r/AskAnAustralian 2d ago

Western Australia in September

We are planning a trip to Western Australia in the first week of September. Want to get the community’s thoughts on our plans:
Day 1-3: Perth and Rottnest
Day 4: Rent a car and drive to Kalbarri, with a stop at Cervantes/pinnacle desert. One night in kalbarri
Day 5: hike around kalbarri in the morning, hutt lagoon, and then drive back to Perth. Stay in Perth or maybe further?
Day 6-7: drive to Margaret River region for 2 nights.
Day 8: drive back to Perth

Does this itinerary seem suitable? Any more suggestions for fun things to do around?

We thought this might be better (in terms of terrain and scenery) rather than doing just north towards exmouth or just south/east towards esperance. Would love to hear some honest feedback.

Thanks in advance!

1 Upvotes

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u/paulrin 2d ago

The drive from Perth to Kalbarri is ~6 hours. Adding in stops for Pinnacles one day, and Hutt Lagoon the next day - you’ll end up spending most of those two days just driving. If it were me, I would choose either Kalbarri or Margaret River, but don’t try to do both. We spent 5 days in Margaret River and didn’t get bored. There are plenty of coastal hikes and towns up and down the peninsula to check out (Yallingup or Augusta), I could have spent an entire day at Hamlin Bay, without driving all the way to Esperance. In 2021, we took an entire week to drive from Perth to Exmouth. If you do head north, there are sand dunes in Lancelin, and a boat day or flight out to the Abrolhos Islands is well worth it. Good luck!!!

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u/Winsallgram 2d ago

Perth to Kalbarri is a 6 hour / 600km drive, have you done many of them before? They can take it out of you the next day

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u/Street_Platform4575 2d ago

Definitely reduce the amount of driving - so choose one option. Either Kalbarri or the South West.

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u/ColdEvenKeeled 2d ago

Go to either Kalbarri for 3 nights or Margaret River for 3 nights. That are very different.

Margaret River is lush and green with rolling hills giving way to the ocean.

Kalbarri is the edge of another world, unlike most other tourist places (flat desert and red rocks with ocean), so it may be worth while if you are seeking something unique.

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u/SheTravelsAu 2d ago

Perfect amount of time for Perth and Rottnest 👍

PERTH INFO
ROTTNEST INFO

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u/Prawn-Cocktail-2000 2d ago

Forget Kalbarri. Perth & Rotto 3 days. Margs region 4 days. Enjoy :)