A Backpacker's Guide to Great Road Trips in A Backpacker's Guide to Great Road Trips in Western Australia

Are you thinking about hiring a campervan with a bunch of mates and hitting the open road to explore the best this country has to offer? This has to be one of the top things to do on every traveller’s bucket list. Are you thinking about hiring a campervan with a bunch of mates and hitting the Iof pyeonu r’voead n teov eexrp dlooren eth ae broesatd th tirsi pco iunn Atruy shtarsa tloia o bffeefro? rTeh ios rh ahsi rteod b ea ocnaem opf tehrev an top things to do on every traveller’s bucket list. then here is a handy guide that runs you through everything you need to kIfn yoowu’ vaeb noeuvet rr dooande- tar irpopadin t'r ipn iWn Aeusstterranlia A buesfotrrael oiar. h Wireed’v ae ccaomvpeerrevdan d tehteani lheedr e disr iav hinagn dityi ngueirdaer itehsa,t triupnss fyooru m thurosut-gshe eev perlyatcheinsg t yoo sut onepe ad ntod kensoswe nabtioaul t road- itnrifpoprimn' aint iWones otenr nd Ariuvsitnrgal iDa.o Wwen’v eU cnodverre.d detailed driving itineraries, tips for must-see places to stop and essential information on driving Down Under.

Here is what you can find in the guide

1. Top Tips for Driving a Campervan in Australia 2. West Coast Adventure: to Darwin 3. Explore the South Western Wine region 4. 5. Things you need to do if you break down 6. things you need to see in Western Australia Create an epic playlist, grab the snacks and buckle up, this road trip is going to Total estimated driving time: take some time! We recommend you plan 43 hours (without stops) for at least 21 days for this one, as there are miles to cover and plenty to see. Number of Kilometers: 4,040km

If you want more information on this Recommended days needed: 21 days must do campervan road trip then check out this blog post, otherwise read on for a quick summary.

First Leg: Perth to Shark Bay via the Pinnacles Before you get on the road spend the first couple of days taking in the sights of Perth, a city full of nature, history, action and adventure, arts, culture and dining. Once you’re done exploring then it’s time to commence your drive, heading northbound to Shark Bay. This 9-hour drive will take you along the coast, so make sure your phone or camera has enough charge to capture all the coastal and sunset shots.

On the drive up a must-see is the world famous Pinnacles desert. This awe- inspiring site is home to thousands of huge limestone pillars raised from the shifting yellow sands. When you arrive at Shark Bay, find a spot to camp for the next 2 - 3 days and head out to explore the city of Kalbarri. This is also a great spot for catching sight of dolphins and other marine wildlife, so consider taking one of the many boat trips on offer.

Second Leg

When you’re ready to leave the coastal city of Kalbarri then jump back in the campervan and drive to Karijni National Park. If you want to snorkel, dive or swim with Sharks then make sure you take a route that goes Ningaloo Reef and Cape Bay. These renowned spots are great for spotting for whales, dolphins, dugongs, manta rays, huge cod, turtles and whale sharks.

Third Leg The third and penultimate leg of the trip sees you travel from Karljini to Nitmiluk, a whopping 2,500km apart. As you pass by mountains, northeastern beaches, gorges and outback villages this is definitely one of the most scenic parts of the road trip.

Final Leg

The final leg of this trip takes you from Nitmiluk to Darwin.

Although it might look close together on the map, Nitmiluk to Darwin is almost 400km apart, and so we recommend that you allow about three full days to travel the distance. Next and final stop, Darwin! As the most northern city of Australia, Darwin is home to a stunning harbour and a tropical outdoor lifestyle and if you’re a fan of Asian food then you’re in for a treat! This relaxing and picturesque road trip takes about four days and is the perfect opportunity to slow down the Total estimated driving time: pace while you take in the best of 11 - 13 hours (without stops) South Western Australia’s famous Number of Kilometers: around wine region. 1000km Day 1: Recommended days needed: Kick off this trip by leaving Perth to 3 - 4 days take the to the Albany .

This is around a four-hour drive, but there are opportunities to stop and grab a coffee and snack in one of the small country towns, such as Wheatbelt, on the way.

Your destination is Albany, and once you turn off the engine hop out of the campervan and explore historic Albany. In the afternoon hope back in the campervan and continue the road trip by following the coastline to Denmark, where the tall timber forests of the south meet the sea.

Grab some lunch in this romantic old timber milling town or follow the Mount Shadforth Tourist Drive if your keen to keep on exploring the local area.

