Great South West Edge Touring Route Drive One of Australia’S Most Fascinating Landscapes Between Perth and Esperance, Known As the Great South West Edge

Home , Fitzgerald River, Stokes National Park, Wellington National Park

Drive GREAT SOUTH WEST the EDGE

EXPERIENCE WESTERN AUSTRALIA’S EXTRAORDINARY LANDSCAPE, IN ONE GREAT ROAD TRIP ALONG THE EDGE.

PERTH THE WONDERS OF WA IN ONE GREAT ROAD TRIP

11 day Great South West Edge Touring Route Drive one of Australia’s most fascinating landscapes between Perth and Esperance, known as the Great South West Edge. This unique region comprises many contrasting landscapes; from ancient mountain ranges and rugged granite headlands along the south coast, to the towering karri trees in the Southern Forests and a network of spectacular caves further to the west. The regions’ best attractions are dotted in and around pretty country towns and vast national parks harbouring some of the world’s most unique flora and fauna. This 11 day attraction itinerary gives visitors the option of covering the full route in an action packed 11 days. Optional detour Kalgoorlie routes are included which can extend your trip to accommodate individual travel Coolgardie

times. If time is restricted, visitors can select sections of the itinerary to complete or plan Southern Cross to incorporate air travel, with airports in GREAT EASTERN HWY Kambalda Albany and Esperance to reduce travel time. Merredin This 11 day itinerary can easily be extended

Northam to cover a longer period as there is so GREAT EASTERN HWY much to see and do along the route. York Perth Fremantle Armadale

H Corrigin Norseman HW Y Y

W Brookton INDIAN OCEAN H Hyden

H Mandurah T North Dandalup U O S Pinjarra

H Kulin W

Y Yalgorup Waroona National Park Narrogin Williams Harvey Lake Grace Lake King

G R E A T Bunbury Wellington Collie National Park

Y Dardanup W Cape Naturaliste H Boyanup Dunsborough Tuart Forest Ravensthorpe National Park Greater Preston National Park Donnybrook Yallingup HWY Yelverton COA HWY

National Park B T

U Katanning Y UNSEALED ROAD

S Busselton W

Whicher H

D’Entrecasteaux Mount National Park National Park H Frankland South Mount Lindesay W National Park Mount Frankland National Park Pt D’Entrecasteaux National Park Y Windy Waychinicup Harbour National Park Broke SO Inlet UTH ST DenmarkY Gull Rock COA HW National Park

Walpole-Nornalup William Bay Walpole National Park National Park Albany West Cape Howe National Park Torndirrup National Park 1 www.australiassouthwest.com A VARIETY OF LANDSCAPES THAT WILL AMAZE

White, sandy beaches Gourmet pit stops Adventure and spectacular coastline The Mediterranean climate of The Experiences to ignite your senses are Surrounded by the Indian and Great South West Edge not only aplenty, and there are a vast range Southern Oceans, the coastline along makes it an ideal region for growing of outdoor adventure activities to the Great South West Edge varies world-class wine but also a huge get your heart racing. In the ocean, from rugged granite headlands and selection of fresh produce, seafood conditions are ideal for diving, limestone cliffs to tranquil blue bays and meat. With five wine/produce snorkelling, surfing and fishing, while and wave beaches with conditions regions within its borders, the south on land the mountain bike tracks, perfect for water sports. The sandy west is bursting with provisions to walk trails, and four-wheel driving beaches include the squeakiest and send food lovers to gourmet heaven. take you through some unforgettable whitest beaches in the world, fringed Look out along your drive for wineries, landscapes. Underground, you by some of the cleanest water and breweries, cheese and chocolate can find immense limestone caves turquoise ocean. factories, berry farms, citrus orchards to explore as part of a tour or by and venison and marron farms. yourself, and you can climb, abseil or skydive from above.

