The spectacular scenery and relaxed lifestyle of Western Australia's South West region has inspired a generation of artistic spirits.
Art is an important part of life in this region, and it's expressed in dozens of forms including paintings, sculptures, photography, crafts, festivals, fairs and cottage arts - all on display in quaint galleries, cafes and communities throughout the forests.
Day 1: Perth to Bridgetown
From Perth city follow the South Western Highway, stopping in Mandurah for a coffee on the foreshore, before heading to Donnybrook for lunch.
Nearby Balingup is also well worth a visit. The town is famous for its cheese factory which serves as a gallery to showcase local arts.
The main street of this quiet country town is dotted with cafes and interesting shops.
The picturesque farming community of Bridgetown makes an excellent overnight stop or a central base from which to explore the region.
From here, Margaret River, Nannup and Manjimup are all within an easy drive.
The region is spoiled for choice with excellent gourmet restaurants and cafes, many of which offer sensational bushland settings or river views.
Take an early dinner as the shadows settle among the forests and the local wildlife comes out to feed before settling down for another restful night.
Overnight: Bridgetown
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Day 2: Bridgetown to Walpole
Enjoy a hearty cafe breakfast before heading off to explore the local attractions.
A two-hour drive, via Nannup and the Blackwood River Valley, will take you to Margaret River, where there's plenty to see including galleries which line the main street, world-famous wineries, and local craft shops - or shun the diet and indulge at the boutique cheese, chocolate, olive, fudge and ice cream factories.
Another option is to make your way south from Bridgetown through the tall timber country towards the south coast through towns like Manjimup, Pemberton and Walpole.
Be sure to allow time to make regular stops along the way and take lots of film and video as there are spectacular forests, stunning riverscapes and romantic lookouts around every twist of the road.
Once you adjust your pace to the relaxed lifestyle it becomes easier to understand what inspires the locals to express themselves through art, and why they choose to live in such a beautiful part of the world.
Many will tell you how they came for a weekend and stayed for a life-time.
It's that sort of place.
Overnight: Walpole
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Day 3: Walpole to Perth
It's a five and a half hour drive back to Perth from Walpole, which is easily done in a day.
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