
Endulge in some scones and jam at the cafe near the lighthouse, then head back to Perth. It is around 3.5hours drive back. It is safest not to drive at dusk – especially on the smaller roads before you get to the highway. Kangaroos congregate on the side of the road, and can be startled by the headlights, causing them to jump onto the road.
FAQs: Perth to Margaret River
Is the drive from Perth to Margaret River easy?
Yes! You’ll head south on the Wilman Wadandi Highway which is a multi-lane highway for a large portion of the drive. The road will turn into a smaller road, but still easy to navigate. It is sealed the whole way unless you take some scenic routes to visit some areas.
Can you do Perth to Margaret River in a day?
Yes, it is around 3 hours one way, so it is possible. I wouldn’t recommend it, as you wont get much time to properly look around and enjoy yourself.
What’s the best time of year to visit?
The summers are lovely – warm weather means beaches! Margaret River is usually a few degrees cooler than Perth, so doesn’t get the very hot days. However, winter means cosy fires and sipping coffee in the warm cafes and wineries. In winter you also have a chance to see whales.
Do you need a 4WD for Margaret River?
No, 99% of places you’ll want to get to will be via either sealed roads, or hard-packed dirt roads.
We did take our 4WD to Margaret River, but that’s because it’s our daily drive! Unless you go looking for 4WD tracks, it isn’t necessary.
Final Thoughts
A road trip from Perth to Margaret River is the ultimate adventure, packed with stunning coastal views, epic wildlife encounters, and world-class food and wine.
As a family with young kids, we found there was something for everyone. In total, we spent around 2 months in the Margaret River area and still didn’t see everything!
Our recommendation is to take it slow, soak in the magic, and enjoy every moment. Spend as long as you can, and if you don’t see it all, you’ll just have to book another trip 🙂
