The Extraordinary Trip – 14 Days In Western Australia South West Edge
Western Australia (commonly abbreviated as WA) is a state occupying the western 33 percent of the land area of Australia excluding external territories. On this land, there are so many phenomenal attractions appealing to us to explore and discover more. We, a group of 4 people, have planned the trip for months and the trip was postponed due to the covid-19 lockdown for nine months. Finally we made it happen in May 2022.
We took off to Perth on 3 May 2022 and just two days before our arrival, the WA government stripped off travel restrictions between states. So we are not required to present our vaccination certificates when we enter Perth now.
Day 1 Arrived in Perth
We flew to Perth in the afternoon. There were a few hours left before the dark and it was enough for visiting Kings Park.
Kings Park and Botanic Garden is one of the largest inner city parks in the world. There are 3,000 species of the State’s unique flora in the park. A lot of exotic plants are grown beautifully and not seen in other cities. I guess the park will be more much beautiful in Spring when the flower is blooming.
The Swan River and Perth City are seen from Kings Park’s breathtaking setting. From a great height, you can view the boundless blue skies that Perth is so well known for, the vividly coloured sails of boats on the river, the dazzling lights of the city, the far-off Perth Hills, and more.
One of the most recognizable elements of Kings Park is the State War Memorial Cenotaph, which can be seen along Perth’s skyline. This area includes the ANZAC Bluff feature, the Court of Contemplation, the Flame of Remembrance, the Pool of Reflection, and more. For the yearly ANZAC Day Dawn Service, the State War Memorial welcomes more than 40,000 guests.
You could take a whole day to navigate around Kings Park. But due to our tight schedule, we headed south to Fremantle. The city of Fremantle is vibrant with contemporary culture and steeped in history. You can appreciate dancing, art, and music in all of their forms. You can go shopping, swim, sleep peacefully, and eat healthily at one of more than 100 wonderful restaurants. Take a moment to unwind and relish life in Freo, Western Australia.
That is my second time visiting Fremantle. I still find there is so much to explore in this city. It is a very charming harbour city.
The accommodation this time is Esplanade Hotel Fremantle, which is a stylish building with a comfortable stay.
Day 2 Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island is a vacationers’ paradise with immaculate beaches, clear bays, bike paths, and walking trails. That is the place you must put on your bucket list. This car-free island is only a 30-minute ferry ride from Perth or Fremantle.
You could wander along the island on foot with a hired bike or board the hop-on-hop-off bus. I took the bike and rode about 20 kilometres. The beaches in Rottnest are like a small piece of paradise with dazzling white sand and crystal-clear water. Besides the beach and the water, one of the unique attractions on the island is the quokka.
The bike-riding could be quite exhausted then it will be perfect for staying overnight in the island if you do not mind the expensive accommodation. However, the one-day tour still is very recommended by boarding the ferry to island at 9:30am and coming back at 4:30pm.
Day 3 Wave Rock, Hyden
Wave Rock is One of Australia’s most recognisable features that can be seen close to the Wheatbelt town of Hyden. The boulder, which is more than 100 metres long and rises 15 metres above the ground, resembles a massive granite surf wave in all different colours that are going to smash against the bush below. This incredible creation is thought to have taken more than 2,700 million years to create.
It is a 5-hour drive from Fremantle to Hyden. You probably would spend two to three hours to explore the rock and surroundings and stay in Hyden for a night. But a lot of tourists choose to go back to Perth or go forward with their trips without staying. Because there is only one motel in Hyden – Wave Rock Motel.
Day 4, 5 & 6 Esperance
It takes about nearly seven hours by driving from Hyden to Esperance. You probably think Esperance is just another ordinary town in the country when you drive into Esperance. But if you go further along the beach, you will be absolutely stunned by paradise-like scenery.
The accommodation we choose this time is Hospitality Esperance SureStay by Best Western. It is nice but a better one can be booked if planning earlier.
There is so much to do in Esperance if you are an outdoor adventurer or a beachgoer. Here are some iconic places you might like.
Woody Island Tour
It is a must in Esperance. Boarding a ferry, you could enjoy the untouched islands of the Recherche Archipelago. The ferry departs at 9am every morning and back at 2pm. An adult ticket is $125.
After about 1 hour on the ferry, tourists will arrive at the second biggest island in the Recherche Archipelago – Woody Island.
While admiring the breathtaking vistas, explore Woody Island’s natural surroundings. To reach the summit (through the Island Top Walk), Twiggy’s Landing, or Skinny Dip Bay, you can choose from three clearly defined walking pathways on Woody Island. Everyone may enjoy walking around the island because the terrain is easy to moderately demanding.
