Perth and Margaret River Explorer

Sun, sand and scenery, this five-day, 605-kilometre trip from Perth to Margaret River urges you to kick back and embrace the barefoot luxury synonymous with the South West. Australia’s sunniest capital, Perth is a mash-up of urban sophistication and natural beauty. By day, hit Cottesloe beach, swan around the Swan River, shop for threads at designer boutiques, and explore Kings Park Botanic Garden – a massive green wonderland with panoramic views over the city below. By night, the social scene explodes across the city’s many hotels, celebrated restaurants, alfresco breweries, laneway bars and live music venues. Book an early dinner and check out a ballet, opera or live music performance at the Perth Concert Hall, State Theatre or His Majesty’s Theatre. On Perth’s southern doorstep, Fremantle combines fascinating colonial history with eclectic modern style and a thriving beer and seafood scene. Perk up on the ‘Cappuccino Strip’ and treat your senses at the famous Fremantle Markets. Stop for refreshments at ‘Freo’s’ buzzing restaurants and microbreweries, or soak up the port city’s history at the Maritime Museum and World Heritage-listed Fremantle Prison. Dunsborough – less than three hours from Perth – reconnects you to nature, with white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, whale spotting and glorious Indian Ocean sunsets. Uncover a chamber of secrets and some impressive stalactites and stalagmites at Ngilgi Cave near Yallingup. In Margaret River, foodie folk mingle with wave-catchers in this world-famous surf- and wine-lover’s haven, where the ocean meets the bush. Explore the abundance of world-class wineries, fine restaurants, boutique breweries and art galleries. Add a dose of adventure with fishing, rock climbing, abseiling, mountain biking and canoeing. Or simply follow the magnetic pull of the incredible coastline. This soul-stirring trip can be done year-round, but between August and November catch the wildflowers, Western Australia Gourmet Escape and Fremantle Festival.