Thinking of a southwest Australia road trip? This 10-day Perth to Esperance itinerary covers nearly 2,000 km, taking you from the city to the sea, through forests, farmland, wine country, and national parks. It’s a flexible and scenic route that keeps drive times manageable. We recommend sticking to a maximum of 3–4 hours on the road each day, so you have plenty of time to stop, stretch, and explore along the way.

Whether you’re looking for turquoise beaches, bushland hikes, heritage towns or inland rock formations, this route delivers variety without rushing. You’ll leave Perth, wind through towering forests and vineyard country, relax in quiet coastal towns like Denmark and Bremer Bay, camp under the stars in Cape Le Grand, and wrap up with the dramatic granite wave of Hyden. It’s set up as a 10-day trip, but you can easily extend your stays at any of the stops if you’d like more time to take it all in.

Image: Instagram - @theramblerco

 

Day 1: Perth to Bunbury

Distance: 170km

Travel time: 2 hours

You leave Perth on the Forrest Highway, passing rolling farmland and stands of jarrah forest. Midway you’ll see the Harvey Dam and the South West Highway signposts to small timber towns. Before reaching the coast, you enter Bunbury, a city famous for its friendly bottlenose dolphins that often visit Koombana Bay.

Tips and things to do:

• This is first-come, first served and not bookable, so arrive early if you can.

• Stock up on supplies in Bunbury town centre before driving south.

Stay at: Belvidere Campground. It sits beside the inlet with level tent sites, toilets and basic picnic shelters. If rain or traffic holds you up, head straight here rather than hunting around Bunbury. 

Image: Mark Stevens and Jess Kearney

 

Day 2: Bunbury to Margaret River

Distance: 100km

Travel time: 1 hour, 15 minutes

From Bunbury you can head south on Caves Road, winding past limestone cliffs and ocean lookouts at Bunbury’s southern beaches. The final hour takes you past plantations and dairy farms. When you arrive in Margaret River, it’s a great place to grab lunch. It’s known for wonderful food and wineries so you’ll be spoiled for choice. 

Things to do:

• Stop at Walsh and Sons vineyard on the way and enjoy a platter of gourmet crackers, free range smoked meats and local cheeses.

• Watch the surfers at Prevelly. 

Stay at:  Boranup Forest Campground (Karri Forest stay). It  lies off Caves Road beneath towering karri trees. You can book a bush cabin or unpowered site surrounded by ancient forest.

Image: Instagram - @theramblerco

 

Day 3: Margaret River to Denmark

Distance: 315km

Travel time: 3 hours, 40 minutes

Today’s drive follows the south coast highway through dairy farms and jarrah forest, with occasional glimpses of the Southern Ocean at coastal towns like Walpole. Before reaching William Bay, you pass Denmark, a riverside town known for its artisan breweries, scenic riverside walks and local galleries.

Things to do:

• Stop at Hamelin Bay to see the stingrays.

• Photograph Elephant Rocks at low tide.

Stay at: Parry Beach Campground in William Bay National Park. It is tucked behind dunes with picnic tables, composting toilets and campfire rings. Buy firewood on site for evening marshmallows.  Note that most WA national-park campgrounds only allow fires 1 Apr – 30 Nov and only when no fire ban is current.

Image: Tourism Western Australia

 

Day 4: Denmark to Albany

Distance: 55km

Travel time: 40 minutes

You leave Denmark along the South Coast Highway, passing through rolling sheep paddocks and roadside wind turbines before dropping down to Albany’s rugged granite shoreline. Albany welcomes you with its historic CBD, the Old Gaol Museum and the calm waters of Middleton Beach.

Tips and things to do:

• Head to Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, famous for its small colony of endangered noisy scrub birds. It’s a great place for a swim too. 

• Hike to the Natural Bridge lookouts in Torndirrup National Park en route for ocean vistas.

Stay at: Stay at BIG4 Middleton Beach holiday park. They have a great selection of powered sites with direct access to Middleton beach.

