What to do and where to stay on your next drive down the South West coast
With a backyard as big and beautiful as ours, there’s not a day better spent than road tripping to destinations afar.
And one of the best ways to enjoy the unique set of landscapes on offer is to take the scenic route along the South West Edge, flush with world class wine regions, towering forests, stark outback scenes and opal coastlines rich in marine-life.
We’ve teamed up with Summerstar Tourist Parks for a handy Perth to Esperance itinerary, complete with what to do and where to stay along the way.
Busselton (Perth to Busselton – 222 kilometres)
What to do:
To get the ball rolling, it makes sense to start with Busselton – the city on the southwest tip of Western Australia located only two and a half hours from Perth. When it comes to things to do, checking out the Busselton Jetty – the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere – is a must! While you’re there, it’s worth descending eight meters to visit the Underwater Observatory at the end of the jetty – one of six in the world – where you’ll view some of the 300 marine species that call the habitat home.
The foreshore is also worth a gander for its buzzing hub of cafes, beachside restaurants and boutique stores. Busso – as it’s fondly branded – is widely known and adored for the seasonal humpback whales who herd to Geographe Bay for breeding season during the cooler months around September. Book a tour with Sea Charters and catch them waving their tails and playing with calves!
Where to eat:
In terms of food and drink, Hummingbird is a great place to start your morning with a caffeinated brew and delicious breakfast or lunch in a highly aesthetic space. If you’re down for a pint and plate from a delicious seasonal menu, head to Shelter Brewing Co and settle into the arvo with a beer in hand while overlooking views of the bay. Other great options include The Goose (which has just reopened), or The Banksia Tavern – a delight hole-in-the-wall tapas bar and restaurant.
Where to stay:
Busselton Lazy Days Caravan Park
Accommodation-wise, this quiet and cruisy caravan park is one of the regions oldest and will transport you back to the good old days. While it doesn’t have the bells and whistles that other parks do, it’s the perfect place to relax under the native Peppermint trees with a book in hand – and forget to keep your eyes peeled for an endangered possum or two. You’ll live like a Busselton local, just a hop, skip and jump from the pristine waters of Geographe Bay and a 10-minute drive from the town centre. Like ALL Summerstar Tourist Parks along this south west edge road trip, Lazy Days is also pet-friendly, so you can say goodbye to the days of leaving your furry friends at home!
Margaret River (Busselton to Margaret River – 50 kilometres)
What to do:
Next stop is Margaret River, one of WA’s most popular holiday destinations. When it comes to things to do, it would be rude not to check out the extraordinary coastline – Meelup Beach, Smith’s Beach, Yallingup Beach and Redgate are some favourites. Visit Mammoth Cave, the natural limestone time capsule home to ancient fossils and vibrant history. Another highlight is Boranup Forest, located 25-minutes south of town – there’s also a sensational tourist drive through the undulating karri forest that’s well worth a whirl.
Where to eat:
World class culinary experiences are synonymous with the Margaret River name, so when it comes to wining and dining, there are endless options. Vasse Felix, Wise Wine, Cullen Wines, Arimia and Amelia Park are all beautiful options. In terms of breweries, Wild Hop Brewing Co is a winner, and you can’t go wrong with Eagle Bay Brewing Co or Black Brewing Co.
Where to stay:
A little further south, located just over one kilometre from the Margaret River town centre and surrounded by colourful flowers and plants, this well-established park boasts large powered sites and powered ensuite sites suitable for big rigs, as well as renovated modern cottages (complete with dishwashers and coffee machines), a nature playground, a jumping pillow, swimming pool, massive camp kitchen and games room. It’s the perfect holiday destination for families or couples looking for prime real estate to set up camp before exploring the best of the Margaret River Region’s wineries, breweries, caves, mazes, surf and coastline.
Another option is Riverview Tourism Park which is surrounded by lush forest, abundant birdlife and nestled on the banks of the Warperup Creek. This park is known for its peace and quiet, offering a tranquil setting for travellers keen to relax and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of life. It’s a great base to explore the region’s world class restaurants, cellar doors, distilleries, fresh produce and artisan delights. Located just over one kilometre from the town centre, the caravan park is home to cabins with river views (hence the name), along with a small selection of powered ensuites. The powered sites are best suited for smaller rigs with a maximum length of eight metres.
