Perth and Albany are both beautiful and exciting destinations in their own right, but a Perth to Albany road trip is an epic journey you have to do at least once. This is one of our all-time favourite routes, even after doing it countless times.
There are so many natural and cultural attractions that you need to add to your Perth to Albany road trip itinerary, from pristine beaches and national parks to museums and historic buildings. There’s a lot of raw beauty to discover along this route, so take your time and enjoy exploring this beautiful part of Western Australia.
With two main road trip routes to choose from between Perth and Albany, you might be a bit lost as to which one is the best and how to begin the planning process for the drive. This complete guide has everything you need to know and will answer all of your questions.
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How long is a road trip from Perth to Albany?
If you drive directly, the total Perth to Albany road trip distance is roughly 405 kilometres, taking you straight through WA. It would take you around 5 hours to drive the whole way without stopping, but there are so many things to do on the way to Albany that this would be a waste of all the beautiful scenery.
Most travellers split up the journey over multiple days so that they can really make the most of the Perth to Albany tourist route. There are two main routes you can take.
The Albany Highway is more direct and takes 1 to 2 days, which is perfect if you’re short on time. There are still plenty of interesting stops along the way, including chances to see rare wildlife and explore protected forests.
The Coastal Route, meanwhile, takes at least 5 days. However, with so many amazing destinations along the way, you might find yourself spending an extra night or two on the road.
Our tip: If you need to return to Perth, drive both of these routes so you can get the best of both worlds.
Best time for a Perth to Albany road trip
There’s really no bad time to visit the port town of Albany. It sits at the southernmost tip of Western Australia, and it enjoys a fairly mild and temperate climate compared to some other parts of the country.
Spring and autumn are both great seasons to visit, with balmy temperatures and mainly dry weather. Summers in Albany tend to be warm and dry, while the winters are cool and wet, with an average of 22 days of rainfall in July, which is the wettest month.
So basically, it’s best to explore the Perth to Albany tourist route between October and May for comfortable temperatures and little rainfall.
Where to rent a car?
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Perth to Albany by bus
If you don’t have your own car and still want to drive from Perth to Albany, you might want to look into taking a long-distance bus for a different type of WA road trip. While you won’t get to see too many things along the way, you can technically get off and get back on the bus the following day after spending the night.
Tickets cost around $70 AUD per person. The Trans WA bus goes via Bunbury and Walpole (so the Perth to Albany coastal route), and stops include:
- Bunbury Passenger Terminal
- Boyanup (opposite Lions bus shelter)
- Donnybrook (Ayers Gardens)
- Kirup (Information Bay)
- Mullalyup (opposite bus shelter)
- Balingup (Tinderbox Store)
- Greenbushes (Stanifer Street bus bay)
- Bridgetown (Memorial Boat Park)
- Manjimup (Manjimup Heritage Park)
- Pemberton (Visitor Centre)
- Quinninup (General Store)
- Northcliffe (Museum car park)
- Walpole (Visitor Centre parking bay)
- Denmark (Holling Road)
You’ll be taking the Australind train from Perth to Bunbury (or vice versa) before switching to a coach. The bus/train leaves in the mornings at 9:30 am from Perth and 8:00 am from Albany. The ride takes around 8 to 9 hours in total, so you’ll be arriving in the early evening.
You can find out more information and book your tickets for the bus from Perth to Albany here.
Must-see places on a Perth to Albany road trip
Make sure to add these exciting things to do and see to your WA road trip itinerary for the drive from Perth to Albany.
1. Mandurah
Located less than an hour from Perth, Mandurah is the perfect first stop on your road trip if you want to take it slow. Why not go on this dolphin cruise which includes lunch and guarantees you’ll see some dolphins while you’re there?
2. Williams
This beautiful little town makes for the perfect pit stop on your drive from Perth to Albany, especially if you’re choosing the Albany Highway route. This is one of the oldest settlements in Western Australia and is known for its summer rose display on main street.
3. Bunbury
A road trip from Perth to Albany is all about beach towns, and Bunbury is one of the best along the way. You can see bottlenose dolphins right from the beach here, and pitch your tent by the water for a fun camping adventure.
