Categories > Guides and Tips
Chase waterfalls, conquer peaks, & brave the wild with this Perth to Albany guide!
- Things to Know
- Where to Stay
- The Parade Hotel Bunbury
- Margarets Beach Resort
- Pelicans at Denmark
- Where to Eat
- Mojo's Kitchen, Bar & Bottleshop
- Teddis Big Spoon
- Hidden River Estate
- Things to Do
- Marvel at the waterfall at Serpentine National Park
- Find your zen at Tuart Forest National Park
- Sip and savor vino at Domaine Naturaliste
- Gaze upon the skyline and ocean at Boranup Lookout
- Traverse deep forests via trams at Pemberton Tramway Company
- Splash around in Greens Pool
- See the wild side of Porongurup National Park
- Get stunned by the rock formations of Torndirrup National Park
- Hop aboard the Brig Amity at the Museum of the Great Southern
A journey from Perth to Albany can wipe away the cobwebs, but taking off without a plan is like going off the grid without a GPS—you’re bound to end up somewhere you didn’t want to go!
So we’ve mapped out this odyssey for you, from the detours to make when hunger rears to the adrenaline-pumping escapades that could even drag die-hard couch potatoes off their sofas.
If you’re ready to swap the city’s chaos for untamed forests, sun-kissed vineyards, and Instagram-worthy vistas, we have just the itinerary for you!
Things to Know
Distance from Perth to Albany: 1,578 km
Travel Time: 18 hrs and 52 mins
Where to Stay
The Parade Hotel Bunbury
From parade_hotel
Address: 1 Austral Parade, East Bunbury
Contact Details: (08) 9791 7376
Check-in: 2 pm
Check-out: 10 am
Pricing: $$
Why choose between convenience and scenery when The Parade Hotel Bunbury lets you have both? Here, you can soak in those Leschenault Inlet vistas, all while being a stone’s throw from Bunbury’s main drag.
Their rooms rock a sleek black-and-white color scheme and are loaded with modern perks like reverse-cycle air-con, king-sized beds, and smart TVs. Be ready to hoof it, though; there’s no lift here, so stairs it is.
Margarets Beach Resort
From margaret_river_guest_house
Address: 5 Valley Rd
Contact Details: (08) 9757 2349
Check-in: 2 pm
Check-out: 10 am
Pricing: $$
Whether you’re cruising for love or wrangling with the whole fam, Margaret Beach Resort has your back. Mother Nature puts on a show here, with the Indian Ocean and rolling greenery stealing as the main spectacles.
For rooms, the studios are your wallet’s best friend—fully-equipped kitchenettes, modern TVs, cozy beds, and magical panoramas. But if you’re aiming for luxury, splash out on the larger, more lavish townhouses, beach houses, or spa-equipped bedrooms.
Pelicans at Denmark
From ashbennett777
Address: 65 Inlet Dr, Denmark
Contact Details: 0413 122 176
Check-in: 2 pm
Check-out: 10 am
Pricing: $$
Opting for Pelicans at Denmark turned out to be a stroke of genius for our team. The Wilson Inlet is on full display here, and the pelicans were just icing on the cake for bird lovers like us.
In addition, our sun-drenched, amenity-packed chalet was like something out of a fairy tale—complete with watery views and lush flora. Throw in the outdoor deck with a BBQ to its perks, and you’ll know why we’re already scheming our next visit.
Where to Eat
Mojo’s Kitchen, Bar & Bottleshop
Address: Hoyts Cinema Complex, 2/33 Clifton St, Bunbury
Contact Details: (08) 9792 5900
Operating Hours:
- Tue to Thu – 11 am to 9:30 pm
- Fri to Sat – 8 am to 10 pm
- Sun – 8 am to 9:30 pm
Pricing: $$
We’re serious about modern Australian fare, so it was only right we had our first foodie pit stop at Mojo’s Kitchen, Bar & Bottleshop. Our team had seafood, cured meats, and cheese platters, but trust us, the beef sirloin was the most mouthwatering.
Served alongside house-made wedges and smoked chili aioli, the said dish was a well-rounded heavyweight that fueled and pleased. The meaty, creamy richness was perfectly balanced, while the crispy wedges brought that warm, crunchy goodness.
Teddis Big Spoon
From teddisbigspoon
Address: 113A Bussell Hwy
Contact Details: (08) 9758 8443
Operating Hours: Wed to Sun – 12 pm to 8:30 pm
Pricing: $$
Once you hit Margaret River and those taste buds start hollering for something sharp, Teddis Big Spoon’s Korean-style BBQ bites are your ticket to flavor town.
Not sure what to order? Well, during our visit, the fiery free-range chicken was a total standout, boasting juicy meat with a spicy kick from a hot Korean marinade. The buttery, highly-marbled Wagyu rump was a winner too, though it put a dent in our wallets.
Hidden River Estate
Address: 156 Mullineaux Road Pemberton, Eastbrook
Contact Details: (08) 9776 1437
Operating Hours: Wed to Sun – 11 am to 4 pm
Pricing: $$$
Tucked away in a towering karri forest, Hidden River Estate serves jaw-dropping views. The same adjective could be used for the menu, a mashup of modern European and Middle Eastern culinary magic—think Italian desserts and chutney-centric platters.
What truly wowed us, though, was the plate of beef cheeks. Slow-cooked to perfection, this was a superbly umami option, accented by the zesty pops of finger limes and the nutty, salty sprinkle of A-grade parmesan.
