South West Australia For Foodies

With your campervan packed up, drive out of Perth and head south along Albany Highway towards the Great Southern. Sprawling over 39,000 square kilometres, the Great Southern region is as vast as it is impressive, home to expansive mountain ranges, dramatically rugged coastline, and wide-open spaces bursting with native flora and fauna.

As luck would have it, the Great Southern also happens to hold Australia’s largest wine-producing region by area, making this the perfect road trip for those looking to sample superb cool-climate wines paired with exceptional locally grown produce.

If you want to get out and about today, head to Porongurup National Park, home to the oldest mountain range in the world, the unique Porongurups. With numerous bushwalking tracks suitable for all skills and fitness levels, this beautiful park is a haven for wildflower enthusiasts, birdwatchers and photographers.

Alternatively, you could visit the lookouts at The Gap and Natural Bridge, where you can check out outstanding views over the Southern Ocean as you watch the waves crash below you on a viewing platform that juts out 40m above the surging seas.

Prefer to tease your tastebuds with some local delicacies? If that’s the case, you can use the day to explore wineries within Albany and beyond, as you sample not only the vast array of wine varieties produced here, but fresh, locally grown produce as well. If you visit over the weekend, the Albany Farmers Market is a must.

On your drive today, check out the scenic Scotsdale and Mount Shadforth tourist drives to uncover local delights at boutique wineries and roadside stalls, taking your time over gourmet condiments and delicious cheeses, and enough fudge, chocolate and honey to satisfy even the sweetest tooth.

With Denmark as your base, head to Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks to snorkel the crystal waters within these protected bays. Or for a different view, take to the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, where you can walk among the giant tingle trees, 40m above the forest floor.

After all that fresh air, it’s time to taste a few more local delights. Showcasing the best seasonal produce, Denmark’s local chefs show off incredible menus that satisfy the palettes of gourmet travellers drawn here from around the world. Wine aficionados also have plenty to savour, with an array of award-winning varietals to choose from.

With the campervan packed up, take the morning to enjoy more of the region’s outdoor activities. Take to the waves for an early morning surf, cast a line in to fish for Australian salmon, mulloway, whiting or herring, or hit the trails to test your mountain biking skills through Denmark’s entrancing forests.

Back on the road, follow the highway to Pemberton. Keep an eye out for roadside stalls offering fresh fruit and vegetables, jams and preserves, and pack a picnic to have after your dip at Big Brook Dam. In Pemberton, be sure to sample some locally caught trout and marron, or perhaps join a truffle dog in its search for the black Perigord truffle.

Today, your journey along Caves Road will take you to the famous Margaret River wine region, where you can stop in at any of the area’s almost 100 wineries. Beyond its award-winning wines, Margaret River offers a dazzling selection of locally grown and produced fare, perfectly representing the region’s circular food philosophy and its great respect for the land. 

Add a Koomal Dreaming experience to your itinerary. Wadandi cultural custodian, Josh Whiteland will provide you with the opportunity to taste native foods, discover bush medicine and share stories of Dreaming spirits that are linked to this traditional area.

From its thriving art scene and its fantastic surf, to its hiking trails and ancient caves, this biodiversity hotspot has something for everyone. And as you’re sure to find out, one night here is never enough!

On this last leg of your trip, aim the campervan north and head towards Perth. You can stop in at Busselton for a wander along Busselton Jetty​, or take a detour through the Ferguson Valley to uncover this foodie’s delight.