Perth to Margaret River and all the ‘must-stops’ in between

Straying off course while driving from Perth to Margaret River is highly encouraged, with cheese tastings and dolphin interactions just some of the experiences you can have en route.

Western Australia is a road-tripping state, with umpteen memorable drive routes that take you from countryside to coast, bushland to burnt red sands. Most visitors to the west tackle the drive from Perth to Margaret River, both because of its ease of access and for the bounty of potential food, wine, and beach stops along the way. From point to point, the drive clocks in at just three hours. But, factoring in time to really explore this corner of the country, slow down and take as long as you please.

Aerial view of car alongside beach in the Margaret River Region — Coastal views on the drive from Perth to Margaret River. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Perth

Aerial view of Cottesloe Beach — Cottesloe Beach is one of Perth’s best swimming spots. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Kick off your road trip in WA’s sunny capital, where sprawling CBD parks spill over onto the Swan, and beaches are so long they bleed into the horizon. A morning dip at Cottesloe, followed by coffee and avocado bruschetta at Il Lido across the road, is a typically West Australian way to start the day. Sandy feet and beach towels are welcome in the alfresco area, where you can watch the morning traffic and waves roll in.

Inside WA Museum Boola Bardip, Perth — WA Museum Boola Bardip is one of a handful of centres dedicated to culture and the arts in Northbridge. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

On the coast, it makes sense that everything centres around beach culture. But, in the city, art and history are at the forefront. Head into the aptly named ‘Cultural Centre’ in Northbridge, where the recently renovated WA Museum Boola Bardip , the Art Gallery of Western Australia , the State Library of WA , and the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts lie. As the sun dips, find a table outside at Picabar, where the wine is funky, the food hearty, and the people watching A+.

Couple sitting to enjoy the views of Perth from Kings Park and Botanic Garden — The lawn at Kings Park delivers the best views of the city. (Tourism Western Australia)

Nature lovers needn’t be put off by the fact Perth is, indeed, a city. Kings Park—a 400-hectare park, larger than New York’s Central Park—sits on the western fringes of the CBD. Follow the paths to see the state’s unique native flora, or throw a picnic blanket down on the lawn in front of Frasers for unparalleled views of the city, Darling Scarp, and Swan River below.

Stop 1: Mandurah

Yaburgurt Winjan Cirkelstone Giant - Giants of Mandurah by Thomas Dambo — Yaburgurt Winjan Cirkelstone Giant – Giants of Mandurah by Thomas Dambo. (Image: Visit Mandurah)

An hour south of Perth is Mandurah (Mandjoogoordap to the Bindjareb Noongar people), an estuarine city known for its many water-based activities. Recently, it’s rocketed to stardom thanks to the installation of five of WA’s six timber Thomas Dambo ‘Giants’. Pick up a ‘Giants of Mandurah’ map from the visitor centre and head out to find Santi Iko, Little Lui, and friends. They’re spread out over the region, so you’ll need to drive or hire a bike from the Bike Kiosk .

Couple walking the boardwalk at Creery Wetlands, Mandurah — Creery Wetlands Nature Reserve is home to a wide variety of bird species. (Image: Visit Mandurah)

Birdwatchers can pull out their binoculars at the Creery Wetland Nature Reserve on the north-eastern side of the Peel Inlet. It’s an important habitat for migratory waterbirds, including 22 species of shorebirds, and home to the quenda, an elusive marsupial endemic to southwestern Australia. Follow the boardwalks to get to the viewing platforms and bird hides. As you leave Mandurah to head further south, make one last stop at Lake Clifton to see the 2,000-year-old thrombolite reef.

Visitors stopping to view the thrombolites at Lake Clifton. (Image: Visit Mandurah and Russell Ord Photography)

Stop 2: Harvey

Harvey is one of WA’s more important dairy, beef, and citrus farming towns. Swing by Harvey Cheese to see what the industry is made of, tasting your way through their range of hard and soft products while watching the cheese-making process through the viewing window. Still hungry? Stirling Cottage Kitchen , in a replica 1850s cottage on the Harvey River, serves homestyle cake and coffee worth travelling for. Walk around the landscaped gardens post feed, or join a ‘Noongar Kaatdjin Bidi – Noongar Knowledge River Path’ walk, leaving from the Boola Bidi Visitor Centre next door and guided by local Aboriginal tour guide Lesley Ugle.

