5 Instagrammable views on the South West Edge

Virtually every pit stop on the South West Edge road trip features an Insta-worthy sight, but these five spots are truly photogenic from every angle. Cameras at the ready…

1. Sugarloaf Rock

Is it real, or a simulation? Rising above the ocean like a tessellated pyramid, Margaret River’s famous Sugarloaf Rock draws an open-mouthed audience each day as the descending sun sets into the ocean, framing the enormous rock formation with a clear, rose-hued light. You may also wish to follow the lead of other clever picnickers and bring your own champagne hamper; there’s plenty of space to find your own snuggly viewing spot within the wildflower-dotted scrub nearby. After the light show, make your way into nearby Dunsborough for an appropriately beautiful meal: Peko Peko does fantastically fresh and colourful soups, teriyaki meals and noodle bowls, and you can BYO from the bottle shop across the road, too.

2. Greens Pool

Caster-sugar sands and water like liquid mint: the warm, flat expanse of Greens Pool should belong on a dazzling tropical postcard, but – shh! – you’ll find it in William Bay National Park, just twenty minutes by car from the centre of Denmark. A hop, a skip and a jump down the short walking track and you’ll reach your reward: postcard-perfect views that are even prettier in three dimensions. Thanks to a shore-break of smooth boulders, this shallow-bottomed body of water is protected by the ocean’s normal current, creating a giant natural pool of water in hues of pastel peppermint. Join the locals and kick out a few morning laps across its top, or make do with a splash in the shallows and relax on the flat, sun-warmed rocks. Local tip: small multi-coloured coral communities have sprung up underwater around the base of the boulders; pack your snorkel for a close-up look.

3. The Gap

Whooosh… BANG! What was that? As you ease nearer the edge of The Gap, in Torndirrup National Park, the booming oceanic rumblings will intensify until – CRASH! – suddenly the spectacle reveals itself. A slice between rock-hewed sea cliffs, The Gap is embroiled in an endless dance with the ocean: watch as it sucks in giant pockets of air with each receding wave, then brace as the water returns with a head-first slam into the walls. The viewing platform overhead – high enough to make you dizzy – is the ultimate spot to watch the show; the scale of the cliffs and the force of the ocean put things in humbling perspective. Admire the surrounding coastline, aflame with native wildflowers, and check out The Gap’s equally beautiful counterpart, the rock formation known as Natural Bridge. Afterwards, head into nearby Albany for a meal (try Oranje Tractor or Lime 303), or check out the curious sight of Albany Wind Farm – its 12 turbines line the coast in a silent, eerily beautiful ever-moving formation.

4. Great Ocean Drive

Could this be Australia’s most beautiful stretch of road? Don’t answer till you’ve traced Esperance’s famous route for yourself: one dazzling beach after another unfolds along the Great Ocean Drive, while the horizon is splashed with some 105 islands of the Recherche Archipelago, making the route feel a little like island hopping by car. Though it’s only 40 kilometres end to end, you could easily spend a day exploring the many beaches and hidden inlets of this gorgeous drive; stop at Nine Mile Beach to watch colourful windsurfers float across the water’s glassy top, and make time to see Twilight Cove, where you’ll spot spectacular rock formations that curve and loop out of the water. When you finally arrive back in town, head to the Rotary lookout for a view back across the coastline before taking yourself to Taylor St Quarters for a celebratory gin: after all that tough work sightseeing, you’ve earned it.

5. Esperance Stonehenge

This unique attraction captivates visitors with its unique charm and natural beauty. This awe-inspiring replica of the iconic Stonehenge monument in England is nestled amidst the breath taking landscapes of Esperance. The ancient stones, standing tall against a backdrop of vivid blue skies and golden fields, create a visually striking scene that begs to be captured and shared. As the sunlight casts its warm glow upon the stone structures, the resulting play of shadows adds a touch of mystery and allure to any photograph. Whether it's the wide-angle shots that encompass the entire structure or the close-ups that reveal intricate details, Esperance Stonehenge offers a multitude of Instagrammable moments. From golden hour shots to silhouette captures at sunset, this picturesque location provides endless opportunities for photographers and influencers to curate stunning and envy-inducing content.

Want to know more about the South West Edge?

See some of the best foodie experiences here, find seven more instagrammable views here or find an itinerary here.