Perth to Margaret River via the Southern Forests

A luxury self-drive journey through Western Australia’s South West

6 days | Perth – Donnybrook – Bridgetown – Pemberton – Margaret River – Perth – Swan Valley

Western Australia’s South West is a region made for slow travel. From the orchards and heritage towns of the Blackwood Valley to the towering karri forests of Pemberton and the world-class vineyards of Margaret River, this six-day self-drive journey brings together exceptional wine, local produce, nature, culture and some of the region’s most memorable experiences.

With the freedom of your own hire car, take the scenic route south from Perth before travelling through the Southern Forests and onwards to Margaret River. Along the way, stay among vineyards and karri forest, meet local characters, enjoy long lunches and discover the stories that make this corner of Australia so special.

Day 1: Perth to Pemberton via Donnybrook and Bridgetown

Your journey begins at Perth Airport, where you collect your hire car and set off south towards Western Australia’s Southern Forests.

Your first stop is Donnybrook, a picturesque country town renowned for its orchards and beautiful surrounding countryside. Enjoy morning tea and take a leisurely stroll through town before continuing south.

The journey then takes you to Bridgetown, a charming heritage town nestled along the Blackwood River. Wander through the historic town centre and stop for lunch or a light bite before continuing towards Pemberton.

As the landscape changes, rolling farmland gives way to the spectacular karri forests of the Southern Forests.

Your destination is Ampersand Estates, where you’ll settle into luxury accommodation surrounded by vineyards, towering karri forest and the Donnelly River. It’s the perfect place to slow down after your first day on the road.

Spend the evening relaxing and enjoying the peaceful estate surrounds.

Overnight: Ampersand Estates

Day 2: Discover Pemberton and Ampersand Estates

Wake to the tranquillity of the Southern Forests before setting out to explore the natural beauty of the Pemberton region.

The area is home to some of Western Australia’s most spectacular forests and landscapes. Discover Beedelup Falls and Lake Beedelup, take a walk among the towering karri trees or experience one of the region’s iconic lookouts and forest attractions, including the famous Gloucester Tree.

In the afternoon, return to Ampersand Estates and turn your attention to the estate itself.

Enjoy a hosted wine tasting, explore the vineyard and discover Rainfall Distillery, where handcrafted spirits are produced on the property. There’s time to wander through the gardens and surrounding landscape before settling in for a relaxed evening of local food and wine, depending on your chosen package.

It’s a day that captures the essence of the Southern Forests: ancient landscapes, exceptional produce and the opportunity to connect with the people and places behind them.

Overnight: Ampersand Estates

Day 3: Pemberton to Margaret River and Vasse Felix

After breakfast, leave the Southern Forests behind and take the scenic drive west towards Margaret River.

The landscape gradually transforms as towering karri forests give way to rolling hills, farmland and vineyards. Your destination is Vasse Felix, Margaret River’s founding wine estate.

Here, enjoy The Epicurean Tour, an immersive vine-to-table experience created for those who appreciate exceptional food and wine.

Begin in Vasse Felix’s oldest vineyard and discover the unique environment and viticulture that shape Margaret River’s acclaimed wines. Continue behind the scenes into the winery and barrel hall before enjoying a private tasting of the Vasse Felix Wine Collection.

The experience reaches its highlight with a five-course tasting menu at Vasse Felix Restaurant, paired with rare Vasse Felix Icon wines and showcasing the exceptional produce of the region.

After lunch, continue into Margaret River and check into your accommodation. Spend the late afternoon exploring the township, browsing its boutiques, galleries and local stores, before enjoying a relaxed evening.

Overnight: Margaret River

Day 4: Art, Wine and Food at Leeuwin Estate

Today, discover more of Margaret River’s renowned wine country with a visit to Leeuwin Estate.

The estate’s Seasonal Experience: Art, Wine & Farm-to-Fork Indulgence brings together three of the region’s great pleasures: wine, food and art.

Begin with a taste of Leeuwin Estate’s celebrated wines before exploring the estate’s connection with Australian art. Visit the Leeuwin Art Gallery, home to works connected to the Art Series wines, and discover how art has become an integral part of the Leeuwin Estate story.

Continue with lunch at the estate, where regional produce and fine wine come together in a memorable dining experience.

In the afternoon, take the opportunity to explore Margaret River at your own pace. Follow the road towards Surfers Point and Prevelly to experience the dramatic coastline, visit a boutique cellar door or discover some of the region’s artisan food producers.

Or simply return to your accommodation and enjoy a slower afternoon after a day of wine, food and art.

Overnight: Margaret River

Day 5: Margaret River to Perth and the Swan Valley

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Margaret River before beginning the drive north towards Perth.

Your final experience takes you to the Swan Valley, one of Western Australia’s oldest wine regions and home to Mandoon Estate.

Here, wine and culture come together through a special experience with Noongar Elder Dale Tilbrook.

Dale’s Bush Tucker Tasting offers an opportunity to discover traditional foods, native Australian ingredients and the stories and knowledge that connect them to Noongar culture and Country.

Taste native ingredients while hearing Dale share her knowledge and stories, gaining a deeper appreciation of the cultural heritage of the region.

Continue your visit with a wine tasting at Mandoon Estate, exploring wines from the Swan Valley and the estate’s vineyards. The estate offers a range of tasting experiences, with the Indigenous Tasting Platter providing a natural extension to Dale’s cultural experience.

After several days of travelling, tasting and exploring, take time to relax at the estate and enjoy your final evening in Western Australia’s wine country.

Overnight: Maya Maya at Mandoon Estate

Day 6: Mandoon Estate to Perth Airport

Wake to a relaxed final morning at Mandoon Estate.

Enjoy breakfast before making your way back to Perth Airport, where you’ll return your hire car and check in for your flight home.

A journey through the heart of the South West

This six-day road trip offers a different way to experience Western Australia’s South West - one that takes you beyond the famous wine regions and into the forests, landscapes, food traditions and stories that make the region unique.

From the peaceful surrounds of Ampersand Estates and the ancient karri forests of Pemberton to the refined food and wine experiences of Margaret River and the cultural connection of Mandoon Estate, every stop offers something different.

It’s a journey designed to be savoured - with the freedom to take the scenic route, linger a little longer and discover Western Australia at your own pace.

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