WWII history buffs will be surprised to learn that Harvey was once home to an internment camp (Camp #11), where many German and Italian migrants wound up when Mussolini and Hitler declared war on France and Great Britain. You can visit the Internment Camp Memorial Shrine, the only roadside shrine of its type in the world, just north of Stirling Cottage Kitchen.

Stop 3: Bunbury

A turtle swimming at Dolphin Discovery Centre — See marine life at the Dolphin Discovery Centre. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Though often overlooked in favour of its more famed sibling cities and towns further south, the country charm and coastal influence in Bunbury, roughly two hours from Perth, are worth stopping for. Restless road-tripping kids can expend pent-up energy on the large playground at Koombana Bay foreshore while parents keep one eye on them, the other on the nearby sculptural piece, ‘Wardandi Boodja’. It’s a large, shape-shifting bust of an Aboriginal elder who watches over the land with bold wisdom and lightness.

The interactive dolphin swim with Dolphin Discovery Centre — There are a number of opportunities to interact with dolphins in the wild at the Dolphin Discovery Centre (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Dolphins are known to frequent Koombana Bay, too; you can see them in front of the Dolphin Discovery Centre . Stand knee-deep in the shallows with volunteer guides and watch them cruise around.

Before moving on towards Busselton, stock up on car snacks at Little Spencer Coffee Co . Their soft, New York-style cookies are a hit with everyone, as are their beautifully made croissants and danishes. A spot of retail therapy doesn’t hurt, either. There’s a concentration of boutiques on Victoria Street—Afez of the Heart, Sabotage, Life & Soul, and Imogino—where you can find everything from embellished cushion covers from Morrocco to the latest dress from Spell.

Stop 4: Busselton

Aerial view of Busselton Jetty, Busselton — Impressive views at Busselton Jetty. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Busselton, the gateway to the Margaret River Region, has really come into its own in recent years. Of course, the 1.8-kilometre-long, walkable Busselton Jetty has been its identifying landmark since 1865. But, a new underwater sculpture trail at the ocean end has given visitors even more reason to stop there. You can self-dive or snorkel it or join a tour with Dive Busselton Jetty . If you don’t have any dive experience, try their underwater SeaTREK: a walk on the ocean floor wearing old-school-style dive helmets and air tanks.

The underwater viewing deck at Busselton Jetty, Busselton — The underwater sculpture trail has a viewing area if you want to stay dry. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Toast to a walk well done or a successful dive with one of Shelter Brewing Co .’s session-able ales. The mammoth beer hall, which looks out at the base of the Busselton Jetty, was a driving force in the tourism revival of the city. Another was the opening of Busselton Pavilion , a mega-pub and wine store at the back corner of the Busselton Central shopping centre. Drop in for rotisserie-cooked scallops with homemade XO and white anchovies on toast, or take a seat at the wine bar to tour the region via reds, whites, and roses.

Food and beer on the table at Shelter Brewing — Shelter Brewing has a prime position beside Busselton Jetty. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Stop 5: Dunsborough

Just 25 minutes further up the cape is Dunsborough, WA’s answer to Byron Bay; it’s laid back and coastal, but there’s a distinct level of refinement when it comes to eating, drinking, and shopping here. Grab a coffee-to-go from Merchant and Maker —perhaps some local cheeses and salumi for your charcuterie board later on, too—and start your rounds of the boutiques on Naturaliste Terrace and Dunn Bay Road. You’ll find high-end activewear, relaxed linen beach co-ords, and plenty of swimwear. Reward your efforts with a Danish ice cream from Elski afterwards.

Food on the table at Meelup Farmhouse, near Dunsborough — Meelup Farmhouse, near Dunsborough, is one of the region’s best restaurants. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Lunch could be at any number of restaurants, but Wayfinder and Meelup Farmhouse both have an ease to them without compromising on quality. The latter is great if you have kids, as there are resident Highland cows, silky chickens, and alpacas for them to meet and feed.

