Australia is one country that can easily contain an entire lifetime of travel. There is so much to see and absorb for the eyes. The country offers everything under the sky. From activities for kids to adrenaline seekers alike. There is a learning spree for one and all. During the months of May and June this year, I made my way to Western Australia. It was one of the most enthralling vacations I have had in a long time. We covered the western and southwestern parts of the country.
Starting our trip from Perth to covering the stretch till Cape Leeuwin. We ended our journey in the capital city. The cave road was our favorite part of the entire holiday.
How to reach Perth?
There are flights from various major airports. Not a lot of direct flights though. I took a direct 3-hour flight from Bali, Ngurah Rai International Airport to Perth. I spent a week in Lombok and Bali before heading here. It was an easy and preferred recommendation for travelers to avoid unnecessary jetlag.
Mode of Transport in Perth?
Here I would like to mention a couple of things of great value. First, if you do not have Australian dollars, it is highly recommended to get them exchanged at the airport. If you are paying via cards then you will be charged a surcharge upon the bill for using taxis. All of the places accept card payments for all purposes. Second, it is advisable to rent a car from the airport for the entire trip dates. Taxis are very expensive in Australia.
But if you have to opt for one, then go for an Uber ride. It is comparatively cheaper than the other local cab services.
In case you intend to use public buses there are multiple options available for the same. You can opt for a family day pass costing ten Australian dollars. This pass will facilitate free travel for one day only for the entire family of 4. Caveat, You can use this pass only on a selected number of routes.
There are train options to choose from but it will only lead to ravaging precious time. I rented a Hybrid Mitsubishi for an entire week for 524 AUD from nobirds car rental. They are the best in town. It is absolutely hassle-free and smooth. They accept card payment only with a 300 AUD deposit that is fully refundable on return. Their car permits cover an entire stretch of WA.
Penalties and Fines in WA
The regulations in WA are strict when it comes to parking your car. There are on-spot automatic parking ticket counters to enhance ease while parking. There are parking lots available at all the spots throughout WA. This is for the capital city only. The suburb rules are not too stringent. There is free parking available at most locations. In the city of Perth, most parking bays provide free parking from evening 6 to morning 6. The working hour rates vary between 4 & 6 AUD per hour.
In case you do not take a parking ticket and leave it above the steering wheel, there is a straight penalty of 60 AUD. The fine needs to be paid online using the linked portal. The penalty ticket will be left on your car to consult and pay. The car rental company is not obligated in any way to the penalty. In case you fail to pay the fine, it will be deducted from your security deposit.
Trip Itinerary for Western Australia
Day 1-3 Scarborough Beach
For the first three nights in Scarborough, we based ourselves in an apartment named Quest Scarborough, just near the beach. There are multiple chains of such properties exclusively for short to medium-term rents. This area happens to be one of the most valued locations in the city so we were charged a fee of AUD265 per night. The apartment was well worth the price. On the first evening, we decided to keep it low and just enjoy the weather and settle down. Coles, a chain of supermarkets was within walking distance, so we just went and bought kitchen stuff (we did our own cooking for a couple of days).
On day 2, we woke up early, made breakfast, and headed for the Swan Valley. If you are a sucker for wines then this is your place to be. The world-famous swan wines originate here. You can opt for a wine-tasting tour at any one or more of the 40 world-class wineries located in the region.
After that head to the Caversham Wildlife Park. This place is the largest private home to WA wildlife. It is located in Whiteman Park and has several animals under its radar. If you are traveling with kids, this place should be a must-visit. After a tiring day, we had an early dinner at an Indian restaurant called Tanatan in Innaloo located on the Scarborough beach road. Oops! Do not forget to book the trip to Rottnest Island for the next day at the reception before starting your day.
On the third day, we had to leave for Rottnest Island at 6.30 a.m. The reporting time for a complimentary pick-up was 6.00 a.m. at the Rendezvous Hotel, a 5-minute walk from Quest. For this trip, you can opt for Fremantle or Hillary’s Harbor at your own convenience. We opted to do it via Hillary’s. There are fast boats to ferry you to the island.
This beautiful island is simply unskippable and you have to do it for sure. This is a nature reserve loveably called the Kingdom of Quokkas because it is home to bushy rats. You can spot the marsupial at every nook and corner of the island. This island is self-explored and best seen on a bicycle or e-scooter. You can choose to rent the bicycle while making the booking (at the hotel/online), at the harbor, or even after landing on the island. If you are like me, who despises labor then conveniently opt for an e-scooter.
One quick piece of advice will be to wear sports shoes and cover your elbows and knees. I badly wounded myself after falling from my scooter and have still not recovered. Preferably wear jeans and that should do the needful. Helmets are compulsory while riding anyway. There are various snorkeling spots on the island for visitors. The pristine waters make it impossible to not take a dip. So do not forget to carry your swimsuits along.
