7 days trip for our vacation in Perth

Actually, we were in Perth for 9 days in total. However due to the arriving time (11.55pm) and departure time (6.00am), we were not able to do any activities on these both days. Basically, this was our itinerary throughout the vacation (25th Aug - 2nd Sept):

Day 1:
Arrived in Perth airport (11.55pm) and collecting the car and heading towards hotel. By the time we reach hotel, it was 3 in the morning.

Day 2:
Perth City --> Mandurah City --> Back Beach --> Busselton Jetty --> Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse.
In fact, we skip the Ferguson Valley in between as we were tired due to the late arrival the previous day. Also, we didn't visit Dolphin Discovery Centre in Bunburry as well. Overnight at Dunsborough.

Day 3:
Sugarloaf Rock --> Canal Rocks --> The Natural Olive Oil Soap Factory --> Bootleg Brewery --> Laurance Cellar --> Margaret River Chocolate Company --> Providore Margaret River --> Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse --> Cape Leeuwin Waterwheel
We overnight in Pemberton. Nothing much here, but wonderful view of forrest and of course the fresh air. It's always good back to nature once in a while.

Day 4:
Beedelup Falls --> Coalmine Beach --> Tree Top Walk at Valley of Giant --> Peaceful Bay --> Greens Pool & Elephant Rocks
Along the way, there are many nice beaches around. Need to do more research to enjoy the beach view over here. One of it is Mandalay Beach, but we skip it due to the limited time we have. It was fun to drive long the road here, as one will see wonderful beaches. Overnight in Albany.

Day 5:
Middleton Beach --> Albany Wind Farm --> The Gap & Natural Bridge --> Whale World
Today we just moving around Albany area. In fact, we also skip few places such as ANZAC Memorial. But again, we visited the wind farm which actually not in our plan, but well worth to visit it, no regret for us. Not much places we visit today, as we drove long way heading towards Hyden and stay there.

Day 6:
Wave Rock --> Hippos Yawn --> The Humps & Mulka's Cave --> Perth City
Main itineray for today was Wave Rock. Driving all the way from Albany (few hours) just to see the rock. Again, it's amazing to see the rock here and understanding the process. Once done, we were heading back to Perth City. Another long journey to go, and staying in Perth City.

Day 7:
Swan Valley area (famous for winery) --> Sandalford Wines --> Caversham Wildlife Park --> Pinnacles Desert --> Sand Dunes --> Lancelin Jetty
Today's journey depends on one's own preference. We went to Swan Valley area quite early, and most of the vineyard yet to start operate. So we just take photograph on some of it. Wildlife park is worth to visit, where could see white kangaroo there. We heading north of Perth town to experience the 'desert environment'. Overnight at Lancelin. Good place to stay, not noisy at night and out of city life. Most important, by the beach side.

Day 8:
Scarborough Beach --> Kings Park --> Souvenir Shopping --> Fremantle Town --> Perth City
Visited Kings Park, as coincide with their wild flower festival. If one has more time, maybe can plan to visit Rottnest Island. Recommend Fremantle Town to appreciate the history of the town. For me, the town is worth to visit. Overnight in Perth City and packing our luggages.

Day 9:
Heading towards airport catching the 6.00am flight.

Recommended to book the car online before arriving in Perth. Also check on the operating hour of the car rental agency, as when reaching late at night, the service might not be available until the next morning. There was a tourist trying to book the car on the spot, but no car left as it was peak time, due to one of the university having convocation during that time. Always book in advance. Also, we bring along our own GPS device. It is also advisable to book the accommodation in advance. Inform them if arriving late for check-in.

It's a pleasant to drive by ourselves to visit the areas we've been. There is only 1 thing to remember, always follows the speed limit while driving. When travel by car, we could travel to places where would like, whenever we like. No pressure on it.

It was end of winter when we were there. Many nice scenary to be seen. From all the places we've been, it give us different view depending on which area we were during that time. When we travel south, it's cold and the view was more towards coastal road, beaches etc. But when we heading towards north, temperature rises and it's more towards desert environment like Pinnacle and Sand Dune. Also, different season might provide you with different experience in Perth.

We could see wild animals such as kangaroo, parrots etc roaming freely with the large natural national park gazetted by the government. A colorful life indeed.

Perth is a good place for vacation. Before we came here, we never thought so much places for us to visit. Once we were here, we found that we need more time than we think to travel to cover the whole Western Australia. Besides travel by car here, one could also opt for caravan. There are many caravan park available. Another experience that could be explored over here.

Fremantle Town... an interesting historic town to be visited

Coordinate: S32°03.5112′ E115°44.8007′
Website: http://www.fremantlewa.com.au/

After the shopping spree on the last day, we decided to come over to Fremantle city. The city is rich of history values, as Fremantle boasts the best preserved example of a 19th century port streetscape in the world with its world-famous heritage buildings and a fascinating maritime and convict history.

