Travel Western Australia surprised us in the best possible way. Before this trip, we already traveled across many parts of Australia. Still, Western Australia felt completely different.
Distances are huge. Landscapes change constantly. And most importantly, the real magic often happens between the destinations. We spent several weeks exploring WA by car. Instead of rushing from place to place, we stayed longer in each location. That decision made the whole trip far more enjoyable, especially when traveling with kids. Perth was our starting point. From there we slowly worked our way south to Margaret River, Albany, and Esperance. Later we explored the west coast around Geraldton before returning again to Perth.
Western Australia is not a place for rushed itineraries. However, if you give it time, it rewards you with empty beaches, incredible coastal drives, and some of the most beautiful landscapes in Australia.
Content Teaser
Quick Peek
Fact-sheet about our Western Australia road trip for our busy travelers.
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Travel Time
March / April
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Travel Mode
Journey / Road trip (23 days)
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Our Must-Sees
Lucky Bay, Bluff Knoll,
Cottesloe Beach, Elephant Rocks -
Where to stay
Mostly AirBnb
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Plant-Based Food
PekoPeko, Paper Cup Fremantle
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Mobility
Toyota Land Cruiser by Sixt
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Travel Budget
around €10.805 (18,030AUD)
€469 (782AUD) per day
without air fare
Travel Western Australia: Must-See Gems You Can’t Miss
When planning to travel Western Australia, one of the biggest questions is how to divide your time between the different regions. Distances are huge, and trying to see too much in too little time can quickly turn a road trip into a stressful experience. Below you will find exactly how we structured our 23 days to travel Western Australia. We break down how many days we spent in Perth, the Margaret River region, Albany, Esperance, and along the west coast near Geraldton, including the drive through the outback. This route worked extremely well for us and allowed enough time to explore each region properly without rushing.
Perth – 7 Days
Perth was the place where we first touched Australian ground. And just like years ago in Adelaide, we immediately fell in love with this part of the country.
At first, we were impressed by the sheer size of the city. However, we quickly realized that life in Perth happens much more around the coastline and the surrounding areas rather than in the CBD itself. Interestingly, even many Aussies joke about the Perth CBD and ask if it actually exists. During our Western Australia trip, we ended up staying in Perth three different times. First for four days after arriving in Australia, later again for one night before driving north to Geraldton, and finally for two more nights before flying on to Sydney. This rhythm worked extremely well for our road trip. It allowed us to break up the long distances and experience the city at different moments of the journey. Beaches like Cottesloe Beach and Scarborough Beach quickly became some of our favorites. Perth is also a great base for day trips. Rottnest Island, famous for its quokkas, is only a short ferry ride away.
Margaret River – 3 days
After Perth we started our drive south toward the Margaret River region. The drive itself already feels like the beginning of a real road trip. Along the coast you will find stunning viewpoints, quiet beaches, and beautiful small towns. Places like Yallingup Beach, Dunsborough, and Busselton quickly became some of our favorite stops. Further south, Hamelin Bay is another highlight, especially famous for the stingrays that often appear close to the shore. To be honest, we almost regretted staying here for only three days. This region offers so much that you could easily spend two or even three weeks here without getting bored.
What makes the area special is the relaxed lifestyle. Everything feels calm and unhurried. Especially in Busselton, the atmosphere is incredibly laid back. It almost feels like the kind of place where you simply want to grow old, enjoy the ocean every day, and take life a little slower. That feeling perfectly captures what the Margaret River region represents: beautiful nature, endless coastline, and a lifestyle centered around enjoying the moment.
Albany – 4 days
From Margaret River we continued east toward Albany. The drive takes several hours, but the scenery changes constantly, which makes the journey itself very enjoyable. Albany is a charming coastal town with a lot of history. At the same time, it is surrounded by spectacular nature and some of the most impressive landscapes in Western Australia. To be honest, this is one of those places where you could easily spend two full weeks without getting bored. The coastline around Albany is simply incredible. Some of the beaches here are among the most beautiful we have ever seen anywhere in the world – and we have seen quite a few during our travels.
Wide bays, bright turquoise water, dramatic cliffs, and often almost no people around. In many ways, this region feels like the absolute end game when it comes to natural coastal beauty. One of the highlights near Albany is Bluff Knoll, the highest peak in southern Western Australia. The hike is challenging but rewards you with incredible panoramic views across the entire region.
