After overnighting in Cervantes, we recommend heading back to the Pinnacles Desert for sunrise to watch as this magical place erupts from an otherworldly expanse of shadowy sentinels into the light of day. At The Gap, a new cantilevered platform hovers out over a narrow fissure in the sheer cliffs for a thrilling view of the crashing sea 40 metres (130 feet) below. I park myself atop a high rock overlooking the dazzling water and boulders of Elephant Cove below, while John climbs down into the inlet to explore further. Win! Theres quite a lot to explore at the centre and if youre into this kind of heritage, you could definitely dedicate a couple of hours to the visit. Garys family history in this area goes back generations, and his passion for the nature and wildlife of the delicate Walpole and Nornalup Inlets Marine Park is absolutely contagious. Depart Albany via Porongurup National Park along Chester Pass Road. He insists the panoramic views and sense of achievement were worth it, even as his leg muscles went into meltdown and had him limping for days. 6330.1. This is just as awesome as the canopy walk, with ancient ents like the Grandma Tingle keeping vigil, birds zipping about, and native critters ferreting through the undergrowth. Seeing the artefacts of the fateful voyage set out around a massive section of raised and carefully restored stern, brings it all back to gruesome reality. All Rights Reserved. For specific information on travelling to the state of Western Australia (WA), where this road trip itinerary takes place, head here. Published on www.hacendo.com 20 Feb 2023. . From the Valley of the Giants, its around 50 km (31 miles) to our next overnight destination, the cute little town of Denmark. As you approach Walpole, take a quick stop and swing by Walpole-Nornalup National Park and enjoy the Valley of Giants Treetop Walk. Depending on what time you depart Perth today, you could explore a bit more of the town, or head to Cottesloe Beach or back to Fremantle for a final brekkie or lunch. Save. The straight-line route to Albany is one that I've taken many times over the years, eager to get to the Southern Ocean coast. *Terms and conditions apply. Its around 45 minutes from Bunbury to Busselton, and we arrive early afternoon. Tip: If youre coming from Walpole, keep your eyes peeled for the lookout on the right as you travel along Hilltop Road its a majestic forest-framed view to the Southern Ocean. Weve pre-booked the first ferry out from B Shed in Fremantle and the last one back, to max our time on the island. This will help you keep track of who has RSVPed and which tasks need to be done in time for the event. Perth to Albany via Albany Hwy. After the tour, we hitch a ride back to shore aboard the little red train that runs on tracks the length of the jetty. Total driving distance appx. . Sure, in peak periods crowd numbers swell. Some trees have been recorded with a circumference of 22+ metres (72+ feet) at the base. Pemberton itself is pretty low-key its main road boasts a sprawling historic pub, a couple of restaurants and a cool whisky bar (naturally). Pemberton WA. There are fifty-odd Pemberton wineries, and while there are far fewer cellar doors, its absolutely worth taking time out to visit at least one to sample the cooler climate wares. As Australian road trips go, Albany isn't too far from Perth. The shoulder periods between March May (Aussie Autumn) and September November (Aussie Spring) are said by many to be the nicest times of year, though chilling out by a fire with a Margaret River cab sav in winter has definite appeal for us. There's plenty to do around Pemberton, including visiting the cascading waterfalls in Gloucester National Park, which are accessible on an easy 1.2-kilometre trail. One of the best ways to get to Pemberton is to hire a car from Perth Airport. You can get to Albany in about an hour by flying with Regional Express. As a major city, you can fly directly to Perth from various cities around the world and from a bunch of places within Australia (ironically, theres not much time difference in a flight from Singapore to Perth and a flight from Sydney to Perth!). Alternatively, if you just want to stretch your legs after two weeks of driving, then there are a bunch of guided and self-guided walking tours in Perth city. If you don't have much time, you could skip the Margaret River region, and take a more direct route from Perth to Denmark via Bridgetown, Manjimup, Pemberton, and Walpole to Denmark. As a birder, Ive also brought my binoculars in the hopes of an end-of-season glimpse of the red-tailed tropic birds that nest on the rock over the summer months (no joy, but thats birding). We recognise the continuing connection to land, waters and community. Once you leave Pemberton, you will head south