As we head into the new year, I know that it won’t be as full of travel as 2017 was, although we do already have some plans up our sleeve. One of my favourite times in Australia was a road trip from Perth to Margaret River which we took with a group of our Bristol friends following a wedding we’d all travelled out there for.
The idea of a road trip is so romantic – packing up your bags and hitting the open road. Not that the road in the UK is particularly ‘open’ – unless you’re heading north and up through the peaks towards Scotland. I feel like the phrase ‘hitting the open road’ has a lot more meaning in Australia, where you really can hit it, driving for miles with nothing but trees and dirt for company, and hardly any other cars passing by.
Our chosen route is a popular one for backpackers and tourists in Western Australia. Perth to Margaret River via Busselton. We also threw in a couple of curve balls: Wellington Mill and Bunbury. Off we went in convoy, taking it in turns to travel in the hire car and the camper van.
Where did we go and what did we do?
Gnomesville, Wellington Mill
This place is just so bloody strange! We took a detour to get here but it was well worth it. I don’t want to give too much away but essentially, what started out as one or two gnomes is now an entire village worth. Both creepy and fascinating in equal measure we walked around for over an hour in total amazement at what we saw.
Find it here: Wellington Mill Rd, Wellington Mill WA 6236
Margaret River Chocolate Factory & Providore:
A great one if you have a mix of people in your group who might not all enjoy alcohol. The chocolate factory is situated in the lovely countryside just outside Margaret River town. As well as chocolate tasting and an open view of the factory, they have a gorgeous Providore next-door. A providore is basically kind of like a deli, selling local goods. This one is on a vineyard so as well as the gorgeous chutneys, jams, cakes and everything else, they also have some beautiful local wine (and chocolate liqueurs). Well worth visiting!
Find them here: 5123 W Swan Rd, West Swan WA 6055
Fish and chips on the beach
It’s just got to be done and there is an abundance of beach to choose from, the length of the route from Perth to Margaret River. We found a great spot near our holiday home in Bunbury but to be honest, all of them are good. The chips tend to be pre-made (although tasty) but we ate nothing but delicious fish. My memories of this night are so special – looking out to sea with friends around me and chippy tea in the paper. Bliss!
Walk along Busselton pier:
Although we didn’t stay in Busselton, it’s a good location to stop at towards the end of your road trip (point E on my route map above). It’s a nice town with plenty of places to stay (get £25 off your first Airbnb trip here!). The town is best known for its wooden jetty, the longest in the world, stretching almost 2km out into the sea! There’s a charge to get onto the pier and then you can either walk it or get the little train. We walked it and enjoyed looking down into the bright green water below.
Lunch at a Winery:
We sat on colourful chairs on the large terrace next to the modern glass building, shielded from the sun by sails and enjoyed a leisurely lunch with plenty of crisp, white wine. It was a really brilliant spot. The prices weren’t cheap but definitely reasonable for what was a wonderful meal and afternoon. If you’re feeling particularly flush, you can always eat at the very fancy Eagle Bay restaurant just up the hill too.
Vineyard tours in Margaret River:
Margaret River is a small town which feels almost frontier-like with its long high street. There are plenty of restaurants and places selling art and trinkets for an afternoons entertainment. The tourist centre is almost like a mini-museum with lots of information about the local vineyards and history of winemaking in the region. There are plenty of leaflets if you want to drive around the vineyards yourself or you can book onto an organised tour.
The region is well known for Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon but you very rarely see Margaret River wine here in the UK. If you do, I urge you to try it. Another wine region well worth visiting in Australia is the Yarra Valley in Victoria.
Fancy trying a different part of Australia? Head over to Tracey’s Travels in Time blog to see what there is to do in and around Brisbane in Queensland or, take a look at my other Australia blog posts.
Have you been road tripping with friends? Where did you go and what did you do? Have you been to Margaret River? Did you visit any Vineyards? Share your memories below!
What an amazing adventure and trip! I would love to road trip in Australia and your post has made me want to do it even more. I doubt it would be with many of my friends these days as they’re all heading into the world of parenthood while I still travel, but you never know.
Thank you, glad you enjoyed my post. Yes, a lot of our friends have babies now so it makes it harder but not impossible!
That looks such fun! I’ve never done anything like it – but I’d love to see the wineries at Margaret river.
I have done several road trips. I am in Canada so we have space lol. Done a lot in the US too. And France. They are great in good company (I have had one with not so good company). I would love to do one like you in Australia, looks so awesome. And now I really want to see Gnomesville!
My best friend spent Christmas in Australia and it sounds like she had the best time ever. I love the sound of the chocolate factory!
Yes, we were in Australia last year for Christmas and it was amazing – BBQ and beach is a bit different to roast dinner with your nan!
I’ve never been road tripping, no. I’d love to go roadtripping in Australia though – my cousin went and did it a few years back and I lived vicariously through him!
Haha! I love that dash board. That looks like a really cool road trip, especially with friends. Love to have a taste of that wine too! & That Lot 80’s food looks so yummy! I hope to go there one day with my family. That would be awesome!
I love the photo of you all in the circle. It certainly sounds like you had a fun-filled time.
Thank you, yes I love that one too! It was lots of fun 🙂
Wow that is some trip and I love fish and chips at sunset, definitely something I would want to do x
It’s the rule that fish and chips eaten by the sea ALWAYS taste better! And they have to be out of the paper!
Not only is Australia on my bucket list but doing a road trip would be awesome. Why is that gorgeous beach so empty?
You had a great adventure, love the idea of eating at a winery!
I’ve always wanted to visit Australia, and it looks like you guys had an AMAZING trip. I’m not at all jealous. Oh, alright then. Maybe just a little bit! 😉
Louise x
Hi Team!
I have really quite enjoyed reading this very helpful guide on Margaret River!
I just wanted to help you keep the content fresh! I have noticed you have “Lot 80” . This restaurant is no longer there, well when i say that, it’s now called “Meelup Farmhouse”
It may be the same owners doing a rebrand, not really sure but it certainly is a popular spot for a meal!
Hi Darren, thanks for stopping by and letting me know! I will do some research and update the article! Glad you enjoyed. 🙂