Esperance – 4 days
Esperance quickly became one of our favorite places in Western Australia. The beaches here are simply spectacular. White sand, turquoise water, and almost endless space create a landscape that almost feels unreal. The absolute highlight is Lucky Bay inside Cape Le Grand National Park. Many travelers come here hoping to see kangaroos relaxing directly on the beach. Interestingly, we did not see any during our visit. Instead, we experienced something even more special. While walking along the coastline we suddenly spotted dolphins jumping through the waves in crystal-clear water. Watching them move through the turquoise ocean was an incredible moment and something we will never forget.
We actually visited Cape Le Grand National Park every single day during our stay. The beaches, viewpoints, and coastal drives are so beautiful that we simply could not get enough of it. Out of all the places we explored during our travels across Oceania, Esperance and Cape Le Grand National Park easily rank among the absolute highlights.
Outback – A drive through the night
After leaving Esperance we decided not to take the coastal route back to Perth. Instead, we crossed the interior of Western Australia. This drive through the Outback feels completely different from the southern coastline. The landscapes become wider, drier, and much more remote. Long straight roads stretch across endless plains, and small towns appear only every few hundred kilometers. It is exactly this part of the journey where you really understand how vast Western Australia actually is.
One of the most famous stops along this route is Wave Rock, a natural rock formation that rises from the desert like a giant ocean wave. It is a perfect place to take a break and explore the surrounding area. Driving through the outback requires a bit of planning. Distances are long, fuel stations can be far apart, and food options are limited. However, that is also what makes this drive so memorable. For us, this inland route was one of the most authentic road trip experiences during our entire Western Australia journey.
Geraldton – 4 days
After crossing the outback and reaching the west coast again, we continued north to Geraldton. The drive already feels different compared to the southern part of Western Australia. The landscape becomes more rugged, the wind stronger, and the ocean somehow feels wilder. Geraldton itself is a relaxed coastal town with a very authentic atmosphere. It is not a place built for tourism. Instead, it feels like a real Western Australian coastal community where everyday life happens close to the ocean. The coastline around Geraldton stretches for kilometers and offers wide, open beaches that often feel almost empty. Especially at sunset the scenery becomes spectacular, with warm light reflecting across the water and the endless horizon.
For us, Geraldton was also a great place to experience a slightly different side of Western Australia. After the famous beaches of the south, the region here feels more raw and natural. It gave us the feeling of seeing the real Western Australia. Spending several days here before returning to Perth was the perfect way to end our road trip.
The Best Stays During Our Western Australia Adventure
Accommodation in Western Australia is generally very good. However, the key is choosing the right base towns. We were actually very lucky with our choices. Every place we stayed in turned out to be a real highlight and made the experience in each region even more special. From oceanfront apartments to relaxed coastal stays, our accommodations often became part of the travel experience itself rather than just a place to sleep.
Our Homes in Perth
Finding the right base in Perth is important because the city is very spread out. Beaches, neighborhoods, and attractions are located across a large area, so location plays a big role when choosing accommodation. At the beginning of our trip we stayed in a lovely Airbnb in Peppermint Grove. This is one of the most beautiful residential areas in Perth, located between the Swan River and the coastline. The neighborhood felt calm, green, and very relaxed. From the house we could easily walk to Cottesloe Beach, which quickly became one of our favorite spots in the city.
Later during our trip we stayed in another fantastic apartment also close to the coast. From there it was about 15 minutes by car to Cottesloe Beach, which made it a perfect base for exploring Perth’s beaches and the surrounding areas. Both places worked extremely well for our stay and showed how important the right location can be when exploring Perth. If you want to see the exact apartment we stayed in, you can read our detailed review about places to stay in Perth.
Our Stay in Margaret River Region
For the Margaret River region we chose to stay close to the coast in Yallingup, which turned out to be a fantastic decision. Instead of staying directly in Margaret River town, the coastal locations offer a much stronger connection to the landscape that makes this region so special. Beaches, viewpoints, and famous spots like Yallingup Beach, Canal Rocks, and Injidup Natural Spa are all within a short drive.
Our accommodation itself was a real highlight. The house was beautifully designed, surrounded by nature, and incredibly peaceful. Waking up here felt very different from staying in a busy town. Everything felt calm, quiet, and perfectly in tune with the coastal lifestyle of the region. At the same time, places like Dunsborough, Busselton, and the wineries of the Margaret River region were still easy to reach by car. If you want to see the full details of our stay, you can read our review about staying in Yallingup in Western Australia.
Our Stay in Albany
For our stay in Albany, Western Australia, we chose a comfortable apartment that turned out to be the perfect base for exploring the entire region. The location worked extremely well for our daily excursions. Many of the highlights around Albany were only a short drive away. Although the apartment itself did not have a direct ocean view, that hardly mattered. The surrounding region offers so many incredible coastal spots that we spent most of the days out exploring anyway. After long days discovering beaches, viewpoints, and national parks, it was always nice to return to a quiet and comfortable place in the evening. Overall, the accommodation worked perfectly for the kind of road trip we were doing. If you want to see the full details and photos of where we stayed, you can read our review about places to stay in Albany, Western Australia.