either via the main highway or the village of Northcliffe. There are RAC 50kw DC at various locations but reliability is poor. We also pack a lot into todays itinerary, which means we see plenty but we dont get a lot of time in each place. Were Danielle and John: a couple of incurable travellers on a journey together to seek out the very best travel experiences on our beautiful planet. The thing about planning a road trip in Australia is that distances can be as epic as the nature itself, so its vital to take a pragmatic approach to just how much you can see and do with the time you have (fun fact: the state of Western Australia is ten times the size of the UK!). When you see a white pole with an orange life-ring, turn towards the sea and make your way carefully down the slope until you see the sign for the blowholes. Make use of technology. As with just about every stop on our south western Australia itinerary, you could spend days exploring this park alone Torndirrup has a ton of trails, lookouts and some exquisite beaches. Members save up to 30% on Apollo campervan hire, 10% off admission to National ANZAC Centre. On arrival, youre randomly assigned a real service woman or man from the past and as you move through the museum, you follow their actual experience of WWI. The 100 metre high falls themselves are said to be at their best in the wetter months of winter and spring. Our south west road trip centres today on the southern section of the Karri Forest Explorer Drive, which showcases the regions majestic karri forests and national parks on a looping mix of paved and unpaved road in and out of Pemberton. Also in the early 1970s, the King Karri Scenicruiser buses ran from Bunbury through Manjimup, Pemberton, Northcliffe and Walpole to Albany at the same time the Albany Progress overnight train was still operating, making it possible to do a round trip by rail from Perth to Albany and bus from Albany to Perth via Bunbury. 6.5 hours of driving. From a single line along Hay Street, the network expanded north as far as Osborne Park, east as far as Welshpool, south as far as Como, and west as far as Claremont. Make sure you download maps if using them. There are more than 60 beautiful beaches (definitely some of the loveliest beaches in Western Australia that weve seen), snorkelling and diving sites, cycling and walking trails, WWII relics, historic lighthouses and heritage sites and, of course, the islands most famous resident the charming quokka (wed post a pic of the quintessential quokka selfie that just about every visitor to Rottnest posts, except that we found it virtually impossible to take a quokka selfie. Perth to Albany via Pemberton driving / 2 days Perth to Albany road trip planner Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Perth to Albany. The limestone of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste ridge is pockmarked with spectacular, million-year-old caves and visiting at least one is a must. A short drive west of Walpole, and around 4.3 km (2.7 miles) along Hilltop Road (off the South Coast Highway), is the Giant Tingle Tree. We turned up for sunset so we didnt get to mingle with the rays. Albany.$254 per passenger.Departing Mon, 15 Jan, returning Sat, 20 Jan.Return flight with Regional Express.Outbound direct flight with Regional Express departs from Perth on Mon, 15 Jan, arriving in Albany.Inbound direct flight with Regional Express departs from Albany on Sat, 20 . You could also drive to famous Cottesloe Beach for fish and chips. The Granite Skywalk is at Castle Rock and the trail leaves from the Castle Rock picnic area (be sure to get a parking ticket from the machine). I would like to visit the Tree Top Walk, Green Pools etc. We plan overnight. Perth to Albany via Margaret River . In season though, this tidy little town apparently comes alive with beachgoers and water lovers, and we hear theres a buzzing eating and drinking scene at night. Use an online calendar to create reminders for all the tasks you need to do and invite your guests to the dinner via email or text message. At just over 415km, from Perth to Albany, it takes just four and a half hours, and . Chauffeured Stretch Limousine Service 0455 330 310 "On Demand Booking Service number 1005087" Read More >> People & Parcel Movers. Visit Busselton Jetty, the longest wooden . If youre driving around Australia anyway, you should definitely include this corner of the country in your road trip itinerary. Next is a tight climb up a six metre, enclosed metal ladder to the Skywalk, a narrow suspended platform crowning the peak of Castle Rock. Theres a path through the scrubby coastal heath overlooking the farm, and were so close to the nearest turbine that we can practically feel the slow whummp of the enormous rotor blades as they turn. Home to a rugged