Last Updated on 20 August 2025 by Ariana Svenson
Have you got your sights on a Perth to Albany road trip? Then you have come to the right place! We estimate that we’ve driven this particular self-drive itinerary from Perth to Albany at least 20 times over the years. So, our advice comes from a WA local who knows the ins and outs of this area!
First up, we’re glad you have picked Albany-Kinjarling to visit. It is definitely a great spot to experience, with plenty of gorgeous natural beauty, white sand beaches and a fascinating history to explore. Don’t get distracted, but these are some amazing Things to do in Albany WA.
If you are looking for the fastest way to get from Perth to Albany, driving down Albany Highway is your best option!
How Long Does it Take to Drive from Perth to Albany?
If you don’t deviate from the road, the Perth to Albany road trip distance is about 420km, from Perth to Albany, and takes just four and a half hours to 5 hours. – If you don’t stop. (Yes, I’ve done that plenty of times – it was my first road trip after getting my driver’s license!)
However, that’s what this road trip from Perth to Albany Post is all about – there are plenty of fun stops along the way. You could also stop at different places on the drive back from Albany to Perth.
We love the vast expanses of forest, followed by the huge farms filled with sheep. There are cute country towns to stop in and plenty of historical spots to begin your journey into the Great Southern.
We are aware that other people on the web are sharing their best ideas for Perth to Albany Road trips, taking you via Busselton, the Margaret River region and Walpole Nornalup National Park.
However, that’s more like a South West road trip, and we have covered it in detail in our Margaret River to Albany Road Trip and Perth to Margaret River Road Trip guides.
Why Choose the Perth to Albany WA Road Trip We are Suggesting?
If your major destination is Albany, Denmark, the Stirling Ranges or Porongurup National Park then this is the most efficient way to get there! Also, this is by far the quickest way to get down to Denmark if you are in a hurry! Read our guide on things to do in Albany and Denmark for more details.
Alternatively if you have more time, you can visit Margaret River or the Southern Forests around Pemberton, seeing sights like the Karri trees in Gloucester National Park; then onto Walpole before arriving in Albany. That’s nearly 8 hours driving and not the best way to get to Albany from Perth. Read our latest blog post on great things to do in Pemberton.
We realize that things change constantly, so it’s really important to us that we provide the most up-to-date information possible! That’s why we go through our pages annually, ensuring they are as current as possible. If you notice something that’s not quite right, please let us know in the comments!
What are the Major Highlights of Our Perth to Albany Road Trip Itinerary?
Jarrahdale State Forest
Once you climb up the Darling Scarp and through the Perth Hills locality of Armadale, you are suddenly quite literally in the forest – the Jarrahdale State Forest. You can’t help but feel a sense of adventure as you pass through nearly 100km of forest – on and on and on.
There are fuel stations at North Bannister, Bannister, and then Crossman, which break up the journey and give you a sense that you are getting somewhere!
If you are taking things slowly and looking for a sensational animal experience, we’d turn off at North Bannister and head to the Barna Mia Nocturnal Wildlife Experience (just over 2 hours from Perth).
Barna Mia Nocturnal Animal Tour, Dryandra Woodland
Don’t go to Barna Mia expecting guaranteed sightings of any of Western Australia’s native animals. This place is ridgy didge (That’s Australian slang for ‘the real thing)!
Set in an isolated forest, the Dryandra Woodland Conservation is a reserve that is a great place to see nocturnal Australian animals in their own habitat – especially small nocturnal marsupials.
The key word here is that these are nocturnal tours. Small groups visit the natural habitat sanctuary after dark with infrared torches supplied by the tour guide.
Animals you might see include the Numbat, Mala, Woylie, Boodie, Possums (mothers with their young), Quenda, and the most amazing Bilby! The passionate guides who take you on these tours really make it a special tour. Check here for more information on the Barna Mia tours.
As the tour ends quite late, you probably need to stay nearby. Then continue the rest of your Perth to Albany drive the next day!
Did you Know: Australian Animals Fact!