4. Busselton
This dreamy little beach town is just 45 minutes from Margaret River and a perfect place to stop by for lunch by the water. You can go whale watching here or simply relax and try craft beers at the local brewery.
5. Augusta
Augusta (not to be confused with Port Augusta in South Australia) is the perfect place to experience Western Australia’s ragged coastline with stunning beaches and secluded coves. Come here for a small-town holiday, hiking and outdoor adventures.
6. Kojonup
Spend time in Kojonup, a small inland town on the Albany Highway, which makes for the perfect place to stop after a long day of driving. Visit the local historic buildings, including the Kodja Place and springs, which make for a fun afternoon of activities.
7. Denmark
Denmark is a beautiful coastal town known for its treetop walk and boulder-covered beaches. Don’t forget to do a food and wine tour here (which starts in Albany, so it’s perfect for the way back) so you can try some of the best chocolate, wines and cheese from the area.
8. Stirling Range National Park
The Stirling Range is the only larger mountainous area in the south of Western Australia. Come here for fantastic hiking trails, breathtaking views and lots of wildlife.
9. Porongurup Ranges
The Porongurup Ranges may not be as large as the Stirling Range National Park, but they’re no less impressive. Located less than 45 minutes from Albany, you’ll love a day trip here once you’re ready to leave the beach behind for some hiking adventures. Book your guided tour, which includes the Granite Skywalk and lunch here.
10. Windy Harbour
This piece of untouched nature is a beautiful place to add to your Perth to Albany road trip itinerary. Go for a walk along the cliffs and keep an eye out for the flesh-footed shearwater birds, which travel to nearby Sandy Island every year.
A road trip calls for an Instagram post, and these Instagram captions and quotes will go with it perfectly.
Perth to Albany road trip map
Use this map to help you visualise the drive from Perth to Albany, and plan your itinerary, including all the best stops along the way.
Top tip: Click the icon in the top right corner to add this map to your own Google Maps so it will always be with you on the go.
Perth to Albany road trip itinerary via the Coastal Route
The coastal route from Perth to Albany is much more scenic, but it also takes longer, covering around 415 kilometres, so you’ll need around 5 days to appreciate it properly. However, there are so many things to do on the way from Perth to Albany, so you might as well make the most of the drive and take in all the natural beauty that Western Australia has to offer.
Day 1: Margaret River
Margaret River is one of Australia’s best wine regions, and with its beautiful rolling hills and beaches, it’s certainly a scenic place to spend the night.
Note that GPS signals may drop as you pass through low-population areas, so make sure to download an offline map before you go.
It’s a good idea to leave Perth early in the morning and begin the 223-kilometre journey to Busselton, where you can stop and stretch your legs after around three hours of driving. You can even take a walk along the oceanfront promenade and visit some of the town’s cute cafes and bakeries.
After you’ve explored Busselton, it’s only a 52-kilometre drive to Margaret River, where you can check out some of the famous wineries, including the Voyager Estate, Cape Mentelle, and Vasse Felix, which was actually the region’s first vineyard.
You can even head to one of the surf breaks to catch some waves, stroll through Boranup forest, enjoy a perfume workshop at Vasse Virgin, or spot stingrays at Hamelin Bay. The A Maze’n Margaret River maze is great for a family day out, and while you’re here, you should definitely explore the Ngilgi Cave, which was Western Australia’s first major tourist attraction.
You can take a tour which will teach you all about the aboriginal history of the area and about how the cave was formed over millions of years. There’s also a touch table where children can touch and admire cave crystals.
The region is also home to some fantastic restaurants, including La Scarpetta Trattoria, Miki’s Open Kitchen, and El Toro, all of which offer an amazing dining experience. If you’re only allowing yourself a few splurge meals on your Perth to Albany road trip, you should probably do it here.
In fact, there’s so much to see, do, and eat in Margaret River that you might even want to stay for more than one night!
Where to stay
Since Busselton and Margaret River are so close, you can easily stay in either town. Both are a great base for exploring crystal caves, beaches, and wine farms, as well as enjoying the best of the area’s local produce.
