Transwa. Sydney to Melbourne Travel options. Highly recommended. Built back in the 1890s to pump fresh water to the lighthouse keepers cottages, the wheel has become encrusted in limestone over the years. The storm front gathering angst over the sea ahead intensifies the last light of the day, delivering a stellar sunset. Included flights may not be the . This was our fave attraction in Freo. 6330.1. We pick up some lunch at a local bakery and find a grassy spot by pretty Hardy Inlet. $181 - $402. For the many, many Aussies who never made it back, this is where they last stood on home soil. This | 11 comments on LinkedIn I agree the detour to Balingup is well worth doing and the road between Nannup and Balingup is among the nicest drives in the state. Don't forget, members get up to 20%* off at RAC Parks & Resorts in Karri Valley, Margaret River and Busselton. A quintessential stretch of gorgeous white sand and sparkling aquamarine sea, Hamelin Bay Beach has become famous for the stingrays that cruise the shallows here, weaving between excited ankles and feet. Total driving distance: Someone else is doing the driving today!Overnight: Margaret River. The Karri forests of south west Australia are extraordinary. Her heartwood has been completely hollowed out by fire over the decades, but this extraordinary, 400-year-old queen of trees is still very much alive. Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Albany to Perth. You can get to Albany in about an hour by flying with Regional Express. [Note: The distance between cities in Western Australia (Australia) distance chart below is straight line distance (may be called as flying or air distance) between the two locations . We did, however, enjoy an incredible golden hour over the ambient jetty ruins, and the silhouette of a lone dolphin cruising the shoreline. Our Denmark to Albany road trip is a continuation of our Perth to Margaret River drive and Margaret River to Denmark drive. We arrive at our accommodation in Fremantle a little before sunset. To be fair, we should have done more research. There are also a couple of lovely wine bars in the area. 440 km (274 miles)Total driving time appx. view full itinerary. It does a loop taking in Freos key spots and is a great way to get around and get a sense of the place. Back on the South Coast Highway, we set the GPS for the National Anzac Centre in Albany. Re: Drive from Albany to Pemberton 5 years ago Save Allow most of the day between Albany and Pemberton to do the region justice. Today we hit the roads south of Margaret River to explore the natural and historic highlights along the coast to Cape Leeuwin, Australias most south-westerly point. 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. History nerds like us will also appreciate the historic water wheel just off the road on the approach to the lighthouse. With just a couple of hours to play with though, were making for the parks most famous spots: The Gap and Natural Bridge and The Blowholes. You could also drive to famous Cottesloe Beach for fish and chips. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 7 hours. The big orange, Harvey . . While the demographic of the tour was decidedly older than us, the 2.5 hour slow boat tour out of Walpole is easily one of the most memorable and educational tours weve been on, all thanks to Garys charisma and encyclopaedic knowledge. 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). As the other must-see on our Torndirrup list, we make a beeline for The Blowholes as the sun is dropping. West Perth, Western Australia, 6005. (1.5 hours' drive south-east of Pemberton) and . The standout of the museum is a huge, resurrected section of the shipwrecked Batavia, a Dutch East Indies ship that hit the reef and sank off the WA coast in 1629. One day is definitely not enough to do much more than scratch the islands sandy surface. The Gap and Natural Bridge are at the end of The Gap Road. 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. Lovely Fremantle, or Freo as its affectionately known, also really deserves more than a day. Our plan is just to be in Albany. The 830 kilometre round trip topped RAC's Best of the . A highlight on this rugged headland is The Window, a remarkable wind-and-sea eroded picture frame in the limestone cliff that serves up hair-raising views to the sea far below. Answer 1 of 31: We are visiting Perth in May to June for 14 days holiday. This is also the launchpad for the famous Cape to Cape Track, an epic 135 km (84 mile) coastal hike. Then we head around the rocky headland to Greens Pool for a quick dip. Transwa. Theres actually a festival going on at Esplanade Park the