Kalgoorlie Forests, wilderness and wildflowers Coolgardie

The Great South West Edge is home

Southern Cross to one of earth’s biodiversity hotspots GREAT EASTERN HWY Kambalda sustaining over 8,000 species of Merredin flora that can be found nowhere else in the world. The diverse range

Northam GREAT EASTERN HWY of wildflowers, forests and native animals found along the drive route York contribute to the rare and unique Perth nature of the area. Many trails run Fremantle through national parks, signposting Armadale

Y W points of interest along the way. H Corrigin Norseman HW Y Y

W Brookton INDIAN OCEAN H Hyden

H Mandurah T North Dandalup U O S Pinjarra

H Kulin W

Y Yalgorup Waroona National Park Narrogin Williams Harvey Lake Grace Lake King

G R E A T Bunbury Wellington Collie National Park

Y Dardanup W Cape Naturaliste H Boyanup Dunsborough Tuart Forest Ravensthorpe National Park Greater Preston National Park Donnybrook Yallingup HWY Yelverton COA HWY

National Park B T

U Katanning Y UNSEALED ROAD

S Busselton W

Whicher H

E National Park L Gracetown L Kojonup Jerramungup SOUTH Stokes National Park Bramley National Park Dalgarup Ongerup National Park C UNSEALED ROAD Fitzgerald River Esperance Margaret National Park Wiltshire-Butler Greater Kingston Nannup Hopetoun Cape Le Grand National Park National Park National Park Leeuwin-Naturaliste River National Park Milyeannup National Park Point Ann H BROCKMAN Legend W Hilliger Y Manjimup Scott NP National Park Cranbrook Great South West Edge Self Drive Route Greater Beedelup A L Suggested Extensions oﬀ Great South West Edge Route National Park B Stirling Range Cape Leeuwin Augusta A N National Park Bremer Bay Suggested connecting routes to/from Perth Boyndaminp Y Shannon Lake National Park Muir National park Pemberton National Park Warren W Lake Muir River National Park E Jane National Park S National Park T Porongurup E Mount Barker Accredited Visitor Centre R Mount Frankland Mount Roe N North National Park Porongurup National Park Visitor information D’Entrecasteaux Mount National Park National Park H Frankland South Mount Lindesay W National Park Mount Frankland National Park Pt D’Entrecasteaux National Park Y Windy Waychinicup Harbour National Park 0 50 100 150 200 Broke SO Inlet UT T Denmark Gull Rock H S WY COA H National Park kilometres

Walpole-Nornalup William Bay Prepared by Promaco Geodraft, March 2016 Walpole National Park National Park Albany West Cape Howe National Park Torndirrup National Park www.australiasgoldenoutback.com 2 DAYS 1-3 PERTH - MARGARET RIVER REGION

Day 1 Perth to Bunbury Spend a day exploring the region’s treasures, from mouth-watering gourmet Perth Get an early start from Perth and take a produce to beautiful coastal scenery. scenic drive through Harvey and Dardanup with its picturesque rolling hills of farmland Indulge in the best gourmet experiences and orchards. Be sure to stop and see the the region has to offer by visiting the many colourful gnomes at Gnomesville in the wineries and breweries and tasting local Ferguson Valley. cheeses, chocolates and other delicious treats. In Bunbury, you can meet the friendly 149 kms 149 dolphins who frequent the shores in front Hikers and bushwalkers will enjoy the of the Dolphin Discovery Centre. The wild, Cape to Cape track – a 140 kilometre bottlenose dolphins come in close to shore dedicated walk trail between Cape Harvey daily (seasonal) to interact with humans. Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin, taking in Collie Eco-cruises and swim tours are also parts of the coast only accessible on foot. 61 kms available. Out of Bunbury you can also visit It is also the perfect location for wildflowers Collie and Wellington National Park. (seasonal). Join a Cape to Cape tour for guided tours of the track. 51 kms 46 kms Be sure to allow yourself the time to drive Day 2 - 3 The Margaret River Region through the beautiful Boranup Karri Forest, 37 kms explore one of the many underground Donnybrook Continue south to Busselton and walk on show caves, and visit Augusta, where or dive under one of the longest wooden Bunbury two oceans meet and the Cape Leeuwin jetties in the world or step down in the Lighthouse stands, Australia’s tallest underwater observatory surrounded by an mainland lighthouse. ocean full of vibrant coral and fish. 51 kms Between June and December, migrating Base yourself in the Margaret River Region whales pass close to shore between the for a few days of exploring. As you pass capes. Spot them from the high cliffs or Busselton through Dunsborough and Yallingup, one of the many vantage points along uncover the spectacular formations of the coast. Ngigli Cave or discover the South West’s history on an Aboriginal culture tour.

