It's been years since we
came back from our trip in Western Australia. We had wanted to write down our journey
and memories we had but was a bit too occupied with work and other daily
matters. Anyway, here it is, better late than never.
In this episode, we’re taking a look back at the classic road trip in WA (Western Australia). For the next episodes, we will bring you off the beaten track to explore our most adventurous road trip in WA covering Perth, Fremantle, Rottnest Island, Lancelin, Bunbury, Margaret River, Augusta, Denmark, Albany and York.
In this episode, we’re taking a look back at the classic road trip in WA (Western Australia). For the next episodes, we will bring you off the beaten track to explore our most adventurous road trip in WA covering Perth, Fremantle, Rottnest Island, Lancelin, Bunbury, Margaret River, Augusta, Denmark, Albany and York.
Western Australia is a road trip hot spot. There is something for everybody, especially if you opt to take a self-drive through the regions spanning the biggest state down under. One thing for sure, the roads and highways are really great as we drove by ourselves with a valid driving license. Except for one thing, the “Roo” that jumped in front of our car along the way.
Check
out our scenic-drive through WA (from Perth to Albany) 13days 12nights travel
itinerary here and of course, you may adjust them accordingly to suit your own schedule.
Day 1: 8 November 2011
Penang International Airport (PEN) → Kuala Lumpur LCCT →
Perth International Airport
Day 2: 9 November 2011
WESTERN AUSTRALIA (PERTH)
Morning: Arrived Perth International Airport and make our way to Perth 178 in Northbridge - Swan Bell Tower – Wheel of Perth - Kings Park & Botanic Garden - The Perth Mint – His Majesty Theater - London Court @ Hay Street -
Afternoon: King Street – Trinity United Church at St. George Terrace – Perth Town Hall - Lake Monger
Evening: Stroll around Northbridge & Voodoo Lounge
Day 3: 10 November 2011
WESTERN AUSTRALIA (ROTTNEST ISLAND)
Morning: Walk to Perth Train Station → Fremantle Train Station (Upon arrival at Fremantle Station, walk for 4 minute to Victoria Quay. Once on Victoria Quay, walk in a North-westerly direction to B-Shed office <on the water across from the E-shed Markets>) and depart via ferry ride to Rottnest Island at 9.35am.
Afternoon: Circle the island by bike and stop at these areas: (i) circumnavigates the whole island and stop at the bays: Little Armstrong Bay, Salmon Bay, The Basin, Parakeet Bay, (ii) visit Vlamingh Lighthouse, (iii) explore the pretty beaches (Pink beach & Eagle beach), (iv) Meet Rottnest Island native animal, Quokkas and (v) chill out and enjoy the ocean view at Rottnest Island Visitor Centre - Depart from Rottnest Island at 4.30pm.
Evening: Explore Burswood neighborhood via public bus before heading for dinner
Day 4: 11 November 2011
WESTERN AUSTRALIA (PERTH)
Morning: Perth Wellington Street – Take train from Perth Station to Fremantle Station - Fremantle Market - Cappuccino Strip - Fremantle Prison
Afternoon: Fremantle Maritime Museum - Western Australia Submarine Museum – E Shed Market (for souvenirs) - Fishing Harbour for Cicerello Fish and Chips
Day 5: 12 November 2011
WESTERN AUSTRALIA (PERTH)
Morning: Pick-up rental car at Perth Downtown, Milligan Street - Yanchep National Park
Afternoon: Lancelin – The Pinnacles (Nambung National Park)
Duration from Perth City → The Pinnacles: 55.2km
Day 6: 13 November 2011
WESTERN AUSTRALIA (BUNBURY)
Morning: Caversham Wildlife Park
Afternoon: Swan Valley – Clifton Lake (Yalgroup National Park, Mandurah) - Bunbury Lighthouse – Move to Bunbury
**Duration from Perth City → Bunbury (approx. 2 hours 30 minutes’ drive / 175km)
Day 7: 14 November 2011
WESTERN AUSTRALIA (MARGARET RIVER)
Morning: Wyalup Rocky Point - Busselton Jetty – Margaret River Chocolate Factory
Afternoon: Canals on the Coast (Rocky Coastline) – Move to Margaret River
Day 8: 15 November 2011
WESTERN AUSTRALIA (AUGUSTA)
