WA in 23 Days!
Western Australia!
What a spot! A place that has something for everyone… A place that gives you a feeling like no other. A place that makes you think “ How lucky are we” to live in the most incredible country in the world?!
This is a road trip that is not to be missed, and I was lucky enough to travel the West Coast of Australia from North to South for my recent Backyard Bandits campaign. Together with my team, we are passionate about promoting and inspiring other Australians to get out there and explore our beautiful backyard. To go places you have never been before, and to fully entrench yourself in the rich history and culture that has been built over thousands of years.
Stick with me, as I share with you our incredible 23 day itinerary through WA, experiencing everything that this great state has to offer.
For all you confident adventurers out there, having a self drive itinerary will allow you to fully explore the many different regions we will visit along the way (4x4 recommended but not essential). If you are not overly accustomed to hitting the road yourself, there are plenty of group tour options which also take you to some of WA’s best locations and biggest attractions.
Let’s hit the road! xx
Days 1 - 3 : Lake Argyle & Kununurra
You simply could not wipe the smile off my face as we crossed the NT / WA Border and headed straight to Lake Argyle! The Kimberley Region is a place that I had wanted to visit for a VERY long time and my gosh it certainly did not disappoint - The billion year old landscape will take your breath away!
The freshwater lake is formed by the Ord Dam – a 980 square kilometre expanse of water which would fill the Sydney Harbor 18 times – Wow!
The views from our very own private deck overlooking the Lake were sheer perfection ... and don’t even get us started on the famous 35 metre infinity pool at Lake Argyle Resort. You can just sit back and take in the full magnificence of nature whilst feeling the stresses of life melt away. This place is insanely good.
You might be sitting back thinking - “Yes the lake looks beautiful, but aren’t there crocodiles in the Northern parts of Australia …?” Yes … you are correct. Lake Argyle is home to over 35,000 Freshwater Crocodiles however they are completely harmless to people (pending them being left alone of course), and swimming in the lake is promoted and 100% recommended!
The locals are super friendly and are always only too happy to point you in the right direction. Our guide Greg, for the Lake Argyle Cruise experience was an encyclopedia of knowledge about this beautiful lake and its history.
We explored our surroundings. Kununurra is just 75km’s down the road so we definitely found ourselves going back and forth a number of times hoping to see as much as we possibly could during our timeframe in the region.
Reflecting on this destination all we can say is don’t think about it – just do it – you will instantly fall in love.
Top things To do :
Catch a sunrise or sunset from the Lake Argyle Caravan Park Infinity Pool
Scenic Flight over the Bungle Bungles with Heli Spirit
Go on a sunset Cruise with Lake Argyle Cruises.
Where to Stay :
Lake Argyle Resort & Caravan Park
Powered & Unpowered sites available, along with a number of other accommodation options including the Kimberley Cabins (Sleeps up to 5) , and the Lake View Villas (sleeping 2 - 10 people).
Restaurant & Cafe also onsite open for Breakfast , Lunch & Dinner 7 days a week!
How to get there :
Flight are available from Perth to Kununurra with Virgin Australia. Other carriers also run flights from Darwin.
If travelling by road, its just under 830km's / 8.5 hours drive from Darwin, or 1065km / 10 hour, 45 minutes from Broome.
Days 3 - 7 : Broome
The drive from Lake Argyle to Broome takes approx 11.5 Hours, covering 1115km's through cattle country! We made a few stops along the way, one at Halls Creek which is 360km from Kununurra , Fitzroy Crossing, and the other approx 1.5 hours out of Broome at Willare Bridge Roadhouse.
Broome is known for its strong connection to culture, and the multicultural history which is extremely evident from the second you drive into town. It's a place that immediately wraps its arms around you, and the colours .... OH the colours! I don't even know how to put it into words. The turquoise blue water, against the richest of red sand - it absolutely is where the desert meets the ocean!
