It's time to start the countdown for YOUR amazing ROADTRIP. No worries, I'll help you with an incredible adventure. Believe me if I say that this is Australia at its best! A dramatic coastline alternates with some amazing national parks. Surf the Wave Rock or climb the highest tree in the world ( yes the WORLD ). Admire the sunrise at lucky beach or hike up to Frenchmans peak. There are a lot of things to explore so let's get started. 🤘🏻
G'Day MATE & Welcome !
The diversity and scale of Australia’s nature is truly awesome! Gorgeous Gorges, ancient rainforests, a humble huge desert, stunning beaches and the world’s most precious coral reef are just a needle in a haystack from what this country has to offer. To really appreciate it, you have to see it in person.
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CAPITAL: Canberra my dear friends no it's not SYDNEY
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Lets talk about MONEY: you will pay in AUSTRALIAN DOLLARS (AUD) BE CAREFUL! make sure your tripadvisor or viator is shown in Australian dollar as there is a significant difference between both. 1 US Dollar is around 1,57 AUD, keep that in mind and dubble check.
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LANGUAGE: English but with some really strange words to be fair
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Hooman ( no worries I know the correct spelling is HUMAN ) : Australians are known as Aussies. The first people who set foot on land where the Aboriginals. There are some problems with respect to aboriginals ( no worries they are not going to eat you ) but that's nothing to discuss in here. I've had no problems with any of this ethnical group nor do I know someone who did but if you hear the "local" Aussies ( or third generation backpacker who decided to stay ) you will notice some problems. I am curious to your point of view after your visit! feel free to share that story with me. 😁
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VISA: you will need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months ( like usual ) and then it all depends from which country you are !
. EVISITOR 651 is a FREE Visa. You can stay up to 3 months at a time and is valid for one year.
. Electronic Travel Authority or ETA costs you 20 $. You can Stay up to 3 months at a time and is valid for a year. ALERT ! This is only valid for people from following 8 countries: Brunei, Canada, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, The United States and The Republic of South Korea.
. TOURIST STREAM visa: Possibility to stay up to 12 months without leaving the country. WARNING: you can only APPLY if you are already in Australia. Ideal for people who want to extend their visa and are prepared to pay the 475$ fee.
. WHV or working Holiday Visa 417: This visa allows people 18 to 30 years old (or 35 years old for some countries) have their first extended holiday in Australia and work here to help fund their trip. It will cost you 635$ ( that you earn back easy if you are not lazy ) and you are allowed to stay for 12 months ! WIN WIN If you haven't sold half of your liver to get that visa.
There you go, now you know. Is this all ? NO there are many options. The most important is that you apply for one and have a VALID passport. Make sure you check the official Website. Yes if you search for it you will find a lot of websites claiming to be the OFFICIAL but they will charge you your full liver and that's NOT worth it. So I will link the correct website. Buy me a cup of coffee and call it even.
TIP: If you are unsure because there are A LOT of possibilities just check out one of the FACEBOOK groups like backpackers Australia and ask the Question or search the group. We went all through that stage nothing wrong with that. People will help you ( Most of them. Some are too cocky but ignore them and maybe you will find some like minded people to EXPLORE AUSTRALIA. ) If you really can't find a solution you can consider an agency but be prepared to pay the price better to dm me first on my socials and I'll try to help you. This will only cost you a coffee. ☕️ ( YES I am addicted )
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Transportation: In my opinion it's the best way in a campervan. yep the tiny house on wheels or a car. take note that accommodations in Australia can be expensive. You have the possibility to rent one or you can buy one. They both have some benefits but also some disadvantages.
Do you have the time to buy one and more important to sell one ? what is your budget? How long do you stay ? This are some of the questions to be answered. You can do the East coast by the greyhound bus but this is not possible on the West coast and you don't have the freedom to see everything. So what is it that you want ?
