This stunning short road trip from Perth to Albany in Western Australia is an excellent way to experience the region. The stunning coastline of Western Australia or the inland coalfields of the area will both make for fantastic drives.
It takes about 8 hours to drive 690 km along the coast from Perth to Albany. You will pass Bunbury Margaret River Augusta and Greater Beedelup National Park. You can also explore the inland, including Myalup State Forest and Collie.
You’ll want to make the most of your trip, as there are so many different routes to choose from, and you only have a few short days to do it. Read on to find out which course in Western Australia calls your name.
How long does it take to drive from Perth to Albany
Albany is not too far away from Perth. You can drive the 540 km via the Coalfields Route more directly in only 5 hours and 50 minutes.
The Coastal Route takes a little longer to drive, taking just over 8 hours and covering 690 km. The beautiful beaches and the Indian Ocean will compensate for the extra distance you will see as you go.
Theoretically, you can complete either route in one day. However, that doesn’t give you much time to enjoy the beautiful ocean views, charming towns, and lush national parks that you will pass.
We recommend a road trip of at least two or three days, or even longer, if your goal is to relax and enjoy the beaches in Western Australia.
The best road trip route between Perth and Albany
We have two options for the “best” road trip from Perth to Albany. They are both equally interesting, and the differences in what you can see and do along the way could not be greater. This road trip is full of variety and not too long.
The Coalfields Route is a direct route that highlights the history of the area. On the Coastal Route, you can enjoy the turquoise waters and lush greenery of the parks.
You can also choose to take one route from Perth back to Albany or the other way around. This will turn this road trip into an amazing circuit, offering you the best of both.
We’ve compiled all the info you need to choose the best route.
The Coalfields Route
Take the shorter route by leaving Perth on State Route 2, Mitchell Freeway, and following it south to where it meets National Route 1 at Preston Beach.
After passing Myalup State Forest, Leschenault Peninsula Conservation Park, and the Australind Road turn-off on the left, you will be at Raymond Road.
You’ll then turn left onto State Route 20 and immediately turn right onto State Route 107. This is the Coalfields Road. You will first pass through the Wellington National Forest, then continue to Collie. At Bowelling, you will turn right onto the Bowelling – Duranillin Road.
Take the road to the left, signposted Arthur. Then, turn right toward Changerup or Kojunup.
As you pass the town of Kojunup, turn left onto State Route 30 and then right again towards Albany.
You can reach the center of Katanning by taking Clive Road and then heading south via Cornwall Street. State Route 120 will take you to Cranbrook.
Turn left onto State Route 30. State Route 30 will take you through Mount Barker and Tenterden before bringing you to Albany.
The Coastal Route
From Perth, take State Route 2 and then State Route 1 to the Coalfields Route. Continue south on State Route 1 until you reach Australind.
You’ll pass the coastal town of Bunbury and continue straight on State Route 10 after it splits from State Route 1
Continue along State Route 10, also known as the Bussell Highway. Pass Capel and Yalyalup before reaching a roundabout at the edge of Busselton, where you can take a detour to the town by way of Causeway Road.
Continue west to Vasse.
As you leave Margaret River, follow the signs to Boodjidup Road. Enjoy a few of the cellars you will pass on this section of the route.
Turn left at the end of Boodjidup Road onto Caves Road. This road will take you through a series of impressive caves that are worth visiting. You can stop at Boranup and then continue your journey along Caves Road.
The Caves Road eventually takes you to Hamelin Bay, where you can enjoy the beautiful beach that stretches all the way to Boranup Beach.
Continue along Caves Road, past Deepdene, Jewell Cave, and the Bussell Highway, until you reach it again. Follow the road to Augusta and turn right.
Turn right onto the Brockman Highway after you return along the Bussell Highway to Karridale.
This road is a continuation of State Route 10. You will pass the Brockman Stewart Rest Area and Alexandra Bridge before turning right onto Stewart Road. You’ll pass Hilfiger National Park on your way to State Route 10.
You’ll pass Greater Beedelup National Park as you turn right. Continue along State Route 10, which is now the Vassel Highway. Turn left at the T junction to continue the same road into Pemberton.
Take the State Route 1 signposted to Albany. You will be able to travel all the way up to Albany on this road, stopping at Mount Frankland National Park as well as Bellanger Beach and Walpole-Nornalup National Park.
Turn left at the end of Boodjidup Road onto Caves Road. This road will take you through a series of impressive caves that are worth visiting. You can stop at Boranup and then continue your journey along Caves Road.
The Caves Road eventually takes you to Hamelin Bay, where you can enjoy the beautiful beach that stretches all the way to Boranup Beach.
Continue along Caves Road, past Deepdene, Jewell Cave, and the Bussell Highway, until you reach it again. Follow the road to Augusta and turn right.
Turn right onto the Brockman Highway after you return along the Bussell Highway to Karridale.
This road is a continuation of State Route 10. You will pass the Brockman Stewart Rest Area and Alexandra Bridge before turning right onto Stewart Road. You’ll pass Hilfiger National Park on your way to State Route 10.
You’ll pass Greater Beedelup National Park as you turn right. Continue along State Route 10, which is now the Vassel Highway. Turn left at the T junction to continue the same road into Pemberton.
Take the State Route 1 signposted to Albany. You will be able to travel all the way up to Albany on this road, stopping at Mount Frankland National Park as well as Bellanger Beach and Walpole-Nornalup National Park.
Pemberton is a great place to get closer to nature
Pemberton is located around five hours into the Coastal Route. It’s a little more than halfway, and you have 3 hours left to drive until you reach Albany.
Pemberton is known for its tall karri tree in the Gloucester National Park. You can climb the 52-metre-tall Gloucester Tree for incredible forest views.
Forest Lodge Resort is another place that offers stunning views. It’s a great place to stay in Pemberton. Wild kangaroos, native birds, and other animals live on the property. This allows you to enjoy the beauty of the area while getting some rest and recovery.
The Pemberton Tramway Company offers a historic tramway that runs only two trips a day. Check the schedule in advance to ensure you can ride.
Pemberton makes a good base to explore the nearby national parks and forests. From here, you can access Hawke National Park as well as Big Brook State Forest or Greater Beedelup National Park.