Our Stay in Esperance
For our stay in Esperance, we chose a beautiful apartment located nearby the coastline. The location could hardly have been better. Within minutes we could reach the town center, while at the same time the famous beaches around Cape Le Grand National Park were only a short drive away. Esperance itself is a small and relaxed coastal town, which makes it easy to settle in for a few days and explore the surrounding region without rushing.
For us, the apartment worked perfectly as a base for visiting Lucky Bay, Hellfire Bay, and the many spectacular viewpoints inside Cape Le Grand National Park. If you want to see more details about where we stayed, you can read our full review about our stay between Albany and Esperance.
Our Stay in Geraldton
After our long drive through the outback and a short stop in Perth again, we continued north along the coast until we finally reached Geraldton. For our stay here we chose a comfortable apartment close to the ocean, which worked perfectly as a base for exploring the region.
Geraldton has a very relaxed coastal atmosphere, and the ocean plays a big role in everyday life. From our accommodation it was easy to reach the beach, enjoy long walks along the coastline, or simply watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean. At the same time, the town center with cafés and small restaurants was only a short drive away, which made the location both convenient and peaceful. After the more remote outback landscapes we had seen earlier, Geraldton felt like a great place to slow down again and enjoy a few quiet days by the ocean.
Dining Options During Our Western Australia Road Trip
When travel Western Australia, we quickly realized that flexibility is key, especially when exploring long distances with kids. For most of our stays we actually preferred self-catering. Almost all of our apartments had well-equipped kitchens, which allowed us to prepare simple meals ourselves. This worked perfectly for our road trip style because exploring was always our number one priority. Instead of spending time searching for restaurants every evening, we often returned from a full day of beaches, hikes, and scenic drives and simply enjoyed a relaxed dinner in the apartment.
However, there were still a few places that really stood out:
Paper Cup
One café we still talk about is Paper Cup in South Fremantle. It’s a small but very high-quality café and the perfect place to make a quick stop for breakfast before heading out to explore Fremantle. The food is excellent – think vegan pastries, fresh wraps, and one of the best avocado toasts we have had during our travels. What made the visit even better was the incredibly friendly owner who immediately made us feel welcome. We originally planned just a short breakfast stop but ended up staying much longer than expected. Afterwards, it is the perfect starting point to wander through the relaxed streets of Fremantle, enjoy the harbor atmosphere, and soak in the unique coastal vibe of this historic port town.
Peko Peko
Another highlight was Peko Peko in Dunsborough in the Margaret River region. This small Asian-inspired restaurant offers incredibly flavorful dishes and quickly became one of our favorite dining experiences during the trip. Overall, combining self-catering with a few carefully chosen restaurants worked perfectly for our Western Australia road trip. It gave us the freedom to stay flexible while still enjoying some memorable food experiences along the way.
How We Got Around Western Australia
Travel Western Australia is enormous. Distances between destinations are far greater than most travelers expect, which makes choosing the right type of mobility essential. For our entire trip we relied on a rental car, and honestly, we cannot imagine exploring Western Australia any other way. Public transport simply does not reach most of the places that make this region so special.
Our route took us from Perth to the Margaret River region, then further east to Albany and Esperance. From there we crossed the outback back toward Perth before continuing north to Geraldton. One tip we would strongly recommend is choosing a rental car in the largest category you feel comfortable driving. During a Western Australia road trip you will probably spend more time in the car than in your accommodation, so comfort really matters. Driving itself is generally very relaxed. Roads are in excellent condition, traffic is light, and the scenery constantly changes between coastline, forests, and wide open outback landscapes.
There are still a few things worth keeping in mind. Fuel stations can be far apart once you leave the bigger towns, so it is always smart to refill whenever you have the chance. We also tried to avoid driving after sunset because wildlife, especially kangaroos, often appear suddenly on the roads. Another useful tip is downloading offline maps before longer drives, since mobile reception can disappear quickly in more remote areas.
What we learned during our trip is that Western Australia is not only about the destinations. The journey itself becomes a big part of the experience. Some of our favorite moments happened while driving – stopping at a random beach, discovering a viewpoint, or simply enjoying the endless landscapes along the road.