Fremantle was the first area settled by the Swan River colonists in 1829. It was declared a city in 1929. The city is named after Captain Charles Howe Fremantle, the English naval officer who had pronounced possession of Western Australia and who established a camp at the site.

Fremantle Market is located in the heart of Fremantle on the Cappuccino Strip - South Terrace. This historic marketplace was first opened in 1897. Known simply as the 'Freo Markets' they were refurbished in 1975 and today are home to over 150 shops.

The market was closed during our visit, what a disappointment for us. It would be good to check on the opening hours for the market where one can easily find from the official website (http://www.fremantlemarkets.com.au/). We could only took photos as part of our memory in this historic town.

This is Wesley Uniting Church, Fremantle. We were walking along the street, and came across this beautiful old church just besides the road. The building architecture really amazed us, and it stood still throughout the years. The church definitely gives hope to many residents over here, especially in its early days.

The original Fremantle railway station was constructed in 1881 next to Cliff Street. Following the extension of the Eastern Railway to Kalgoorlie in 1896, the station was an important hub for gold miners arriving in Western Australia via ship and then travelling to the Yilgarn and Eastern goldfields. In 1907 the station was moved to its present location to better service the newly constructed Fremantle Port. It was designed by William Dartnell, Chief Engineer of Existing Lines of the Railway Department, in 1906. The station was classified by the National Trust in 1974 and entered into the Heritage Council of Western Australia's Register of Heritage Places in 2001.

While entering the toilet in the railway station, I'm again amazed with the maintenance work done. The conservation works done here just marvelous, where it could bring back one memory to old days, with the doors made of wood and have those classic feelings in the old days of Fremantle town.

We just passing by another amazing building, without knowing the history value behinds it. The National Hotel, one of the city's historic buildings, was almost destroyed by fire on the night of Sunday, 11 March 2007. Though the interior was gutted, the historic façade was saved and the building has since been fully restored. Again, we just walk pass as we try to cover as much as possible in this beautiful town before it is getting too dark.

Another building that capturing our heart is Fremantle's Post Office. It was opened in 1907. Again, we just passing by over here, and taking few photos before proceeding to our next building visit around this wonderful town.

Basically, it is a nice experience to visit Fremantle, but too bad the weather wasn't good that time. We only able to cover part of the town, and hopefully could return back one day to enjoy the cafe at the street or even beer, and bring us back to memory lane. Even though at first we hesitated to visit the town, but once we were here, we just fall in love with it. A nice town to visit when one is in Perth.

Kings Park

Location: Fraser Avenue, West Perth, Western Australia 6005
Coordinate: S31°57.6244′ E115°50.5336′
Contact: (+618) 9480 3600
Website: http://www.bgpa.wa.gov.au/
Opening Hours: Entry is free and open all day, every day of the year.

Since this is the last day for our visit to Perth, we decided to have a relax day, and also bring mom to see flower at Kings Park. We just want to enjoy our last day here in Perth, before departing back to KL early morning the next day.

From here, we could view Perth city. It is a panaromic view, as it is at the top of hill. Furthermore, one could looking the river as well. Actually, the park overlooking Perth and Swan River, which would give one a great picturesque. We did bring along our own hand-made lunch over to the park, enjoying to the fullest.

We were lucky, as today just the beginning of the annual Kings Park Wildflower Festival. The festival run through the whole month, where one could enjoy green plants, some of the best of Western Australian wildflower.

Kings Park and Botanic Garden showcases an outstanding collection of Western Australia flora. It is a popular place for picnics, pleasant walks, cultural and ceremonial events. Nearly two thirds of the Park is natural bushland containing 319 species of native plants and around 80 bird species. The balance of the Park is made up of superbly cultivated gardens and open recreational areas.

It is a good place for us to relax for the last day, allowing us to enjoy the peaceful garden within the city. We do appreciate the local council who really taking care of the cleanness and maintaining it well. No wonder there were many visitors enjoying the green lush in the garden throughout the year, and now we were one of the statistics.

Scarborough Beach

Location: via West Coast Highway, Scarborough, 6019
Coordinate: S31°53.4019′ E115°45.3469′
Website: http://scarboro.info/

We were heading back to Perth town after spending our night in Lancelin. On the way, we stopped by at Scarborough Beach. While we reach here, there weren't many people around. Maybe due to the winter season and it was cold. Nevertheless, the weather was good on that day.

The beach is facing the Indian Ocean. It is known for the white sand surf beach in the world. Many activities can be done over here, eg swimming, surfing, fishing, wind surfing, kite surfing to name a few.

While we were there, we saw few people doing surfing, with their own technique. Looking at them, it remind me that it has been long time I didn't practice my surfing, especially in Bali. Maybe need to schedule a trip to Bali then... Hehe...

