Pete and Marg, Elite owners have just come back from their first trip to Perth. They have now clocked up 27,300 km in their Atlantic over the past 22 months (and loving every minute of it.) What’s great about their recollection and pics they have shared, is the detail to which they have explained petrol and food prices, best spots and even the best Fish and Chip shop!! Enjoy this “How to make the most of a caravan trip to WA (From Victoria)” Summary of a recent trip to SA and WA during July to Early October (2014). 12670 km in 101 days (9390 km towing 24’6” Atlantic), the rest were day trips/sightseeing incl some 4x4 stuff. We had no specific destination other than saying “we are going to Perth”. In the end it became a “lets go this way” approach. Where we stayed and how long depended on how we felt about a town or locale. Our one or two nights often became seven or more. We used 2030lt of diesel ($3246) over the trip. Highest price$2.20, lowest $1.50. Across the Nullarbor average price $2.02 (Jul), prices had dropped slightly on the return trip in late September. Nullarbor roadhouse was the dearest. Caiguna roadhouse ($1.96) we filled up both ways as we couldn’t avoid it. If you have a long range tank or can carry extra fuel you may be able to by-pass the expensive ones, (Nullarbor and Balladonia). Ceduna and Norseman were similar prices as when we left Vic. ($1.63). Average WA/SA Caravan Park per night cost (after discount/specials) $35.00. Highest $48 lowest $28. We found the staff at all the parks we stayed in helpful with local information as well as tourist information. We took the scenic route from Port Augusta to Port Lincoln stopping at Tumby Bay and Whyalla then along the coast to Venus Bay, Streaky Bay then Ceduna. Ceduna to Norseman, there are numerous free camps some with toilets (not all in a good state), as well as basic caravan parks at the fuel stops. We free camped at 157 K peg, Moondera Tank, Harms Lake, Moondini Bluff, all of which allowed us to move 100 metres of more off the highway. Mobile phone reception varied, as we had an external antenna on the car and also on the van we were able to get at least a data signal in all our stops bar one night. Smart Phone (3G/4G) signal is limited, even in some towns, luckily we had one of the older ‘Blue Tick’ Telstra phones which worked where the smart phone didn’t. A UHF radio is a very useful addition, especially in areas where road trains dominate. The ability to talk to the drivers allowed for safe overtaking or when an oversized load was encountered either passing or overtaking. We never travel without it on as you can also get a fair idea what is on the road by listening, however the language can get a bit colourful at times. Quarantine Inspections travelling East –West are at Renmark and Border Village visual checks of car and van storage areas are conducted. West –East Ceduna was the only inspection. Shopping in the major towns is generally strip type shopping. Shopping centres as such were small and usually centred around a supermarket with a couple of shops. Do not expect to find the Westfield type shopping centres, even in Perth. In most places in WA there is limited weekend trading, we found even Safeway/Woolworths closed on Sunday. Fresh food on average 30% dearer than home. Some staples such a potatoes were double what we normally pay at home. Takeway food, Coffee, cakes etc were on average 20% dearer than home. Best fish and chips. Peaceful Bay caravan park kiosk (near Walpole). Kallis at Fremantle also good. Expect to pay $14.00 or more depending on your choice of fish. Coastal Scenery was magnificent along south coast, from Port Lincoln on. We made a number of side trips from the highway’s to view the coastal scenery at various spots. Seeing the Whales at ‘Head of the Bight’ was a highlight, there is an entry fee to get to the viewing area. Kalgoorlie/Boulder very interesting historically and the super pit has to be seen to be believed The Margaret River area to us was over rated, and Margaret River itself is largely a tourist trap. Most of the wineries were closer to Yallingup. Perth , Fremantle, Swan River boaties paradise. Freemantle definitely worth a day or two, the Maritime museum and the Army museum both worth a visit as is the old jail. The Freemantle Market is worth a visit on weekends. Kings Park in Perth was an enjoyable afternoon walking around the various tracks. South West and Southern WA forest area awesome. Valley of the Giants a must do. A number of roads in the area are shown on tourist maps as ‘not suitable for caravans’ and some of the forest roads are sign posted ‘no caravans’. Best to pick a park and day trip from it. As a general point National Parks do not allow dogs even in the car. That said Cape LaGrand NP near Albany does allow caravan camping at Lucky Bay and Cape LaGrand but spots are limited. Both Locations have toilets and showers, but no dump point. Albany through to Esperance the coastal scenery is some of the best in Australia and the area is well worth a week or two, not a place to just drive through. Flinders Ranges for the most part spectacular, lots of hiking trails and 4X4 tracks. That said we would do it again, a definite YES. We still didn’t see everything in spite of the time we spent there. We are already planning our next trip. Australia is an amazing country and there are so many places and things to see it would probably take a lifetime to see it. Pete and Marg
Posted on: Tue, 18 Nov 2014 23:58:39 +0000