Aerial view of car driving alongside Eagle Bay Beach, Dunsborough — Absorb views of Eagle Bay Beach from the car window. (Tourism Western Australia)

Of course, it wouldn’t be a stop-in at Dunsborough if there weren’t beach visits. Drop into the region’s most popular beach, Meelup Bay, for a dip in crystal clear and impossibly calm water, then follow the Meelup-Eagle Bay Road for the most beautiful beachside drive. There are car parks all the way along, with plenty of white sand bays to explore.

Meelup Beach, Dunsborough — Stunning sights at Meelup Beach in Dunsborough. (Image: Frances Andrijich)

Margaret River

The last stop on the road trip, but most certainly not least, is Margaret River, Western Australia’s wine, surf, and gourmet food hub. On the drive from Dunsborough to Margaret River, you’re spoilt for choice in beach, brewery, and winery stops. A more unexpected stop is Ngilgi Cave , a karst cave system off Caves Road just outside Yallingup. Continue along Caves Road, calling in for photos at Canal Rocks, wine at Marri Wood Park , Swings & Roundabouts , and Cherubino , and a swim down at Gracetown Beach. Just outside of Margaret River Town Centre, you can even sample gin and whisky at Margaret River Distilling Company .

Group on tour of Ngilgi Cave Ancient Lands Experience, Yallingup — Ngilgi Cave Ancient Lands Experience is an unforgettable journey below. (Tourism Western Australia)

When hunger strikes, head for a casual burger and soft serve—all made by hand—at Normal Van , an American-style diner in the heart of Margaret River Town. For a more elevated meal, sit down to a 14 or 23-piece Japanese degustation at Miki’s Open Kitchen or a seven-course tasting menu at de’sendent , the new project from the owners of the now-closed Aramia.

Anyone who’s anyone in the surf world in WA lives in Margaret River, and for good reason. Surfer’s Point is a World Surf League competition stop, producing some of the state’s best waves. The strong reef break is reserved for experienced surfers only. But nothing is stopping you from sitting in the amphitheatre with a piping hot serving of sustainably caught fish and chips from Hooked Up and watching the surfers ride the waves as the light fades.

Explore more of Margaret River, from the region’s unmissable wineries to the very best Margaret River restaurants.

Time your visit to Margaret River just right, and you can spend the ultimate weekend wining, dining and exploring the region with Pair’d Margaret River Region x Range Rover.

Wine, world-class produce, surf, sun and beaches: it’s an alluring combination. And the reason so many pin the Margaret River region high on their travel hit-lists. There’s drawcard after drawcard to the southwestern corner of Western Australia, and the Pair’d Margaret River Region x Range Rover food and wine festival showcases the best of it over the course of one weekend in November. It’s never been easier to sip, see and savour the Margaret River region.

In partnership with Pair’d Margaret River Region, Range Rover invites you on a seven-day itinerary of refined adventure, where luxury and exploration go hand in hand. It’s the perfect WA road trip, and there’s no better way to do it than in a Range Rover.

Day 1

the pool at Pullman Bunker Bay — Check into Pullman Bunker Bay.

There’s no more popular West Australian road trip route than that between Perth and the Margaret River Region. It’s an easily digestible, three-hour drive, with worthy pit stops along the way.

Make the first of them one hour and 15 minutes in, at Lake Clifton. Here, find a 2000-year-old living thrombolite reef. Drive for a further 40 minutes and chance meeting some of Bunbury’s dolphin population at Koombana Bay.

Pullman Bunker Bay is the final stop, just over three hours south of Perth. This beachfront, five-star resort is the ultimate base for exploring the Margaret River Wine region.

Day 2

After a leisurely morning breakfast with an ocean view, start your Range Rover and head towards the Dunsborough town centre. Browsing the decidedly coastal-themed goods of the town’s many independent boutiques is a great way to while away the hours, breaking up the sartorial with an artisan gelato snack stop, or some good old-fashioned Australian bakery fare.