It is a well maintained beach, and at the same time we could see the local authority provided the guests with amenity such as electric stool for BBQ. Hopefully this could be implemented back in our home country, what an envy!!!

This would be a nice place for a vacation, and there are many accomodations available along the beach.

Lancelin Lodge YHA

Location: 10 Hopkins Street, Lancelin, Western Australia 6044
Coordinate: S31°01.5388′ E115°19.9664′
Contact: (+618) 9655 2020
Website: http://www.lancelinlodge.com.au/
Office / Reception Opening Hours: Daily 9am-1pm and 4pm-8.30pm. Check in outside of Reception hours possible by prior arrangement

This is THE BEST hostel we stayed thus far for our trip. Why not!!! Upon checking on the information for this hostel we found out that Lancelin Lodge voted the best YHA hostel in Western Australia in 2001 and 2009 - runner up 2010 and third in whole of Australia in 2004. Rated as 4 stars for budget accomodation. The lodge is a purpose built home away from home for sports orientated guests who stay for extended periods.

The hostel is very clean, and we really enjoy the stay here as truly we felt at home. After the dinner, we rest for a while and enjoying a game of table-tennis with chill weather outside, and enjoying a bottle of Pink Moscato wine.

The hostel has a big and clean kitchen. The utensil is complete and always the hostel guest here very corporative with each other, clean their own stuff after using it. We cooked our spaghetti here and manage to finish it, though at first we thought it was too big the portion. Guests have plenty of storage in the kitchen for dry and refrigerated foods.

The dining area and a living room adjoin to each other. There are TV, books and games to enjoy during winter indoor here, with a fire place available to keep warm. A great place to mingle around with other guest.

At first we were thinking whether should we stay in Perth city or here, but after staying here we found out that it's worth to stay here. It is a nice place, with great sunset view and out of city environment. Real good place for a rest. Would recommend my friend to stay here if coming to Perth for vacation.

Lancelin Jetty

Location: Near to Lancelin Lodge YHA

We finally found out the location of our stay tonight, Lancelin Lodge. However, as it was nearing the sunset time (early sunset) due to the winter period, we decided to came over to the seaside. We found a jetty nearby to the hostel that we are staying.

Once we parked our car, we were walking towards the jetty. There were houses built facing to the sea, which the tenants able to enjoying the beautiful sunset everyday. If to migrate and enjoying retirement, I guess this would be a place to consider, at least for myself.

There were a groupd of people fishing at the jetty. Water was very clear, and a bit windy that time. There also a group of visitors, mostly ladies and I guess they are from China from the way they speaking, learning on how to fishing from the anglers. The anglers very friendly as we spoke to them. As it is getting darker, they mentioned they would call it a day off soon. We also found there is a electricity provided for anglers, in order for them to make hot water for coffee, tea etc while enjoying their fishing activities.

As the getting darker, the sun getting lower and it looks like an egg yolk. We really enjoying the sunset, and it was romantic with the wind breezing thru our face slowly. Sea was not that rough, where one could hear the soothing wave hitting the shores.

Would recommmend to come over this place to enjoy the great sunset if one having holiday in Lancelin town. Just love the sunset and fishing activities. However, I didn't do fishing as didn't bring my equipment our here, as this is vacation period.

Sand Dunes @ Lancelin

Location: via Kendall Road, Lancelin, Western Australia 6044
Coordinate: S30°59.9479′ E115°19.7505′

This is the last places in our plan for today. After the Pinnacles Desert, we headed to Sany Dunes, following the direction using the Garmin device. Basically, we only following our instinct as the the new highway does not exist in the map in our GPS device. Only able to follow the route once we almost reached Lancelin town.

When we reached the attraction point, there were 2 buses ferrying the tourist to visit this place. We were just enjoying the view of this great sands. We just don't understand how the sand is being formed from nowhere. We don't have much time over here, as it was quite late.

Those tourist came with the bus, they were provided with the sandboard. They enjoying the sandboarding. Besides that, we only wearing casual clothes and not ready to enjoy the sandboarding. The sand easily would slip through our clothes and it would be difficult for us to change clothes.

We felt the sand, and it was very soft sand. Indeed, over here we took some picture while sleep on the sand, doing some 'kung fu' style kick and even try to jump on the sand. It was so beautiful over here, white color sand with clear blue sky as background.

We also lucky to take some photos which seems like sunset. As the weather changed fast, we just couldn't miss the golden opportunity to snap some photos.

We walked for a while on the sand dunes, before departing from here to our hostel for the night. We also saw some modified vehicles ferrying the tourist to enjoy the 'bumpy rides' on the sand dunes. We left here to look search for our accomodation tonight, the place that we have booked.