The Australian outback is filled with so many incredible off-road routes where you can escape civilization and reconnect with nature. But out of all the different ways available, the Gibb River Road is one of the most iconic. 

Many people describe it as the last Australian adventure, and if you want a true sense of the outback in its rawest form, this is the route for you. The picturesque 660-kilometre course takes you through some of Kimberly’s most secluded parts of the northern region.

If you want to drive the entire route, you can start in Derby and then pass through Windjana Gorge, Mount Hart Homestead, and El Questro Wilderness Park, finishing in Wyndham or Kununurra. 

A Guide To Driving The Gibb River Road Pixabay CCO License

A Guide To Driving The Gibb River Road For The First Time

The Gibb River Road has a reputation as a challenging trail that is only for expert off-roaders. That used to be the case in the past, but these days, it’s a lot more accessible.

However, that doesn’t mean that it’s a walk in the park, and you still need to ensure that you are prepared. If you want a real adventure, here’s everything you need to know about driving the Gibb River Road. 

How Long Should You Go For when travelling the Gibb River Road?

If you wanted to drive the entire route from start to finish, you could do it in a day at a push. But if you rush through it, you won’t get to see any of the incredible sights along the way.

Although it depends on your itinerary, most people plan an 8-day trip at least. If you have time for a more extended trip, it’s worth it because you can relax a little, and if you enjoy a specific place, you can stop for a bit longer. 

When Should You Go?

The best time of year to go depends on how well you can handle the Australian summer while driving. October and November are incredibly hot, and it can be a bit much when you are stuck in the car for hours on end.

April and May are the transitional periods between the wet and dry seasons, and the weather is far more moderate in these months, so this is always a good time to go. January and February are the cyclone months, and there is a significant risk of floods, so avoid those months at all costs. 

What Are The Roads Like on the Gibb River Road? 

Before you go, you need to know what you’re letting yourself in for when driving the Gibb River Road. If you go between November and April, when the wet season is in full force, some roads are dangerous to drive on and could be closed.

If your car isn’t in good shape when you set off on Gibb River Road, you could find yourself in a challenging position. Some road areas are heavily corrugated, so you must prepare your vehicle for a rough ride. You’ll need a 4×4, and it’s a good idea to look at wheel and tyre packages so you can upgrade to something sturdier. 

Before going on your trip, ensure you get your vehicle serviced and make any necessary repairs. Check fluids and tyre pressures before setting off and periodically throughout the journey. If you think something is wrong with your car, get it looked at and don’t take any chances. 

What Should You Pack?

Clothes

Preparation is critical when driving a route like this, so you must think carefully about what you pack. It will be hot if you are going in the dry season between May and October, so fill plenty of light clothes to help you keep cool, with a few warm items for the evening. Make sure you bring something to cover you up and give you some respite from the heat. 

If you drive the route between November and April in the wet season, the weather can be incredibly unpredictable, so you must be prepared for everything. November is boiling hot but also very rainy, so that it will be humid. Light mesh clothing designed for safari is a great option when travelling at this time of year. 

Food and Water 

The Gibb River Road has changed a lot in recent years, and as it has become more popular, more amenities have opened up along the way. For most of the trip, you should find places along the way where you can buy food and water.

However, some places like Windjana Gorge are still very sparsely populated and have no shops. When you travel through these areas, make sure that you stock up on a few days worth of food and water.

It’s best to buy more than you need, just in case anything goes wrong and you get stuck. When you plan the trip, it’s a good idea to map out where all of the supermarkets are so you can easily find supplies. 

Car Spares 

Bringing spares and equipment to repair your car is vital. Although there are garages along the route where you can get your car fixed, you could break down in the middle of nowhere, and you’ll need to get the car back up and running again to make it to the nearest mechanic. 

The roads are rough, and the risk of punctures is much higher than on normal roads. Always pack at least one spare tyre but, if possible, take two just in case. Pack some engine oil and brake fluid, and put a few zip ties in as well. Zip ties are significant for quick, temporary repairs that will get you to the nearest mechanic. 

Driving the Gibb River Road is a truly fantastic experience, and it’s one of the best ways to see the Australian outback in all its glory. But even though it’s a lot more accessible than it used to be, it can still be dangerous, so make sure you remember everything in this guide when planning your trip.

The Mighty Swan River is an alluring attraction for any gatherers to the Perth CBD of Western Australia, bringing locals and tourists alike to converge to the beautiful water’s edge and take in the majestic views of the river and the towering city in the background.

