Explore Western Australia: Ultimate 4-Day 3-Night Self-Driving Adventure Tour

When our Vanuatu travel plans fell through, my boyfriend and I decided to pivot to Western Australia. We relied on a friend, J’s, well-trodden travel guide to plan a 4-day, 3-night self-driving adventure. Initially, I didn’t have high hopes, but this trip to Western Australia turned out to be incredibly rewarding!

📍Day 1 itinerary: Perth Airport – White Sand Dunes – Pinnacles – Kalbarri Homestay (P2-P5)
The scorching temperature that day, nearing 40 degrees, made it challenging to linger at the White Sand Dunes. We hopped out of the car, snapped a few photos, and quickly retreated to the air-conditioned comfort.

(Many visitors park at a distance, but you can actually drive right up to the dunes to save a few hundred meters of walking. ⚠️Just be cautious—sedans might get stuck in the sand, so try to stay on the rocky ground.)

Next, we ventured to the Pinnacles, a truly breathtaking sight, though swarming with flies. Entry to this attraction costs $17, which is well worth the experience.

With just 4 days and 3 nights, our schedule was tight, and we wanted to see as much as possible. That day, we drove straight from Perth to our accommodation in Kalbarri, a journey that took about 9 hours. If you’re planning a similar trip, it’s wise to add an extra day to avoid exhaustion.

📍Day 2 itinerary: Nature’s Window – Pink Lake – Perth City (P6-P8)
Early in the morning, we headed to Nature’s Window, another ticketed attraction costing $17. After parking, it’s a short 10-minute walk to reach this natural wonder. This spot became my second favorite on the trip, a true marvel of nature. However, the flies were relentless! I barely dared to open my mouth, fearing an unwanted protein supplement 🙃. I saw many smart travelers with fly nets, which seemed like a brilliant idea.

Pink Lake, as seen in the photos, wasn’t as impressive as I had hoped. Perhaps it looks more striking from a higher vantage point?

In Perth, we stayed at The Adnate Perth, a fantastic choice that offered great value for money.

📍Day 3 Itinerary: Rottnest Island Day Trip! My Favorite! (P9-P17)

The highlight of our trip was undoubtedly the chance to see the adorable Quokkas! My boyfriend and I were absolutely thrilled about it. We had pre-booked round-trip tickets from Sealink (11:00-17:00), and the journey from Fremantle Pier to Rottnest Island took just half an hour. Upon arrival, we purchased tickets for the island bus and quickly realized that the island is quite expansive. If you’re considering renting a bike, make sure you’re up for the physical challenge.

We hopped off at the 5th stop (P9) where the snorkeling spot was blissfully quiet. The water was crystal clear, and snorkeling there was incredibly relaxing. Afterward, we set off on a quest to find the famous Quokkas. We had heard they tend to hang out in more crowded areas. At the 19th stop, we started our search and soon discovered these little critters.

For the perfect photo, it’s essential to shoot from below to capture their charming smiles; otherwise, you might end up with a picture that looks more like a big rat, which is not what you want, trust me!

As we walked back to the pier from the 19th stop, we noticed that there were even more Quokkas between The Basin and Thomson Bay. If you’re eager to see these delightful creatures, this area is your best bet. Five hours on Rottnest Island was just enough to soak in the beauty and charm of this unique place.

📍Day 4: Flew Home

After a memorable adventure, it was time to head back home, carrying with us the wonderful memories of our time on Rottnest Island.