Bussell Highway: Coastal Escape
Perth to Margaret River
Start
Finish
Distance
270km
Duration
3 to 5 days
Best Months
September - April
Budget
$$
EV Ready
8/10
Kid-Friendly
9/10
Key Waypoints
Seasonal Weather
Summer (Dec-Feb) is hot and dry, perfect for beaches; Autumn (Mar-May) is mild and pleasant; Winter (Jun-Aug) is cool, wet, and windy; Spring (Sep-Nov) features mild temperatures and vibrant wildflower blooms.
Road Conditions
The Bussell Highway is a high-quality, sealed bitumen road. It remains open year-round, but exercise caution during winter rain for slippery surfaces and be hyper-vigilant for kangaroos and emus at dawn and dusk.
Essential Packing
- High-SPF sunscreen and polarized sunglasses
- Sturdy walking shoes for coastal trails
- Light windbreaker or rain shell for coastal breezes
- Reusable water bottle for hydration
- Swimwear and quick-dry towel
- Portable power bank for navigation
Where to Stay
Boutique vineyard estates in Wilyabrup, luxury eco-retreats nestled in the Boranup Karri Forest, and heritage-style seaside cottages in the Margaret River town center.
Trip Essentials for Perth
Gas & Juice: Critical Pit Stops
Don't get stranded. These are your essential fuel and supply points.
BP Baldivis
Fuel & Supplies
The last major 'city-priced' fuel stop before heading deep into the South West. Great for stocking up on snacks.
The Crooked Carrot
Rest Area & Local Food
An essential stop for families. It features a massive playground and incredible local produce and pies.
Cowaramup (Cow Town)
Quirky Landmark
Famous for the 42 life-sized fiberglass cows scattered around the town. Great for a quick leg stretch and a photo.
Insider Driving Tips
Avoid driving at dusk or dawn as kangaroos are extremely active near the roadsides and can pose a significant hazard.
Book your winery lunches in advance, especially on weekends, as the most popular estates like Vasse Felix and Leeuwin Estate fill up weeks ahead.
Download offline maps; while the main highway has great reception, the coastal tracks and forest roads in the Margaret River region can have spotty service.
Pack a light jacket even in summer; the 'Fremantle Doctor' breeze can make coastal evenings surprisingly chilly.
Support local producers by stopping at roadside fruit and vegetable stalls—the produce is often fresher and cheaper than in the city.
The Journey: Stop-by-Stop
Mandurah
Flics Kitchen
“A trendy spot on the terrace known for its innovative Australian cuisine and incredible coffee—try the local crab omelette.”
The Giants of Mandurah (Santi Ikto)
Capture the scale of these whimsical wooden sculptures against the backdrop of the Australian bush.
Mandurah Ocean Marina
Perfect for sunset shots reflecting off the luxury yachts and still estuary waters.
Creery Wetland Nature Reserve
A peaceful sanctuary for migratory shorebirds, offering wooden boardwalks and bird hides away from the main tourist crowds.
Mandurah Ocean Marina
Waterfront Precinct
“This vibrant hub offers a stunning collection of restaurants, cafes, and boardwalks perfect for enjoying the coastal atmosphere.”
Mandurah Estuary
Nature Reserve
“Take a scenic boat cruise or walk along the foreshore to spot the famous wild bottlenose dolphins that inhabit these calm waters.”
The Giants of Mandurah
Art Installation
“Embark on an interactive treasure hunt to discover these massive, whimsical wooden sculptures hidden throughout the local landscape.”
Bunbury
Market Eating House
“A destination restaurant focusing on wood-fired flavors and local South West produce in a communal, rustic setting.”
Marlston Hill Lookout
Offers a 360-degree view of the city, the harbor, and the vast coastline.
Koombana Bay
Ideal for capturing the wild dolphins that frequently visit the shoreline in the early morning.
Wyalup-Rocky Point
Ancient basalt columns formed by volcanic lava flows 130 million years ago, creating a dramatic and jagged coastline.
Dolphin Discovery Centre
Wildlife Centre
“This facility offers a unique opportunity to interact with and learn about wild bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat.”
Bunbury Regional Art Gallery
Art Gallery
“Housed in a historic former convent, this gallery showcases an impressive collection of contemporary art and rotating exhibitions.”
Marlston Hill Lookout
Scenic Viewpoint
“Climb to the top of the hill for panoramic 360-degree views of the city, the Indian Ocean, and the bustling Bunbury Port.”
Busselton
Shelter Brewing Co.
“A massive, modern brewery right on the foreshore serving wood-fired pizzas and incredibly fresh local ales.”
Busselton Jetty (Underneath)
The perspective of the endless wooden pylons disappearing into the ocean is a classic architectural shot.
