
Drives Western Australia, Australia Perth and the South West
Pemberton to Windy Harbour
Windy Harbour Road · Pemberton → Windy Harbour
The drive
This drive leaves Pemberton on the Pemberton-Northcliffe road, Tourist Route 259, and runs 57 km (35 mi) south through karri forest to the small settlement of Northcliffe, then follows Windy Harbour Road to the southern coast. The bends are easy and the traffic is light, so it is more a forest cruise than a twisting road. Windy Harbour is a beach-shack settlement and fishing retreat inside D'Entrecasteaux National Park.
Windy Harbour Road is about 27 km long from Northcliffe, around 30 minutes, and Windy Harbour is described as the only coastal spot between Augusta and Walpole reached by sealed road. The drive finishes just short of the settlement. At the coast you find a wild, windswept shore with rugged rocks; whale watching runs from June to August and wildflowers are best from September to November.
Along the way
- Pemberton
- Windy Harbour
Good to know
- Fill up in Pemberton or Northcliffe: Windy Harbour does not sell fuel.
- Fees apply for D'Entrecasteaux National Park; passes can be bought ahead or at the Pemberton Visitor Centre.
- The settlement has a campsite with a convenience store at limited hours and stock, so bring food and water.
Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Main Roads Western Australia: Travel Map.
Questions about this drive
How long does Pemberton to Windy Harbour take?
Pemberton to Windy Harbour is 57 km (35 mi) and takes about 50 minutes, via Northcliffe and Windy Harbour Road.
Is the road to Windy Harbour sealed?
Windy Harbour is described as reached by a sealed road from Northcliffe, about 27 km along Windy Harbour Road. A conventional car can drive to the village.
Is there fuel at Windy Harbour?
No. There is no fuel at Windy Harbour, so fill up in Pemberton or Northcliffe before driving the Windy Harbour Road.
Is there a fee to drive to Windy Harbour?
Windy Harbour sits inside D'Entrecasteaux National Park, and park fees apply. Camping is charged separately.
What you get in the app
Free on iPhone and Android. CarPlay and Android Auto come with Apex.
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South Coast Highway: Nornalup to DenmarkLeisurely · South Western Highway, South Coast Highway · 31 mi
Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.