2 Week South West Edge Road Trip
Explore a spontaneous 2 week road trip through the south west edge
Get ready to take a extraordinary road trip on a budget through the south west edge. From the sandy beaches of Bunbury to Hamelin Bay. Soak in the peaceful tranquillity of the rainforests of Pemberton to Walpole. Head back to squeaky clean beaches of Albany to Esperance before heading back to Perth with a stop for a surf of a different kind in Hyden.
Our Car
We used a Nissan Patrol as its a sturdy 4×4 that has plenty of space to store our gear. You do not need a 4×4 for a road trip through the south west edge. Some roads are unsealed and have heavy corrugation.
What to take
Our gear included of a 2 man swag, camping chairs, a fold out table and a camp stove. Plus our pillows and blanket, portable gas for the stove, plates and cutlery. We also have an Engel for our food and water.
Essentials
- Camping gear
- Water - Due to limited drinking water
- Food - Cooking your meals saves $$
- Fuel - Jerry can for small tanks
- Maps - Paper maps due to low signal
- Camera - Capture the memories
- First aid kit
Don't forget to pack
- Cash to pay for camping
- Pack clothes for hot and cold weather
- Closed in shoes
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Car chargers for phone ext
- Beers of course
Camp at Belvidere Campgrounds
Stay at the Belvidere campgrounds near Australind. The Campgrounds don't require bookings. The grounds run on a first in first to camp basis. Located along the Leshenault Peninsular you have the estuary to the east and beach to the west. Good for those who like to go crabbing, beach fishing and swimming.
Stay in Dunsborough
There is plenty of places to stay in and around Dunsborough. Unfortunately free camping is not one of them. There are some good caravan parks around that offer a space at a good price. Take note that during peak periods they do book out.
Visit Castle Rock
Go for a hike around Castle Rock or enjoy a swim in Castle Rock bay.
Swim at Eagle Bay
The pristine blue waters of Eagle bay is a great place to enjoy a swim. The beach stretches for miles and makes you feel like you have the hole place to yourself.
Sunset at Canal Rocks
You can climb over large granite rocks, enjoy a swim and watch the sun set over Canal Rocks.
Morning at Injidup Natural Spa
Beat the crowd and spend the morning at Injidup Natural Spa. The amazing rock pool in Yallingup feels like you have spa jets massaging your back as the waves of the ocean come crashing in.
Swim with stingrays
Swim with the stingrays in Hamelin bay. The rays swim up and down the bay interacting with people and will even eat fish bait straight out of your hand.
Picnic in Augusta
Enjoy a picnic on the grass next to Granny's Pool in Augusta. This is a great place for another swim if your up for it. There is also free toilets and showers to wash off the salt and sand from the day.
Camp in Pemberton
Camp at the Big Brook Arboretum Campgrounds. There are no bookings required. The campgrounds run on a first in first to camp basis. The grounds are well shaded by the big Karri trees. Musical sounds of birds chirping give a peaceful atmosphere to the area.
Morning at Big Brook Dam
A short distance from the campsite is Big Brook dam. You can either take the 3km hike from camp or drive. Go for a swim or catch some yabbies.
Climb the Gloucester tree
Would you dare? This 56 meter tall tree was once a fire look out. Now its a adventurous climb for thrill seekers. No harness or safety net. 153 rio bar steps to the top. Watch us do the climb on YouTube and here for desk top users.
Watch us do the climb on YouTube and here for desk top users.
See the Cascades
Depending on the time of the year you visit the cascades may be a trickling stream or raging rapids. This beautiful spot is a great place to cool down after climbing the Gloucester Tree.
Climb the Bicentennial Tree
Ok so I know I already mentioned one climbing tree but if your up for it there is another. I didn't climb it as my legs where wobbly after climbing the other. This tree is taller at 75 meters but does offer landings to rest. It has been nick named the 165 pegs of hell.
Camp at Fernhook Falls
Fernhook Falls campgrounds is in the Mount Franklin National Forrest. No bookings are required. The road in looks like its for 4x4's only but it is accessible in a 2WD. Plenty of spots to pick from surrounded by tall trees and native wildflowers.
Morning at Damper Creek
Adjacent to the Fernhook Falls campgrounds is Damper Creek. Summer months it is so still the water mirrors the sky. During the wet season the falls come alive and this is a raging rapid.
Stop at John Rate Lookout
On the drive towards Walpole take a pit stop at the John Rate lookout. This place is shaded under the trees with a view overlooking Nornalup Inlet
View from Hilltop Lookout
On the way to see the Tingle Trees stop and see the view from the Hilltop Lookout. This view point looks over the treetops to Bellinger Beach and beyond.
Visit the Giant Tingle Tree
The Tingle trees are a one of a kind species and the only place in the world they are found is here in Walpole. Learn about the 3 types of Tingle trees. The Giant Tingle tree has a girth of 24 meters, hollowed out by fire but is well and truly still alive.
See the Valley of the Giants
At the time of writing the Valley of the Giants tree top walk is currently closed for refurbishment. But the Ancient Empire Walk is still open and Free. See some of the oldest trees in the Tingle forest including Grandma Tingle.