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National Dish: Well euhmmm this is a difficult one. You will find fish and chips everywhere but to be fair as a former chef I'll tell you that it is not the best unless you have the English Nationality. Another thing they claim is Pavlova ( A merengue Dessert ) named after the Russian Ballet dancer who traveled through the country in 1926. Well I can't confirm this as the people of New Zealand claim its theirs so yeah honestly the Australian cuisine is not the best if you ask my opinion unless you like pies . ( but I am critical ) lucky for us you can find an international cuisine in most metropoles. Make sure you don't follow European standards because they eat quite early. An Australian wakes up with the sound of the birds and sleeps at dawn. ( Most of them ) Conclusion: Go to one of the supermarkets and buy some Tim Tam cookies. Real Australian and actually really nice !
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Let the countdown begin and most important HAVE FUN !
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ITINARARY DETAIL
YOU MADE IT ! YAYYYYYY ! Let the ADVENTURE begin !!
If you arrive at the airport make sure you download following apps to ease your stay.
1. UBER! why ? easy ! Taxis at the airport are expensive and they dare to scam you. With UBER you solve that problem as you know how much to pay in advance. You can UBER in more countries than AUSTRALIA so it's a useful app. DIDO is the cheaper version in AUSTRALIA ( from time to time ) but its not possible to download that app unless you are Australian or maybe some other nationalities but you can work around this by using your VPN. Just put him on AUSTRALIA and make an account. ( Don't tell anybody I told you. 😉 )
2. A bit more expensive is an E-SIM but for me it's useful. why ? I hear you thinking ? Allow me to explain. Sometimes airport wifi is not stabile and if you have a data package you are mobile. You can already order an UBER ( what is not possible if you are not connected to WIFI outside the terminal ) You can check in in your hotel or do your research. You can let your family know that you arrived safe and win some time because we all know that we have to wait at customs. Buy a normal SIM card if you are planning to stay a long time in Australia because this is the cheaper option but it takes some time to install. That's for sure. TELSTRA has the best coverage in Australia The E-SIM is covered by OPTUS. I had both sims and still they didn't cover half the country. So are you ready to go off the grid ??
If you decide to go straight on your roadtrip you have to make sure that you check your flight hours and if the company is still in the possibility to handover your vehicle. Check the companies that are located at the airport. It saves you a taxi and it's easy after a flight. This is going to be a bit more difficult for campervans but you can easy UBER to the company. I wouldn't recommend this if you have a late flight because doing some paperwork and groceries costs you a lot of time and in most campsites in Australia you have to check-in before 18h. You can check in later but then there is nobody at the reception and I think it's easier to relax the first day. Make sure you check the rental company and if they allow to drive after dark because most wont like it or even allow it. From dusk till dawn the wildlife comes to life in Australia and you wouldn't want to have a kangaroo under your vehicle on the first day. (or any other day ) If you have to you can drive at night but make sure that you adapt your speed.
I recommend Travellers Autobarn. I rented a van from them and they gave me an EXCELLENT service. You can go for cheaper companies but read the reviews. At some point our alternator broke down in the middle of Karijini NP and they helped us out immediate. Giving us an extra week for free and arranged everything for us. They have good maintained vehicles ( nobody can predict when an alternator breaks down ) and a GREAT Service. You can go off the grid with their vans for 3 days before putting them on power. PERFECT to save some money and go to FREE campsites.
I will always check out discover cars for car rentals. It's a platform that search between all of the car rental companies so you can easy compare. They also have an extra insurance that is cheaper ( most of the time ) only downside is that this is a third party and the companies will hold a bond on your creditcard for in case something happens. You don't have to worry if something happens and you have the extra insurance they cover you but the company will charge you first. If you take the insurance straight from the company you can reduce the bond.
Embrace the best of both worlds in Perth, where soft-sand beaches and scenic parks meet a thriving metropolis of small bars, creative restaurants and curated street art.
1. Go to Fraser Avenue lookout to stroll around the green lanes for a picnic or enjoy the nightlights and see the city comes to life.
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2. Take a day trip to Rottenest island to take a selfie with the cute furry Quokka's.
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3 Visit the most instagrammable blue boat house (yes you have the picture and no it's not that spectacular as you have to wait for half an hour to cross the busy street).
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4. Go to Fremantle ( Freo for the friends ) to visit the markets in the weekend.
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5. Take a cruise on the Swan river to see the beauty of the metropole from the other side.
