When life throws you only 7 days for a Western Australia Road Trip, you know you will only scratch the surface of Australia’s largest State. Decisions, decisions!
Designing our Western Australia road trip
Our FIT Travel Style
We’re not so interested in a mad dash around, ticking off bucket list destinations. We’ve always loved that well-known travel term, FIT travel. Free Independent Travellers (FIT) do their own thing in their own time. We are our own travel agent and reservation booking agent. We prefer non-organised tours and space in our schedule for the ‘Stop! That looks nice’ visits.
We delight in slower travel, we’re seeking a tucked-away lunch, an ocean beach wander, and an element of the unknown or make-it-up as we travel along.
If you’re the sort of visitor that wants to see all the major sights then check out Tourism Australia’s Top Things to Do in Western Australia.
Our Accommodation Style
With the exception of one luxury resort splurge, our stays are chosen as mid-range motels or local Bed and Breakfast.
Day 1 – Perth Airport to Cervantes
We hired a 2WD car with No Birds Bayswater with Perth Airport pick-up, all very easy but importantly available. We tried several of the major car rental places none had availability. Tip: Book Ahead!
Drive time 2 hours 20 mins (211 km)
For this full day itinerary check out: The Pinnacles Desert (Nambung National Park)
What to See and Do
We choose the coastal route to Cervantes, joining the Indian Ocean Drive heading north.The roads are good in Western Australia. You have various opportunities to stop along the way at Yellongona & Yanchep National Parks. We headed for Lancelin, the start of our other worldly landscapes for the day.
Lancelin Sand Dunes (1.5 hrs north of Perth)
A well-known destination for off-the-road driving and sand boarding on dunes of white sand. Fun for all ages. The 2km of sand dunes are found inland from the township of Lancelin.
The Pinnacles Desert
The Pinnacles Desert was the big draw card for us! Found in Nambung National Park, 15 mins drive from Cervantes. These lunar like ancient limestone formations are one of Australia’s most fascinating natural landscape. They date back 25,000-30,000 years. You can view them on foot via the Emu bush walk. The 1.5 km trail through the desert starts at the Discovery Centre where there is a viewing platform.
Or you can drive 4.5k through the barren landscape. This drive is suitable for 2WD vehicles. The entry fee to the National Park is $15.00 per vehicle. For more see: The Pinnacles Desert (Nambung National Park)
Wandering Cervantes Town
There’s not a whole heap to do in the small fishing town of Cervantes. Holiday makers stay for the Pinnacles and are attracted to stay longer to enjoy it’s crystal clear waters and natural beauty. Relaxing, boating and fishing are the order of the day.
Lake Thetis
Whilst you’re into admiring the geology of the area you might like to stop by Lake Thetis to admire the stromatolites in Cervantes. The what, do I hear you ask? This region is full of interesting geology!
Where to Eat
Off Shore Cafe Lancelin
We stopped off for brunch at the Off Shore Cafe in Lancelin, a welcome break after our Melbourne dawn start. Here you will find a shady garden, great coffee, and friendly staff await.
The Lobster Shack
Cervantes is a famous cray fishing town and you should not miss eating rock lobster at the 𝐋𝐨𝐛𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐜𝐤. We were lucky to be offered a waterfront table by arriving after 2 pm. Lunch was delicious, those locally caught lobsters are so tasty! You can also join a Factory Tour which gives an insight into the region’s multi-million dollar lobster industry.
Note: The restaurant is large, popular, and gets extremely busy. Open for lunch daily 11.00 – 3.00 pm. Book ahead or come late.
Where to Stay
Pinnacles Edge Resort
We chose the 𝐏𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐄𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐭, Cervantes, a 4-star hotel. Our Studio room was comfortable but nothing flash. We had everything we needed in this en-suite room, we slept well. The room had a double and single bed, aircon, good wifi and a large accessible bathroom. There is a swimming pool on site and it is a short walk to the beach.
Day 2 – Cervantes to Margaret River
Drive time 5 hours 10 mins (466 km)
What to See and Do
This was a long drive but there is always something to see along the way! We liked the sound of Dolphin and Whale Watching in Bunbury and a wander along the 1.8km Busselton Jetty. We were driving to see friends for a cuppa en-route so did none of these.
Where to Stay
Margaret River Motel (2 nights)
This 3 Star Margaret River Motel with a pool in Margaret River was a fab choice in the centre of town and easy to walk everywhere. We love the Margaret River region. There are great wineries and some lovely walks amidst spectacular scenery and a wonderful coastline. We enjoyed watching the birds from our window in our large and comfortable en-suite room.