If things couldn’t get any better, now, there is another way to take in the Swan River’s sights and surrounds, and it comes courtesy of The Little Ferry Co. A luxury little ferry shuttle guides you around the Perth CBD area and drops you off for fine-dining dinner by the river.

You would be in paradise any more relaxed on the little Ferry Co. boat.

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The Little Ferry Co. anchors in front of Perth CBD.

The Little Ferry Co.

The Ferry Service offers a boutique experience along the Swan River, where small groups can mingle and socialise in the quiet tone of the solar-powered ferry.

Passengers can then disembark off the ferry at a couple of select locations and enjoy quality dining at various restaurants in Claisebrook or the accessible “On the Point” site, which is home to some of Perth’s most excellent restaurants.

The ferry itself is small in structure but big at heart. Entirely run on solar, the boat travels at approximately 4-5 knots and flows smoothly through the water without little fuss.

The Little Ferry occupies 13 passengers who can enjoy a quality ride. The only sounds come from the chatter of the passengers or the captain, giving a detailed narrative of the surrounding attractions.

For further details on The Little Ferry Co services, check out the website for more information and costs.

Hello captain.

Inside the boutique ferry in the Little Ferry Co.

Embark at Elizabeth Quay

Elizabeth Quay is the vibrant hub of Perth City with an array of city art, walking paths, kids’ festivities, cafés and restaurants. It is also the home for all significant Ferry shuttles and Cruises coming out of Perth.

The Little Ferry Co. shuttles are nestled on the Eastern side of the Quay, sitting below the Carlton Ritz Hotel. All you need to do is keep an eye out for the pretty little boats waiting for you to board off the jetty, situated near the V Burger Bar.

Therefore if you arrive a bit early, you can enjoy an excellent coffee in the Quay.

Elizabeth Quay, the home of The Little Ferry Co on the doorstep of Perth City.

Elizabeth Quay, Perth, Western Australia.

Dine-in Style in Claisebrook

The services run throughout the day and docks at three separate locations in the Perth area, being Elizabeth Quay, On the Point and Claisebrook. Upon disembarking, you can choose from several top-quality restaurants with riverfront views and enjoy a light lunch with the swan river in full view.

From there, the choice is entirely yours at what to do. You can dine in style as already mentioned, enjoy a few drinks, stop in at a  cafe for a coffee, and once complete, embark on the returning ferry without any added fees.

Tu De Ka Restaurant at the “On The Point” location.

Claisebrook in Perth, Western Australia

Sightseeing from the middle of the Swan River

With the ferry running at relatively low speeds, travel is easy to appreciate the magnificent scenery and attractions around you.

On one side, you are faced with the city views, towering apartments and luxury townhouses that most people can only dream of occupying. On the other side of the river, you are faced with the favourite Perth crown casino and hotels, gorgeous parklands and the new Optus Stadium, which opened in 2018 and has added a whole new class to the Western Australian City with AFL matches, sports events and concerts regularly played at the arena.

It would be a shame to leave your camera at home for this Little Ferry CO. cruise because so much sightseeing is taking place from the middle of the Swan.

Are you heading to Perth, Western Australia? Be sure to give the team at The Little Ferry Co. a visit and check out the services provided for yourself. You can get more information on their website by clicking on the link.

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Perth casino, from the view of Perth’s Swan River.

Experience Perth’s Swan River in Style with the new Perth’s Optus Stadium.

It’s within easy reach Perth CBD; Penguin Island Western Australia will captivate your activity and relaxation levels for your time spent on the boutique island.

Better yet, the picturesque tourist attraction is only a few hundred metres away from the Aussie mainland and a five-minute ferry ride is all you’ll need for a scenic walk, leisurely activity or bird spotting on Penguin island.

Therefore, when you’re looking at an idea of things to do in Perth for a quick and affordable day trip and a day of adventure, Penguin Island Perth is the place to add on a busy Western Australia Itinerary.

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Things to do in Penguin Island Perth.

Where is Penguin Island Perth

Penguin Island is only a 25-minute drive south along Kwinana Freeway, before exiting at Safety Bay road, and in no time, arriving at the Shoalwater Island Marine Park in Rockingham.

That’s when Penguin Island is staring right at you and appearing much closer than you can ever imagine.

It’s time to go exploring and enjoy all the things to do on Penguin Island.

Take the plank to Penguin Island.

Please keep it safe

With the Penguin Island sandbank appearing from the mainland to the Island, during low tide, it’ll appear to be quite easy to walk through the shallow waters.

While many visitors walk across the sandbanks, it’s advised by local authorities, with plenty of signage and warnings, to avoid walking and instead take a ferry or kayak across.

