Epic 3 Day Perth to Margaret River Road Trip Itinerary – Hidden Gems & Must-See Spots

Last Updated on 22 January 2026 by Ariana Svenson

In total, a Perth to Margaret River road trip is a three-hour drive, and it is possible to do it without making any stops! However, there are so many things to do in between, you would be missing out if you didn’t take the time to explore.

In addition to making our suggestions for the best places to stop on the way, we have also included an excellent Perth to Margaret River itinerary

We’ve driven this route at least twice a year since the kids were small, and in pandemic times it was a lot more frequent!  Certainly, West Aussies will be like I know how to get down to Margs quickly!  (And I hear you, on a Friday afternoon you just want to get down the coast.) But,  if you can take the day off, I thoroughly encourage you take some time to make one or more of these stops!

This stretch of coastline is classic South West Western Australia, and this itinerary is a classic South West Aus road trip. Think stunning Indian Ocean sunsets, stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and plenty of country towns. Take your time, stop as many times as you can (even if that means staying at a few places along the way) and see where the road takes you!

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How to Get from Perth CBD to Margaret River

There’s more than one way to make your way from Perth to Margaret River. Here are your best options: If you’re travelling with kids, then self-driving is the best way to travel to Margaret River.

As a bonus, when you arrive in Margaret River, you will find that many of the attractions are spread over the entire capes area,  and the most efficient way to see them is by driving yourself, so its very helpful to have a car.

There are two main driving routes from Perth to Margaret River: the Kwinana Freeway and the South Western Highway.  Both routes now converge north of Bunbury, in the super duper brand new Wilman Wadandi Highway, formerly known as the Bunbury Outer Ring road.    There you will zoom along what feels like a huge, deserted road as its clearly been built for future traffic!

I’ll be honest, we rarely take the South Western Highway anymore, unless there is a reason to visit one of the inland country towns like Harvey. The Freeway is a double lane highway the whole way, making it possible to average 100km/hour.  Though,  its rather sterile compare to the inland route with its charming countryside feel.  

You could also consider this a Perth to Busselton route, as Busselton is also located in the Margaret River Wine Region. If you are considering the Perth to Margaret River Road trip, then take a look at our Tips for Road Tripping with kids to have the smoothest possible trip with your children.

Is there Public Transport from Perth to Margaret River?

Although driving is (in my opinion) the best option, there are a number of public transport options from Perth to Margaret River. If you wish, you could plan a multi-leg trip and hop between some of the places mentioned below. Here are your options:

Train from Perth to Margaret River: The Australind Train runs from Perth to Bunbury (although it’s closed for upgrades until early 2026). Once in Bunbury, you can connect to a TransWA coach to Margaret River. It’s a good choice if you’re not keen on driving, but it does mean a longer travel time and more planning around timetables.

Bus: Services run daily from Elizabeth Quay and East Perth Terminal. There are direct options to Margaret River with TransWA and South West Coach Lines, which take over 5 hours. You could also break up the journey (Perth to Bunbury to Margaret River then stop at Busselton on the way back. A trip like this would take longer than a Margaret River road trip, and you’ll have fewer stops.

Other Options

Taxis: An alternative option would be to book a private transfer. Alternatively, taxis can be arranged from Perth to Margaret River, although this may prove to be very expensive.

Tours: Several tour operators offer guided day trips and multi-day excursions from Perth to Margaret River. You’ll get the road trip experience without needing to plan anything or drive!

Short of time, or like someone else to do the planning?

If you have just one day, I recommend:

• This Margaret River day trip from Perth
• A Margaret River, caves, wine and Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse day tour from Perth

If you have enough time to stay overnight in Margaret River, I recommend:

• This 2 day Margaret River impression tour

• A 2 day Margaret River wine experience tour

Your Ultimate 3 Day Perth to Margaret River Itinerary

Margaret River is a must-see itinerary for anyone visiting Western Australia. Here, we have put together our “very best” Perth to Margaret River itinerary for the visitor with just three days.

