A Western Australia road trip through Margaret River – it’s one of those adventures we always said we’d do one day as a family. Not the kind of trip where you tick off big-name attractions or rush from place to place, but one where you take your time, stop when something catches your eye, and spend days truly together – without the usual distractions. No fixed agenda, no rushing. Just the four of us, a car, and a stretch of road ahead.
This road trip was part of our 10D9N journey through Perth and Western Australia. If you’re curious about what we got up to in Perth city (full Perth itinerary here), before and after we hit the open road.
That spirit of freedom and presence was exactly what led us to finally embark on our first-ever family road trip.
Setting off on a Road Trip to Margaret River, Western Australia
We booked our rental car early – and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of the trip. Our ride was a Toyota RAV4 2.0CC from Hertz, costing us $570 for 7 days. It was smooth, spacious, and surprisingly fuel-efficient.
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One full tank (around AUD60) gave us nearly 1000km of driving. The boot easily fit two large suitcases, and the boys had plenty of room to stretch out – perfect for WA’s laid-back roads.
When it came to planning the drive, we kept two things in mind: manageable distances (especially with kids) and avoiding driver fatigue.
Instead of doing the three-hour drive to Margaret River in one go, we broke it up.
We stopped first at Bunbury after about two hours, then continued to Dunsborough, and finally made our way to Margaret River.
Breaking the journey into segments gave us room to breathe and enjoy the drive—not just power through it.
Parking, thankfully, was rarely a headache. Outside of Perth, it’s fuss-free—beaches, towns, and nature reserves often offer free parking. In the city, though, prices can add up. For affordable overnight parking in Perth, Your Majesty’s Car Park at 474 Murray Street is one of the better-value options.
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Day 1: Perth to Bunbury to Dunsborough
Two hours from Perth, Bunbury was our first real stop. We headed straight for the Dolphin Discovery Centre (Anchorage Cove, off Koombana Drive, Bunbury WA 6230), just in time for the last dolphin eco-cruise of the day at 1:30pm. The centre isn’t large, but it’s thoughtfully curated—touch pools, small aquariums, and interactive exhibits kept the boys engaged. We didn’t spot dolphins up close, but even a glimpse of a fin brought huge excitement.
If we’d had more time, we’ve squeezed in some time at Koolambidi Woola – a fresh, fun space with skate ramps, parkour areas, and adventure play zones and explored Sykes Foreshore Splash Park or the Garden Labyrinth.
From there, we continued on to Dunsborough, with a late-afternoon stop at Yallingup Maze (3059 Caves Road, Yallingup WA 6282). The Boays ran through the wooden maze and played mini golf while we sipped coffee under the sun.
We checked in for two nights at Club Wyndham Dunsborough (700 Caves Road, Marybrook WA 6281), a peaceful resort nestled between vineyards and the sea.
Our two-bedroom apartment came with a full kitchen and big balcony. There were facilities we barely got around to using — like the heated pool, tennis courts, and gym — but the peace and comfort made it the perfect base.
Day 2: Dunsborough & Surrounds
One of the most memorable stops was Ngilgi Cave & Ancient Lands Experience (76 Yallingup Caves Road, Yallingup WA 6282).
The above-ground trail was stroller-friendly, lined with Noongar storytelling sculptures, geology exhibits, and sensory installations. But it was the cave itself that made the biggest impression — the Boays’ first real cave experience.
Adriel even said, “this one’s different from the cave at Rainforest Wild Asia.”
The boys were awed by the stalactites and stalagmites, and even more thrilled to discover a crawl-through cave made just for kids – a chance to explore at their own pace and size.
After the cave, we made our way to Castle Rock Beach – a striking stretch of coastline scattered with giant boulders and smooth, rounded pebbles. Unlike the soft sandy beaches we’re familiar with back home, this rugged, rocky shore was a whole new kind of playground. The boys loved hopping across stones and discovering shells among the pebbles.
Our next stop was Simmo’s Ice Creamery (161 Commonage Road, Dunsborough WA 6281), where more than 60 flavours awaited. With a huge grassy space to roam, it was the perfect place to cool down and linger.
We ended the day with a stop at the Busselton Jetty (17 Foreshore Parade, Busselton WA 6280). The full 1.8km stretch leads to an underwater observatory, but we didn’t feel like trekking the distance that day.
Instead, the boys made a beeline for the sunken ship-themed playground near the entrance. With climbing nets and lookout points, it was enough adventure for one afternoon—and we got to relax, watching them play under the open sky.
