Known for its vast landscapes and raw beauty, the South West of Western Australia is truly like no other. Famous for its wineries, rare wildlife and best beaches in the world, it can be hard to know where to even start when planning your journey to the region.
I recently travelled through WA, with one of my favourite road and camping trips of all time being from Perth to the picturesque town of Esperance which you have most likely seen on a post card! Camping trip did add an extra sprinkle of something special, allowing you to immerse yourself into nature and surroundings.
You could easily spend a month on this road trip and still want to see more! But like most of us, we struggle to find the time. But don’t worry, I’ve hand picked the truly best places to visit and see in this 7 day road trip iterniary.
7 day road trip itinerary
- Day one: Perth – Eagle Bay
- Day two: Eagle Bay – Margaret River
- Day three: Margaret river – Denmark
- Day four: Denmark – Albany
- Day five: Albany – Esperance
- Day six: Esperance
- Day seven: Esperance – Perth
Perth
Kick start your road trip in the sunniest city in the world, Perth. The Western Australian capital is a blog post in itself, however for the purpose of your road trip, here are some incredible things to do on your first day:
- Visit the iconic rainbow containers in Fremantle
- Visit Cottesloe and Scarborough Beach
- Escape to Rottnest Island
- Snap a photo at the little blue boat shed
- Wander New Elizabeth Key
Accomodation
Coogee holiday and caravan park – Located on the beach of Coogee, South Perth, this caravan park is a great way to kick off your camping road trip with one of the best sunset views over the Indian ocean.
Eagle Bay
Located three hours south of Perth is Eagle Bay, a small coastal town with perfect turquoise beaches. A few things to do while you stop off at this lovely town is;
- Walk along Busselton Jetty
- Visit Banbury dolphin centre
- Swim at Meelup beach
- Visit Cape Naturaliste light house
- Visit sugarloaf rock
Accomodation
Beachlands caravan park – Located on the shores of Bussleton, this holiday park is only a stones throw away from one of Australia’s best wine regions, the Margaret River.
Margaret river
Only a 30 minute drive from Eagle Bay, Margaret river is known for its stunning beaches, craft breweries, boutiques and wineries. It’s also a natural phenomena, attracting whales and rays alike in the local shores.
Start off by visiting Injidup natural spa, a natural rock formation where waves from the ocean crash into and over a picturesque rock pool. This location can get quiet busy so its best to visit in the morning when it’s not at its peak.
The next stop is Hamelin Bay. This is where the sting rays can be found in shallow water. The rays are friendly and will greet you in the water as you wade in. But like any wildlife, please respect the rays and don’t forcibly touch them. You will find that just simply admiring them is enough to take in the experience.
The rays are normally present during the warmer months (November – March) and can be found south of the beach near the jetty in the afternoon, or between 9-10am when they follow the fishermen back into shore.
Lastly, head to a local winery for lunch or dinner at the Margaret river. You can’t go wrong with most of the winery’s in this region, but I did enjoy The Voyager Estate if you are lost as to where to start.
Accomodation
Haemlin Bay caravan park was one of my favourite accomodations. Nestled between sub-tropical Australian bush land and right next to Haemlin Bay jetty, it’s a great option for those wanting to disconnect with everyday life and enjoy the trip.
Denmark
Denmark is a 3 hour and 40 minute drive from the Margaret river and one of my favourite destinations on this road trip! Make sure to factor is some free time to explore some of Denmarks incredible sites such as the insta-famous Elephant rocks!
- Swim at Green Pool and Elephant rocks in the William Bay National Park
- Stroll the tree top walk in the Valley of the Giants
- Climb Gloucester tree
Albany
The next stop will only take a mere 40 minute drive to Albany, making for a relaxing day. Despite only being a small town, it is surrounded by national parks displaying a range of natural beauty, hiking tracks and beaches.
- Go for a hike in the Torndirrup National Park
- Relax at the beach in Two Peoples Bay National Park
- Watch the sunset at Albany Wind Farm
Accomodation
You may be tempted to stay within the Two Peoples Bay National park, however there is much more than what meets the eye in Albany. I vouch for Porongurup caravan park located just North of Albany, Despite being more inland, it is surrounded by beautiful gardens, has friendly service and walking trails to most of the local wineries.
Esperance
The next part of the journey should take approximately 5 hours drive until you reach Esperence. home of the most beautiful beaches in Australia, if not the world! From white sand to the pristine water, It’s hard not to find a picture perfect beach within this area however here are some of my favourites;
Lucky Bay
Arguably the most famous beach out of Esperance where kangaroos can be found bouncing around the shores early in the morning. Although normally friendly, these kangaroos have been desensitised to human contact which can be dangerous, especially around bucks so once again, respect the wildlife.
Hellfire Bay
Flaunting a long stretch of white sand in which melts into the pristine ocean water where dolphins and even whales during migration can be spotted.
Blue Haven beach
This beach sits right on Experiences coastline. Lined with luxurious homes, the long stretch of white sand seems to seamlessly melt into some of the most blue water i’ve seen – theres a reason why its earnt the name of Blue Haven.
Accomodation
Duke of Orleans – Located 85 kms North of Esperance is the Duke of Orleans campground. Set on one of the most pristine beaches of the region, here you can set up and truly connect with wildlife and get the best sunset view within the region.
Lucky Bay – Arguably one of the best camping destinations in Esperance, this coastal based campsite is located within the Cape Le Grand national park, on Lucky Bay’s doorstep! Just make sure you book a campsite well in advanced as it is a popular site and often comes with a waiting list.
Dunns eco park – Located just North of Cape Le Grand national park, the eco park can be found nestled within bushland and filled with some of the best eco camp site facilities i’d seen on this trip!
Wave rock
The drive from Esperance to Perth via Wave rock takes just under 8 hours. The best part about wave rock is that it is smack bang in the middle of the two destinations, making it a great way to break up the drive. If you’re wanting to avoid the crowds, opt for early morning or afternoon before arriving back at Perth.
Wander Mak 
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