Top 5 Scenic Coastal Drives Around Margaret River from Edge Villas

scenic drives WA

Embarking on a Margaret River coastal drive is one of the most breathtaking ways to discover Western Australia’s southwest. With vast karri forests, striking cliffs, and heritage lighthouses, each drive offers something unforgettable. When you begin your adventure from Edge Luxury Villas, you're perfectly positioned to explore the finest scenic drives WA has to offer.

To plan your road trip with custom maps and local insights, visit the About Us page and discover how your journey starts from luxury

Boranup Forest & Coastline Loop

Drive Highlights

Enter a fairytale as you glide beneath the towering karri canopy of Boranup Forest, where filtered sunlight dances off moss-covered trunks. From the forest, roll west toward the coast, where quiet beach access points offer moments of peaceful reflection and dramatic seascapes.

Must-Do Stops

  • Boranup Lookout for sweeping treetop-to-ocean vistas

  • Conto’s Beach for a remote, intimate picnic stop

  • Meekadarabee Falls, a gentle walk into nature’s silence

Why It’s Worth the Trip

You’ll experience a rare combination of forest density and ocean openness in a single drive, perfect for those craving immersive natural beauty.

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse Trail

Drive Highlights

This iconic route leads you to the southwestern tip of Australia: Cape Leeuwin, where the Indian and Southern Oceans converge beneath one historic lighthouse. The coastal drive there is full of windswept cliffs, hidden coves, and frequent wildlife sightings.

Must-Do Stops

  • Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse for panoramic views and maritime history

  • Stirling Beach for a romantic stop by the waves

  • Whale watching during migration seasons (May to October)

Why It’s Worth the Trip

For those interested in ocean history, wildlife, and coastal drama, this drive is a must. After your adventure, retreat to the comfort and elegance of the Vineyards Edge Villa, where nature and luxury meet.

Gnarabup to Yallingup Coastal Cruise

Drive Highlights

This route captures Margaret River’s rugged coastline at its finest, serrated cliffs, natural rock pools, and limestone caves just steps from the shore. It’s one of the most photogenic scenic drives WA has to offer.

Must-Do Stops

  • Injidup Natural Spa, a wave-fed rock pool perfect for photo moments

  • Yallingup Reef & Caves, with walking trails and sea cave access

  • Sugarloaf Rock Lookout, best visited at golden hour

Why It’s Worth the Trip

This drive is a favourite among couples and photographers, offering iconic backdrops and hidden gems along the way.

Cape Naturaliste to Sugarloaf Scenic Route

Drive Highlights

Traveling the gentle northern coast, this road features pristine bays, cliffside paths, and historical sites like the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse. The route’s wide scenic lookouts offer some of the best whale-spotting chances in WA.

Must-Do Stops

  • Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, with guided tours and museum access

  • Bunker Bay, a calm, sheltered spot perfect for a midday picnic

  • Castle Rock, a rocky bluff with incredible elevation for views

Why It’s Worth the Trip

With wide sealed roads and short distances between stops, this is an easy, rewarding drive for travellers of all ages.

Coastal Caves & Hidden Picnic Spots Route

Drive Highlights

Explore the lesser-known coastlines of Margaret River, where secret beaches and fossil-rich caves await. This quieter stretch is ideal for unhurried days filled with natural discovery.

Must-Do Stops

  • Fossil Beach, for shell and rock-hunting near sea cliffs

  • Calgardup Cave, a self-guided cave filled with stalactites and cool silence

  • Secluded bays like Redgate Beach, ideal for private picnics and ocean watching

Why It’s Worth the Trip

This route is perfect for nature lovers who enjoy peaceful exploration, wildlife encounters, and fewer crowds.

Planning Your Scenic Drive from Edge Villas

Edge Luxury Villas is centrally located, giving guests immediate access to the best of the region’s coast. Whether you’re staying at the Vineyards Edge or the Lakes Edge Villa, you’ll enjoy not just luxurious stays, but unbeatable launch points for scenic exploration.

Driving Tips for Margaret River’s Coast

Best Time to Go

Autumn and spring offer mild temperatures and fewer tourists. Winter brings the romantic coastal chilly weather and prime whale sightings, while summer offers warm, clear skies for beach exploration.

What to Bring

  • A camera or smartphone for photography

  • Packed lunch or picnic setup

  • Hat, sunscreen, and water bottles

  • Hiking shoes for trail and cave access

Road Safety

  • Stick to speed limits on winding forest roads

  • Be cautious at coastal lookout points

  • Avoid driving at dusk to minimise wildlife collisions

Final Thoughts

Few regions in Australia offer such a diversity of coastal beauty as Margaret River. From lighthouses and forests to rock pools and photo lookouts, these scenic routes deliver nature, history, and wonder in every kilometre. The best part? You can return each night to the peaceful luxury of Edge Villas, whether it’s the tranquility of Lakes Edge or the vineyard charm of Vineyards Edge.

Plan your road trip, pack your bags, and discover why the scenic drives of Margaret River are among the most inspiring in Western Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Boranup Forest & Coastline Loop is ideal for travellers wanting a mix of ancient trees and sweeping seascapes.

  • The Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse Trail offers maritime history, panoramic views, and a stunning meeting point of oceans.

  • Yes, but we recommend spacing them out over several days to truly enjoy each route and the stops they offer.

  • Absolutely. All five drives are on sealed roads suitable for standard vehicles. Always check local weather before heading out.

  • Yes. You can contact us for road trip maps, scenic stop suggestions, and driving routes curated by locals. There is a free map in each villa or happy to offer suggestions when guests ask.

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