The Scenic Route From Perth to Margaret River (and Back) Including Where To Stop Along the Way

Turn your next drive from Perth to Margaret River into a scenic one, with a weekend in the region. There’s plenty to do and, for those choosing to travel in an electric vehicle, the journey couldn’t be easier with more than a dozen charging stations along the route, many close to our stops along the way. Here are some tips on how to make the most of the drive down. And if you’re hiring an electric car from Avis, we’ve included plenty of charging spots for you along the way – no more planning your route around petrol station stops.

Day one:

Coffee: Fika on Brix
After you touchdown at Perth Airport and pick up your rental car from Avis, you’ll be ready to hit the road. Shortly after departing Perth Airport, a coffee will no doubt be on the cards. Luckily, just a 15-minute drive from your gate is Fika on Brix in Beckenham. This bright cafe serves freshly roasted beans from Perth’s Grand Central Coffee. You can have your coffee any way you like at Fika on Brix, because the baristas ensure every cup goes out from their coffee bar to exacting standards. An ideal first stop on the road trip.

Eat: Midway Farm Stall
Midway Farm Stall is the ultimate road trip stop. Fresh local produce is turned into pastries, perfect to enjoy while you drive. Or, make it a longer stop. Almost exactly halfway between Perth Airport and Margaret River, the relaxed setting of Midway Farm Stall is ideal for a quick bite to eat while you stretch your legs. Say g’day to some farm animals and top up on locally grown produce. But it’s the pies that really impress at Midway, with all of the expected classic fillings plus seasonal specialties on offer.

See: Heathlands Walk Trail/Yalgorup National Park
Yalgorup National Park is a stunning natural landscape of almost 13,000 hectares. Within its confines sits a wetland made up of 10 lakes, plus an array of local plants, animals and fungi. The park has multiple walking trails, ranging from short and gentle 1.5-kilometre tracks, to longer, more challenging walks. The trails provide the opportunity to admire the stunning natural growth of the surrounds, as well as interesting landmarks and picnic areas. As a bonus, Yalgorup National Park is just five minutes’ drive from Preston Beach where you’ll find more beautiful surrounds and a Tesla charging station.

Stay: Margaret River Guesthouse
After your drive from Perth, checking into your accommodation will likely be high on your priority list. Thankfully, Margaret River Guesthouse will be ready and waiting for you to settle into the comfort of a quaint, garden-flanked cottage. Comfort is the focus here, with all the necessities for a good rest between travel. Being central to Margaret River, there’s plenty of food and dining options close by and several EV charging stations within the town.

Day two:

Coffee: Red Feather Coffee
Red Feather has been in the coffee game for some time and is well known to Margaret River locals. In neighbouring Cowaramup, the team behind Red Feather has set up a drive-through that does things a little differently. While the coffee menu has all the usual suspects, Red Feather roasts their own beans on-site for the freshest possible cup of joe. For those who are a bit peckish, the food menu here is jaffle-focused with fillings like American brisket, chipotle chicken, and classic bacon and egg.

Do: Explore Mammoth Cave
Caves Road is famous for two things: wineries and, as the name suggests, the caves themselves. There are hundreds of caves in the limestone-rich coastal landscape, but only a few are accessible for exploration. One of those is Mammoth Cave, where you can take part in a self-guided tour through a network of natural caves via man-made boardwalks where thousands of fossils used to reside and some still do today.

Eat: Dahl Daddy's
After cave exploring, you’ll no doubt have picked up an appetite. Located just off the town’s main strip, this Southeast Asian canteen does rich curries and flaky paratha from a tiny hole-in-the-wall space. Its blackboard menu changes regularly with specials and one-off dishes and the setting is a relaxing one. As an added bonus, while you dine your Tesla can recharge at the EV charging station located in the adjacent car park.

Stay: Injidup Spa Retreat
Injidup Spa Retreat is all about indulging and, after a big day of traversing through the Margaret River region, it’s exactly where you want to wind down for the night, relaxing and pampering yourself. All the rooms at Injidup Spa Retreat boast ocean views, with beautiful natural light and discerning furnishings. There’s an array of packages on offer with the option to add on massages and treatments. No matter which villa or package you choose, you’ll be welcomed by a hamper with breakfast items, a small grazing box and a bottle of wine.

Day three:

Coffee and Eat: Coffee Heads
As you embark on your journey back to Perth Airport, you’ll want to fuel up, and Coffee Heads is the spot to do it. Just outside of Margaret River, this drive-through has serious coffee and even more serious sandwiches. Coffee Heads’ motto is “reinventing the everyday car ride” and with a menu that boasts eggs Benedict rolls, mushroom XO toasties and a roast chicken roll with remoulade, it might be onto something. The menu is filled with old-school milkshakes, iced coffees, morning buns and cookies.

Do: Bunbury Farmers Markets
As you inch closer to Perth, one last stop must be on the cards for anyone passing through Bunbury. The Bunbury Farmers Markets are an institution, a diversion for travellers but a necessary shopping hub for locals. Within, you’ll find a one-way produce highway packed with locally grown fruit and veg, dairy, meat, seafood, smallgoods, condiments and snacks. The expansive market also features a cafe with daily baked pies and pastries, plus an array of takeaway drinks and ready-made meals: banh mi, sushi, salads and sandwiches to name a few. Just a few minutes’ drive away in Eaton you’ll find a Tesla charging station if your car needs one last top-up too.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Avis. You can rent a Tesla Model Y Electric SUV from Avis at Perth Airport.