12 amazing things to do on WA's iconic South West Edge road trip

From swimming with dolphins in Bunbury to hunting for truffles around Manjimup, these are the best experiences on a road trip along The South West Edge.

Covering more than 1200 kilometres from Perth to Albany and onto Esperance and then back again, The South West Edge is one truly epic route. These are our top 12 things to see and do along the way.

1. Pose with the quokkas on Rottnest Island

The South West Edge begins and or ends in Perth so grab a camera, get down to quokka height and say “cheese". It’s not hard to find a furry friend to snap a selfie with, as there are more than 10,000 of the smiley little marsupials covering Rottnest Island. To be safe, head to the bakery’s alfresco area or the beachside Hotel Rottnest . While you’re there, grab a pint and soak up the sunshine while overlooking the calm water of Thomson Bay.

Quokka, Rottnest Island, West Australia, Australia — There are more than 10,000 of the smiley little marsupials covering Rottnest Island.

2. Swim with dolphins at the Dolphin Discovery Centre

Those with a soft spot for dolphins should make a beeline for Bunbury , where you can come within metres of the creatures on a fully guided dolphin swim. The team at the Dolphin Discovery Centre will kit you up with a drysuit and snorkelling gear before boating into Koombana Bay to find a pod. Slip into the water and watch them playfully swim around, clicking and whistling as they go.

Swimming with dolphins, Dolphin Discovery Centre, Bunbury, West Australia, Australia — Slip into the water and watch the dolphins swim around. (Image: Jake Wiltor)

3. Walk the length of the Busselton Jetty

At 1.8 kilometres, the Busselton Jetty is the southern hemisphere’s longest timber-piled jetty. Get a true feel for the magnitude of the pier with a casual stroll down to the ocean end; alternatively, tired legs can hop aboard the solar-powered jetty train. At the end you’ll find an underwater observatory, where you can watch fish and octopuses darting about the coral-covered pylons eight metres below the surface.

Landscape view of the Busselton Jetty, Perth, West Australia, Australia — The Busselton Jetty is the southern hemisphere’s longest timber-piled jetty.

4. Wine and dine in the Margaret River wine region

There are hundreds of cellar doors along The South West Edge, so it would be remiss to not stop by at least one (maybe five?) of them. Start where wine making began for the Margaret River region with a stop at Vasse Felix . Cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay are their main claims to fame, along with their restaurant winning the 2021 WA Good Food Guide Restaurant of the Year title. Other options worth considering include Leeuwin Estate (check out the art gallery as well), Voyager Estate (the gardens are a thing of beauty) or Swings and Roundabouts .

Gourmet Food, Margaret River, West Australia, Australia — The dining experience at Margaret River is superb.

5. Hunt for truffles in Manjimup

Manjimup sits at the heart of WA’s most prosperous farming region, its fertile soils bearing everything from creamy avocados to succulent cherries. The town is also truffle central. All gourmands should prioritise a visit to Manjimup , if for nothing else than hunting for your own chunk of black gold. Head out onto the farm with Truffle Hill or Australian Truffle Traders , then follow the truffle dogs between the oaks to unearth the world’s most expensive fungi.

Truffle dogs looking for truffles, Manjimup, West Australia, Australia — Follow the truffle dogs between the oaks to unearth the world’s most expensive fungi.

6. Walk the canopies of the giant tingle trees

It doesn’t get more peaceful than a wander through the canopies of Walpole ’s giant tingle trees. Suspended 40 metres above the ground, the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk meanders its way through the ancient tingle forest, giving you exclusive access to a rarely seen angle of the towering plants. Complete the walk above before tackling the short forest-floor track to see them from below.

Valley of the Giants, Walpole Tree Top Walk, West Australia, Australia — Wander through the canopies of Walpole’s giant tingle trees.

7. Feel the adrenaline rush at The Gap and Natural Bridge

Get a birds-eye view of the churning Southern Ocean at The Gap in Albany . A cantilevered lookout platform juts 10 metres out into the natural granite channel, giving you the perfect view of the 40-metre high chasm. Feel the spray as the water surges in and smashes against the coastal granite. There’s a much drier and calmer experience at nearby Natural Bridge, a rock formation suspended over rushing whitewash.

The Gap, Albany, West Australia, Australia — Marvel at views of the Southern Ocean at The Gap in Albany.

8. Climb the Granite Skywalk

It’s hard to beat the view from the top of the 670-metre high Granite Skywalk . Hugging the upper edge of Castle Rock – a giant granite boulder atop a peak in Porongorup National Park – the skywalk looks out to the Albany coast in the south and Stirling Range to the north. You’ll face a rock scramble and ladder climb on the way up, but the challenge is worth it for the vista at the summit.