Cable Beach is one of Australia's most famous beaches, and for good reason. Its 22km's of pure white sand which you can drive your vehicle along, pick the perfect spot to watch the sunset, crack open the esky and enjoy an amazing evening with great mates - its definitely one of those "grab a glass of champas" moments!
Just when you think it can't get any better - it can! WA is renowned for some of the best sunsets in Australia. It was magnificent. From burnt orange, deep reds and even a little purple ... no wonder everyone is drawn to this sensational location!
For all those animal lovers out there ... The Red Sun Camel Tours is an absolute must. You can't go to Cable Beach and not get that famous camel riding shot riiiiight?! The guides are fantastic and will tell you everything you need to know about the town. This was the first activity that went on my "wish list" when planning our WA Road Trip. Second on that list, was purchasing a pretty special piece of jewellery. Broome is home to the world's most beautiful pearls and we spent an entire morning at Willie Creek Pearl Farm, learning the entire pearling process from start to finish - and I even got to harvest my very own Pearl!
Another great thing about this region, is that whether you head North, South or East, (anywhere from 5 mins to 2 hours drive) there are other incredibly picturesque areas to explore. We were lucky enough to spend some time exploring Gantheaume Point, Roebuck Bay, and James Price Point which were all simply remarkable. We had a Brand New Toyota Fortuner Crusade which enabled us to get to these destinations with its 4x4 capabilities.
Unfortunately we didn't get time to head to Cape Leveque which was another place I really wanted to visit. However I'm not overly disappointed as it just means we have to get back there ASAP and continue to explore haha - woo!
Top things to do :
Sunset camel ride with Red Sun Camels.
Take an evening stroll with the Salty Plum walking Bar Tour.
Head out to James Price Point for a morning exploring the coastline
Check out Gantheaume Point with the 130 million year old dinosaur prints.
Visit Matso's Brewery
Where to Stay :
Walking distance to Cable Beach
10 minute drive into the town centre of Broome
Bali style accommodation with outdoor showers
How to get there:
The drive from Perth to Broome will take approx. 22.5 hours not including stops, or Virgin Australia offers a number of flights per week.
Days 7-8 : Karratha
We then travelled to Karratha from Broome which is 8.5 hours or 835km's - Ahhh the Pilbara Region!
In 1968, Karratha was established to accommodate the processing and exportation of iron, and later during the 1980's , Petroleum and Liquefied Natural Gas. You can tell it's a hard working town!
My biggest recommendation when traveling through Karratha is to head to Millstream Chichester National Park - you'll thank me later! It is located 1.5 hours drive from Karratha with the Yindjibarndi people being the custodians of the land.
There are other notable stops along the way including Python Pool and Deep Reach Pool which is a very significant Cultural Site. You can see a staggering array of birds and wildlife that call this park home mainly due to the presence of the permanent water source associated with the wetlands. This is a bird lovers paradise and there is also a spectacular wildflower display during mid-winter (June-August).
Things to do :
Millstream Chichester National Park
Visit the Red Earth Arts Precinct
Watch the Humpback Whales pass through through on their way to feeding grounds in the south (early winter only)
Where to Stay :
Best Western Karratha an all apartment resort just 1.5km from the Town Centre
Restaurant & Cafe onsite
Outdoor Pool
BBQ facilities
Gym
How to get there:
Fly direct - Perth to Karratha with Virgin Australia which will take just over 2 hours!
If travelling by road, the drive will take you approx 19 hours via National Highway 95
Days 8 - 11 : Exmouth
On day 8, we got up with the sun and hit the road nice and early to get to our next location - Exmouth - located 549km's South.
Upon arrival, we checked into the most incredible accommodation at Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort. Manta Rays is located on Sunrise Beach (our room had uninterrupted views of the ocean) and has a gigantic pool with restaurant & bar facilities. It literally feels as though you are at an international oasis but we are right here in our very own backyard - Australia!
With so much to see and do in Exmouth, there really is something for everyone!