RAC Margaret River
You can camp in a tent, caravan or RV at the RAC Margaret River, and they even have glamping options. They have flexible booking options, with free cancellations up to 72 hours beforehand, and they have a camp kitchen, a washroom block, and a kiosk where you can find all of your basic necessities. Since this park is situated in a national park, it is not allowed to bring your dogs here.
Busselton Jetty Tourist Park
There’s also Busselton Jetty Tourist Park, which has a range of powered tent and caravan sites, as well as cabins. It’s just a two-minute walk from the ocean and has facilities like laundry rooms, an on-site restaurant, a kitchen and barbeque area, and a dump point.
Heritage Trail Lodge
The Heritage Trail Lodge in Margaret River is nestled within lush green forest and is just 400 meters away from the town centre, so you’re within walking distance of many of the main attractions. The suites are comfy and elegant and have a real retreat vibe.
Day 2: Pemberton
It’s 135 kilometres from Margaret River to Pemberton, or 143 kilometres from Busselton to Pemberton, which should take you between 1.5 and 2 hours.
You should definitely stop at Lake Cave along the way, to check out the stalagmite and stalactite-filled limestone cave, which looks like something out of a movie. From there, you can also make a detour to see the three-chambered Jewel Cave and Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse on Australia’s mainland.
Once you arrive in Pemberton, you’ll be treated to beautiful forested landscapes. Pemberton is especially spectacular in the spring, but the tall Karri trees are gorgeous all year round.
There’s plenty to do around Pemberton, including visiting the cascading waterfalls in Gloucester National Park, which are accessible on an easy 1.2-kilometre trail. You can visit Warren National Park to see some of Australia’s tallest Karri trees or go for a swim in the Pemberton pool during the summertime. Therefore it’s best to book a guided half-day tour to ensure you see everything the area has to offer.
Where to stay
Big Brook Arboretum Campground
Big Brook Arboretum Campground is a 12-minute drive from Pemberton’s town centre and has basic facilities, including picnic tables, barbecues, and toilets. It costs $11 AUD per night and gives you a chance to sleep among the karri trees, with the sounds of nature all around you.
Fonty’s Pool Caravan Park and Chalets
There’s also Fonty’s Pool, which is about 25 minutes outside of Pemberton. It has more facilities, including showers and a swimming pool, but it is popular and can get very busy. You can also just go enjoy the pool during the day for a small admission fee of $3 AUD.
Mudstone Suites
If you’re looking for more luxurious accommodation in the town centre, check out Mudstone Suites. Depending on the category of room you choose, you might even have your own private balcony, sauna, and hot tub, so you can totally relax after the drive.
The Pemberton Hotel
Or if you’re looking for a property that’s a little easier on the wallet, then the Pemberton Hotel has budget-friendly triple and king rooms, so it’s a good place for those travelling in groups. Breakfast is included, and all rooms have either a balcony or patio, as well as cable TV. There’s also an all-day cafe on site where you can refuel.
Day 3: Walpole
Walpole is 120 kilometres away from Pemberton along National Route 1, and it’s an excellent stop on your Perth to Albany road trip. It should take you around an hour and 20 minutes to drive there, and you’ll pass through Shannon National Park on the way, where you can stop for a short hike or complete the Great Forest Drive through the old-growth trees.
Once you arrive in Walpole, you can enjoy its quaint, small-town feel as well as its forests and beaches. You can tackle The Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, which is always a lot of fun, or drive to the Hilltop Lookout and snap some beautiful pictures of the area.
You should also definitely pay a visit to Conspicuous Beach, which is a wild and beautiful beach that’s popular among surfers. Between July and September, you can also head up to the surrounding Conspicuous Cliffs to go whale-watching.
Where to stay
Coalmine Beach Holiday Park
Coalmine Beach Holiday Park is an amazing place to camp because it feels like you’re far out in the bush, but there are loads of great facilities like kitchens, fire pits, and showers. You can also go glamping here and have everything set up for you before you arrive. Plus, you might even spot some kangaroos during your stay.
Centre Road crossing campground
The Centre Road Crossing campground is a true bush campground, which is nestled in the forest where you can fall asleep to the sounds of the river flowing. There’s a single long drop toilet and a cabin with a fire inside, but other than that, this is a pretty wild experience.