It is absolutely exciting to camp on the island at night if you don’t want to go back on the same day.
Great Ocean Drive
It is another great thing you can’t miss in Esperance. This is a wonderfully breathtaking journey and a fantastic way to get oriented. A genuinely amazing short journey, you won’t soon forget the Great Ocean Drive as you pass stunning beach after breathtaking beach.
Observatory Point and Lookout
Observatory Point is just on Great Ocean Drive which you won’t miss. The Observatory Point and Lookout offer additional breathtaking views of the Esperance coastline. You’ll also be treated to stunning views of those miles-long, incredibly blue oceans.
Frenchman Peak
Frenchman Peak is about 300 meters higher than sea level. It is inside Cape Le Grande National Park. It is quite steep and a bit challenging to climb to the top.
Lucky Bay
Lucky Bay is the most well-known beach in the National Park, and possibly the most well-known and photographed beach in Western Australia. One of Australia’s top beaches overall, Lucky Bay is known for its stunningly blue seas. The sand in Lucky Bay is also immaculate, white, and smooth.
Thistle Cove
Another beautiful beach in Cape Le Grand National Park is Thistle Cove. The carved rock formations surrounding the cove are what makes this beach special; the largest of these boulders is known as “whistling rock.”
This beach is much smaller than Lucky Bay but it is much quiet and exclusive. It is absolutely a little heaven for the couple or small gathering groups.
Day 7 & 8 Albany
It takes 4.5 hours to drive from Esperance to Albany, where the first European settlers set foot in Western Australia. This city with a cool temperature is situated on a calm harbour bordered by a national park. There is so much to do in Albany.
Exploring the history of the Albany Town Centre
It’s impossible to not be mesmerised by a city when the main thoroughfare, York Street, looks directly out into the azure seas of Princess Royal Harbour. In addition to providing visitors with breathtaking vistas of King George Sound, this historically significant city on Western Australia’s untamed south coast is also home to many fine public structures, such as historic homes, store houses and wharves, and gracious churches. Albany is Western Australia’s oldest European settlement. The stunning and seductively beautiful shoreline to the south is one of the key components that makes it so unique. In 1988, the town created five heritage walks including this excellent walking trail which originally featured no fewer than 39 places of significant historic interest.
The Gap
The Gap is a gap between two 25-meter-high granite cliffs that, in rough seas, might allow waves to reach the viewing platform. It is 300 metres away from the parking lot.
The Natural Bridge
The size of the bridge is unexpected. It’s enormous. It offers a great viewing platform and is reachable from the parking lot. 300 metrs separate the parking lot from the platform. Views of Cable Beach, which is located to the east, are visible from the platform.
The Blowholes
The Blowholes are naturally occurring cracks in the granite rocks near The Gap that are well-marked and where, during a good surge, water shoots high into the air. If there is no swell, the experience, which entails a few hundred-metre walk and a flight of stairs, might be disappointing. The scenery along the walkway can make up for the lack of activity.
Whaleworld
Whaleworld is located 22 km from Albany and at the edge of Torndirrup National Park. In 1952, it was still a place harpooning whales off the coast of Western Australia. The price of whale oil plummeting and the uncertainty surrounding an extension of their government licence were the only factors that caused them to discontinue its operations . By 1974 the whaling company had already established a museum and souvenir shop. Three whale oil storage tanks that were converted into theatres now feature entertaining presentations, including the world’s first 3-D animated whale film and a multimedia show. Whale World offers 30-minute tours that include access to Cheynes IV, a whaling ship, as well as “A SpectraVision unit displays ‘A Day in the Life of a Whaler’ through the captivating projection of miniaturised people.”
Castle Rock – Granite Skywalk
Castle Rock is located about 50km north of Albany in Porongurup National Park. The Granite Skywalk is on top of Castle Rock. The Granite Skywalk is a stainless steel lookout that has been bolted directly onto a granite boulder. The outcome is a striking platform that wraps around the granite to offer some spectacular views of the Porongurups’ remaining peaks and the nearby fields.
Bluff Knoll
Bluff Knoll is nearly 100km away from Albany in the north and about 60km from Castle Rock. It is good to drive from Albany to Castle Rock in the morning. After having a short hike in Castle Rock, you could drive to the north toward Bluff Knoll.
The Stirling Range’s most well-known hike, Bluff Knoll, offers breathtaking 360-degree vistas from its summit. The Bluff Knoll trailhead’s surrounding lookouts provide breathtaking views of Bluff Knoll and other peaks in the Stirling Range.
The path begins on the Bluff Knoll picnic and parking area’s southern side. The trail is paved and easy to follow for the first part before turning towards the mountain and starting the ascent. It initially ascends the slopes directly alongside a creek for a short distance before making a more gradual turn to a saddle. From here, you can see the south coast across the ridge. The route then makes a curve and ascends a ridge.