NOTE: If you are bored go to Northbridge where most people go out ! Become the new Tiger woods or Harry Putter playing "glow in the dark mini-golf while sipping a cocktail" in holey moley ! WARNING: This activity includes a lot of drunk people and is expensive but fun.
Enjoy !
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For people who want to stay in Perth I have some ho(s)tel recommendations. 👇
I liked this place! If you research some hostels on booking/ hostelworld and you read the reviews you will see that none of them are good. This hostel has a central location, close to Northbridge ( where the magic happens ) and is clean. what do you want more ?
Don't book here if you are planning to cook a 5 course meal, because the kitchen isn't well equipped but you will find some cosy restaurants on walking distance and if you are too lazy to cook, they allow you to book uber eats. PERFECT!
Sidenote: It's not the most sociable hostel as the common area is huge.
If you don't like the big cities this is the place to go. Fremantle or FREO for the friends is a cosy neighborhood just outside the city center of PERTH.
This hostel is part of the YHA group and has a nice price for what you get. Like i've said: Australia is not the best to find cheap and clean hostels but this hostel is actually nice and on a unique location. You could guess this already, it's in the old prison. It has a big kitchen to socialize with your new friends, close to the markets and not far from the beach. Only benefits if you ask me.
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Day 3: From Perth to MARGARET RIVER
From Perth to Margaret River is a 3OO km drive or around 3,5h
Use this day to do all of your groceries shopping for the week if you go by campervan. Make a list and cook those meals. Not only this will save you time but also money. Make sure to install WikiCamps. This app wil help you to look for campsites.
If you do this trip by car you can drive straight to Busselton & Dunsborough to explore the area or you can go to MARGARET RIVER to taste some wine.
TIP: Visit the VISITORS CENTRES in every city you stop. They are really useful down under. Not only for the road conditions but also for other useful information about hikes, campsites. Most things you will find on their websites but for me they came in quite handy.
Margaret River is a small town south of Perth in western Australia, known for its craft breweries, boutiques and surrounding wineries. Beaches and surf breaks line the nearby coast, whose waters host migratory whales (Jun–Nov). Stretching between 2 lighthouses north and south of the town, the long-distance walk, the Cape to Cape Track, fringes the limestone caves and sea cliffs of Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.
1. It's wine O' clock somewhere in the world and Margaret River has a lot of vineyards to live to those words. ( Passel Estate is my favorite vineyard )
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2. Go surfing ! Make sure to install sharkSmart on your phone as you enter their natural habit ! NO WORRIES chances that you fall drunk from your bike after a wine tasting are bigger than you getting eaten by a shark.
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3. Put on your hiking boots and take a stroll in Cape Naturaliste NP, Visit the lighthouse or consider the Cape to cape walk for the more adventurous under us. ( It's only 123km )
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4. Consider a day trip to Dunsborough and/or Busselton as it is maximum a one hour drive and easy to combine.
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5. Go to Hamelin Bay to see the stingrays. Between 09 and 10 AM is the best time as they say ?! I can't confirm this ( as I was late, like usual ) BUT let me know if you saw them at that time. Stop in Jewel Cave after it's one of the biggest show caves in WA so you can tick that off the box. You can easy go to Augusta from here to see the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse and learn about its history. This is also the place where two Oceans meet.
Cheers !
Oh Boy: I LOVED this campsite. You can park your campervan, rent a cottage or safari tent. Ideal for people who drive or people who camp. Waking up in the middle of nature surrounded by nothing than trees is amazing. Make a campfire at night and enjoy some s'mores.
If you want to stay here with your campervan you'll have to book direct trough their website otherwise just click the CHECH PRICES link.
glamping, camping or maybe a yoga retreat ? It's all possible here. I haven't done this personal because this is a seasonal place that sells out fast but the people I know were really excited about this place. It's high on my list so can I join you ?
Another Stunning place. Everybody has to do a farm stay. Waking up with the animals surrounded by nature is a MUST DO on everybody's list. I loved the hospitality of the host and the beauty off the maintained farm.
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Day 4: From MARGARET RIVER to BUSSELTON to DUNSBOROUGH & 🔙
This is a 160 km loop. Drive to Busselton and indulge in the underwater world which this magnificent place has to offer. Keep your eyes open to spot some whales ( late september - Early November ) or some other incredible marine life. thereafter visit the lighthouse or put on your hiking shoes. Watch the. sunset at the Injidup natural spa and enjoy a glass of local wine.