We’ve taken into account drive time from Perth, so you can comfortably enjoy the best of this fantastic region.

You can amend this itinerary in any way you like – truly, anyone who visits the Margaret River region is SO spoilt for choice.

After the itinerary, we’ve detailed several optional stops that you could choose to do instead of one of the stops in this itinerary, or you could extend your road trip to fit them in. You may want to create a plan according to the schedule. For example, at the Koombana Bay Dolphin Discovery Centre in Bunbury, wild dolphins typically arrive in the mornings between 8 am and noon. On the other hand, the gnomes at Gnomesville aren’t going anywhere!

Did you know that car seats are mandatory for children in Western Australia up to 7 years old? So for non-Australians or even interstate visitors, there is a lot to consider. Please consider whether you should bring your car seat to Australia!

Obviously best way to self drive to Margaret River is by car. That said, if you are not a Western Australian native you will need to rent a car.

There are a number of great options, and we find it always pays to use a comparison site to work out which is your best option. We use Discover Cars to do our comparison searching and find the best deal.

Itinerary Snapshot

Here’s a quick summary of the key stops featured in our 3-day Perth to Margaret River road trip itinerary:

Stops Near Perth (Can be day trips or part of the start of your road trip):

• Fremantle
• Penguin Island (though the Discovery Centre is closed.)
• Mandurah (Overnight stay recommended)

Stops Between Mandurah and Bunbury:

• Lake Clifton Thrombolites
• Preston Beach
• Ferguson Valley & Gnomesville (on the inland route)

Stops Between Bunbury and Margaret River:

• Bunbury
• Cowaramup

Stops South and North of Margaret River (Great for day trips or return journey):

• Hamelin Bay
• Canal Rocks & Injidup Natural Spa
• Cape Lavender / Swings & Roundabouts Winery / Cheeky Monkey Brewery
• Sugarloaf Rock
• Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse
• Busselton

Optional Detours or Return Journey Stops:

• Ngilgi Cave (Yallingup)
• Donnybrook Apple Fun Park

Distance from Perth to Margaret River and Map

Day One: Perth to Margaret River via Bunbury and Cowramup

I recommend departing by at least 9 am to make the most of the day! As you drive south, you will be on a major freeway to Bunbury, about a 2-hour drive; try to avoid peak hour as leave Perth!

Bunbury

Distance from Perth: 168km (1 hour 52 min drive)

Distance from Margaret River: 101km (1 hour, 13 min drive)

One of Western Australia’s biggest regional centres, Bunbury, seems to be overlooked in people’s rush to get to “Marg’s” (as Margaret River is affectionately known)! This is a mistake in our opinion, as Bunbury has a lot to offer.

We recommend a stop at the Koombana Bay Dolphin Discovery Centre in the warmer months of the year, as there is a chance to see local dolphins who visit in the mornings between 8 am and 12 noon. From December to March, there are frequent visits from dolphins.

Keep in mind that these are wild animals, and no time can be guaranteed.

Kids will enjoy a break at the Playground on the Foreshore near the Discovery Centre.

Take note that when you are travelling south from Perth to Margaret River, there is a bypass around Bunbury city. You have to follow the signs for the city centre when driving down the Wilman Wadandi Way.

If you love street art, Bunbury is filled with it. We had an enjoyable break on the drive, going for a walk in this big, country town.

If you want to make your road trip longer, Bunbury is well worth a longer stay. View our guide to accommodation in Bubury for the top options.

Lunch in Bunbury or a bit further south

Busselton is  45 45-minute to 1 hour drive south of Bunbury, and it has loads of nice options for lunch, including the Shelter Brewery right on the foreshore, with views of the famous Busselton jetty…  alternatively, you might prefer to leave Busso (as the locals call it) for the return trip and press on further south.

Lunch options near Capel include the famous Capel Tavern, the Capelberry Cafe and the Capel Vale Winery and Restaurant.