There is plenty of overnight 47 kms accommodation options in the region Take a drive out to the Cape Naturaliste ranging from quaint B&B’s, private homes, Lighthouse for sunset, past the pristine Margaret River luxury lodges and spa retreats set either in beaches of Bunker Bay and Meelup. forest, vineyard or beach locations. Cape Naturaliste is one of two lighthouses marking the northern and southern capes of this region. 43 kms N Augusta

3 www.australiassouthwest.com DAYS 4-6 MARGARET RIVER - ALBANY

Day 4 Margaret River to Pemberton Hikers are well catered for on the Bibbulmun Track which commences in Margaret River Travel from the Margaret River Region to Perth and passes through Pemberton the old timber town of Nannup. From there via Walpole and Denmark before ending Augusta 43 kms continue on to Pemberton where you in Albany. At 1,000km it is WA’s longest can experience the beauty of the different walking trail but can be experienced in terrains on offer: from dense forests and shorter sections as guided or self-guided water cascades to the massive land locked itineraries. Or cycle a section of the world’s 76 kms Yeagerup Dunes and beach. longest off-road cycling trail, the Munda Nannup Take a cruise on the Donnelly River and Biddi Trail. Manjimup experience the stunning D’Entrecasteaux In Denmark, enjoy a gourmet trail on

Harvey National Park from the water. the Scotsdale and Mt Shadforth tourist 77 kms 32 kms Collie D’entrecasteaux National Park is only drives, stopping off and enjoying the many accessible via 4WD, with the exception of wineries and local produce on offer along Pemberton a sealed road to Windy Harbour. Windy the route. Harbour is a quaint seaside village, perfect for fishing and 4WD holidays. Day 6 Denmark to Albany 128 kms On the way back to Pemberton, you’ll Donnybrook pass through the impressive Mt Chudalup, Head to Albany and perhaps spend the Walpole which offers fantastic views from the top morning at Discovery Bay, an old whaling and understory – an ‘art in nature’ walk trail station and now an interpretive centre and experience through the forest in Northcliffe. flora/fauna park. From Albany, take a drive and view the dramatic, make sure you stop at the new 66 kms Day 5 Pemberton to Denmark cantilevered lookout over the impressive Busselton Travel to Walpole and be sure to visit the twenty five metre ‘Gap’ in Torndirrup Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, a 40m National Park, carved over time by the high walkway through the forest’s canopy crashing waves of the Great Southern and home to old majestic tingle forests, Ocean. Come and visit the brand new and Denmark found nowhere else in the world. If you extraordinary National ANZAC Centre. prefer to be out on the water, enjoy a If time is limited and you need to return Margaret River cruise through Nornalup National Park. to Perth, you can head north to Kojonup’s In Denmark make sure you travel to the Kodja Place. Built around the theme of

southern most point of Western Australia, ‘One Story, Many Voices’, Kodja Place 54 kms Cape West Howe National Park. Take time includes the farm experience, life on the N to drive to other spectacular ocean side “reserve” of the indigenous community and locations such as Greens Pool and Elephant the heartfelt stories of early settlers. N Augusta Rocks in William Bay National Park with its sandy beaches and giant granite boulders. Albany

