Western Australia: Wine, Wildlife and the Most Incredible Coastline
In April 2023, Richard and I had a fabulous holiday in Western Australia. It was my third visit to Perth: once as a backpacker, another time to visit my uncle while he was working out there, and this time for a holiday that blended city luxury, coast hugging road trips and time with friends. If you are dreaming of big skies, Indian Ocean sunsets and a relaxed pace of life, Western Australia is a destination that is very easy to fall in love with.
A boozy start: Swan River wine cruise to Sandalford Estate
On the day we arrived in Perth, we went straight into holiday mode with a Swan Valley wine cruise along the Swan River to Sandalford Estate. This is a fantastic way to get over jet-lag.
Gliding out of the city, watching the skyline recede as the riverbanks grew greener, was a beautiful way to settle into the trip. On board there were tastings and commentary, followed by a a wine tour and food at Sandalford. It felt indulgent, but also very “WA”: sunshine, river breezes, good wine and easy hospitality.
The journey back into Perth was a very different vibe: the cruise became much more rowdy on the return leg, in the best possible way. There was plenty of singing, laughter and wine flowing freely as everyone compared their favourite tastings of the day. If you enjoy a bit of fun and enjoy singing along while watching the world go by, this is a brilliant way to kick off your holiday.
Checking into Crown Towers Perth
For the first few nights we based ourselves in Perth, staying at the fabulous Crown Towers. After a long‑haul flight it was exactly what we wanted: luxurious rooms, incredible views and a resort‑style pool that makes it very tempting to do absolutely nothing.
Between catching up with friends who live locally, we dipped in and out of the Crown complex’s restaurants and bars, explored the riverside and enjoyed the feeling of having everything we needed within easy reach.
If you like a touch of glamour and a bit of a “wow” factor at the start of your holiday, Crown Towers is a fantastic Perth base.
Hitting the road: Perth to Cervantes
After a couple of days in the city, we picked up a car and headed north up the coast towards Geraldton, with a stop in Cervantes on the way.
Cervantes itself is a small, quiet coastal town famous for the Pinnacles. Rather than packing the day with activities, we kept things simple: we stayed in a local motel, watched a beautiful sunset and spotted kangaroos close by. It was one of those evenings where you really feel the stillness and space that Western Australia is known for.
If you appreciate low‑key, authentic stops on a road trip, Cervantes is a lovely place to pause, stretch your legs and enjoy a classic WA sunset.
Two nights in Geraldton: ocean swims and craft beer
From Cervantes we continued north to Geraldton, where we stayed for two nights. This gave us time to settle in and get a feel for the town rather than just passing through.
Geraldton has a relaxed, coastal feel and a growing craft beer scene, which we happily explored, trying local brews in friendly bars. We also made the most of the chance to swim in the ocean, which felt wonderfully refreshing after the drive.
If you enjoy good beer, beaches and an easy-going pace, Geraldton is a great stop on a Western Australia road trip. It is not polished or flashy, but it feels very real and very Australian.
Heading back south: Joondalup stopover
After Geraldton we drove back down towards Perth, breaking the journey with a night in Joondalup.
This made the driving more manageable and gave us a softer re‑entry into the Perth area without going straight back into the city. For a self‑drive itinerary, Joondalup works well if you want a comfortable suburban stop with easy access to shops, cafés and the coast the following day.
Fremantle: heritage, harbours and hidden bars
Next, we based ourselves in Fremantle, which was one of the real highlights of the trip.
“Freo” has a strong sense of character: historic streets with beautiful old buildings, a busy working harbour, independent shops, markets and plenty of cool bars and cafés. We spent our time wandering between heritage sites and the waterfront, stopping regularly for coffee, craft beer and great food.
If you like places with personality, history and a slightly creative, bohemian feel, Fremantle is a brilliant base. It offers a very different atmosphere to central Perth and is ideal if you enjoy walking, people‑watching and discovering new favourite places to eat and drink.
Rottnest Island: quokka selfies and turquoise bays
From Fremantle, we headed out on a day trip to Rottnest Island, and it completely lived up to its reputation.
After a short ferry ride, we spent the day exploring the island by bike, following car‑free roads past little bays that look like they belong in a postcard: clear turquoise water, white sand and almost no development in sight.
And yes, I did the essential quokka selfie. The quokkas are as cute and curious as everyone says, and meeting them in the wild is a real “only in WA” moment.
If you love beaches, cycling and wildlife, Rottnest is a must while you are in the Perth area. For an even more relaxed experience, you can stay overnight so you get to enjoy the island after the day‑trippers head back.
Scarborough & Cottesloe: classic Perth beach life
Back on the mainland, we made time to walk along two of Perth’s most famous beaches: Scarborough and Cottesloe.
- Scarborough has a lively promenade, with cafés, bars and a definite surf energy.
- Cottesloe feels a little more timeless and laid‑back, with grassy terraces, tall Norfolk pines and a wide sandy beach that is perfect for a late‑afternoon stroll.
Watching the sun sink into the Indian Ocean from these beaches is a very Perth experience. If you enjoy a mix of people‑watching, ocean views and that golden evening light, both Scarborough and Cottesloe are worth adding to your list.
Mandurah: canals, coastline and dolphins
We finished our trip further south in Mandurah, a coastal town known for its waterways, estuary and relaxed holiday feel.
After covering a fair bit of ground by car, Mandurah was the perfect, gentle finale: we wandered along the waterfront, admired the boats in the canals and spent time near the ocean. One of the real highlights here is the chance to see dolphins in the rivers and out at sea. Watching them surface and play was a wonderful reminder of just how rich Western Australia’s coastal wildlife can be.
If you like the idea of ending your holiday somewhere peaceful, with water all around and a good chance of dolphin sightings, Mandurah makes a fantastic final stop.
Looking back on our Western Australia holiday
When we think back to our April 2023 trip, what stands out is how much variety we enjoyed without ever feeling rushed:
- City luxury and riverfront glamour at Crown Towers Perth
- A fun, sociable Swan River wine cruise to Sandalford Estate
- Simple sunset moments and kangaroos near a Cervantes motel
- Craft beer and ocean swims in Geraldton
- Character, culture and great food in Fremantle
- A bucket‑list quokka selfie on Rottnest Island
- Iconic Perth beaches like Scarborough and Cottesloe
- A relaxing finale in Mandurah, complete with dolphins in the rivers and sea
If you like the sound of this Western Australia journey, I would love to help you design your own version. Whether you want city comforts and wine, an easy coastal road trip, or a longer adventure that continues further north, I can tailor everything to your pace, interests and style of travel.
If Western Australia is calling to you, get in touch with me today and I will create a personalised itinerary that is perfectly matched to you.
