From the wave shaped rock formations of the outback to the blinding white sands of Lucky Bay, this South West Edge adventure throws you deep into Western Australia’s wildest landscapes. Swim in turquoise bays, hike granite peaks, wander beneath towering karri forests and fall asleep under star filled skies far from civilisation.
Along the way, share stories with Traditional Owners, taste world class wine in Margaret River and wake up to beaches so untouched they barely feel real. Expect red dirt, salty skin, campfire nights and the kind of freedom only an Australian road trip can deliver.
Travelling with a small group and an expert local guide, this is raw, immersive WA. Untamed, unforgettable and impossible to scroll past.
The meeting time is 6.15 am - we suggestion arriving at the location 5 minutes before.
We leave Perth early and head east through the Wheatbelt, watching the city slowly give way to wide open farmland and country towns. Our first stop is York, Western Australia’s oldest inland town, where we grab coffee and ease into the road trip properly.
From here, we continue to one of WA’s most recognisable landmarks, Wave Rock. Rising out of the landscape like a giant frozen wave, it is one of those places that looks even stranger in real life than it does in photos.
As the day rolls on, the scenery becomes more remote. Long stretches of road, huge skies and the feeling that we are getting properly off grid. By late afternoon, we arrive at Fitzgerald River National Park, one of the most biodiverse regions in Australia. This part of the coast feels wild and untouched, especially once we reach Four Mile Campground with the ocean nearby and barely another soul around.
We set up camp at Four Mile Campground, where the wilderness rolls all the way to the sea. After a yummy camp dinner, settle in under the stars and breathe in the wild beauty of WA's southern coast.
We start the morning with the climb up East Mount Barren, a short but steep hike with a bit of scrambling near the top. The climb gets the heart rate going, but the reward is worth it once the coastline opens up below us.
From here, we continue towards Esperance, stopping to stretch our legs and grab lunch before joining the Dabungool Cultural Experience. Led by local Wudjari Nyungar guides, we spend time learning about Country, bush foods, seasonal cycles and the long connection between people and this coastline. It is relaxed, personal and gives a very different perspective on the region.
Later in the afternoon, we arrive at Cape Le Grand National Park and set up camp at Lucky Bay. The water here really is that turquoise, and the sand somehow manages to squeak beneath your feet. Kangaroos are can sometime be spotted wandering along the beach, especially later in the day. Tonight, we settle in with dinner overlooking one of the best coastal campsites in the country.
Sunrise at Lucky Bay is worth waking up for. The beach is quiet, the light is soft and there is the possibility we will spot kangaroos on the sand before the day begins properly.
Those wanting a challenge can tackle the hike up Frenchman Peak, a steep short climb across granite slabs with sweeping views across the Recherche Archipelago waiting at the top. It is a tough walk in parts, but usually ends up being one of the highlights of the trip for those who do it.
The rest of the day is left open to enjoy the national park properly. Some of us spend the afternoon hiking coastal trails, others swim, relax on the beach or find a quiet spot to take it all in. That flexibility is part of what makes Cape Le Grand special. There is no rush here. As the sun drops, we return to camp for another relaxed evening by the coast.
After breakfast, we leave Cape Le Grand behind and begin the drive west. We stop in Esperance for coffee before continuing through Ravensthorpe, where there is time for lunch and a quick look at the town’s colourful silo art.
By the afternoon, we reach Bremer Bay, a small coastal town known for its clear water, rugged coastline and laid back atmosphere. We spend the afternoon exploring a couple of local walking trails, including a coastal lookout and an estuary walk where the river meets the sea. Depending on the season, there is always the chance of spotting seabirds.
Tonight, we stay at Tozer’s Bush Camp, tucked away in native bushland just outside town. It is simple, relaxed and exactly the sort of place that makes you appreciate slowing down for a few days.
We continue west this morning, stopping in Albany for coffee before heading into William Bay National Park. This part of the coast is famous for Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks, and once we arrive it is easy to see why. Calm turquoise water, huge granite boulders and bright white sand make this one of the best swimming spots in Western Australia.
Leaving the coast behind for a while, we head inland into the tall karri forests of the southwest. At the Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree, those brave enough can climb the old fire lookout tree using the metal spikes built into the trunk. Even making it partway up gives a pretty good adrenaline rush.
By evening, we arrive at Hamelin Bay, where we camp close to the beach and settle in for dinner beside the ocean.
Our final day starts slowly at Hamelin Bay, where those keen for an early start can take an optional sunrise walk along a small section of the Cape to Cape Track between camp and the Hamelin Bay Observation Deck. Following the coastline as the sun comes up, it is a peaceful way to start the morning, with ocean views the entire way and a chance of spotting stingrays moving through the shallow water below.
From here, we continue into the Margaret River region, with free time in town to grab lunch, wander through the local shops or settle in with a coffee before the afternoon tastings begin.
No trip through Margaret River would feel complete without good food and wine, so we spend the afternoon visiting local tasting venues and cellar doors across the region. It is a relaxed finish to the trip and a good chance to unwind after a big week on the road.
Our final stop is in Busselton, where we stretch our legs with a walk along the historic 1.8 km jetty before stopping into Little Otto’s Big Choc Shop. It is the perfect place to grab a final treat or pick up some chocolate to take home for friends and family.
From here, we settle in for the drive back to Perth, usually with everyone swapping favourite moments, beach rankings and photos from the week.
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
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