From Kalbarri to Margaret River, this is the great Western Australia road trip itinerary featuring all its greatest hits!
Nature’s Window in Kalbarri National Park.
Western Australia may not be the first destination that comes to mind when planning a bucket-list road trip with your friends. But let me tell you, this state is packed with off-the-beaten-path gems that might leave you wondering: am I on another planet?
Being the largest state in Australia, it has everything from sprawling deserts and bubblegum-pink lakes to incredible wildlife encounters.
Add in fun activities like sandboarding and world-class wine-tasting, and you’ve got an epic Australian adventure, minus the crowds 😉
The Pinnacles in Cervantes. Photo credit: Tourism Western Australia
Admittedly, planning how to get from point A to point Z can be time-consuming, so here’s a sample eight-day Western Australia road trip itinerary to help you.
Read till the end and we’ll let you in on a little secret to get a discount for your trip!
8-Day Western Australia Road Trip Overview
Pre-trip Essentials
WiFi/Connectivity: For fuss-free navigation, grab a 4G Optus eSIM Card for ~S$30 (~S$3/3GB per day). Take note that it’s common to have no signal in more remote areas, no matter what SIM or WiFi device you use. So, it’ll be helpful to download offline maps, like the ones available in the MAPS.ME app.
Electronic Travel Authority (ETA): While visas aren’t required for Singaporean passport holders visiting Australia for 90 days, you still need to apply for an ETA (AU$20) on the official AustralianETA app (iOS / Android) before your trip.
Car rental: Save time by booking your car rental in advance. We suggest getting a four-wheel drive (4WD) so you can explore off-road terrain, like at Lancelin Sand Dunes.
You can pre-book via KKday website or the KKday app. Just input your travel dates and pick-up/drop-off points, then choose your preferred vehicle before you check out. (For mobile app: Tap ‘Transport’ > ‘Car rentals’ to start the process!)
*Note: For this itinerary, you save more by paying for park entrance fees individually, instead of getting a National Park Pass. Do check if it makes sense to buy one for your trip!
Day 1: Perth
Pick up your car rental
Once you’ve landed at Perth Airport, the first thing you need to do after getting through immigration is to pick up your set of hot wheels.
If you booked your car rental through KKday, you’ll receive an e-mail with instructions on how to pick it up.
Walk along the edge of the Optus Stadium rooftop
Photo credit: @theozoneperth via Instagram
Kickstart your Western Australia road trip on a high by taking on an adrenaline-filled activity: the VERTIGO Experience at Optus Stadium.
Photo credit: @theozoneperth via Instagram
Walk on a platform along the stadium’s towering edge — 42m above the ground — with only a harness to keep you from free-falling! But don’t worry, they’ll have multiple checks to make sure it’s safe before you start 😉
Take in panoramic views of the Swan River / Derbarl Yerrigan and city skyline from one of Perth’s highest vantage points. Don’t forget to lean out or go swinging for the full experience.
Cost: ~S$110/pax via KKday
Activity timings: Varies per day, 90mins between 10:30AM – 5PM (check schedule when booking)
Address: The OZONE at Optus Stadium, 333 Victoria Park Dr, Burswood WA 6100, Australia
How to get there: 18min drive from Perth International Airport (Google Maps)
Dinner at The Lucky Shag
Photo credit: The Lucky Shag
Cap the day with a visit to the nearby The Lucky Shag and grab ice-cold drinks, as you watch the sunset over some live music.
Photo credit: @theluckyshagwaterfrontbar via Instagram
This is a great place to try your first Fish and Chips (AU$29) of the trip (there’ll be more to come 🤤) or their signature Chilli Mussels (AU$32), two crowd-pleasers with generous portions.