We were excited to hear that the turtles were nesting during our stay, so we went out to the Jurabi Turtle Centre (approx 20 mins from Mantarays) and we took part in a turtle eco-education experience. The tour promotes the conservation of the marine turtles and is a unique insight into the battles of conserving several of the threatened species of these majestic creatures. With our guide, we were safely able to get right up to one of the beautiful big female turtles and see them laying their eggs deep into the sand - it was a very special thing to witness!
Make sure you put Cape Range National Park on your list of things to do when visiting Exmouth! It's a short 90 minute drive from town along Yardie Creek Road, and upon arrival to the end car park it's just a 2-3 minute meander down to the Jetty to experience your Yardie Creek Boat Tour! Plenty of local wildlife will be on display (i think we counted close to 50 rock wallabies) and it was great to sit back and listen to the stories dating back to the early settlers' history, and how the gorge was formed.
As you head back into town, there are plenty of gorgeous bays and beaches to stop at along the way! My pick of the bunch was Turquoise Bay. I have never seen anything like it, with sand so white (it even squeaks under your feet) and water crystal clear blue.
If you are looking for the "it" place to go around town for some delicious food and great drinks ,Froth Craft Brewery is your go! An award winning and much loved watering hole in Exmouth. It has such a relaxed and laid back vibe which is probably a true reflection of Pete, one of the amazing co-owners of the Brewery. Craft Beers are brewed onsite to settle in and try the beer paddle to sample a few of their beer selections, or maybe have yourself a yummy cocktail if that's more to your liking! All round, a great venue offering live music and loads of atmosphere!
Things to do :
Visit the Jarabi Turtle Centre and witness nesting turtles
Visit Turquoise Bay
Drive out to Charles Knife Canyon on Sunrise
Enjoy delicious food and drinks at Froth Craft Brewery
Where to stay :
Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort
68 rooms
Gold Plate Award Winning Mantarays Restaurant, Bar & Lounge
Your gateway to the World Heritage Listed Ningaloo Reef
Gym Facilities
1,2 or 3 bedroom apartments available
How to get there :
The drive from Perth to Exmouth is 12.5 hours or you can fly the 2 hours to Learmonth Airport and hire a car to get around in.
Day 11 - 13 : Coral Bay
Welcome to Coral Bay - an ocean lovers dream holiday destination! A beautiful seaside location providing you with VIP access to the World Heritage Listed Ningaloo Reef! I loved every stop along our Backyard Bandits Road Trip, but Coral Bay was certainly up there as a favourite.
I didn't know a lot about this specific location prior to arriving , but that is sometimes the best part! A beautiful surprise to be completely and utterly blown away by a destination and this was one of those moments.
If you are looking to stay in Coral Bay, ensure you get in contact with Frazer and the team at Ningaloo Marine Interactions and book in for a full day Manta Ray experience. I can't recommend this enough!
This tour is not only visually spectacular, but a fabulous education into the protection and preservation of our oceans, marine inhabitants, and beautiful reef. We visited numerous snorkel sights and learnt some fascinating facts about the Manta Rays for example, each Manta has its own unique markings which allows them to easily identify each other!
Throughout our day on the water, we swam with multiple Manta's (I even managed to get up close and personal to a manta mating train), turles, sharks and an endless amount of fish species! It was an incredible day and one that I will remember forever!
When looking at the best place to wine and dine in Coral Bay, you really can't go past Bills Alfresco Bar! It's a modern establishment and a place where the locals and visitors alike love to kick back on the outdoor patio, or perhaps under the sail shaded beer garden and take in the relaxing ambiance and live entertainment. The menu offers an abundance of locally sourced seafood and fresh WA produce and a comprehensive range of beer and wines to choose from.
Things to Do:
Swim with the Manta Rays through Ningaloo Marine Interactions
Snorkel right off the Beach at Coral Bay
Head to Bills Alfresco Bar for a delicious meal
Swim with Whale Sharks (March to September)
Where to Stay :
Location Location Location. Metres away from the world famous Ningaloo Reef
Powered and Unpowered sites available , as well as Bayview Villas and the Ningaloo Reef House
In house pool available for guests
How to get there :
You can drive to Coral Bay from Perth which is 1121km and will take approximately 11.5 hours travel time. Or you can take a 2 hour direct flight from Perth to Learmonth Airport in Exmouth, hire a car and drive or jump on the bus which will take you the 106km to Coral Bay.