Whale Spotting Walpole Wilderness Walks and Mountain Bike Detour Australia has one of the longest whale From Walpole hikers and wildlife Mountain bike riders can attempt all or watching seasons where from June to enthusiasts can head inland to sections of various trails including the Munda December you can join a whale watching explore the Walpole Wilderness Biddi Trail the longest off-road cycle route tour and be mesmerised with Southern Area. There are nine national parks in the world. Walkers can experience the Right and Humpback whales frolicking within this area, and it protects half 800km Bibbulmun Track. For those a little less energetic there is the shorter Cape to in the ocean. The whales come close of the old growth karri and jarrah to shore and can be seen from many Cape walk. For more information on these forests in the south west, plus many and other trails visit www.trailswa.com.au vantage points along the southern coast. rare plant and animal species. Hikers can also enjoy the world class Bibbulmun Track which is Manjimup Detour a 1,000km bush walking track Food and wine enthusiasts will appreciate from Perth to Albany. Experience exploring the regional wineries and experiencing the only coastal section of the the prized black Perigord truffles in Manjimup. Bibbulmun Track between Denmark The adventurous will enjoy the challenge of and Albany. climbing one of the towering fire lookout trees.

www.australiassouthwest.com 4 DAYS 7-8 ALBANY - ESPERANCE

Day 7 Albany to Hopetoun Day 8 Hopetoun to Esperance Albany 50 kms Today will be one of the longest drives Visit the UNESCO recognised, international Mt Barker along this route so please make sure you biosphere of the spectacular Fitzgerald set off early. Depart Albany via one of the River National Park. It is one of the largest oldest ranges in the Porongurup National and most botanically significant national Porongurup N.P Park and climb the Granite Sky Walk. Rising parks in Australia with over 1,800 beautiful 670m, this suspended walkway gives an and unique species of plants, 22 species 150 kms Stirling Range N.P incredible view of the landscape allowing of mammal, 200 bird species as well as 41 you to experience one of the most bio species of reptiles. The park has had major diverse places in the south west. The improvements with new scenic coastal Ongerup Porongurup Range is an incredible area to roads, whale lookout and interpretive sites. discover the biodiversity of the region with Travel east to the stunning coastal town of

750 native plant species within a relatively 41 kms Esperance perhaps detouring to the Stokes small area of 2,600 hectares. Inlet National Park. Esperance is located on Jerramungup Continue your journey along Chester Pass the Recherche Archipelago with its snow Road, and take in the Stirling Range National white beaches and turquoise blue waters. 59 kms Point 19 kms Park, home to Western Australia’s second Spend the afternoon exploring Great Ann highest peak, Bluff Knoll (1,095m) and Ocean Drive along Esperance’s western renowned for its unusual cloud formations. beaches or call into some of the local The Stirling Range is a hot spot for wildflower artisan galleries and attractions. enthusiasts, bird watchers and hikers. 95 kms In Ongerup, discover the conservation efforts for the shy native bush turkey at Ravensthorpe the Yongergnow Malleefowl Centre before heading to Ravensthorpe and the pretty coastal town of Hopetoun, located near one 18 kms of the most biodiverse places in Western 48 kms Fitzgerald Australia, the Fitzgerald River National Park. River N.P Hopetoun

Mount Barker Detour Located just 15 minutes adjacent to the Porongurup Range and within easy reach of the Stirling Range, Mt Barker is a quaint, 6 kms Stokes N.P small agricultural town rich in history and 193 kms heritage that has diversified into viticulture and wildflower cultivation. Spend some time grazing your way around Mt Barker and Porongurup wine sub regions. Esperance N

PointBoyup Ann Detour Brook Detour Travel to the small seaside town of Bremer Bay for overnight. From here, every February to April, you can join an expedition off the coast to see the largest pod of Orcas in the Southern Hemisphere. Head to Point Ann (located on the west side of the Fitzgerald National Park) where during winter you can visit a whale nursery, one of only two places in Australia where Southern Right whales come to calve during their migration. Purpose built platforms make it one of the best and most picturesque whale watching sites on the Fitzgerald Coast. Continue exploring the park to the east before heading to Hopetoun.

