Who says road trips are just about the destination? On the Perth to Albany road trip, which is one of my favourites in WA, you’ll pass some of the most gorgeous beaches and picture-perfect towns in the state.
Technically, you could drive from Perth to Albany in about five hours if you pushed through, but you’d miss out on so much. That’s why I recommend taking at least five days, or even stretching it to a week, to really make a holiday out of your journey.
No matter what time of year you decide to tackle this trip, there’s always something special waiting. Head down in winter and you might catch the whale migration off Albany, which people travel from all over the country to see. Spring is wildflower season, when the roadsides and fields light up with colours that are pretty much begging for a photo op, and summer, of course, is the best time for beach-hopping and swimming in the sea.
Overview: Perth to Albany Drive
Here are a few must-know facts before you go ahead and do the big drive:
- Inland route: 4 hours 40 minutes (420km)
- Coastal/road trip route: 7 hours 20 minutes of driving (645km)
- Time needed for the road trip: Minimum 5 days one-way, minimum 6-7 days for a return trip.
- Rex also offers flights between Perth and Albany, which take 1 hour and 10 minutes.
The Inland Route
If you’re in a rush, your best bet is taking the inland route. We usually drive the inland route through Dwellingup and stop at the Quindanning Hotel for a bite to eat before joining the Albany Highway.
However, if you have time, we highly recommend turning your road trip into a mini-holiday and driving the coastal route!
The Coastal Route: Must-See Stops Along The Way
Busselton
Busselton is all about its famous Jetty – it’s the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere, stretching a whopping 1.8 kilometres into the sea. Start your visit with a walk down the jetty or catch a ride on the solar-powered Jetty Train to skip straight to the end. There, check out the Underwater Observatory where you can spy on fish and coral through the glass without getting wet, thanks to several viewing windows set up to 8 metres below the surface.
After the jetty, grab a coffee or some killer local ice cream and pop into the quirky shops along the foreshore. If you start craving something more substantial, Busselton has heaps of great dinner spots. Our go-to when in Busselton is the Shelter Brewing Co. The pizzas here are amazing, and their beer-tasting platters are certainly not bad either! There’s also a brand new Hilton right on the waterfront that could be worth spending the night at.
Margaret River
Margaret River is where you go to hit the surf or sip some amazing wines. If you’re a pro surfer with some serious skills, Surfers Point is the spot. Surfers Point is also a hub for backpackers, so you’ll often find lots of camper vans and people gathering here to catch up and watch the epic sunsets. If you’re down near Surfers Point, the White Elephant Cafe is one of our favourite spots for a bite to eat.
Whilst Surfers Point is the pro hotspot, local surf schools will have you up and riding in no time at beginner spots like Redgate Beach even if you’ve never been on a board.
Not into surfing? No worries. The caves around here are epic. Lake Cave, for instance, has insane stalactites hanging from the ceiling that dip right into the crystal-clear water below. It looks like something out of a fantasy movie! Ngili Caves is another popular spot, but personally I don’t like the caves because I get claustrophobic!
When you’re done with the beach and caves, head over to Voyager Estate. This place is an experience and a half when it comes to all things wine. You can tour their vineyards, see where they make the wine, and then taste it right there. And the food is just as good, with fresh, local ingredients turned into dishes that’ll blow you away.
Make sure to drop by a smaller spot too, like Arimia. It’s tucked away and offers a laid-back vibe where everything you eat is grown right on their farm or sourced locally. It’s the kind of place you can chill, eat well, and feel like you’re just hanging out in someone’s backyard.
Pemberton
Pemberton is the spot for some serious tree admiration. It’s home to karri trees, some of the tallest in the world, that shoot up to about 90 metres tall. Check out the Gloucester Tree while you’re there and climb to the top for epic views from 58 metres above the ground.
For a cool drive, take the Karri Forest Explorer route. It’s a loop through the forest that takes you past some awesome picnic spots and waterfalls – perfect for stretching your legs or just chilling for a bit. Also, Pemberton’s wineries are worth a visit. They might be smaller than Margaret River’s, but places like Hidden River offer a chill vibe where you can meet the folks who make the wine and taste something different from the usual big-name wines.
The Pemberton Hotel is a pleasant spot for a short stay. It has a really relaxed atmosphere with a country pub feel which we love. The RAC at Karri Valley is also a good spot with lots of nature walks, hikes, and farms in the area.
Denmark
On the way to Denmark, don’t miss out on the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, a crazy walkway that gets you up 40 metres above the forest floor, right up in the tree canopy.
When you finally arrive in Denmark, your first stop should be Greens Pool. It’s pretty much the top chill spot in Denmark, perfect for a swim with huge rocks shielding you from the big ocean waves. It’s also one of my favourite stops on the Perth to Albany road trip!
