Planning the perfect Perth to Albany road trip itinerary does not have to be stressful or overwhelming. Whether you choose to only take a break at Kojonup to explore the breath-taking scenery or you want to squeeze the most out of your trip with a stop off at Williams and Mount Barker, you are in for a real treat on your road trip along the Albany Highway.
Western Australia offers something for everyone, and with so many places to visit, coming up with the perfect itinerary is definitely a daunting task, but don’t worry – Cornwall House Accommodation has done all the hard work for you!
From picnics in the park in Williams to taking in the incredible scenery of the Stirling Mountain Range, here is the ultimate itinerary for your road trip from Perth to Albany via Kojonup.
How long will it take to travel from Perth to Albany?
The most direct route between Perth and Albany is the Albany Highway. The highway stretches just over 400 kilometres, which you can drive in 4 or 5 hours if you do not intend to stop for a rest.
But what fun is a road trip without exploring your surroundings! By making a few stops along the way, and maybe an overnight stay, you can make the most of the journey.
Must see places during your road trip from Perth to Albany via Kojonup
Stop 1: Williams
Williams is located 161 kilometres southeast of Perth and first became a popular stopover point back in the 1850s with passengers travelling along the newly built Albany Highway.
While there, you can make a stop at The Woolshed, which opens 7 days a week from 8am to 4pm. Inside you’ll find a mix of shops selling handicrafts and a small café selling breakfast and lunch menu options.
Stop 2: Williams Lion Park
Nestled on the banks of the Williams River, Williams Lion Park is ideally located on the busy Albany Highway in the Shire of Williams, making it an ideal place for a rest stop when driving to Albany.
The park was recently refurbished and has many activities for adults and children alike. While there, you can go see the Flying Fox, explore the nature play areas, relax under the Banksia leaf structures, use the BBQ area or picnic in the shaded grassy areas.
Stop 3: Kojonup
Kojonup is located along the Albany Highway, just three hours south of Perth and 160km from Albany.
Surrounded by rich pastoral farmland and bush, the town is enriched by some of the most beautiful scenery in Western Australia and has many opportunities for sightseeing, doing fun activities and visiting historical sites.
The town is a popular rest stop for travellers looking to grab a bite to eat while taking the trip from Perth to Albany with some of the most popular eateries being Black Cockatoo Café, Kojonup Country Kitchen and Royal Hotel, which is conveniently located opposite Cornwall House Accommodation.
Stop 4: Kodja Place
We love Kojonup, and we know you’ll love it too! We want to inspire you to explore our little town so that its charm and beauty can make your trip full of special memories. When visitors ask us for recommendations on must-see attractions in Kojonup, we always recommend that visitors they visit, Kodja Place museum where they can explore our rich heritage, culture, art and literacy.
The interactive museum tells the inside story of Australian country life through art, photographs and objects from Kojonup’s Noongar-Aboriginal and settler cultures. There is also a Rose Maze beside the Kodja Place where visitors can walk a 500 metre path lined with 2000 Australian-Bred rose bushes.
Stop 5: Mount Barker
Mount Barker is another great stop-off point along the Albany Highway. The town is 360km south-east of Perth and 50km north of Albany.
The town is perfect for taking in the stunning views of Porongurup and Stirling Ranges and is the ideal touring base to explore the nearby mountain walks, wineries and natural beauty.
Flower enthusiasts who visit Mount Baker from September to November will be able to see the glorious range of wildflowers that grow in the mountains and farmlands with over 500 varieties, some of which are exclusively found in Mount Baker.
Stop 6: Stirling Range National Park
The Stirling Range National Park is home to one of the highest peaks in Western Australia, Bluff Knoll. The peak rises more than 1km into the sky and is a popular spot for rock climbing enthusiasts.
The park is idyllic for bird watching with a large number of parrots and emus living in the area. If you visit in spring, you’ll see many banksias, mountain-bells and orchids growing.
Please note, that some parts of Stirling Range National Park are currently closed so make sure to check their website for updates.
Top tips for a comfortable trip to Albany
Pack plenty of snacks
You may have to make a quick trip to the supermarket before setting off on your road trip to Albany but having your own snacks to nibble on with make all the difference during the drive.
Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is just as important as having snacks. By keeping hydrated, you will have more energy and can remain focused on the road. One downside to drinking more water is that you may need to make more bathroom stops but it is worth it to stay alert.
Plan your rest stops
You may be eager to get to your destination but it’s important that you take some time to stretch your legs every two hours or so. These stops can be planned to coincide with mealtimes or used as an opportunity to go sightseeing.
Get plenty of sleep before you drive
If you have a busy itinerary planned along the way to Albany, you should make sure to plan plenty of stops throughout your road trip so that you can get a good night’s sleep. If you need a comfortable place to sleep during your road trip, you can contact Cornwall House Accommodation on 08 9831 0214.
We are situated in the quaint town of Kojonup and are conveniently located on Albany Highway – just 250kms southeast of Perth in the heart of the Great Southern Region of Western Australia.