Walpole Rest Point Caravan Park
Meanwhile, the Rest Point Holiday village is a great spot for families to stay, with a giant bounce pillow for kids to enjoy. It offers self-contained chalets with kitchens and private bathrooms starting from $115 AUD per night, and many of them offer beautiful lakeside views.
Bayside Villas
For something a little more spacious, the Bayside Villas are also ideal for families and are equipped with everything you need for a relaxing stay, including corner bathtubs, a large kitchen and lounge, and a garden to relax in.
Day 4: Denmark
Denmark is a 75-kilometre drive from Walpole, which takes around an hour. However, you should definitely stop off at Greens Pool, which you’ll reach 18 kilometres before you get to Denmark. It’s a gorgeous sandy white swimming beach that’s protected by large granite rocks, so it is the perfect spot for a quick dip.
After Greens Pool, you can stop at the Dam Denmark for a fancy meal made from locally farmed, seasonal produce. They also have great craft beers, excellent cocktails, and their own range of sustainably produced wines to try – if you’re not the one in the driver’s seat, that is.
There are lots of scenic routes around Denmark, such as the Scottsdale Scenic Drive and Mount Shadforth Scenic Drive, plus natural attractions like the Elephant Rocks. You can also visit Denmark Alpaca Farm, stop for a glass of wine at the elegant Lake House winery, or enjoy a huge cheese and charcuterie platter at Duckett’s Mill.
Chocolate fans should also definitely check out the Denmark Chocolate Company near Ocean Beach. It even has a licensed Chocolate Lounge where you can enjoy chocolates paired with local wines, liqueurs, and beers. You can also take part in casual tastings or chat with the chocolatiers and learn more about the history of chocolate in the region.
Denmark’s mild climate also makes it the perfect year-round destination for those who enjoy walking, cycling, and hiking. Some of the best trails in the area include the Denmark-Nornalup Heritage Rail Trail, the Mokare Heritage Trail, Inlet Drive Cycle Trail, and Harewood Forest Walk.
Where to stay
Riverbend Chalets & Caravan Park
Riverbend Chalets & Caravan Park has both unpowered and powered sites, which start from $28 AUD and $31 AUD per night, respectively. Unfortunately, there is no camp kitchen, but hot showers, a barbecue area, and laundry facilities are available.
BIG4 Denmark Ocean Beach Holiday Park
If you prefer more commercial campsites, there’s a Big4 campsite in Denmark, which offers cabins and caravans, as well as powered and unpowered sites for vehicles and tents. There’s free WiFi all over the park, and it’s within walking distance of Ocean Beach, so you can wake up and hit the water straight away.
31 on the Terrace
31 on the Terrace is one of the most budget-friendly options in Denmark, with double rooms available for around $155 AUD per night. It’s just two minutes away from the river, and a short drive from Ocean Beach. It also has a spa where you can enjoy a massage if your back is sore after driving.
Chimes Spa Retreat
For some real RnR, Chimes Spa Retreat is a boutique hotel where you can treat yourself to a range of indulgent spa treatments, as well as enjoy a gourmet buffet breakfast in the morning. There are also beautiful gardens to relax in, and the rooms are very elegant and sophisticated.
Day 5: Albany
The final stage of your Perth to Albany road trip along the WA Coastal Route is the drive from Denmark to Albany, which only takes around 45 minutes if you take the direct route, and the distance is around 55 kilometres. However, you can also take a longer route that takes you to West Cape Howe National Park along the way. Here, you can check out the park’s dramatic coast and swim at one of the pristine beaches and coves.
Shelley Beach is particularly lovely and accessible via 2WD, plus it has a basic campsite if you want to pitch a tent and stay the night. Some of the other beaches do require 4WD to access, so pay close attention to the signage.
Once you get to Albany, you can check out the National Anzac Centre to learn more about WWI history, hit the waves or just relax at Middleton beach, and check out unique and imaginative artwork at Chainsaw Sculpture Drive.