Right next door is Elephant Rocks, a cool rock structure in a sheltered bay and yes, if you squint, they totally look like giant elephants chilling in the water. These beaches are awesome for lounging or snorkelling. Finish your day at Waterfall Beach, where there’s an actual waterfall hitting the beach, or at Ocean Beach to catch a killer sunset.
Albany
Albany’s the kind of place you go for a mix of history and epic coastlines. Start at the National ANZAC Centre, easily one of the top museums in WA. It gives you a real personal look into what the ANZACs went through during WWI through interactive displays – super impactful and worth the visit. Get your tickets here!
Then, head over to The Gap and Natural Bridge in Torndirrup National Park. Visiting The involves standing on a platform over a 24-metre drop to the ocean. It’s a real adrenaline rush! Natural Bridge is just a short walk away, and it’s a massive rock formation that looks like something from another planet.
Finish your day wandering around Albany’s old town. It’s packed with cool little shops and historic buildings that give you a taste of the past without making it feel like a history lesson. Whale watching from King George Sound is a must-do if you’re in Albany between June and October, and seeing those giants up close is something you’ll talk about for years.
Albany is always a great stay, and we always choose to book a night or two at Dolphin Lodge Albany, which is in a fantastic location and offers comfortable accommodation.
Perth to Albany Road Trip Itinerary
I recommend spending around 5 days road tripping between Perth and Albany. That gives you plenty of time to check out the top sights along the route and linger in places you really like.
Here’s my suggested Perth to Albany road trip itinerary:
- Day 1: Depart from Perth and head to Busselton. Spend the afternoon exploring Busselton Jetty and the Underwater Observatory, then enjoy dinner on the foreshore and stay overnight.
- Days 2&3: Drive to Margaret River in the morning. Spend the next two days surfing, visiting wineries, exploring caves, and indulging in the local food scene. Stay overnight in Margaret River.
- Day 4: In the morning, drive to Pemberton to climb the Gloucester Tree. Afterwards, continue to Denmark to relax at Greens Pool and enjoy a wine tasting at Singlefile Wines. Overnight in Denmark.
- Day 5: In the morning, explore Denmark’s local markets before driving to Albany. Visit The Gap and Natural Bridge in the afternoon. In the early evening, wander around Albany’s historic town centre before spending the night there.
Perth to Albany Tours
Don’t want to drive, but still want to check out the epic sights along this route? You’re in luck, because there are actually two guided tours that will take you on this journey!
The first is this three-day tour departing Perth and covering Pemberton, the Valley of the Giants, a brief stop at Denmark, and then all of the brilliant Albany attractions – The Gap and Natural Bridge in Torndirrup National Park, before making your way back to Perth via Wave Rock. It’s perfect for first-timers who want to leave the driving to someone else!
Check availability and current prices here!
Your second option is slightly more expensive, but lasts for an extra day, giving you some all-important time to delve into Margaret River along the way. On this fabulous tour your accommodation and meals are included, and you’ll make all of the most important stops along the way – as well as visiting Wave Rock on the drive back to Perth.
Check availability and current prices here!
Our Top Tips!
- Wildlife caution: Be vigilant for wildlife, especially kangaroos, lurking at the side of the road, particularly at dawn and dusk when they’re most active. If you see one, slow down – they have a tendency to jump into the road, which could write off your car!
- Pack for all weather: The weather can change quickly as you move from coastal to inland areas, so bring layers that you can add or remove as needed – especially in winter!
- Fuel up: While there are plenty of places to stop for petrol, it’s a good idea to fill up when you can, especially before heading into more remote stretches like between Pemberton and Denmark.
- Local produce: Take advantage of the chance to try local produce! Busselton and Margaret River have great farmers’ markets where you can pick up fresh snacks for the road.
- Timing your visits: Try to visit popular spots like Greens Pool and the Tree Top Walk early in the morning to avoid the crowds and fully enjoy the peace of these beautiful places.
- Stay connected: Mobile reception can be patchy in more remote areas, so download maps and travel guides for offline use. Maps.me is a great offline maps app.
- Check opening times: Especially for wineries and smaller attractions their opening hours can be quite erratic – some may have seasonal hours or require bookings.
- Road conditions: Be prepared for varying road conditions. While main roads are well-maintained, access to some beaches and parks may be on unsealed roads.
It’s Time to Plan Your Perth to Albany Road Trip
There you have it – the best stops along the Perth to Albany WA road trip route! Whether you’re exploring the historic jetties, tasting world-class wines, or enjoying the stunning views from coastal cliffs, this is one of my favourite journeys in Western Australia. I’m sure it’ll soon become yours, too.
So, with this tried-and-tested info under your belt, it’s time to get planning, pack your bags, and hit the road! If you’re looking for more travel inspiration for epic WA adventures, you’ll want to check out my other WA road trip posts!
