LEISURELY DRIVE OR STRAIGHT TO MARGARET RIVER

Published December 9, 2018

I'm often asked by our interstate and international guests if there is anything worth seeing on their drive down to Margaret River.

Some guests can't wait to get to their Margaret River beach house wanting the quickest possible route, whilst others happily meander their way down and take in some sights.

 

Quickest Possible Route

The most direct route with no detours is a 3 - 3.5 hour drive.  For interstate and international guests, I'm guessing you'll have a GPS in your hire care. 

From Perth you travel down the Kwinana Freeway which becomes Forrest Highway, following the signs to Bunbury, then (via Bussell Highway) to Busselton and on to Margaret River. 

Large green directional signs will guide you all the way.

If you need petrol, there are a couple of large service stations on Forrest Highway but if not, at the 1/2 way point you'll find a quirky cafe called The Crooked Carrot with a wicked playground for the kids, good coffee and fresh home-style food.  A recommended stop!

 

Leisurely Drive Down and Places to Visit

The leisurely option allows for some sightseeing on the way, however, you'll need to divert off the Freeway.

Mandurah

Just 1 hour south of Perth, Mandurah is one of WA's largest regional cities.  The estuary foreshore is home to plenty of cafes dotted along the Mandurah Boardwalk.  

Take the Mandjoogoordap Drive exit off the Freeway.

Places of Interest: Mandurah Foreshore (pictured below)

Image courtesy of City of Mandurah

Bunbury

Bunbury is the next main town, 2 hours south of Perth.

Here you'll find the Dolphin Discovery Centre at Koombana Bay which is home to roughly 50 dolphins who live in the Bay all year round.   An estimated additional 100 visit throughout the year, making Bunbury a dolphin hotspot!

One of my hot tips for provisioning is to call into Bunbury Farmers Market (located on Forrest Highway as you approach to Bunbury) and load up on all of your groceries and provisions.  You'll find only the freshest farm direct fruit, vegetables, organic meats, easy and yummy pre-prepared meals and local gourmet delicacies.

Places of Interest: Dolphin Discovery Centre  ​​ Image @cody_batess

Dolphin Discovery Centre, Bunbury

 

Busselton

From Bunbury, Bussell Highway will then take you all the way to Margaret River via Busselton. 

Should time permit, it's well worth heading down to the Busselton JettyThe foreshore is extremely picturesque with expansive shaded lawns, a maritime children's playground and a beautiful swimming beach.  There are several cafes and kiosks for a quick bite to eat.

From Busselton we recommend heading straight to Margaret River rather than taking the scenic drive on Caves Road via Dunsborough and Yallingup will take an additional 3/4 hour without stopping.

With so many beautiful coastal spots and attractions to visit I wouldn't rush it.  No doubt you will explore these attractions whilst in the region, so unless you are stopping at a winery for lunch on Caves Road take the Bussell Highway direct to Margaret River townsite.

Playground on Busselton Foreshore

Image courtesy of margaretriver.com

 

Busselton to Margaret River

From Busselton we recommend heading straight to Margaret River rather than taking the scenic route via Dunsborough and Yallingup along Caves Road which will take an additional 45 minutes or so.  You will be able to visit these stunning coastal towns during your stay.  

On route down Bussell Highway, just 12kms north of Margaret River township is the quirky village of Cowaramup referred to by locals as Cow Town with its 42 fibreglass cows and the iconic golden 'Rump on a Stump' installation by Ron Roozen (local artist, surfer and owner of The Roozen Residence).

Image courtesy of margarertriver.com

 

Prevelly - Central to the Margaret River wine region

Your holiday home, The Roozen Residence, is located in the coastal hamlet of Prevelly, an 8-minute drive from Margaret River.

Staying at the beach house delivers you smack bang in the middle of the Margaret River wine region, it's all about luxury accommodation and location, location, location.

With so much to see and do we've curated itineraries to explore Cape Naturaliste (north) and Cape Leeuwin (south) exploring the vineyards,  coastline and forests along the scenic tourist drive of Caves Road. (Coming soon).

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Southbound itinerary (coming soon)

Northbound itinerary (coming soon)