Southwest Explorer

Southwest Explorer

From towering forests to whale-watching and fine food and wine to world class surfing, Australia's south west boasts a wealth of experiences along with superb beaches, mammoth caves, potteries, studios and art galleries. Enjoy some of the best Australian wine in Margaret River, take a tree top walk in the famous Valley of the Giants, walk to the end of the world's longest jetty in Busselton and see the dramatic forested cliffs of the south coast.

Our suggested self-drive itinerary takes you from Perth to the buzzing historic port of Fremantle, through the vibrant resort of Mandurah, past the towering Karri forests towards Margaret River and the walking trails of the Stirling Range National Park, before heading back to Perth via one of Australia's most unusual iconic landmarks, Wave Rock.

The route is ideal to explore in your own motorhome and offers a wealth of great campsite choices.

What's Included:

• 9 days' 2-berth motor home hire.
• Unlimited mileage and extra driver fees.
• Linen and bedding.
• Travel Kit, including maps and discount vouchers for camping sites.

Day 1: Perth - Mandurah (44 miles)

Collect your motorhome and head to Fremantle's buzzing heritage-listed streets and browse the weekend markets, soak up history on a walking trail or dine on fresh seafood at Fishing Boat Harbour. Maybe take a boat ride to Rottnest Island where you can spot quokkas and bike ride or kayak to secluded beaches. Back on the mainland continue south to vibrant Mandurah. Swim or snorkel with dolphins and wander the bustling foreshore of Mandjar Bay.
Overnight - Mandurah

Day 2: Mandurah - Dunsborough (114 miles)

Continue south to Bunbury where you can dive the wreck of a scuttled pirate boat and catch crabs and fish from the ocean. Next stop is Busselton, where you an walk along the world's longest timber jetty and peer at coral and fish in the observatory. Today's destination is Dunsborough, overlooking the sparkling waters of Geographe Bay. Dive the HMAS Swan or drive to the Cape Naturaliste lighthouse for panoramic views of the ocean.
Overnight - Dunsborough

Day 3: Dunsborough - Margaret River (35 miles)

Drive through Yallingup and visit one of the quiet beaches or the sheltered lagoon. Walk the coastline in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. Head into the Margaret River region where the pace becomes a pleasurable crawl between wineries and cellar doors. Stock up on wine and gourmet delights and then explore the the spectacular limestone caves.
Overnight - Margaret River

Day 4: Margaret River - Pemberton (87 miles)

Head inland for Nannup, fringed by the Blackwood River and a patchwork of green hills and farmland. Browse the antique stores, old buildings and public garden then head south to Pemberton, which sits in the middle of the majestic karri forest. Walk or horse ride through the forested national parks of Warren, Brockman or Beedelup and picnic next to Beedelup Falls.
Overnight - Pemberton

Day 5: Pemberton - Albany (150 miles)

Wind through the old-growth karri forest of Shannon National Park. The Great Forest Trees Drive features radio broadcasts about the forest and takes you all the way to tranquil Walpole. Here you can walk through the tree-tops in the Valley of the Giants, walk a section of the Bibbulmun Track, or mountain bike part of the Munda Biddi Trail. Drive along forest-fringed coast, stopping to swim at Peaceful Bay and Greens Pool in William Bay National Park. Pass through the village of Denmark and stop in West Cape Howe National Park for a swim. Your last stop is in Albany, on the edge of vast King George Sound.
Overnight - Albany

Day 6: Albany - Stirling Range National Park (290 miles)

Keep hugging the coast, stopping to wander the wildlife reserve and beach of Two Peoples Bay. Or head inland for the wineries around Mount Barker and the walking trails of Stirling Range National Park. The park is home to one of Australia's highest peaks, Bluff Noll, and a staggering array of wildflowers, some of which exist nowhere else on earth.
Overnight - Moingup Springs

Day 7: Stirling Range - Wave Rock (243 miles)

Head north towards Hyden to see one of Australia's most unusual iconic landmarks, Wave Rock. Make the most of a great photo opportunity and 'surf the wave' or see it from a different perspective by following the walking trails around the base.
Overnight - Wave Rock

Day 8: Wave Rock - Merredin (175 miles)

North of Wave Rock, the town of Merredin is set in spectacular countryside and has a rich cultural and military history. Visit the historic Cummins Theatre and follow the Merredin Peak Heritage Trail for scenic views and an insight into 1890’s gold mining.
Overnight - Merredin

Day 9: Merredin - Perth (150 miles)

Take some time to explore Northam and the green hills of the Avon Valley, before arriving in Mundaring. Here you can walk over the dam waters of Mundaring Weir in the Perth hills before returning to the city.