Cowramup

Distance from Perth: 25 km (2 hours, 44 min)

Distance from Margaret River: 12km (11 min drive)

You’d be forgiven if you think you will race through tiny Cowaramup in your enthusiasm to finish your Margaret River Road trip! However, we know you will stop!

Along the main road in Cowaramup are huge, life-size models of cows. They are worth a picture or two. Additionally, while you are there, we highly recommend stopping by The Candy Cow, famous for its delicious sweet treats.

You will be glad to get out of the car for a walk and enjoy the cows at Cowramup. Our kids love to pose with them; you can take as little as 20 minutes or much longer. If the kids need a little sugar fix, then head to the Candy Cow.

Or, if you have packed your lunch and are looking for an ice-cream as a treat, why not stop at Millers Ice Cream. They have a great playground, and the kids liked milking the cows there!

If beers are more to your taste, another option is the Cowramup Brewing Company. This is a family-owned Microbrewery with a wholesome menu featuring local produce. If you’d like to know what goes into your beer, they also offer a behind-the-scenes tour

Enjoy Margaret River

Distance from Perth: 270km – 3 hour drive

Margaret River is one of the best places to visit in Western Australia, and if you have time, we recommend staying a few days to enjoy all that Margaret River has to offer.

As it’s already been a long day, and you’re gradually making your way to your final destination, we recommend that you relax and enjoy your accommodation.

Accommodation for 2 Nights in Margaret River

There is a vast variety of accommodations in Margaret River, WA. It would be impossible for us to provide a summary here.

From camping spots to Margaret River Holiday cottages, there is plenty for people who like to travel on a budget or cook for themselves. There are also plenty of Margaret River glamping options.

On the other hand, if Margaret River Winery Accommodation sounds like more your thing, you are going to be spoilt for choice! There’s also plenty of Margaret River farmstays and forest accommodation, and ample options by the beach.

Here are some of my top picks:

Margaret River Hideaway and Farmstay: Self-contained studios and cottages located just 5km from Margaret River. Each cottage features a patio and BBQ, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi. View prices and availability here.

Burnside Organic Farm: Gorgeous bungalows situated on an organic farm and vineyard. They offer something for everyone, from a 2-bedroom bungalow perfect for families to a 1-bedroom spa bungalow for a romantic retreat. View prices and availability here.

Olio Bello Lakeside Glamping: Glamorous camping at its finest, surrounded by wildlife and over 8,000 olive trees. While they are known for their famous olive oil, Olio Bello’s glamping and bungalows are also a real treat. View prices and availability here.

Acacia Chalets: Awesome, self-contained bush chalets. These chalets are modern and stylish, located only a 10-minute drive from Margaret River. View prices and availability here.

Margaret’s Beach Resort: These four-star resort accommodations are located only 10 kilometres from downtown Margaret River. You can choose from studio to four-bedroom apartments. These apartments are self-contained and perfect for families. View prices and availability here.

Pullman Resort Bunker Bay: Read our full review.

If you’re travelling with kids, make sure you read our guide to family-friendly accommodation in Margaret River.

Day 2: South of Margaret River Town

The first stop is Hamelin Bay, a gorgeous white-sand beach with a picture-perfect remnant of a jetty, perfect for some Insta-worthy photos.

Most famous for the Hamelin Bay stingrays, these friendly locals visit nearly every day in summer, usually in the early morning. They don’t like rough or windy weather, which is why you are less likely to see them in winter.

We also enjoyed a walk up onto the cliffs above the jetty to take in the spectacular views of this amazing coastline.

You can read our guide to Margaret River, Western Australia, here to discover the top things to do during your visit. If you’re travelling with kids, you’ll enjoy our guide to the best things to do in Margaret River with kids. There are also fantastic (and unique) things to do in Margaret River in winter. For even more outdoor fun, read our guides to:

• Margaret River waterfalls
• The top Margaret River walking trails and hikes
• Horse riding in Margaret River

If you are a beer lover, there are great breweries; wine lovers can seek out their favourite drops! If cheese or chocolate is your weakness, then why not make a stop at the Margaret River Dairy Factory or The Margaret River Chocolate Company?