Cost: ~AU$25/entrée (~S$21)
Opening hours: 11AM – 9PM (Mon – Thu), 11AM – 10PM (Fri), 7:30AM – 11PM (Sat), 7:30AM – 9PM (Sun)
Address: Barrack Square, Perth WA 6000, Australia
How to get there: 10min drive from The OZONE at Optus Stadium (Google Maps)
Accommodation (Days 1, 4 & 5): The Great Southern Hotel Perth — for a Budget Queen Room, from ~S$121/night (2 pax). It’s located within 1km of the city centre for easy access to many eateries and nightlife activities, yet far enough to enjoy some quiet time.
Day 2: Perth to Cervantes
Spot humpback whales on a boat tour
Photo credit: Tourism Western Australia
Hop on a whale-watching tour from Fremantle Harbour, and get a front-row seat to humpback whales migrating through the Indian Ocean. Expert guides will also share their knowledge about the whales to make the experience more fun and insightful!
*Note: Whale-watching season in Western Australia varies by location and species. For humpback whales in Perth / Boorloo, it’s usually from September to late November. Check available dates when booking your tour online.
Cost: ~S$81/pax via KKday
Tour timings: 9AM – 11AM, 12PM – 2PM, 3PM – 5PM
Meeting point: Sardine Jetty (1 Mews Rd, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia)
How to get there: 45min drive from The Great Southern Hotel Perth (Google Maps)
Alternative: Enjoy spectacular views from a hot-air balloon
Photo credit: Liberty Balloon Flights
Won’t be in Western Australia during the whale-watching season? Catch the sunrise and wicked views of Avon Valley from a hot-air balloon instead.
Float in the skies for an hour to see endless fields and misty rivers come to life with golden hues. Then when you land, enjoy a hearty breakfast to culminate this bucket list experience.
Cost: From ~S$315/pax via KKday
Tour timings: Starts between 2:30AM – 4:30AM, and ends after ~4 hours; depends on pilot’s discretion
Meeting point: 112 Fitzgerald St E, Northam WA 6401, Australia (package with hotel transfer available)
How to get there: 1hr 30min drive from The Great Southern Hotel Perth (Google Maps)
Lunch at Kailis Fishmarket Cafe
Photo credit: @kailisfremantle via Instagram
So remember when I said there’ll be more fish and chips to come in our Western Australia road trip? Well, Kailis Fishmarket Cafe might be the best place to try some!
This waterfront seafood restaurant in Perth has been around since 1928, so it’s basically a landmark along Fremantle Harbour.
Photo credit: @kailisfremantle via Instagram
The Seafood Platter (AU$68, good for 4pax) includes prawns, squid rings, scallops, chilli mussels, salad, and of course: their iconic fish and chips. Or try items from their raw bar and BBQ menus to enjoy their fresh seafood in another way!
Cost: From ~AU$20/entrée (~S$17)
Opening hours: 10:30AM – 8PM
Address: 46 Mews Rd, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia
How to get there: 2min drive from Sardine Jetty (Google Maps)
Glide down the Lancelin Sand Dunes
After a fin-tastic 🐳 morning, it’s time to hit the road to get off the road! Drive ~2 hours to the Lancelin Sand Dunes for an epic photo session, and a fun off-road driving experience on a 4WD.
Photo credit: Tourism Western Australia
A must-try experience here is sandboarding: ride down the rolling slopes standing, sitting, or lying down — depending on your thrill level.
*Pro-tip: Be prepared with a change of clothes (if you intend on falling a lot 😬), sunglasses, and a windbreaker!
Cost: AU$10/hr (~S$8, excl. booking and admin fees)
Opening hours: 8AM – 7PM
Address: Unnamed Road, Lancelin WA 6044, Australia
How to get there: 2hr 10min drive from Kailis Fishmarket Cafe (Google Maps)
Go stargazing at the Pinnacles
For an otherworldly experience, end the day with dinner and stargazing at the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park.
The 190-hectare desert is home to thousands of natural towering limestone formations (rock pillars), all unique in their own way.
As night falls, the sky transforms into a dazzling canvas of stars.
