Christmas holiday travel ideas in WA
Unlike the winter wonderland of other countries, Christmas in Australia signals the joyous start of the summer holidays. These holidays, running from mid-December up to the first days of February, are perfect for outdoor family activities and exciting trips. To make it truly memorable, be sure to plan your Christmas trips in advance. It can get stifling hot during the Australian summer, making it ideal for beach escapades and camping, and as a great starting point for your adventures, consider this guide to day trips from Kojonup town.
Western Australia's southern region stands out as the perfect summer destination. It's home to many of the continent's most breathtaking spots, from charming and delightful towns and scenic coastal drives to picturesque national parks, untouched wilderness, and vibrant local Christmas celebrations. WA could easily become your next favourite Christmas destination! And if you are still weighing up which direction to point the car, our companion guide to staying in WA this Christmas rounds up six destinations across the whole state.
We know preparing for a trip can be stressful, especially when planning for the whole family and ensuring there's something for everyone in your itinerary. The great news is, Western Australia is packed with destinations that everyone in your family will surely enjoy and never forget. Here are some Christmas travel destinations that should be on your holiday checklist this year. So pack your bags, hop in your car, and get ready for an exciting Christmas holiday!
The five destinations at a glance
Every one of these is reachable by car from Perth over the summer break. Distances and drive times below come from our own drive guides and the destinations themselves.
| Destination | Best for | Getting there from Perth |
|---|---|---|
| Margaret River | Wineries, caves, surf beaches | About 3 hours by car |
| Albany | Coastline, history, whale country | 417 km down the Albany Highway, 4 to 4.5 hours |
| Bridgetown | Cool country nights, river valleys | Via the South Western Highway |
| Busselton | Calm beaches and the famous jetty | 232 km south, on the coast road |
| Pemberton | Karri forests, camping, hiking | Via the South Western Highway, karri country |
If Albany is your pick, our Perth to Albany drive guide covers that route leg by leg, including where to stop, eat and sleep along the way.
Explore the treasures of Margaret River
Margaret River is one of those holiday destinations that have it all. You can reach it by car, almost three hours away from Perth. The road trip itself is a wonder, offering you many incredible sights along the way.
Here are some places that you should explore in Margaret River.
1. Margaret River's popular wineries
If you want to see the best wineries in Australia, Margaret River is the right place to be. Home to the best and unbeatable wines in the country, you surely cannot miss visiting these amazing wineries.
- Vasse Felix
- Knotting Hill Estate
- Jarvis Estate
- Voyager Estate
- Redgate Wines
- Leeuwin Estate
- Cape Naturaliste Vineyard
- Aravina Estate
- Cullen Wine
There are other wineries that you may also visit if you have enough time. Enjoy the vineyard tours and taste the best wines that only Margaret River can offer.
2. The Mammoth Cave
Explore ancient fossils, a magical and ancient underground cave, and a lighthouse with spectacular ocean views. The best thing is, you can explore the Mammoth Cave with your family. It offers tourists a self-guided audio tour while you explore the cave, walking on the platforms and boardwalks.
The Mammoth Cave is home to the most important palaeontological digging in Australia. Its limestone walls are embedded with the fossil of a long-extinct species. The tour ends with a relaxing walk through a marri forest.
3. Top surfing sites and beaches
The Margaret River coastline is home to some of the most amazing surfing breaks. You can also visit its swimming beaches, such as the Point Picquet, Meelup Beach, and Injidup Beach.
Get to know Albany, the second largest city in WA
Albany is located along the south coast of the region. The city faces the Southern Ocean and is nestled by the Princess Royal Harbour. It has spectacular and dramatic rugged coastlines, where you can see some whales if you are lucky.
Here are some things to see and do when you visit Albany.
1. The Albany Heritage Park
A trip to the Albany Heritage Park can be an educational tour since it is home to natural, historical, and cultural attractions. It consists of the Princess Royal Fortress, the National Anzac Centre, Convoy Lookout, and the Desert Corp Memorial. Make sure to go to the Point King Lighthouse to enjoy breathtaking and scenic views.
2. The Albany Wind Farm
The wind farm along the south coast is made up of twelve giant wind turbines. These fascinating landmarks are not just tourist attractions, but they are also the town's way to help the environment.
3. Middleton Beach and other beaches
Albany is home to many pristine and wonderful beaches. Middleton Beach is the perfect summer destination for families who want to laze on the white sand and play with the water's gentle waves.
If you want to go kayaking, you should also check Emu Point Beach. Emu Point Beach is perfect for family picnics, fishing, and boating. There is also a cafe where you can have lunch and coffee.
Enjoy the rustic charm of Bridgetown
If you want to enjoy a relaxed and idyllic Christmas holiday, then Bridgetown is the perfect destination for you. Surrounded by green hills and marri forests, Bridgetown has a relaxed country atmosphere. Enjoy cool summer nights with your family in this charming town.
