Self-Drive Through Western Australia – A Road Trip to Remember

No one ever said they don’t like epic road trips, Never! And, with blockbuster movies like Dil Chahta Hai, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and Highway, it’s no secret that most of you harbour a secret desire to embark on a legendary road trip, at least once in your lives. We heard you peeps! It’s time to say yes to one of the best road trip destinations ever – Western Australia! Here are the top two itineraries for a road trip through Western Australia, that can be completed in less than a week.

Itinerary 1. Indian Ocean Drive

indian-ocean

Duration: 4 days

Route: Return trip from Perth

Best Time: August-October

Day 1: Perth-Yanchep-Cervantes-The Pinnacles

Kick-start your road trip from Perth to Yanchep via the Mitchell Freeway and Wanneroo Road – it takes less than an hour! Head out to Yanchep National Park for a friendly meeting with the kangaroos and koalas amid a vibrant backdrop of colourful spring flowers. Love seafood? Then Cervantes, better known as the rock-lobster capital should be next on your itinerary! Soak in the cerulean magic of the Indian Ocean along the drive or sign up for a boat ride at The Lobster Shack. You can also take a quick detour to feast your eyes on one of the oldest living fossils on earth – the stromatolites of Lake Thetis.

Next, head to the age-old limestone spires at Nambung National Park – known as The Pinnacles. A visual delight to relish, there’s also a Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre, for learning about these natural wonders. Tired of all the activities? Enjoy dipping your toes into the ocean at the Hangover Bay or Thirsty Point.

Day 2: Cervantes-Jurien Bay/Dongara

Ready for the famous Australian bushlands? Drive to Molah Hill and Grigson’s Lookouts for some amazing views against the Indian Ocean. Then, make your way to the Lesueur National Park to witness the glorious bloom of more than 900 flower species (during spring), lighting up the environs. It’s an enchanting sight! Do book yourself a seat at a sea lion charter at Jurien Bay or snorkel at the Kurien Bay Marine Park – the aquatic experiences here are extra special due to the playful marine life.

#AdventureJunkiesAlert: You can go Skydiving and Caving as well!

Conclude the day at Dongara Port Extension relishing a delicious seafood spread or lingering over a drink at sunset!

Day 3: Dongara-Geraldton

Begin your day with a coffee punch at Dongara’s Moreton Terrace before embarking on a heritage tour. Witness some Spanish architectural flavour at Geraldton and the beautifully preserved Greenough Central Historic Settlement – your collage collection will be richer and better!

#DidYouKnow, Geraldton is also known as Australia’s windsurfing capital? Head over to Point Moore, Sunset Beach or Coronation Beach to indulge in some windsurfing action.

All you culture vultures out there, don’t forget to soak in the magic of Geraldton Museum and the Aboriginal Art Gallery! Oh! if you’re a fan of musical sunsets, we suggest a picnic or dine-in experience at the beach over stunning views of the Indian Ocean from the HMAS Sydney II Memorial.

Day 4: Geraldton to the Abrolhos Islands and back to Perth

How about booking a half-day fishing, snorkelling and diving charter to explore the 122 coral-fringed Abrolhos Islands? Do that or indulge in a delicious breakfast spread at the shore. And, don’t forget to enjoy the scenic flight rides over the islands and the Batavia Coast! From here, you can make your way back to Perth by retracing your route. We recommend a stop at Lancelin to enjoy the sunset from the summit of Western Australia’s largest sand dunes on your way back via Mitchell Freeway!

Itinerary 2. Albany and Esperance

albany-western-australia

Duration: 5 days

Route: Return trip from Perth

Best Time: September – November

Day 1: Perth to Albany

Make Perth’s Kwinana Freeway your starting point for this epic road trip and head to Albany Highway to relish some of Western Australia’s best-kept secrets. Albany is known for its historical significance as the first place where Westerners landed and the first convoy of ANZACS departed from for the First World War! We suggest a walk down the Amity Trail to imbibe the interesting historical flavour Albany has to offer.

How about a visit to the Discovery Bay to learn about the historic whaling station museum? Or the National Anzac Centre to know more about the battles of Gallipoli, the Middle East and the Western Front? You may also relax amid the rich natural setting of Torndirrup National Park if you’re feeling lazy.

#MMTTravellerTip: Indulge in whale watching between July and October or snap some iconic pictures of The Gap and Natural Bridge and The Blowholes!

Day 2: Albany to Fitzgerald National Park and Esperance

We go east today! A 2-hour drive to Bremer Bay brings you to the gates of a world-famous biodiversity hotspot – Fitzgerald River National Park! Point Ann is a must-visit in between July and October – it’s famous for being one of the three spots where southern right whales come to calve in droves.

Next is Esperance! However, if you wish to explore the eastern end of Fitzgerald River National Park, then drive on the Hamersley Road, along a string of pristine beaches, and opt for camping at the park or stay at Hopetoun, Ravensthorpe. If you’re planning a direct trip, conclude your day at Tanker Jetty with a stroll or some fishing fun with the locals.

Day 3: Esperance to Cape Le Grand National Park

Say hello to the pristine beaches and emerald waters at Blue Haven Beach or Twilight Cove. You can sign up for swimming or snorkelling here, and if you’re feeling more adventurous, ring in a surfing experience at West Beach, Fourth Beach or Observatory Beach. 30 minutes east of Esperance, you’ll arrive at Cape Le Grand National Park – the clearest white among all beaches in Australia! Bathe in the waters, lounge by the ocean, take a leisurely stroll or cast a fishing net. And, if you can squeeze in an extra day in your itinerary, we suggest a quick tour to Cape Arid National Park – renowned for bushwalking, camping, and fishing!

Day 4: Esperance to Recherche Archipelago

Ever heard of a bubble-gum pink lake? Yes, Lake Hillier is the stuff dreams are made of! Right beside a deep blue ocean, you can feast your eyes on this wonderful view from atop a private charter or a cruise. The 100+ islands of Recherche Archipelago are best explored on a cruise, letting you watch seagulls and New Zealand fur seals in action while allowing you to explore Woody Island’s wilderness on foot.

Day 5: Esperance to Wave Rock to Perth

It’s almost a nine-hour long drive, with a pleasing break at Wave Rock – a 15-metre high cresting wave of rock-solid granite, aged over two billion years! We suggest you to visit during spring, when the surrounding desert becomes a wildflower bed – making for a picturesque vista!

Get ready to pen down your own road trip tale at Western Australia now!

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