According to stargazers and astrophotographers, the Pinnacles is around a Class 2 or 3 in the Bortle scale. This means the air is almost pollution-free, giving you clear views of the Milky Way!
Entrance fee: AU$17/private vehicle (~S$14, up to 12 pax)
Opening hours: 24hrs
Address: Nambung WA 6521, Australia
How to get there: 1hr drive from Lancelin Sand Dunes (Google Maps)
Accommodation: Cervantes Pinnacles Motel — for a Family Suite, from ~S$173/night (4 pax). Includes a kitchenette, patio, and garden view.
Day 3: Cervantes to Kalbarri
See the vibrant pink waters of Hutt Lagoon
Photo credit: Tourism Western Australia
Take a thumb-stopper of an Instagram photo at Hutt Lagoon. This extraordinary pink lake in Western Australia gets its vivid bubblegum pink colour from high salt concentration.
Its colour varies throughout the day and time of year: you can even see its waters turn into shades of red in warmer months when the sunlight is intense.
There’s a designated parking area at Pink Lake Lookout (along Port Gregory Road) for quick access to Hutt Lagoon.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 24hrs
Address: R775+X7 Gregory, Western Australia, Australia
How to get there: 4hr drive from Cervantes Pinnacle Motel (Google Maps)
Take in breathtaking views from Kalbarri National Park
Kalbarri National Park / Wurdimarlu might be the perfect destination to experience the best of Western Australia, with many stunning landscapes and walking trails.
Spend some time taking photos at Nature’s Window, a natural rock arch framing the Murchison River, and a view of the rugged outback landscape.
Photo credit: Tourism WA via Explore Parks WA
Nearby is another viewpoint — the Z-Bend Lookout — where you’ll see the gorge from 150m above!
Also drop by Island Rock for its towering coastal cliffs, and you might even see some whales from afar 🐳
Once you’re done exploring the park, drive 4 hours back to Jurien Bay and rest up in your accommodation. The next day’s activity starts early in the morning, and we don’t advise driving too late at night for your safety.
*Pro-tip: If you have an extra day to spare, spend the night in Kalbarri and try out some of the walking trails in the park. For example, on our previous trip, we did the Mushroom Rock hike to catch the sunset and a photo of its dramatic silhouette.
Don’t forget to wear proper trail shoes for the rocky trails!
Cost: AU$17/private vehicle (~S$14) for Nature’s Window and Z-Bend Lookout; Free for Island Rock and Mushroom Rock
Opening hours: 6AM – 6PM (Last entry at 5PM)
Address: 70 Grey Street Kalbarri Skywalk, West Loop Lookout Road, Kalbarri National Park, 70 Grey Street, Kalbarri WA 6536, Australia
How to get there: 1hr 10min drive from Hutt Lagoon (Google Maps)
Accommodation: Jurien Bay Motel Apartments — for a two-bedroom apartment (4 pax), from ~S$245/night. Comes with a kitchen, refrigerator, balcony, and patio.
Day 4: Jurien Bay to Perth
Swim with sea lions in Jurien Bay
Start the morning by getting up close with the “puppies of the sea” in Jurien Bay.
Book a guided sea lion tour and snorkel with these cute creatures in crystal-clear waters to see their acrobatic skills in action. While it’s enthralling to watch them, it’s even more fun chasing (and getting chased) by them!
Since the Australian Sea Lions are an endangered species, the tour will also teach you how to protect them, such as avoiding illegal feeding and dangerous fishing practices.
Cost: AU$165/pax (~S$141) for snorkellers, AU$115/pax (~S$98) for observers
Tour timings: 7AM – 9AM and 9:30AM – 11:30AM (16 Sep – 14 May); 7:30AM – 9:30AM (15 May – 15 Sep)
Meeting point: Jurien Bay Harbour (Boat Harbour, Harbour Dr, Jurien Bay WA 6516, Australia)
How to get there: 4min drive from Jurien Bay Motel Apartments (Google Maps)
Wind down at Kings Park and Botanic Garden
After all the driving the past two days, it’s time to head back to Perth and spend a relaxing afternoon at Kings Park and Botanic Garden / Kaarta Koomba. It has a great view of the city skyline and Swan River, with a garden that has over 3,000 species of native plants.