You can enjoy scenic drives in the town, enjoying farmlands, rivers, and jarrah forests along the way. If you want the full country experience, visit the Blackwood River Valley and explore farmlands, lush rolling hills, streams, and waterfalls.
Experience Busselton, a premier resort town in WA
Enjoy the best seaside resorts the southern regions have to offer. With 30 km of tranquil and pristine beach, Busselton is your ultimate summer destination.
Located 232 kilometres south of Perth, Busselton faces the Indian Ocean. Bask in the white sands and clear blue skies of Busselton Jetty and Underwater Observatory. Walk along the longest wooden jetty in the southern parts of the world. It stretches 2 kilometres out into the ocean where you can observe beautiful corals of different colours and schools of fish.
Those who love to do water sports should not miss out on Geographe Bay. It is perfect for windsurfing, diving, and snorkelling.
If you want a more peaceful and quiet outing, visit the grassy banks of the Vasse River. It has a great walking trail for relaxing walks and parks where you can have a family picnic.
Be amazed by the trees of Pemberton
Pemberton is home to towering Karri forests. Enjoy bushwalking, mountain biking, fishing, and other activities in this quaint southern town. Pemberton is located between three national parks where you can go camping with the family.
For the thrill-seekers, you can climb the fire lookouts in the tall Karri trees. You can also go hiking in the popular and world-class forest trails of Pemberton, such as the Bibbulmun Track.
Driving south at Christmas: how to break the trip
The December drive is part of the holiday, but it deserves a little planning, especially with children in the car.
Split the Albany run over two days. Perth to Albany is 417 km on the Albany Highway, around 4 to 4.5 hours without stops. Kojonup sits at the 3-hour mark, 250 km from Perth, which makes it the natural overnight point: arrive in the afternoon, sleep well, then finish the final 160 km to Albany fresh the next morning. The full route, with every stop worth making, is in our Perth to Albany drive guide.
Respect the summer heat. Inland stretches of the Albany Highway between Armadale and Kojonup regularly reach 35 to 40 degrees in summer. Carry at least 2 litres of water per person and check road conditions with Main Roads WA before you leave.
Plan your fuel. Fuel is available at Perth, Armadale, Williams, Kojonup, Katanning, Broomehill and Albany, so there are no significant gaps, but filling up at Williams (161 km) or Kojonup (250 km) saves arriving on empty.
Watch for fatigue. The highway is long and relatively straight. Stop and rest every 2 hours at minimum; a proper overnight break beats a 4-hour push with a car full of kids.
Going to the south? Make sure to check the Cornwall House Accommodation
Cornwall House Accommodation is a charming country motel that provides visitors to the southern regions with clean, comfortable, and affordable places to stay near Kojonup. It's conveniently located on Albany Highway in Kojonup, right at the halfway point of the Perth to Albany drive. Take a break from your Christmas long drive and have a restful sleep; you'll feel more refreshed and energised for your activities the next day.
The property has 12 air-conditioned rooms across queen, twin and family configurations, all with ensuite, free WiFi, smart TV, microwave, refrigerator and tea and coffee making facilities, plus a shared Camp Kitchen and free onsite parking. Contactless check-in is available from 2pm, so a late arrival in the holiday rush is easy.
Check availability and book Call us (08) 9831 0214
Frequently asked questions
When are the summer school holidays in WA?
The Christmas holidays in Western Australia run from mid-December up to the first days of February. That six-week window is when most families take their summer trip, so the earlier you plan and book your Christmas travel, the more choice you will have in the popular coastal towns.
Where should we stop overnight driving from Perth to Albany at Christmas?
Kojonup is the natural overnight stop. It sits 250 km from Perth, roughly 3 hours in, at almost exactly the halfway point of the 417 km drive, leaving an easy 160 km final leg to Albany the next morning. The town has fuel, dining and motel accommodation at Cornwall House, and our Perth to Albany drive guide covers the whole route in detail.
How hot does it get on the drive south in December?
Inland stretches of the Albany Highway between Armadale and Kojonup regularly reach 35 to 40 degrees in summer. Carry at least 2 litres of water per person, travel in the cooler parts of the day where you can, and check conditions with Main Roads WA before setting out. Further south the country changes: Bridgetown is known for its cool summer nights.
Do we need to book Christmas accommodation in advance?
Yes. December is peak travel across the south-west and Great Southern, and beds in the coastal towns fill well before the school holidays begin. Lock in each night when you plan the route, including the halfway stop, and the drive south stays a holiday rather than a scramble.
Can we stay at Cornwall House over the Christmas holidays?
Yes. Cornwall House Accommodation is on Albany Highway in Kojonup with 12 air-conditioned rooms in queen, twin and family configurations. Contactless check-in is available from 2pm, which suits holiday travel days when arrival times slip. Check dates and book through the booking page, or call (08) 9831 0214.