Day 13 - 15 : Monkey Mia
Next up, we have Monkey Mia which is a 518km scenic drive from Coral Bay. I had literally stalked this place on social media for years so I was very excited to get out and about to check it all out! This location is famous for its dolphin encounters yes, but it's also famous for its magical coastline located within the Shark Bay World Heritage Area!
The Monkey Mia Resort has recently undergone a refurbishment with pleeeeenty of different accommodation options available to suit all budgets. Our room was perfect. It was right on the beach with unrestricted views and access to the white sandy beach and turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. This is a place that oozes relaxation. We spent a lot of time just sitting out on our veranda taking in the views of that pristine shoreline.
If traveling to Monkey Mia, you should definitely look to book in a sunset cruise with Perfect Nature Cruises aboard the 18-foot Aristocrat 2 Catamaran! The Shark Bay World Heritage Area covers a whopping 2.2 million hectares of the expanse coast of Western Australia and the team at Perfect Nature Cruises are also committed to the preservation of one of the worlds most unique eco systems.
Whist sailing around the ocean as the sun begins to sink, keep a eye out for any marine life such as Turtles, Dolphins and even Dugongs as they are constantly popping in to say hello.
If you are looking for another great experience to fully immerse yourself in ancient culture and get to know more on the history of the region, Darren 'Capes' Capewell from Wula Gura Nyida Eco Cultural Adventures has you covered. We were lucky enough to have a full day booked in with the great man who will pick you up from your accommodation and take you our for a private tour of the Francois Peron National Park!
You will be enthralled as you discover the secrets of these magical lands and the deep spiritual connection between the Nhanda & Malgana people. You will very quickly learn under the guidance of Capes, why people travel the globe to explore this world class park. Some of my favourite spots included Skipjack Point and Point Peron!
We Kayaked our way from beach to beach following the gigantic base of rich red cliffs. I had to pinch myself a number of times as this landscape is simply too good to be true! Inland, Capes will also show you a huge variety of wildlife including the Thorny Devil Lizard, echidnas, kangaroos, many other reptile species as well as many other endangered wildlife species.
Things to do :
Wula Gura Cultural Tour with Cape
Feed the Dolphins
Stop by the Little Lagoon for a swim
Sunset cruise with Perfect Nature Cruises aboard the Aristocrat 2
Head into Denham and grab some lunch at the local Bakery whilst having a good look around town
Where to Stay :
Award winning Caravan & Holiday Park
Located within the Shark Bay World Heritage Area
Home to the best known dolphin encounters
Absolute Beachfront Accommodation
Incredible facilities perfect for families with a Tennis Court & 2 x Pools
Kayak & Canoe Hire also available
How to Get there :
Monkey Mia is a 10 hour drive from Perth, or a 1h 45m flight from Perth!
Day 15-16 : Jurien Bay
Continuing on our epic Western Australian Road Trip, we left Monkey Mia and drove the 629kms along the Coral Coast to Jurien Bay. Prior to this memorable trip, Jurien Bay was the furthest North I had been in WA so I was in awe looking back at the areas we had been fortunate to cover over the last few weeks.
Unfortunately we only had the one night in Jurien Bay, but this still allowed us to check out some of the great attractions of the town! I One of the best offerings of this location is the opportunity for tourist to have a memorable encounter with Sea Lions - the puppies of the sea!
We went out in the early morning with the crew from Turquoise Safaris looking forward to what we were about to experience. Jumping in the tranquil crystal clear waters, snorkelling and observing sea lions in their natural habitat is another truly unique experience here in WA! A once in a lifetime experience to get nose to nose with the super cute, and very curious little mammals! They are playful, friendly and always up for a photo opportunity.