5 www.australiassouthwest.com DAYS 9-11 ESPERANCE - PERTH

Day 9 Esperance Day 10 Travel Esperance to Hyden. Esperance Hyden is famous for Wave Rock, a Mt Barker Set aside a full day to explore some of fascinating 3 billion year old rock Norseman the attractions of Esperance like a cruise formation in the shape of a wave. 200 kms into the Recherche Archipelago to view Porongurup N.P The area also boasts historic Aboriginal Australian and New Zealand fur seals, sea hand print art in Mulka’s Cave.

eagles and other wildlife. 200 kms Stirling Range N.P Day 11 Drive from Hyden back to Perth 188 kms Kalgoorlie Esperance is also famous for Lake Hillier, perhaps making a slight detour along a pink lake on Middle Island off the coast the Tin Horse Highway to Kulin before Ravensthorpe Ongerup of Cape Arid. Take a drive to Cape Le driving through Corrigin and historic Grand National Park only 40 minutes on York before entering Perth city. sealed roads from town. On the way see the unique Esperance Stonehenge, a full Option 2 Esperance/Kalgoorlie/Perth 230 kms Jerramungup size replica of UK’s original or perhaps Day 10 Depart Esperance via Norseman

consider taking an escorted 4WD tour 194 kms Southern and Coolgardie to the famous gold mining with Eco Discovery Tours along the Point town of Kalgoorlie. This route takes you Cross beaches to Cape Le Grand National Park. Ann north from farmlands near Esperance Lucky Bay boasts the whitest beach sand into the red earth outback country of the Hyden in Australia with kangaroos on the beach. historic Goldfields. Norseman, Coolgardie 108 kms and Kalgoorlie are all part of gold rush Returning to Esperance call in to the pioneering history with the area producing Merredin Esperance Museum with its Skylab exhibit, 88 kms 60% of Australia’s gold. That afternoon visit pop in and see some local art and craft Ravensthorpe the Super Pit or drive 1.5 hours north of outlets and also wander the Museum Park Kulin Kalgoorlie to take in the Antony Gormley

Period Village and beautiful landscaped 109 kms Inside Australia exhibit, 51 sculptures set in foreshore with its whale tail sculpture. a 10km2 salt lake at Lake Ballard. Day 11 Set off early this morning to drive Hopetoun 600kms from Kalgoorlie back to Perth. Days 10 - 11 Return to Perth Options. Corrigin N The countryside changes from red earth Departing from Esperance you have two to golden Wheatbelt farmlands. Along 163 kms options for a return back to Perth. the way stop at several towns, view the museum at Southern Cross, take a slight 134 kms Option 1 Esperance/Wave Rock/Perth detour off the highway to Westonia, York The shortest route to Perth from just before you arrive in Merredin. From Esperance is via Hyden (Wave Rock). This here call in to Cunderdin Museum with

route is some 700kms but can be broken its Meckering Earthquake simulator then 100 kms up into a two day drive. finally wander the historic streets of York Northam before heading into Perth. Perth

Kulin Tin Horse Highway Kalgoorlie Super Pit When driving from Hyden back to The gold rush history of Kalgoorlie is truly Perth you have an option to take the fascinating. Since 1893 when gold was slight detour from Karlgarin along discovered the town’s historic streetscape what has now become known has barely changed and today it is still as the Tin Horse Highway. one of Australia’s largest gold producing Once a year Kulin hosts one areas. The town has many historic of the state’s most fantastic attractions such as Burt Street, Boulder, bush horse races. Horses from The Metropole Hotel with its mineshaft in around the state race around the main bar floor and also the Western a bush track in a beautiful Australian Museum, the Flying Doctor country setting. Some farmers Museum and Hannans North Tourist were so enamoured with Mine. Something not to be missed is the the races, they have created spectacular Super Pit, the largest open cut numerous horse sculptures/ mine in the Southern Hemisphere. figures that line the roadside for some 20 kilometres.

www.australiasgoldenoutback.com 6 MAKE SURE YOU OBTAIN LOCAL INFORMATION FROM THESE FRIENDLY VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRES

