Recommended great drives to discover WA

Cape Range and Wildflowers

The breathtaking landscape of Cape Range is a compelling backdrop for the bright, colourful and fascinating plant life that proliferates in the region. For a semiarid area the North West Cape nurtures an unusually large variety of flora. More than 630 species have been so far recorded.

Coastal Discovery

Explore the World Heritage Listed Shark Bay on Australia’s Coral Coast – home to the friendly Monkey Mia dolphins and renowned for its rugged natural beauty. Enjoy action and adventure in Kalbarri National Park and sample some of Western Australia’s freshest seafood in Cervantes and Geraldton.

Northern Explorer Wildflower

The breathtaking landscape of Cape Range is a compelling backdrop for the bright, colourful and fascinating plant life that proliferates in the region. For a semiarid area the North West Cape nurtures an unusually large variety of flora. More than 630 species have been so far recorded.

Perth to Coral Bay

Simple beach holidays are a right of passage for most Australians, and here in WA we’re blessed with an array of stunning locations in which to enjoy sun, sand and sea. This ultimate road trip winds its way from Perth to Exmouth in Western Australia (WA), offering you every opportunity to immerse yourself in all that Australia’s Coral Coast has to offer.

Golden Quest Discovery Trail

The Golden Quest Discovery Trail is a true Australian outback adventure. purchase the Golden Quest Discovery Trail Guidebook and CD to plan your itinerary, and along the way, discover ghost towns, explore rugged landscapes, meet local characters and visit the famous Antony Gormley sculptures.

The Green Trail

Linking in with the Golden Quest Discovery Trail, The Green Trail highlights sites in the Coolgardie bioregion with outstanding environmental, historical and cultural values. At each of these sites you will discover different landscapes, become aware of unique flora and fauna and learn about ancient aboriginal culture and European practices of the area.

Golden Pipeline Trail

This trail takes motorists from Perth to Kalgoorlie following the path of the water from Mundaring Weir to Mount Charlotte Reservoir. In the 1890s CY O’Connor engineered a pipeline to carry freshwater from Mundaring Weir to arid goldfields 560 km to the east. To commemorate this incredible feat the National Trust of Australia (WA) initiated the Golden Pipeline Project.

Trans Australia Rail

The Gunbarrel Highway (approx. 830kms) was explored and surveyed by Len Beadell, with completion of the last section of the road in 1958. The road was the first east-west road to go across the centre of Australia.

Ferguson Valley

For those wanting a refreshing change to the established gourmet valleys within Perth or the well-known valleys in the South West, then it’s worth exploring Ferguson Valley. Set in picturesque surroundings of rolling hills the spectacular Ferguson Valley has much to offer for families, couples or any curious traveller. The alternative route allows you to visit quaint historic towns as well as picturesque WA farming landscapes which provide a welcome ‘scenic’ change to the direct Forest/Bussell Hwy route.

Coastal Esperance

Follow the Coastal and Esperance selfdrive from Perth to Esperance, travelling through quaint Wheatbelt towns to the breathtaking southern coastline of Western Australia. Here you’ll discover superb fishing, pristine nature and the whitest beaches you’ve ever seen.

Working Life Heritage Trail

Follow the Working Life Heritage Trail and be transported to a magical era Working Life sites of the South West corner of Western Australia.

Arts History and Culture

Australia’s South West is ideal for self-drive holidays. With a good network of sealed and signposted roads, and relatively short travelling distances between towns and attractions.

Family Fun

The best Aussie holidays involve a mix of wonderful beaches, superb natural environments and exciting child friendly attractions. It’s the perfect place to kick back and relax on a fun filled family holiday. Whether your family enjoys swimming, four wheel driving, bushwalking or boating, there are plenty of activities for everyone.

Kununurra - Broome via Gibb River Trail

The Gibb River Road is one if the last true outback experiences. Spanning 660 kilometres between Derby and Kununurra, the track passes vast cattle stations, remote wildlife sanctuaries and stunning gorges. However you ‘do’ the Gibb River Road – it is an outback 4WD adventure never to be forgotten.

Kununurra - Broome

The gateway to the East Kimberley in Western Australia (WA), Kununurra is a pretty town located on the banks of Lake Kununurra and the Ord River – the perfect base for your outback adventure. Whether you decide to drive on the sealed road of the Great Northern Highway; or for more of an adventure, take the unsealed Gibb River Road.