Busselton is a city on the southwest tip of Western Australia. 225 km from Perth or a 2,5h drive ( make it 3h if you like your coffee stops like me. ) It's known for its sheltered beach and seasonal humpback whale populations. The beachfront features the 19th-century Busselton Jetty. This wood pier stretches 1,8 km to the Underwater Observatory, where life in a coral reef is on view and where you can spot dolphins if you are lucky. 🫶
1. Walk the 1,8km Jetty. Lazy people can also take the Stocker Preston Express train for an additional fee. Stingy people can walk the jetty free after hours.
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2. Visit the underwater observatory at the end of the jetty and admire a variation of marine species without getting wet.
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3. The more adventurous people can go scuba diving, diving or walk under water. YES you can walk under water without having previous experience.
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( NOTE: Unfortunately not possible in the season 2023 - 2024 due to the development of the Busselton Jetty but hey! no panic, now you have a reason to go back. )
Enjoy !
Have fun
Dunsborough is a great base to explore Cape Natualistes pristine beaches, walking trails, and lighthouse. It's a 249km drive ( or around 2,45h ) from Perth or a 23,5km ( 20 min ) drive if you come from Busselton.
1. Visit the lighthouse or enjoy the magnificent views that the area has to offer.
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2. This easy four kilometre trail is the most westerly loop of the Cape Naturaliste Walk Trail Network, taking you nearly all the way to the tip of the cape with spectacular views along the way. Don't be scared as it is classified as a grade 3 hike. You are fine. I am not sporty spice so if I can do it, YOU CAN DO IT
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3. Take a short drive to Injidup Natural spa on your way to Margaret river. The dramatic shore is worth the stop and is one of the most instagrammable places southwest.
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4. Cape Naturaliste's lighthouse is the beginning or end point of the 123 km cape to cape track. So it's the ideal place for who likes a little challenge.
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5. Relax and enjoy from the beautiful roads and the incredible Wildlife.
Have Fun
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Day 5: Day around MARGARET RIVER
Rent a bike and visit some wine houses. Do some tastings and enjoy the beautiful nature. There are a lot of other options for people who don't fancy wine. Go for a hike or drive the scenic Balingup to Nannup route a bit more inlands. People who don't like to ride a bike can easy take a tour which in most cases covers more than only wineries or allows you to customize some wineries. Not my personal favorite because you are limited in time ( I am slow ) and choice but it can be fun for people who don't like to organise or people who travel in group.
The drive from MARGARET RIVER to PEMBERTON is 252km drive. To be fair it is only 170km if you go direct but I decided to stop in Hamelin Bay to see if I could spot the stingrays. I took a guided tour in Jewel cave and made my way to Augusta to see the point where the two oceans meet ( the most western point ) and explore another lighthouse. ( This was actually a really nice and informative one with a lot of interaction. ) I ate my lunch at Flinders Bay and spotted my first whales. 🐋🐋🐋 TIP: look at people who use binoculars or bring your own because they are hard to spot from shore. This all before I made my way to the PEMBERTON direction and before climbing the DAVE EVANS tree. You see: there is a lot to discover in the little area. Enjoy the road because it is a really nice, relaxing drive.
Pemberton is located 327km south of Perth and only 90 minutes from the Margaret River Region. It is a town of towering timbers. Set in the heart of karri tree country, it's here you'll find and climb the world's tallest fire lookout tree - the famous Gloucester Tree and the Dave Evan’s Bicentennial tree. ( Not for the faint hearted 🤭 )
1. Test your nerve and climb 65m up this enormous karri tree and into the forest canopy and stunning views.
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2. The Gloucestor tree is 42m but still worth the climb
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3. Enjoy the silence that nature has to offer, camp or socialize with some roos ( kangeroos ). Wake up seeing the fog on top of the majestic trees changing the night into a mysterious piece of heaven during the day. Just slow down ! You deserve it !
NOTE:
. Check the website parks WA for the conditions. Sometimes they close locations due to conditions. Make sure you are prepared!