Sadly, the Australian Sea Lion is one of the most endangered mammals in the world! They are only found in Australian waters so its very important that during this experience that you simply fit in around their movements and behaviours and don't try to do anything that might upset them.
Things to Do
Lobster Tours
Walk the Turquoise Way Trail
Explore Drovers Cave National Park
Where to Stay :
Contemporary Accomodation on the Coral Coast
Comfortable and spacious 2 bedroom, and 1 bedroom configured apartments
Additional studio style apartments all with kitchen facilities
5 minute walk or very short drive to the town centre.
A stones throw from the foreshore
How to get there :
Jurien Bay is an easy 219km or 2- 2.5 hour drive from Perth via state route 60!. This is a great place to spend a few days, OR even head up for a Day Trip from Perth!
Day 16 - 20 : Jurien Bay to Perth
Onwards to Perth! I thoroughly enjoyed this drive. It was quite short in comparison to our usual drive days, so it was easier to take our time and see plenty go the magnificent scenery along the way. Sandy desert, flowing rivers and unique flora and fauna are all on show on this stretch of road so stop, observe and breathe!
The Pinnacles is a place that you must stop and witness. It's a truly remarkable desert with its own unique colouring part of the Nambung National Park. You can take your time and get out and explore, or you can drive through and take it all in from the comfort of your car - the options are plenty!
Settled on the banks of the Swan River, Perth is one of the most isolated city's in Australia. Its boundaries boast the Indian Ocean on the West and the Nullarbour Desert to the East. Perth has one of the most unspoilt coastlines in the world and believe me, you will find yourself spoilt for choice on how to fill your day! From wine regions to maritime heritage, tours and great options for entertainment ... this city really does have it all!
There is an abundance of things to see and do in and around he city. We managed to squeeze quite a lot into our few days in Perth and I can personally attest to each of the experiences listed below.
We went out and jumped on the Water Bikes with Vicki Forbes from Perth Water Bike Adventures! Located at Matilda bay, this was a great way to spend a morning paddling around and being educated on the rich history of the area. Vicki is an enthusiastic and very welcoming host passionate about her business.
Even if you are not and avid push bike rider, the water bikes are so much fun, stable and very easy to maneuver as you pedal your way along the serene waters with the Perth City skyline as your backdrop.
The restaurant, cafe, and bar scene is out of this world in this glorious city! ! It's easy to become a tad overwhelmed with the amount of quailty venues, so we spent an afternoon with Adie Chapman from “Oh Hey WA" on a small bar and street art walking tour of Perth. Adie's passion and enthusiasm for her hometown is infectious and you will find yourself hanging on every word.
We weaved in and out of many different laneways, and without Adie's knowledge, we would have easily overlooked some of the BEST spots in town. She provides historical and quirky stories and helps you to find all the hidden gems to help you plan your next wining and dining experience! Vibrant street art also adorns some of the gorgeous architecture and alleys and offers lots of colourful photo opportunities for your insta!
The Oh Hey WA Tours have been voted as Perths #1 Tour on TripAdvisor so is an absolute must do when you visit!
If you are looking for a fun and easily accessible day trip around Perth, then heading over to Rottnest Island with Rotto's largest Ferry Operator - The Rottnest Express! Pack your bathers, towel, hat and sunscreen as you will have a jam packed day exploring the 63 stunning bays and 20 beaches on display. Don't forget your camera's as well , as its here that you can try your hardest to nail that perfect Quokka selfie! There are approximately 10,000 of this incredibly cute little animals on the island which is the largest population in the world!
Bike Hire, and or Bus tickets are available to get yourself around the island so every single level of fitness is catered for. Hike the walking trails, swim/ snorkel the coral reef, check out the Bathurst lighthouse, The Basin, Little Salmon Bay, Geordie Bay or why not even sky dive over it all?!? ..... oh I could go on forever!
Day trips are easy for people visiting Perth , however if you did have a little bit more time there is also excellent accommodation options out on the Island (including the newest accommodation offering at Samphire Resort) - and plenty of restaurants and cafes to discover!