The island is spread across 20 km and is easily doable in one day. There are accommodation options also on the island in case you wish to halt for the night. There is an option to buy the same-day or next-day return ferry ticket while booking. Words cannot justify the beauty of this ultraclean island. Do plan a trip here and let your eyes witness it for you. Came back tired and rested our night away. If you are traveling with elderly people, there are bus options available as well.
Day 4 Fremantle
Headed for Fremantle, the buzzing port town just a 30-minute drive from the city center. We made our first stop at the Fremantle Prison and opted for the first available tour on site. We got the “Behind the Bars” tour, which was good and gave us a clear idea about the working of the place during its operating days. Post this we went to the Fremantle Market. This place gave a taste of the local culture and its people. It was very colorful and energetic.
A sure-shot place for window shopping and local food. Do visit this place if you like mixing up with the locals. I simply loved it, especially the chocolate softy.
Next, we went to the Esplanade park. This is the meeting and greeting location of all of Fremantlites. There is a children’s park, an outdoor skating rink, the giant eye, the spectacular Northfolk pine trees, and green grass. Moreover just across the park is the Bather’s beach, to witness a gorgeous sunset with a drink. There are various eating options on the beach as well as inside the township. For a surreal sunrise choose to stay at Be. Fremantle.
We missed the last room and settled for Quest Fremantle @AUD195 for a night. The parking rules are very easy and convenient but strict at the same time. Do buy a parking ticket at all the spots you choose to park and place it above your steering wheel where it’s visible, or else end up paying a penalty of AUD60 if caught. Overnight parking is free at most of the lots.
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Day 5 Mandurah with overnight at Bunbury
On almost every day we checked out of the hotel/apartment before/by 9 a.m. to beat the rush and get the most out of the day. Shoalwaters is a 45-minute drive from Fremantle. Did I mention that the roads are in the best of condition in WA. They too have a right-wheel drive, which makes it all the more easy for Indians to adapt to driving in this new country. We made our first stop for the day at the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park.
Take a 10-minute round-trip ferry and go to Penguin Island. See the Little Penguins rescued by the center at play. This 2 km small island is a renowned picnic spot for the locals. Bring your own food as there are no eating or drinking options out here on the island. Take a stroll at both ends, hardly 20 minutes apart, and witness the bird’s sanctuary and the astounding nature at the display. You can also opt for a 1-hour cruise to see the Dolphins and Sea Lions.
Next, we came to the Dolphin Quay, Halls Head. You can easily see dolphins swimming in the water. Opt for a canal cruise or stroll in the park, both are a delight. The children’s park is super friendly and kids will love it. There are parks for kids at all the places around WA. Proceed to the Mandurah Visitors Center and ask for a map guide to the giants.
When here in Mandurah, seeing the giants, at least one, should be made mandatory. They are the highlight of this place after all, so much so that when one got burned due to a bushfire, was rebuilt within a couple of months and resurrected for the visitors again. Seeing the giants is a plaything, as each one is situated at different ends. You get to know the location of the Secret Gaint or the 5th Giant only after you uncover the four giants at the four corners.
After an early dinner, we decided to cover more ground and left for Bunbury. It was 105 km and took around 1.5 hours. We opted for Quest Bunbury to lay down for a night @AUD210. The receptionist was sweet enough to upgrade our room at the price of a lower-category room.
Day 6 Bunbury Sightseeing with overnight at Margaret River
Post breakfast we started our exploration of Bunbury. The manufacturing port city of WA. This place is also known for its Dolphins and beaches apart from a vibrant nightlife. We started with the Marlston Hill Lookout point and saw the city in its entirety from the top, especially the yacht marina, and totally loved it. Then we headed to the Bunbury Lighthouse, which was closed to the public, so we proceeded to the Wyalup-Rocky Point.
This spot is the highlight of Bunbury. I had such a peaceful time here that we stopped here again on our detour. Watching the super high and aggressive waves crashing against the rocks was such a calming experience. This is the morning walkers and the local’s favorite spot to unwind and jog.
Thereafter, we visited the Dolphin Discovery Center. There are no dolphins caged here, but the fabulous aquarium with its eye-catching fishes makes up for it. Watch the stingray and octopus feeding when visiting this point. You can also book a Dolphin cruise at the reception.
Then we went to the Bunbury Farmer’s Market to shop for some fruits and veggies. WA has a rich culture of promoting local farmers and providing organic produce to its masses. The farmers’ market is found almost in every major city and town across WA.
Further ahead, we left Bunbury for Margaret River. On the way, make an elongated stop at the Geographe Bay, Busselton. This place has my heart. It is just so beautiful. The Busselton jetty bridge is 1.8 km long and the bus trip is fun. Lastly, make a quick stop at Hamelin Bay and watch the home of Stingrays. If you are brave enough just stand in the water while they swim around you. What a fun-filled day! But we just got started.
