Perth is an ideal starting point for exploring Western Australia by campervan.
Within a few hours of the city, the landscape can change from urban coastline to forest, vineyard country, quiet beaches or open farmland.
Whether you have a weekend or more than a week, these are some of our favourite directions to point the van.
1. Perth to Dunsborough & Margaret River
Best for: Beaches, food, wine and easy coastal escapes
Recommended time: 3–5 days
This is a classic for a reason.
Head south toward Busselton, approximately 2.5 hours from Perth, before continuing through Dunsborough and into the Margaret River Region.
Spend your days exploring Geographe Bay, coastal lookouts, walking trails, wineries, breweries, caves and some of WA’s most famous surf coastline.
Tourism WA’s Dunsborough and Margaret River route covers approximately 583 kilometres as a three-day return trip from Perth, making it an excellent introduction to the region.
Don’t miss: Busselton Jetty, Dunsborough, Cape Naturaliste, Margaret River and the coastline around Yallingup.
2. Perth to Dwellingup
Best for: Forests, hiking and slower weekends
Recommended time: 2–3 days
If you want to escape the city without spending half your weekend driving, head south to Dwellingup.
The journey takes roughly one hour and twenty minutes from Perth, bringing you into tall-tree country and access to walking and cycling trails around the region.
It’s a particularly good campervan trip when you’re craving cooler forest scenery rather than beaches.
Spend the day walking, exploring the town or relaxing around camp before enjoying a quiet evening surrounded by trees.
3. Perth to Cervantes & Jurien Bay
Best for: Coastal drives and short adventures
Recommended time: 2–3 days
Point the van north along Indian Ocean Drive.
One of the major highlights is Nambung National Park and the Pinnacles before continuing toward the coast around Cervantes and Jurien Bay.
Tourism WA places Jurien Bay around two hours north of Perth on its Coral Coast itineraries, making this one of the easier coastal escapes from the city.
It’s an ideal route when you want maximum beach time without committing to a long journey.
4. Perth to Denmark & Albany
Best for: Dramatic coastlines, forests and a longer escape
Recommended time: 4–6 days
For a bigger journey, travel south toward Albany and Denmark.
Perth to Albany is roughly 417 kilometres and around four and a half hours of driving, so this route deserves more than a rushed weekend.
Once there, you’ll find rugged Southern Ocean scenery, historic Albany, beautiful beaches, forests and easy access to Denmark.
Add Torndirrup National Park, coastal walks and the Great Southern’s local food and wine scene and you’ve got the ingredients for a memorable road trip.
5. Perth to Esperance
Best for: The big WA adventure
Recommended time: 7+ days
Esperance isn’t a quick getaway — and that’s part of its appeal.
It sits around an eight-hour drive from Perth, with some of Australia’s most recognisable white beaches waiting at the other end.
Once you arrive, explore Esperance’s 40-kilometre Great Ocean Drive before heading toward Cape Le Grand National Park and Lucky Bay.
Give yourself enough time for the journey rather than treating the drive as something to get through.
This is Western Australia, after all. Sometimes the long road is the adventure.
Which Road Trip Will You Choose?
For a quick getaway, Dwellingup or the coast north of Perth work beautifully.
Have three or four days? Head toward Dunsborough and Margaret River.
And when you’ve got a full week or more, the South West and Esperance start opening up.
Wherever you’re going, pack lightly, leave room in your itinerary and enjoy the road.
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