Southwest Nature and Wine Drive

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Nature lovers, appreciators of premium wines, and top-rated chefs all head to Margaret River to be immersed in their passions. Head a little way off the beaten track amongst the forests of Pemberton and Manjimup and lose yourself in a land of mild weather and abundant sunshine, and extraordinary flavours.

Travel

5-6 days


Route

Perth to Perth

km


Best Time of the Year

All year round

Highlights

  • Margaret River Wine Region
  • Pemberton Wine Region
  • Geographe Wine Region
  • Manjimup Wine Region
  • Manjimup truffles

The Journey

Days

1 2 3 4 5

Tourism Western Australia

Day 1
Perth to Harvey

Distance 150km - Driving Time About 2 hours

Get out on the open road and start your adventure with a lazy drive along the Kwinana Freeway and Forrest Highway to make your first stop at Harvey. One of Western Australia's most charming harvest towns, experience award-winning wines and some of the finest cheese in town. Home to more than 20 boutique and family-owned wineries – this unique region is the perfect place to spend a slow day indulging in local wine, produce, and exploring the rolling hills and sheltered valleys. If you happen to have your pet onboard your campervan – head to charming dog-friendly wineries like Vineyard 28. Having worked up an appetite after being on the road, dig into incredibly prepared food using Harvey's local produce.

Spend the night at Lake Brockman Tourist Park, situated on Logue Brook Dam with beautiful surroundings of the state forest.

Tourism Western Australia

Day 2
Harvey to Bunbury

Distance 50km - Driving Time 40 minutes

Only a short 40-minute drive away from Harvey – head to the lively port city of Bunbury. Bunbury boasts several nature and wildlife experiences. Spend the beginning of your day in this spirited city at the Dolphin Discovery center learning about the 100 wild bottlenose dolphins that these town's shores are home to. Choose between an eco-cruise above the surface along the shore, or head down under and embark on a tour where you can swim with these fascinating creatures. Spend your afternoon taking a self-guided tour of Bunbury's family-run wineries around the Ferguson Valley or take an enchanting stroll through Wellington Discovery Forest to unwind for the afternoon.

Spend the night in your campervan at Bunbury Glade Caravan Park.

Tourism Western Australia

Day 3
Bunbury to Margaret River

Distance 107km - Driving Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Begin your day with the two-hour journey to one of the most famous wine regions in the state: Margaret River. This scenic drive will take you along the coastline of Geographe Bay, along the Brussel Highway, past the seaside towns of Busselton and Dunsborough before the final stretch to Margaret River. Internationally acclaimed, the Margaret River region is home to nearly 100 cellar doors to experience. Spend your time here hopping around the region's best wineries and have a late lunch filled with local produce from the area. If you want someone local to do the planning for you, take a step back and book a guided tour to have the full experience filled with local knowledge.

If wine isn't your thing – there is more than just wine in this region! Gin-enthusiasts should explore the option of booking a session at Ginversity. Here you will find the option to book an interactive, informative class all about gin, with the chance to experiment and develop your very own bespoke gin blend.

If you plan to spend two nights in this region, spend your second day immersed in nature. Home to pristine beaches, surfing, tall tree forests, caves, in-season whale watching, and wildflowers – there could be endless time spend exploring Margaret River. Explore the Cape-to-Cape coastal track for a morning walk, have lunch on a picnic under the soaring Boranup Forest, and spend the afternoon discovering an underground labyrinth of limestone caves. Return to your camper for a homemade dinner using all the finest produce from Margaret River.

Spend your evenings in Margaret River staying at Gracetown Caravan Park.

Tourism Western Australia

Day 4
Margaret River to Pemberton

Distance 139km - Driving Time 1 hour 40 minutes

Spend your morning enjoying the leisurely drive to the old milling town of Pemberton. On your way, stop at Nannup to stock up on fresh produce.

Known for its abundance of karri trees, Pemberton is also home to one of the best cool-climate wines in Western Australia. Spend the day exploring quaint cellar doors and indulging in local produce. Make sure you accompany your wine tasting with Pemberton's local delicacy, marron – the largest freshwater crayfish in Western Australia, and the third-largest in the world. Enjoy a homemade dinner in your campervan with the fresh produce purchased from Nannup and enjoy watching the sunset and stars, deep in tall karri tree country.

Spend the night amonst the trees of Forest Park and bordered by the Lefroy Brook at the tranquil Pemberton Caravan Park.

Tourism Western Australia

Day 5
Pemberton to Perth

Distance 327km - Driving Time 3 hours 50 minutes

Take the short drive this morning to Manjimup – here you will discover the exquisite ingredient coveted by so many chefs around the world – Western Australia's very own black truffles. Enjoy trying it for yourself over lunch, or if you are in the area between June – August, go foraging yourself. Before heading back to Perth, end your culinary adventure by exploring Bridgetown and Donnybrook and stocking up on your final supplies of local produce, coffee, and Western Australia Heritage.