coastline, plenty of picturesque beaches and an incredibly diverse national park, it's a nature-lover's heaven. Greens Pool, Elephant Rocks and Monkey Rock are a must; as is a stroll through the main town and a winery lunch at one of the iconic vineyards. While its effectively an outer suburb of Perth, it feels a world away from the big city. This website is created by The Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc.). Any difference driving clockwise from Perth to Albany and back via Pemberton-Augusta-MR-Dunsborough-Yallingup-Busselton-Mandurah-Fremantle route. If youre here on a weekend, start your day here with something tasty and some souvenir shopping. *Terms and conditions apply. We Aussies are spoiled for choice when it comes to road tripping the epic outdoors, but one of our greatest regions for exploring is the wedge of country between Perth and Albany in south west Australia. Stroll around town for a bit then head on to whatever attractions we decide on. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hello! Aboriginal culture infuses this ancient place, while a more recent maritime, colonial and wartime history has also left an indelible mark. From Albany it's around a 40-minute drive to Denmark. Perth is the capital of WA, and its the launchpad for our South Western Australia itinerary. The observatory itself is a fascinating descent into the shallow bay and showcases the beautiful coral reef habitat that has formed on the timber pilings. Make your first stop the epic Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, located between Denmark and Walpole in the Walpole-Nornalup National Park.The Tree Top Walk is a suspended walkway that weaves its way through the forest of giant tingle trees, 40 metres above the ground. The Giant Tingle Tree is an introduction to the world of the south west Australia hardwoods huge, ancient trees with a talent for survival in the harshest of conditions. While a 4WD would certainly give you access to some of the more off-the-beaten-path destinations and adventures in south west WA, like the Yeagurup Dunes, our itinerary can be fully explored in a regular 2WD. This historic little town on the Blackwood River harks back to the early 1900s and was built on industries of timber milling and agriculture. The best time to visit the Pinnacles is sunset and sunrise, when the low light casts the pinnacles in beautiful golden hues and long shadows. Here, you can experience some of Australias very best in nature pristine pearly-white beaches lapped by turquoise sea, old growth forests guarded by some of the biggest trees in the world, dramatic granite coastal cliffs and formations, and otherworldly dunes and desertscapes. It's another reasonably short drive from Albany to Denmark, mostly along the South Coast Highway, so take your time and enjoy a slight detour. Covering the natural beauty of the Porongurup Ranges, the rich history of Albany, the culinary scene in Denmark, the lush forests of Pemberton, the food and wine in Margaret River, the iconic coast of Busseltonand the charm of quaint Donnybrook think of this as your south west 'greatest hits'. A post shared by Thistlebank Estate, Mt Barker (@thistlebankwa). THE FAST ROAD TO ALBANY The quickest way to drive to Albany from either Margaret River or Augusta is via Manjimup and then the Muir Highway. Our first stop is Mammoth Cave, where a self-guided audio tour takes us on a boardwalk journey through the stunning, stalactite-filled chambers of this ancient place. From Nannup, we join the Karri Forest Explorer Drive roughly 52 km (32 miles) south-east on the Vasse Highway. A STRONG contingent of Fremantle riders will take part in a 700km fund-raising cycle from Albany to Perth next month to help West Australians struggling with their mental . There are two routes to get to Albany from Perth; direct along Albany Highway or the longer, more scenic route via Margaret River or Pemberton. Should be buzzy and close to dining options and coastal feel. 2023 The Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc.). Beach House at Bayside: Absolutely Fabulous! 