Leave room; you’ll need it for the Good Natured Gathering dinner at Wayfinder. Indulge in a four-course feast by chef Felipe Montiel, which uses produce from the winery’s market garden to enhance a selection of sustainably sourced seafood and meat. But food is just the support act. It’s organic wine that’s the star of the show, generously poured and expertly paired to each dish.

Day 3

Settle in for cabernet at Cape Mentelle Winery.

With a grand total of 20 wines from vintage 2022 to try, it’s a good thing Cape Mentelle’s International Cabernet Tasting kicks off early. Make your way to the estate for a 10:00 AM start, where a global selection of wines will be poured blind, before a long lunch by Tiller Dining is served.

Given that the Margaret River is responsible for more than 20 per cent of Australia’s fine wine production, it’s only right to delve into it while in the area.

Continue exploring the region via taste and terroir aboard Alison Maree, a whale-watching catamaran, as you cruise Geographe Bay . Admire the rolling green hills and crisp white beaches of Quindalup in sunset’s golden light, all the while sipping through the Clairault Streicker catalogue and dining on canapes.

For a more substantial dinner, venture into Busselton for a seven-course British x Australian mash-up , courtesy of Brendan Pratt (Busselton Pavilion) and Oliver Kent (Updown Farmhouse, UK). They’ll be putting their rustic yet refined spin on the likes of local marron, wagyu and abalone – championing the simple beauty of the world-class ingredients.

Day 4

Wrap your fingers around a wine glass and wiggle your toes into the sand at Pair’d Beach Club x Range Rover on Meelup Beach. Sit down to an intimate wine session with sommelier Cyndal Petty – or a four-course feast by Aaron Carr of Yarri – and revel in the open-air beach club, bar and restaurant’s laidback coastal vibe. It’s a whole new way to experience one of the region’s most renowned beaches.

Follow up a day in the sun with a casual Italian party at Mr Barvel Wines . Purchase wines –including the elusive, sold-out Nebbia – by the glass and enjoy canapes with the towering Karri forest as a backdrop.

If you’d prefer to keep it local, head to Skigh Wines for the New Wave Gathering , where the region’s independent wine makers and their boundary-pushing wines will be on show. Street-style eats, a DJ and complimentary wine masterclasses complete the experience.

Day 5

pair'd Grand Tasting — Taste your way through Howard Park Wines. (Image: C J Maddock)

Spend the morning at your leisure, driving the winding roads through the Boranup Karri forest in your Range Rover. Soak in the views at Contos Beach, and call into the small cheese, chocolate and preserve producers along the way.

Make your next stop Howard Park Wines for The Grand Tasting presented by Singapore Airlines . Numerous wine labels will be pouring their catalogues over four hours, accompanied by food from chefs Matt Moran and Silvia Colloca, with live opera providing the soundtrack.

Cap off a big weekend with one last hurrah at Busselton Pavilion. Six ‘local legends’ – chefs Brendan Pratt (Busselton Pavilion), Mal Chow (Chow’s Table), Aaron Carr (Yarri), Ben Jacob (Lagoon Yallingup), Corey Rozario (Dahl Daddies) and Laura Koentjoro (Banksia Tavern) – will be preparing a dish each. Dance the night away as vinyl spins and the sun sets on another day.

Day 6

Ngilgi Cave western australia — Head underground. (Image: Tourism WA)

After a busy few days of wining and dining, it’s wise to observe a rest day. There’s no easier task than unwinding in the Margaret River Region, also famous for its high concentration of world-class beaches.

Relax on the grassy knoll as you watch the region’s most experienced surfers braving the World Surf League break at Surfer’s Point, or don your own wetsuit and try out one of Gracetown’s more beginner-friendly waves. Swimmers will find their Eden at Meelup Beach, Eagle Bay, or Point Piquet, where the sand is brilliantly white and the water as still as a backyard swimming pool.

Not into sun, sand, and surf? Head underground at Mammoth Cave, just one of the region’s many stalactite-filled caves.

Day 7

Burnt Ends event at Pair'd — Farewell the Margaret River.

Pack up your Range Rover with new favourite wines and newfound memories, ready for the three-hour journey back to Perth.

Prebook your discovery journey through the south-west corner of Western Australia with Pair’d Margaret River Region x Range Rover.