Here’s Buggybuddys ultimate guide to places to stop on a road trip to South West WA.
Living in the massive state of Western Australia means pretty much every WA holiday begins with a long road trip to get there. Whether you need to stop for a spot of lunch, to give the kids a chance to run around and let off some steam or just a quick loo break – we have some great places to plan a stop on a drive to south west WA.
On a drive to Bunbury, Busselton, Margaret River or even the Southern Forests region, there’s plenty of family-friendly playgrounds, picnic spots and eateries to stop at on both of the main routes – the Forrest Highway and the inland South Western Highway.
Travelling South on Forrest Highway
South Yunderup
Just a short 5 minute drive from the Forrest Highway is on of WA’s very best playgrounds – the amazing Adventurescape. The farm-themed mega park includes a huge windmill slide and zipline, as well as shaded picnic tables and toilets. Read more in the Buggybuddys review.
Myalup
The landmark “Emu Pie Shop” is now home to the very tasty Crooked Carrot. Not only does this quirky café serve up tasty and wholesome food – but there is a fantastic outdoor playground for kids. Read more in the Buggybuddys review.
The Old Coast Brewery is also a great place to park up for an hour or so to relax with a bite to eat while the kids stretch their little legs in the fenced playground. Read more in the Buggybuddys review.
Bunbury
The Farmers Markets shops are a popular place to stop for a loo break and food for the road trip, as it’s right on the main road that goes around the outskirts of Bunbury. Venture a little further into the heart of town and stop at the newly redeveloped Koombana Foreshore Playground. Kids will love exploring the big park, which also has picnic areas and toilets. Read more in the Buggybuddys review.
Travelling on South Western Highway
Pinjarra
Depending on where you begin your trip in Perth, you may need to stop as close to Perth as Pinjarra. Pinjarra Bakery is a yummy place to stop for a mid-morning snack or quick lunch. There are also toilets and baby change facilities onsite, making Pinjarra Bakery a convenient spot to stop on a road trip. Read more in the Buggybuddys review.
Waroona
Keep your eyes peeled for the totem poles at the Waroona Visitors Centre. Here you’ll find an interesting place to stop with local art, information and public toilets too. Read more in the Buggybuddys review.
Less than 10 minutes from town, Drakesbrook Weir is a stunning spot for a picnic and even a quick swim in summer! Read more in the Buggybuddys review.
Harvey
Harvey is half way between Perth and Margaret River, making it a great place to stop. The Stirling Cottage area has lots of things to see and do. Grab something to eat at the cottage café, stretch your legs on a walk around the beautiful gardens, visit the May Gibbs exhibition at the tourist information centre or just pop to the loo in the old stables – they have to be some of the cleanest public toilets around! Read more in the Buggybuddys review.
Have you packed a picnic for your trip? Then Harvey Dam is a beautiful place to stop and enjoy some sandwiches, go for a walk along the dam wall and the kids can play on the shaded playground. Read more in the Buggybuddys review.
Bunbury (see Bunbury section above).
Boyanup
You can’t miss the Gingerbread House on the main street in Boyanup! It’s a little bit Willy Wonka crossed with Hansel and Gretel – part sweet shop and cafe. Read more in the Buggybuddys review.
Donnybrook
Gnomesville is a bit off the beaten track, about 30 mins from Donnybrook, but worth a look. Found in the Ferguson Valley, the magical spot is a great place for a wander. Read more in the Buggybuddys review.
Manjimup
At Manjimup’s Timber and Heritage Park, you’ll find what’s quite possibly the tallest slide in WA (don’t quote me!). Will anyone in your family be brave enough to slide down? The fantastic playground features unique wooden equipment, swings, even a zip line! If you have more time to look around there’s also a historic hamlet, café and picnic facilities. Read more in the Buggybuddys review.
Have we missed a great place to stop on a road trip? Let us know in the comments below!
Find family friendly things to do in Margaret River here.
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Amanda Carlin has her own food and travel blog. Established in 2013, “The Chef, His Wife and Their Perth-fect Life” has enjoyed an exciting name change in 2021, as “The Chef’s Ex-wife” embarks on new adventures with Simply PERTHfect. Amanda loves getting out and about in Perth and WA, as well as brunching, tapas or something a little fancy in equal measures. With her son “Little Chef” in tow, Amanda always has plenty of family friendly eating options to recommend too! Be sure to check out Simply PERTHfect.
The crooked carrot must make the shortlist! Great coffee + carrot cake, an amazing nature playground full of old tractors.
You missed Albany highway – williams and kojanup! both must stops on our winter getawats down to denmark