Down South Break

No time to do the whole road trip? Tackle The Edge in sections. Spend a few days exploring ‘down south’, meeting the friendly wild dolphins of Bunbury, take a walk along the Southern Hemisphere’s longest wood-piled jetty in Busselton, and sample your way through the world-renowned wine region of Margaret River.

The Edge Section: Perth – Bunbury – Margaret River

Chapter 1

Perth to Ferguson Valley

183KM

From Perth, jump in your car and head to the rolling hills of the Ferguson Valley this morning. Sample the cellar doors, boutique breweries, and artisan galleries of the Valley, or tackle the scenic walking and mountain bike trails of Wellington Forest National Park and Wellington Dam. Don't miss the Wellington Dam Mural - the biggest mural on a dam wall in the world at 8,000sqm. 

Chapter 2

Ferguson Valley

26KM

Sample the cellar doors, boutique breweries, and artisan galleries in the Ferguson Valley, or explore the beautiful landscape here. Sample the cellar doors, boutique breweries, and artisan galleries of the Valley, or tackle the scenic walking and mountain bike trails of Wellington Forest National Park and Wellington Dam. Stop by Honeymoon Pool for a dip, or Black Diamond Lake near Collie where vibrant turquoise waters offer incredible photo vistas.

Chapter 3

Black Diamond Lake

Get your insta-worthy picture of the turquoise blue Black Diamond Lake. Near the town of Collie, this old open-cut mine site has been filled with water, where vibrant turquoise hues offer incredible photo vistas.

Chapter 4

Honeymoon Pool

Enjoy the peace and tranquility of this natural pool in the Wellington Forest. Take a picnic hamper or go for a swim at Honeymoon Pool in the Wellington Forest National Park, where the cool, crisp waters of the Collie River are shaded by an overhanging canopy of peppermint trees. Soak up the sun on the wooden platform, wander the trails along the banks of the river, or explore by water on the kayak trail.

Chapter 5

Bunbury

26KM

Roll into Bunbury, where you can find city-meets-country experiences. Explore Bunbury and purchase fresh local produce from farmers markets, meet native animals at a wildlife park, shop local boutiques and spot vibrant street art. Bunbury is the ‘City of Three Waters’ so why not enjoy sunset drinks with a view at a waterfront bar overlooking either the ocean, bay or inlet before making your way to a local restaurant hot-spot for dinner. Overnight in Bunbury and wake to interact with the friendly wild dolphins of Koombana Bay in the interaction zone at the Dolphin Discovery Centre or on an eco-cruise or dolphin swim tour. 

Chapter 6

Busselton

54KM

Head further south to the seaside town of Busselton, where you'll find the longest wooden piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. Take a seaside stroll along the Busselton Jetty – a 150 year old, heritage listed jetty that stretches 1.8 kilometres into Geographe Bay. At the end of the jetty, descend 8 metres beneath the waters’ surface and view the amazing corals and fish life within the Busselton Jetty Underwater Observatory. Indulge in gourmet food at beachfront dining as you make your way towards Dunsborough and Yallingup via Sugarloaf Rock.

Chapter 7

Sugarloaf Rock

Experience the natural beauty of the South West's most famous rock formation. Is it real, or a simulation? Rising above the ocean like a tessellated pyramid, Margaret River’s famous Sugarloaf Rock draws an open-mouthed audience each day as the descending sun sets into the ocean, framing the enormous rock formation with a clear, rose-hued light. You may also wish to follow the lead of other clever picnickers and bring your own champagne hamper; there’s plenty of space to find your own snuggly viewing spot within the wildflower-dotted scrub nearby.

Chapter 8

Yallingup

31KM

Adventure to Yallingup and discover incredible coastal spots like Canal Rocks and Injidup Natural Spa. Visit incredible coastal spots like Canal Rocks and Injidup Natural Spa and spot whales as they migrate along the coast from winter through spring. Feeling adventurous? Hike a section of the Cape to Cape Track between the lighthouses, or connect with the world’s oldest living culture through an Aboriginal experience. Overnight in Yallingup before sampling your way along Caves Road towards Margaret River.

Chapter 9

Canal Rocks

Watch the surge of the ocean at this unique coastal rock formation. Experience unique rock formations and gushing ocean at Canal Rocks. Stand on a wooden bridge and watch as the crystal-clear waves flow beneath your feet.

Chapter 10

Injidup Natural Spa

Discover Australia’s most stunning natural spa: a blissfully serene rock pool. This may well be Australia’s most stunning natural spa: a blissfully serene rock pool, nestled into the cracks of smoothly rounded boulders, until – crash! – waters topple over one side, creating a fizzy cascade of natural bubbles that fill the pool with delight. Long enjoyed by locals, Injidup Natural Spa is the result of a high rock shelf on one side, which creates a natural barrier against the ocean’s tidal movements. As waves crash onto the rocks, they filter through cracks like natural bubble jets, causing a temporary ‘spa’ in the stunningly clear water. To get here, drive to the car park at the north end of Wyadup Road in Yallingup, then follow the well-worn network of paths downhill (to the left of the carpark) before the trail curves to the right. Be sure to watch your footing; walkways traverse an uneven rock plateau and aren’t marked.

Chapter 11

Margaret River

39KM

Famous for its premium wines an world-class surf, Margaret River is also home to plenty of restaurants and nature-meets-gourmet experiences. Foodies will enjoy visiting cellar doors and meeting the makers on guided tours with nature-meets-gourmet experiences. Taste local produce including cheese, chocolate, olive oil, fudge, gin, whisky and boutique beer, then stock up on gifts found in the region’s many art galleries, boutiques and specialty shops. Adventure seekers can ride the waves, go rock climbing or abseiling, or take a kayak or canoe along the Margaret River. Overnight in Margaret River.

Chapter 12

Boranup Karri Forest

Savour the natural surroundings with a drive through the towering Boranup Karri Forrest. Take the scenic route to Augusta via Caves Road and you'll drive straight through the stunning Boranup Forest. Stop at the lookout for a better view and linger a little longer amongst the trees.

Chapter 13

Hamelin Bay Beach

Get up-close with wild rays at Hamelin Bay Beach. Say hello to the friendly rays at Hamelin Bay near Augusta. These gigantic eagle rays and stingrays are peacefully gliding through the waters at the end of the Hamelin Bay boat ramp.

Chapter 14

Augusta

58KM

For an optional extra day: make your way to WA’s most southerly town, Augusta. Wake up early this morning to savour the natural surroundings with a drive through the towering Boranup Karri Forrest on your way to meet the friendly stingrays and eagle rays that play close to the shore at Hamelin Bay. Stop at the award-winning Jewel Cave – Western Australia’s largest show cave. For an optional extra day: make your way to WA’s most southerly town, Augusta. Enjoy views across the Hardy Inlet and Flinders Bay or to take a whale watching tour in season. Continue to Australia’s tallest mainland lighthouse at Cape Leeuwin. Climb to the top of this working lighthouse and enjoy breathtaking views of where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet, as well as the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.

Chapter 15

Perth

313KM

Head back to Perth from Augusta.

Chapter 1

The Start

15KM

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