Small World: December 2015

In our latest 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)

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 – Her Majesty Theater - King Street
Afternoon: - London Court at Hay 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 & Hypo Yawn in Hyden - York
Afternoon: York Town Hall - York Post Office - York Courthouse & Gaol - Central Building – 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

Margaret River to Augusta

(approx. 43.0 km / 30 minutes’ drive from Margaret River towards South)

We visited the Sunflowers Animal Farm located in Margaret River as a day visitor on day 8 of our trip. There were a wide variety of farm animals, with more than 350 animals to feed and also the opportunity to cuddle the guinea pigs, rabbits, ostrich, turkeys and sheep.We spent approximately 3 hours there which is how long it took to empty our buckets of animal feed. Overall, it was a hands-on wonderful farm experience.

Feed and interact with the animals

Then later in the afternoon, we continued our journey by exploring Jewel, Lake and Mammoth Caves in that area before we head on to Augusta.

Cave Exploration

Augusta to Denmark

(approx. 311.0 km 4 hours’ drive from Augusta towards South East)

After checking out from YHA in Augusta, we continued our journey to south east, towards Denmark. The journey took us approximately 4 hours’ drive. Along the way, we stopped by Pemberton for a spectacular view of the Karri forest. Warren National Park was our first stop.The park is home to some of the State’s most majestic karri trees (the tallest trees in Western Australia) with over 3,131-hectare. Hehe. We had a great time exploring this Australian bush and its surrounding with stunning wildflowers. I think it’s a great place for camping, walking and birdswatching.

Majestic trees within majestic forest

Our journey then continued to the Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree, a fire lookout tree located near the Warren National Park via the unsealed Old Vasse Road. The tree remains climbable at a height of 75 metres (246 feet) by climbing 165 metal rungs hammered into the tree trunk and a wire netting around.

We continued the journey by visiting the 40m-high valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk (Valley of the Giants). It was an incredible experience as we walk through a grove of ancient trees around the park and in the tree tops! The Giants Tree Top Walk, a well-constructed walkway with a gradual ascent also gave us the opportunity to experience the tops of the giant tingle trees. We had a bird's eye view of these sky-scraping trees and the walk itself is about 600 metres long and takes you up to 40 metres above ground. It was a once-in-a-lifetime climb and it's satisfying reaching the top.

The walk through the treetops

The journey from Pemberton to Denmark took us approximately 2 hours 15 minutes before we reached Denmark Hotel (the most expensive hotel we stayed for this trip). Sometimes you just deserve a good sleep!

"City of Trees"

**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)
(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

◊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

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
Contact: +61 (08) 9221 9991
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:
Perth & The Pinnacles (Part 1)
Fremantle & Rottnest Island (Part 2)
Bunbury & Margaret River (Part 3)
Albany & York (Part 5)

“Tourists don’t know where they’ve been, travelers don’t know where they’re going” – Paul Theroux

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 information & images contained within our blog handy and useful. Thank you very much for reading our post(s). If you find this blog worth a read, please feel free to leave a comment/testimonial or click "Like/Share" if you 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

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