Horizons Logo
    RAC Logo
    RAC WA832 Wellington Street,West Perth, Western Australia, 6005RAC acknowledges and pays respects to the Traditional Custodians throughout Australia. We recognise the continuing connection to land, waters and community.© 2025 The Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc.)
    • Privacy
    • Disclaimer
    • Security
    • Accessibility
    • Horizons on YouTube
    • RAC on Instagram
    • RAC on Facebook
    TT_winterdrives_margaretriver

    Explore

    10 scenic winter drives in WA

    Published Dec 2024

    8 min read

    Text size

    Published Dec 2024

    Text size

    Travel & Touring| WA Things To Do

    By: Tatum Stafford

    There’s plenty to love about winter road trips here in WA.

    So whether you’re heading up north, down south, or somewhere in between, here are 10 iconic WA drives for the cooler months.

    North

    1. Carnamah-Eneabba Wildflower Drive, Mid West region

    Distance

    104 kilometres via Coolimba-Eneabba Road

    Stop-offs

    Tathra National Park, Yarra Yarra lakes.

    The Carnamah-Eneabba Wildflower Drive is home to one of the largest wildflower displays in the State. With more than 180 species of flora on display, this scenic drive is a must-do for budding wildflower enthusiasts. It’s best enjoyed between late July and early October when the wildflowers are in full bloom.

    The self-drive tour starts in Coolimba, which is a three-hour drive north of Perth. Travelling north-east through the town of Eneabba, you’ll pass the Tathra National Park. This park is particularly unique as it contains some fauna species, such as the Daviesia, which are only found within this reserve.

    At the end of the drive in Carnamah, be sure to visit the Yarra Yarra Lakes for a spot of bird-watching. Carnamah is also renowned for its astrotourism, as it’s a great place to view the Milky Way due to little light pollution.

    2. Chittering to New Norcia Drive, Wheatbelt region

    Distance

    120 kilometre loop via National Highway 95

    Stop-offs

    New Norcia Visitor Centre, Gingin Brook.

    Start your drive in Chittering, stopping to pick up fresh produce from roadside stalls along the way.

    Continue heading north until you reach New Norcia – Australia's only monastic town, established in 1847 and still home to Benedictine monks. While you’re there, enjoy a stroll around the church and old dormitories and stop into the local visitor centre for tastings from the famous New Norcia bakery.

    On the way back, stop off at Gingin. It’s one of WA’s earliest settled towns – and alongside a dose of local history, you can enjoy the surrounding parkland at Gingin Brook, which is propelled by a unique water wheel.

    RELATED:Ultimate guide to Chittering Valley »

    Central (Perth)

    3. Mundaring to Kalamunda, Perth Hills

    Distance

    23 kilometres via National Highway 94

    Stop-offs

    Mundaring Weir, Kalamunda National Park.

    Just 40 minutes from the Perth CBD, the town of Mundaring is a great spot for bushwalking, camping and cycling. After a stop at Mundaring Weir, travel to Kalamunda with a drive through the Kalamunda National Park on the way.

    There's plenty to do in Kalamunda once you arrive, including a visit to the Kalamunda History Village - the largest folk museum in WA. If you're there on a Sunday, don't miss the renowned Kalamunda Farmers' Marketnfrom 8am to 12pm where you can stock up on an incredible range of fresh, local produce and gourmet treats.

    If you'd rather something a little more active, the Whistlepipe Gully Walk is particularly beautiful in winter when local wildflowers are in bloom.

    RELATED:Perth to New Norcia road trip »

    4. Roleystone to Serpentine Drive, east of Perth

    Distance

    43 kilometres via South Western Highway

    Stop-offs

    Araluen Botanic Park, Serpentine Dam.

    Begin at the Araluen Botanic Park in Roleystone, a scenic spot featuring walk trails, local dams and of course, wildflowers. Each season at the park offers a unique display of exotic and native plants, so there’s plenty to see if you’re visiting in winter.

    Next, head to South Western Highway towards Jarrahdale, where you can explore historic sites such as WA’s first major timber mill, the Old Post Office and a general store which was built in 1872.

    Finally, continue to the Serpentine National Park, finishing at Serpentine Dam. At the dam you’ll find plenty of areas for picnicking, bushwalking and relaxing, plus a stunning lookout that you can reach on Kingsbury Drive. And if you’re keen on photography, you’re in luck as winter is the perfect time to photograph the nearby Serpentine Falls.

    RELATED:Ultimate guide to Serpentine and Jarrahdale »

    South

    5. Mount Shadforth Scenic Drive, Great Southern region

    Distance

    10 kilometres via Mount Shadforth Road

    Stop-offs

    Mount Shadforth Lookout, wineries in the Great Southern region.

    The Mount Shadforth Scenic Drive is short, but it has a lot to offer.

    Begin the drive two kilometres out of the Denmark township along Mount Shadforth Road where you’ll be treated to beautiful views of forest, farmland and the Porongurup and Stirling ranges in the distance.