One of the top natural attractions in Albany is the Gap and Natural Bridge, a unique cliff rock formation with lookout points that offer amazing views of the coastline and the Southern Ocean. You should definitely go and see this amazing geological feature for yourself because photos really don’t do it justice.
Where to stay
Mt Trio Bush Camp & Caravan Park
Mt Trio Bush Camp & Caravan Park is about an hour outside of Albany, but it has great access to the Stirling Ranges, which is the only major mountain range in Western Australia. There are unpowered tent sites where you can camp from $40 AUD per night or powered sites from $50 AUD.
Here, you’re surrounded by the wild beauty of the bush while still enjoying hot showers and great facilities. The camp has a covered outdoor kitchen area which has everything you need to prepare a tasty meal, plus seating, and there’s an open fire nearby that campers often gather around after dark to swap stories and sing songs.
BIG4 Emu Beach Holiday Park
There’s a second BIG4 caravan park here, which also has villas and chalets available, or of course, bring your own vehicle. This is great if you’re looking to stay somewhere affordable, but with plenty of facilities available. Powered sites start at $71 AUD per night, and the park is dog friendly for most of the year, although rules do sometimes change during school holidays and peak weeks.
Ace Accommodation Albany
Ace Accommodation Albany is an affordable motel with quiet, spacious rooms, an on-site bar and restaurant, and it’s perfectly positioned close to both central Albany and Middleton beach.
Hilton Garden Inn
If you’d rather stay at a hotel instead, the Hilton Garden Inn is a swanky 4-star property just 100 metres away from the Albany Entertainment Centre. It has a gym, some sea view rooms, and Uber comfy rooms where you can relax in peace at the end of your Perth to Albany road trip.
Perth to Albany road trip itinerary via the Albany Highway
The Albany Highway runs straight from the centre of Perth to Albany, and it’s pretty easy to follow. The road itself isn’t super exciting, but there are a lot of fun stops along the way, including farms, forests, and art galleries. It’s also a very straightforward drive, and the road is in good condition.
Day 1: Dryandra Woodland
Dryandra Woodland is roughly 175 kilometres from Perth, close to the Albany Highway, and it takes around two hours to drive there. The roads in the woodland are accessible by all vehicles, so there’s no need to worry if you don’t have 4WD.
After about an hour after leaving Perth, you’ll reach the Jarrahdale State forest, which stretches on for over 100 kilometres. There are petrol stations along the way at North Bannister, Bannister, and Crossman, where you can stop to fill up your tank and grab some refreshments.
If you stop in the town of Jarrahdale itself, there are a few cafes to choose from for lunch, including the Jarrahdale Cafe and General Store.
Once you reach Dryandra Woodland, the 23-kilometre Darwinia Drive Trail is a great way to explore the area. There are pull-over bays with information boards that teach you all about the woodland’s ecosystem, and you can even bring a picnic to eat along the way.
You can also take a detour at North Bannister and go visit the Barna Mia Nocturnal Wildlife Experience, where you can see native Australian animals in a natural sanctuary, including numbats, possums, and bilbies.
It’s also worth paying a visit to Hotham Ridge winery to try some local organic and biodynamic wines. Then, you can stay overnight in North Bannister before setting off again the next morning.
Where to stay
You can stay the night in Dryandra Woodland National Park, which has a few different campgrounds available. You can choose between a more wild camping experience, or more comfortable accommodation in cozy huts or cabins if you prefer. There are no entry fees for the entire national park.
Gnaala Mia campground
Gnaala Mia campsite is suitable for tents as well as caravans. There is a communal barbecue area, some picnic tables, a fireplace and toilets, but no showers. Dogs are not allowed in the entire perk, nor is setting up other fire pits. The campground cannot be reserved online, and sites are assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis. For this reason, especially on holidays and weekends, you should make your way as early as possible to get a good spot. The fees are $11 AUD per adult and $3 AUD for children per night.
Lions Dryandra Village
Meanwhile, if you’d prefer to stay in a forest hut, the Lions Dryandra Village has six large and two small cottages, each with a private toilet, as well as bunk accommodation for larger groups. The big cottages start at $100 AUD per night from November to March, and $130 AUD from April to October, while smaller cottages start at $70 AUD per night. Prices can also vary according to group size.
