One of the best things about staying at Tree Chalets is that the journey begins the moment you leave the driveway. Tucked away among towering Rosegum trees, we’re perfectly positioned to explore some of the South West’s most beautiful back roads—quiet country roads that wind through forests, farmland, wine country and charming country towns.
While many visitors stick to the highways, we love sharing our favourite scenic routes with guests. They’re slower, quieter and showcase a side of the South West that many travellers miss.
Whether you’re heading out for a half-day adventure or a full day of exploring, these are some of our favourite drives.
Tree Chalets to Nannup via Sue’s and Mowen Roads
Driving time: Around 30 minutes
If you’re looking for a peaceful country drive, this is one of our favourites.
Leave Tree Chalets and head to Sue’s Road, travelling through picturesque farmland and native bush. Take a left at Mowen Road and travel 20 minutes before arriving in the historic town of Nannup.
Known as the ‘Garden Village’, Nannup is full of character with heritage buildings, boutique shops, cafés, beautiful gardens and now a Brewery. It’s the perfect place to wander, enjoy a coffee and browse the local stores before continuing your adventure.
The drive itself is wonderfully relaxing, with very little traffic and plenty of opportunities to appreciate the changing landscape.
The Spectacular Nannup–Balingup Road
The Spectacular Nannup–Balingup RoadDriving time: Around 1 hour 15 minutes
This is one drive we recommend to almost every guest who asks about epic country road drives.
Starting in Nannup, the Nannup–Balingup Road winds through rolling hills, towering forests and some of the most picturesque countryside in Western Australia.
Every season offers something different.
In winter, mist hangs between the trees and streams flow alongside the road. Spring brings vibrant wildflowers, while autumn paints the countryside in rich shades of gold and amber.
There are countless places to pull over, take photos or simply enjoy the scenery.
If you enjoy scenic drives, this one deserves a place on your itinerary.
The Back Roads to Margaret River
The Back Roads to Margaret RiverDriving time: Around 40 minutes
Rather than taking Bussell Highway, we encourage guests to discover a quieter and far more scenic route into Margaret River.
From Tree Chalets, travel via:
- Evans Road
- Jamisons Road
- Payne Road
These peaceful country roads weave through vineyards and grazing farmland before connecting with the Margaret River wine region.
It’s a beautiful drive that perfectly captures the relaxed character of the South West.
Along the way you’ll pass grapevines, protea farms and seasonal farmland, making it easy to stop and explore at your own pace.
Once you reach Margaret River, spend the day visiting wineries, enjoying long lunches, browsing local galleries or discovering gourmet food producers before taking the same scenic route home.
Tree Chalets to Augusta via Sue’s Road and Brockman Highway
Tree Chalets to Augusta via Sue’s Road and Brockman HighwayDriving time: Around 60 minutes
Augusta is famous for its rugged coastline, historic lighthouse and the meeting of the Southern and Indian Oceans.
While many visitors travel via the highway, our preferred route follows Sue’s Road before joining Brockman Highway.
The drive is incredibly diverse, taking you through:
- Beautiful state forest
- Rolling farmland
- Towering native trees
- Quiet country roads
- Small rural communities
The scenery changes constantly, making the journey just as enjoyable as the destination.
Once in Augusta you can visit Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, explore Flinders Bay, watch for whales during the migration season or simply enjoy lunch overlooking the water.
Following the Blackwood River
One of the great advantages of staying at Tree Chalets is being so close to Australia’s longest river in Western Australia—the magnificent Blackwood River.
There are numerous quiet roads that follow sections of the river, revealing peaceful picnic spots, river crossings and beautiful natural scenery.
Whether you’re exploring towards Nannup or simply taking an afternoon drive through the surrounding countryside, the Blackwood River region offers a slower, more tranquil side of the South West that many visitors never experience.
It’s an ideal way to escape the crowds and reconnect with nature.
Slow Down and Take the Scenic Route
One of the greatest pleasures of staying at Tree Chalets is discovering that getting there really is half the experience.
Instead of rushing from one destination to the next, take the roads less travelled. Watch vineyards give way to towering forests, pass through peaceful farming communities and stop whenever a view catches your eye.
These quiet back roads are where you’ll find the true beauty of the South West.
After a day of exploring, return to the peace of Tree Chalets. Pour a glass of local wine, light the wood fire in winter, soak in your private outdoor cast iron bath beneath a canopy of stars and listen to the sounds of the surrounding bush.
It’s the perfect ending to a day spent discovering some of Western Australia’s most scenic drives.
Stay Somewhere Worth Exploring From
Tree Chalets offers more than luxury accommodation—it’s a peaceful base from which to experience the South West at a slower pace. With the Blackwood River, Margaret River wine region, Augusta, Nannup and countless hidden gems all within easy reach via scenic country roads, every drive becomes part of the holiday.
