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.
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
Denmark to Albany
(approx. 54.1 km 40 minutes’
drive from Denmark towards South East)
Day 10 of our journey continued towards south east of Albany. We first visited the Wilderness Discovery Centre which we spent some time there before we head to our next destination, the Torndirrup National Park. The park is famous for its natural bridge, a rock formation sculptured into a bridge shape by the treacherous seas of the Southern Ocean. Later in the afternoon, we drove towards Albany and make a quick stop at the Albany Wind Farm and overnight at (Ace Motor Inn), and enjoyed the spectacular views by the beach on the starry sky at night.
Albany to York to Perth
(approx. 403.0 km / 4 hours 45 minutes’ drive from Albany to Hyden via Great Southern Highway)
(approx. 261.0 km / 2 hours 45 minutes’ drive from Hyden to York)
(approx. 99.4 km / 1 hour 25 minutes’ drive from York to Perth via Great Southern Highway and National Highway 94)
The next day, since
we still had a few hundred kilometres and long distances ahead, we started our
journey early on day 11. This time, we decided to drove back to Perth through
the outback via Great Southern Highway towards Hyden – York. The journey took
us approx. 9 hours from Albany! Along the way back to Perth, we came across
this famous wave rock, a unique rock formation which looks like a large sand
wave and made a stop there. The Wave
Rock is one of Australia's most famous rock formations. The "wave" area of the huge, granite
rock is approximately 14 metres high and 110 metres long, and was formed
millions of years ago by chemical weathering (sun, wind and rain). This place
is approximately 403 kilometres from Albany (approx. 4-5 hours drive), and you
can easily find it by following the signs.
York was our last stop before driving back to Perth through the outback. The town is famous for its whaling history and is the oldest and first inland town in Western Australia.We spent few hours exploring the town buildings, the Town Hall, Post Office, Central Building and its Courthouse & Gaol buildings built during 1840. The town itself has not that much to offer, but it still is a special place for me as the town is packed with historical Victorian and Federation buildings.We then had our lunch there before returning to Perth.
We spent our final day exploring the city and its night life before our departure home the next day.
The final day we woke up early and headed to Perth’s busy business district areas such as King Street, Hay Street, Wellington Street and Barrack Street for a walk and window shopping. We also visited Her Majesty’s Theater; a beautiful venue located in the central business district of Perth along Hay Street and was constructed from 1902 to 1904 during a period of great growth for the town. Late in the afternoon, we took a public bus to Crown Perth Hotel Casino. We toured the casino and the Crown Promenade Hotel. The entire surrounding amazed us and we both had a great night out. After dinner, we headed back to our hotel for our early departure the next day.
Day 13. Our last stop was Perth’s International Airport.
Our road trip through Western Australia was amazing and we especially loved exploring the mid-west of Australia’s largest state. Our journey started in Perth and went south all the way to Albany, and back to Perth via York. We must admit that this journey is one of our most intense trips together. We really enjoyed every single part of it. It was a fun packed trip of wildlife, culture, adventure and nature. This road trip of ours was indeed an escape the hustle and bustle of city life! We had a blast. Great scenery and of course companion!
**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)
Day 10 of our journey continued towards south east of Albany. We first visited the Wilderness Discovery Centre which we spent some time there before we head to our next destination, the Torndirrup National Park. The park is famous for its natural bridge, a rock formation sculptured into a bridge shape by the treacherous seas of the Southern Ocean. Later in the afternoon, we drove towards Albany and make a quick stop at the Albany Wind Farm and overnight at (Ace Motor Inn), and enjoyed the spectacular views by the beach on the starry sky at night.
 |
| First Church of Christ Scientist in Albany |
 |
| An old heritage building in Albany |
 |
| The Albany Town Hall |
 |
| One of the heritage hotel located in Albany |
 |
| Albany Ancient Town |
 |
| Albany Wind Farm |
(approx. 403.0 km / 4 hours 45 minutes’ drive from Albany to Hyden via Great Southern Highway)
(approx. 261.0 km / 2 hours 45 minutes’ drive from Hyden to York)
(approx. 99.4 km / 1 hour 25 minutes’ drive from York to Perth via Great Southern Highway and National Highway 94)
 |
| The "wave" is about 14 m high and around 110 m long |
 |
| One of Australia's biggest waves |
 |
| The Hypo Yawn Rock in Hyden |
 |
| At a stop along the Great Southern Highway |
 |
| At a stop along the Great Southern Highway |
 |
| The Town Hall was completed in 1911 |
 |
| York is the oldest inland town in Western Australia |
 |
| York is first inland European settlement in WA |
 |
| Welcome to the Shire of York |
York was our last stop before driving back to Perth through the outback. The town is famous for its whaling history and is the oldest and first inland town in Western Australia.We spent few hours exploring the town buildings, the Town Hall, Post Office, Central Building and its Courthouse & Gaol buildings built during 1840. The town itself has not that much to offer, but it still is a special place for me as the town is packed with historical Victorian and Federation buildings.We then had our lunch there before returning to Perth.
We spent our final day exploring the city and its night life before our departure home the next day.
The final day we woke up early and headed to Perth’s busy business district areas such as King Street, Hay Street, Wellington Street and Barrack Street for a walk and window shopping. We also visited Her Majesty’s Theater; a beautiful venue located in the central business district of Perth along Hay Street and was constructed from 1902 to 1904 during a period of great growth for the town. Late in the afternoon, we took a public bus to Crown Perth Hotel Casino. We toured the casino and the Crown Promenade Hotel. The entire surrounding amazed us and we both had a great night out. After dinner, we headed back to our hotel for our early departure the next day.
Day 13. Our last stop was Perth’s International Airport.
Our road trip through Western Australia was amazing and we especially loved exploring the mid-west of Australia’s largest state. Our journey started in Perth and went south all the way to Albany, and back to Perth via York. We must admit that this journey is one of our most intense trips together. We really enjoyed every single part of it. It was a fun packed trip of wildlife, culture, adventure and nature. This road trip of ours was indeed an escape the hustle and bustle of city life! We had a blast. Great scenery and of course companion!
 |
| Your travel needs |
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
Air Itinerary Details:
Accommodation(s):
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)
Augusta & Denmark (Part 4)
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 1630Accommodation(s):
(i) Perth City
(a)Perth 178
Address: 178
James Street, Northbridge, Perth, Australia 6003(a)Perth 178
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)
Augusta & Denmark (Part 4)
“A journey is best measured
in friends, rather than miles” – Tim Cahill
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
- Be inspired but more
importantly be inspiring –