Hotham Ridge Wine Estate
If camping isn’t for you or you want a little more comfort, you can stay in one of the self-catering cottages at Hotham Ridge Wine Estate (starts at $180 AUD). The beautifully landscaped property sits on 167 acres of vines and bush where you can fully immerse yourself in nature and forget about any stress. Of course, you can also book a wine tour and wine tasting on-site.
Day 2: Albany
You’ll spend around 1.5 to 2 hours behind the wheel on the second and final day of your Perth to Albany drive along the Albany Highway.
After about 2 hours of driving, you’ll reach Mount Barker, a small countryside town with great wineries, a beautiful lookout point, street art murals, and a bakery with a reputation for producing some of the best pies and pastries in Western Australia.
From there, it’s only another 40 minutes of driving before you reach Albany itself. Once you arrive, there are a ton of attractions to explore, including hiking, enjoying the beaches, and checking out all of the great local restaurants. Don’t miss Liberté, an award-winning French-Vietnamese fusion bar and restaurant.
Where to stay
There are many hotels and campgrounds in Albany to choose from for every budget. Some of the camping sites are even free.
Free campsites in Albany
Betty’s Beach offers guests direct access to the beach and beautiful ocean views. You can’t camp here between mid-February and April, but for the rest of the year, you can stay for free. It’s around 50 kilometres away from Albany town centre, and you really feel surrounded by nature here.
The Sturdee Road and East Bay campsites are also free.
Cosy Corner Campground
Cosy Corner East is about 35 kilometres west of Albany and has sites for caravans and tents. A beach where you can swim or kayak is within walking distance, as well as public restrooms and a dump station. Fees are $15 AUD per site per night for two adults and two children. Each additional child costs $3 AUD, a student $5 AUD, and $7.50 AUD for any additional adult.
Dolphin Lodge
For something more central, the Dolphin Lodge has self-contained apartments located on the Middleton beachfront that are equipped with terraces, full kitchens, and BBQ facilities, as well as a communal gym and laundry facilities on site. A one-bedroom apartment starts from $245 AUD per night.
The Beach House at Bayside
The Beach House at Bayside offers relaxed and homely rooms and suites, starting from $345 AUD per night. It’s 6 kilometres away from Albany town centre and offers an amazing breakfast every morning to fuel your day of adventures.
Things to do in Albany
After so many days on the road, you might want to stop and enjoy Albany for a while before heading back to Perth. Here are the top things to do in and around town
The best way to see Albany
If you don’t have a lot of time to visit Albany, you’ll love this guided tour which will show you some of the highlights in just one day. Combine Torndirrup National Park, the Princess Royal Harbor and the Historic Whaling Station, which will be shown to you by a local guide who will provide snacks and coffee. Find more details on this tour here
1. Explore the National Anzac Centre
A trip to the National Anzac Centre is a must-do during your time in Albany. Learn about the role of Australian soldiers during WWI through a variety of interactive exhibits. Booking tickets in advance is recommended, which you can do here.
2. Discover Torndirrup National Park
You’ll love Torndirrup National Park, which is perfect for hiking and spending time outdoors. Make sure to visit natural wonders like the Gap, Natural Bridge and the Blowholes, which will leave a lasting impression. A guided walking tour is a great way to learn more about the park. You can find our favourite tour of Torndirrup here.
3. Road trip to Bremer Bay
Extend your road trip and drive the 2 hours from Albany to the small town of Bremer Bay, where you can camp on secluded beaches and explore the nearby Fitzgerald River National Park. This is a prime destination for seeing orcas in their natural environment, and a killer whale tour is a must-do here.
4. Spend the day at Middleton Beach
Middleton Beach is located right in town and is the easiest to access from Albany. It’s perfect for sunbathing, spending the day by the water or going for a beach walk. Definitely use our Australia Instagram caption ideas for your next post about Middleton Beahc.
Our tip: This part of Australia is known for its stunning white-sand beaches. Unfortunately, taking sand or shells with you can damage the delicate ecosystem and cause coastal errosion. Why not take photos of the beautiful shells you’ll encounter instead?
