Day 1
Arrive in Perth, Australia's Sunniest Capital City
Welcome to Perth! Settle into your comfortable accommodation and relax in Australia's sunniest capital city.
With soft sandy beaches, towering skyscrapers, expansive green parks, and a thriving street art scene, Perth is a captivating city to explore. It's home to one of the largest city parks in the world – Kings Park & Botanic Garden – right in the heart of the city. This is a fantastic spot to get your bearings, with sweeping views of the Swan and Canning rivers.
Perth's urban villages and small bar-bistros offer plenty of dining options to fuel you up for exciting adventures tomorrow.
Accommodation: Adina Apartment Hotel Perth Barrack Plaza - 2 Nights
Day 2
Rottnest Island Day Trip
A 30-minute ferry ride from the city, Rottnest Island is home to sandy beaches, coral reefs, and friendly Quokkas to meet. These cat-sized native creatures are known as the happiest animals in the world!
Hop aboard the Eco Express – a purpose-built, high-powered boat – for the adventure of a lifetime on Rottnest Island’s wild side.
Explore Rottnest's rugged coastline and encounter its abundant wildlife up close. This is the ultimate thrill ride for nature lovers.
The Eco Express takes you all around the island, providing an unforgettable up-close encounter with its birdlife and marine life. You can often spot majestic humpback whales (from September to November) and the New Zealand fur seals that live in a colony at Cathedral Rocks.
The knowledgeable and friendly crew know the best spots to find the island's finned, furred, and feathered residents, offering expert commentary along the way.
Jump off the boat, hop onto your bike, and explore the 83 beaches and 20 bays that Rottnest is famous for!
Day 3
Perth to Busselton via Bunbury - Approximate Distance: 225 km | 139 miles | Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins
Pick up your rental vehicle and head towards the seaside town of Busselton. Along the way, get up close with Western Australia's playful dolphins at Bunbury's Dolphin Discovery Centre.
Discover Bunbury's Dolphins
Bunbury’s street art and obsession with gourmet food and great coffee have made it one of Western Australia’s most exciting cities. It’s also home to some charming Bottlenose Dolphins.
The Dolphin Discovery Centre is a sensational sea life experience with interactive activities to delight all ages. See dolphin feedings, get hands-on in the touching pool, and try not to get sprayed by the resident octopus.
Onwards to Busselton
Arrive in Busselton and take a stroll along the iconic, heritage-listed jetty. Originally built in 1865, the 1.8km jetty even has its own railway! Ride to the end to glimpse colourful fish, tropical corals, and possibly a migrating whale or two between June and November.
Accommodation: Sebel Busselton - 2 Nights
Day 4
Free Day in Busselton
Spend a full day in Busselton for some seaside fun at one of Western Australia's favourite holiday spots.
The Busselton foreshore pathway is perfect for bike rides and scenic walks. Pack a picnic or bring your own goodies to grill on the free barbecue facilities. The shallow beach has calm, clear waters for a safe and relaxing swim.
On the famous Busselton Jetty, there's plenty of fun to be had. Walk the seafloor with the help of a custom-made dive helmet or stay dry at the Jetty’s underwater observatory. Hire see-through kayaks in the summer months and see what you can spot in the waters below. With over three hundred marine species, there’s always something amazing to see.
Day 5
Busselton to Margaret River - Approximate Distance: 50 km | 31 miles | Total Driving Time: 45 mins
Continue your journey to the beautiful Margaret River Region – one of Australia’s best-kept secrets and home to fine boutique wineries and gourmet food producers.
Welcome to Margaret River
The Margaret River Region stretches from Busselton down to Augusta, the most south-westerly point in Australia. The region produces less than 3 per cent of Australia’s wine, but more than a fifth of the country's premium wine originates here.
Brimming with spectacular beaches, coastal trails, world-class surf breaks, and gourmet cuisine, Margaret River is sure to win your heart.
Your home away from home will be a family apartment at Margarets Beach Resort, just 500 metres from pristine Gnarabup Beach.
Accommodation: Margarets Beach Resort - 2 Nights
Day 6
Margaret River Discovery Tour
Embark on the Margaret River Discovery Tour, a luxury 4WD adventure blending wine and nature experiences. Discover the secrets of Terroir, showcasing Margaret River’s world-class wines.
Enjoy a serene canoe trip along the Margaret River, followed by beachside coffee overlooking top surf spots. Explore an ancient waterhole, tasting local honey amid Aboriginal history.
Indulge in a lunch at Fraser Gallop Estate, pairing exquisite wines with regional produce. Conclude with a 4WD journey and cliff-top walk along the Wilyabrup Cliffs, offering breathtaking views and insights into the region’s unique terroir.
Day 7
Margaret River to Albany: See The Valley of the Giants - Approximate Distance: 345 km | 214 miles | Total Driving Time: 4 hours
Head towards the historic Albany, stopping in Denmark to meet some much-loved giants.
Denmark’s Valley of the Giants
The Valley of the Giants is world-famous for the Tree Top Walk, suspended 40 metres high in the canopy of the ancient tingle forest.
The wonderfully named tingle tree is one of the largest timber giants on earth. These giant eucalypts are found only in Western Australia and have been standing here for over 400 years.
The incredible walkway cleverly weaves through the majestic trees without damaging them, giving you close-up views of their trunks and canopies and over the densely forested hills beyond.
Albany
The charming city of Albany marks the first spot where European settlers arrived in Western Australia. Home to elegant public buildings, historic homes, and gracious churches, this heritage town also boasts stunning views from the main street into Princess Harbour's deep blue waters.
Accommodation: Best Western Albany Motel & Apartments - 2 Nights
Day 8
Free Day in Albany
Enjoy a free day to explore the history and heritage of Albany and the world-renowned beaches along the coastline. Try some of our favourite family activities in Albany:
• Tour the Whaling Station Museum and walk the gangplank of a fully restored whaling ship.
• Stroll the white sands of Waterfall Beach – kids will love climbing on the huge boulders along the shore.
• Visit the National Anzac Centre to learn about Australia's war history.
• Walk the Amity Trail through town and admire Albany’s historical buildings.
• Rent bikes and ride the trails to unspoilt beaches and rugged coastline.
Day 9
Return to Perth and Depart - Approximate Distance: 420 km | 261 miles | Total Driving Time: 4 hours 45 mins
Your journey comes to an end as you head back to Perth to return your rental car and board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional Australian experience. We hope you enjoyed your 9-Day South West Explorer Family Self-Drive Tour and will return soon to discover even more highlights of this incredible continent.
