Heading Down Under: An Insider’s View of Exploring Australia’s West Coast

Once you’ve decided to “travel Australia”, you will quickly realize that you’ve perhaps bitten off a little more than you can chew. It is a vast country, sprawling 7.6 million square kilometers and it plays host to an incomparable array of landscapes: bustling cities, sandy beachfront, expansive coral reefs, tumbleweed ridden deserts and the outback. Australia’s East coast is home to Sydney, Queensland and the world famous Byron Bay, while the West spans between Perth and Exmouth and plays host to stunning natural parks with astounding rock formations. So how can you possibly decide where to start? That’s where we can offer a helping hand. Let’s start with an insider’s recommendations to make the most of the West Coast.

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Experiencing the West Coast to the Fullest

In order to see as much of the West Coast as possible, we’d recommend taking a road trip. This allows you to visit all the major cities and sights in the area, while still allowing you to stray from the beaten track, undertaking your own adventure and finding lesser known surprises along the way. For a short jaunt, I’d recommend opting for a route between Perth and Albany. This will average around 650km. You can amble along at your own pace, but a direct trip from Albany back to Perth will only take you about four hours on the Albany Highway, meaning you can head back in good time whenever you please. This is a perfect idea for beginners who don’t have much experience being on the road for extended periods of time. If you’re a more experienced or enthusiastic road tripper, try out the jaunt along the Coral Coast. This will take you between Perth and Exmouth, with the entire route totaling a staggering 2950 km. This is a huge distance, but we can guarantee that it’s worth it. We’d suggest booking about ten days off from work and other responsibilities to make the most of this extensive journey.

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What Can You Expect to See?

Whichever route you take, your road trip will be exactly what you make of it. Plan a loose itinerary to fit in all of the major activities that you and your travel buddies wish to take part in or witness. Traveling the Coral Coast can see you pass the Pinnacles Desert, Kalbarri National Park’s Gorges, the Ningaloo Reef and Cape Range National Park. So prepare for some of the most stunning scenes that anyone could hope to encounter.

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Preparation

Preparation is going to be key for this journey. First of all, you need to ensure that you have a reliable means of transport. Breakdowns can throw your schedule off track and result in you having to miss out on major parts of your planned trip. Opt for car hire. This will ensure that the vehicle you take is in prime condition and definitely road-worthy. Choose a roomy vehicle that can comfortably accommodate you, your traveling partner(s) and any luggage that’s coming along for the ride too. When it comes to packing your bags, try to bring as few items as possible. This will prevent everything from piling up around you, making the journey irritating.

So, there you have it. Pack your bags, plan a route and join up with some of your nearest and dearest for the experience of a lifetime. Don’t forget to bring a camera and plenty of suncream. You’ll be heading home with a tonne of memories and a healthy tan to boot!