A 7-Day Western Australia Road Trip: From the Indian Ocean Coast to the Pink Lake, Discovering the Purest Australia
In August 2017, I embarked on a long-awaited independent trip to Western Australia. Flying from Taipei with a layover in Kuala Lumpur, I crossed over half of the Indian Ocean and finally arrived in Perth on the west coast of Australia. Right after getting off the plane, I headed to the rental car company to pick up our vehicle, set up a SIM card, and went to the supermarket to stock up on groceries for the next few days, officially kicking off our 7-day, 6-night road trip.
Stop 1: The Charming Harbor City of Fremantle
On the first day of our journey, we visited Fremantle, located just a short distance from Perth. This port city has preserved its rich colonial-era architecture, and strolling through its streets makes you feel as though time has slowed down.
We first visited the Round House, one of Western Australia's oldest buildings, before walking down to the harbor to enjoy the world-renowned Cicerello's Fish & Chips. Fresh fried fish paired with the ocean breeze is the most classic Aussie flavor. Afterward, we took a ride on the Ferris wheel for a panoramic view of the harbor, wandered around the vibrant, locally-flavored Fremantle Markets, and toured Fremantle Prison—once used to hold maximum-security convicts—experiencing a completely different historical atmosphere. In the afternoon, we headed back to Perth, specifically stopping by the famous Blue Boat House for some photos, and then went to Kings Park to admire the Swan River and the city skyline. A beautiful sunset provided the perfect ending to our first day.
Stop 2: Sand Dunes, The Pinnacles, and the Indian Ocean
Leaving Perth behind, we officially began our road trip heading north along the Indian Ocean coast.
Our first stop was Yanchep National Park, where we saw koalas lounging lazily in the trees and immersed ourselves in Australia's pristine natural scenery. Next, we arrived in Lancelin to take on the thrilling white sand dunes. Sandboarding down the soft, fine sand was an unforgettable, exhilarating experience.
In the afternoon, we reached the Pinnacles Desert. Thousands of natural limestone pillars stand tall in the golden desert, creating a surreal landscape under the glow of the setting sun. It felt like stepping onto another planet and was undoubtedly one of the most awe-inspiring highlights of the entire trip. We spent the night in the coastal town of Cervantes, enjoying a peaceful and relaxing evening by the sea.
Stop 3: The Dreamy Hues of the Pink Lake
Early in the morning, we headed to Lake Thetis to marvel at the stromatolites, one of the oldest living lifeforms on Earth. Afterward, we stopped by the Lobster Shack to taste Western Australia's famous rock lobster; its fresh and sweet flavor was truly unforgettable.
Continuing north along the coast, we passed through Jurien Bay before reaching our most highly anticipated destination: Hutt Lagoon. As the sunlight danced across the water, the entire lake radiated a dreamy pink hue, standing in striking contrast against the blue sky like a natural masterpiece. We kept driving north, stopping by Natural Bridge, Eagle Gorge, and Pot Alley along the way. Each spot showcased the extraordinary coastal topography shaped by the Indian Ocean. We arrived in Kalbarri at dusk, wrapping up a very fulfilling day.
Stop 4: National Parks and Harbor Cities
In the morning, we made our way to Kalbarri National Park to see the famous Nature's Window. The naturally formed rock arch acts just like a picture frame, perfectly capturing the magnificent gorge scenery behind it. It is absolutely one of Western Australia's most iconic natural wonders.
We then drove to Geraldton, first visiting the HMAS Sydney II Memorial to pay our respects to history, before heading into the city center to restock supplies for the rest of our trip. At sunset, the port city exuded a laid-back vibe, allowing us to truly appreciate the unique tranquility of Western Australia's small towns.
The Final Day: Returning to Perth for a Sweet Ending
On the way back, we stopped to see the peculiarly angled Leaning Tree and took a brief rest at a coastal lookout to soak in our final views of the Indian Ocean. Upon returning to Perth, we made a special detour to the Swan Valley.
This region is home to numerous wineries, cafes, chocolate factories, and honey farms. We sampled artisanal chocolates and rich coffee, and picked up plenty of souvenirs to take home, bringing our journey to a sweet close. After returning the rental car at noon the following day, we boarded our flight back to Asia with hearts full of memories.
Epilogue
During our 7-day, 6-night Western Australia road trip, even though we drove hundreds of kilometers each day, we encountered almost no traffic. Instead, we were accompanied solely by vast open highways, endless coastlines, and spectacular nature.
From the historic streets of Fremantle, the surreal Pinnacles Desert, and the dreamy pink waters of Hutt Lagoon, to the breathtaking Kalbarri National Park, every stop showcased a different facet of Western Australia. Compared to the bustling East Coast of Australia, the West Coast offers a profound sense of purity and tranquility, allowing you to truly experience the ultimate freedom of a road trip.
Looking back on this trip years later, what I miss most isn't just the scenery along the way, but the sheer freedom of setting out each morning with the sunrise and rolling into the next little town with the sunset. With its vast landscapes and magnificent natural beauty, Western Australia has left me with unforgettable travel memories.