Camp at Cosy Corner Campgrounds
Cosy Corner campgrounds is halfway between Denmark and Albany. We picked this camp as its first in first served and FREE. It has space for all types of camping and backs out onto Cosy Corner Beach.
Morning at Cosy Corner Beach
The campgrounds are right next to Cosy Corner beach. Why not spend your morning waking up with a light swim or take a stroll along the coast.
See Elephant Rocks Beach
Elephant Rocks beach is a must see when your down south. This part of the coast is situated in the William Bay national park. The large granite rocks appear to be like a herd of elephants bathing in the water
Swim at Greens Pool
Greens Pool is right next to the Elephant Rocks cove. Turquoise water, white sand and large granite boulders. The natural pool is protected from the ocean leaving the waters calm and inviting. Snorkel, fish or swim. What ever tickles your fancy.
Drive to Albany
Now its time to start heading further along the coast. Next stop - Albany. Enjoy the drive as the coastline takes you through some beautiful parts with drives through thick forest and parts with views of the coast.
Admire the Albany Windfarm
Albany Windfarm is a site to see. There are 18 wind turbines that stretch 3km along the coast. At 100 meters tall from the base to the tip of the blade they really do make you feel small. Views of the coast are not to be missed and at the right time of the year you may also see whales swimming past the coast.
See the Gap and Natural Bridge
The Gap and Natural bridge are right next to each other. Stand on the platform that hangs over the edge and watch the furious waves. Thousands of years of crashing water has cut its way into the earth and created The Gap and the Natural Bridge. Looking back from the Natural Bridge platform you can also see a landslide that looks like sand falling through a time turner.
Stay in Albany
After camping for a week its time for a warm comfy bed. Albany has plenty of different types of accommodation to chose from. Just remember to pre book during peak periods. There is so much to see and do in and around Albany and even I need to book another trip. I'd recommend to stay for a minimum of 2 nights but its all up to you. By now you are probably running low on food and have a pile of dirty laundry. Albany has everything you need to stock up on supplies. If your accommodation doesn't have a laundry service there is also a few laundry matts in town.
See Dog Rock
There is not much to it. It is a rock that looks like a dog. Rock Dog... Dog Rock. It is next to a shopping centre so its not a bad spot if your stocking up on supplies.
Walk the Bald Head Trail
Hiking with a view. This is a challenging 12.4km class 4 trail is on most peoples bucket list of walking trails. If you are not up to walking the entire trail, the views from the first peak are just as mind blowing. Panoramic views of this part of Albany are a must see.
Feel the Blow Holes
Not far from Bald Head is the Albany blow holes. Watch the waves roll in over the ocean. As they slam against the coast they shoot up through the under water caves and spray through the cracks in the granite rocks that surround the coast. Feel the force of the water as the wind is pushed through in a salty spray.
Visit the National ANZAC centre
Museums may not be your thing and to be honest its not really mine either. But how many museums let you play with old war equipment. Rotate the big guns, line up the sight and get a feel of what it was like to operate some of the heavy machinery that was used in WWII. Walk though the bunkers and see the Royal Fortress Cannons. Go to the Convoy Lookout and soak in the views of Frenchman Bay.
Climb the Granite Skywalk
Castle rock is a magnificent granite rock in the Porongurup's. Hike the steep 2km trail through the forest and then complete the final scramble to the top. The rock itself stands at over 100 meters. The skywalk is a suspended walkway that hugs the rock and gives views over the Porongurup National Park.
See the Brig Amity
By now you would of realised there is a pirate ship in town. Well its actually not a pirate ship. The Brig Amity is a replica of the original ship that brought the first white settlers to Albany. Climb aboard and see what it was like to sail across the sea in 1826. The ship is adjacent to the Museum of the Great Sothern that shares story's of the Menang Noonga people who are the first nations of the region. Learn about the brave Mokare, a young Noongar warrior who is famous for aiding the European exploration of the area.
Camp in Bremer Bay
Bremer Bay is just under 2 hours from Albany. There are different types of accommodation you may wish to pick. We decided to stay at a caravan park as it gave us easy access to the beach, which is what Bremer Bay is all about.
Long walks on the beach
Its Bremer Bay. Pristine white sand that squeaks under your feet, water so clear you can see the shells roll in the waves. Swimming, fishing, kite surfing, body boarding - what ever is your thing, do it. We chose to walk up and down Native Dog Beach in the morning and where lucky to have the hole beach to ourselves.
Go to Bremer Beach
You cant say you went to Bremer Bay if you did not go to Bremer Beach. The white sand stretches for what feels like miles. You can drive your 4x4 along the beach or just take a leisurely stroll. Spend your day relaxing by they water. You are on holiday.
Stop at Yummylicious in Ravensthorpe
Heading on to the next destination, Esperance. But it is a 4 hour drive. If sitting in a car seat all day is your thing go for it but I recommend stopping at the Yummylicious candy store in Ravensthorpe. When you don't see anything for hours, coming across a giant lolly pop is very amusing. Stock up on sweets and you have to try the ice cream.