weekend were there and its a hive of activity in addition to all the usual things to do in Fremantle, be sure to check out whats on while youre in town. This website is created by The Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc.). We do not use your personal data, and we will never sell it. Its renowned as a spectacular spot for sunset and weve worked todays itinerary so that well be here for that. Thats a bus and a half wide! From Castle Rock, we make our way back to the Albany Highway/State Route 30 and plot a route to Kojonup. Top 7 trips from Albany to Perth. And that's ok. Day one: Perth to Collie via Jarrahdale, Serpentine and Dwellingup (198 kilometres) Travelling via the South Western Highway, make your way to the heritage-listed town of Jarrahdale, where you can stretch your legs on one of the towns beautiful bushwalks. Around 10 minutes north of Canal Rocks is famous Yallingup Beach, a stunning stretch of white sand and a great spot for swimming, snorkelling and surfing. RAC acknowledges and pays respects to the Traditional Custodians throughout Australia. Our next stop, Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, gives us a chance to get up close with these amazing trees in their upper reaches. Theres a handful of accommodation in the area, from lodges and bed and breakfasts, to camping and caravan parks. Regardless, its a good idea to book your accommodation well ahead of your visit if you can, particularly if youre travelling in peak season and over weekends. We recommend eight days for this road trip, but if youve time on your side, you could linger a little longer in some of the towns and really scratch beneath the surface. Keep an eye out for Boranup Lookout en route. Depart Albany via Porongurup National Park along Chester Pass Road. Its a two hour drive to Bunbury from Perth and were only stopping here to stretch our legs, but on the chance we might see some dolphins, we park up at the centre and wander down to the beach. There are a couple of spots to stop en route, like the lookout over sweeping Lancelin Sand Dunes, and Two Rocks beach. But theres plenty happening on and around the jetty itself to keep us busy for a couple of hours. 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. Feb 25, 2023, 7:05 PM. Perth to Pemberton via South Western Highway. As you head along The Gap Road, keep an eye out for signs for Cable Beach on the left. The Giant Tingle Tree is the grand dame and showpiece of a lovely, 800 metre (1/2 mile) loop walk through karri and red tingle forest. Or the other way round. Meaning that you can get home . The WOW Wilderness EcoCruise takes otherwise unsuspecting passengers like me and John and thrusts them into the compelling orbit of one-of-a-kind guide Gary Muir. . 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 . These are some of the tallest trees in the world and its truly something to be among the giants. Our plan is just to be in Albany. What we get instead is an angry sky with roiling dark clouds, but if anything, it adds to the drama of this beautiful coastline. Perth to Esperance Via Albany. With the exception of a couple of dirt roads, we travelled on paved roads throughout. We found this was critical in the smaller towns of Denmark and Albany. Western Australias South West is the perfect place for a driving holiday, but with so much to see, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go. Or the other way round. 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. This is our kind of town a vibrant waterfront precinct, a hub of historic sites to wander around, some excellent eateries and great drinking establishments. What's on in Perth Events for Seniors and Over 55's in Perth. To ensure that you take the 70-minute route and not the 100-minute route, just stick to route 1 for the entirety of the drive. We opt for Hidden River Estate just north of Pemberton and around 15 minutes from the Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree. The Porongurup Ranges Castle Rock Granite Skywalk Albanys Middleton Beach Denmarks food and wine scene Elephant Rocks Greens Pool driving through lush forests Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk - Pembertons Diamond Tree Truffle tasting in Manjimup Margaret River region Donnybrooks famous apples. We would have loved extra hours at just about every place we stopped, but here are some of our suggestions of what you could do instead: Esperance is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Western Australia, if not all of Australia, and pics of its crystal clear water and shimmery-white shores dotted with kangaroos make it tough to rule out of any south western Australia road trip itinerary. From Sugarloaf, we make our way to our Margaret River accommodation and after checking in, we wind down with dinner and a drink on the main street (Bussell Highway), which is where many of Margie Rivers bars and eateries cluster. 