Morning: Sunflowers Animal Farm
Afternoon: Explore Jewel, Lake and Mammoth Caves – Cape Leeuwin Light Tower - Move to Augusta
Day 9: 16 November 2011
WESTERN AUSTRALIA (DENMARK)
Morning: Warren National Park in Pemberton - Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree National Park Afternoon: Valley of the Giants (Tree Top Walk and Ancient Empire & Discovery Centre) - Move to Denmark
Day 10: 17 November 2011
WESTERN AUSTRALIA (ALBANY)
Morning: Torndirrup National Park – Woolworths Shopping Centre
Afternoon: Albany Wind Farm – The Gap & Natural Bridge - Move to Albany
Day 11: 18 November 2011
WESTERN AUSTRALIA (YORK)
Morning: Wave Rock in Hyden - York
Afternoon: York Town Hall - Courthouse & Gaol – Move to Perth
Day 12: 19 November 2011
WESTERN AUSTRALIA (PERTH)
Morning: King Street – Hay Street - Her Majesty’s Theater - St. Georges Terrace - Barrack Street
Afternoon: Murray Street Mall - Crown Perth Hotel Casino
Day 13: 20 November 2011
Afternoon: Explore Jewel, Lake and Mammoth Caves – Cape Leeuwin Light Tower - Move to Augusta
Day 9: 16 November 2011
WESTERN AUSTRALIA (DENMARK)
Morning: Warren National Park in Pemberton - Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree National Park Afternoon: Valley of the Giants (Tree Top Walk and Ancient Empire & Discovery Centre) - Move to Denmark
Day 10: 17 November 2011
WESTERN AUSTRALIA (ALBANY)
Morning: Torndirrup National Park – Woolworths Shopping Centre
Afternoon: Albany Wind Farm – The Gap & Natural Bridge - Move to Albany
Day 11: 18 November 2011
WESTERN AUSTRALIA (YORK)
Morning: Wave Rock in Hyden - York
Afternoon: York Town Hall - Courthouse & Gaol – Move to Perth
Day 12: 19 November 2011
WESTERN AUSTRALIA (PERTH)
Morning: King Street – Hay Street - Her Majesty’s Theater - St. Georges Terrace - Barrack Street
Afternoon: Murray Street Mall - Crown Perth Hotel Casino
Day 13: 20 November 2011
WESTERN AUSTRALIA (PERTH)
Morning: Depart for Kuala Lumpur from Perth International Airport
The next stop was definitely none
other than The Pinnacles. Along the way, we passed by Lancelin, a small fishing town
nestled between the ocean and sand dunes and made a short stop at the town. The
town stretches along the edge of a natural bay which is protected from the
Indian Ocean by outer reefs and islands. We spent some quiet moment there and
the view was just breathless.
The journey continued in the afternoon towards
north, home of the Pinnacles, limestone formations contained within Nambung
National Park. The drive north on the
Coast road was lovely and the Pinnacles were amazing. Most people come to the Pinnacles for hiking, rock climbing, watching and studying wildlife, viewing wildflowers, and to experience nature. Of course, like what other tourists did, we took time to wander
around the entire natural playground. It was a hot sunny day and we had so much
fun exploring those golden rocks. Some were small and easy to climb, while
others were taller and more challenging.
**Final tips: For those
traveling by road like us, please drive carefully. Watch out for kangaroo and
emu road hazards at dusk and dawn. There are many kangaroos which have jumped
in front of our car along the highways. If this happens, control your braking.
The open road speed limit is 110 km per hour. Slow down to the usual 50 km per
hour limit in most of the country towns you pass through. No matter how big or
cute the “Roo”, do not swerve at speed. Drive safe!
Places of Interest / Entrance Ticket(s):
 |
| The Bell Tower in all its glory |
 |
| The City of Perth |
We
arrived in Perth on 9 November 2011 and immediately we made our way to Perth
178 located in Northbridge. After settling down, the first thing we did was visiting
one of the largest inner city parks in the world, Kings Park & Botanic
Garden and soaked in the picturesque views of Perth city. The entire
surrounding was really huge, and we were told that it’s even larger than New
York’s Central Park!