The climb on Bluff Knoll does require a certain level of fitness and make sure of safety on the path.
Please click here for more accommodation information in Albany.
ionDay 9, 10 & 11 Margaret River
On the way from Albany to Margaret River, there are also a lot of attractions you have to see. It might be a good idea to stay extra nights near those attractions. I could list some of those attractions here.
Walpole – Nornalup National Park
Visit Walpole-Nornalup National Park to see the enormous red tingle trees. These enormous old growth forests, which are a part of the Walpole Wilderness area, have largely not been altered. The walk-in Ancient Empire is very interesting & informative. It is free entry however admission fees are applied to Tree Top Walk.
Green Pool , Elephant Rock & Elephant Cove
The above attractions are the favourite places of travellers. They are located in William Bay National Park in Denmark Region WA.
Green Pool is a stunning beach and swimming haven that is almost entirely shielded from the Great Southern Ocean’s waves by the rounded rock boulders that are typical of this region.
Elephant Rock is below the Green Pool car park. Elephant Rocks absolutely like a herd of elephants paddling in the shallow waters, as its name implies.
For the more daring, take the stairs down and squeeze between two enormous boulders to reach the beach. Be careful of the waves, though; it might be challenging to avoid getting wet feet at high tide. These enormous, crazed, elephant-shaped oval pebbles stand out against the Great Southern Ocean in an amazing way.
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
Located on the headland of Caple Leeuwin, Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse on mainland Australia. The most southwesterly point of Australia is where the Southern and Indian Oceans converge, and this antique lighthouse is located at its tip. Unfortunately, the day we visited, the lighthouse was in the process of restoration. We were unable to enter the lighthouse. But the view around the bay was magnificently beautiful and you can see the meeting point of Southern and Indian Ocean.
After visiting the above fantastic attraction, we finally arrive at our accommodation in the centre of Margaret River City — Guest House. It is very cosy and comfortable. We had delicious breakfast every morning and were filled with energy for the trip of the day. The hostess and host are the couple Lisa and Keiran who are very friendly and helpful.
The Margaret River Region is a living and breathing embodiment of ancient geography and with natural beauty, abundance of space, fine wine and fresh coastal air make a holiday here and the remedy to modern life. Once you come here, you feel you will come back someday. Three-day- stay in Margaret River is not enough at all. But if you just have a very tight schedule, you can consider the following places.
Please click here if you want to see options for accommodation in Margaret River.
Jewel Cave
There are four caves open to the public in the Margaret River Region and each is beautiful and unique. They are Ngilgi Cave, Lake Cave, Mammoth Cave and Jewel Cave. Among them, Jewel cave is the largest show cave in Western Australia and home to one of the longest straw stalactites in Australia. Recommended by our hostess, Jewel Cave was the first choice of cave visit in the short stay in Margaret River.
Jewel Cave is a very elaborately adorned cave with numerous exquisite displays of delicate shapes looking like animals, waterfalls, ghosts, octopuses, earrings or necklaces. There are beautiful examples of flowstone such as ‘The Frozen Waterfall’ and ‘the Organ-pipes’. The tour in the Jewel Cave is fully guided and lasted for one hour. It is very knowledgeable but too short.
Please click here for more photos and videos of Jewel Cave.
Surfers Point
The resounding echo of Mainbreak’s enormous swells and the men and women who have the guts to ride them are what draw people to Surfer’s Point. The wild shore of the South West is symbolised by Surfer’s Point.
Hamelin Bay
A trip to the breathtaking Hamelin Bay is a must. A sizable stretch of brilliant white sand, aqua waters teeming with marine life, and breathtaking coastal cliff walks. Swimming, snorkelling, and fishing are all excellent activities in the protected harbour.
Stingrays occasionally swim near the coast, so there’s a chance you’ll see one and even you can touch them. But keep in mind that these are wild animals and make sure your safety when you get close to them.
Please see here for more photos and videos of stingrays on Hamelin Bay.
Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse
The Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse is one of the most popular attractions in the region. On the upper balcony of the lighthouse tower, tourists are greeted by breathtaking ocean views.
One of the most visited sights in the area is the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse. Awe-inspiring ocean vistas greet visitors on the lighthouse tower’s upper balcony.
Canal Rock
At Canal Rocks, take in the breathtaking seascape views of the Indian Ocean and the entire distant coastline. A tiny canal has been carved out between the granite boulders by thousands of years of the Indian Ocean pounding on this stretch of granite shoreline.
No matter the weather, it is always impressive, but it is really breathtaking when large storms and swells arrive.
