Last Updated on 7 January 2025 by Ariana Svenson
This detailed guide will take you through all the ways to travel from Perth to Busselton, including a detailed 3-day road trip guide with 14+ stop ideas. The drive is very scenic, with plenty of amazing stops to cater to all interests, whether you’re looking for stunning beaches, museums or delicious food.
I also go through the different ways to travel from Perth to Busselton, including buses, trains and driving.
If you’re planning a road trip from Perth, you could also consider this Perth to Margaret River road trip itinerary. There are also more trip ideas from Perth in our Perth weekend getaway guide.
How Long Does it Take To Drive from Perth to Busselton?
The distance from Perth to Busselton is 222km. If you drive straight there, it will take you about 2.5-3 hours.
Busselton is located 53km south of Bunbury, 26km east of Dunsborough and 51km northeast of Margaret River.
A NOTE ABOUT PERTH TO BUSSELTON DAY TRIPS: Yes, a Perth to Busselton day trip is possible. Expect around 6 hours of driving time in the day, so it’s not ideal with kids. You’ll be able to see some of Busselton, but you won’t have time to do most of the stops suggested below. You might be able to squeeze in 1-2 depending on how long you spend in Busselton.
Perth to Busselton Map + Road Trip Stops
I have created individual maps for each of the road trip days. Here is an overview of the distance you’ll be covering each day. If you don’t plan on many stops that day, you could merge two days into one:
The Best Time of Year to Drive to Busselton from Perth
Busselton is the type of destination that has appeal year round; my favourite time of year is late April or early May (after the busyness of Easter) but when it is still warm enough to swim, but the nights are crisp and cool.
During the summer, expect hot weather, with temperatures often climbing above 30°C. It’s the perfect time to spend time at the beach. However, popular spots can get crowded during Christmas and school holidays, so book accommodation early.
Plan your trip from summer to early autumn if you want to make the most of the beaches. Temperatures range from 20–30°C. Late autumn is an excellent time if you’re looking for cooler temperatures and quieter destinations. The weather is still mild, and it’s a great time to hike or explore inland stops like the Ferguson Valley.
Spring (September to November) is also a fantastic time for this road trip. Not only are the temperatures mild and comfortable (15–25°C), but the countryside is bursting with colour, thanks to Western Australia’s famous wildflowers.
Winter temperatures are much cooler and average 10–20°C. Winter marks the start of the whale migration season, with humpback and southern right whales traveling along the coast. The drive is still extremely scenic, and there are plenty of cosy cafes and indoor stops to enjoy. Winter is also the best time to see Western Australia’s waterfalls in full flow.
Public Transport from Perth to Busselton
Driving is by far the most popular way to travel from Perth to Busselton, but public transport options are also available. Here’s what you need to know:
Perth to Busselton Bus Services
Daily bus services run from Perth to Busselton. These are run by TransWA and South West Coach Lines. The route takes up to 4 hours, but on a positive note, you’ll be able to see some beautiful landscapes out of the window along the way. Timetables vary by season. The buses are comfortable, and WIFI is available.
Train from Perth to Busselton, Western Australia
Although there isn’t a direct train from Perth to Busselton, you can take the train to Bunbury and then transfer to a bus.
- Board the Australind Train Service from Perth City Station to Bunbury Terminal. This scenic train journey takes about 2.5 hours.
- From Bunbury, hop on a connecting coach service to Busselton. The bus leg of the journey takes around 45 minutes. The service is run by TransWA and South West Coach Lines.
Perth to Busselton Flights
No direct flights are available from Perth to Busselton, although you can fly from Melbourne to Busselton with Jetstar.
Perth to Busselton Road Trip Itinerary
A self-drive itinerary is the best option for this trip. If you travel by another means, you’ll miss all the amazing things to see and do along the way.
The most scenic route for a Perth-to-Busselton road trip is the South Western Highway. This route takes you inland and closer to many of the amazing stops this post covers. The road passes through Pinjarra, Waroona, Harvey, Brunswick Junction, Bunbury, and then Busselton.
For a much faster route with minimal stops, follow the Kwinana Freeway, merging onto the Forest Highway to Bunbury. You will then take the Wilman Wadandi Highway, previously known as the Bunbury Outer Ring Road, a four-lane road linking the Forrest Highway with the Bussell Highway that takes you right to Busselton.
I have recommended all the best stops you could choose between Perth and Busselton. 3 days is recommended! You could even create a 1-3 week trip out of these stops with longer stays at the key overnight stop points. Make sure you plan ahead so you can fit in all the stops you were planning to.
Depending on whether you’re travelling with children, how long you have for the journey and your interests, these may be more or less important to you.
Some stops could be done before you leave Perth as day trips and others as day trips once you’re staying in Busselton. Use this guide as a baseline for what order to stop in and simply remove the stops or overnight stays you don’t wish to do.
