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How to hack your 2022 public holidays to experience The South West Edge

A new year comes with a new road trip bucket list!

Now all you need to do is find the time to get out there and explore The Edge whilst balancing work! That’s where the public holidays come into play. Pair these public holidays with your annual leave to create long weekends or a few weeks off to explore The Edge in sections, and soon enough you will have completed the whole journey! Use these mini itineraries to create your own adventures along The South West Edge, not matter how much or little annual leave you have.

January

Public Holidays: 26th January – Australia Day

Days to take off: Take off Monday and Tuesday,  24th –  25th January for a 5-day long weekend.

What to do: Treat yourself to a weekend getaway in Fremantle and Rottnest Island.

This is the perfect starting point to get a taste of what’s to come along The South West Edge. Explore the arty, harbourside city of Fremantle and all it has to offer, including incredible coffee, an array of award-winning restaurants and cafes, historic buildings, wonderful markets, and so much more. Next, all aboard the ferry to Rottnest Island to swim in the secluded beaches and bays, and snap a quokka selfie! We recommend taking your time with this one, with 2 days in each spot.

February/March

Public Holidays: 7 March – Labour Day

Days to take off: Take off 4th March and 8th March for a 5-day long weekend.

What to do: A weekend getaway down south.

Spend a few days exploring ‘down south’, travelling from Perth to the Margaret River region, stopping in between to create a 5-day adventure. Stop into the rolling hills of the Ferguson Valley and explore the lakes, boutique breweries and artisan galleries on offer. Visit the coastal town on Bunbury to meet the dolphins and see vibrant street art. Work your way down to Busselton to explore the iconic Busselton Jetty, and then head to Yallingup to marvel over the hidden swim spots and amazing sunsets. See the incredible wineries surrounding Margaret river, and indulge in gourmet experiences like no other, all before heading down to Western Australia’s most southernly town, Augusta.

Two wild kangaroos say hello to human on a white sandy beach
Lucky Bay Beach, Cape Le Grand National Park

Pair these public holidays with your annual leave to create long weekends or a few weeks off to explore The Edge in sections, and soon enough you will have completed the whole journey!

April

Public Holidays: 15th April – Good Friday | 18th April – Easter Monday | 25th April – ANZAC Day Holiday

Option 1
Days to take off: Take off 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd April for 10 days off!

What to do: Spend the week exploring the scenic south coast!

This breathtaking part of Western Australia is beautiful all year round, with April being the one of the best times to travel down. Head from Perth to Albany, where you’ll be blown away with sweeping views of the ocean in front of you, and the rocky sea cliffs right on the edge. Travel to Bremer Bay to experience the coastal hamlet that is home to some incredibly unique wildlife. Continue your journey to Fitzgerald River National Park to explore one of the largest and most botanically significant national parks in Australia. Discover Esperance and it’s surrounds including Cape LE Grand National Park, all before whizzing your way back to Perth via Hyden to see the amazing Wave Rock.

Option 2
Days to take off: Take 20th April off for a 4-day weekend.

What to do: Tick a forest adventure off your bucket list, or jump on an adventure along the edge.

Wind your way through the southern forests for 4 days, exploring the towering karri trees above you and the thick karri forests surrounding you. This wilderness adventure is sure to take your breath away, as you reach new heights climbing Gloucester Tree in Pemberton and exploring the Yaegarup Dunes. There’s plenty to do on the ground too, with mountain bike trails, waterfalls, rivers, lakes, Elephant Rocks and so much more.

May/June

Public Holidays: 6th June – Western Australia Day

Days to take off: Take off the 7th  to 10th June for a spectacular 9-days off.

What to do: The middle of the year is the perfect time to explore inland Western Australia, so now’s the time to explore ‘The Outback to Ocean Boomerang’.

Head from Perth to the oldest inland town in the state, York, before staying the night in Northam. Continue to Kalgoorlie in the Goldfields to explore the quirky characters of the outback, the amazing gold rush history, and some epic outback architecture. Start your decent down to Esperance while stopping into Norseman on the way before you hit the coastal town. Let Cape Le Grand National Park take your breath away before heading West along the coast to the Fitzgerald River, then to Ravensthorpe and Hyden before heading back to Perth.

September

Public Holidays: 26th September – Queen’s Birthday

Days to take off: Take off 27th, 28th, 29th and 30th September for a 6-day week of indulgence.

What to do: It’s time to take an indulgence themed road trip along The Edge.

Indulge in gourmet delights, world class wine and laid-back luxury, from world-renowned South West marron to the Périgord truffle, to an array of fresh produce straight from the farms, you’re in for a serious culinary adventure. Spend 5 nights traversing Southern Western Australia from Perth to Margaret River via the Ferguson Valley, followed by Manjimup, Pemberton, Denmark, and Albany. Then, head to the Porongurup wine region and Mount Barker before heading back to Perth.

December

Public Holidays: 26th December – Christmas Holiday | 27th December – Boxing Day Holiday | 3rd January – New Year’s Day

Days to take off: Take off the 23rd, 24th, 28th, 29th, 30th and 31st December and enjoy a 12-day break.

What to do: Head south and enjoy the whole of The South West Edge journey! Take yourself through one of the most beautiful parts of the country, starting from Perth and Rottnest Island, through Margaret River, Denmark, Albany, all the way to beautiful Esperance. Experience out of this world beaches, indulgent food, and drink at the extensive list of wineries and restaurants, gigantic karri forests surrounding you, and much more. Discover the small towns along the way and wind your way back through the Wheatbelt region to experience Wave Rock, or journey even further up into the Goldfields!

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girl kayaks on green lake with chalets and tall karri trees in background shows tranquil accommodation options and activities en route along the south west edge
RAC Karri Valley Resort, Pemberton

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