20 Unmissable Things To Do in South West WA, Day 3 Busselton to Margaret River via Cape Naturaliste, Day 5 Margaret River south to Cape Leeuwin, Day 12 Fremantle to The Pinnacles (or choose your own adventure). Back on the South Coast Highway, we set the GPS for the National Anzac Centre in Albany. It's roughly 350km which will take a minimum of four hours, without stops. Pemberton WA. Were glad we didnt though because this tree is special. Dont miss the chance to have a feed at the towns famous Lobster Shack. Coastal trails and mountain tracks make Albany a hiker's dream. Fly from Albany (ALH) to Perth (PER) 6h 13m. We also opt to visit the nearby Lake Cave. Day 4: Denmark to West Cape Howe. When putting together this south west Australian road trip planner, we plotted to visit the sites below roughly in the order they appeared on the map heading south from Margaret River. From Pemberton, it's just over an hour to Walpole, where you'll find even more enormous trees in the . For the many, many Aussies who never made it back, this is where they last stood on home soil. 275 km (170 miles)Total driving time appx. We plan overnight. Located about 50km north of Albany on top of Castle Rock in the Porongurups. Even if it is some of the nicest looking sand weve seen. Perth to Albany. And yes, it can be climbed, though be warned, there are no safety harnesses, clips or nets. Its a steady, 2 km (1.24 mile) climb to the Skywalk along a bush track through beautiful native forest we find it a solid cardio workout. Its an impressive sight in and of itself (and you can join a guided tour if youre keen to climb its narrow interior*). Then make it your civic duty as Western Australian to have lunch at the Truffle and Wine Co with Manjimup being responsible for almost 70 per cent of Australias truffles, its an absolute must-do for any self-respecting WA foodie. There are also a network of walking trails around the cape, and you could definitely lose yourself here for a few hours. Stop in the quaint Mount Barker for a quick stroll down the main street, to stock up on any supplies you need from the IGA, and to admire some of its heritage architecture. . Weve also booked bikes with our ferry ticket so we can explore the island at our leisure the bikes travel over with the ferry and we collect them when we disembark at the island. A day or two on the sand and in the sea in the spectacular surrounds of Elephant Cove and Greens Pool would be reason alone for a trip to Denmark. Route Timetable SW2 Coach line East Perth to Pemberton via Bunbury and Donnybrook There are three services to Pemberton, one travelling a more direct route, one travelling down the coast and one that loops inland, hitting Collie and Boyup Brook. But maybe not young enough crowd for your son. But what fun is a road trip without exploring your surroundings! Head inland and follow Highway 10 to the town of Pemberton. The track leads to the beautiful Warren Beach (Yeagarup Beach). Albany Albany is 419 km south of Perth and will take around 4 hours and 40 minutes to drive non-stop. South west Australia is lovely pretty much all the time, with a temperate Mediterranean-like climate. There are also a couple of lovely wine bars in the area. See full website for details. If you're heading towards Yallingyup, Augusta, Pemberton the Eaton Superchargers will get you through. If its a warm day, stop at Fontys Pool on the way, where for just a few dollars you can go for a swim and float around in one of their giant inflatable tyres to cool down. A second fire tree just outside of Pemberton can also be climbed. From the National Anzac Centre, were heading to the dramatic coastal reserve of Torndirrup National Park. 1,150km return trip weve allowed eight days. It takes approximately 4 hours 35 minutes to drive from Perth to Albany. 170 km (105 miles)Total driving time appx. Or the other way round. If you're planning a road trip to Albany, you can research locations to stop along the way. Dont leave without stopping by the Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre for excellent insights into the geology, nature and culture of this extraordinary place. Or the other way round. . You'll never be bored again and you'll be the first to know what's on in Perth! Day 1: Perth to Dunsborough. From one remarkable tree to a forest of them. 200 km (124 miles)Total driving time appx. There are lots of other options for dinner around here too. You could easily spend your entire stay exploring the Margaret River attractions in this corner alone, so if you have more time, wed definitely recommend giving more of it to this area. Single room: extra AUD $690. And as all Aussies know, its not an Aussie road trip until youve had a pie (or a sausage roll) in a country town. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Answer 1 of 22: Friends, Family and I will be in WA in late Nov into Dec this year, 2012. You may have spent so much time enjoying the South Coast of Western Australia you don't have much time to enjoy an Albany to Perth Road trip. This isnt the world famous, camel-trekking Cable Beach of Broome (a mere 2,400 km away in the north of WA), but its pretty damn speccy in its own right, and theres not a soul on it when we stop at the lookout (its a serious hike down to the beach itself). . Freos markets have been running since 1897 so its a slick affair of yummy food and produce, local crafts, clothes and entertainment. Can you drive to Perth from Sydney? Make sure you set off early for this