If you’re looking to escape busy highways and discover the South West like a local, we’ll be happy to point you towards our favourite routes when you arrive.
FAQ
Are the scenic drives suitable for all vehicles?
Yes. All of the scenic routes featured in this guide are suitable for standard two-wheel drive vehicles. While some sections include well-maintained gravel roads, the majority of each drive is on sealed roads.
The drive to Nannup via Sue’s and Mowen Roads includes approximately 3 km of gravel road, while the scenic route to Margaret River and the drive to Augusta are almost entirely sealed. We regularly travel these routes ourselves and are always happy to recommend the best option based on current road conditions.
Where are the best places to eat in Nannup?
Nannup may be a small country town, but it’s home to some fantastic food and coffee.
Our favourites include:
- The Barista and the Blackwood Bread – A favourite with both locals and visitors, serving exceptional coffee alongside artisan sourdough, pastries and freshly made sandwiches. If there’s one thing you shouldn’t leave without trying, it’s their famous Reuben sandwich—it’s become a destination in itself and is well worth the drive.
- Forest and Fire – Perfect if you’re staying later in the day. Known for its wood-fired pizzas, smoked meats and relaxed country atmosphere, it’s an excellent spot for a long lunch or casual dinner.
After lunch, take some time to browse Nannup’s woodcraft galleries and artisan stores or enjoy a stroll along the Blackwood River before continuing your scenic drive.
Is there somewhere to stop for lunch in Balingup?
Unlike many South West towns, Balingup isn’t known for its pubs, wineries or breweries. Instead, the real attraction is the journey itself. The spectacular drive from Nannup, the peaceful village atmosphere and the beautiful surrounding countryside are what make a visit so rewarding.
We recommend collecting some local produce along the way—perhaps artisan bread, cheese, olives or fresh fruit—and finding a quiet spot to enjoy a picnic. Whether it’s beneath the magnificent trees at Golden Valley Tree Park or at one of the many scenic rest areas along the drive, slowing down and soaking up the scenery is all part of the experience.
Where are the best places to eat in Augusta?
After exploring Augusta or Cape Leeuwin, consider stopping at:
- Little Hand Dumplings – A hidden gem serving handcrafted dumplings, noodles and authentic Asian flavours. It’s a favourite with locals and visitors alike and well worth seeking out.
- The Colourpatch Café & Bar – A fantastic spot for breakfast, lunch or a relaxed drink overlooking the Blackwood River. On windy afternoons, it’s one of the best places to watch the colourful kite surfers and wing foilers carving across the river mouth.
- The Ragged Robin – A cosy café known for great coffee, delicious breakfasts, homemade cakes and friendly country hospitality.
If you’re travelling back towards Tree Chalets, it’s also worth stopping at one of the wineries or cellar doors you pass through on Brockman Highway and the surrounding wine region. Many offer seasonal platters and long lunches in beautiful rural settings.
What hidden gems can we discover along these scenic drives?
One of the best reasons to take the back roads is discovering places you simply won’t find if you stay on the highway. Here are a few of our favourite hidden gems:
- Nannup – Wander through the town’s collection of woodcraft galleries and artisan shops, where you’ll find handcrafted timber furniture, woodturning, gifts and locally made pieces that reflect the area’s rich timber heritage.
- Balingup – Step inside Tinderbox, an iconic herbal apothecary that has been delighting visitors for decades with its handcrafted botanical skincare, herbal remedies and unique gifts. It’s unlike any other shop in the South West and well worth a visit. Also make time to visit Golden Valley Tree Park, one of Western Australia’s most beautiful arboretums. Wander beneath magnificent trees from around the world, enjoy a picnic or simply soak up the tranquillity. It’s especially spectacular in autumn when the deciduous trees transform into vibrant shades of gold, orange and crimson.
- Augusta – Visit the Augusta Boat Harbour, home to the world’s first commercial ocean-grown greenlip abalone sea ranch. Depending on availability, you may be able to purchase premium locally grown abalone directly from the outlet—an opportunity to take home one of the South West’s most celebrated seafood delicacies. Before heading home, stop at The Colourpatch Café & Bar for lunch or a coffee overlooking the Blackwood River. If you’re visiting on a breezy afternoon, you’re likely to be treated to the spectacular sight of kite surfers and wing foilers gliding across the river mouth—a favourite local spectacle and one of the best views in town.
These hidden gems are part of what makes exploring the South West by car so rewarding. Slow down, take the scenic route and you’ll discover a side of the region that many visitors never experience.
Local’s Tip: When you check in at Tree Chalets, ask us for our hand-picked scenic drive recommendations. We regularly update our favourite routes based on the season, wildflowers, road conditions and new cafés, wineries and hidden gems we’ve discovered. It’s one of the little extras our guests love most.
