Best of the West: WA votes for state's best road trips

A new RAC survey saw almost 4,000 West Aussies cast a vote for their favourite road trip, with focus given to the experience of the journey, as well as the destination.

From a shortlist of 16, WA voted the top 5 road trips as: 

1. Perth to Margaret River via Pemberton (830km)

2. Perth to Exmouth along the Coral Coast (2960km)

3. Perth to Albany and the Porongurups (1250km)

4. Kununurra to Broome via Gibb River Road (1200km)

5. Perth to Esperance via Albany (993km)

The RAC’s Tony Pickworth said: “There’s so much beauty in our wonderful State, ranging from popular and iconic drives to lesser-known hidden gems, and we’re delighted to see so many Western Australians exploring their own backyard.” 

Perth to Jarrahdale, Serpentine, Collie, Boyup Brook, Bridgetown, Manjimup, Pemberton, Northcliffe, Margaret River and back via Busselton and Bunbury. (830km)

Driving through the state’s beautiful south west you can take in national parks, early settler historical sites, art galleries, Aboriginal cultural centres, wine regions, wildflowers, beaches, forests and caves. 

Head from Perth to Cervantes, Geraldton, Carnarvon, Exmouth and back via Coral Bay, Shark Bay and Kalbarri. (2960km)

Find out why it’s such a well loved trip. See stunning rock formations, swim with whale sharks, experience Ningaloo Marine Park, visit small seaside towns, enjoy history, culture, wildlife, science and some great local produce. 

Perth to Kojonup, Mount Barker, Albany and back via Denmark, Walpole, Pemberton, Bridgetown, Nannup, Margaret River, Augusta, Busselton and Donnybrook. (1250km)

Visit the Stirling Ranges, the Porongurups, the National Anzac Centre, the Gap and Natural Bridge, Greens Pool, Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, Beedelup Falls, Lake Cave, Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, Busselton Jetty, Apple Fun Park and Gnomesville. Depending on the time of year there’s whale watching and wildflowers.  

Kununurra to Wyndham to Gibb River Road, Derby and Broome. (1200km)

The Gibb River Road is one of the last true outback experiences. Spanning 660km between Derby and Kununurra, the track passes vast cattle stations, remote wildlife sanctuaries and stunning gorges.

Some of the highlights are El Questro wilderness park and homestead, boab trees, bush hospitality, working stations, Argyle diamonds, Derby's 11 metre tides, Cable Beach and Broome pearls.

Perth, Mount Barker, Albany, Ravensthorpe, Hopetoun, Esperance and back via inland, western, southern or coastal route. (993km)

Visit King George Sound, Mount Clarence, Munglinup Beach, Recherche Archipelago, Cape Le Grand National Park, Wave Rock (inland route), try Manjimup truffles(southern route) or the delights of the Margaret River region (coastal route).

rac.com.au/bestroadtrips