Road Trip on the Australian West Coast: From Perth to Esperance

If you’re heading for Australia’s west coast, you won’t be able to settle for just one city! Firstly, because you didn’t travel 10,000 km to sit on a deckchair sipping a cocktail in Perth, and secondly, because to get the full experience of a trip to Australia, you need to have at least done a road trip! And yes, that’s the rule for any successful surftrip! So load the boards into the van or 4X4 and hit the road!

Perth, the starting point

In Perth , you can stay for a few days before taking to the long coastal roads. Here you can surf the Scarborough Beach and Cottesloe Beach spots, not far from Perth city center. After your session you can spend the evening in the pretty colonial village of Fremantle , with its stores, cafés and restaurants. And if you’re lucky, you can relax with some live music. For a bit of history, head to the prison. Built in 1850, it was used as a place of incarceration for almost 140 years. Today, rehabilitated as a hostel and museum, it allows you to travel back in time and relive the conditions under which former prisoners were held.

Rottnest Island, paradise on earth

What could be better than spending 2 days on an island paradise without having to pay a fortune? Rottnest Island, just 19km off the coast, is a favorite destination for Australians and tourists alike! You’ll have to take the ferry for a 30-minute crossing and pay around $80 for a round trip, but you won’t be disappointed. There are no cars here, only a mini-bus and bicycles to cross the 22km of the island (be careful, it’s uphill). We advise you to rent a bike at the same time as your ferry ticket, as the companies offer more cost-effective packages (crossing + bike + snorkelling equipment). In addition to the magnificent beaches of The Bassin, Little Armstrong Bay and Little Salmon Bay , you’ll be able to get up close to the famous Qokkas , which you won’t see anywhere else (only present on this island in total freedom).

Margaret River, its world-class spots

A 3-hour drive and you’ve arrived at the spots you’ve been dreaming of: The Box and Surfers Point! As well as having world-famous surf spots, Margaret River is a great village with lively stores and bars. You’ll always find a place to party with locals or backpackers. Make the most of it before you leave for Albany!

Albany, loneliness

Albany boasts magnificent beaches such as Nanarup and Punchbowls for surfing, and Gull Rock for its turquoise waters. The Natural Bridge, The Gap and Blowholes are all recommended for a stroll in the area.

Hope, the timeless

This small, unpretentious seaside resort is much loved by Australians for its tranquility, lush bay, free-roaming kangaroos on the beaches and white sand. You can surf in crystal-clear waters at Twilight Beach, climb the Frenchman at Cape Legrand or enjoy the warm waters of the Ten Mile Beach lagoon.

In conclusion, here nature has all the rights! With the exception of Perth, you won’t come across any big cities, but rather small, typical villages. The miles go by, as do the beaches that line the coast. As wild as they are magnificent, and sometimes even deserted. From wild canyons to immaculate white beaches and quaint villages, you’re sure to be impressed. So, for adventurers in search of nature, choose the West Coast!

Number of kilometers: Approx. 1,200km
Time required:Approximately 13 days
Detours to make :

• Perth to Margaret River: stop off at Yallingup to surf or watch the big breakers crashing into the reef.
• From Pemberton to Denmark stretch vast forests of Karris and Jarrahs. Varieties of giant eucalyptus that can exceed 100 meters in height. Take a trip to the Valley of Giant.
• Esperance to Perth: On the way back you can make a detour to the mythical Wave Rock. A granite wave over 15 metres high. It looks like a wave ready to break. It was formed by time and erosion, which carved out its base.