5. Scuba dive at HMAS Perth II shipwreck
If you want to see Western Australia from a different perspective, you absolutely need to go scuba diving on the HMAS Perth II shipwreck close to Seal Island. The ship remains in great condition, although it’s only suitable for advanced divers, and a permit is required.
6. Spot whales
Albany is a prime whale-watching destination, especially during May and October when you can spot humpback and southern right whales. Make sure to join a whale-watching tour or keep an eye out from the shore when you’re going for a walk or hiking.
7. Do a beer tasting at Wilson Brewing Company
Located just outside of town, the Wilson Brewing Company is the perfect spot for an afternoon beer tasting. Enjoy their brews which have fun names such as the Lost Sailor, Light House or Rough Seas. Their food is out of this world too.
8. Go hiking
There are a ton of different hiking trails to choose from close to Albany, and some of our favourite ones are located in Gull Rock National Park, West Cape Howe National Park, Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve and Torndirrup National Park.
9. Try the best local foods
This part of Western Australia is known for its delicious comfort food and local produce. Try Garrison Restaurant and Bar, Due South or the Three Anchors for a great dining experience in town. Don’t miss out on this guided food and wine tour to Denmark, which includes chocolate, cheese, honey and, of course, wine tastings.
10. Visit the Historic Whaling Station
Spend an afternoon at the Historic Whaling Station in Albany, one of the town’s main attractions. Located inside a restored whaling ship, this museum includes a blue whale skeleton and a lot of information on the history of whale hunting in Western Australia. Book your tickets in advance here.
9. Visit Emu Beach
Emu Beach is a calm beach perfect for families and those looking for a spot to swim. The beach is wheelchair accessible and perfect for a picnic or a relaxed day by the water.
10. Explore the Brig Amity replica
The Brig Amity is a full replica of a 19th-century merchant ship, which is the type of vessel that first brought settlers to Western Australia. It’s part of the Museum of the Great Southern, and visitors can climb aboard and explore.
11. Tour the Great Southern Distilling Company
Visit the first place in Western Australia to produce single malt whiskey and set aside an afternoon for a tasting. Guided tours are available for $25 AUD, or do a full blending class which will elevate your whiskey knowledge even more.
12. Do a winetasting
With a wide variety of wineries available in the area, Albany is a great spot for wine tastings. This tour is one of our all-time favourites and takes you to four renowned wineries close to Mount Barker, with lunch and tastings included.
13. Learn about Albany’s history
Join a guided tour, which will take you not only to the National Anzac Centre but also to hotspots around town and Middleton Beach. Book your tour here to make the most of your time and your visit to Albany.
Things to do in Perth
Here are some unmissable things to do in Perth before you begin your drive to Albany, or you can read our 5-day itinerary to help you plan your trip.
1. Go for a swim at Cottesloe Beach
This is considered the best beach in Perth, and it’s located just a quick drive from the city centre. Enjoy a day at Cottesloe, go for a swim and grab lunch at one of the many nearby restaurants.
2. See kangaroos on Heirisson Island
Heirisson Island is a peaceful spot in the heart of the city where you can go for a walk, enjoy river views and see wild kangaroos. Make sure to bring a picnic and go on a sunny day.
3. Discover Fremantle
There are plenty of things to do and see in Fremantle, a little artists’ town located just a quick train ride from Perth. Come here for museums, including the historic prison, the art gallery or the Shipwreck Museum. The Fremantle Markets and the local beaches are also highly recommended.
4. Have a picnic at Kings Park
This large park overlooks the city and is perfect for an afternoon walk. Visit the botanical gardens and explore the beautiful native bushland that has been conserved in the park.
5. Have lunch with a view at Elizabeth Quay
Elizabeth Quay is a beautiful waterfront area with restaurants and different landmarks. Stop by the Island Brewhouse for lunch and craft beer with a view of the water. You can also visit the iconic Bell Tower, make sure to book your ticket for the full experience here.
6. Go on a Swan River Cruise
The Swan River is one of Perth’s main attractions, and you can choose from a variety of tours, including lunch cruises, romantic dinner cruises or sightseeing trips. This tour is one of the best, and we highly recommend it.
