The southwest corner of Australia is an outdoors playground. With your Perth Airport car rental from Hertz Australia, you can explore wine regions, southern forests and national parks and reserves at your own pace. This itinerary is best done over the course of a week or even better, stretched out over a longer period of time.
Perth to Bunbury – 180 km
Head south along the South Western Highway until you reach Harvey – a quaint country destination. Continuing on detour down Coalsfields Rd to explore the rich forests of Wellington National Park near Collie, or Boyanup-Picton Rd to dig into the boutique breweries and wineries of the Ferguson Valley in Dardanup. When you eventually reach Bunbury, you’ll be ready to relax with its cosmopolitan offerings – it’s the third largest city in Western Australia. Or continue your nature explorations – Bunbury is known for the bottlenose dolphins that live in Koombana Bay, and for the long sandy beaches nearby.
Bunbury to Augusta – 140 km
Follow the coast along to Busselton, where you can visit the Underwater Observatory and the jetty. At Geographe Bay, swim or snorkel in the crystal clear waters. Continue along to Margaret River, known for its world famous wines. In addition, there are great edibles and crafts to be found around here. At Augusta, take a cruise to see whales in season, or visit Cape Leeuwin, the tallest lighthouse on mainland Australia where the Indian and Southern oceans collide.
Augusta to Boyup Brook – 170 km
Now you’ll head inland through heartily scenic areas of rolling hills and valleys. Drive to Nannup – the ‘garden village’ and Bridgetown, Balingup (known for its colourful arts and crafts shops) and Boyup Brook, the country music capital of Western Australia.
Boyup Brook to Northcliffe – 130 km
Return to Bridgetown and the South Western Highway, heading south to Manjimup – the Timber and Heritage Park here will keep you occupied for awhile. Near Pemberton, take a tour to the Yeagerup Dunes or walk the suspension bridge over Beedelup Falls. Continue on to Northcliffe, home to a great forest art trail of sculptures.
Northcliffe to Albany – 220 km
Travel east towards Denmark on the South Coast Highway, where you shouldn’t miss the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, or lunch at a winery. At Albany, you’ve got endless coastline to explore. Drive around the inlet to Torndirrup National Park, where you’ll be blown away by the sights of The Gap and Natural Bridge.
