Australia’s South West is a foodie haven waiting to be explored. With everything from farm fresh produce, to world-class fine wine, there’s plenty to fuel a scrumptious South West road trip. Hitting the road? Follow this six-day itinerary and your stomach won’t be sorry.
Day 1 Perth to Great Southern
Head south along Albany Highway to the superb cool climate wine region, the Great Southern. Call into the emerging Frankland River wine sub-region, then meander south visiting scenic wineries (many with altitude!) in Mount Barker and the Porongurup Range. Spend the night in one of the lovely B&Bs in the Porongurups or drive south to Albany and overnight.
Day 2 Great Southern
Spend the day exploring Albany and surrounds. If you’re visiting on the weekend, be sure to stop by the famous Albany Farmers Market to fill your picnic basket with fruit and vegetables picked from nearby farms. Our tip: plan your trip around Taste Great Southern food and wine festival in March 2021 for a real foodie treat.
Day 3 Great Southern to Southern Forests and Valleys
Take your time travelling from Albany to Denmark, visiting boutique wineries along the scenic Scotsdale and Mount Shadforth tourist drives. Choose from locally made gourmet condiments, cheeses, toffee, honey and chocolate. End the day with a pint of craft beer from a local brewery. Overnight in Denmark.
Day 4 Southern Forests and Valleys
Follow the highway, lined with stunning karri forests, to Pemberton. Try local specialities such as marron and trout, or attempt catching your own on the Warren River, Big Brook Dam, or at the Old Vasse Trout and Marron Farm (do note that you need a WA Freshwater Licence to catch many freshwater fish, so ask a local visitor centre for details on where to obtain a licence). Join a truffle dog in its search for the black Perigord truffle in nearby Manjimup during winter, feast and celebrate the truffle during Truffle Kerfuffle festival in June, or simply enjoy a truffle-infused meal at one of the region’s trufferies. In December, enjoy the Southern Forests’ diverse food offerings at Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival. Overnight in Pemberton or Manjimup.
Day 5 Southern Forests and Valleys to Margaret River Region
Continue your journey to the famous Margaret River Wine Region. Sample world-renowned wines then indulge in a gourmet winery lunch. There’s almost 100 cellar doors in the region, but travel along Caves Road to explore the oldest vineyards in the area. Not a wine aficionado? There’s also a plethora of breweries and distilleries to be discovered. Ensure you stop to sample cheeses, chocolates, ice cream, nougat, berries and more, interspersed along the way. Don’t miss the region’s renowned foodie festivals such as Cabin Fever festival in July and Western Australia Gourmet Escape in November.
Day 6 Margaret River Region to Perth
St Aidan Wines, Ferguson Valley, Australia’s South West
Travel north towards Balingup and Donnybrook, where you can find fresh farm produce or go fruit-picking. Visit the Ferguson Valley, complete with rolling hills and several boutique wineries and breweries. Enjoy a tasty lunch before heading back to Perth.