Where to Eat
The town offers plenty of dining and shopping, we chose the Settlers Tavern – winner of ‘Best Entertainment Venue’ in the Australian Hospitality Awards (WA) This buzzing pub, known for it’s live music in the town centre serves hearty food. We also enjoyed La Scarpetta Trattoria and good choice if you like homestyle Italian food. Both were packed so book ahead!
Margs Cafe
A fabulous choice for a good value brekkie. Margs Cafe is found in a shopping centre, but don’t let that put you off. This cafe in the heart of Margaret River specialises in breakfast, lunch and gourmet panini.
Day 3 – Exploring Margaret River
What to See and Do
Margaret River Wineries
A Western Australia Road Trip to enjoy the vineyards and wine tasting is a must. Everyone will have their own favourites, you can check out the Best Wineries in Western Australia Try Vasse Felix who we first visited ten years ago. We’re still talking about their outstanding wines and the superb reception we received.
We went wine tasting and shopping at Cape Mentelle. It’s one of Margaret River’s ‘founding five’ wineries and has a lovely colonial style estate. In the summer months they hold an outdoor cinema ‘Movies at Cape Mentelle‘
Cape Naturaliste Walk Trails
The 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐞 Trail is 123 kms land generally takes walkers around 7 days to enjoy with stunning coastal scenery. We did shorter sections as we could on our Western Australian Road Trip. We enjoyed the trails found in the 𝐋𝐞𝐞𝐮𝐰𝐢𝐧-𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤. Walking under the shade of trees on a warm sunny day is one of life’s great pleasures.
Ellensbrook Coastal Loop via Cape to Cape track
The Ellensbrook trail: ‘Great hike with lots of varied scenery (beach, dunes, forest). Just remember to go clockwise (towards the homestead first) otherwise you’ll end up climbing a massive sand dune’.
Tip❗️There were lots of pesky flies but with a fly net over my hat I could stop doing the Aussie wave!
Where to Stay
Margaret River Motel (2 nights)
Day 4 – Margaret River via Hamelin Bay to Bunker Bay
Drive time: 2 hours 42 mins (km)
What to see and do
Berry Farm Margaret River
There is plenty of birdlife in Western Australia and The Berry Farm outside Margaret River is the best place to find blue wrens – so we had to go there! With a pretty Cottage Cafe and gardens, a gift shop selling gourmet food, delicious fresh jam and wines, as well as pick your own berries it’s a delightful place to visit.
Hamelin Bay Stingrays
There’s a buzz about Hamelin Bay when you find yourself in WA. Strangers ask whether you have been there yet and backpackers are forever searching for transport to get there. Why the furore?
Well, three things…. stunning beauty, historical artifacts, and black stingrays.
We thoroughly recommend a day trip to see the Hamelin Bay Stingrays that appear in the shallow waters of this beautiful Bay. The best time to visit is 9-10 am.
Prevelly
The coastal town of Prevelly was a chance stop off for us in search of a great lunch spot (see below) Surfers will know it for it’s world class surf breaks and those on the Cape to Cape coastal track will enjoy the views.
Where to Eat
Sea Garden Cafe Prevelly
Sea Garden Cafe has a laid back surfer vibe with a great casual cafe menu, and well loved for their Nachos. You can’t miss the Prevelly Surf Board Fence, it is claimed to be the longest in Australia. The coffee is great. It has a distance view of the Ocean and is within walking distance of Surfers Point The coastal town of Prevelly was a chance stop off for us in search of a great lunch spot.
Where To Stay
Pullman Bunker Bay Resort (2 nights)
A beautiful beach wedding at Bunker Bay took us to the 5 Star luxury and over priced Pullman Bunker Bay Resort. There are 150 luxury villas, with nice facilities; swimming pool, tennis court, spa. The highlight of the stay is the spectacular and unspoiled sands of Bunker Bay.
Day 5 – Bunker Bay
What to see and do
We took an early morning walk along the stunning Bunker Bay at the resorts edge. It was a pristine setting for a wedding and we enjoyed this very special wedding but also for the introduction to a beach that we probably would not have found on our own.
Cape to Cape Track
We couldn’t resist spending more time out wandering the Cape to Cape trail. We rarely passed other walkers and had beaches to ourselves. Good for the fitness and good for the soul!
Wedding at Bunker Bay
If you are looking for a stunning and memorable wedding on the beach venue, then look no further than Bunker Bay. The wedding was a short wander along the beach at Bunkers Beach House.