In the past, there have been drownings with unpredictable conditions and rips, causing dangers to those risking the walk.

Ultimately, it’s up to you whether you adhere to the warnings or not, but a short ferry ride is smooth and affordable.

So, think before you cross by foot, and especially take the ferry if you’re travelling with children.

Enjoy the roadless trail to the Island.

The Penguin Island Ferry

The best way to get the Penguin ferry to the scenic Island is to book your tickets through Get Your Guide.

The Penguin Island Ferry cost will include a trip to the Island, entry into the Penguin Island Discovery Centre to see the cute birds up close and a return trip back to the mainland.

The Penguin Ferry schedule runs on the hour, every hour between 9 am to 4 pm and returns to the mainland at ten minutes past the hour.

Please note, the Island is closed yearly from early June to mid-September due to the breeding times of the penguins.

Book your tickets to Penguin island Perth through Get Your Guide!

The Penguin Island Ferry.

What to bring

Usually, a Penguin Island day trip is a popular summer pastime for fun in the water and sightseeing.

Therefore, it’s essential to bring items with you that’ll cater to all your demands and below is a list of things to bring with you during a day at Penguin Island Perth.

• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Plenty of water
• Food (there are no shops on the Island)
• Camera
• GoPro
• Swimwear

Please note, there are no rubbish bins on the islands, therefore, store any rubbish away in a plastic bag and do not litter under any circumstances.

Don’t forget your camera.

Penguin Island Discovery Centre

The Penguin Island Discovery Centre is only small inside, but it is where you can get up close and personal to the penguins.

Three times a day there are penguin feeding sessions, where you can see the friends of the Island have a feed on small fish and learn about the bird from the friendly staff.

The session times are at 10:30, 12:20 and 2:30 pm and it is highly recommended you go inside during the sessions and check out what’s happening. It will only last a short while before you can go about other actives on the Island.

Please note, if the weather is extreme, the sessions may not go ahead due to stress on the penguins.

See the cute Penguins up close and personal in the Discovery Centre.

A Scenic Walk to Remember

What else can you expect on a boutique island, and that is a scenic walk with stunning views. Whether it’s back towards the mainland looking at Rockingham or further west towards the Indian Ocean, you’ll be mesmerised on several occasions.

From the moment you get off the ferry, you’ll get off on the boardwalk that leads you to all corners of the Island, albeit a 300-metre stretch of sand that is beautiful, to say the least on the Western side of the Island.  

During the walk, you’ll come across, not only scenic views but ample beaches, plenty of species of birds and a high lookout tower where you can appreciate everything around you.

Follow the path to the best views.

It’s a bird spotting haven

Many species of birds call Penguin Island.

In fact, during the warm summer months, it becomes challenging to find Penguins outside the discovery centre, for they are either hidden in the shade or out hunting in the ocean. Although I can assure you, many penguins do live on the Island, hence the name.

On the Island, you’ll see a range of birds, with many seagulls, pelicans, black-winged stilt and red-capped plover, to name a few.

Penguins are not the only birds to see.

Beach Fishing for those who love to throw in a rod

Under the laws of the Western Australian fishing regulations, fishing is allowed on the Island with people coming to Shoalwater Marine Park to fish off the boat or along the sands of the beach.

Daily visitors can take the fishing rod aboard the ferry, then make your way to the Western side of the Island to try your hand in reeling in a few fish for the night’ dinner. Don’t forget your esky!

Along the sands of the beach, you can catch a few fish.

A picnic lunch with shade with stunning views

Penguin Island hasn’t got a lot of shade, it’s an open island with shrubs and limited trees, but outside the Discovery Centre, you’ll see a patch of lawn with several trees offering shade.

In the shaded area, are a few picnic tables or open grass to lay out a picnic rug, and you can sit back and relax with a selection of food that you’ve brought with you, before recommencing activities.

Please remember, there are no bins on the Island, so take the rubbish with you.  

Make the most of the shade on a hot Perth day.

Fun on the beach with a swim, kayak or a jet-ski

Many of the visitors to the Island get lost with the water-based activities of the Island and who can blame them, to be honest?

In the calm waters facing towards Rockingham, there are ample opportunities for a swim, kayak or jet ski, with plenty of recreational boats anchored in the Marine Park and are usually out of harm’s way.

There is plenty of fun things to do on Penguin Island for those who love a leisurely activity or fun day out with the family.

Therefore, if you’re in and around Perth, head a little south, but not too far, and enjoy a day at Penguin Island Western Australia.