Walk on one of its many trails, have a picnic, or just sit down and yap under the trees.
If you’re visiting from September to November, you’ll probably encounter many of Western Australia’s popular wildflowers here, too.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 24hrs
Address: Fraser Ave, Perth WA 6005, Australia
How to get there: 2hr 25min drive from Jurien Bay Harbour (Google Maps)
Dinner at Alfred’s Kitchen
Photo credit: Simon Buresch via Google Maps
One of the best ways to experience Perth is by trying one of their classic roadside restaurants: Alfred’s Kitchen.
While their flame-grilled Hamburger (AU$10.50) and Pea & Ham Soup (AU$6.50) are popular, they also make damn good Chips with Gravy (AU$8.50). Heavy on the gravy!
Photo credit: @natashasharen via Instagram
Dining-in at Alfred’s is quite a unique experience, because you get to eat on a refurbished carriage from 1906 and watch actual trains pass by 🚂
Cost: From AU$10/entrée (~S$8)
Opening hours: 5PM – 11PM (Mon – Thu), 5PM – 1AM (Fri), 12PM – 1AM (Sat), 12PM – 11PM (Sun)
Address: Cnr Meadow &, James St, Guildford WA 6055, Australia
How to get there: 30min drive from Kings Park and Botanic Garden (Google Maps)
Day 5: Day trip to Rottnest Island
Photo credit: Tourism Western Australia
One of the most popular day trips from Perth is Rottnest Island / Wadjemup (or Rotto as the locals call it) because of its white-sand beaches, biking paths, cute creatures and more.
You can easily get there via ferry. There are three ports where ferries depart from, each with different travel times and fares:
| Port | Travel time (one-way) | Fare via KKday (round-trip) | Departure time from port | Departure time from Rottnest Island |
| Fremantle Harbour | 30 minutes | ~S$72/pax | 9:30AM | 4PM |
| Hillarys Boat Harbour | 45 minutes | ~S$76/pax (incl. free shuttle from select CBD hotels) | 7:30AM, 10AM, 3PM | 4:30PM |
| Perth (Barrack Street Jetty Ferry Terminal) | 90 minutes | ~S$107/pax | 8:45AM | 3:30PM |
Skip the queues by pre-booking a ferry ride via KKday. All you have to do is present a voucher in your e-mail to get in.
Getting around Rottnest Island: The best way to explore the island and take in the scenery is by riding a bike. There’s a bike rental shop — Pedal and Flipper (AU$73/day for an e-bike, AU$32/day for a regular bike) — only a 5-minute walk from Rottnest Island Port.
Or book the Bike & Ferry Combo package via KKday (~S$101/pax), where you’ll pick up your bike at the Rottnest Fast Ferries office upon checking in at Hillarys Boat Harbour. That means less time spent getting to/from the bike rental shop, and more time exploring the island!
Freefall from 15,000ft in the skies
Photo credit: Tourism Western Australia
If skydiving has always been on your bucket list, then Rottnest Island is a great place to tick it off! To paraphrase one of our teammates who had their first skydiving experience here: “some things are not meant to be said, but done”.
Skydive from up to 15,000ft in the air to admire vivid turquoise waters, white beaches, and coral reefs (please don’t close your eyes 😅).
Is the view worth the fear of falling from that high? We’ll let this picture speak for itself:
*Pro-tip: Book your skydiving experience in advance since it’s a popular activity and spots do get filled up.
Cost: From ~S$340/pax via KKday
Activity timings: 7:50AM – 2:50PM, every 40 minutes
Meeting point: Skydive Geronimo in Rottnest Island Airport (Brand Way, Rottnest Island WA 6161, Australia)
How to get there: 2min bike ride from Pedal and Flipper (Google Maps)
Have lunch on the beach
Skip dining in and head to the secluded Parakeet Bay for a beach picnic with only your friends and the tranquil waters.