If the purpose of your Perth to Margaret River Road trip is wine tasting, then we highly recommend taking a local tour and getting them to do the driving! Top options include:

Day 3: Margaret River–Yallingup -Busselton – Perth

Today we are heading back home, so allow some time to pack your bags and have one last play at your accommodation (if you have kids)

Stop for Lunch

From here, you might want to stop for gorgeous purple ice-cream at Cape Lavender, or head on to lunch at either the Swings and Roundabouts Winery or the Cheeky Monkey Brewery.

Sugarloaf Rock

If you haven’t had your fill of the stunning Margaret River coastline, you can stop to see the sweetly named Sugarloaf rock. There’s a dedicated viewing platform with easy access, and during whale season (July to October), it’s a great vantage point for spotting migrating whales.

Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse

Or, you might like to visit  Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse. From Cape Naturaliste, it’s a 3-hour drive back to Perth, so you need to take this into account before making too many stops.

Busselton

Distance from Perth: 223km (2 hours, 20 minutes drive)

We recommend taking a break for a stretch of the legs at the iconic Busselton Jetty, the longest jetty of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. For kids, there is a fantastic new playground on the Busselton foreshore.

You can choose to walk along the foreshore (the  kids’ playground is under the Pines), have a picnic, or take the train out to the end of the Jetty! For those who are looking for something very unique, you can even visit the Underwater Observatory at the end of the Busselton Jetty or enjoy a guided scuba diving trip.

If you have kids, the rope course at Tuart Forest is highly recommended. Check-out this forest adventure + zip lining tour – perfect for teens!

There are so many things to do in Busselton, you could also consider stopping here for a few days, to help you make your decision, make sure you read our guides to the best restaurants in Busselton and the best Busselton breweries.

If you want to extend your road trip, Busselton is the perfect place to stay for a few days!

Where to Stay in Busselton

Broadwater Resort: Self-contained apartments with easy access to the beach, a heated indoor pool, and lovely gardens. It’s just a short drive from the Busselton Jetty and perfect for a relaxed stay. Read our review here

Caravan Parks: There are plenty of caravan park options close to the town centre. Read our guide to the Busselton Caravan Parks for more info.

Observatory Guesthouse: If you’re after a boutique stay, the adults-only Observatory Guesthouse is just a few streets back from the foreshore. View prices and availability for your dates here.

Aqua Resort: For something a little more luxurious, Aqua Resort sits right on the shores of Geographe Bay. With spacious beach houses, private pools, and gourmet kitchens, it’s a great pick. View prices and availability for your dates here.

Back in Perth

From Busselton, it’s a 2.5-hour drive back to Perth. If you’re continuing your trip in Perth, make sure you read our guides:

• Amazing Perth Beaches
• Your ultimate 6 day Perth family holiday itinerary

Optional Stops on Your Perth to Margaret River Road Trip Itinerary

Depending on your personal itinerary, you can do some of these stops on your journey south. Then save the others when you are returning from Margaret River to Perth.

Fremantle

Distance from Perth: 21.7km (23 minutes)

Fremantle, or “Freo’ is a popular tourist destination with a local vibe and beautiful, well-preserved colonial architecture, amazing local markets and serene beaches. 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.

Penguin Island

Distance from Perth: 45 minutes south of Perth CBD

Penguin Island in the middle of Shoalwater Marine Park is absolutely worth a stop while on the way to Margaret River. Take the short ferry ride take a walk around this rugged little island. Allow 1-2 hours.

Mandurah

Distance from Perth: 70.8km (51 minutes)

Mandurah is a pretty coastal town with stunning beaches. It’s also a dolphin-spotting hotspot. The sheltered waters of the Peel–Harvey Estuary are home to one of WA’s largest resident dolphin populations.

