Albany meeting day Fri 30 Apr 2021

Day 1. Make your way to Albany today, preferably by 3pm if possible  - this afternoon you will meet the crew, attend the briefing and our mechanic will be available to re-assemble bikes where required. Tonight we have a group dinner where you get to know the rest of the cyclists on tour and chat about the exciting days ahead.

Albany to Denmark 58km Sat 1 May 2021

Day 2. With a distance of 58km and a relatively flat terrain today’s ride is a great way to start the tour. You head out of Albany via the beautiful Princess Royal Dr along the waterfront of the sheltered Shoal Bay and it won’t be long before the outskirts of the town are far behind you. We take the backroads past Lake Powell Nature Reserve and around the top of Wilson Inlet into the town of Denmark. Denmark is beautifully set in tree-covered hillsides along the Denmark River and the Inlet. With its relaxed vibe and friendly people, this popular tourist destination is a perfect place for our first overnight stop. Our accommodation is surrounded by the scenic karri forests with views of bushland from the rooms and just a 5 min walk to town. Don’t miss the award-winning Denmark Bakery.

Denmark to Walpole 73km Sun 2 May 2021

Day 3. The Denmark Region is filled with natural beauty; tall trees, green hills, sandy beaches, rounded rocks, natural wildlife... the greenery is all around you as you cycle out of town heading for Walpole. At around the half-way point we take a short detour into the Valley of the Giants - an iconic region here in the Southwest. The famous Treetop Walk is included in your tour price where you can wanderamongst the giants 40 metres high in the canopy of the ancient tingle forest. It’s then on to Walpole – a delightful town situated right in the heart of the wilderness where you can take a wander around or relax beside the motel pool.

Walpole to Northcliffe (Pemberton) 98km Mon 3 May 2021

Day 4. Today is a beautiful ride heading north beside and through Mt Frankland National Park, Shannon National Park and Jane National Park. You will be truly immersed in nature for almost the entire day as there are no towns, communities or even farms until the very end of the ride as we near the tiny town of Northcliffe. Our overnight tonight is in Pemberton in a lovely motel with all rooms having a balcony where you can relax with afternoon tea with views across to the Karri and Jarrah trees of Pemberton town park.

Northcliffe to Pemberton 64km Tue 4 May 2021

Day 5. Leave your bags where they are this morning - no need to pack up as today’s ride starts in Northcliffe and brings us back toPemberton. The ride is a looping journey through more National Parks and State Forests with a stop at the famous ‘Diamond Tree’ whereyou can climb the tree into the lookout tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding forests. Back at Pemberton this afternoon we have included a ride on the famous tramway that meanders through towering Karri and Marri forests; over trestle bridges spanning rivers and streams along one of Australia’s most majestic rail lines through to the Warren River Bridge.

Pemberton to Augusta 69km or 119km Wed 5 May 2021

Day 6. Today is our last day cycling through the seemingly endless beauty of the National Parks, State Forests and Nature Reserves of the Southwest corner. We have two distance options today with a long route of 119km, or a shorter option at 69km. Either way, soak it all up as you head for Augusta, nestled at the mouth of the Blackwood River, with some of the most pristine beaches in the world, perfect for fishing, swimming, surfing, diving and boating. Our Hotel boasts one of the best views of any hotel in Western Australia. It has a superb river front location high on the banks of the Hardy Inlet, where the Blackwood River meets the Southern Ocean.

Augusta to Margaret River 74km Thu 6 May 2021

Day 7. We know that you’ll be keen to get to Margaret River but don’t get too far ahead of yourself - there’s plenty to enjoy today on the way there. We start by heading down to Cape Leeuwin, location of the tallest lighthouse on mainland Australia. This historic lighthouse is situated at the tip of a spectacular peninsula where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet - the most south-westerly point of Australia andthe start of the ‘cape to cape’ experience that we cover in the next 3 days. From here it’s north past the popular Lake Cave and Mammoth Cave to our rest day destination of Margaret River.

Margaret River REST DAY Fri 7 May 2021

Day 8. Our accommodation is a pleasant 15-minute walk from the Margaret River town centre. After crossing the river the town appears, its one long street lined with cafes, gourmet and curiosity shops, boutiques, galleries and more. During the day the town is bustling and at night it comes alive with a totally different scene of fantastic foodie restaurants, wine bars and pubs with live music. Decadent food, premium produce, internationally renowned wine, surfing, art and a love for nature combine to be the soul of the town and some of the main Margaret River attractions. Stunning walking and cycling tracks meander along the river or through the surrounding forest to the vineyards and farms. Both official tours and DIY sightseeing options can be recommended by hotel reception, whether you are into your wineries, breweries, restaurants, cafes, surfing or local art and culture. Enjoy.

Margaret River to Dunsborough 50km or 76km Sat 8 May 2021

Day 9. Today we get back on Tourist Drive 250 (Caves Rd) which we joined down near Augusta. The stunning roadway continues, and you will understand why the journey along this stretch of road is an attraction in itself, with its scenic qualities and beautiful vistas around every corner as the tarmac winds through the tall Karri trees. At Dunsborough (50km) we have an optional 26km return detour to CapeNaturaliste, for those who want to complete the ‘cape to cape’ experience (making a 76km daily distance). Here you’ll find a beautiful historic lighthouse and grounds, plus a view to where the ocean meets the bay. Back on the bikes we head back to Dunsborough, located on the stunning turquoise banks of Geographe Bay, where we park up for the night in one of the most tranquil and magnificent locations.

Dunsborough to Bunbury 81km Sun 9 May 2021

Day 10. Geographe Bay is absolutely gorgeous with its white sand beaches and blue waters. It will be our constant companion to the north all day today as you wind your way around the arc that forms the bay. The best views of the bay will come as you ride down the beachfront at Busselton and again coming into Bunbury via Ocean Drive. Bunbury is famous for its local dolphins that are often close to the beach at Koombana Bay and indeed the strong maritime theme around town gives a good indication of the importance of water sports and activities to the local community. Tonight we stay at an iconic local hotel in the centre of town – a great place to explore from.

Bunbury to Mandurah 102km Mon 10 May 2021

Day 11. It’s a lovely ride today as we hug the coast and take as many back roads as possible that wind their way between the ocean and various inlets, lakes and estuaries, so expect to see water on both sides of the road at various times during the ride. Surrounded by the waters of Mandjar Bay and picturesque lakes and inlets our destination of Mandurah is another impressive stopover and another great place for catching a glimpse of Bottleneck dolphins. Tonight is our final night on the road before hitting the big smoke of Perth and we go out in style as our accommodation here is a 4.5 star, beautifully appointed property overlooking Mandurah’s picturesque Mandjar Bay.

Mandurah to Perth 76km Tue 11 May 2021

Day 12. Our final ride into Perth may not have the natural beauty of the cycling that we have been doing over the past ten days but it is interesting and engaging as you wind your way closer and closer to the heart of the city via roads and many bike paths. Our final night is at the Rendezvous Hotel - a hotel located less than 5 minutes from major attractions including Kings Park, the Convention Centre, Perth Arena, Old Swan Brewery and the famous Matilda Bay Boatshed on Swan River. Tonight we celebrate our journey with our final group dinner.

Perth end of tour Wed 12 May 2021

Day 13. Our tour officially disbands after breakfast today as the AllTrails crew prepare for departure in a few days’ time for our journey across the Nullarbor from Perth to Adelaide.