Grab takeaway from eateries near Thomson Bay Settlement and the Visitor Centre — you’ll pass by it when you first enter the island.
Photo credit: @frankiesonrotto via Instagram
One popular restaurant on the island is Frankie’s on Rotto, which is famous for its pizza. Try their Margherita (AU$22.50) or Fisherman Pizza (AU$31), topped with clams, mussels, prawns, and more seafood!
Parakeet Bay
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 24hrs
Address: Rottnest Island WA 6161, Australia
How to get there: 13min bike ride from Skydive Geronimo (Google Maps)
Frankie’s on Rotto
Cost: ~AU$25/entrée (~S$21)
Opening hours: 11:30AM – 8PM
Address: 342 Somerville Dr, Rottnest Island WA 6161, Australia
How to get there: 1min bike ride from Rottnest Island Visitor Centre (Google Maps)
Go cycling around the island
After your beach rendezvous, continue cycling around the island for even more beach-hopping and photo-ops.
The official Rottnest Island website has laid out three cycling routes: the 4km loop, 10km loop, and the ultimate 22km loop that covers the entire island.
The 10km route is advisable for a day trip. It normally takes 1.5 to 3 hours to finish, and you’ll pass by picturesque beaches, lakes, wetlands, and the Wadjemup Lighthouse.
Photo credit: Tourism Western Australia
Before heading back to your return ferry, make sure you meet quokkas in the wild! There are five identified best spots to see them, including the base of Wadjemup Lighthouse.
*Note: You can’t touch or feed quokkas because they’re an endangered species. Simply crouch down and let them come to you for a picture.
Wadjemup Lighthouse
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 10AM – 3PM
Address: Wadjemup Rd, Rottnest Island WA 6161, Australia
How to get there: 14min bike ride from Parakeet Bay (Google Maps)
Day 6: Perth to Busselton
Go on a dolphin-spotting cruise in Mandurah
Photo credit: Mandurah Cruises
Mandurah / Mandjoogordap is known as one of the best places in Western Australia for wild bottlenose dolphin encounters. Watch them play, feed and glide in the open waters on a guided tour.
Photo credit: Mandurah Cruises
Other than seeing dolphins, you’ll cruise past scenic canals with luxury waterfront houses. It’s like Venice if you squint!
Cost: ~S$33/pax via KKday
Tour timings: 10AM – 11:15PM, 11AM – 12:15PM, 11:30AM – 12:45PM, 1:30PM – 2:45PM, 3PM – 4:15PM
Meeting point: Mandurah Boardwalk Jetty (73 Mandurah Terrace, Mandurah WA 6210, Australia)
How to get there: 1hr 45mins from Great Southern Hotel Perth (Google Maps)
Ride the train at Busselton Jetty
Photo credit: Jarrad Sang via Busselton Jetty
You might think jetties aren’t exciting, but Busselton Jetty / Undalup is more than a wooden pier with blue houses.
For starters, it’s the longest wooden pier in the Southern Hemisphere, spanning 1.8km. And rather than walking it, you can actually hop on its iconic red train and see a great view of Geographe Bay’s blue waters.
Photo credit: Jarrad Sang via Busselton Jetty
Then enter one of only six Underwater Observatories in the world. It’s 8m below surface, with giant windows to view the vibrant marine life in the sea: coral reefs, fish, and maybe even sea lions if you’re lucky.
Cost: ~S$34/pax via KKday (incl. Jetty Day Pass, Jetty Train return ticket, and Underwater Observatory tickets)
Opening hours: 24hrs (Jetty access), 9AM – 5PM (Jetty Train), 9AM – 5PM (Underwater Observatory)
Address: 17 Foreshore Parade, Busselton WA 6280, Australia
How to get there: 1hr 50mins drive from Mandurah Boardwalk Jetty (Google Maps)
Dinner at KYST
Photo credit: @kyst.au via Instagram
A short walk from the Busselton Jetty is KYST, a restaurant overlooking the jetty, offering a relaxing and scenic dining experience.
