WESTERN  AUSTRALIA SOUTHWEST 13 days

This itinerary visits cosmopolitan Perth, maritime Fremantle, Rottnest Island, the Margaret River region, and the rugged coastal scenery and parks of Denmark and Albany in the southwest region.

Western Australia, covering the entire western third of the country, is made up mostly of the arid Outback. Its population is concentrated in its fertile southwest corner, home to the Margaret River wine region and the riverside capital, Perth.

Not to be confused with the European country, Denmark, W.A. (423 km south-east of Perth) and Albany are both home to gorgeous beaches, thick forests and incredible natural pools.

Essential Tips:

• Travel Adaptor - Type I

• Visa required - register online‍ ‍

• Entry fees for visiting National Parks

• Travel Guide: Lonely Planet Western Australia

• ⛽️ Gas stations in remote parts of W.A. are far apart, so fill up whenever possible.

DAY 1

• Arrive at Perth Airport and transfer to your hotel. <where to stay>

• Perth, the biggest city in Western Australia, is between the Indian Ocean and the Australian outback. It’s famous for beautiful beaches, stunning sunsets, clean air, parks, great food, and the most sunshine hours in Australia.

• If time permits, explore or dine in Northbridge. Many nationalities live there, resulting in a wide range of ethnic and international cuisine options. Go there for a good meal and a relaxing evening.

• Overnight: Perth

DAY 2

• Visit Fremantle - discover Australia's best-preserved 19th-century port.

• Fremantle is known for its maritime history and Victorian architecture.

  • Visit Fremantle Prison(UNESCO World Heritage Site)

    • It's a significant example of a convict-built prison and one of the best-preserved in the world. 

    • Explore eerie tunnels, convict history, and nighttime ghost tours.

  • WA Maritime Museum and the WA Shipwrecks Museum.
    —Home to historic vessels and shipwrecks, including Australia's winning America's Cup yacht, Australia II.

  • Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbor - a backdrop of lively boardwalk restaurants, bars, and cafes line the harbor.

    • Enjoy Indian Ocean fresh seafood and craft beers.

  • Relax at the bustling, centrally located Cappuccino Strip (South Terrace) with al fresco dining and coffee round the clock, making Fremantle a social hub. <Eat and drink>

• Activities <Learn more>

• Overnight: Fremantle

• Distance: Perth ---> Fremantle. 30 minutes

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DAYS 4 and 5

• Spend two (2) days discovering what to see and do on Rottnest Island.

• The island features a casual atmosphere, picturesque scenery, and some of the world's finest beaches and bays.

  • Bike route.

  • Pedal & Flipper - with over 1,890 bikes and specialty equipment available for hire. Located behind the Hotel Rottnest.

  • Top snorkeling spots.

• Relax at the superb beaches. <monthly beach water temperature>

• ℹ️ Eat and drink guide.

• Overnight: Rottnest Island

DAY 6

• Depart Rottnest Island by ferry back to Fremantle and continue to Bunbury.

• Stop at the Dolphin Discovery Centre - a dolphin centre in the bay where many dolphins gather, best seen in the morning.

  • The best time to visit is from early November to March.

• Afterward, drive to Yallingup - the coastal scenery is spectacular. Considered one of the world’s best surfing locations.

  • Tip: If staying at Smiths Beach Resort, stop in Dunsborough between Bunbury and Yallingup — it’s 10 minutes from Yallingup with excellent supermarkets and delis to stock local Margaret River wine and cheese.

• Walk or relax at the ‘famous’ Smith’s Beach.

• Overnight: Yallingup (3 nights). We recommend the Smiths Beach resort.

• Distance:

  Ferry: Rottnest Island ----> Fremantle. 25 min. one way.

  Fremantle ---> Bunbury. 2 hrs.

  Bunbury ---> Yallingup. 1.5 hrs.

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DAYS 7 and 8.

Two (2) fun days in the Margaret River region. Margaret River offers world-class wine alongside an unspoiled coastline, as well as stunning inland rivers and tall-timber forests.

• On Day 7: North & Wine

  • Morning: Relax at Smith’s Beach. — the beach is widely considered one of the most stunning and "quintessential" beaches in the Margaret River region. It offers a perfect blend of high-end luxury and raw, natural beauty.

    • The Vibe: Expansive, pristine, and "barefoot luxury." It feels secluded yet is home to some of the area's best accommodation.

    • The Landscape: A broad stretch of soft white sand between dramatic limestone cliffs and clear turquoise water.

  • Afternoon: Take a guided tour around Margaret River wineries and breweries or just relax at the beach.

    • Wine for Dudes-a “must” for people who love Wine, Food, and a Good time

    • Surf N’ Dirt Adventures - offers adventure and wine tours.

  On Day 8: Deep South & Forest

  • Morning: Drive south via Caves Road through Boranup Forest; see Hamelin Bay stingrays.

    • Relax at gorgeous Hamelin Bay - A top place in Australia to see calm, friendly stingrays up close that are not scared of people swimming or wading nearby.

  • Afternoon: Visit Boranup Gallery or tour Lake Cave on the drive back north.

• Tip: Always take Caves Road between Yallingup and Hamelin Bay — one of Australia’s most scenic drives through
  Boranup Karri Forest. On the way back, stop at Boranup Gallery or Lake Cave for photos of the big trees. Later, head north to Yallingup via the Bussell Highway — a straight dual carriageway that gets you back quickly and safely without the winding forest bends.

• Overnight: Yallingup.

• Distance:

  Smith’s Beach ---> Hamelin Bay. 1.5 hr.