Things to Do
Marvel at the waterfall at Serpentine National Park
From sorrento_beach
Address: 100 Falls Rd, Serpentine
Contact Details: (08) 9525 2128
Operating Hours: Daily 8:30 am to 5 pm
After a quick 55-km jaunt from Perth, we found ourselves at Serpentine National Park, where the waterfall was nothing short of a showstopper. Water cascades like a dream down 15 m of rock, filling a pool that just begged us to dive in.
Sure, there was a $15 fee to get in, but with picnic setups, scenic trails, and blooming wildflowers in spring, it was a deal too good to pass up. There’s even a food truck during weekends, so you’re certainly getting your money’s worth.
Find your zen at Tuart Forest National Park
From theexpatgirl
Address: Higgins Rd, Capel
Contact Details: (08) 9752 5555
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Home to the world’s last pure tuart forest, Tuart Forest National Park is a non-negotiable stop for nature enthusiasts. Thick and healthy trees shooting up to 33 m are the main attractions, but you’ll love the absence of pollution, too.
The best part is you’ll find nothing but peace in the forest’s heart—unless, of course, birdsong drives you mad. You might even spot some sneaky nighttime dwellers, like roos and bush rats, with the occasional rare, unnamed fungi cropping up after a rainy spell.
Sip and savor vino at Domaine Naturaliste
From domainenaturaliste
Address: 160 Johnson Rd, Wilyabrup
Contact Details: (08) 9755 6776
Operating Hours: Daily – 10 am to 5 pm
Domaine Nauraliste showed us exactly why Margaret River’s wine scene lures in thousands. The winery’s views alone are worth the trip, with endless vineyards and the thriving Wilyabrup greenery as backdrop.
When it comes to the pours, the 2022 Artus Chardonnay was the bottle that won us over. The bold butterscotch and pecan notes, bright hints of nectarine and pear, and delicate oaky finish, sealed the deal.
Gaze upon the skyline and ocean at Boranup Lookout
From mslisamonique
Address: Boranup
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Every great trip needs that one simple but unforgettable spot, and on this one, it’s the Boranup Lookout. From sunrise to sunset, this well-kept secret will enchant you with its canopy of 80-m karri trees embraced by the Indian Ocean.
To top it all off, getting to this lookout is a walk in the park. There’s a car park just 200 m from the platform, and picnic tables are spread out across the sunlit forest—just don’t forget your sandwiches and brews.
Traverse deep forests via trams at Pemberton Tramway Company
From ashleigh.bianca
Address: Railway Cres, Pemberton
Contact Details: (08) 9776 1322
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Tue – 9 am to 3:30 pm
- Thu to Sat – 9 am to 3:30 pm
If the thought of hopping on vintage trams that glide through enchanting forests sounds like a dream, then a stop at the Pemberton Railway Station is a no-brainer.
Their hydraulic journey winds through marri and karri woodlands, showcasing wildflowers, rivers, blue skies, birds, and towering trees. You‘ll also enjoy an entertaining commentary, and fur parents can even bring their dogs along for the joyride!
Splash around in Greens Pool
From yuhayong
Address: William Bay Rd, Denmark
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
A Perth to Albany road trip without a stop at Denmark’s Green Pools? Hard pass! You see, this natural swimming hotspot is a road trip essential, especially for those into emerald turquoise waters, powdery shorelines, and giant granite boulders draped in greenery.
It’s also stunning year-round, although summer is when it truly excels. Plus, the waters are bustling with wildlife, hence why snorkelers eager to encounter leatherjackets, sea stars, and zebrafish love diving here.
See the wild side of Porongurup National Park
From punchyandthegeos
Address: Porongurup Rd, Porongurup
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Running into untamed wildlife at Porongurup National Park is hardly a rarity. This sanctuary is home to a diverse range of animals, such as brush-tailed wallabies, western gray kangaroos, bush rats, and bandicoots.
Beyond the wildlife, there’s the Granite Skywalk, an elevated pathway looping around the Castle Rock outcrop. Walking here can get your heart racing, but it’s the ultimate vantage point to see Porongurup Range’s flora and catch a glimpse of the park’s birds.
Get stunned by the rock formations of Torndirrup National Park
From bigworldsmallpockets
Address: The Gap Rd, Torndirrup
Contact Details: (08) 9842 4500
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Torndirrup National Park is a favorite among nature buffs and adrenaline junkies. The rugged and dramatic natural formations here are hard to top, and the most beautiful ones are The Gap and Natural Bridge, both shaped by relentless wind and crashing waves.
What’s more, the park boasts natural blowholes spraying seawater during stormy conditions. There’s also a good chance you’ll spot whales—especially if you brave the challenging but beautiful lookouts at Bald Head and Isthmus Hill during winter.
Hop aboard the Brig Amity at the Museum of the Great Southern
From museumofthegreatsouthern
Address: Princess Royal Dr, Albany
Contact Details: (08) 9841 4844
Operating Hours: Daily – 9:30 am to 4 pm
Boarding the full-scale replica of the Brig Amity, the ship that ferried the first white settlers to WA, felt like a fast-track trip to 1826. Inside, we discovered the tales of the ship’s six-week odyssey from Sydney to King George, a journey that was far from smooth sailing.
We also rubbed shoulders with historical characters, including convicts and soldiers who survived the voyage. Their stories were explained by expert and enthusiastic guides, who answered questions and helped us navigate the quarters below deck.