Later in the afternoon, we continued our enjoy exploring one
of the world’s largest musical instruments, the Swan Bell at Bell Tower and Perth Mint before heading to
King Street and Hay Street for leisure walk. We then continued the journey to St. George Terrace by visiting the Trinity United
Church. We spent a quiet evening exploring
Perth city’s sights across the Swan River by bus.
 |
| Don't miss out on Kings Park and Botanic Garden when you travel to Perth |
 |
| Kings Park and Botanic Garden feature picnic areas, walking tracks, cycleways, hectares of natural bushland and magnificent views of Perth and the Swan River |
 |
| A peaceful green oasis right in the very centre of the city |
 |
| A peaceful green oasis right in the very centre of the city |
 |
| Resident of Kings Park |
 |
|
Trinity United Church on St Georges Terrace
|
 |
| His Majesty’s Theatre is a four storey ornately decorated Edwardian hotel and theatre built in 1904 |
 |
| Stroll around King Street |
 |
| London Court is a two storey shopping arcade and office complex located at Hay Street |
Perth to Lancelin
& The Pinnacles (Day Trip)
(approx. 193.0 km / 2
hour 20 minutes’ drive from Perth towards north)
We
woke up early on day 5 and walked to Milligan Street (Hertz Office) to pick up our
car for our next road trip. The day was reserved for The Pinnacles, one of
Western Australia’s iconic tourist attractions and a main stop for travelers on
road trips up and down the coast.
We started our journey from Perth city and departed for Yanchep National Park, located towards north and approx. 55.2km from the city. The park is noted for its caves, native bush and koala colonies.
We started our journey from Perth city and departed for Yanchep National Park, located towards north and approx. 55.2km from the city. The park is noted for its caves, native bush and koala colonies.
 |
| Yanchep is an "urbanised" national park in Western Australia |
 |
| Lancelin Beach |
 |
| A true desert landscape |
 |
| The Pinnacles Desert is the most famous natural wonder of Western Australia |
 |
| World Famous Pinnacles Desert |
 |
| One-way drive |
Overall,
it was a great, challenging and deserted drive! Thanks to our good navigational abilities. Hehe
 |
| On the road to the Pinnacles |
 |
| Don't drink and drive as you might kill the "Roo" |
**Stay tuned for our next travel episode: Self-Drive Through Western Australia for 13Days 12Nights (13D12N) Travel Itinerary. Fremantle & Rottnest Island**
Places of Interest / Entrance Ticket(s):
(i) Ticketing
Info for Rottnest Island
Getting there: B-Shed, Victoria Quay Fremantle → Rottnest Island (via Rottnest Express)
Departure time: 09:35am / 4.30pm
Fare(s): $54/pax for return ferry tickets
e-mail: reservations@rottnestexpress.com.au
Website: http://www.rottnestexpress.com.au
Website: http://www.rottnestisland.com/
Bike Hire: $45 for one day + $50 security deposit for tandem bike
Phone: (08) 9292 5105
(ii)Sunflowers Animal Farm
Address: 5561 Caves Rd, Margaret River WA 6285, Australia
Contact: (+618) 9757 3343
e-mail: farmerjones@sunflowersfarm.com
Website: http://www.sunflowersfarm.com/index.html
Getting there: B-Shed, Victoria Quay Fremantle → Rottnest Island (via Rottnest Express)
Departure time: 09:35am / 4.30pm
Fare(s): $54/pax for return ferry tickets
e-mail: reservations@rottnestexpress.com.au
Website: http://www.rottnestexpress.com.au
Website: http://www.rottnestisland.com/
Bike Hire: $45 for one day + $50 security deposit for tandem bike
Phone: (08) 9292 5105
(ii)Sunflowers Animal Farm
Address: 5561 Caves Rd, Margaret River WA 6285, Australia
Contact: (+618) 9757 3343
e-mail: farmerjones@sunflowersfarm.com
Website: http://www.sunflowersfarm.com/index.html
◊Swan Bell
Tower: $13/pax
◊Wheel of
Perth – FOC
◊Kings
Park & Botanic Garden – FOC
◊The Perth
Mint – FOC
◊Old Fire
Station – FOC
◊London
Court (Hay Street) – FOC
◊Trinity
United Church – FOC
◊Perth
Town Hall – FOC
◊Lake Monger
– FOC
◊Ferry
tickets to Rottnest Island - $54/pax for return tickets
◊Bike Hire
at Rottnest Island - $45 for one day + $50 security deposit for tandem bike