In Western Australia, many native animals are close to becoming endangered. Or, even worse, they became extinct due to the introduction of European animals like cats and foxes, the clearing of native vegetation, and changes to the way the forest was (not) burnt during the European farming period.
The huge sanctuary at Dryandra has ensured the survival of several native species and is a Western Australian success story. Take a look at more Fun Australia Facts for more interesting facts about Australia.
Places to Stay Near Barna Mia
As the tours here are at night, it is best to stay at Dryandra rather than drive the 180km back to Perth in the dark, as there is not much to see here during the day. Also, there are a lot of kangaroos on the road!
The nearest accommodation is Les Dryandra Woodland Village, 15 minutes away from the sanctuary. This is a basic option. You need to bring your own linen. However, this is better than driving home a few hours in the dark or onto Albany.
A warning: there’s no reception in the area, so Google Maps does not work!
Why take our advice? We are WA locals; we choose to holiday here often and have gone back to these places over and over.
Your Perth to Albany Trip: Driving from Perth to Williams
About 1.5 -2 hours Driving
If you are on an Albany to Perth drive, then sometimes Williams is a good stop to stretch your legs before the final section. You should definitely check out the Williams Woolshed and Art Gallery. Here, you can learn about this amazing fibre and what makes it so special. The Williams Woolshed also has food and some souvenirs!
If you travel with kids, you will be grateful for the new Williams Lions Park, which Dryandra Woodland has inspired with a giant numbat and eagle. There’s a flying fox, playground, picnic table and toilets.
Williams to Kojonup (via Arthur River)
Arthur River is 35 mins/ 57 km South of Kojonup
I have to admit, I’ve not stopped often at Arthur River. It’s your quintessential Aussie bush community. However, it’s been working hard at promoting itself as a rural getaway focusing on country heritage.
I am particularly interested in checking out the Lakeside Camping at Lake Towerinning, 40km off the Albany Highway.
Lake Towerinning is a large and attractive semi-freshwater lake with clean sandy beaches located in the West Arthur Shire. It provides the perfect escape from the city with kayaking, swimming, birdwatching and stargazing.
Situated on a family farm, there are 14 powered campsites on the water’s edge with beach access.
Kojonup
Perth to Kojonup – 3 Hours
We’ve recently committed to teaching our children more about Australian indigenous history from their point of view (instead of teaching the white, European version).
The Kodja Place Kojonup is a great place to do this. Voices, photographs, art, and objects from Kojonup’s Noongar-Aboriginal and settler cultures are woven together in imaginative and richly layered stories.
For example, you can explore the Australian Rose Maze with Yoondi, Elizabeth, and Maria, who reveal 100 years of Noongar, English, and Italian experiences.
Or, you can enjoy yarns, billy-tea, and damper in Yoondi’s Mia Mia (bush shelter) with a Noongar Elder. This experience must be booked directly with the Kojonup Visitors Centre or Kodja Place.
Also worth a visit is the Kojonup Military Barracks. This is the oldest building in Kojonup. It was built in 1845 from local stone by the 51st British Regiment soldiers. It’s since been a centre for many Kojonup events, including schools and churches. Guided building tours can be arranged by contacting the Kodja Place Visitor Centre.
Turn off to Bluff Knoll
Forty minutes south of Kojonup, you’ll see signs to Cranbrook – this is your sign to turn off to Bluff Knoll. Note, Cranbrook is 3kms off the Albany highway.
From Cranbrook to Bluff Knoll, it’s about an hour drive to do the 75km.
If you plan to do a dawn ascent of Bluff Knoll to see the sunrise, then you want to check out our information about where to stay.
Mt Barker
At just 45 minutes north of Albany, by the time people get to Mt Barker, they are keen to keep going to Albany or take the Muir Highway that then turns off to Denmark .I think it’s a shame people miss Mt. Barker. It’s a vibrant country town with fantastic murals and excellent wineries. We’ve covered them at Interesting Things to Do in Mt. Barker, WA.
If you left Perth early and didn’t make too many stops on your Perth to Albany drive, you might have time for a detour to the Porongorups and a visit to the Castle Rock Granite Skywalk.