. For some parks you have to buy a parkpass. If you are going on a roadtrip it might be cheaper to buy a holiday pas.
. Check the road conditions! some roads are unsealed. Most rental companies don't allow you to go off the beaten track but some allow you a few kilometers. Up to you to decide. "One risk a day, keeps the doctor away" they say.
Enjoy nature's wonders !
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Where to stay in PEMBERTON 👇 to be fair this place is actually in BEEDELUP a 15' drive from PEMBERTON
Did you ever dreamt of waking up between some kangaroos ? Don't look further because this is the place! While you sip your first morning coffee you enjoy the magical fog that swirls trough the woods while the roo's come and say hello. It is just a nice magical camping spot with a well equipped kitchen and fire place. Benefit is that you also can stay here in a cabin if you do the roadtrip by car.
If you want to stay here with your campervan you'll have to book direct trough their website otherwise just click the CHECH PRICES link.
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Day 7: From PEMBERTON to ALBANY via WALPOLE
Goodmorning ! It's time for a 300 km drive today. Nobody said it's going to be a relax roadtrip, I know but if you follow this itinerary you'll got pretty much everything covered and see some amazing places!
Today I drove to WALPOLE to walk the valley of the giants and admire the giant tiangle trees. I stopped in Williamsbay NP to see if I could spot the Elephant rocks ( It's not difficult and i saw the resemblance ) and took a dip in greens pool. ( only with my feet because it was freaking cold ! ) I ended my day with a beer watching the sun going down in Albany. I know pretty cool ! I think so too.
Another stunning place. Albany is located 419 km south of Perth on the Albany Highway via Kojonup and Mount Barker. The coastal scenic route via Busselton, Margaret River and Denmark is 648km. The Albany Region is a land of natural beauty.
1. Take a stop in Walpole and take a walk in the valley of the giants. also known as the Treetop walk because you walk literally in these giant treetops on a sky platform.
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2. Go to Williams bay to see if you can spot the elephants in Elephant Rocks or Take a dip in greens pool.
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3. I stopped in Denmark because i was traveling with Anne-Marie, a Danish girl who i met in one of the facebook groups and we thought if would be fun to
have a picture with the "DENMARK" sigh and see if there were comparisons. FYI there are no comparisons but there is a DANISH bakery with some nice breads. Not typical but close enough.
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4. We went grocery shopping in Albany because after 6 days you need food if you travel in a campervan.
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5. We stayed in Panorama caravan park, close to Torndirrup National Park and enjoyed the magnificent sunset with a beer in our hands. Believe me if I say that this is a wonderful place. Nothing fancy but the views are spectacular.
Have Fun !
This is not the most fancy place but it has a lot of charme and if I say a lot, I mean A LOT! The friendliness of the owners was above and beyond expectation and the views .... DAMN! money well spent. Grab a beer relax and enjoy. I promise you it's well worth it.
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DAY 8: From Albany to STIRLING RANGE
Today is an easy day ! YAY ! It's only a 140 km drive so that's why I decided to explore the surrounded area. If you go straight without exploring the surroundings then it is only a 100 kilometer drive.
I Started my day with a short drive to the GAP and the BLOWHOLES in the Torndirrup NP, a treat for those who like some natural phenomenons. Make sure you visit the blowholes when the swell is high otherwise they wont "blow" up your mind. I took another one hour drive to reach two peoples bay. Ideal for people who like to take a dip in the turquoise water this bay shows off. Make sure you be in the campsite before sunset because it is a stunning place and you'll have to save your powers for the sunrise hike tomorrow.
The Stirling Range or Koikyennuruff is home to the only major mountain range in the southern area of WA, a range of mountains and hills in the Great Southern region of Western Australia, 337 kilometres south-east of Perth, rising to more than 1000m above sea level and creating a challenging and spectacular hiking experience. The Aboriginal name for the range, Koi Kyenunu-ruff, meaning ‘mist rolling around the mountains’ is a frequently seen occurrence. If you love mountains this is the place to go.
1. Let's go for a walk in the park as they say. My reason to go here was to hike BLUFF KNOLL. A 6,8 km return hike up the mountain to witness the sunrise over the surrounding countryside.
