How should repeat visitors use eight Perth days for northern scenery?

Map fuel, accommodation and return legs before booking. If you still want the southwest, treat it as an alternative route, not an extra side trip.

Reserve a couple of Perth days for neighbourhoods, the river and shops, then take a focused coast or national-park loop. Check the season for heat and daylight.

Pick one northern overnight region rather than adding both distant north and Margaret River to the same short trip. The driving days can otherwise swallow the visit.