It’s early September, which means the desert touring window is starting to taper off as temperatures climb into October and November. Spring in the South West brings longer days, wildflowers, calmer seas, and even whales cruising Geographe Bay. If you’re swapping red dust for coastal air and tall timber, here are four easy weekend options from Perth—each with what to do, where to camp or stay, and the 4WD notes you actually need.
Catterick Farm — Private Bush Base, Easy Day Trips
About 3 hours south of Perth near Bridgetown and Greenbushes, Catterick Farm is a 178-acre working cattle property in WA’s South West region. It’s a secluded farmhouse stay with four bedrooms, two bathrooms and all the mod cons, set among jarrah and farmland—ideal as a quiet base for day trips to Busselton, Augusta and the Margaret River region.
Why go: Space for the family, a pet-friendly bush setting, and central access to beaches, caves, forests and wineries.
Stay: The farmhouse sleeps up to 12 with Starlink powered Wi-Fi, BBQ area and pool.
M4C tip: Use Catterick as your hub: beaches and wineries one day, forests the next.
Busselton & Margaret River — Coast + Wine + Caves
Busselton is a classic spring stop: the Busselton Jetty stretches 1.841 km into Geographe Bay and is home to an underwater observatory. Calm beaches and family-friendly paths make it easy with kids.
Margaret River adds caves, surf breaks and forest drives close by; popular show caves include Jewel, Lake, Mammoth and Ngilgi. Book the guided options in busier weeks.
4WD notes: Beach driving is permitted on select Leeuwin-Naturaliste NP beaches including Boranup, Deepdene, Kilcarnup and Joey’s Nose, but access changes—check DBCA Park Alerts before you go. The Boranup Beach access track is 4WD-only and can be soft.
Spring bonus: Whale-watching kicks off in Dunsborough/Busselton from early September through November. Tours run most days, weather permitting.
Walpole & the Southern Forests — Giants, Granite and Quiet Camps
Head further east for towering tingle and karri country. Walk the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk 40 m above the forest floor, then wander the free Ancient Empire walk below.
For big views, take the short summit trail at Mount Frankland, ~28 km north of Walpole.
Drive time: Around 4.5–5 hours from Perth, so it suits a two-nighter.
4WD notes: Expect a mix of gravel and clay. After rain, it gets slick—air down appropriately and carry recovery gear.
Spring bonus: Forest wildflowers ramp up now through November across the region.
Collie & Wellington National Park — Close, Green and Fun
An easy option close to Perth. Honeymoon Pool and Potters Gorge are crowd favourites for riverside swims, kayaking and shady jarrah campsites. Bookings are essential in peak periods.
Drive time: Roughly 2 hr 10 min from Perth.
4WD notes: Expect forest tracks, river lookouts and a few sandy or corrugated sections depending on recent weather. Walking options include the Jabitj Walk Trail from Honeymoon Pool to Wellington Dam.
Keen to add some sand?
If you want a more technical sand drive this spring, consider the Yeagarup Dunes to Warren Beach near Pemberton or Black Point in D’Entrecasteaux NP. Both are 4WD-only, require dropping pressures, and conditions vary—check alerts and go prepared.
Quick Recap: Pick Your Weekender
- I want a relaxed base with day trips: Catterick Farm near Bridgetown. Bush calm, easy reach to coast and forests.
- I want the classics with kid-friendly extras: Busselton & Margaret River for Jetty, caves, calm beaches and spring whale tours.
- I want tall timber and quieter trails: Walpole & Mount Frankland for tree-top views and summit lookouts.
- I want something close to home: Collie & Wellington NP for riverside camping and easy forest exploring.
Spring Travel Tips from the M4C Team
1) Check alerts before you roll
Tracks and access can change after weather or park works. Hit DBCA Park Alerts and the Cape to Cape Track alerts if you’re walking sections.
2) Book popular campgrounds early
Honeymoon Pool and Potters Gorge book out fast on fine spring weekends.
3) Sand driving basics
Drop pressures, carry recovery boards and a rated recovery point. For Yeagarup or coastal beaches, time your run with the tides and travel in a small convoy if you’re new to it.
4) Spring highlights to time your trip
- Wildflowers: August–November right across the South West, including Boranup and Wellington NP.
- Whales: Dunsborough/Busselton tours run September to early December.
5) Gear that makes weekends easier
A freestanding awning for shade at camp, quality recovery kit, an air compressor for quick re-inflation, and decent driving lights for early spring sunsets. If you need help dialing in your setup, we’re happy to run through options that suit your vehicle and budget.
See you out there
Whether it’s a two-nighter at a forested campground, a coastal base near the Jetty, or a quiet weekend on the farm, the South West is prime in spring. If you want route ideas, campsite suggestions, or gear advice for your specific rig, swing by M4C Perth, give us a call, or shoot us a message and we’ll help you plan it.