It took me a little under two hours ( or a bit over but don't tell anybody ) to reach the summit but I am as slow as a turtle and I take a lot of cigarette breaks so there you go. Don't let all the reviews scare you. Don't let them say you have to fit. Oké to be fair it will help you but slow and steady works also. They say it's a grade 4 hike. Well maybe they are right but again it is all about perspective what is hard for one person is easy for the other so let's not categorize it and just go. You are not going to die because the track is well maintained and there are no jaw dropping cliffs from where you can fall so go, have FUN! and don't be scared. Keep in mind that most people exaggerate a tiny bit to have a more spectacular story.
They say bring at least two liter of water but i'll say that a coca cola will seal the deal as well. Bring a coffee and a sandwich for breakie and enjoy the view. The only thing I would recommend is to layer up. You can never have enough layers at dark that you want to get rid after sunrise.
2. You can do a lot of other hikes in the NP so there is choice enough for who that fancies more hikes. I've linked the main page so you can have an easy look.
The Parkpass here will cost you 15$/ Vehicle but if you have a 2 week- or annual pass you don't have to pay for the fee. Make sure to display the pass on your vehicles front window.
Happy Hiking !
Again not the most fancy 5 ⭐️- resort type of hotel but a well maintained campsite with the perfect location for a sunrise hike at BLUFF KNOLL. This place is ideal for campervans but also for people who look for a motel kinda room. Here you find another sunset that doesn't disappoint.
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Day 9: From STIRLING RANGE TO ESPERANCE
Wake up in a happy mood and with lots of coffee. You'll need it. Not only I've Hiked up to BLUFF KNOLL, ( one of my HIGHLIGHTS so if you can you SHOULD ) I also drove 620 kilometer. Yes I know but it's called a roadtrip for a reason. Honestly!! it is only a 410 kilometer drive but I decided to see if I could go to get to BREMER BAY to spot some dolphins and I took a detour to Fitzgerald NP. SPOILER ALERT! don't do this with a 2WD because you wont get there or maybe you can but it will take you a lot of time to conquer the unsealed road so I would recommend you to go straight to lucky beach and enjoy a beer at the beach unless you drive a 4WD.
TIP: Download Petrol spy. Distances are long and fuel stations are limited so make sure you fuel up all the time. Check te app before because you have limited coverage on the road. This app shows you not only all the places to fuel up but also the prices and that can be useful because it can differ a lot.
Prepare for an outdoor adventure surrounded by stunning seascapes. A one-and-a-half-hour flight or an eight-hour drive south from Perth, Esperance instantly dazzles you with its pristine sandy stretches and turquoise waters. Perfect for the gram.
1. Head to Lucky Bay and sink into what is officially Australia’s whitest sand with a bunch of friendly kangaroos for company who call Cape Le Grand National Park home. Watching the sunrise here was spectacular! So set your alarm and go for it, you wont regret it! NOTE: If you have a 4WD you can drive onto the beach and set up your camp.
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2. Hike up to Frenchman's peak. One of my favorite viewpoints. It is a bit of scrambling over a granite dome but you'll get rewarded by the 360 degrees views. It's a short but steep hike. It took me 40 minutes to get to the top. I would recommend shoes with some kind of grip but again this is my perspective. DON'T STOP at the first cave go a bit further up and you'll see what I mean.
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3. Go for the great ocean drive, a 40 kilometre circular loop that features a vast range of coastal elements. There’s more than one way to experience the Great Ocean Drive. A cycle/walk path winds through the landscape, following the coast from the Esplanade all the way to Twilight Cove. NOTE: The pink lake is not pink anymore so you can skip this part and the windmills? Well, I am the biggest fan of windmills but I was a bit underwhelmed by those. On the other hand make a quick stop while you are there so you can have a laugh like I had. Sometimes you have to make a tourist attraction to have something to show off and this is the perfect example.
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4. Take a dip in one of the other stunning bays like Hellfire Bay, Little Hellfire, Thistle cove or Wharton beach. If you are lucky you have one of those beaches to yourself and a pod of dolphins.
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5. You can visit "stonehenge", a replica of the original stonehenge in Salisbury. I am a bit sceptical on this "tourist attraction" because I like the real deals but see for yourself maybe it's worth the money for you. It's on the way if you go to lucky beach so you don't have to make a detour.