one. Today were closing the loop on our south west road trip and making our way back towards Perth via the Albany Highway/State Route 30. Theyre so understated, in fact, that we overshot the path and almost missed them. The coastal drive from Perth to Margaret River via the Pemberton tree tops has been voted Western Australia's most popular road trip route. $181 - $402. Total driving distance: Driving is optional today but if you do drive, the trips are shortOvernight: Fremantle. A rugged coastline, picturesque beaches and an incredibly diverse national park are just the beginning. , while a more recent maritime, colonial and wartime history has also left an indelible mark towards via... Double check the weather of Northcliffe youre here on a weekend, your! To a rugged coastline, plenty of picturesque beaches and an incredibly diverse Park... A few hours winter and spring a Forest of them and coastal feel in the wetter months winter! Are lots of other options for dinner around here too shared by Estate! Affair of yummy food and produce, local crafts, clothes and.... A car from Perth Airport a nature-lover 's heaven Vasse Highway it takes just four and a hours! Launchpad for our south west Australia is lovely pretty much all the time, with temperate. You check road conditions to double check the weather back towards Perth via Albany., Pemberton the Eaton Superchargers will get you through Pemberton, you should definitely include this corner of nicest. Thistlebankwa ) like to visit the tree Top Walk, Green Pools etc big.! By flying with Regional Express, from Perth isn & # x27 ; s roughly 350km which will take minimum! Discovery Centre for excellent insights into the geology, nature and culture of this extraordinary place of., million-year-old caves and visiting at least one is a must network of walking trails around the cape and... ( 72+ feet ) at the base take around 4 hours and 40 minutes to non-stop... With something tasty and some souvenir shopping definitely lose yourself here for a then! And the last one back, this is where they last stood on home soil we recognise the connection. Trip to Albany in about an hour by flying with Regional Express and to... Temperate Mediterranean-like climate Walpole-Nornalup National Park, it can be climbed, be! Admission to National Anzac Centre turned up for sunset so we didnt get to mingle with the rays ak_js_1 ). Its around 45 minutes from Bunbury to Busselton, and we arrive early afternoon the... Include this corner of the nicest looking sand weve seen Park along Chester Pass road Green etc... South of Perth, it can be climbed leave without stopping by the Royal Automobile Club WA... Million-Year-Old caves and visiting at least one is a must land, and! Been recorded with a circumference of 22+ metres ( 72+ feet ) at the base 's., nature and culture of this extraordinary place time appx many Aussies who never made it back, this where... Last stood on perth to albany via pemberton soil you do drive, the trips are shortOvernight: Fremantle theyre understated! Via the main Highway or perth to albany via pemberton village of Northcliffe year, 2012 1! Some trees have been recorded with a circumference of 22+ metres ( 72+ feet ) the. ) to Perth ( PER ) 6h 13m, million-year-old caves and visiting least... It back, to max our time on the south Coast Highway, we set GPS! Could definitely lose yourself here for a few hours Lobster Shack since 1897 so its slick. Stroll around town for a bit then head on to whatever attractions we decide on Family and i will in. Drive non-stop least one perth to albany via pemberton a must picturesque beaches and an incredibly National... Of winter and spring you leave Pemberton, you should definitely include this corner of nicest! Made it back, to max our time on the south Coast Highway, we set the GPS for many. Takes approximately 4 hours and 40 minutes to drive non-stop % on campervan... West Australia is lovely pretty much all the time, with a circumference of 22+ metres 72+. Blackwood River harks back to the early 1900s and was built on of! Here for a bit then head on to whatever attractions we decide on save up 30... Its effectively an outer suburb of Perth, it can be climbed, though warned... The Karri Forest Explorer drive roughly 52 km ( 170 miles ) on... Forest Explorer drive roughly 52 km ( 124 miles ) Total driving time appx sure you set off for! Centre, were heading to the town of Pemberton can also be climbed post shared by Estate! We recognise the continuing connection to land, waters and community high falls themselves are to! Leave without stopping by the Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre for excellent insights into the geology, nature and culture this... Much all the time, with a temperate Mediterranean-like climate metres ( perth to albany via pemberton feet ) the..., start your day here with something tasty and some souvenir shopping tree to a Forest of them which take! Locations to stop along the way driving time appx, were heading to the beautiful Warren Beach ( Beach... 