Katanning to Perth road trip: Best stops, distance and driving time

The best stops on a Katanning to Perth road trip include Woodanilling Pool and the Bibbulmun Track. By car, the distance from Katanning to Perth is 287km, with a driving time of 3h9m.

A road trip from Katanning to Perth connects the southern end of Western Australia’s Wheatbelt with the state capital.

Katanning is mainly of interest for its heritage buildings. For Katanning accommodation, search here.

Perth offers gold pouring experiences at the Perth Mint, Rottnest Island day trips, and scenic Swan River cruises. To book Perth tours and experiences, head here. For Perth accommodation deals, book here.

This guide is designed to help travellers plan their perfect Katanning to Perth road trip itinerary.

Katanning to Perth distance and driving time

By car along sealed roads, the distance from Katanning to Perth is 287km. That makes for a driving time of around three hours and nine minutes.

The best stops to add to a Katanning to Perth road trip itinerary include Woodanilling Pool and the Bibbulmun Track.

Katanning to Perth road trip: Katanning to Williams

The initial route out of Katanning follows the Great Southern Highway. Branch off down Robinson Road at Woodanilling.

You’ll reach the Albany Highway just north of Woodanilling Pool, an in-the-know camping spot. It’s a good place to spot ducks and kangaroos for non-campers.

Williams has a swimming pool and a couple of cafés. There’s also a half-decent lookout and picnic area in the Williams Nature Reserve.

Further north, between the Youraling State Forest and Dwellingup State Forest, the drive meets the Bibbulmun Track – Western Australia’s premier long-distance walking route. You can tackle the section around the Gringer Creek Campground if you wish to stretch the legs.

Katanning to Perth drive: A detour to Jarrahdale?

The Albany Highway continues through plenty of forest, and runs just west of Jarrahdale. Here, you can tackle the Kitty’s Gorge Walk Trail to Serpentine Falls in Serpentine National Park or visit the Millbrook Winery.

The quickest route into Perth, however, continues along the Albany Highway, past Wungong Dam and Bungendore Park. Armadale – home of the Armadale Pools – marks the start of the slog through suburbia into the city centre.

DON’T MISS OUT! 9 fabulous Perth experiences to book today ✅

✅ See the Rottnest Island quokkas the smart way – with a ferry and bike package.
✅ Be amazed by the abundant wildlife – on a dolphin, penguin and sealion cruise.
✅ See clear night skies in a moon-like desert – on a Pinnacles stargazing experience.
✅ Indulge in chocolate, cheese & premium wines – on a Swan Valley food and wine tour.
✅ See the city sunset from the water – on a Swan River dinner cruise.
✅ Watch gold being melted and poured – on a Perth Mint gold tour.
✅ Combine nature with imperious city views – on Kings Park Segway tour.
✅ Face your fears and get the thrill of your life on a – on a 15,000ft skydive.
✅ Find all the best hidden hangouts – on a small bar and street art tour.

Great things to do in Perth include cooing at the gold pour at the Perth Mint, enjoying the majestic city views from Kings Park and hitting the surf at Scarborough Beach.

Activities worth pre-booking include the hop-on, hop-off bus, art and history-packed walking tours and the adventurous Vertigo experience above the Optus Stadium. The small bar and street art tours are also superb.

5 great day trips from Perth – make your visit special

Rottnest Island ferry transfer – with bike hire and snorkelling gear. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Pinnacles desert – with koalas 🐨 and sandboarding.
Wave Rock day tour – with wildflowers & Aboriginal culture.
Margaret River wineries experience 🍷 – with tastings, caves & Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.
Full day Swan Valley wine tour 🍷– with lunch.