Enjoy !
Perfect place to go off the grid. Most blogs will tell you that you have optus coverage. I will tell you it's not. You get something more spectacular namely one stunning beach. ( not the most beautiful as they claim because there is a lot of seaweed ) but one of the most stunning sunrises i've seen. Showers are working on solar panels so they can be cold but it remains a nice place. If you have 4 WD you can set your camp at the beach ( chech the tides ) or otherwise you can just enjoy to live in the now and relax.
Make sure you have a parkpass and that you book the place in advance as there is no coverage and no reception. So you have to book online. This campsite has no powered sites so make sure you can live partial self contained. ( No worries there are toilets. )
You probably know already that i like the RAC parks. This are stunning convenient locations and are for people who doing a roadtrip by car and those who stay in a campervan. This RAC is at the perfect location for people who want to drive the great ocean drive or for people who like to have the convenience to stay close to town. It's a bit further if you want to go to Frenchman's peak or lucky beach but you have the ocean right in front of your cabin.
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Day 10: Day around ESPERANCE
Today is an easy day. Believe me if i tell you because a roadtrip isn't that glamorous as the gram wants you to believe. I hiked up to FRENCHMAN'S PEAK ( another highlight od my trip ) and I drove the GREAT OCEAN DRIVE. The last is a 40 kilometer loop with a lot of variety. You can swim or snorkel in one of the bays, go for short hikes or laugh at the pink lake that isn't pink anymore. Just relax and do what you prefer. You can stay up at Frenchman's peak all day because the views are mind blowing from sunrise to sunset. I drove only 137 kilometers in total so a perfect easy day.
Cheers
Day 11: From ESPERANCE to HYDEN
Another hard drive today as the route to HYDEN is a 464 kilometers drive. Hey I told you yesterday to take your rest so do you believe me now? No worries by this time you are used to the driving. Take some snacks, coffee and a nice playlist and you'll see that time flies by. Before you know it you are surfing the WAVE ROCK and watch or float in THE SALT LAKE POOL.
If you haven't hiked up to FRENCHMAN4S PEAK do it before you leave because otherwise you'll regret it. Don't skip this beauty because it's well worth the small effort.
Located 340 kilometres south-east of Perth, a four hour drive through picturesque farmland you find destination WAVE ROCK: Rising 15 metres from the ground and more than 100 metres long, the rock looks like a giant surf wave of multicoloured granite about to crash onto the bush below. It’s believed this amazing formation was more than 2,700 million years in the making. But this is not the only thing to do.
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1. After "surfing" the WAVE ROCK hike up to enjoy the sunset over the farmland, lake magic and the the salt pool.
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2. Take some stunning pictures at sunrise or sunset from lake MAGIC you will know why they call it that if you see the reflection and the colors. NOTE: Don't do this at summer because you'll get disappointed as the lake tends to dry out during that time of the year.
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3. Take a dip in the SALT POOL or better say float in the SALT pool. Make sure you don' submerge your head and that you rinse after bathing with fresh water and don't shave before you are visiting. Don't say that I haven't told you.
This place is the perfect location to explore the WAVE ROCK, lake magic and the salt pool. This place is perfect for campervans or for people who drive because it functions as a resort. In the price of the accommodation is the entry of everything included. The place needs a bit of tlc but does the job for a night.
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Day 12: From HYDEN to PERTH
It's time to organize your stuff and clean your campervan because this adventure comes to an end after the last 340 kilometer. No worries you can easily skip Perth and go to Jurien bay but this is another Itinerary. Relax the last days in Perth and see the things you haven't seen yet or take the ferry to ROTTENEST ISLAND to bike around the island and play with the cute fur Quokka's. It's all up to you. There is something to do for everyone.
Day 13: PERTH to ROTTNEST ISLAND
Aah ROTTNEST Island, a little place called bicycle hell. I give you a little background information: I HATE to bicycle but this is the best way to discover the island. To be fair. It's only a 22 km loop. ROTTNEST is not cheap so best way to do it is in a day tour or pay for some unique luxury accommodation after this amazing roadtrip.
