The South West is the easiest place in WA to get coastal travel right — and the easiest place to get it wrong.

Most people rush it. Too many stops. Too many towns. Not enough time sitting still when the conditions line up.

This loop isn’t about covering ground. It’s about keeping the coast in reach and letting the days breathe.

The Shape of the Loop

Start and finish in Perth.

Head south along the coast rather than straight down the highway. The aim is to keep water within reach for most of the trip.

A simple version looks like this:

• Perth
• Busselton
• Dunsborough
• Yallingup
• Injidup
• Margaret River coast
• Hamelin Bay
• Contos
• Back north via Caves Road or inland if weather turns

You can do it in three days. You shouldn’t.

Five to seven days allows the wind patterns to work in your favour at least once.

Busselton to Dunsborough: Ease Into It

This stretch is accessible and forgiving.

Good for:

• First night shake-down
• Quick swims
• Watching the wind patterns settle

It’s not remote, but it’s reliable. If you’re towing or testing a setup, it’s an easy introduction before heading further west.

Don’t linger too long unless the water is genuinely good.

Yallingup and Injidup: Conditions Decide Everything

This is where the trip shifts from “holiday” to coastal rhythm.

Mornings matter here. Offshore winds, clean water, quiet carparks.

Afternoons often turn messy. That’s normal. Plan around it.

If the conditions are good:

• Stay put.
• Swim more than once.
• Push meals later.
• Don’t chase the next bay.

If they’re blown out:

• Use the time to move camp.
• Reposition somewhere more protected.

The biggest mistake here is sticking to a pre-booked schedule.

Margaret River Coast: Space and Structure

Further south, the coastline opens up.

You get:

• Longer beaches
• More wind exposure
• More defined camp areas

This stretch suits camper setups well. You can base yourself and move for day trips without relocating everything.

It’s less about hopping between small coves and more about settling into a section of coast.

Hamelin Bay to Contos: Slow Down

This part of the loop is where people either relax properly or rush home.

The beaches are broader. The pace drops.

If the water is calm, snorkelling improves dramatically compared to the more exposed north-facing bays.

If the wind swings south-west and stays there, tuck into more protected corners and accept that some afternoons are for sitting, not swimming.

The South West teaches patience quickly.

Camps That Work

You don’t need hidden spots.

Look for:

• Legal coastal camps
• Slight elevation for airflow
• Natural wind protection (tree lines matter)

Avoid:

• Low sand pockets that trap heat
• Fully exposed headlands in strong sea breezes

Comfort in WA is often about wind direction more than scenery.

What Makes This Loop Different

It’s not remote. It’s not extreme.

But it works because:

• Distances are manageable.
• Supplies are accessible.
• Conditions vary enough to reward flexibility.

The key is refusing to over-plan it.

Pick a direction. Watch the forecast. Give yourself enough nights to adapt.

The South West isn’t about conquering distance.

It’s about giving the coastline enough time to show you a good day.