Albany Visitor Centre Collie Visitor Centre Kalgoorlie Boulder Pure Pemberton Visitor Centre Old Railway Station, 55 156 Throssell St, Collie 6225 Gold Visitor Centre Brockman St, Pemberton 6260 Proudlove Parade, Albany 6330 Tel: (08) 9734 2051 Cnr Hannan & Wilson Sts Tel: (08) 9776 1133 Tel: (08) 9841 9290 www.collierivervalley.com.au Kalgoorlie 6430 www.pembertonvisitor.com.au www.amazingalbany.com Cranbrook Visitor Tel: (08) 9021 1966 Perth - WA Visitor Centre Augusta Visitor Centre Information Centre www.kalgoorlietourism.com William St, Perth WA 6000 Corner Blackwood Ave and Gathorne St, Cranbrook 6321 Katanning Visitor Centre Tel: (08) 9483 1111 Ellis St, Augusta 6290 Tel: (08) 9826 1008 14 Austral Terrace (next to the www.bestof.com.au/wa Tel: (08) 9758 0166 www.cranbrook.wa.gov.au Town Hall), Katanning 6317 Walpole - Nornalup www.margaretriver.com Denmark Visitor Centre Tel/Fax: (08) 98212634 Visitor Centre Balingup Visitor Centre 73 South Coast Hwy, www.katanningwa.com South Coast Hwy, South Western Hwy, Denmark 6333 Kodja Place & Kojonup Walpole 6398 Balingup 6253 Tel: (08) 9848 2055 Visitor Centre Tel: (08) 9840 1111 Tel: (08) 9764 1818 www.denmark.com.au 143 Albany Hwy, Kojonup 6395 www.walpole.com.au www.balinguptourism.com.au Donnybrook Visitor Centre Tel: (08) 9831 0500 Bremer Bay Community Old Railway Station South www.kojonupvisitors.com Download the Resource & Visitor Centre Western Hwy, Donnybrook 6239 Manjimup Visitor Centre Dept of Parks and Wildlife Mary St, Bremer Bay 6338 Tel: (08) 9731 1720 Giblett St, Manjimup 6258 ParkFinder WA app. Tel: (08) 9837 4171 www.donnybrookwa.com.au Tel: (08) 9771 1831 www.bremerbay.com Dunsborough Visitor Centre www.manjimupwa.com Bunbury Visitor Centre Dunn Bay Centre, Margaret River Visitor Old Railway Station, Carmody Shop 1 / 31 Dunn Bay Rd Centre Place, Bunbury 6230 Tel: (08) 9755 3517 100 Bussell Hwy, Toll Free: 1800 286 287 (Aus) www.margaretriver.com Margaret River 6285 Tel: (08) 9792 7205 Esperance Visitor Centre Tel: (08) 9780 5911 www.visitbunbury.com.au Museum Park Village www.margaretriver.com Busselton Visitor Centre Dempster St, Esperance 6450 Mount Barker Visitor Centre Busselton Foreshore, Tel: (08) 9083 1555 Old Railway Building, Albany Beach end of Queen St, www.visitesperance.com Hwy, Mt Barker 6324 Busselton 6280 Harvey Visitor Centre Tel: (08) 9851 1163 Tel: (08) 9752 5800 Cnr 285 South Western Hwy www.mountbarkertourismwa. www.margaretriver.com & James Stirling Place, com.au Central Wheatbelt Harvey 6220 Norseman Visitor Centre Visitor Centre Tel: (08) 9729 1122 68 Roberts St, Norseman 6443 85 Barrack St, Merredin 6415 www.southwestattractions. Tel: (08) 9039 1071 Tel: (08) 9041 1666 com.au www.norseman.info www.wheatbelttourism.com

Or visit www.australiassouthwest.com or www.australiasgoldenoutback.com

Conditions: This brochure is produced as a guide for driving The Great South West Edge coastal route. Whilst all care has been taken in compiling information, variations beyond our control may occur from time to time. Driving distances and maps provided are intended as a guide only and it’s highly recommended detailed maps be obtained from motoring organisations, service stations, book stores or Visitor Centres. Please ensure you drive your capabilities and according to the road surface and weather conditions at the time.