South West Edge Road Trip Map, WA

From a granite wave to watching whale migrations, this is a stretch of Australia that brings you close to nature.

South West Edge

Stretching from the countryside to the coastline, the South West Edge is like no other. Embark on an epic coastal adventure and hit the open road to Esperance (Kepa Kurl). Wind your way through towering karri forests and premium wine country in the Margaret River Region, an unparalleled destination for gourmet experiences, award-winning wine and unforgettable outdoor adventures.  

Loop across the South West towards the spectacular Golden Outback, an otherworldly blend of nature, wildlife, coastlines and culture. The haven of Albany (Kinjarling) is surrounded by national parks and offers a selection of local wineries and historic buildings, while fans of pristine white beaches should journey to Lucky Bay in Esperance to soak up the sun alongside friendly kangas. Lifelong memories are yours to collect on this truly epic road trip through Western Australia’s South West edge.

Discover the South West Edge

Stretching from the countryside to the coastline, the South West Edge is as pretty as a picture. Marvel at ancient Aboriginal rock art, visit giand sandstone monoliths, and watch as even the kangaroos bathe comfortably on Australia’s whitest beach; there’s nowhere else in Australia that looks like this.

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Perth

Image location: Northbridge, Perth

Expect year-round sunshine in Perth, the glittering capital of Western Australia. Spend warm summer days splashing around at Cottesloe Beach before heading out on an Aboriginal wal…

Expect year-round sunshine in Perth, the glittering capital of Western Australia. Spend warm summer days splashing around at Cottesloe Beach before heading out on an Aboriginal walking tour to learn more about the city’s heritage. Then it's Northbridge for micro-breweries and street murals, while Perth Cultural Centre is the spot for contemporary art and live gigs. It’s a city with a lively after-dark scene and dynamic population – perfect as your Western Australia base.

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Bunbury

Image location: Dolphin Discovery Centre

Just two hours from Perth, Bunbury (Goomburrup) is best known for spotting wild but friendly bottlenose dolphins and for being the springboard to one of Australia’s most biodiverse…

Just two hours from Perth, Bunbury (Goomburrup) is best known for spotting wild but friendly bottlenose dolphins and for being the springboard to one of Australia’s most biodiverse regions. Kick back and enjoy the city’s world-class wine, pristine beaches and giant forests before heading to the Dolphin Discovery Centre , where you can stand knee-deep in the shallows and wait for them to say hi, or join a tour to learn more.

Busselton

Image location: Busselton Jetty Underwater Observatory

Think white sandy beaches and pristine sea waters and you’ll arrive somewhere close to Busselton (Undalup), with its colourful clapboard houses and ivory sand. The picturesque town is crowned with a 1.8km jetty that stretches into the glittering ocean. Between May and December, the jetty is a draw for more than just tourists – tens of thousands of whales pass on their annual migration from Antarctica. There’s also a magnificent Underwater Observatory to watch turtles and other marine life swim past.

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Margaret River Region

Image location: Windows Estate

Need to stretch your surf legs? The Margaret River Region’s got you covered with its gnarly surf breaks and crashing turquoise waters. Both pros and dolphins enjoy splashing around…

Need to stretch your surf legs? The Margaret River Region’s got you covered with its gnarly surf breaks and crashing turquoise waters. Both pros and dolphins enjoy splashing around in the waves, but if the surf’s not up, the region is also home to boutique wineries, scented eucalyptus forests and is located on the Cape to Cape Track walk , a coastal route that takes hikers along the length of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge, past Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse and through rolling vineyards.

Join the Cape to Cape Track walk

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Pemberton

Image location: Southern Forests

Got a head for heights? Come to Pemberton to scale the world’s tallest fire look-out tree, located in the heart of Karri Tree Country. The Bicentennial Tree is the same height as the Sydney Opera House, reaching 65 metres above the forest. Nearby Walpole hosts a treetop walk high in the canopy of the state’s Tingle forest. Like the rest of this region, a good glass of chilled white isn’t hard to find – top your visit off with a glass of Chardonnay overlooking the crashing majesty of Beedelup Falls.

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Denmark

Image location: Greens Pool, William Bay National Park

The pretty township of Denmark bustles with award-winning bakeries, eclectic cafes and weekend arts markets, surrounded by 400-year-old, 60m tall trees that line the roadside like Roman columns. But it’s what’s around the nature-loving community that draws visitors – Greens Pool and neighbouring Elephant Rocks in wildflower-carpeted William Bay National Park are the unquestionable show-stoppers. The vivid colour of the ocean in shallow bays changes with the light; one moment it’s aquamarine, the next it’s jade.

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Albany

Image location: Albany Town Jetty

The cool climate haven of Albany (Kinjarling) perches on a placid harbour edged by a national park. A rugged coastline of sculpted rocks, peaceful sandy beaches and nature trails through fragrant bush awaits those with a sense of adventure, while fans of local wineries, small wine bars and historic buildings will enjoy slow walks around town. Between May and October, there’s a good chance you’ll see humpback whales breaching in the distance.

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Esperance

Image location: Cape Le Grand National Park | Mandoowernup

There aren’t many places in Australia where kangaroos sunbathe on the beach. Lucky Bay is one of Australia’s best and whitest beaches and home to a colony of friendly kangaroos who love soaking up the sun. The park is also ideal for swimming, bush-walking, fishing and camping – all amid a landscape which changes from massive granite outcrops to freshwater pools to epic white sandy beaches with views overlooking nearby islands.

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Hyden

Image location: Wave Rock

Ever surfed a granite wave? Looking like a giant breaker, Wave Rock (Katter Kich) surges 15m high and 110m long from the outback plains. It’s epic in every sense, and more mind-blowing encounters are found in nearby Mulka’s Cave, where a collection of over 450 ancient rock paintings tell a story of a local Aboriginal legend. The area is inspiring year-round, but come spring, flowering purple dampiera, orange grevilleas and yellow cassia put on a spectacular display.

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