Granite Skywalk, South West Edge, WA, Australia — It’s hard to beat the view from the top of the 670-metre high Granite Skywalk. (Image: Scott Slawinski)

9. See wild orcas in Bremer Bay

Bremer Bay, a small town halfway between Albany and Esperance, is the only place in Australia you can see orcas in their natural habitat. A pod of more than 150 of the apex predators feeds on the rich marine life 37 kilometres offshore every January to April. Unlike the migrating humpback whales the orcas aren’t visible from shore, so the best way to see them is on an orca expedition with Naturaliste Charters .

Killer Whale Orca, Bremer Bay, WA, Australia — See wild orcas in Bremer Bay.

10. Meet Lucky Bay’s resident ’roos

Lucky Bay has sand so white and fine it squeaks underfoot, as well as water so clear it appears a brilliant shade of blue. It’s the stuff of a Maldivian dream. But the Esperance beach is world renowned for more than just its beauty, as it’s garnered a reputation for its friendly resident kangaroos too. Find them sunbathing on the beach from around mid-morning, and don’t be surprised if they come over for a closer look.

Kangaroos, Cape Le Grand National Park, Lucky Bay, West Australia, Australia — The kangaroos on Lucky Bay are ‘insta’ famous.

11. Fly over a bubblegum-pink lake off Esperance

Nature photographers – both green and established – will be tickled pink at a flyover of Lake Hillier, to the south-east of Esperance. The beta carotene-rich bubblegum-hued lake is on Middle Island, the largest of the 105 islands in the Recherche Archipelago. It’s quite the spectacle, flanked by lush green scrub, a white sandy bay and the deep blue Southern Ocean.

Pink lake, Lake Hillier, Esperance, West Australia, Australia — Be tickled pink at the sight of Lake Hillier.

12. Check out Hyden’s Wave Rock

Known as Katter Kich to the Noongar people of the south-west, Hyden ’s Wave Rock is a feat of nature. The 15-metre high rock has been shaped by eroding winds and rain to appear like a breaking wave; its striped face is a product of mineral-rich water trickling down post-rain. It makes a striking landscape photo, but most can’t resist standing at the base, bracing themselves, and getting a snap ‘surfing’ the phenomenon.

Hyden Wave Rock, West Australia, Australia — Hyden’s Wave Rock is a feat of nature.

To plan your spectacular road trip visit The South West Edge or check out our Perth to Albany and beyond itinerary and Esperance to Perth.

From thundering waterfalls to ancient Indigenous art, Kimberley’s raw beauty will take your breath away.

Wild, pristine, and shaped by nature, the Kimberley Coast is one of Australia’s most spectacular landscapes. A remote and rugged frontier that remains a bucket list destination for many travellers. Its most breathtaking attractions – including Montgomery Reef, King George Falls and Horizontal Falls – are accessible only by sea or air, making a guided expedition cruise aboard Silversea’s luxury expedition ship, Silver Cloud, the ideal way to explore it.

From its intricate intertidal zones to ancient rock art, extreme tides and rare wildlife found nowhere else in Australia – or the world – this journey offers an unparalleled exploration of one of Earth’s last true wildernesses.

Why Silversea?

Silversea offers a 10-day expedition departing Broome, or an extended 16-day expedition voyage from Indonesia, including landings on the hidden gems of Palopo Sulawesi and Komodo. Accompanied by expert guides and specialists in marine biology, history and geology, guests gain a deeper understanding of the Kimberley’s dramatic landscapes, rich cultural heritage and extraordinary biodiversity.

Silversea offers one of the experiential travel industry’s leading crew-to-guest ratios. Along with all-suite accommodation (80 per cent with private verandah), 24-hour butler service, a swimming pool and four dining options. Silver Cloud also has an experienced crew of multilingual expedition guides and specialists in marine biology, history and geology to enhance your Kimberley Experience.

silversea cruise ship pool deck — Take a dip in the pool deck.

1. Koolama Bay

Before visitors see King George Falls, they hear them – a growing rumble in the distance, steady and foreboding as the Zodiac glides through the gorge, the sound echoing off sheer rock formations. At 80 meters tall, the twin cascades carve through the red cliffs, churning the waters below in a spectacular finale – but Koolama Bay holds secrets beyond its striking scenery.

Named after a ship that beached here following an aerial attack by Japanese bombers in World War II, the bay may seem desolate, yet it teems with life. With Silversea’s expert guides on their 10-day Kimberley itinerary, guests gain a sharper eye for its hidden wonders – rock wallabies darting across the cliffs, crocodiles lurking among dense green mangroves, and high above, the silhouette of a bird of prey circling the sky.

King George Falls at koolama bay excursion on Silversea Kimberley Cruise — Take a shore excursion to see King George Falls.

2. Freshwater Cove / Wijingarra Butt Butt

Connect with Country on a wet landing at Freshwater Cove, also known as Wijingarra Butt Butt. Considered one of the most special experiences on both the 16-day and 10-day Kimberley cruises, Silversea guests are welcomed by the traditional Indigenous custodians of the land, painted with traditional ochre, and invited to take part in a smoking ceremony.