Dampier Peninsula

Stretching 220 kilometres north from Broome, the only access to the area is via the partially unsealed Cape Leveque Road. Known to local Indigenous people as “Ardi” meaning heading North. Best of all, it gives you the chance to explore and experience the unique culture, history and lifestyle of the local Indigenous peoples.

Pilbara 4WD Adventure

The diverse landscapes of the Pilbara region create an amazing choice of holiday experiences. Head off in a four-wheel drive and venture into vast wilderness areas.

Pilbara Wildflowers Trail

From July to September wildflowers of all colours, sizes and shapes, like the unmistakeable Sturt’s desert pea, fluffy mulla mulla, the tall majestic Ashburton pea or any number of the 65 species of Acacia (wattle) can be seen through the region. The Pilbara’s flora is as diverse as the landscape and it’s yours to explore!

Warlu Way

The Warlu Way follows the path of the Warlu, or Dreamtime sea serpent, as it traverses North West Australia and the Pilbara and Kimberley regions of Western Australia. Interpretive signage along the drive opens your eyes to the secrets of this country and its historical, cultural and natural wonders. Coral Bay and Exmouth are the gateways to Cape Range National Park and the dazzling marine life of the Ningaloo Reef.

Jarrahland Wildflowers

Wind your way through an awe-inspiring corner of WA, be dwarfed by giant Karri Trees, surrounded by sun-drenched vineyards and captivated by coastal vistas. Peaceful picnic areas along the way encourage you to take a break before marvelling at the rich natural environment and unique heritage of the regions’ many National Parks.

Indian Ocean Drive

The Indian Ocean Drive route officially opened in September 2010 and includes some of the most iconic experiences on offer along WA’s western coastline.

Armadale Serpentine Trail

Most destinations in the Perth Hills are less than an hour’s drive from the centre of the city and all are an easy day trip from most parts of metropolitan area. On a day trip you can see vast areas of national forest with lakes, rivers and even waterfalls.

Perth Hills and Kalamunda Trail

The area has a surprising range of natural wonders and other attractions that make it a perfect place to head for an easy getaway from Perth. It’s dotted with historic attractions and offers a great selection of cafes, restaurants and wineries so you can stop to indulge and relax on the way.

Perth Hills Mundaring Trail

The forested hills and granite outcrops of the Darling Range provide Perth with a dramatic eastern backdrop visible from many parts of the metropolitan area. If it’s been a while since you explored those distant hills, the area has a surprising range of natural wonders. Most destinations in the Perth Hills are less than an hour’s drive from the centre of the city and all are an easy day trip from most parts of metropolitan area.

Open Wheatbelt Trail

Make your journey to Wave Rock through open wheatbelt country. Enjoy country hospitality, natural bushland with wildflowers in season, spectacular night skies and an agricultural experience.

Dryandra Woodland Trail

The Dryandra Woodland is one of the most exciting wildlife destinations in the South-West. The Reserve is home to over 100 species of birds and 24 mammal species.

Granite Loop Wildflower Trail

The Granite Loop Wildflower Trail explores the striking natural beauty of the Western Australian Wheatbelt’s rolling farmlands, huge granite rock formations and wide variety of natural vegetation.

Wave Rock Wildflower Trail

The Central Wheatbelt can be accessed by self-drive visitors on a good network of sealed roads and is within a 3-4 hour driving range of Perth. A number of interesting self-drive trails offer delightful routes along which to explore the region.

Everlastings Trail Wildflowers

The wildflower season ranks as one of Western Australia’s most fascinating and precious natural treasures. This is a good opportunity to experience the Indian Ocean Drive and Wheatbelt. The famous Everlastings are more abundant the further east you travel.

Turquoise Coast Wheatbelt Roads

The Turquoise Coast is a relatively short distance north of Perth. This drive allows you to branch inland once you have discovered the Indian Ocean Drive. Explore what the Wheatbelt has to offer and even experience some glamping or farmstays on your return to Perth, via the Swan Valley.

Wheatbelt and Granite Outcrops

When spring hits in WA our landscape really puts on a show. There are more than 12,000 species of wildflowers found here and around 60 per cent can be seen nowhere else on earth. The best times for wildflowers in the Wheatbelt region is from mid-July through to late October.

Pioneer Pathway

Any time, is a great time to explore the Wheatbelt via the Pioneers’ Pathway along the Great Eastern Highway. Enjoy the crisp mornings and views across the open paddocks. Explore wonderful nature reserves, granite outcrops, salt lakes and heritage sites.