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. Spend the day wandering 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. 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 indulge in a spot of lunch at Vasse Felix, the oldest winery in the region, which also features Holmes a Court Gallery. Journey further to the heart of Margaret River township, where you’ll find incredible wooden creations and an exclusive line of designer furniture at JahRoc Gallery, and contemporary Australian designed jewellery and handcrafted artisan gifts such as ceramics and sculptures at Margaret River 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.
DAY 3 MARGARET RIVER REGION TO SOUTHERN FORESTS AND VALLEYS
Take a drive further south through the stunning Boranup karri 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 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 and embark on a cultural tour to learn about the Noongar people and their ancient culture through immersive, interactive experiences. Then, head in to Albany in the Great Southern, where you’ll find the first of the giant painted grain silos on the PUBLIC Silo Trail. While you're here, you might also like to stop in at the Museum of the Great Southern, which overlooks the picturesque Princess Royal Harbour. 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 stunning 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.