Image: Instagram - @theramblerco

 

Day 5: Albany to Bremer Bay

Distance: 180km

Travel time: 2 hours, 15 minutes

Bremer Bay is a quiet coastal town where farmland meets turquoise sea. Stop here to break up the longer southern stretch of the drive while still making time for beach walks, wildlife and swimming.  

Things to do:

• Walk the powdery sand at Native Dog Beach, one of the most striking and peaceful beaches in the region

• Swim or snorkel at Short Beach or John Cove, both known for clear water and minimal crowds

• Visit Bremer Bay Brewing Co. for craft beer and good food.

Stay at: Stay at Bremer Bay Caravan Park is central and close to the beach, with powered sites and good facilities.

Image: Tourism Western Australia

 

Day 6 & 7: Bremer Bay to Esperance & Cape Le Grand

Distance: 390km

Travel time: 4 hours

The Bremer bay to Esperance drive time is just over 4 hours, so one of the longer drives on this itinerary.  It’s one of Western Australia’s most varied road trips, moving from rugged granite shores into rolling farmland and wildflower‐studded scrub. Once in Esperance, you’ll be met with striking white beaches, turquoise water, and the rugged coastlines of Cape Le Grand National Park,  all within an easy drive from town.

Split your time between relaxing in Esperance and exploring the national park on a day trip or overnight. 

Stay at: You can either camp inside Cape Le Grand (book ahead at Lucky Bay or Le Grand Beach) or base yourself in Esperance for both nights and do a day trip into the park. Bathers Paradise Caravan Park is a good in-town option with powered sites.

Image: Luke Williams

 

Day 8: Cape Le Grand to Lake King

Distance: 320km

Travel time: 3 hours, 30 minutes

Leaving the coast behind, you'll journey inland through the Wheatbelt region to reach Lake King. This route offers a change of scenery, transitioning from coastal landscapes to expansive farmlands and salt lakes. 

Things to do:

• Lake King Causeway: Drive along this 10 km stretch that traverses salt lakes adorned with native scrub and, in season, vibrant wildflowers.

• Bush Engineers Tractor Museum: Discover a collection of homemade tractors and machinery, reflecting the town's innovative spirit.

Stay at: Lake King Caravan Park which offers powered sites and basic amenities, providing a comfortable stopover before continuing your journey.

Image: Instagram - @theramblerco

 

Day 9: Lake King to Wave Rock

Distance: 125km

Travel time: 1 hour, 15 minutes

This inland route takes you from coastal scrub into rolling farmlands and open wheatbelt plains.

 Wave Rock highlights

• Visit Wave Rock itself and see the huge multicoloured granite cliff carved by 2.7 billion years of wind and rain erosion.

• Explore Mulka’s Cave to see over 450 ancient rock paintings and learn the local Aboriginal legend.

• Visit Hippo’s Yawn, a nearby rock formation shaped like its namesake

Stay at: Wave Rock Caravan Park. It has powered sites, a swimming pool, cabins, hot showers and a camp kitchen within easy walking distance of the rock.

Image: Instagram - @theramblerco

 

Day 10: Wave Rock to Perth

Distance: 340km

Travel time: 3 hours, 50 minutes

Watch the sunrise break across the wave before leaving camp. From Wave Rock Caravan Park head west on Wave Rock Rd and Lovering Rd to Brookton Hwy, then stay on Brookton Hwy all the way into Perth.

Tips and things to do.

• Arrive in Perth by mid-afternoon and unwind with a swim at Cottesloe Beach or a stroll through Kings Park.

 

Ready to book your Southwest Australia road trip?

With so many great places to stay and things to do when travelling a Perth to Esperance road trip, it’s now time to book your camper. Apollo has a great range of campervans to suit every family, as well as so many campervan itineraries to help you create the best family holiday yet. 

To get out there and start exploring Australia as soon as possible, book your campervan today, either online or in a branch.

Image: Tourism Western Australia