Mandurah also offers a relaxed vibe with boardwalk cafés, art trails, and wide, family-friendly beaches. It’s an ideal overnight stop or a relaxed beginning to your Margaret River drive.

Where to Stay in Mandurah:

• Seashells Resort Mandurah: Spacious apartments, a pool, and direct beach access.
• Dolphin Quay Apartments: Near the foreshore with fantastic views of the marina.

Lake Clifton Thrombolites

Location: Lake Clifton Thrombolites, Lake Clifton WA 6215

Distance from Perth: 1.5 hours south of CBD

To get to Lake Clifton, you have to take the Old Coast Road by going through Mandurah (not the new Bypass).  Look for the turnoff 25km south of Mandurah.

Thrombolites (or living rocks) are easily seen from a short boardwalk and make for a great break in a road trip from Perth to Margaret River.

Also known as the Lake Clifton Thrombolites, these strange ‘out of this world’ structures are very curious. They are stunning in the early morning or sunset light!

Plus, for little explorers, the science and history behind it can make a great lesson. The thrombolite-building microorganisms are minuscule. They are impossible for the eye to see, but they look like the earliest forms of life on Earth. Scientists have used thrombolites to understand microorganisms and the earliest forms of life on Earth.

It is not known why the thrombolites form at Lake Clifton, but it is possible that the lake is associated with small shoots of fresh groundwater that are high in calcium carbonate.

If you feel like exploring a bit more, there is a 5km, 2 hours return, easy-to-walk hiking trail around the edge of Lake Clifton.

Ngilgi Cave

Distance from Perth: 256km (2 hours, 47 minutes drive)

Location: 76 Yallingup Caves Rd, Yallingup

Ngilgi Cave is one of the best Margaret River caves to visit. It’s located near Yallingup and features stalactites, stalagmites, and beautiful crystal formations.

The newly added Ancient Lands Experience (an immersive bushland walk) is fantastic. Allow around 1.5 hours to take it all in. Please note that there are stairs, so the site is not fully pram or wheelchair accessible.

Plan your trip with our guide to the best things to do in Yallingup.

The Ferguson Valley and Gnomesville

Distance from Perth: 192km (2-hour drive)

The Ferguson Valley is a beautiful rural area filled with farms, cows, and the most amazing collection of garden gnomes at Gnomesville, Western Australia. We enjoyed a few days’ stay in the Ferguson Valley. Read our guide to the best things to do in Ferguson Valley for more info.

However, if you don’t have the time, most definitely make a stop at Gnomesville. You will need to use the map.

The valley is also home to some of Australia’s best award-winning wineries.

Exit the Bunbury to Perth freeway before arriving in Bunbury, in order to get to Gnomesville.

Apple Fun Park

Location: 19 Collins St, Donnybrook WA 6239

If you are travelling with kids, we recommend continuing on to the amazing Apple Fun Park playground in Donnybrook, 20 minutes from Gnomesville.

Apple Fun Park is a huge playground. It is touted as the largest free-entry playground in all of Australia! Using your GPS, it’s only 40 minutes to Busselton from here, taking a cross-country route.

Of course, if you were not on the Perth to Margaret River road trip, you could spend much longer.

The Verdict – How to Ace the Perth to Margaret River Road Trip

We hope you have found both our general suggestions for places to stop on the way to Margaret River and the more detailed itinerary useful.

In short, yes, you can drive this route in about 3 hours! However, if you follow our Perth to Margaret River itinerary, you will discover that there are a lot of interesting places – or detours –  to see along the way!

Your journey from Perth to Margaret River will be so much richer for having discovered that there is much more to this absolutely stunning part of Western Australia!

Love road trips? Make sure you also read our other Western Australia road trip guides:

• Perth to Busselton
• Perth to Esperance
• Denmark to Albany
• Perth to Albany
• Perth to Kalbarri