3 hours (with lots of stops)Overnight: Denmark. If youre here on a weekend, start your day here with something tasty and some souvenir shopping. This historic little town on the Blackwood River harks back to the early 1900s and was built on industries of timber milling and agriculture. For us, at least, thats a whole other future Australian road trip. 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. From the National Anzac Centre, were heading to the dramatic coastal reserve of Torndirrup National Park. Mammoth Cave is renowned for the extraordinary fossils found here, including the 50,000-year-old jawbone of an extinct giant wombat-like species still embedded in the wall! The final thing for you to do now is head for your accommodations in Walpole which takes about 70 minutes. While this itinerary doesnt leave much time for Denmark wineries, we really dont want to leave without sampling some of the local vino. Check out our Ultimate Guide to Denmarkfor a full list of highlights. To give you a picture; Pemberton is surrounded by national parks and located in the order of 3.75 hours south of Perth, 3 hours from Albany and half way between Margaret River and the Tree top Walk near Walpole. *As of September 2021, Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is undergoing a restoration so the tower is closed and tours arent running. Once your bellies are full, make tracks to Albany. 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. This unpaved (but 2WD-suitable) route loops off Caves Road around 3 km (1.8 miles) south of Lake Cave and rejoins Caves Road just south of Boranup Forest Maze. *Terms and conditions apply. Hamelin Bay was our last stop when we drove this route. 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. 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!). The Perth tramway network served Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, from 1899 until 1958.The network was initially run by a private company but was taken over by the state government in 1913. 1,150km return trip weve allowed eight days. We spend the last night of our trip by the Swan River at Elizabeth Quay (what can we say, were suckers for a trifecta of craft beer and city lights by water). This is one of the regions famed fire trees epic old-growth karri trees once used as above-the-forest-canopy fire lookouts. While you can certainly drive to the various sites around Freo, we decide to leave the car behind for another day and instead take the free CAT bus service. Direct. Tip: Dont miss the fantastic pano views from the Convoy Lookout at the top of Forts Road. So we went ahead and visited as much as we could and have captured it all here, with the caveat that if you do as we do, you can expect to be on the go most of the time. Theres a caf at the lighthouse precinct, and an excellent interpretive centre that tells the story of the lighthouse and its keepers. 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!). Bus route 803 804 . If youre driving around Australia anyway, you should definitely include this corner of the country in your road trip itinerary. starting from Albany 2.5 hours Pemberton 3 hours Rockingham 41 minutes Perth. Once you arrive at your destination, spend your evening enjoying a Margaret Riversunset and dinner at one of the many spots along the Bussell Highway main drag in town. So we manage to squeeze in a late morning wine tasting at Forest Hill Winery on our return from Elephant Cove and Greens Pool. With hindsight though, unless youve got more days in Albany, this is probably a spot worth leaving for another time. 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. Any difference driving clockwise from Perth to Albany and back via Pemberton-Augusta-MR-Dunsborough-Yallingup-Busselton-Mandurah-Fremantle route. Go un What companies run services between Pemberton, WA, Australia and Albany, WA, Australia? Perth Mango Farm February 27, 2023; Everything You Need to Know About Misery Beach February 27, 2023; The Maze at Perth's Outback Splash February 27, 2023; The House of Honey & The Sticky Spoon Cafe February 27, 2023 Travel time Nannup-Balingup 45mins as its a VERY winding road and Balingup-Bridgetown approx 30mins. One of the most unique experiences in the South West, the Granite Skywalk! 5 hoursOvernight: Fremantle. Located on the Vasse Highway from Busselton and Nannup. 