You could even stay overnight at the historic Karribank or the luxury Cloud Nine Spa Chalets at the Porongorups. Then, rise early the next day for a hike to the Granite Skywalk. Or, if you have done it before, why not consider a hike around Nancy Peak? We thought it was brilliant when we recently did it!
Get prices and availability here:
Karribank on Booking.com and Agoda.com
Albany-Kinjarling
Well done! You did it! The distance from Perth to Albany, Western Australia, is 420 km, and you have done it! Now you have arrived in this attractive coastal town you will be wondering, what are the best things to do in Albany Western Australia?
Amazing Things to do in Albany WA
The Best Family Accommodation in Albany WA
Best Playgrounds in Albany Western Australia
More Road Trip Ideas – An Inland Detour for a Albany to Perth Road Trip
The standard drive from Albany to Perth takes 4.5 hours, but if you have kids or want to take a scenic route then we’d highly recommend adding in Wagin and Katanning which adds another 45 minutes of driving but gets you to delve deeply into rural Western Australia’s scenery.
If driving north to south then when you get to Arthur River, take the road across to Wagin. Google Maps shows a route going cross country, but I think if you are not familiar with country driving sticking to the larger, bitumen roads make sense. (Plus what google maps doesn’t realize is that out there in the back country there is no mobile reception meaning people can get very, very lost).
We detoured to Wagin to see the Giant Ram, a BIG replica of a ram, this impressive sculpture is the largest anatomically correct man-made Merino ram in the world and definitely worth a stop.
Adjacent to the Giant Ram Park are several good quality playgrounds including one that is fully enclosed (a blessing for parents of little kids). This “younger children’s” playground features a slide, various swings, musical equipment, a wooden boat and cubby house.
The Wetlands Park is a lovely park with rock waterfall that cascades down water channels, and foot bridges that ends up at a lovely pond.
Behind the big Ram is a Ninja Parkour Course with climbing nets, climbing walls, and flying fox. Note – if you are heading south, don’t spend too much time at the Wagin playgrounds because you have a big treat coming your way in Katanning.
Also worth putting on your list in Wagin is the Wagin Historical Village, a recreated pioneering village that provides a glimpse into life a century ago. This village features a range of historical buildings and exhibits.
Wagin has some great old pubs – some restored, and some not, as well as an incredible old second hand store – the type that you spend hours in and get very lost. Definitely put Cresswells Department Store, Emporium and Café on your list, it was a total delight and we spent ages in there.
Katanning All Ages Playground
The reason for our detour off the Albany Highway was the Katanning All Ages Playground – I’d seen pictures online and thought it looked pretty cool. However, I was blown away by the whole concept. An All-Ages playground means that mum and dad get to play too. And parents – how long is it since you have played on a playground, whipped down high slides, and generally laughed so much your cheeks hurt? I am not sure if there is anywhere else like this in Australia – or even the world. Certainly, in my days I have not encountered a place where the equipment is large or designed for adults to use it.
Standing 10 metres tall in the centre of the park is a red spiral slide, which is now accompanied by a new 35m long, giant aerial walkway.
You can see that the play area has evolved over time, as there is giant play equipment, children’s play area and plenty of adult sized seesaws, spinners, rocking horses, swings, fort and tunnels, a climbing net, a 30m flying fox … and I am not sure if I have got it all.
The All-Ages Playground and surrounds are open all year round and free to enter, making the park a no brainer. We visited mid-week during school term and had this giant playground all to ourselves.
Katanning Miniature Railway
If you are a train enthusiast, then you will want to plan a visit to Katanning on the 2nd or 4th Sunday of the month.
There is a small volunteer run Miniature railway has Steam and Diesel operating around a 700 metre track.
From Katanning you head south to Cranbrook, before re-joining the Albany Highway above Kendenup.
Perth to Albany Road Trip Map
The Drive from Perth to Albany
Stops You Could Make on a Perth to Albany Road Trip
Albany Itinerary in 3 Days
Are you asking yourself, “What do you do in Albany, WA?” Well, here goes a little Albany itinerary for you in 3 days!
