As the biggest state in the country there is no shortage of land to get out and explore in Western Australia. It’s a state that truly has it all from remote bush getaways with no one else for kilometres to stunning surf beaches and historical tracks. We’re here to help you pick out your next getaway destination.
Area Sales Manager Gary Weir’s Pick – Margaret River
About 3 hours south of Perth is the stunning Margaret River. Known for its craft breweries, boutique restaurants and surrounding wineries, Margaret River is also home to more than a few great 4x4 spots. “There are plenty of campsites, caravan parks and facilities and it’s not too far, only two to three hours from the city,” says WA Area Sales Manager, Gary Weir. One of the most popular tracks in the region is 3 Bears Track. Not only used by surfers to access the 3 Bears surf break, 4WDers have made it their own. Overall, it’s a fairly easy track on compact sand, though depending on the weather there can be a few rocky and soft spots. While a higher clearance vehicle is preferred, AWD vehicles shouldn’t have any issues as long as they take it easy. With stunning views of the coastline it’s well worth a look next time you’re in the area.
For more information on routes and where to find the 3 Bears Track see 4WDing Australia’s blog and if you’re looking for more tracks in the Margaret River area 4WDing Australia has a blog on that too.
For beginner 4x4ers – Perth Hills
Only 45 minutes out of Perth, the Perth Hills are the perfect spot for beginner 4WDers wanting to get to know their rig and test their skills. Mundaring Weir is the favourite for beginners not only because of its amazing scenery but because of the variety of terrain. Located in state forest area, the terrain varies from sand to mud, gravel, inclines, and declines. It has everything you need to get a taste of 4WDing. Be sure not to get the Mundaring Weir Track mixed up with the Mundaring Powerline Track though, as you might get a little more than you bargained for on the much harder route not for beginners. After a day of 4WDing make sure to check out the weir and the history behind it. With toilets, water, picnic tables, and gas BBQ facilities at the adjacent Mundaring Weir Gardens, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a bit of lunch and soak in the natural beauty of the gardens.
To find out more information on Mundaring Weir and the surrounding Perth Hills area visit the Mundaring Tourist website.
Nothing better than a bush sunset
For seasoned 4x4ers – Holland Track
The difficulty of Holland Track isn’t so much the driving itself as the remoteness of it. Founded in 1893 as a shortcut to the Goldfields you’ll be hard pushed to reach speeds of faster than 20km/h. Starting in Broomhill and heading northwest to Coolgardie, most of the track is only wide enough for a single vehicle. Many of the corners are blind and need to be taken very carefully to avoid a collision with a potentially oncoming vehicle. It can be easy to underestimate the track though, as when it gets wet it becomes very difficult very fast. As the track is best done over a few days there are many bush campsites along the way though you will need to be entirely self-sufficient. REDARC’s all-in-one kits are an easy way to make sure your vehicle has everything you need for an off-road adventure like the Holland Track.
The Explore OZ website has a comprehensive list of directions, maps, campsites and preparation lists if you want some more information about the Holland Track.
Nothing better than red dirt and a fire with no one for kilometers
For a road trip – Pemberton
Tucked away in the south west corner of WA is the town of Pemberton in the Gloucester National Park. Surrounded by Karri and Jarrah forest found no where else in the world, Pemberton is the perfect spot for a peaceful getaway. The forest is the main attraction, with the national park accessible via blacktop. Within these picturesque landscapes there are hidden waterfalls and some of the tallest trees in the state, including Gloucester Tree. Not for the faint of heart, you can climb to the top of Gloucester Tree to see the stunning 360 views at over 60 metres high. Though most of Pemberton is accessible by 2WD on the blacktop, if offroad driving is more your style, the Yeagarup Dunes on the coast, are only accessible by 4WD. It’s not just your average beach though as the forest seems to grow right out of the sand.
For more information on Pemberton and the surrounding areas visit the WA Holiday Guide website.
No need for a kitted out 4x4 when you can get into nature right off the blacktop
For rural beauty – The Kimberley
While many of us have heard the Kimberley region mentioned in passing it goes without saying it is one of the most remote locations you can visit in Western Australia. Spread over the entire north western corner of the country, it’s three times larger than England so there’s something for everyone’s tastes. From the die hard 4x4er who wants to get off road and into the red dirt to the glamper who wants luxury accommodation in a beautiful setting, the Kimberley region has it all. The Gibb River road is a 660km 4WD only track running from east to west, straight through the heart of the region. Passing by breathtaking gorges, outback stations, swimming holes, and campgrounds it is a not to be missed experience. If roughing it isn’t your style, Broome – considered the gateway to the Kimberley – is full of luxury accommodation and resorts, there you can ride a camel along the famous Cable Beach or enjoy a local brew at Matso’s Brewery.
If you’re looking for a holiday destination that’s a little out of the way with something for every type of traveller look no further than the Kimberley, for more information visit Australia’s Guide to the Kimberley.
Stunning scenery all year around in the Kimberley
With so much out there to explore we hope we’ve given you a bit of inspiration for your next getaway. For more information on all the 4WD and camping WA has to offer visit the Western 4WDer website. If you’re looking to go a bit further see our previous editions of A Guide to Travelling Local for New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. Where are you heading off to next?