Travel Western Australia: Let’s Counting the Costs
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Accomodation
Perth €1.255 (2,075AUD)
Margaret River €990 (1,673AUD)
Albany €800 (1,322AUD)
Esperance €1.180 (1,915AUD)
Geraldton €730 (1,207AUD)
Total: €5.005 (8,267AUD) -
Food & Dining
Mainly self-catering
in total €2.160 (2,573AUD) -
Mobility
Rental car SIXT Toyota Land Cruiser
for 23 days €2.760 (2,566AUD) per day
Fuel & Parking €740 (1,244AUD) -
Activities
Perth €90 (149AUD)
National Parks €50 (83AUD)
rest: free of charge! -
Total Spent
around €10.805 (17,877AUD) /
€470 (777AUD) per day
without air fare
Travel Western Australia: Our Instagrammable Spots
When it comes to Instagram-worthy locations, Western Australia makes it almost impossible to narrow things down to just a few highlights. The region is simply too vast and too diverse. From endless white beaches and turquoise water to dramatic coastal cliffs, quiet national parks, and wide outback landscapes, photogenic spots appear almost everywhere you go. During our road trip we constantly found ourselves stopping the car just to take a few photos. Sometimes the most impressive views were not even famous landmarks, but simply a random beach, a quiet coastal road, or a viewpoint we discovered by accident.
Because of this, creating a short list of Instagrammable spots for Western Australia is actually quite difficult. There are simply too many beautiful places to include them all here. However, we still tried to narrow it down as best as possible. In a separate blog post we collected our personal top 10 Instagram-worthy places in Western Australia, including exact locations and photography tips. If you are looking for the most photogenic spots of the region, that guide will give you a great starting point for planning your trip.
Travel Western Australia: Your Questions Answered
One of the biggest mistakes travelers make is changing locations too often. Distances are huge and driving takes time. We found that three to four nights per stop works best. This gives you enough time to explore the area properly without spending most of the trip in the car.
In remote regions it is definitely safer to book ahead, especially during school holidays or peak travel seasons. However, in smaller towns flexibility can also work in your favor. If your itinerary allows it, leaving one or two nights open can sometimes lead to unexpected discoveries.
How much the journey itself becomes the highlight. Some of the best moments happened between destinations: discovering a hidden beach, watching dolphins from the shore, or simply driving through landscapes that seem to stretch forever.
Trying to see too much in too little time. Western Australia rewards slow travel. Staying longer in fewer places allows you to actually experience the region instead of constantly moving from one destination to the next.
Absolutely. Crossing the interior landscapes gives a completely different perspective of Western Australia. After days along the coast, the wide open outback scenery adds a whole new dimension to the journey.
Western Australia uses Australian Western Standard Time (AWST). It is 8 hours ahead of UTC and usually 6 to 7 hours ahead of Central Europe, depending on daylight saving time in Europe. One important detail: Western Australia does not change to daylight saving time, so the time difference stays constant throughout the year.
Western Australia is huge, and the best time depends on the region. For the southwest (Perth, Margaret River, Albany, Esperance), the most comfortable travel months are October to April when the weather is warm and sunny. Spring and early summer are especially beautiful because wildflowers bloom across large parts of the landscape.
Starting early makes a big difference. Roads are quiet in the morning, wildlife activity is lower, and temperatures are more comfortable. It also gives you plenty of time for spontaneous stops along the way.
For most popular routes you do not need a 4WD. The main highways and roads connecting major towns are in excellent condition. However, if you plan to explore remote national parks or off-road tracks, a four-wheel drive can be useful.
Absolutely. Western Australia offers an excellent introduction to Australia’s landscapes. You can experience beautiful beaches, national parks, wildlife, and relaxed coastal towns without the crowds found in some other regions.
Yes, road trips are very safe and extremely popular in Western Australia. Roads are well maintained and traffic is usually light outside the cities. Basic preparation, such as checking fuel levels and carrying water on longer drives, is usually enough.
The sense of space. Western Australia feels incredibly vast and often surprisingly untouched. Long empty beaches, quiet national parks, and wide open landscapes create a travel experience that feels very different from more densely populated parts of Australia.
One thing that surprises many travelers is that there are no wild koalas in Western Australia. Koalas naturally live on the east coast of Australia, mainly in states like Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. So if seeing koalas is high on your list, Western Australia is unfortunately not the place where you will encounter them in the wild.
Wildlife on the road is something to keep in mind, especially outside the cities. Kangaroos and other animals often become more active around sunset and at night, which is why many locals recommend avoiding long drives after dark whenever possible.
Western Australia offers diverse wildlife both on land and along the coast. Travelers often encounter kangaroos, emus, dolphins, sea lions, stingrays, and many bird species. Marine life is especially impressive, and dolphins are commonly seen near beaches. Wildlife encounters often happen unexpectedly, which makes exploring the region even more exciting.
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