◊Fremantle
Prison – $25/pax
◊Fremantle
Market - FOC
◊Fremantle Maritime
Museum & Submarine Museum - $25/pax
◊Yanchep National Park -
$10/vehicle
◊Lancelin – FOC
◊The Pinnacles (Nambung
National Park) - $65/pax
◊Caversham Wildlife Park -
$23/pax
◊Swan Valley - FOC
◊Clifton Lake - FOC
◊Bunbury Lighthouse – FOC
◊Busselton Jetty – $20/pax
◊Margaret River
Chocolate Factory – FOC
◊Sunflowers
Animal Farm – $10/pax plus $3/ bucket of
animal feed
◊Cape
Leeuwin Lighthouse - $8/pax
◊Warren
National Park – FOC
◊Dave
Evans Bicentennial Tree National Park – FOC
◊Valley of
the Giants (Tree Top Walk) - $12.50/pax
◊Wave
Rock: $7/vehicle
◊Margaret
River (Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, Mammoth Cave, Lake Cave and Jewel Cave) - $48.00/pax
Air Itinerary Details:
AirAsia:
Penang – Kuala Lumpur (LCCT) – Perth / Perth – Kuala Lumpur (LCCT) – Penang
From To Flight Date
Dep Arr
Penang KUL
(LCCT) AK5357 8 Nov 1930 2030
KUL (LCCT)
Perth
D7236 8 Nov 2350 0520
Perth KUL
(LCCT) D7237 20 Nov 0635 1215
KUL (LCCT)
Penang
AK5364 20 Nov 1535 1630
Accommodation(s):
(i) Perth City
(a)Perth 178
Accommodation(s):
(i) Perth City
(a)Perth 178
Address: 178
James Street, Northbridge, Perth, Australia 6003
e-mail: perth178@gmail.com (Mr. Kim Meng Hon)
Telephone: +61 411545027 / +61 411610826
Website: www.perth178backpacker.com.au/
Room Type: Double Room ($55/room/night)
Other information: 178 has two separate man and female toilets and bathrooms, share kitchen facilities dining area, coin operated washing machine and dryer. It feels more like family home.
(b)Exclusive Backpackers
Address: 158 Adelaide Tce, Perth, Australia 6000
e-mail: perth178@gmail.com (Mr. Kim Meng Hon)
Telephone: +61 411545027 / +61 411610826
Website: www.perth178backpacker.com.au/
Room Type: Double Room ($55/room/night)
Other information: 178 has two separate man and female toilets and bathrooms, share kitchen facilities dining area, coin operated washing machine and dryer. It feels more like family home.
(b)Exclusive Backpackers
Address: 158 Adelaide Tce, Perth, Australia 6000
Contact:
+61 (08) 9221 9991
e-mail: exclusivebackpackers@hotmail.com
Website: www.exclusivebackpackers.com
e-mail: exclusivebackpackers@hotmail.com
Website: www.exclusivebackpackers.com
Room Type
/ Rate: Double Ensuite Room ($98/room/night)
(ii)Bunbury
YHA Bunbury
Address: 14, Wellington Street, Bunbury 6230, WA
Contact: (+618) 97924690
e-mail: bunbury@yha.com.au
Website: https://www.yha.com.au/hostels/wa/south-west/bunbury/
Room Type / Rate: Double Room ($65/room/night)
(iii)Margaret River
YHA Margaret River
Address: 66 Town View Terrace, Margaret River , 6285, WA
Contact: (+618) 9757 9572
e-mail: margaretriver@yha.com.au
Website: https://www.yha.com.au/hostels/wa/south-west/margaret-river/
Room Type / Rate: Double Room ($74/room/night)
(iv)Augusta
YHA Augusta
Address: 9 Heppingstone View (just off Blackwood Ave), Augusta , 629,WA
Contact: (+618) 9758 1290
e-mail: augusta@yha.com.au
Website: https://www.yha.com.au/hostels/wa/south-west/cape-leeuwin-augusta/
Room Type / Rate: Double Room ($74/room/night)
(v) Denmark
Denmark Hotel
Address: 36 Hollings Rd, Denmark WA 6333, Australia
Contact: (+618) 9848 2206
e-mail: denmarkhotel@westnet.com.au
Website: http://denmarkhotel.com.au/
Room Type / Rate: Double Room ($100/room/night)
(vi) Albany
Ace Motor Inn
Address: 314 Albany Hwy, Centennial Park WA 6330, Australia
Contact: (+618) 9841 2911
e-mail: reservations@acemotorinn.com.au
Website: http://www.acemotorinn.com.au/
Room Type / Rate: Double Room ($84/room/night)
Local Transportation:
Hertz Vehicle through Drive Now
Address: 39 Milligan Street, Perth
Contact: 08 9321 7777
E-mail: info@hertz.com.au / savemore@drivenow.com.au
Website: http://www.drivenow.com.au / http://www.hertz.com
Vehicle Type: Toyota Corolla Sedan (Auto) (or similar)
Rental duration: 12 Nov 2011 (10:00am) - 18 Nov 2011 (10:00am)
Total Amount: $336.42 (for 6 days)**Why drive: There is no better other way to explore WA (country towns, ocean drive, natural parklands, and country-side farms etc.) besides self-drive.