Day 3: Dunsborough to Margaret River
Our last morning in Dunsborough started at Country Life Farm (1694 Caves Road, Dunsborough WA 6281), where the Boays fed sheep, patted ponies, and lost themselves in inflatables and the indoor play area. It was unpolished but full of charm.
Then there was Sugarloaf Rock – a stunning, rugged rock formation jutting into the sea (Cape Naturaliste Road, Naturaliste WA 6281). It’s popular with photographers, but we found our own magic by veering off the main path and discovering a tidal pool nestled behind the rocks.
The boys clambered across boulders, dipped their hands in cool water, and spotted tiny marine creatures. It wasn’t in the guidebooks, but it became a core memory—proof that sometimes the best moments are the unplanned ones.
That afternoon, we checked-in at Central Avenue Apartments (1 Charles West Avenue, Margaret River WA 6285)—a huge, clean, and peaceful apartment with all the comforts of home. At nearly 1800 square feet, it gave the boys space to play and us space to breathe. We took our time here—cooked our own meals, rested more, and just enjoyed being.
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Day 4: Margaret River – Our Slowest Days, and the Best Ones Too
Mornings began at Margaret River Bakery (89 Bussell Highway, Margaret River WA 6285), a quirky café full of eclectic decor, great coffee, and hearty bakes. We returned more than once – always a good sign.
After breakfast, we wandered into Wooditjup National Park (access via Carters Road, Margaret River WA 6285) for a gentle forest walk.
The trail we took was short and manageable – less than 2 km – making it perfect for little legs and unhurried exploration.
Surrounded by towering karri trees and the soft crunch of leaves underfoot, the boys wandered freely while we soaked in the stillness.
The air was crisp, the forest quiet, and with no distractions or agenda, it became one of those rare moments where time slowed down—just us, the trees, and a sense of calm that stayed with us long after.
For lunch, we made our way to The Berry Farm (43 Bessell Road, Rosa Glen WA 6285)—a charming countryside spot nestled among fruit trees and wildflowers.
The boys spent the morning hand-feeding alpacas, goats, and ducks, giggling as the animals gently nibbled from their palms. There was a rustic playground where they could climb, swing, and explore freely while we relaxed under shady trees.
We tucked into hearty country-style pies at the café, followed by scones slathered with freshly made berry jam and cream.
The farm shop was a delight too – brimming with homemade preserves, sauces, and fruit wines. It was a wholesome, feel-good stop that balanced fun, food, and a touch of farm life.
We ended the day at Amaze’n Margaret River (9978 Bussell Highway, Margaret River WA 6285).
The centrepiece is a giant hedge maze—one of the largest in the southern hemisphere—where the Boays gleefully took the lead, racing through winding paths and giggling every time we hit a dead end. It was a great blend of fun and problem-solving, and they loved the sense of adventure.
Beyond the maze, there was plenty more to keep everyone entertained. The boys played a few rounds of mini golf, explored giant outdoor games like chess and Connect Four, and wandered the beautifully maintained gardens and sensory areas.
With picnic areas, BBQ facilities, and a little café for snacks and drinks, it’s easy to spend a whole morning—or even a full day—here. It’s the kind of place that lets kids be kids, while parents get a chance to breathe.
Day 5: Cowaramup to Perth
On our final morning, we detoured to Cowaramup, a quirky little town filled with cow statues and local charm. We strolled without a plan, popped into cafés, and just soaked in the whimsy.
Cowaramup Café Recommendations
- Smithereens Café (Unit 2/7 Bottrill St, Cowaramup WA 6284): A local favourite with a 4.6‑star rating, Smithereens offers great coffee, friendly service, and standout brunch plates like big brekkies and creative toasties. One reviewer called it “the best café in the local area” – perfect for a relaxed pit stop with the family.
- Two Cracks Coffee – Roastery & Café (Bussell Hwy, Cowaramup WA 6284): This boutique roastery serves specialty small-batch blends and delicious morning brews. Locals rave about the coffee being among the best in the region. It’s intimate, artisanal, and ideal for a caffeine recharge.
From there, it was a smooth drive back to Perth—hearts full, car a little crumb-filled, and heads buzzing with new memories.
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Looking Back on the Margaret River Road Trip
Ten days on the road. Just the four of us. No packed itinerary. No major theme parks. And yet, it was one of our most memorable trips.
Not just because we covered ground—but because we found space. Space to connect. Space to let the boys explore freely. Space to cook dinner together and wind down at 5 pm with no guilt or FOMO. The cooler weather made everything feel gentler – less sweaty, less hurried, more present.
Western Australia gave us room to breathe. And this trip? It gave us something we didn’t even know we were craving – time, simplicity, and presence.
Till the next one.