Where To stay
Pullman Bunker Bay Resort (2 nights)
Day 6 – Bunker Bay to Northam
Drive time 3 hours 51 mins (350 km)
Wanted to make the most of the large hours in Bunker Bay we had an early morning wander, a leisurely breakfast at the resort and a late check out, our Western Australia Road Trip can wait!
What to See and Do
Cape Naturaliste Walk Trails – Bunker Bay loop
There are so many walking trails to take in Western Australia. The Cape Naturaliste Track offers stunning ocean views and Bunker Bay beach views.
Avonbrook Wines
At Clackline a 15 minute drive (19 km) from Northam.
It’s a quirky place, wine and crystals and native American crafts. Wine tastings are free of charge. There is a cafe on site and you might be tempted by coffee and cake but do not miss Carol’s famous cheese platters.
Where To Stay
Roseneath Cottage
We stayed at the lovely 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞. This pretty newly renovated cottage was a good choice in the town it offers a couple of bed and breakfast rooms with ensuite bathrooms. Well positioned in the centre of town but note no Wifi.
Day 7 – Northam via Silo Trail & York to Perth
Drive time 1 hours 42 mins (132 km)
Northam
We visited Northam to see the Wheatbelt countryside and to enjoy some of the Silo Art Trail. We found a sleepy town which gave an interesting insight to Western Australian life away from the main commercial or touristy areas.
Northam Visitor Centre
The staff at this Visitor Centre are delightful, and a lovely source of local info. There is a small gift shop and a cafe overlooking the River Avon.
𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐲𝐚 𝐊𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐣𝐚
𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐲𝐚 𝐊𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐣𝐚 cultural centre which was sadly shut when we visited but has good reviews:
‘The Centre will protect, celebrate and share the culture of the Nyoongar people and highlight land management practices that draws upon the knowledge of the land’s traditional custodians’.
Avon River
Northam make a big thing of their majestic white swans that have a breeding ground along the River Avon. This is the only place in the world where black swans are native. There is a Suspension Bridge over the water which is good for a wander. Check out the Swan street art at the 𝐎𝐥𝐝 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐥 and see swans with cygnets on Avon River across the road
Public Silo Trail
Discovering WA’s largest outdoor Art Gallery. Be aware stopping to admire these phenomenal paintings is not always easy as they are working grain silos. We stopped by the side of the road for these photos. These world class murals by internationally acclaimed artists span 200 kilometres of unique landscapes in six locations.
It’s not just for a Western Australian Road Trip, the 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐨 𝐀𝐫𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥 starts here in Northam & ends 8,500 km later in Queensland. These huge painted silos and water towers across the land connects rural communities through art and are magnificent.
I love that the silo art attracts tourism to regional areas that need our tourism dollars. Discovering Silo Art is a perfect addition to a Western Australia Road Trip itinerary.
York
York is full of heritage buildings with the claim to fame being that it is the oldest inland town in WA. We took a road trip detour here to find yet another sleepy town by the River Avon with a suspension bridge. York is a nice place for a wander full of cafes, a bric a brac shop, Penny Farthing Sweets, the York Motor Museum. We enjoyed the cafe/art gallery Botanicalia.
Final thoughts
Our 7-day Western Australia Road Trip took us to white sandy beaches, the World Heritage wonders of The Pinnacles Desert, we wandered along the Cape to Cape Trail, sampled award-winning wineries, had a memorable up close and personal experience with stingrays, and an unforgettable Aussie wedding. It was a fabulous trip.
My motto is always leave something to return to and you, Western Australia have given me so much I want to return to. There’s Broome and Cable Beach by Camel, Rottnest Island and Quokka’s, Busselton Jetty, Ningaloo Reef, The Kimberly Region, and Lucky Bay where the Kangaroos live on the beach.
I’m counting down my days to return back for our next Road Trip in Western Australia.
For more Western Australia wanderings see:
- Hamelin Bay Stingrays WA
- The Pinnacles Desert, Nambung National Park
- Little Wandering Wren’s The Good Hotel Guide
4 comments
I like the way you travel — we’re definitely FIT also when we can be. Not as widely T as you are, but same idea. Looks like a wonderful trip.
Thank you Sallie – FIT is definitely to way to see the world in Australia, it’s so easy to have a wonderful trip here. Thanks so much for stopping by.
Wren x
Yep. WA is a huge state and there is so much to see and explore. I have lived here all my life and there are still bits I haven’t managed to get to. You squeezed a lot into only 7 days! Happy and safe travels!
Hi Jill, I’m so happy to see you here, as a lifelong WA resident. You live in a beautiful state, I kept saying to Mr Wren we should move here! It was a great trip. Thanks for stopping by.
Wren x