Overview
Thinking of a southwest Australia road trip? This 10-day Perth to Esperance itinerary covers nearly 2,000 km, taking you from the city to the sea, through forests, farmland, wine country, and…
Trip Details
Day 1: Perth to Bunbury
Distance: 170km
Travel time: 2 hours
You leave Perth on the Forrest Highway, passing rolling farmland and stands of jarrah forest. Midway you’ll see the Harvey Dam and the South West Highway signposts to small timber towns. Before reaching the coast, you enter Bunbury, a city famous for its friendly bottlenose dolphins that often visit Koombana Bay.
Tips and things to do:
This is first-come, first served and not bookable, so arrive early if you can.
Stock up on supplies in Bunbury town centre before driving south.
Stay at: Belvidere Campground. It sits beside the inlet with level tent sites, toilets and basic picnic shelters. If rain or traffic holds you up, head straight here rather than hunting around Bunbury.
Image: Mark Stevens and Jess Kearney
Day 2: Bunbury to Margaret River
Travel time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Distance: 103kms
During your journey to Margaret River stop at Busselton for breakfast overlooking Geographe Bay and the Busselton Jetty - the longest timber jetty in the southern hemisphere.
Once you’ve finished exploring Busselton, drive 25 minutes to enjoy lunch at Dunsborough and Yallingup. Discover the natural wonders and history of Ngilgi Cave, and experience one of the oldest surviving cultures on Earth by joining an Aboriginal culture tour of the cave. Then finish your journey south to Margaret River while enjoying the scenic drive along Caves Road.
Where to stay: RAC Margaret River Nature Park.
Image: Tourism Western Australia
Day 3: Margaret River
Start the morning in Margaret River walking one of the most diverse coastal trails in Australia - the Cape to Cape Track. After your morning walk, you’ll certainly be ready for an afternoon of indulgence. Hop from cellar door to cellar door and sample the region’s fine wines. Be sure to stop by the local gourmet produce stores to enjoy local artisanal foods and purchase fresh ingredients for your campervan cooked dinner.
Image: Tourism Western Australia
Day 4: Denmark to Albany
Distance: 55km
Travel time: 40 minutes
You leave Denmark along the South Coast Highway, passing through rolling sheep paddocks and roadside wind turbines before dropping down to Albany’s rugged granite shoreline. Albany welcomes you with its historic CBD, the Old Gaol Museum and the calm waters of Middleton Beach.
Tips and things to do:
Head to Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, famous for its small colony of endangered noisy scrub birds. It’s a great place for a swim too.
Hike to the Natural Bridge lookouts in Torndirrup National Park en route for ocean vistas.
Stay at: Stay at BIG4 Middleton Beach holiday park. They have a great selection of powered sites with direct access to Middleton beach.
Image: Instagram - @theramblerco
Day 5: Albany to Bremer Bay
Distance: 180km
Travel time: 2 hours, 15 minutes
Bremer Bay is a quiet coastal town where farmland meets turquoise sea. Stop here to break up the longer southern stretch of the drive while still making time for beach walks, wildlife and swimming.
Things to do:
Walk the powdery sand at Native Dog Beach, one of the most striking and peaceful beaches in the region
Swim or snorkel at Short Beach or John Cove, both known for clear water and minimal crowds
Visit Bremer Bay Brewing Co. for craft beer and good food.
Stay at: Stay at Bremer Bay Caravan Park is central and close to the beach, with powered sites and good facilities.
Image: Tourism Western Australia
Day 5: Pemberton to Denmark
Travel time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Distance: 185kms
On the drive to Denmark, we recommend you stop at Walpole. In Walpole, you can walk through the canopy of 400-year-old tingle trees on the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk. This treetop walkway is the first of its kind and takes you on a gentle climb, exploring the breathtaking views of the surrounding forest.
