Feature by Bronwyn Wilkie

Hit the road this spring with 4 of WA’s most scenic drives. WA’s diverse landscapes make road trips a treat, and with endless blue skies, fewer tourists on the roads and wildflowers out in force, spring is the best time to go.

Here are four spectacularly scenic drives to help you send those winter blues into the rear-view mirror.

Margaret River to Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse

Distance: 59.7km via Caves Road

This drive has great views from the top of the hill as you approach Gracetown Bay, before things get gorgeously cliffy around Wilyabrup, home to highly rated wineries and Quinninup Falls, a frenzy of wildflowers from August to October.

Visit natural wonders such as Ngilgi Cave, Castle Rock and Sugarloaf Rock on your way into Eagle Bay, then soak up panoramic views of Geographe Bay at the historic Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse.

Bush Shack Brewery, The Margaret River Chocolate Company and Providore Margaret River are just some delicious detour options along this route.


Sugarloaf Rock, Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park

Sugarloaf Rock, Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park

Margaret River to Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse

Distance: 59.5km via Caves Road

Head south from Margaret River, stopping to stretch your legs with an easy walk through Mammoth Cave. Gaze at the magnificent Lake Cave, then wander through the third-tallest trees in the world at Boranup Karri Forest, maybe picnicking at the lookout.

Further down the road, Jewel Cave has the longest straw stalactites in Australia, while Augusta Lookout offers 360-degree views of the ocean, forest, farmland and wildflowers, which you can also see up close on the Flora Bushwalk at Flat Rock, Hardy Inlet.

Finish up at Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, perched on the southwestern-most tip of Australia.

Ngilgi Cave

Ngilgi Cave, Yallingup


Esperance to Albany

Distance: 483.1km via National Route 1

Head west from Esperance for a scenic drive past the rocky headlands and unspoilt coves.

On the way, hit the beach at Hopetoun, explore the wilderness in Fitzgerald River National Park, and visit the historic settlement of Ravensthorpe, with its scenic lookouts, untouched bushland and chaos of colourful wildflowers.

Keep driving west through the rugged river valleys until you reach Albany, a town full of opportunities for adventure. Here you’ll find the National ANZAC Centre, perched on the hillside overlooking with panoramic views of Shoal and Frenchman Bays.


National ANZAC Centre in Albany

National ANZAC Centre, Albany


Perth to Exmouth

Distance: 1,246.9km via National Route 1

Snake your way up The Coral Coast slowly, with the wildflower-filled Yanchep National Park and the wonderfully weird formations at the Pinnacles Desert and Lake Thetis just some of the early attractions.

Sample local rock lobster at Cervantes, then enjoy ocean and bushland views as you approach Jurien Bay. Molah Hill and Grigson’s Lookouts are worth a visit here, and Lesueur National Park is awash with wildflowers from August to October.

Break up the drive with a few days in Geraldton or make Kalbarri your base for hiking and kayaking in the National Park, or your base to explore the bubble-gum pink Hutt Lagoon. Feed wild dolphins in Monkey Mia, go snorkelling among the colourful corals of Ningaloo Reef, or relax on the snow-white sands of Turquoise Bay on your way into Exmouth.

WA has something for everyone, so pack some snacks, line up your favourite playlists and lose yourself in the sights, sounds and gourmet tastes of the west coast.


Hutt Lagoon near Port Gregory

Hutt Lagoon, near Port Gregory


Interested in more memorable drives? Check out these suggested itineraries.


Published August 2018.