Their menu items range from fresh seafood, roasted lamb (a specialty of the restaurant), and indulgent dessert options — all with generous portions. Customers generally like to pair their food with draught beer or wine to complete the KYST experience!
Cost: ~AU$30/main (~S$25)
Opening hours: 8:30AM – 8:30PM
Address: 1 Foreshore Parade, Busselton WA 6280, Australia
How to get there: 2min walk from Busselton Jetty (Google Maps)
Accommodation: Busselton Ithaca Motel — for a quadruple room (4 pax), from ~S$150/night. Comes with a kitchenette and courtyard view.
Day 7: Margaret River
Explore the Mammoth Cave
Photo credit: Margaret River Region
Start your day with a unique adventure by driving to Margaret River and exploring the magnificent Mammoth Cave.
Photo credit: Tim Campbell via Busselton Tourism Association
Unlike other caves in the region, this one offers an audio guide to lead you through the experience. Wander through massive chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites, and spot ancient fossils.
Entrance fee: AU$25/pax (~S$21)
Opening hours: 9AM – 5PM (last entry at 4PM)
Address: Caves Rd, Forest Grove, WA, 6285
How to get there: 1hr drive from Busselton Ithaca Motel (Google Maps)
Indulge in a wine-tasting experience
Photo credit: @margaretriver via Instagram
If there was one place to do wine-tasting on your Western Australia road trip, it’s Margaret River / Wooditjbilyup. It boasts over 200 wineries — many of which have won awards, and produce 20% of the country’s premium wine.
So, live out your sommelier fantasies with a guided half-day wine tour!
Photo credit: @my___lmy via Instagram
Take in the views from gorgeous vineyards and taste award-winning wine from these world-class wineries: Voyager Estate, Xanadu, Brown Hill Estate, and McHenry Hohnen. You’ll get to pair them with artisanal cheeses and handcrafted chocolates too.
Don’t worry if you have no clue about wine: an expert will give you some tips and also share facts about the wine region.
Cost: AU$120/pax (~S$101)
Tour timings: 12:30PM – 4:30PM
Pick-up point: Margaret River Visitor Centre (100 Bussell Hwy, Margaret River WA 6285, Australia)
How to get there: 15min drive from Mammoth Cave (Google Maps)
Dinner at La Scarpetta Trattoria
Photo credit: Tourism Western Australia
Continue the gourmet experience by having dinner at La Scarpetta Trattoria. The quaint Italian restaurant doesn’t only look the part with its vintage interiors, but it tastes the part as well.
Photo credit: @danielle_costley_ via Instagram
Their speciality lies in the antipasti, and pasta (~AU$35), which is made from scratch every day. Italian customers have commented about how authentic their food tastes, which is a testament to the quality of their food.
Cost: From ~AU$35/pasta dish (~S$29)
Opening hours: 5PM – 9:30PM (Mon – Fri & Sun), 5PM – 9PM (Sat)
Address: 73 Bussell Hwy, Margaret River WA 6285, Australia
How to get there: 1min drive from Margaret River Visitor Centre (Google Maps)
Accommodation: Riverview Tourist Park — for a Three-Bedroom Chalet, from S$303/night (4 pax). An entire house to yourselves overlooking the Margaret River. Comes with a private kitchen, balcony, and outdoor dining area.
Day 8: Perth
Visit the Fremantle Markets
It’s the last day of your Western Australia road trip, so it’s ideal to keep it light to account for your 3-hour drive back to Perth.
After that long drive, reward yourself with lunch at Fremantle Markets. This weekend market has been around since 1897 selling food, produce, handicrafts, and other souvenir items, making it an iconic attraction for locals and tourists alike.
