Traveling through Australia sounds kinda like going to the supermarket, doesn't it? I mean, everybody is going "down under" and somehow it is nothing special. But I definitely have to disagree to this opinion! Of course, it is really touristic and there is no challenge in handling a stay there. But I really lost a part of my heart in Australia and in this post I will show you why.
If you're thinking about heading off to OZ I would really recommend you guys to do so! But ask yourself before your travels where you exactly want to go and what you want to see. Because the fifth continent is huge and there is a lot to discover. And if you don't want to do what everybody else is doing then you should really think about visiting Western Australia. I mean, the east coast is nice and I loved Sydney or Fraser Island – but there's really everyone. So, do something special and discover the breathtaking landscape and the amazing sunsets of the west coast. I did it within one week. Get all the informations you need about my one week west coast trip, the costs and pro and cons in the following post:
Money: For one week from Perth to Exmouth I paid round about 1000 AUD (about 650 Euro) – hostels, food and fuel are included.
Extra-costs: You just have to pay extra money if you love to do extra stuff like snorkeling with manta rays or buying extra food.
Booked with: The tour was guided by Aussie Wanderer, I planned it with the travel agency Peter Pans. Peter Pans is nearly everywhere in OZ and I really recommend you to go there. They always adviced me very well and when you ask politely I'm sure they give you a good price.
Pro guided west coast tour:
- The tour is guided, so you can easily get special insider tips
- Get to know other people (on my tour there were round about 12 people)
- The costs are totally fine because you do not have to pay for fuel or hostels, it's included
Contra guided tour:
- Possibility of cabin fever
- No choice of how long you want to stay at one place, it's all set
7 DAYS – FROM PERTH TO EXMOUTH AND BACK
DAY 1 – PERTH TO KALBARRI
Our first stop is the impressive Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park. We're enjoying a fully guided tour through the amazing limestone formations. After that we're having lunch by the sea and a stopping in the town of Geraldton. Our overnight stay is on the Big River Ranch. Before we arrive we're seeing trees lying on the ground. They are not broken as you may suggest, it is because of the continiously blowing of the wind from one direction. You can see a picture in the collage below.
DAY 2 – KALBARRI TO SHARK BAY / MONKEY MIA
Leaving the Ranch hostel surrounded by cacti and horses and visiting "The Murchison Gorge", "Natures Window" and "Z-Bend" in Kalbarri National Park. Here we're having the option to try abseiling into the gorge for 30 AUD. After that we're heading off in the direction of Shell Beach and Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort for our accommodation.
DAY 3 – SHARK BAY TO CORAL BAY
After one night in the most beautiful hostel I've ever seen – next to the beach and surrounded by palm trees and colorful flowers – we're meeting the famous Monkey Mia Dolphins and taking some photos. Back on the road we're visiting the breathing rock formations called Stromatolites, before arriving in Coral Bay. It is located right on the famous and beautiful Ningaloo Reef. On our way we're seeing Emus for the first time.
DAY 4 – CORAL BAY
Today is one day off – so, no driving during the da with the van but it is possible to book private tours. For 160 AUD I'm heading off to snorkel with manta rays what is pretty impressive. This evening we're leaving to take the short drive up the peninsular to Exmouth and check in to our hostel.
DAY 5 – EXMOUTH
Today we're waking up in the hostel – Exmouth Cape Holiday Park – in Exmouth and exploring Cape Range National park. We're hiring snorkel gear, driving to the stunning Turquoise Bay, relaxing on the beach and having great hours on one of the whitest beaches I've ever seen. In the evening we're watching the sunset at the Vlamingh Head Lighthouse and then heading back to our accommodation for dinner and a few drinks.
DAY 6 & 7 – WAY BACK FROM EXMOUTH, PASSING KALBARRI AND FINALLY TO PERTH
This morning getting up pretty early to start our way back in the direction of Perth. Having lunch in the town of Carnarvon and getting back to Kalbarri for our overnight stay. On the next day we're heading off for the last trip and stopping at Greenough Wildlife Park, a sanctuary for animals where we can hug a Joey and take a picture with a snake. After that we're having fun while trying to sandboard in the amazing Lancelin Sand Dunes and then we're finally off to Perth.