Please see here for more photos and videos of Canal Rock.
Wineries
A tour of the more than 90 cellar doors in Margaret River, more than 65 of which are rated Halliday 5-star wineries, is chic but unpretentious, genuine, and one-of-a-kind. The views of farmland, wine country, and the shore are stunning as you meander from cellar door to cellar door. The variety includes everything from farm-style to elaborately designed buildings, many of which include everything from informal cafés to top-notch restaurants. Please keep in mind, you must book your lunch at least a month ahead in those restaurants before you visit those wineries. The restaurants in those wineries are only offering lunches not dinners.
Because of only a three-day-stay in Margaret River, we have only visited three wineries – Leeuwin Estate, Voyager Estate & Vasse Felix. Voyager Estate is the most beautiful one among them. Unfortunately we could not have lunch in the restaurant because we were unaware of booking a month in advance. Instead we had wine tasting of two bottles of wine with their nibbles and snakes. They are absolutely delicious!
Day 12 & Day 13 Perth
We had to say goodbye to the beautiful Margaret River and headed to Perth. It is nearly the end of our trip. Driving from Margaret River to Perth, there are still a lot of attractions on the road. There are two attractions to be strongly recommended.
Sugarloaf Rocks
A huge granite rock known as Sugarloaf Rock rises dramatically from the Indian Ocean not far from land. You will immediately see why Sugarloaf Rock, a towering rock with sea sculptures, is one of the most photographed coastal formations in the area as you approach it. This amazing seascape is best appreciated from the elevated overlook because of the rock’s frequently battered ocean side and the tiny channel of wild water that separates it from the coast.
Busselton Jetty
The Busselton Jetty spans 1.841 kilometres. It is the southern hemisphere’s longest timber-piled jetty. The jetty was firstly opened in 1865 after construction on it had started in 1864. Up to the 1960s, the jetty was extended multiple times, eventually growing to 1,841 metres in length. The jetty has persevered through numerous setbacks, including Cyclone Alby in 1978, borers, deterioration, fires, and the danger of demolition to establish itself as a top area tourist destination.
To see the Underwater Observatory, board the train and ride 1.7 kilometres to the end of the jetty. Take a spiral staircase 8 metres down to the ocean floor to find a breathtaking forest of brightly coloured tropical and subtropical creatures.
During the two-night stay in Perth, we also went to visit some popular spots travellers must go to in WA.
Lancelin Sand Dunes
Lancelin Sand Dunes are a place for people to have exciting activities such as sandboarding and riding motorbike. Otherwise, there is not much to do on sand dunes but take one or two photos.
Pinnacle Desert
Pinnacle Desert is situated in Nambung National Park along the Indian Ocean Drive at the southern entrance to Australia’s Coral Coast. It is one of the region’s top natural features and Western Australia’s most popular tourist destination.
It is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from the centre of Perth to Pinnacle Desert. You will be stunned by the lunar-like pinnacles which are one of Australia’s most unique and fascinating natural landscapes formed over millions of years, thousands of tall limestone spires rise eerily out of the yellow desert sands.
Please see here for more photos and videos of Pinnacle Desert.
Lake Thetis
Lake Thetis looks very ordinary from the outside. However, Inside the structure of the lake are living communities of diverse inhabitants with population densities of 3000 per square metre! The stromatolite-building micro-organisms of Lake Thetis resemble the earliest forms of life on Earth. Scientists were able to understand the importance of microorganisms in the environment and piece together the long history of life on Earth thanks to the discovery of contemporary examples.
Lobster Shack
Lobster Shack is a family-owned food service that will provide you with memories to last a lifetime. Lobster Shack is here to show you it in all of its pristine beauty. With only a cost about $60 per person, you can have meals including fresh lobsters, prawns and oysters at the immaculate beachfront.
Perth CBD
A lot of highrises have been built in CBD. Perth now is a beautifully modern and cosmopolitan city. The streets are crowded at night. Many people have moved to this prosperous city from around the world.
We stayed in Quay Perth for two nights while we were in Perth. It is just located in the centre of CBD and a stroll to Elizabeth Quay. The best thing is that it is very affordable even though the space in the room is quite compact. Please click here for more information about accommodation in Perth.
Day 14 Flying Back to Sydney
After this tour, we feel 14-day is still not enough to enjoy the trip. There is so much to see and to do. The south-Western part of WA is such an abundant land and always over 300 kilometres between places, so hiring a four-wheel drive is the very choice. Also you have to focus and avoid fatigue in long driving.
The natural attraction in South West of Western Australia is spectacular and this tour gives us a Tremarkable memory. Western Australia is a state deserving to visit again and again.
See you WA!