A food trip here is great because there are many types of cuisine and novel delicacies available. Some of our favourites from our last trip include The Honeycake (honey-based dessert bars) and Roogenic Tea (sleep-inducing tea).
*Note: The Fremantle Markets is only open from Friday to Sunday. In case you can’t make it, there are many restaurants in the area open all week long, such as: Grill’d Fremantle, Bun Mi Cafe, Benny’s Bar & Cafe, and more.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 9AM – 6PM (Fri – Sun), closed on weekdays
Address: South Terrace &, Henderson St, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia
How to get there: 3hr 10min drive from Riverview Tourist Park (Google Maps)
Hear ghastly stories at Fremantle Prison
Have more time before heading off to the airport? Immerse yourself in a spine-tingling piece of Western Australia’s history with a visit to Fremantle Prison.
This UNESCO World Heritage site was built by prisoners in the 1850s, and operated as a maximum-security prison until 1991.
Today, there are five different guided tours, including the Behind Bars Tour where you’ll learn about Perth’s worst criminals and the inhumane conditions they were subjected to. Think grim solitary cells and execution chambers 😱
For the more adventurous who have an extra day to spare: the nighttime Torchlight Tour (AU$29/pax) takes you through the prison as guides tell you sordid horror stories. Then there’s the Tunnels Tour (AU$66/pax), which involves descending 20m below the prison and exploring a labyrinth of tunnels.
Behind Bars Tour
Cost: From AU$23/pax (~S$19, varies per tour)
Tour timings: Hourly tours between 10:30AM – 4:30PM, for 75mins each
Address: 1 The Terrace, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia
How to get there: 3min drive from Fremantle Markets (Google Maps)
Other destinations to visit if you have more time
Francois Peron National Park in Shark Bay
These two destinations require adding an extra day each to your Western Australia road trip itinerary.
1) Shark Bay (3.5-hour drive from Kalbarri)
It’s best to visit Shark Bay / Gathaagudu after Kalbarri, with Geraldton / Jambinu acting as a quick pit stop if you need one.
Contrary to what its name entails, Shark Bay is not only home to reef sharks, but other exotic wildlife like manta rays, turtles, and pelicans. This, plus its clear waters and red cliffs, makes it a worthwhile add-on to your Western Australia road trip.
Monkey Mia
Get the chance to spot and feed wild dolphins at Monkey Mia! They appear almost every morning near the jetty, in time for the first feeding at around 7:45AM.
However, the beach gets crowded quickly, so it’s advisable to get there early for a good spot.
We recommend spending the night at Monkey Mia so you don’t have to drive super early in the morning to catch the dolphins.
The only accommodation in the area is RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort (from ~S$151/night for a 4-person budget room). Enjoy beachfront access, a swimming pool, and views of Shark Bay from their bar.
Entrance fee: AU$15/pax (~S$13)
Activity timings: Three feedings between 7:45AM – 12PM
Address: 1 Monkey Mia Rd, Monkey Mia WA 6537, Australia
How to get there: 4min walk from RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort (Google Maps)
Francois Peron National Park
After feeding the dolphins, head to Francois Peron National Park and kayak, stand-up paddle (SUP), or paddle-boat your way through crystal-clear waters.
There are numerous great kayaking spots here such as Big Lagoon, famous for its calm turquoise waters and red sandstone. Along the way, you might even see different types of fish, manta rays, turtles, and other marine creatures!
Entrance fee: AU$17/vehicle (~S$14, fee collection box is located at the park entrance)
Opening hours: 24hrs; Visitor centre is only open from 8:30AM – 4:30PM, closed on weekends
Address: Francois Peron Nat’l Park WA 6537, Australia
How to get there: 25min drive from Monkey Mia reserve (Google Maps)
2) Wave Rock (4-hour drive from Perth)
It’s best to visit Wave Rock / Katter Kich by:
a) heading there between Perth and Busselton, or
b) taking a detour on the way back to Perth from Margaret River.
