It’s not a secret that the South West is one of the most popular places to visit in WA. While many people look to head straight down to the wineries and coastlines of Margaret River, there is so much to explore between Bunbury and Margaret River!
From meeting the wild dolphins in Bunbury to walking out on Busselton’s famous jetty, Cowaramup’s country charm and Margaret River’s world-class wineries, we’ve got together this four-day itinerary to get the most out of the South West at a relaxed and enjoyable pace.
The iconic chequered lighthouse is a must-see in Bunbury. Image: Australia's South West.
Start your adventure in the vibrant coastal city of Bunbury where the sea meets the city, and nature is always close by.
Meet the wild bottlenose dolphins at the Dolphin Discovery Centre in Bunbury. You can join an eco-cruise or simply meet them from the Interaction Zone on the beach.
After your visit at the Dolphin Discovery Centre, grab a coffee and take a stroll along Koombana Bay and take in the view of the water sparkling across the bay. You can also take a leisurely walk or cycle along the waterfront.
Head to Victoria Street and hunt up some of the fantastic cafes along the iconic street.
Little Spencer’s baked goods are to die for and Benesse offers up great coffee and a spot to people watch. If you’re looking for something more substantial, head to Vat2 for lunch with a view of the beach, or Ramen Plus for the best ramen in Bunbury!
Work off your lunch and head out to the Marlston Hill Lookout and enjoy panoramic views over the city and bay. If you’re looking to indulge in some cultural activities, the Bunbury Regional Art Gallery is housed in a beautiful heritage building and showcases impressive local and regional art.
Go for casual and grab some fish and chips while enjoying one of our epic south west sunsets. If you’re looking for a epicurean experience, Market Eating House boasts a degustation menu that is to die for!
Return to your spacious apartment at Bunbury Apartment Motel and get ready for the next leg of the trip.
Enjoy the crystal clear waters of Geographe Bay as you walk out on the Busselton Jetty. Image: Tourism Western Australia.
Drive time: 50 minutes
Head down south to Busselton, a laid-back seaside town famous for its jetty, beaches, and family-friendly town.
Take the morning and explore the Busselton Jetty, the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. Take a walk or ride the train along the 1.8km jetty out to sea and experience life under the sea in the Underwater Observatory.
Enjoy fresh fish and chips on the foreshore or dine at The Goose for relaxed dining by the beach. Take a stroll along the vibing Busselton Foreshore, relax on the beach, visit Shelter Brewing Co for a tasty beverage or wander through the boutique shops and markets in the nearby town.
If you’re looking for something more exciting, you can always try swinging through the trees with Forest Adventures, or tasting the best scones ever at Anniebrook Farm for a fun family stop with animals and local produce.
Stay at: Busselton Lazy Days Caravan Park
Drive time: 40 minutes
Today you’ll travel deeper into the South West from Busselton’s beaches to the rolling hills and vineyards of Margaret River.
Meet the charming cows of Cow-Town! Image: Margaret River Region.
Drive to Cowaramup (lovingly known as “Cow Town”) and be charmed by the quaint town with its funky shops and playful cow statues dotted around the main street.
Get your picture taken with the 42 life-sized cow fibreglass statues through the town, or head out on a shopping extravaganza down the main street.
Head to the Margaret River Chocolate Factory for some delicious local tastings or stock up on produce at Margaret River Fresh Produce before continuing south to Margaret River for a long lunch at one of the region’s many wineries, like Leeuwin Estate.
Stay at: Margaret River Tourist Park
The wineries of Margaret River offer up some scrumptious drops in the midst of pure luxury. Image: Tourism Western Australia.
Go big and head to White Elephant Cafe in Gnarabup for a delectable breakfast with sweeping ocean views, or head to the famous Margaret River Bakery for their amazing array of baked delights.
Get to know the highs and lows of Margaret River and choose to go underground spelunking in one of the amazing caves in the Margaret River Region or to the edges of the coast to see the Cape Leeuwin and Cape Naturaliste lighthouses.
Time to hit the wineries! You can either jump on a wine tour with local tour operators like Margaret River Vintage Wine Tours, or hit the wineries yourself. Some great boutique wineries like Passel Estate and Hay Shed Hill Wines have wine and chocolate pairings that are simply divine.
Have we gotten you excited to hit the south west? Take your time and enjoy this four day itinerary from Bunbury to Margaret River, and experience all the fantastic things to do in between!