Walpole (Margaret River to Walpole – 249 kilometres)
What to do:
Located just under three hours from Margaret River, Walpole is where the forest meets the sea – the definition of rugged natural beauty. When it comes to things to do, an absolute must do is the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, where you can expect sensational vistas as you walk through the canopies of tingle trees, 40 metres high in the sky. It’s also worth visiting the 400-plus year-old Giant Tingle Tree. And for something different, hop on a WOW Wilderness Eco Cruise and journey through the Walpole and Nornalup Inlets Marine Park and Nuyts Wilderness Area. You’ll enjoy the natural surroundings and spot wildlife from the comfort of the boat, all while learning about the region.
Where to eat:
Walpole is host to an array of places to grab a bite and tipple. The Marron Tale Café and Farm is great for – you guessed it – freshly caught marron, as well as other lunch options, brekkie, coffee and cakes. Or swing by The Nornabar for South East Asian and Mediterranean dishes like fried rice, seafood pasta and lamb curry. Another crowd pleaser is the family-run Moombaki Wines – pop in to sample their range of chardonnay, shiraz and cabernet sauvignon. Or about a 40-minute drive east of Walpole and undoubtedly closer to Denmark, The Dam is a lush farm property home to a restaurant facing a stunning blue dam. It’s home to a distiller creating seltzers and spirits distilled from cannabis sativa (hemp) grown on the property, while the menu is packed with plates of roasted local beef, barramundi and octopus.
Where to stay:
Walpole Rest Point Caravan Park
If you’re a fishing enthusiast or boating buff, this caravan park sports a prime spot on the banks of the Walpole-Nornalup inlet, complete with a heritage-listed jetty and gazebo for all things recreation, a boat launch and canoe hire. Rest assured, you’re in good hands. With large grassed powered sites, an entertainment hall, jumping pillow and prime positioning next to the Walpole Country Club, and just a seven-minute drive into town, you won’t go wrong with a holiday here. If you’re into hiking, the park is situated close to the Bibbulmun Track and Munda Biddi Trail, so hikers and mountain bikers looking for a bit of R&R will be well suited to the joint.
Esperance (Walpole to Esperance – 594 kilometres)
What to do:
When it comes to natural attractions, this secluded south-coast WA town has it covered. Its allure is synonymous with some of Australia’s most celebrated beaches like Twilight Bay, 11 Mile Beach, the kangaroo-run Lucky Bay Beach or the surfer’s paradise at West Beach. Then there’s the Insta-famous pink lake (best enjoyed from a scenic flight) and pristine Cape Le Grand and Fitzgerald River National Parks, home to spectacular coastal hikes and the must-climb Frenchman Peak.
Where to eat:
Check out Bread Local for some fresh bakery treats to start the morning. Guided by a paddock to plate ethos, Lucky Bay Brewing is the only WA brewery that uses raw barley direct from local farmers to make beer. The woodfired pizzas made from local flour and beer yeast are the menu hero, while other share-style offerings include pulled pork tacos and chargrilled lamb skewers. If you’re down for something casual, grab some takeaway fish and chips from local favourite Fishface and ferry them down to then beach for sunset. Or hit up Taylor St Quarters for its buzzing food scene and humming cocktail bar.
Where to stay:
This was where it all began for owners of Summerstar Tourist Parks’ John and Dani Layman. Their purchase of Esperance Bay Holiday Park in 1996 marked the birth of a business, which over more than two decades, grew to a suite of 14 properties across WA and SA. Located in the beating heart of Esperance, opposite the local jetty and serene swimming beaches, the holiday park is walking distance to the main hub and just an 11-minute drive to the breathtaking 40-kilometre Great Ocean Drive loop.
Encompassing a collection of unpowered and powered sites, modern chalets and a games/tv room and playground, this quaint little park is great for couples and families alike. And for the striking turquoise hues of Lucky Bay and Cape Le Grand, you’ll only need to drive 50-minutes.
Planning a road trip around Western Australia? Head to Summerstar Tourist Parks for unforgettable experiences and accommodation options that won’t break the bank.
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