However, avoid going here on the same day as your flight back home, since it takes 4 hours to get back to Perth. You may stay overnight in the town of Hyden if you don’t want to drive there and back on the same day.
Photo credit: @_ben_mc_ via Instagram
Wave Rock is 3km from the town of Hyden. As its name suggests, it’s a massive multicoloured granite formation — 15m high and spanning 110m long — resembling a giant frozen wave.
It makes for a great photo-op with many tourists posing like they’re surfing on the rock.
Photo credit: @hike_australia via Instagram
A 13-minute walk from there also leads to Hippo’s Yawn, another interesting rock formation which looks like a (surprise!) yawning hippopotamus. There are also views of the surrounding bushland from here.
*Pro-tip: It can get extremely hot at Wave Rock, so bring a cap and sunscreen for protection. Also, visit in the early morning or before sunset to avoid the heat.
Entrance fee: AU$12/car (~S$10)
Opening hours: 24hrs
Address: Hyden WA 6359, Australia
How to get there: 4hr drive from The Great Southern Hotel Perth (Google Maps)
Things to know before your Western Australia road trip
Some may argue that eight days isn’t enough to cover Western Australia. But you’ll be amazed by how many unmissable destinations and adventures you can fit into that window of time. Plus, it’s just enough to leave you wanting more 😉
If you’re ready to take on this unique, once-in-a-lifetime adventure Down Under, familiarise yourselves with these tips when planning your Western Australia road trip:
1) Pre-book your car rental
Book car rentals online through platforms like KKday for convenience — no queues, flexible bookings, and wider car selections.
Via website: Just input your preferred pick-up and drop-off points for your travel dates. Choose from various vehicle types that suit your group’s needs, then check out!
Via app: Tap ‘Transport’ > ‘Car rentals’, then follow the same instructions as the website.
The best part is: Get AU$54 OFF (~S$46) on Western Australia car rentals and all WA activities, with a min. spend of AU$300 (~S$251). Just use the code <KKWA25>*, valid till 31 May 2025!
2) Avoid common driving mistakes
Take note of these things that will save you some trouble, especially if it’s your first time driving in Australia:
– Wildlife like kangaroos can randomly jump out onto the road, so always be vigilant when driving.
– For your safety, try not to drive too late at night — especially in remote areas with little to no light. If you’re tired, take a nap at designated rest stops to recharge.
– Make sure your car always has sufficient fuel when travelling long distances, because petrol stations are generally few and far apart in remote areas. Download Fuel Map Australia to check locations of nearby petrol stations and prices.
3) Best time to visit
While anytime is a great time for a road trip in Western Australia, it’s best to consider the weather and season depending on your itinerary.
April to October has cooler temperatures, which means better travel conditions for outback driving, and more comfortable hikes. Wildlife are also more active and sightings are higher during this time, like the dolphins in Monkey Mia and humpback whales in Perth (migration period).
Conversely, December to February is summertime in Australia. The hot weather may be better for beach and water activities, as well as visiting red desert landscapes as their colour is more striking this time of year.
4) Check out other Western Australia guides
Crawley Edge Boatshed in Perth
Read some of our itineraries and guides on Western Australia to help you plan your trip and discover other destinations:
– 11D Western Australia Itinerary — Coastal Road Trip From Perth To Ningaloo
– Rottnest Island Guide — Day Trip with Epic Skydiving, Pristine Beaches, and Selfies with Adorable Quokkas
– 17 Exciting Things to Do in Perth — Not For the Faint-Hearted
What other attractions should we add to this Western Australia road trip? Let us know in the comments below!
This post is brought to you in partnership with KKday.
*Applicable to all Western Australia activities and experiences with min. spend of AUD 300, except for products in Promotion Exclusion List.
– Not applicable for Shopback users.
– Standard product terms and conditions apply.
– KKday reserves the right to amend or modify the terms and conditions without prior notice
