Where electric journeys lead to exquisite scenes.
As you cruise along the winding dark-tar roads of Australia’s South West, beneath towering forests, past rolling vineyards, through charter-filled towns, and along untamed coastlines, you’ll quickly realise the best way to discover this region is to road trip it.
If you’re serious about taking in all the senses of the South West, then choosing to make this journey in an electric vehicle (EV) is a decision that you won’t regret. Without the usual rumble of a traditional engine, let the sounds of waves rolling on the shore, wind whistling through the eucalyptus trees, and the chatter of the local lively towns become the soundtrack of your journey.
EVs are becoming increasingly more common and available, with many car brands now having an electric range, from luxury cars like Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Tesla to Hyundai, BYD, and Kia. Platforms like Turo allow you to rent an EV direct from owners, or you can explore an electric vehicle novated lease and join the revolution of EV owners.
This guide will take you through the highlights of WA’s South West and everything you need to know for an EV road trip through this region, so you can put ‘range anxiety’ out of your mind and plug and play.
Exploring the Highlights of WA’s South West
Bunbury Geographe
As the gateway to Australia’s South West, Bunbury Geographe is a mosaic of diverse landscapes and experiences, providing visitors with a taste of what awaits further south. From the coastal charm of Bunbury to the rolling hills of Donnybrook, the Harvey region’s fertile farmland and adventure-filled valleys, this region leaves you wanting more, and luckily, there’s more wanting to be found.
Margaret River Region
Margaret River is a region filled with magic and awe, a region where verdant, fruitful vineyards line the land and cyan glistening waters meet the shores. Welcoming you to the region are Busselton and Dunsborough, both seaside towns with buzzing atmospheres and vibrant arts scenes. Venture further and you’ll find Yallingup, a laidback slice of heaven where the forest meets the sea and world-class surf breaks beckon those from near and far. Margaret River itself encapsulates all that the South West is: fine wines, pristine beaches, famous waves, and majestic forests. The region also boasts Cowarumup, Gracetown, and Augusta — three towns with tight-knit communities, each embodying the charm of Australia’s South West.
Conveniently, the Margaret River Region has made a list that includes some of the accommodation options in the area with EV charging facilities.
Southern Forests and Valleys
There’s something humbling about walking amongst skyscraping eucalyptus trees, as they tower above, gently blowing in the breeze, reminding us of how small we are, and how beautiful it all is. This feeling greets you time and time again as you explore the array of quaint towns that make up the Southern Forests and Valleys.
Great Southern
At the bottom of Australia’s South West rests the Great Southern, a place defined by its unspoilt bays, flourishing national parks, rugged cliffs, intriguing history, and serene mountain landscapes. Adding to its appeal, the Great Southern is Australia’s largest wine-producing region by area, and days down here, whether spent hiking, windsurfing or exploring, always end with a glass of world-class wine.
Charging Up Along the Way
In great news for your EV road trip, the WA EV network is not only Australia’s longest connected charging network, but also one of the longest in the world. We think it couldn’t be in a more ideal place, given the abundance of scenes and sights waiting to be discovered in the South West — now you won’t have to pick and choose, with an EV you can charge up here, there, and everywhere in between.
Listed below are the South West destinations that are specifically part of the WA EV network:
- Albany
- Bunbury
- Esperence
- Jeramungup
- Kojonup
- Margaret River
- Manjimup
- Ravensthorpe
- Walpole
Outside of the WA EV network, there is a plethora of other EV charging stations at shopping centres, petrol stations, accommodations, and other locations.
Maximising Your Charge
To ensure you get the most out of each charge during your road trip, there are a few things to keep in mind. Sudden acceleration and driving at high speeds can quickly drain your battery, sticking to speed limits and driving at a steady pace is key to the longevity of your charge. Additionally, charging electronic devices like your phone from you car will drain the battery faster, as will using air conditioning and car lights.
A quick tip in order to maximise your charge on your road trip is to plan your charging times around your chosen activities, this way, you can top up your battery while you tick off bucket list items.
The Apps You’ll Want
With the right tools, locating EV charging stations across the South West — beyond the WA EV network — is a simple task. Conveniently, those tools are smartphone apps. Chargefox offers access to the RAC Electric Highway amongst other locations, while PlugShare allows you to view charging locations, check availability, and plan your routes. Evie allows users to select specific time-slot bookings and make payments. In addition to these options, Google Maps features similar functions, helping you find charging stations with ease.
Plan Ahead
Stressful is one thing that a road trip through Australia’s South West should never be. To ensure a smooth EV road trip, it’s essential that you plan ahead. Start by downloading and setting up your preferred charging station locator apps, or even all of them (you can never have too many options when it comes to EV charging stations).
Ensuring that you have the right charging cables on hand is equally as important. Be sure to carry both a universal mobile connector and a Type 2 to Type 2 cable, keeping in mind that different stations may require different connections. Planning ahead with these two simple steps will ensure you’re road trip ready and will make for a stress-free journey.