Read more about our travel experiences @ Western Australia:
Fremantle & Rottnest Island (Part 2)
Bunbury & Margaret River (Part 3)
Augusta & Denmark (Part 4)
Albany & York (Part 5)
(ii)Bunbury
YHA Bunbury
Address: 14, Wellington Street, Bunbury 6230, WA
Contact: (+618) 97924690
e-mail: bunbury@yha.com.au
Website: https://www.yha.com.au/hostels/wa/south-west/bunbury/
Room Type / Rate: Double Room ($65/room/night)
(iii)Margaret River
YHA Margaret River
Address: 66 Town View Terrace, Margaret River , 6285, WA
Contact: (+618) 9757 9572
e-mail: margaretriver@yha.com.au
Website: https://www.yha.com.au/hostels/wa/south-west/margaret-river/
Room Type / Rate: Double Room ($74/room/night)
(iv)Augusta
YHA Augusta
Address: 9 Heppingstone View (just off Blackwood Ave), Augusta , 629,WA
Contact: (+618) 9758 1290
e-mail: augusta@yha.com.au
Website: https://www.yha.com.au/hostels/wa/south-west/cape-leeuwin-augusta/
Room Type / Rate: Double Room ($74/room/night)
(v) Denmark
Denmark Hotel
Address: 36 Hollings Rd, Denmark WA 6333, Australia
Contact: (+618) 9848 2206
e-mail: denmarkhotel@westnet.com.au
Website: http://denmarkhotel.com.au/
Room Type / Rate: Double Room ($100/room/night)
(vi) Albany
Ace Motor Inn
Address: 314 Albany Hwy, Centennial Park WA 6330, Australia
Contact: (+618) 9841 2911
e-mail: reservations@acemotorinn.com.au
Website: http://www.acemotorinn.com.au/
Room Type / Rate: Double Room ($84/room/night)
Local Transportation:
Hertz Vehicle through Drive Now
Address: 39 Milligan Street, Perth
Contact: 08 9321 7777
E-mail: info@hertz.com.au / savemore@drivenow.com.au
Website: http://www.drivenow.com.au / http://www.hertz.com
Vehicle Type: Toyota Corolla Sedan (Auto) (or similar)
Rental duration: 12 Nov 2011 (10:00am) - 18 Nov 2011 (10:00am)
Total Amount: $336.42 (for 6 days)**Why drive: There is no better other way to explore WA (country towns, ocean drive, natural parklands, and country-side farms etc.) besides self-drive.
Read more about our travel experiences @ Western Australia:
Fremantle & Rottnest Island (Part 2)
Bunbury & Margaret River (Part 3)
Augusta & Denmark (Part 4)
Albany & York (Part 5)
“Experience, travel –
these are as education in themselves” – Euripides
Note: All entrance / transportation fees and
accommodation rates/charges listed on this post are based on our
(chengywong.blogspot.com) travel dates (2011) and therefore subject to
change(s). ©chengywong.blogspot.com is not responsible for content on external
web sites.
Welcome to Small World!
This blog is not a travel agency, but rather a personal site which allows us to
share our past travel experiences in a straightforward and far-reaching way. We
often made great use of other peoples travel blogs and sites every time we plan
for our travel itinerary as they often contained most updated information and
invaluable resources from their past travel experiences. We hope that you will find every piece of
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love reading them all. xoxo Both Chengy & Camel are passionate travelers
who enjoys speaking to young keen travelers about the freedom to get cultured
and to taste the fullness of life. Feel free to contact them if you need any
travel advice, guidance or tips or if you have any burning questions with
regards to your upcoming trip(s)/ journey
- Be inspired but more
importantly be inspiring –
