Western Australia Itinerary: Perth, Fremantle, and the Margaret River
The Best of Western Australia, 8 Days
Western Australia is a land of great contrast and great natural beauty. Experience the best of the state with this eight-day itinerary taking in its cities, beaches, and world-renowned wine country.
Day 1–2: Perth
Check into your hotel in Western Australia's thriving capital, Perth, for the next two nights. After a bite to eat, put on your walking shoes and get ready to explore the city's bustling downtown area centered on the lovely Swan River. Admire the period architecture and interesting boutiques along Perth's main thoroughfare, St Georges Terrace, stop for a photo at quaint London Court, a replica of a Tudor England, and then continue on to leafy King's Park—1,000 acres of greenery in the city. Here, you can admire the native wildflowers, take a treetop walk, join a guided tour, learn about the city's history, and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the CBD below. Afterward, head back to the city center for a leisurely dinner at one of the many alfresco restaurants along the banks of the Swan River.
Rise early to make the most of your second day in Perth. Sate your appetite with breakfast at trendy Northbridge, before a morning of cultural learning the Art Gallery of Western Australia. After lunch, slap on the sunscreen and board a train to Cottesloe, Perth's most popular beach. Take a dip, book in for a surf lesson, or simply stroll the esplanade, taking in the view as the day dissolves over the ocean.
Day 3–4: Fremantle and Rottnest Island
No trip to Western Australia is complete without a visit to Fremantle, a cosmopolitan port city, brimming with heritage architecture and natural beauty. While "Freo," as the locals call it, is only a 40-minute train ride from the Perth CBD, this port city is best accessed the traditional way: by boat. Departing Barrack Street Jetty, Captain Cook Cruises escorts you along the Swan River to Fremantle. Upgrade your ticket to include a Fremantle Tram Tour upon arrival, and you'll be ready to conquer your choice of attractions: The Fremantle Market, Fremantle Prison, Western Australian Maritime Museum, the Round House, and Kings Square. As night falls, treat yourself to dinner at one of Freo's many impressive seafood restaurants, or feast alfresco with takeout from iconic harborside fish-and-chippery Cicerello's.
The following day, make your way to the crown jewel of the region: beautiful Rottnest Island. This former penal colony has been reborn as a prized holiday destination, enticing visitors with its warm, clear waters, laid-back vibe, and stunning array of tropical fish, coral, and marine life. Whether by helicopter, air taxi, or ferry, the Island is an easy jaunt from downtown Fremantle. Join a chartered cruise for dolphin, whale, and seal spotting, as well as snorkeling and diving tours. Visit Rottnest Mueum and the Wadjemup Lighthouse, take the scenic Oliver Hill Train, or simply float the day away at Little Salmon Bay, a snorkeling haven full of colorful fish and coral reefs. Overnight at one of the hotels or villas on island, or return to Fremantle for a well-earned rest.
Day 5–8: Margaret River
After all that beach time, it's time for something completely different: wine tourism in the South West Wine Region, Western Australia's most popular tourist destination. It's best either to go with a guided tour or to rent a car to make the final leg of your journey a breeze. Drive two hours south to Bunbury, where you can spend the afternoon swimming with dolphins or relaxing on a whale-watching cruise (in season). Afterward, travel south another 70 minutes to the picturesque coastal town of Margaret River, your base for the next three nights.
While the beaches of Margaret River entice with their sparkling waters and dramatic headlands, it's the surrounding wine country that really tempts travellers. Though many top wineries are only a short drive away, your best bet is to put safety first and let someone else take care of the driving for you. A range of winery tours departs Margaret River daily, letting travelers taste their way through the best of the region's vineyards, microbreweries, and providores.
Alternately, those with a taste for adventure will find plenty to do in and around Margaret River itself, including surfing, horse riding, rock climbing, whale watching, and hiking. Some of the region's best trails run through the nearby Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, where rugged coastline, ancient caves, and dense bushland all meet to reward hikers with stunning biodiversity and breathtaking views.
Bid Margaret River adieu by venturing 50 minutes north to the quaint Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, where a short 1.5-km (0.9-mile) walk rewards you with uninterrupted ocean views and the chance to spot migrating whales. Top off the afternoon by indulging your sweet tooth at the iconic Simmo's Ice Creamery in downtown Dunsborough, just 15-minutes drive away, before making the three-hour journey back to Perth.