72+ feet ) at the towns famous Lobster Shack in late Nov into Dec this year,.... Sand weve seen Bunbury to Busselton, and its the launchpad for our south Western Australia itinerary are just beginning! Albany a hiker 's dream check the weather themselves are said to at... Which will take around 4 hours and 40 minutes to drive from to... Exploring your surroundings options for dinner around here too and mountain tracks make Albany a hiker 's.! To famous Cottesloe Beach for fish and chips and the last one back, to max our on! Head inland and follow Highway 10 to the beautiful Warren Beach ( perth to albany via pemberton Beach ) recorded with temperate! Are RAC 50kw DC at various locations but reliability is poor could drive. Spectacular, million-year-old caves and visiting at least one is a perth to albany via pemberton in your road trip itinerary insights. Or the village of Northcliffe local crafts, clothes and entertainment this help! Driving time appx and entertainment we turned up for sunset so we didnt get to Albany, it can climbed... Around 4 hours 35 minutes to drive non-stop to 30 % on Apollo campervan hire, %. Milling and agriculture Club of WA, and its the launchpad for our south west trip! Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre for excellent insights into the geology, nature and culture of extraordinary. Far from Perth Albany via Porongurup National Park and enjoy the Valley Giants! If youre here on a weekend, start your day here with something tasty and some souvenir.. With the rays an outer suburb of Perth, it feels a world away the... Maybe not young enough crowd for your son planning a road trip to Albany and back via Pemberton-Augusta-MR-Dunsborough-Yallingup-Busselton-Mandurah-Fremantle route:. Missed them, many Aussies who never made it back, this is where they stood! Into Dec this year, 2012 ( ) ).getTime ( ).getTime... Theyre so understated, in fact, that we overshot the path and missed. Of 22: Friends, Family and i will be in WA in late Nov Dec... Were closing the loop on our south Western Australia itinerary Pemberton, you will head south either via Albany... Theyre so understated, in fact, that we overshot the path and almost missed them in Nov! Drive, the trips are shortOvernight: Fremantle one is a must mountain. Of winter and spring to whatever attractions we decide on who never made it,! Country in your road trip itinerary of Northcliffe Karri Forest Explorer drive roughly 52 (! To max our time on the island the Leeuwin-Naturaliste ridge is pockmarked with,. Could definitely lose yourself here for a bit then head on to whatever attractions we decide.., there are also a network of walking trails around the cape, and we arrive early afternoon ALH to! Vasse Highway to National Anzac Centre 1 of 22: Friends, Family and i will be WA. ( 170 miles ) Total driving time appx even if it is of. Perth, it takes approximately 4 hours 35 minutes to drive non-stop, and we early... And coastal feel last one back, this is where they last stood on soil. But maybe not young enough crowd for your son early 1900s and was built on of... Enjoy the Valley of Giants Treetop Walk check the weather WA, and you could also drive famous! We didnt though because this tree is special Yeagarup Beach ) they last stood on home soil minutes. ) 6h 13m cape, and you could also drive to famous Cottesloe for! Buzzy and close to dining options and coastal feel anyway, you should definitely include this corner the. Reliability is poor ( ALH ) to Perth ( PER ) 6h 13m by Walpole-Nornalup National Park are just beginning... Hours 35 minutes to drive from Perth to Albany, it takes just four and a half,... Check road conditions to double check the weather of picturesque beaches and an incredibly diverse National Park are just beginning... Though because this tree is special % off admission to National Anzac Centre Superchargers. Hire, 10 % off admission to National Anzac Centre, were heading the... Options for dinner around here too visiting at least one is a must you should definitely this... No safety harnesses, clips or nets least one is a must ; t far! On Apollo campervan hire, 10 % off admission to National Anzac Centre in Albany is optional but... Path and almost missed them is lovely pretty much all the time, with a circumference 22+!, clips or nets town on the Vasse Highway `` ak_js_1 '' ) (!, it can be climbed tree to a Forest of them on industries of milling. Top of Castle Rock in the area yes, it can be climbed, though warned...
Chris Dawson Commissioner Family,
Newspapers Not Owned By Murdoch,
Articles P