Art Lovers' Road Trip
Australia's South West is a region with a rich historical past and a thriving arts community. Discover artisan markets, unique art exhibitions, state-of-the-art entertainment precincts, Aboriginal cultural tours and arts festivals on this five day road trip.
Day 1 Perth to Bunbury Geographe
Head south for 2hrs from Perth to the quaint sea-side city of Bunbury. Stop via the Wellington Dam to view the largest regional outdoor art mural in the world, see the Collie art mural trail and catch the latest exhibition at Collie Art Gallery. Visit the Featured Wood Gallery and Museum to admire craft and furniture made by local artisans. Then, wander the city streets in search of vibrant street art developed as part of ReDiscover Bunbury, created by SixTwoThreeZero to showcase established Australian & international artists through painting exterior murals on the streets of Bunbury’s CBD. Admire the Aboriginal art sculpture on Koombana Bay Foreshore, or join a walking tour with Aboriginal artist Troy Bennell. Next, visit Bunbury Regional Art Gallery (BRAG) to catch the latest exhibitions in its six gallery spaces and the nearby Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre to admire charismatic objects in their collection. Overnight in Bunbury.
Day 2 Bunbury to Margaret River Region
Drive further south for 1hr to the Margaret River Region and gear up for a day of gallery-hopping. First, stop in Dunsborough at Christian Fletcher Gallery to gasp at stunning local photography, before heading to John Miller Design in Yallingup for iconic Margaret River artisan jewellery, handcrafted in the region. On your way to Margaret River, stop at Bina Maya Gallery for a display of Japingka Australian Aboriginal art, then indulge in a spot of lunch at Vasse Felix, the oldest winery in the region, which also features Holmes a Court Gallery. Next, visit Aravina Estate where you'll find the first ever official WA Surf Gallery. Journey further to the heart of Margaret River township to find incredible wooden creations and an exclusive line of designer furniture at JahRoc Gallery. Spend the afternoon at Melting Pot Glass Studio making your very own glass creations, before overnighting in Margaret River. Our tip: align your trip with one of the many artistic events throughout the region, such as Margaret River Open Studios, Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival and CinefestOZ Film Festival.
Day 3 Margaret River Region to Southern Forests and Valleys
Take a drive further south through the stunning Boranup Forest on your way to Boranup Gallery, where you’ll find handcrafted designer furniture made onsite from Western Australian hardwoods, as well as a huge collection of art such as paintings, glass, wood and metal sculpture, jewellery and ceramics. If you fancy a stop along the way, sip on premium wine at Leeuwin Estate and check out the art gallery that inspires their labels. Then, continue your drive along Brockman and Vasse Highways through stunning karri forests and check out Manjimup's new Powerup Electricity Museum on your way to to Northcliffe, where you’ll find the Understory Art and Nature walk. Begin from the Northcliffe Visitor Centre and walk the 1.2km boardwalk trail through the stunning native forest, featuring sculptures, music and writing artworks commissioned by nationally and internationally renowned creatives. Overnight in Pemberton.
Day 4 Southern Forests and Valleys to Great Southern
Continue your creative journey to Denmark in the Great Southern, where you can visit local art galleries before heading to Albany. Here, you can learn about the local Noongar culture and history at the Museum of the Great Southern and Kurrah Mia, and seek out the gianted painted grain silos on the PUBLIC Silo Trail. Overnight in Albany.
Day 5 Great Southern to Perth
Begin your route back to Perth, but not before detouring via some not-to-be-missed art experiences in the rural Great Southern treasures - hinterland towns. If you’re feeling adventurous, discover another impressive silo mural in Pingrup and explore rustic street art in Katanning. Stop in at The Kodja Place & Kojonup Visitor Centre for a cultural experience and colourful Aboriginal artwork before following Albany Highway back to Perth.
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