Here is an overview of the main stops:
Stops Near Perth. You could do these on day trips from Perth or factor them into the start of the road trip:
- Fremantle
- Mandurah (Overnight stay recommended)
Stops between Mandurah and Bunbury:
- Serpentine Falls (on inland route)
- Pinjarra (on inland route)
- Lake Clifton Thrombolites
- Preston Beach
- Harvey (on inland route)
- The Crooked Carrot
- Bunbury (overnight stay recommended)
Bunbury to Busselton
- Ferguson Valley
- Donnybrook
- Capel
- Peppermint Grove Beach
- Busselton
Day 1: Perth to Mandurah via Fremantle
Before leaving Perth for Busselton, make sure you’ve seen all the main sights and done all the best activities! I highly recommend visiting at least one of the Perth beaches.
You could skip this road trip day and drive straight to Bunbury today or drive directly to Mandurah for your overnight stay. Fremantle is a must-see, so if you haven’t already been while in Perth, factor it into today’s itinerary.
1. Fremantle
Distance from Perth: 21.7km (23 minutes)
Fremantle, or “Freo’ is a popular tourist destination with beautiful, well-preserved colonial architecture, amazing local markets and beautiful beaches. Begin your day at the Fremantle Markets while most of the produce is still available and fuel up for the day ahead.
Other must-do things to do in Fremantle include the WA Shipwreck Museum and Fremantle Prison.
Read our guide to the best Fremantle attractions to help plan your day or, if you’re visiting with kids, the top things to do in Fremantle with kids.
2. Mandurah
Distance from Perth: 70.8km (51 minutes)
After a day in Fremantle, head to Mandurah – a pretty coastal town perfect for dolphin-spotting and walking along the beautiful beaches.
Rest up and prepare for another exciting day as you continue your journey toward Busselton.
** please makes sure you change the links to WOTWK Booking.com
Where to Stay in Mandurah:
- Seashells Resort Mandurah: A beachfront resort that has spacious apartments, a pool, and direct beach access.
- Dolphin Quay Apartments: Located near the foreshore with stunning views of the marina.
Day 2: Mandurah to Bunbury
Today, you’ll stop at a mixture of hidden gems and small towns, which will make your road trip exciting and varied – packed with memorable stops.
Note, there are two ways to travel from Mandurah to Bunbury – the first third stops here are on the inland route, and others on the coastal route.
3. Serpentine Falls
Location: LOT 1 Falls Rd, Serpentine
Distance from Mandurah: 38 minutes (38.2km)
Located in the beautiful Serpentine National Park, Serpentine Falls is a popular swimming spot during the summer months. There’s a metal ladder to make it easier.
I highly recommend also taking the short walk to Baldwin’s Bluff. You’ll have stunning views of the falls, which cascade down 15 meters.
The park is open from 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, but the rangers often close the gates once the park reaches maximum capacity, (especially in the height of summer)
4. Pinjarra
Distance from Mandurah: 17 minutes (17.3km)
Pinjarra is a small town steeped in history. It’s en-route and perfect for a quick stop. See the beautifully restored buildings and gardens at the Edenvale Heritage Project and stop for a bite to eat after at the Edenvale Heritage Tearooms.
5. Harvey
Distance from Lake Clifton: 55km (38 minutes)
Harvey is a small but scenic agricultural town with a varied history. It’s the perfect place to stop for a coffee and see one of Western Australia’s rural towns.
To plan your visit, make sure you read our guide to the best things to do in Harvey.
6. Preston Beach
Location: Preston Beach, WA 6215
Distance from Mandurah: 39 minutes (57.5km)
Preston Beach is a very calming stop, a world away from busy Perth. The beach has soft white sand and crystal clear waters – perfect for a break from driving. Take a quick dip or walk along the shoreline and take in the picturesque views.
7. Lake Clifton Thrombolites
Location: Lake Clifton, WA 6215
Just 21 21-minute drive away from Preston Beach, Lake Clifton Thrombolites can’t be missed on a Perth to Busselton road trip.
This unique natural attraction features living rock-like structures created by microorganisms. You can walk along the boardwalk and see the Thrombolites up close, all while learning about the history and science.
It is not known why the Thrombolites form at Lake Clifton, but it is possibly because the lake is associated with small shoots of fresh groundwater that is high in calcium carbonate. The light is stunning if you happen to be visiting during sunrise or sunset.
8. The Crooked Carrot
Location: Forrest Hwy &, Rigg Rd, Myalup
Located ideally on the road trip route just 15 minutes from Harvey, The Crooked Carrot is highly recommended and perfect for a refreshment stop. It’s a family-run cafe and farm shop where you can buy fresh local produce or enjoy delicious coffee and cake.
There’s a nice playground for kids, too. Keep in mind that The Crooked Carrot has become an insanely popular spot to visit on a road trip, and it can get very busy.
9. Bunbury
Distance from The Crooked Carrot: 25km (20 minutes)
Distance from Busselton: 50km (40 minutes)
Bunbury is one of Western Australia’s largest regional cities and the perfect place to end your day before an overnight stay. Top things to do include Bunbury Farmers Market and Bunbury Wildlife Park.