Just remember, all the plants and animals on Rottnest Island are protected by law so please follow the rules and do not feed or touch the Quokkas.
All in all, Perth should definitely be on your list of destinations to visit in 2021! I have not gone into detail on other areas, however I also just want to highlight places like Swan Valley & Margaret River, known for their beautiful wineries / cellar doors, and also the entire coast around Dunsborough & Yallingup is absolute bliss as well - An unbelievable part of WA!
Things to Do:
Head to The Rechabite - one of Perth Grand Heritage Treasures for a beautiful dining experience at Double Rainbow
Day trip over to Rottnest Island
Where to stay:
Located in the popular Elizabeth Quay Precinct.
Breathtaking panoramic views over the infamous Swan River and the Perth City Skyline
Luxurious Accomodation with impeccably warm & welcoming staff
Culinary experiences utilising local WA ingredients
Luxury Hotel Pool & Spa
Beautiful finishes, appliances, styling and little touches making you feel right at home
Located in the centre of the city's buzzing hub.
Sleek & Industrial, Luxury Style
Shopping Precincts literally at your doorstep
QT Cafe, Santini Bar, Santini Grill and Rooftop at QT all under the one roof
Venue & Event Hire Available
How to get there :
Flights to and from Perth are available from every Australian Capitol City with Virgin Australia!
Day 20-21 : Albany & Denmark
Saying goodbye to Perth, we hit the road for the scenic 5 hour drive to Albany via the Albany Highway!
The Albany coast is so beautiful and has huge historical significance which the locals are incredible proud of. This is the very location where the first European settlers set foot on Western Australia! So many original buildings still stand tall being repurposed as art galleries, museums and restaurants; offering the best of WA wines and local produce!
Speaking of local produce , make sure you head out to Oranje Tractor Wines to visit Murray & Pam if you are in the area. We were lucky enough to experience their beautiful Silver Service, paired food and wine tasting experience!
They offer Premium quality, award winning wines made from organically grown grapes. They also grow their own produce which includes 40 different varieties of apples, plums, apricots, bananas, citrus and cherry just to name a few!
The tasting room exudes a rustic, charming and relaxing atmosphere with lots of little pieces of history dotted around the place. The gorgeous silverware and glassware have been collected by Murray & Pam over a number of decades which is a super impressive collection - Murray even lets you pick your favourite glass!
Another very worthy stop in Albany is at the award winning National Anzac Centre located within Albany's Heritage listed Princess Royal Fortress. It is a VERY significant site as it overlooks the harbor where more than 41,000 men and women departed our shores for the Great War. This place gave me goosebumps. The stories told within the centre and mind blowing, and it reiterated my love and respect for all the fallen soldiers who gave their all in order to protect our future.
Upon entry to the National Anzac Centre, you are presented with a card with the name and photo of an actual serviceman or woman and you follow their journey and experience of War. As you work your way along the exhibit, you will eventually discover the fate of the brave solider you held in your hand.
This is a superb interactive tour with the sounds and stories of War. Soldiers seemingly stare straight at you as you wind your way around each exhibit and hear about their amazing and at times, heart wrenching stories. It certainly makes you even more appreciate the sacrifices these soldiers made for us and our country. Looking out the panoramic windows of the Centre out to Albany Harbor, you can't help but wonder how the soldiers were feeling leaving our Australian Shores - sandy for the last time for so many. I absolutely LOVED this experience and would high recommend it for everyone to learn more about this time in Australian history! I would really love to bring my Grandparents back to this very location as I know just how much they would love it.
Things to do :
Spend an afternoon at the National Anzac Centre
Head out to Orange Tractor Wines and definitely enquire about the Silver Service, Paired Food and Wine Tasting Experience.
Where to stay:
Located on the tranquil waters of King George Sound
500m of world class beach at your doorstep
3.2km from the Albany City Centre
20m Solar Heated Pool
We stayed in the 3 bedroom, 2 story Beach-house option which was super spacious and couldn't have been more perfect!