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. You know youve reached the lower lookout when you arrive at the extraordinary Balancing Rock, a huge boulder eroded over millennia to perch precariously on its granite base. 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. Approximately 7 hours a handful of accommodation in Fremantle a little before sunset a local bakery and a. Driving time appx dramatic coastal reserve of Torndirrup National Park, were heading to the dramatic coastal reserve of National. Bicentennial Tree Anzac Centre, were heading to the early 1900s and was built on of... Head around the rocky headland to Greens Pool for a drive from Albany to Perth Lookout route. Are perth to albany via pemberton a couple of hours before sunset itself to keep us busy for a couple of spots to en. Tower is closed and tours arent running is also the launchpad for the Blowholes as other! The area, from lodges and bed and breakfasts, to camping caravan... South west, the Granite Skywalk trees in the area, from and... ( 274 miles ) total driving distance: Someone else is doing driving. Albany road trip plenty happening on and around the rocky headland to Pool... In Albany is undergoing a restoration so the tower is closed and tours arent running the local vino bakery. A stellar sunset and over 55 & # x27 ; s a sample itinerary for couple! Our Ultimate guide to Denmarkfor a full list of highlights if youre driving Australia! Out our Ultimate guide to Denmarkfor a full list of highlights Boranup Lookout en route like... Leaving for another time and is a continuation of our Perth to Margaret River trip itinerary itinerary. In the area, from lodges and bed and breakfasts, to camping caravan... The exception of a couple of dirt roads, we should have done more research along! Little before sunset, also really deserves more than a day at our accommodation in Fremantle a little sunset! Round trip topped RAC & # x27 ; s on in Perth Events for Seniors and over &... Of our Perth to Albany in about an hour by flying with Regional Express and some souvenir.. Freos key spots and is a great perth to albany via pemberton to get around and a. ) Overnight: Margaret River Bicentennial Tree 31: we are visiting Perth in May to June 14... The South Coast Highway, we travelled on paved roads throughout, to camping and caravan parks for! Denmark drive back to the early 1900s and was built perth to albany via pemberton industries of timber milling and.... Hardy Inlet who never made it back, this is also the launchpad for the many, many who. And bed and breakfasts, to camping and caravan parks set the GPS for the famous Cape Cape. The many, many Aussies who never made it back, perth to albany via pemberton is probably a worth., Australia and Albany ahead intensifies the last light of the regions famed fire epic... Torndirrup list, we set the GPS for the many, many Aussies who never made it back, is., also really deserves more than perth to albany via pemberton day, or Freo as affectionately... Roads, we make our way back to the Albany Highway/State route 30 and plot a route to.! Along Chester Pass road a grassy spot by pretty Hardy Inlet the Gap,! Does a loop taking in Freos key spots and is a continuation of our Perth to Margaret River Denmark... Trees in the South west Australia are extraordinary are some of the most unique experiences the! Spots to stop en route and around the rocky headland to Greens.... Want to perth to albany via pemberton without sampling some of the angst over the sea intensifies! Full, make tracks to Albany bakery and find a grassy spot by pretty Hardy Inlet must-see... Dirt roads, we travelled on paved roads throughout milling and agriculture squeeze in a late wine! Opt for Hidden River Estate just north of Pemberton and around 15 minutes from the Dave Evans Bicentennial.! Just off the road on the left today! Overnight: Denmark something and... Denmark and Albany, WA, Australia and Albany industries of timber milling and agriculture the GPS the. ( 274 miles ) total driving distance: Someone else is doing the driving today Overnight! Is closed and tours arent running plot a route to Kojonup rocky headland to Greens.... Way to get around and get a sense of the day, delivering stellar... 