If you visit from December to March, Bunbury has regular visits from Dolphins, and you can go on dolphin spotting cruises.
Plan your visit with our guide to the top things to do in Bunbury
Bunbury offers a range of accommodations, from budget-friendly motels to boutique hotels. Read our guide to the best accommodation in Bunbury to make your choice.
Day 3: Bunbury to Busselton
The drive from Bunbury to Dunsborough is all about embracing the countryside life of Western Australia, so you will actually follow a slightly meandering route today, rather than taking the most direct path.
10. Ferguson Valley
General Location: 5 Ferguson Rd, Dardanup West, WA
The Ferguson Valley is one of the most beautiful areas of rural WA. You’ll pass by many farms and coastal towns like Gnomesville, which I highly recommend a stop at. You can read my full guide to visiting Gnomesville for more details.
St Aiden Wines is also a great stop. Stop for a wine tasting or enjoy lunch made with delicious local produce. To help plan your trip to the Ferguson Valley, read our guide to the best Ferguson Valley restaurants, wineries, and Breweries.
You can also read about the best accommodation in Ferguson Valley.
11. Donnybrook
Donnybrook is known as the Apple Capital of Western Australia. It’s a charming coastal town and well worth a stop. If you’re travelling with children, I recommend visiting Apple Funpark Playground! Its free entry has giant slides, climbing frames, and a shaded picnic area.
If you see any, pick up apples, pears and other locally grown fruits at a roadside stall – especially if you’re travelling from March to May.
12. Peppermint Grove Beach
Peppermint Grove Beach is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the sea breeze. There are limited facilities here, so if you plan to stay for a while, bring snacks and drinks.
13. Capel
Located in rural WA, Capel is the perfect place for a quick stop to stretch your legs. If you want to stay longer, there are bushwalking trails like the Capel Wetlands Walk Trail and boutique wineries. In the town centre, there are some lovely cafes and local shops.
14. Busselton
Your final destination is home to the iconic Busselton Jetty and Geographe Bay. Relax, explore, or use Busselton as a base for further adventures. Busselton has amazing beaches and it’s a top spot for wine tourism.
Plan your trip with our guide to the best things to do in Busselton. If you’re travelling with kids, it’s best to read our guide to the best things to do in Busselton for families.
If you’re looking for Busselton accommodation, make sure you read our guide to the top Busselton caravan parks
While in Busselton or On the Way
You could factor in these additional stops on an extra travel day, traveling from Bunbury to Dunsborough, staying overnight, and visiting these places before arriving in Busselton. However, you could also arrive in Busselton and use Busselton as a base for day trips to these must-see places, too—the choice is yours.
Dunsborough
Dunsborough is your next overnight stop. There are so many things to do in Dunsborough that you may want to factor in a few night’s stay. It’s the gateway to the Margaret River region and has beautiful beaches and great shops. It also has some popular whale watching spots in peak season. While you’re in Dunsborough, make sure you visit Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse and Meelup Beach.
Yallingup
Yallingup is a chilled-out town with jaw-dropping scenery—it’s the kind of place you’ll never want to leave. It’s famous for epic surf breaks, beautiful beaches, and a small-town feel.
As well as visiting Quinninup Falls and Injidup Natural Spa, outlined below, you can also explore some fantastic beaches, including Yallingup Beach and Smiths Beach.
Plan your trip with our guide to the best things to do in Yallingup.
Ngilgi Cave
Location: 76 Yallingup Caves Rd, Yallingup
Ngilgi Cave is one of the best Margaret River caves to visit. This limestone cave is located near Yallingup and is known for its stalactites, stalagmites, and shimmering crystal formations. You can book a guided tour or visit unguided. There’s also a discovery zone where you can learn all about how the cave was formed.
Plan your trip with our guide to the best things to do in Yallingup.
18. Quinninup Falls
Location: Wilyabrup, WA 6280
Quinninup Falls is a must-visit waterfall near Yallingup. It’s a short hike from the coastal trail and well worth the effort. Wear sturdy shoes for the trail, and avoid visiting after heavy rain as it can become slippery.
19. Injidup Natural Spa
Location: Cape to Cape Track, Yallingup, WA 6282
Injidup Natural Spa is one of the most beautiful spots in WA and one of the most popular spots to visit in Margaret River. The pool was created by rock formations that eroded over time to create a ‘hidden rock pool’ The pool fills with water as waves crash over the rocks.
If the waves are strong, there is colossal whitewash in the pool, which creates a bubbly effect like a spa. Do not enter the water, especially if you are not a competent swimmer. There have been plenty of incidents in the area…
Leave at least 30-45 minutes for your visit. The pool is just a short walk from the car park, but it’s steep and downhill, and it’s not great if you have mobility issues.
The Verdict
We hope you’ve found our road trip guide useful or you’ve discovered the best means of public transport to travel by. This is by far the most detailed Perth to Busselton road trip itinerary you’ll find online. Yes, you can easily drive from Perth to Busselton in a day, but you’ll miss all the amazing stops outlined in this post,
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