The Blue Interpretive Center
The iconic blue heritage buildings at the start of the jetty provide a pop of color against the sea.
Tuart Forest National Park
The world's last remaining forest of pure Tuart trees, offering a serene drive through ancient, towering white-barked giants.
Busselton Jetty
Historic Landmark
“Walk or take the solar-powered train along this iconic 1.8-kilometer jetty that leads to an underwater observatory at the end.”
Geographe Bay
Beach
“This stunning stretch of turquoise water offers calm, shallow conditions perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and relaxing on the white sand.”
Ngilgi Cave
Nature Reserve
“Located a short drive away, this ancient limestone cave features breathtaking stalactite and stalagmite formations that showcase the region's unique geology.”
Dunsborough
Wild Hop Brewing Co.
“Tucked away in the hills, this brewery offers a rotating menu of share plates that are far more sophisticated than your average pub grub.”
Meelup Beach
The contrast of the orange granite rocks against the bright turquoise water is breathtaking.
Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse
A historic white lighthouse standing tall against the deep blue of the Indian Ocean.
Point Picnic Area
A secluded spot near Eagle Bay that offers a private-beach feel with incredible snorkeling right off the rocks.
Meelup Regional Park
Nature Reserve
“This stunning coastal park offers crystal-clear turquoise waters and pristine white sandy beaches perfect for swimming and picnicking.”
Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse
Historic Landmark
“Visit this iconic lighthouse to enjoy panoramic ocean views and access the start of the breathtaking Cape to Cape Track.”
Ngilgi Cave
Natural Cave
“Explore this spectacular limestone cave system filled with intricate stalactite and stalagmite formations that tell the story of ancient geological history.”
Yallingup
Caves House Hotel
“An iconic, historic hotel with sprawling gardens, perfect for a 'Sunday Session' with live music and local wine.”
Canal Rocks
The wooden bridge spanning the rushing ocean channels provides a dramatic, high-contrast photo.
Yallingup Main Break
Capture the prowess of local surfers tackling some of the state's biggest and most consistent waves.
Injidup Natural Spa
A natural rock pool where the waves crash over a ledge, creating a swirling, foam-filled 'spa' effect.
Ngilgi Cave
Cave System
“Explore stunning limestone formations and learn about the rich Aboriginal cultural significance of this ancient underground wonder.”
Yallingup Beach
Beach
“Famous for its consistent surf breaks and natural protected lagoons, this picturesque beach is perfect for both adrenaline seekers and families.”
Canal Rocks
Natural Landmark
“Walk across the dramatic timber footbridge to witness powerful Indian Ocean waves crashing through a narrow, granite-walled channel.”
Margaret River
Vasse Felix
“The region's founding estate, offering a fine-dining experience that perfectly pairs estate-grown wines with seasonal produce.”
Surfers Point
The most iconic sunset spot in the region, overlooking the powerful breaks of the Indian Ocean.
The Margaret River Mouth
Where the dark, tannin-stained river water meets the bright blue ocean waves.
Boranup Karri Forest
A breathtaking drive through towering Karri trees, some reaching over 60 meters high, with a floor of bright green ferns.
Margaret River Chocolate Company
Food & Beverage
“Experience free samples of premium handmade chocolates while watching the production process in a scenic countryside setting.”
Surfers Point
Natural Landmark
“Witness world-class waves and stunning coastal views at this iconic surf break that hosts international professional competitions.”
Mammoth Cave
Nature Reserve
“Explore this self-guided limestone cave featuring breathtaking ancient formations and a beautiful walk through the surrounding marri forest.”
The Detour Index
Worth the extra mileage for these iconic side-quests.
Gnomesville
A quirky, community-driven gnome village in the Ferguson Valley where thousands of garden gnomes have been placed by travelers.
Why It's Worth It
“It is one of the most unique and strangely charming attractions in Australia, nestled in a beautiful forest setting.”
Hamelin Bay
A stunning bay south of Margaret River where massive wild stingrays frequently swim right up to the shoreline to greet visitors.
Why It's Worth It
“It offers one of the most incredible wildlife encounters in the country, completely free of charge.”
Lake Cave
One of the most beautiful limestone caves in the region, featuring a 'suspended table' formation over a permanent underground lake.
Why It's Worth It
“The reflection of the crystals in the still water of the lake is a magical sight that feels like another planet.”
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Frequently Asked Questions
Spring (September to November) is ideal for wildflowers and whale watching, while Autumn (March to May) offers stable weather and the excitement of the vintage grape harvest.
Yes, the entire route from Perth to Margaret River via the Bussell Highway is fully sealed and perfectly suitable for all vehicle types.
While you can drive it in 3 hours, we recommend at least 3 to 5 days to truly experience the stops, wineries, and natural attractions along the way.
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