If you’re after a coast-to-coast adventure from Perth to Esperance, exploring the south-west of Western Australia is a dream road trip.
It’s easy to see why.
This picturesque Perth to Esperance road trip covers multiple West Australian holiday destinations with everything from the coastal bush, turquoise beaches (such as beautiful Lucky Bay), historic towns and Karri forests. However, to experience all south-west Western Australia has to offer, you’ll need more than a week or two.
Fortunately for those with limited time, we have put together a Perth to Esperance road trip itinerary and travel guide including some of our favourite highlights.
On this WA road trip, you'll see abundant native Australian wildlife and marine life, explore some of the world’s best beaches and sample wines, craft beers and local food. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back getaway or something more adventurous, the south-west of Western Australia has something for everyone.
Pack your most important road trip gear, write down your road trip bucket list, create the ultimate road trip playlist and let’s escape on your Perth to Esperance drive.
The first stop on your Perth to Esperance road trip itinerary is beautiful Eagle Bay.
Eagle Bay is a coastal town only minutes’ drive from Dunsborough and Yallingup and an easy three-hour road trip from Perth city, Western Australia. However, be prepared to add more time to your schedule to cater for stops along the way as you head from Perth to Esperance.
This road trip route will take you through other coastal hot-spots such as Binningup, Bunbury and Busselton.
Once you hit Eagle Bay, there’s plenty of local produce to indulge in and scenery to soak up.
Follow the coast through Gracetown into Margaret River - Western Australia's surf and gourmet escape.
Think undulating vineyards, lush forests, walking trails and some of the country’s best surf breaks. Day adventures in Margaret River’s centre include bustling shops, cafes and boutique galleries.
At night, the town comes alive with a different scene of food, wine bars and live music, unlike anything you'll find in Perth.
Stopover for a few nights at our Margaret River Tourist Park, close to the beach and other tourist hot-spots. Choose from holiday units, cabins, cottages, ensuite camping sites or powered and unpowered camping sites.
Drive inland via Vasse Highway into Pemberton to discover the town’s timber heritage and experience charming streetscapes. Alternatively, take the coastal route from Perth to Esperance down Bussell Hwy, stopping in at Hamelin Bay, before rerouting to Brockman Hwy towards Pemberton.
The region is renowned for its enchanting forests with Karri trees more than 300 years old. Fun fact: these trees were originally used as fire lookouts in the 1930s.
You can extend this leg of the road trip by venturing inland from Pemberton to explore Diamond Tree, Manjimup and the Karri Forests.
Head back towards the coast to Walpole from Pemberton, weaving through the forests and exploring wildlife trails along the way as you continue your Perth to Esperance road trip.
Walpole is a tourist and local attraction famous for its beaches, rivers and waterways, diverse wilderness and scenic drives.
Be sure to indulge in the local food, vineyards and breweries as well.
Book a few nights at the Walpole Rest Point Caravan Park in the heart of Walpole. Our tourist park staff can organise any local tours or adventures for you as well.
This route brings you back down towards the coast of Denmark into Albany – the first settlement spot in Western Australia.
Hikes are well-catered for in this area as are the gourmet food and winery trails. Discover the maritime history of Albany, visit the local museums or take a short drive to Frenchman Bay to tour the old whaling station.
As you drive past Denmark, stop in at Elephant Rocks and Elephant Cove for some amazing views off the beach. Park at the Greens Pool car park before taking a scenic ten-minute walk down the track to the cove.
The longest drive along the route from Perth to Albany and Albany to Esperance follows the outskirts of Fitzgerald River National Park into Ravensthorpe before you arrive at Hopetoun.
Make sure you set off early for this one. Depart Albany via Porongurup National Park along Chester Pass Road.
This drive from Albany to Esperance through Hopetoun is a favourite for native flora lovers with 750 native plant species found in the area. Wildflower enthusiasts are encouraged to visit Ravensthorpe in September for the flower show.
As you drive further East, stop off at Bremer Bay and enjoy the beautiful local beach.
Esperance is a haven for unspoiled beaches and extensive national parks such as Cape Le Grand National Park.
Take the National Route for a scenic road trip to Esperance.
When you get there, the best way to explore Esperance is with a 4WD, as many of the beaches are open to drivers with designated 4WD tracks that meander through National Parks.
In Esperance, you’ll also be able to witness the whitest beach sand in Australia at Lucky Bay, arguably Esperance’s biggest drawcard.
It’s easy to spend a week in Esperance with the number of attractions and things to do. Stay at our Esperance Bay Holiday Park, which has multiple accommodation options to suit all travellers.
Driving from Perth through the south-west of WA is a relatively straightforward drive. However, if you like to explore, it’s easy to stay more than a night at the stopovers listed on our itinerary.
Although the mentioned times are accurate according to Google Maps, this road trip can take days or weeks, depending on how long you choose to stay at a location or whether you get side-tracked with other adventures.
Alternatively, if you're located in Esperance and plan to visit Perth, take this road trip itinerary in reverse from Esperance to Perth. Be sure to stop off at many of the local beaches along the coastal trip as you make the long journey from Esperance to Perth.
After all, it’s often the stops along the way that make for a satisfying adventure.
Experienced south-west WA before and want to give up north a shot?
If you're searching for one of the best road trips in the northern corridor of WA, be sure to check out our Ultimate Road Trip Along the Coral Coast.
For more travel tips or West Australian accommodation information, contact us to see how we can help you plan your next WA adventure.
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