    Then, from Mohr Drive, head to the Mount Shadforth Lookout for views of the ocean and Wilson Inlet. To make a day of it, stop in at the various art galleries and shops with local produce along the way.

    6. Boranup Drive, Margaret River region

    Distance

    16 kilometres via Caves Road

    Stop-offs

    Boranup Drive picnic area, Boranup Lookout.

    The Margaret River region is renowned for its lush karri forest which is arguably best explored with a drive through the Boranup Forest in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. Starting on Caves Road just south of Lake Cave, wind your way through the timbers that can climb up to 50 metres tall.

    In the central section, you’ll find a picnic area that is signposted as Anchor Road. After a quick stop-off, continue on to the Boranup Lookout, where you’ll soak up incredible views of the coastline, surrounding karri forest and Hamelin Bay.

    7. Scotsdale Scenic Drive, Great Southern region

    Distance

    34 kilometres via Scotsdale Road

    Stop-offs

    Harewood Forest, Greens Pool, Elephant Rocks.

    Starting in the town of Denmark, the Scotsdale Scenic Drive is designed as a half-day, self-guided tour of the town’s picturesque coastline and countryside.

    To begin, stop off at the Harewood Forest and complete the 40-minute return walking trail; complete with creeks, heritage plaques and plenty of bird life. Then, on your way to the coast, break up your drive with stops at the multiple wineries, food producers and art galleries along the way.

    Once you reach South Coast Highway, enter the William Bay National Park and explore the tranquil Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks just a short walk from your car. If it’s particularly stormy on the day of your visit, take extra care not to slip on the walking track near Greens Pool.

    8. Great Forest Trees Drive, South West region

    Distance

    50 kilometre loop through Shannon National Park

    Stop-offs

    Snake Gully, Big Tree Grove, Shannon Dam.

    Nestled in the Shannon National Park, the Great Forest Trees Drive is ideal for views of old-growth forest and granite outcrops.

    The drive starts from the recreation area on the northern side of the South Western Highway and finishes at the campground, south of the highway. On the northern side, you’ll visit Shannon Dam, and on the southern side, you’ll pass Snake Gully and Big Tree Grove. If you’re viewing the Shannon Dam on foot, take care as the dam may overflow in winter; cutting the walking track off.

    The roads on this drive are gravel, but they’re suitable for two-wheel-drive vehicles.

    9. Great Ocean Drive, Goldfields-Esperance region

    Distance

    40 kilometre loop starting on Twilight Beach Road

    Stop-offs

    Observatory Point, Pink Lake.

    One of WA’s most stunning tourist coastal drives, the Great Ocean Drive starts just a few kilometres from the Esperance town centre. Once you hit the road, you’ll first pass West Beach, Blue Haven Beach, and Salmon Beach. Observatory Point is another great spot to stop at in winter, as from June to October you can often find dolphins and migrating whales just one hundred metres from the shore.

    While it’s a bit cold to explore some of Esperance’s great snorkelling beaches (such as Twilight Cove and Ten Mile Lagoon), the inland portion of this drive takes you past the Pink Lake, which is at its fullest in winter. The route also features plenty of photo opportunities at coastal lookouts.

    RELATED:Top 10 things to do in and around Esperance »

    10. Blackwood River Tourist Drive, South West region

    Distance

    113 kilometres starting on Blackwood River Drive

    Stop-offs

    Blackwood River, Boyup Brook.

    The extensive Blackwood River Tourist Drive is a great way to explore the region’s quaint towns of Nannup, Balingup and Bridgetown. Beginning in Bridgetown, it’s a short, scenic drive through to Boyup Brook, situated on the edge of the river.

    While paddling or canoeing are popular summer activities in the river, there are also plenty of picnic spots that are well-suited to long lunches in winter. And with the region’s local produce a highlight, you’ll be spoiled for choice for baked goods and fresh produce to bring with you.

    Enjoy a stroll through Balingup and Nannup before heading back towards Bridgetown, winding through the region’s lush orchards and tall jarrah and marri forests.

    Image credit: Margaret River regionLast updated: May 2022

    Related articles

    Road through the forest

    Explore

    6 min read

    Top 5 WA road trips down south

    Day trips t

    Explore

    13 min read

    13 day trips from Perth

    Road trips up north tile

    Explore

    6 min read

    Top 5 WA road trips up north

    View this post on Instagram

    View this post on Instagram

    View this post on Instagram

    View this post on Instagram

    View this post on Instagram

    View this post on Instagram

    Save on a winter holiday with up to 25% off at select Parks & Resorts

    RAC members enjoy added discounts off the member rate. Stay 2 nights, save 15% or stay 3 nights and save 25% in Busselton, Margaret River, Cervantes, Karri Valley and Esperance. On sale until 29 August 2025.*

    Book now

    *Special offer terms and conditions apply, visit https://parksandresorts.rac.com.au/special-offers/winter-2025-stay-and-save for more details.