Book your tickets to Penguin island Perth through Get Your Guide!

Water activities are popular on the Island.

When you visit the Margaret River Wine Region, you’re escaping to a world of unbridled beauty. A laid-back destination where the open air is appreciated, nature is abundant, and the wine flows from all parts of the Southwest Region.

The famous wine region is known as one of the best tourist spots in Western Australia. Tourists far and near come to the vibrant town of Margaret River for a range of reasons, including wine tasting, breathtaking hikes through the sticks and a lifestyle that is unrivalled anywhere else.

If you’re stopping in Perth for a holiday in the West, drive a further three hours in the Southern direction to the lavish Southwest Region. What awaits you is a paradise of a different variety, with several beautiful reasons to visit Margaret River.

Visit the Margaret River Wine Region, a magnificent destination for all seasons.

1.      The famous Margaret River Wine Region

The number says it all, 215; that’s how many vineyards there are in the Margaret River Region. It produces a wide range of wines, including favourites like Sauvignon, Shiraz and Chardonnay.

Hopping from one Margaret River winery to another is a great way to spend your short getaway. It allows you to taste test a range of different wines, purchase a bottle or two for dinner and enjoy lunch within the picturesque settings of the vineyards.

A wine tasting experience is not the only joy you’ll get from your Margaret River wine tour. Most cellars have a range of other products to try out, from your favourite jams or spreads, olives, pickles and the finest locally made cheese you’ll ever try.

The best wineries in Margaret River include the Voyager Estate, Cape Mentelle Vineyards, Watershed Premium Wines and Leeuwin Estate, among many famous vineyards.

Visiting the vineyards of Margaret River.

2.      The home to the best beaches in the state

It only requires a ten-minute drive from the Margaret River Town Centre to reach some of the best beaches in Western Australia.

Any famous beach breaks are ideal for surfing, viewing a majestic sunset over the Indian Ocean, or strolling along the walking paths to admire the beautiful coastal views.

Gnarabup Beach is the most familiar beach to visit due to its proximity to town and stunning lookout points, including Surfers Point. Along Gnarabup, you’ll also find a range of fish & chips shops and cafés to soak in the atmosphere along the coast.

Other famous beaches near Margaret River include Redgate Beach, Gnoocardup Beach and Kilcarnup Beach, all providing unreal spots for surfing and sightseeing.

Gnarabup Beach is nearest to the town centre and has magnificent views.

3.      The Margaret River Chocolate Factory

The Margaret River Chocolate Factory is a stand-out attraction, only 15-minutes north of the Town Centre.

It’s easy to get excited when entering a world of fine chocolates, available in an array of sweetness with dairy milk and dark and white chocolate all on offer.

The famous Chocolate Factory will have your sweet tooth singing as you fight the temptation of taking home a range of chocolates and other sweets for dessert. Not to mention the generous free samples of chocolate bites on offer to visiting guests who enter the Chocolate Factory.

The Café will also garner your attention because coffee and chocolate are the ideal combinations as you sit down inside the café or take your treats outside to enjoy the beautiful parklands.

A treat for everyone at the Margaret River Chocolate Factory.

4.      The Great Outdoors is alive when you visit Margaret River

There are many more things to do in Margaret River than indulge in wineries, breweries and chocolate. The outdoor activities are abundant, and when you’re seeking a fun time in nature, you’ll find all the action in Margaret River.

The most popular activities include hiking or bike riding along the trails through the National Parks or coastal areas, canoe tours on the river, and wildflower spotting in the Nature Reserves.

You can go deep into the underground at the four significant Caves of the Southwest, swim with the rays at nearby Hamelin Bay and enjoy catching some fish when you beach fish along the coast.

The action never stops in the great outdoors, for there are many other adventures to experience during your Margret River trip. There is one important thing to note; you’ll need your camera!

The wildflowers will capture everyone’s attention.

5.      The Perfect Family Getaway or Couples Retreat

Margaret River is inviting in more ways than one, and it is the ideal weekend getaway for families or perfect for a couple’s retreat.

For families, there are many kid-friendly activities. You can attempt to find your way out of Amaze’n, enjoy plenty of thrills at Little Monsters or visit a petting farm and cuddle the furry little animals.

For couples, it’s open slather. Anything goes in Margaret River when you have a choice of wineries and breweries, quality accommodation options to get the sparks flying and a world of adventure for an adrenaline rush in the wilderness.

Is that convincing enough for you to book a trip to the Margaret River Wine Region?

It’s the one-stop you must include in your Western Australian Itinerary!

A weekend getaway is a popular choice for all travellers.