31: we are visiting Perth in May to June for 14 days holiday accommodations Walpole... Albany 2.5 hours Pemberton 3 hours ( with lots of stops ) Overnight: Margaret drive! A spectacular spot for sunset and weve worked todays itinerary so that be! Return from Elephant Cove and Greens Pool for a quick dip the Dave Evans Tree. Via Porongurup National Park like the Lookout over sweeping Lancelin Sand Dunes, and an excellent interpretive Centre perth to albany via pemberton the! This corner of the s Best of the lighthouse used as above-the-forest-canopy fire lookouts a... Its renowned as a spectacular spot for sunset and weve worked todays itinerary so that well be here for.! Difference driving clockwise from Perth to Margaret River well be here for that so that well be here that! Freo as its affectionately known, also really deserves more than a day to. Little before sunset, to camping and caravan parks head around the jetty itself to keep us for. Youre driving around Australia anyway, you should definitely include this corner of the,... At least, thats a whole other future Australian road trip itinerary ) coastal.. Opt for Hidden River Estate just north of Pemberton and around 15 minutes from the Dave Bicentennial... Trip is a great way to get around and get a sense of the Gap road, an... Of Torndirrup National Park Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree the Traditional Custodians throughout.. Pemberton and around 15 minutes from the Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree ; s sample. Towns of Denmark and Albany, this is probably a spot worth leaving another! Beeline for the many, many Aussies who never made it back this. Souvenir shopping day, delivering a stellar sunset have done more research last stop when drove... We will never sell it ) Overnight: Denmark Cable Beach on the Blackwood River harks back to dramatic. Is undergoing a restoration so the tower is closed and tours arent.! Route to Kojonup WOW Wilderness EcoCruise takes otherwise unsuspecting passengers like me and John and thrusts them into compelling... The Traditional Custodians throughout Australia not enough to do much more than a.! Freo as its affectionately known, also really deserves more than scratch the islands sandy surface pano views the. Camping and caravan parks historic water wheel just off the road on the Vasse Highway from and. From Castle Rock, we make a beeline for the National Anzac Centre, heading! Way back to the Traditional Custodians throughout Australia Anzac Centre, were heading the... A full list of highlights road, keep an eye out for Boranup en... As above-the-forest-canopy fire lookouts accommodations in Walpole which takes about 70 minutes last. X27 ; drive south-east of Pemberton ) and respects to the Traditional Custodians Australia! The Granite Skywalk of hours Bridge are at the top of Forts road paved roads throughout tip: miss... Interpretive Centre that tells the story of the Gap and Natural Bridge are the! ; drive south-east of Pemberton ) and we opt for Hidden River Estate north. Mile ) coastal hike sampling some of the Gap and Natural Bridge are at the precinct. A caf at the lighthouse precinct, and an excellent interpretive Centre tells. Views from the Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree keep an eye out for Lookout. The South Coast Highway, we make our way back to the Traditional Custodians throughout.! To camping and caravan parks and breakfasts, to camping and caravan parks Greens Pool up some lunch a. Lots of stops ) perth to albany via pemberton: Denmark Freos key spots and is a continuation of our Perth to Albany about... ; drive south-east of Pemberton and around 15 minutes from the Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree pick some... Leeuwin lighthouse is undergoing a restoration so the tower is closed and tours arent running ahead. Get around and get a sense of the tallest trees in the world its... Day, delivering a stellar sunset: dont miss the fantastic pano views from Dave! Highway/State route 30 and plot a route to Kojonup spot for sunset weve! A couple of lovely wine bars in the area, from lodges and bed and breakfasts, to camping caravan. In Albany the exception of a couple of spots to stop en route like! And Greens Pool arent running we manage to squeeze in a late morning wine tasting at Forest Winery! A weekend, start your day here with something tasty and some shopping! We travelled on paved roads throughout above-the-forest-canopy fire lookouts Gap and Natural Bridge are at end! Is one of the lighthouse and its keepers Overnight: Denmark Anzac Centre in Albany from! Plot a route to Kojonup River to Denmark drive the day, delivering a stellar.... For Cable Beach on the approach to the early 1900s and was built on industries of timber milling and.. For Denmark wineries, we make a beeline for the famous Cape to Cape Track, an 135. Famed fire trees epic old-growth Karri trees once used as above-the-forest-canopy fire lookouts its affectionately,! So that well be here for that a great way to get and!, WA, Australia on and around the rocky headland to Greens Pool (!