While continuing the drive to Denmark, take an extended tour of the rolling hills above the town on Mount Shadforth Scenic Drive to discover more artisanal treats, local arts and panoramic views.
Image: Tourism Western Australia
Day 6 & 7: Bremer Bay to Esperance & Cape Le Grand
Distance: 390km
Travel time: 4 hours
The Bremer bay to Esperance drive time is just over 4 hours, so one of the longer drives on this itinerary. It’s one of Western Australia’s most varied road trips, moving from rugged granite shores into rolling farmland and wildflower‐studded scrub. Once in Esperance, you’ll be met with striking white beaches, turquoise water, and the rugged coastlines of Cape Le Grand National Park, all within an easy drive from town.
Split your time between relaxing in Esperance and exploring the national park on a day trip or overnight.
Stay at: You can either camp inside Cape Le Grand (book ahead at Lucky Bay or Le Grand Beach) or base yourself in Esperance for both nights and do a day trip into the park. Bathers Paradise Caravan Park is a good in-town option with powered sites.
Image: Luke Williams
Day 7: Albany to Hopetoun
Travel time: 3 hours 35 minutes
Distance: 333kms
If you’re in Albany on the weekend, a visit to the iconic Farmers’ Markets is a great place to sample the region’s fresh local flavours.
40 minutes north of Albany, find the striking Porongurup National Park - 12 peaks sculpted by Mother Nature over the last million years. To make the most of your time here, do the two-hour return walk to Castle Rock and the Granite Skywalk and enjoy panoramic views, rich birdlife and between August to December, admire the spring wildflowers. When planning your day, make sure you allow 3 hours to drive to Hopetoun for your overnight stay.
Image: Tourism Western Australia
Day 8: Cape Le Grand to Lake King
Distance: 320km
Travel time: 3 hours, 30 minutes
Leaving the coast behind, you'll journey inland through the Wheatbelt region to reach Lake King. This route offers a change of scenery, transitioning from coastal landscapes to expansive farmlands and salt lakes.
Things to do:
Lake King Causeway: Drive along this 10 km stretch that traverses salt lakes adorned with native scrub and, in season, vibrant wildflowers.
Bush Engineers Tractor Museum: Discover a collection of homemade tractors and machinery, reflecting the town's innovative spirit.
Stay at: Lake King Caravan Park which offers powered sites and basic amenities, providing a comfortable stopover before continuing your journey.
Image: Instagram - @theramblerco
Day 9: Lake King to Wave Rock
Distance: 125km
Travel time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
This inland route takes you from coastal scrub into rolling farmlands and open wheatbelt plains.
Wave Rock highlights
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Visit Wave Rock itself and see the huge multicoloured granite cliff carved by 2.7 billion years of wind and rain erosion.
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Explore Mulka’s Cave to see over 450 ancient rock paintings and learn the local Aboriginal legend.
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Visit Hippo’s Yawn, a nearby rock formation shaped like its namesake
Stay at: Wave Rock Caravan Park. It has powered sites, a swimming pool, cabins, hot showers and a camp kitchen within easy walking distance of the rock.
Image: Instagram - @theramblerco
Day 10: Wave Rock to Perth
Distance: 340km
Travel time: 3 hours, 50 minutes
Watch the sunrise break across the wave before leaving camp. From Wave Rock Caravan Park head west on Wave Rock Rd and Lovering Rd to Brookton Hwy, then stay on Brookton Hwy all the way into Perth.
Tips and things to do.
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Arrive in Perth by mid-afternoon and unwind with a swim at Cottesloe Beach or a stroll through Kings Park.
Ready to book your Southwest Australia road trip?
With so many great places to stay and things to do when travelling a Perth to Esperance road trip, it’s now time to book your camper. Apollo has a great range of campervans to suit every family, as well as so many campervan itineraries to help you create the best family holiday yet.
To get out there and start exploring Australia as soon as possible, book your campervan today, either online or in a branch.
Image: Tourism Western Australia