Camp in Ravensthorpe
Completely optional but if long drives after a big day is not for you, stay in Ravensthorpe as it is a half way point. We stayed at the caravan park which happens to be right next to the candy store.
Walk the new Tanker Jetty
Walk over 400 meters out to sea on the new Tanker Jetty. Go for a fish or just admire the view.
Ride the Miniature Railway
Ok so I know this may just be for kids but I still gave it a go. This scale model of the Aurizon freight train rolls through the Adventureland Park next to the Taylor street jetty. There is also a playground, mini golf and skate park all close by.
Hire a Beam Scooter
Esperance has hopped on the Beam Team. The Electric scooters are available to hire. Simply download the app, locate a scooter and take off. It is a fun way to ride up and down the many pathways along the beach to get a good feel of Esperance. Never ridden a scooter before? Don't worry, they supply a helmet, are easy to ride and even tell you the speed you are travelling at. They have in built GPS and automatically slow you down if you are in a busy area.
Stay in Esperance
There are plenty of different types of accommodation to suite any budget. We came to Esperance during the peak period. There is an over flow campgrounds that opens during peak periods at the Esperance Showgrounds with no bookings required. Take note that you need to pre book for other places.
Visit Lucky Bay
Its not a trip to Esperance without going to the beach that is on all the postcard pictures. Drive your 4x4 along the beach and park up for the day. The sand squeaks under your feet. The water is crystal clear. And of course if you are lucky in Lucky Bay you will see the kangaroos hopping along enjoying the water too. We did not see the kangaroos on our visit as we came in the middle of the day. Kangaroos are most active early morning and late in the afternoon so I guess that would be the best time to get the experience.
See the Pink Lake
Pink Lake is a large salt lake next to the town of Esperance. Where is the pink? Well... there is non anymore that is. The lake was pink back in the day but hasn't been since the early 2000's. A type of algae is what turns salt lakes pink but after many years of rising temperatures the algae has died off. It is predicted that the lake will turn pink again but time will tell.
Morning at Lovers Cove
Soak in your last morning in Esperance at Lovers Cove. A small hike from the Rotary Lookout with views of the surrounding islands.
Surf Wave Rock
It is now time to start heading back towards home and why not take a night in Hyden. You cant miss Wave Rock. It is the big rock just as you drive in to town. You cant miss it. The colours of the rock are an art piece in itself. See how far up you can walk the curve and don't forget to surf the wave.
See the Hippo's Yawn
Not far from Wave Rock is the Hippo's Yawn. The large rock really does look like its name. The formation of the rock shows what Wave Rock looked like many thousands of years ago. As the rain falls and the water rolls its way across the rocks it slowly erodes the surface forming the curved sculped look.
Float on Lake Magic Pool
Lake Magic pool is next to the real salt lake called Lake Magic. This man made salt lake is a great way to cool off from the heat of Hyden. With the high level of salt in the ground the water is so salty that it imitates the Dead Sea. The water is so dense it is impossible to sink. Swim around and watch your body float back to the surface. It is a strange feeling but 10/10 you have to try it.
Camp in Hyden
The last camp of the trip so its time to soak in the night sky. As the sun sets watch the orange glow over the red dirt then see the milky way come into view. One of the best things of been away from light pollution is to see the constellations in full view. We camped at The Camp which is Waves rocks short stay campground. The campground does require a booking. There is 10 nature camp sites under large gum trees.
Morning on top of Wave Rock
Climb the top of wave rock, hike the trail and take in the sight of this amazing, 100 meter long granite piece. By heading to the rock in the morning you beat the heat of the day and may even be lucky enough to spot some of the wildlife in the area.
Visit Mulka's Cave
This historical cave has the same formation that Hippo's Yawn once was thousands of years ago. This cave is a important part of culture for the Aboriginal people. Mulka was an man with colossal sight and it was believed that it was because his mother fell in love with a man to whom marriage was forbidden. Due to his crossed site he was not able to throw a spear and legend says he resulted to eating children. He lived in the cave until his mother tried to reason with him but he horrifically killed her. He ran from the tribes but was found. Aboriginal law believes in an eye for an eye so he was killed and his body was left to the ants as a warning to others to not break the rules. The cave is significant as it holds many different cave paintings including over 200 hand stencils and prints. Aboriginal elders have asked you to respect the sight and admire the paintings from the entrance of the cave and not venture into the cave to preserve the artwork.
Back to Perth
Our accommodation costs where roughly $530 for two people for the 2 weeks - take note that over half of that cost was for staying at a motel in Albany for the 2 days. Most of the places we visited where free but some do require you to pay for a parks pass. You can either pay a day fee or you can order a parks pass through ParksWA for a hole year. I hope you enjoy this road trip just as much as I did. Share your holiday snaps on Instagram by using #ausexploring so I can see them too. Customize your trip to how it suits you. If there is anything you would change or great places you think I missed don't forget to let me know.