How to get there :
Albany Regional Airport welcomes flights daily from Perth. This has an approximate 1 hour and 10 min flight time, or you can easily drive the 420km or 4.5 hours from Perth.
Days 21-23 : Esperance
Once leaving Albany, we are covering the 481km in the Fortuner to get to the b-e-a-utiful Esperance!
This would be without a doubt one of my absolutely favourite locations in the whole of Australia.
One thing in particular that I was SO excited to experience was a chopper flight over Lake Hillier with Helispirit! I had wanted to do this for years, so it was a big tick off he bucket list! Upon checking in at the Esperance Foreshore, the team deliver a short safety brief and off you go! This particular tour included 1 hour and 45 minutes of flying time and 1.5 hours stop off on Middle Island - the home of Lake Hillier!
We took in all the sights on the flight over, with incredible views of Cape Le Grand National Park and Cape Arid National Parks. I literally have no words to describe the colour from the sky. Looking down at the different hues of blue from the Pacific Ocean, the gorgeous white sands of the sheltered bays, the rugged coastline and then of course the pink of Lake Hillier, it is the most sensational sight!
This tour also includes a grazing platter and Champagne so you can take your time and have a good look around whilst nibbling on some delicious snacks!
On the way back to the foreshore, we took in the views across the Archipelago of the Recherche (locally known as the Bay of Isles), Lucky Bay, Thistle Cove and Hellfire Bay! The entire crew at Helispirit are extremely knowledgeable and will tell you all you need to know about each of the areas whilst cruising the sky's!
Esperance is known for having some of the best beaches in Australia! I highly recommend heading out to Cape Le Grand National Park and spend a day or two roaming around and checking them all out. My top picks are the ones we were lucky enough to also see from the air. Thistle Cove, Hellfire Bay AND last but not least, Lucky Bay.
I’m not going to be shy in saying it ... but Lucky Bay would have to be my favourite beach in Australia! Prior to heading there for the first time a few years ago. I thought the images couldn't possibly be real and they must have been highly edited to make the water look so crystal clear blue..... however I can confirm .... this location needs absolutely zero filters or editing and it actually looks like that in person - just incredible!
I love that you can drive your car and pull up at your favourite spot at Lucky Bay, and spend a whole afternoon relaxing! If you are lucky, hopefully some of the fury locals (kangaroos) will pop their heads out and allow you to take some EPIC photos! How lucky are we that this is in our own backyard right here in Australia?!
Things to do :
Explore Esperance & Lake Hiller from the Sky with a Scenic Flight through Helispirit
Head out to Cape Le Grand National Park and spend a day exploring some of the best beaches in the whole of Australia (45 mins drive from Esperance). Highly recommend Lucky Bay, Hellfire Bay and Thistle Cove.
Where to stay :
Stunning Chalet and/or King Shack Accommodation options
Fiona (owner) is so lovely and is always happy to help out with anything onsite
Kayaks, Fishing Rods and Bikes are all complimentary for guests
Easy self check in and check out
How to get there:
Flights are available from Perth to Esperance with a travel time of 1.5 hours. If traveling by road, you can drive the 697km via National Route 1 which will take approximately 7.5 hours.
Well ... there you have it! After Esperance, we spent a night at Eucla on the Border of WA/SA before making the long trip across the Nullarbor to Adelaide.
I hope you enjoyed my 23 day itinerary through WA! There are a few places along the way that I would recommend staying for an extra night or two if time permits for you, but please reach out if you have any questions on that and I'm more than happy to cover it off in more detail with you.
In summary, we loved every single minute of this trip! Western Australia is so vast, so beautiful, and I hope every Australian at some stage can get over there to witness the astonishing beauty that surrounds you everywhere you go - 10/10 5 stars.
Abs xx
Our Backyard Bandits 23 day campaign through Western Australia was in association with Tourism WA. Head to their website for more information on all of these amazing experiences and locations!