Located on the mainland near Montgomery Reef, Wijingarra Butt Butt holds deep cultural significance to the local Indigenous community. Here, rock formations along the shore represent spiritual ancestors, and guests are guided to a nearby rock overhang filled with ancient art, where traditional owners share the stories and meaning behind these sacred paintings.

welcome to country on freshwater cove during silversea kimberley cruise — Take part in a smoking ceremony. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

3. Vansittart Bay (Jar Island)

Modern history, ancient culture and mystery converge in Vansittart Bay, which is also known as Jar Island. Here, the first thing to catch the eye is the dented, silver fuselage of a World War II-era C-53 plane – a striking relic of the past. Yet, the true cultural treasures lie just a short hike away where two distinct styles of Indigenous rock art – Gwion Gwion and Wandjina – can be found.

The Wandjina figures, deeply connected to Indigenous traditions, stand in stark contrast to the enigmatic Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) paintings, which date back more than 12,000 years. Significantly different in form and style, the two different styles create a striking juxtaposition, offering a rare glimpse into the region’s rich and complex past.

aerial view of Vansittart Bay, See it in you Silversea Kimberley Cruise. — Explore ancient Gwion Gwion rock art at Vansittart Bay. (Image: Janelle Lugge)

4. Horizontal Falls

Part illusion, part natural phenomenon, the Kimberley’s much-lauded Horizontal Falls aren’t a waterfall, but a tidal and geographic spectacle that visitors have to see to comprehend. Known as Garaanngaddim, the phenomenon occurs when seawater rushes through two narrow gaps- one just twenty metres wide, and the other seven metres in width, between the escarpments of Talbot Bay.

With each tidal shift, the force of the water creates whirlpools, furious currents and the illusion of a horizontal cascade as thousands of gallons of water are pushed and pulled in through the gap every six hours with relentless movement, making this one of the Kimberley ’s most mesmerising natural wonders.

Horizontal Falls are described as "One of the greatest wonders of the natural world". They are formed from a break in-between the McLarty Ranges reaching up to 25m in width. The natural phenomenon is created as seawater builds up faster on one side of the gaps than the other, creating a waterfall up to 5m high on a King tide. — Watch whirlpools and furious currents collide. (Image: Janelle Lugge)

5. Montgomery Reef

As the tide turns in Montgomery Reef, magic happens. With the Kimberley’s legendary tides varying up to ten metres, at low tide the submerged reef almost appears to rise from the depths: exposing up to four metres of the sandstone reef.

The impact is otherworldly: as the water drains, waterfalls cascade on either side of the channel, turtles left exposed scramble and dive, and fish leap in search of sanctuary in shallow pools. Meanwhile, the dinner bell rings for the migratory seabirds dugongs, reef sharks and dolphins that scavenge and feast in the area.

Using zodiacs, guests cruise through one of the world’s most significant inshore reef systems navigated by experienced guides, exploring the most intricate and fascinating parts of a 300-square-kilometre-wide biodiversity hotspot.

aerial view of boat going along Montgomery Reef — Witness seabirds, dolphins and reef sharks on the hunt.

6. Mitchell Falls by Helicopter

Experiencing the Kimberley by sea allows you to feel the power of the tides, but travelling by helicopter reveals the sandstone tapestry of the Kimberley, a landscape geologists believe is over 1.8 billion years old.

One of Silversea’s most popular optional excursions , guests who opt to fly into the interior from the onboard helipad soar up above the rust-coloured landscape of the Mitchell plateau, taking in one of Australia’s most scenic waterfalls: Mitchell Falls, a series of four emerald-coloured pools gently cascades into each other, before plunging down to the river below.

Seeing the landscape from above reveals a landscape weaved and shaped by the power of the freshwater wet season, juxtaposed to the constant lapping of the relentless and powerful tide on the coast.

aerial view of mitchell falls on silversea helicopter excursion — See emerald pools cascade into the river below. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

7. Indigenous Art Caves, Wandjina Art

The Kimberley Region of Western Australia is home to some of the most striking and significant

Indigenous rock art in Australia. Dotted throughout the landscape are caves, cliffs and rock overhangs depicting the striking, ethereal image of Wandjina, the rainmaker spirit and creation being central to many of the Dreamtime stories in this region.

Some of the paintings are regularly repainted by traditional custodians, while others are believed to be over 4,000 years old. Each artwork serves as both a cultural record and a living connection to the past, offering a rare opportunity to engage with the enduring traditions of the Kimberley’s Indigenous communities.

Freshwater Cover Rock Art the kimberleys — Walk among cultural records preserved in stone. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

See the best of this incredible part of the world on a Silversea Kimberley cruise. Book your 10- or extended 16-day expedition voyage at silversea.com

12 amazing things to do on WA’s iconic South West Edge road trip