7. Bike around Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island is one of the main attractions in Perth and should be at the top of your list of things to do. Take the ferry from Fremantle to reach this little island and rent bikes to get around. Don’t forget to take a selfie with the quokkas that make Rottnest so famous. If you’re looking for guided tours, consider this one which includes bikes, the ferry and snorkelling equipment. We also really enjoyed this Segway tour.
8. Try wine at the Swan Valley
The Swan Valley is one of Australia’s best wine areas, and a tour here is a must-do during your time in Perth. We loved this guided wine tasting which also takes you to a microbrewery and supplies cheese boards and chocolate liquor.
9. Go on a Perth to Kalbarri road trip
Head up north and experience Western Australia’s incredible coast. The road trip to Kalbarri is a must-see and will leave you wanting to explore even more.
Must-know tips for a Perth to Albany road trip
Here are some things I wish I knew before doing the drive from Perth to Albany for the first time.
- Try both routes, but if you have to choose one, pick the coastal way. The Albany Highway is beautiful, but nothing beats Western Australia’s incredible beaches
- Take your time. Even if you think three days is enough for the road trip, add some extra time just in case, especially if you want to visit Albany at the end. There’s so much to see on the way, and you don’t want to be rushed.
- Be careful when wild camping along the way. It’s easy to be fined, and I’d highly recommend reading our wild camping guide before you go.
- Make use of Perth’s free bus system while you’re there. Read our complete public transport guide before you go.
- Avoid driving just before sunset or in the early mornings. This is when the most wildlife is on the road, and accidents are common.
- Expect to pay a bit more for campsites in popular spots like Albany, Denmark or Margaret River. Free or cheap camps are difficult to find here so calculate your budget carefully.
Must-have things for a Perth to Albany road trip
When you’re packing your car, don’t forget these road trip essentials, especially if you’re camping along the way.
- A high-quality esky that will fit behind your seat. This will save you from having to reach too far, and you can grab drinks and snacks on the way.
- Folding camping chairs – even if you’re not camping. You can set them up at the beach or during a rest stop which will make your trip a lot more comfortable.
- Snorkelling equipment. With so many incredible beaches on the way from Perth to Albany, you’ll want the freedom to get in the water whenever you feel like it.
- An extra jerry can and a big water jug. The road on this road trip isn’t too remote, but it’s always good to be prepared in case you break down or run out of petrol.
- Download an offline map to your phone using Google Maps. Cell phone reception can be unreliable in remote parts of Australia, and you’ll want to know where you’re going. Don’t forget to include the map at the top of this post!
Perth to Albany, WA road trip FAQ
The coastal route via Margaret River is the most popular for a road trip from Perth to Albany, but the distance is slightly longer. You’ll get to see a lot of beautiful beaches and national parks on the way.
The drive from Perth to Albany is around 700 kilometres long and will take a minimum of 7.5 hours if you go via Denmark along the coast.
Some of the best stops include Margaret River, Augusta, Pemberton and Denmark.
The fastest route from Perth to Albany takes around 4.5 hours and is 400 kilometres long.
It takes approximately 4.5 hours if you drive from Perth to Albany without stopping.
Yes, you can take the Trans WA bus, which goes along the coastal route from Perth to Albany.
The bus from Perth to Albany takes approximately 8 to 9 hours.
There are plenty of things to do on the way to Albany and in town. Make sure to plan at least three days here, even a week, if you have time.
Make sure to add Mandurah, Margaret River, Denmark, the Stirling Ranges and Windy Harbour to your Perth to Albany itinerary.
Margaret River is approximately halfway.
Yes, Albany is known for its beautiful beaches and cultural attractions like the National Anzac Centre and the Historic Whaling Station.
The drive takes a minimum of 5 hours, but you should plan at least three to four days to cover the distance between Albany and Perth and make the most of your road trip.
The Albany Highway takes around 5 hours, and the coastal route is closer to 8 or 9.
Make sure to visit Albany during summer, which is between November and March.
Did we miss anything?
If you have any questions or feel like something is missing from this post please leave a comment below or contact us.