We reached the Margaret River region and made a two-night reservation at Prideaus for AUD235 per night. It was every penny worth it. An Indian restaurant just across the street “Khana Khazana by Khan“, serves a delicious dinner. It opens around 5.30 p.m. We had a hearty meal and took a slow stroll before bidding good night.
Day 7 Margaret River
Start the day by visiting the Visitors Center, as they will give you the perfect roadmap to follow while exploring the region. After getting the required insights we started at the Rivermouth, another exquisite location that will stay with me forever. I am grateful every single day to be living this life. Next head to the Surfer’s point and look out for the Surfer’s in action. What an inspiring view to behold. Further, we visited the Mammoth Cave along the cave road.
Now, this road is named so because of the more than 100 caves located along the stretch. Of the above only 6 caves are open to the public. The mammoth cave tour is an audio-enabled tour and takes around 45 minutes to complete. Thereafter, you can opt for a forest walk which might take another 45 minutes.
We missed the Lake Cave tour and took it up the next day. We thankfully arrived on time for the Jewel Cave. It was a guided tour and one of the most special experiences of the trip. One of the founder’s daughters was married inside this very cave. And lastly, we arrived at the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, the South Western tip of Australia. This is also the tallest lighthouse in Australia. The changing color of the skyline and the meeting of the Indian and the Southern Ocean is a view I can never get used to. It was surreal. We ended the day on a beautiful note that we will cherish for a lifetime.
Try to book your tickets for cave exploration a day ahead as they get sold out fast.
Day 8 Detour to Bunbury
We left early to book our spots for the first guided tour of the Lake Caves. This is an active cave and totally mesmerizing. The crystals here are otherworldly and dreamlike. I am fortunate to have seen such a marvel in all its glory. Thereafter, we left the Margaret River region and began our detour, stopping at the Chocolate Factory, Wao Illusions, and the Yallington Maze.
We also visited the Ngilgi Caves. It’s totally skippable but it is famous because two ladies individually spent a record number of days down here and got the Guinness World Record. You can still see their initials on the cave rock. Reached Bunbury on time for a good night’s sleep. We stayed at the Lord Forrest Hotel for a night @AUD185.
Day 9 Rockingham
This was one day when we were at leisure. Totally relaxed and behaved as we live here. Spent early morning hours post breakfast at a local cafe at the Officeworks Stationary just skimming through pens, notebooks, stamps, paperclips, books, etc. Then we reached the Miniature Park and spent some more time just lazing around while our kid fed the fish and ducks. Somehow we reached Quest Rockingham and laid low for the night @AUD210.
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Day 10 – 14 Perth City
Now begins the last leg of the journey. We started with the Bell Tower of Perth. After that, we walked over for snacks at a cafe near Elizabeth Quay, which happens to be the business district of the city. Also, this place has a small ice cream shop that serves the finest gelatos. Then we headed to another highlight of the city, the Kings Park and Botanical Garden. This park spread over 400 hectares overlooking the whole city is a sight to witness.
The botanical garden houses more than 3,000 species of flora. There is a memorial site dedicated to war veterans beside the visitors center. Finally, we called off this joyful day and checked in to QT Perth Hotel for 4 nights @AUD235 per night.
Early morning, we surrendered our car, which had been our savior for the past week with a heavy heart, and took to foot and local buses. Firstly, we visited the Perth Zoo. It is divided into zones that can be covered at your own pace. Do ask for a free guided tour at the visitor desk is available for any zone. Thereafter, we spent our evening sipping hot chocolate at the Mindeerup and watching birds while the children enjoyed the park. We came back to our hotel using the family pass and called it a day.
Being a long weekend due to WA Day, the city was silent and not prone to much traffic. We visited the St. Mary’s Cathedral and strolled our way to the Perth Mint for a tour to see the world’s heaviest gold coin weighing a ton. Our child was delighted to see liquid gold being cast into a gold bar of 6 kg. Loitering through the streets of Perth was a feeling like no other. We had one of the best dinners in the city at Two Fat Indians @Doubletree by Hilton Hotel. We walked back to our hotel enjoying the local cafe and bar scenes.
The last day of this delightful vacation was spent window shopping at the malls which is another experience altogether. Walking has never been more fun. Last evening it rained as never before and we spent it lazing at the rooftop cafe of our hotel sipping a drink with pizza and fries. At Perth, we had our lunch on all days at Balti, an Indian restaurant that was within walking distance from our hotel.
DAY 14 Check-out
Most people choose Eastern Australia over Western as that side is more popular than its counterpart. But visiting this offbeat place has been far more enjoyable than I expected. We as a family grew and learned a lot together. For any other assistance or query, you can hit my email. Let me know in the comments if you would like to read more about my vacations of the past and the future.
PS: I have tried to explain most of the things and viewpoints. But there are a few things that words cannot do justice to and should be experienced first-hand for a real-life view.