SouthWest Australia
There are many attractions of Southeast Australia. The surf on the countless, sprawling golden beaches – virtually empty compared to the more famous beaches of Australia, such as Bondi Beach in Sydney. There are many vineyards, fruit orchards, plus acres and acres of impressive forests.
Starting in Perth, I made my way south, through the forests of Mount Frankland National Park, to Denmark. Then, following the coastal route, to Albany, Esperance, and Cape Le Grand National Park.
Heading inland from Esperance, through miles of the outback, I saw the iconic Wave Rock. Turning back towards the coast, I passed the peaks of the Stirling Ranges. Finally traipsing the coastal route again, from Augusta, to Margaret River and Cape Naturaliste.
There are various opportunities to experience exactly how impressive the forests are at spots around the state. Often in what were originally used as lookouts for bush fires, high up in the trees, you can walk steps or ladders up through the leafy ceiling.
The climate can mean soaring temperatures. A real, increasing danger is bushfires. There are warnings to look out for, but it’s not always going to be possible to avoid. Be mindful, and be prepared to leave the area urgently if required.
The beaches of Southwest Australia are second to none. It is quite remarkable when you arrive to find a handful of people on the beach, maybe a few surfers or people fishing. The scenery varies along the coastline, from wide, open beaches, to secluded, wild bays and small, rugged coves. The beaches invite endless walks across the sand, watching the tide come in. Often, a public barbecue facility is set-up by the car park.
The Southwest of Australia isn’t quite the same as the outback of northern or central Australia. However, Fitzgerald River is a close match. Set in a huge expanse of bushland, with subtle hills in the distance, the sunrises and sunsets create an intense red and orange.
Arguably the biggest draw of is Wave Rock, found in Hyden, located far into the outback. The formation is iconic, given the wave.
The Sterling Ranges are an unusual attraction in an otherwise flat region. When I turned up, there was a sudden downpour in the afternoon, preventing a closer exploration. The scene itself is impressive, particularly after driving for hundreds of miles in the vast, flat outback.
A hugely enjoyable aspect of this road trip was driving without seeing much, if any, traffic. It’s the culture to wave hello to drivers-by here, from your wheel, as you would on a quiet country walk. A nice touch, which simultaneously reminds you of other human’s existence, as well as the novelty of having the road to yourself for long periods. This culture extends to anyone unfortunate enough to breakdown – which I did twice in my time in Western Australia. On both occasions I didn’t wait long for assistance.
For those concerned, if you are sleeping rough there are plenty of public washrooms and showers. You don’t need to search for long to find a nice place to park up and sleep in your vehicle, or camp.
WA promises mesmerising views, before you sleep, and when you wake up. With the warm climate, sleeping outside is comfortable for much of the year. However, once the sun is up, the temperate can become intolerable in tent or static vehicle. Fortunately, the water is great place to cool down, and you can find shade in the wooded areas.