Day 1: One Day in Albany
So you have arrived in Albany- Kinjarling. If you’re wondering where to stay, you may find our guide to the best family accommodation in Albany helpful.
Today, we recommend looking outside and seeing if it’s sunny! If the sun is shining, then it is a beach day!
One of the best spots to experience the power of Albany is at the Torndirrup National Park, including the Natural Bridge, the Gap and the Blowholes.
You might also like to visit the Albany Wind Farm or go to Misery Beach. Yes, that’s right, Australia’s top beach in 2022 is in Albany, WA, and it has the less than glamorous name “Misery Beach.”
Albany has a vibrant food scene, and we have seen it described as WA’s next foodie capital. For dinner, consider Due South or Liberte.
Day 2: 2 Days in Albany
Today is when you can explore Albany’s fascinating history. Start with the Brig Amity, then head to the National Anzac Museum on Mt.Clarence. Make sure you also take a stroll in Albany town centre.
We also recommend a visit to Strawberry Hill-Barmup. For dinner, Garrison comes highly recommended.
If you’re visiting Albany with kids, make sure you read our guide to the best playgrounds in Albany.
Day 3: 3 Days in Albany
Today is the day we return from Albany to Perth. We’d head out to Two People’s Bay to hear the noisy scrub birds and soak in some more of the gorgeous Albany beaches.
After that, head north to the Porongorups, and make sure you climb Castle Rock or Nancy Peak, depending on whether you have visited before.
Or, if you are travelling with kids you might like to detour via the Katanning All Ages playground.
You might want to head to Maleeya’s Thai Cafe or the fabulous Karri on Bar before heading up the road to finish your Albany to Perth drive!
How to get to Albany from Perth?
International and domestic visitors will fly into Perth Airport. From here, you have several options for your Albany to Perth trip.
Driving from Perth to Albany By Car
If you are flying into Perth, you must rent a car to drive from Perth to Albany. There are several excellent options; using a comparison site to determine your best option always pays.
We use Discover Cars to do our comparison searching and see the best deal. Another useful option is Rental Cars.com.
Perth to Albany Flights
Which airlines fly from Perth to Albany? Regional Express (REX) Airlines runs direct flights to Albany from Perth.
There are 2 or 3 flights daily, costing around $250 – $300 for a round trip. The REX flights fly from Perth to Albany, have a short wait in Albany, and then fly back.
The flight time is one hour (but considering the time required to get to the airport in Perth and check-in, you don’t have massive time savings compared to Perth – Albany Drive).
Remember that the flight prices rise considerably at peak times, like summer school holidays and weekends.
Of course, should you choose to fly to Albany, you must hire a car upon arrival. Given that Albany’s airport is a distance out of town and not very big, you should organise your car hire before arrival.
Perth to Albany Bus
The Western Australian regional bus system is called Trans WA. TransWA buses run from East Perth to Albany and take about 6 hours.
If you want to experience some of the different things we’ve described during our South Coast itinerary, you could consider taking the bus from Perth to Albany via Bunbury and Walpole. This route takes about 9 hours. If you’re considering a stop in one of those places, be sure to check out our best accommodations in Bunbury and accommodation in Walpole for more details.
Go to TransWA for details of the Perth to Albany bus routes and fares, but it’s about $65 one way. Then, it is best to hire a car upon arrival in Albany.
Tours from Perth to Albany
If you’re looking for a tour from Perth to Albany, there are several good options. Below are a few that have great reviews.
The Verdict – Perth to Albany WA Road Trip Itinerary
We hope you have found these ideas for a road trip from Perth to Albany beneficial.
We have done the Albany to Perth road trip (and Albany to Perth road trip) many times and enjoy the wide open spaces and changing landscapes on this itinerary.
Alternatively, Perth to Albany flights can be a fantastic option if you would rather get to Albany quickly. Good – and all we can say is enjoy Albany, Western Australia.
We love sharing our road trip itineraries! Here are some more popular routes:
Margaret River to Albany Road Trip
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