The home of the quokkas ( and other wildlife ) is easy accessible by ferry. once you are there you can bike around or take the island explorer bus. It's only 22 kilometers loop so easily done in a couple of hours.
1. Take a QUOKKA selfie. we all know that this is the one thing you can't miss on the island. Those cute animals are easily find nearby the main street where the cafes are because they sure like food. Maybe it is my spirit animal after all. Don't feed them it is wildlife and they are not made for human food.
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2. Those who don't like to bicycle can hike one of the hiking trails or take a guided walking tour. Make sure to check the last ferry otherwise you are stuck on the island. ( there are worse places to get stuck if you ask me. )
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3. Take a picnic and enjoy the beach. I love those kind of activities. Best to bring your own food as it is expensive on the island and perfect to have some little snacks to slow down and enjoy the views. You might be lucky and spot some whales like I did.
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4. This is the place for those who fancy a romantic getaway. The island offers some glamping opportunities. Open a bottle of wine and enjoy the sunset as other tourist already left the island.
Cheers
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Where to stay in you fancy a romantic night on ROTTNEST island👇
Besides RAC I am also a huge fan of discovery parks. Why? easy ! location location location and some uniqueness from time to time. This place has it all. Right in front of the beach and glamping opportunities. Yay I love to stay in tents, add here a balcony with a view and I am sold. I haven't been to this discovery as I sold already half of my liver to swim with humpback whales but those who know me know that i've done a lot of those park during my half the continent roadtrip.
For sure this one remains on my bucketlist so call me if you look for someone to accompany you.
I am not the biggest fan of big hotels but from time to time this girl needs some comfort and a great shower. This is the place where you'll find it all. It's at a convenient location right in the cbd. It has all the facilities and convenience you need but most important ! The prices are right.
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Day 14: HOME
It's time to look back on your AMAZING ADVENTURE and return home with the best memories, some great stories & tons of stunning pictures.
Figures & Facts:
I met my sidekick Anne-Marie on facebook in one of the travel groups. Just place a message and maybe you find a lifetime friendship. Not only you can split the cost of the roadtrip, it is also best to have two drivers. FUN FACT: I fell down the stairs the day before we left so Anne-Marie had to drive the first two days. ( I was a little too enthusiast i think )
We drove 2727 kilometers and paid 688,72 AUD ( 417,17 euro ) on fuel. Best is to do a roadtrip with at least two people to share the cost.
We paid 325 AUD ( 197,47 ) on campsites. This can be cheaper if you go to free campsites. There prices are for 2 persons
We paid 183 AUD ( 110 euro ) for activities and sightseeing. This includes the parkpass for WA for 1 month, the jetty, some lighthouses, the treetop walk and the jewel cave.
We paid 155,55 AUD ( 94,27 euro ) a day for the campervan. This is because we rented one for more than a month so the price decreased. This price also included full insurance without liability, camping chairs and a table that we extra rented. I would recommend a full insurance ( wildlife is crazy and it looks like a the kangeroos want to kill themself by jumping in front of your car -> not true: they are just confused by the lights of your vehicle )
We paid 396,90 AUD ( 240,58 euro ) for groceries. This includes a beer a day, 10 liters of coffee, 5 liters of coca zero and a ton of cheese. ( I am a cheesy person )
I paid at least double the groceries for my ciggies so it's not recommendable to smoke in Australia unless you are prepared to be bankrupt.
Make sure to download your maps, music and wikicamp as you have limited internet on the road and in some campsites.
Hi! My name is Mara, a seasoned traveler who loves adventurous destinations.
I look for the most beautiful places on earth as a female solo traveler. Since 2013 I've collected all the beste travel tips for destinations from all over the world and now I want to share those with you. Organizing your own travels can be overwhelming but my goal is to make your adventure a little bit easier and above all much more fun !
Are you looking to enrich yourself, be inspired by other cultures and experience the lavishness of nature. Searching your own limits both physically by hiking to Everest basecamp and mentally by eating insects in Thailand for example. Don't look further because this is traveling for me !
WELCOME and more than happy to help you create some adventures & memories !
💌 me if you need a custom itinerary or if you have any questions so you can spend YOUR time on doing the things that make you feel ALIVE !