The nearest campsites such Parry Beach Camping and Boat Harbour Chalet camping are around 30km east of Denmark along the South Western Highway.

Day 3: The scenic drive from Denmark to Scotsdale, through the rolling hills and valleys of the Karry forest, is the perfect way to ease yourself into day 3 of this Western Australia road trip. You’ll drive by a number of wineries and cellar doors which make this a great place to stop for a long lunch.

The afternoon should be spent by heading west to the William Bay National Park, an ideal destination for swimming and snorkelling.

Day 4: If you’re feeling energetic take a short 45-minute drive to the Valley of Giants Treetop Walk for the best views of some epic views of the local 400-year-old trees. This is located in Walpole.

Spend the afternoon making your way back to up to Perth via local town Manijump. Make sure you taste some of WA’s famous truffles. This 4-day coastal road trip takes you on an adventure through Australia’s wildflowers, epic sunsets and world- famous landscape - The Pinnacles. Total estimated driving time: 9 - 10 hours (without stops) Day 1: First stop Yanchep National Park to hang out with the resident kangaroos Number of Kilometers: and koalas. around 900 km

Recommended days needed: If you make the trip between 3 - 4 days September and October you also get the bonus of seeing the gardens blooming with wildflowers. From here, hop back into the campervan and join the Indian Ocean drive, north of Yanchep.

If you’re feeling peckish then Cervantes is the rock lobster capital, perfect for a fresh seafood lunch by the ocean. Spend the afternoon being amazed by one of Australia’s most stunning landscapes - The Pinnacles, home to some of the oldest living fossils on Earth. Day 2: Head from the Cervantes area north to Jurien Bay. Don’t forget to make time to stop at some of the epic lookout points that look out across the Indian Ocean along the way. Spend the afternoon snorkelling or diving in Jurien Bay, or if you’re feeling brave skydiving out of a plane and onto the beach.

Day 3: Once you’ve grabbed your morning caffeine fix then it’s time to make your way up to Geraldton, the windsurfing capital. Depending on how active you’re feeling you can sit back and watch the pro’s or have a go yourself.

Day 4: If being in the water is your thing then you will love spending time on one of the many coral fringed Abrolhos Islands, perfect for snorkeling, diving, swimming or fishing. From there it’s time to make your way back to Perth via Lancelin, where you can pull up the campervan, sit back, relax and watch the sunset from one of Australia’s tallest sand dunes. Five things you need to see in Western Australia

1. Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse at Dunsborough.

This 20-meter lighthouse dates back to 1904 and marks the start of the Cape to Cape walking track. It might not be an easy climb to the top, but trust us, it’s well worth it for the epic views.

2. Caves Road.

If you’re on the road down in South Perth then there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself on Caves Road. This scenic 111- kilometre long road takes you through the picturesque Karri Forest and Margaret River Region, well known for it’s wineries and farms.

3. Rottnest Island

This island is only a short ferry ride away from Perth and it’s one of the view places on earth that you can find the Quokka, also known as the happiest animal on earth. Check them out on YouTube if you don’t believe us. Five things you need to see in Western Australia

4. Monkey Mia

This is one of Western Australia’s most famous dolphin watching spots. This calm bay is renowned for the famous pod of dolphins that visit the shore most days to be hand fed.

5. Cable beach

This beach is justifiably world famous for its 22 kilometres of white sand and turquoise waters. What makes this really stand out though are the Indian Ocean sunsets. Totally out of this world. Driving in Australia: What you need to know

When you’ve been in Australia for a while you really start to appreciate the sheer size of it. While hopping on a plane and jumping from city to city is great we think that the best way to explore Australia is by hiring a campervan and hitting the open road.

Travelling in a campervan is not only a cheap way to travel (you don’t have to worry about paying for hotels or eating out at restaurants all the time), you also get to call the shots.

Aussie driving rules and regulations

- Stick to the left-hand lane.

- To drive a campervan you can use a valid driving licence from your home country.

- However, if you are planning on staying longer than 6 months then you may want to consider applying for an international driving licence.

- Keep to below 110k.p.h on the highway and below 60k.p.h for cities.

- Petrol is cheaper in Australia than it is in Europe. Save money on your fuel by downloading the MotorMouth. It tells you when and where to get the cheapest fuel from each week. Whether you are a gap year backpacker, budget traveller, or tourist on the cheap, discover campervan hire Australia with Travellers Autobarn.

Visit the website or contact the team for more information today!

www.travellers-autobarn.com.au