WA road trip: Margaret River

Today’s tidbit: “Sometimes you just have to travel spontaneously without fear to know where you are heading in life.”

The beginning of my WA visit I shared many road trip adventures up north, where it was warmer. With only a few days left in Western Australia, we decided to do an impromptu overnight trip, from Perth heading down south to Margaret River. As well as wonderful wildlife spotting opportunities, this region of WA is also world famous for its abundance of locally produced food and wine, tall karri forests, pristine beaches and epic surf breaks. With it being winter, most of the time in Margaret River was cold and rainy. I definitely want to explore this region a lot more during Australia’s spring/summer.

Sneak peek image: Roos in the vineyard

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Perth, WA: Caversham Wildlife Park + Mundaring Weir

Today’s tidbit: “Each species is a masterpiece, a creation assembled with extreme care and genius.” ― Edward O. Wilson 

By now I had seen wild kangaroo up close a few times. With this visit to Caversham Wildlife Park, which showcases the largest private collection of native wildlife in Western Australia, I was able to interact with a lot of kangaroo, and joeys, as well as I finally saw my first koala! After a wonderful day full with wildlife we continued for a quick evening trip to Mundaring Weir on the way back to the flat.

Sneak peek image: How close is too close?

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Perth, WA: Kings Park

Today’s tidbit: “Happiness flutters in the air whilst we rest among the breaths of nature.” ― Kelly Sheaffer

Perth: nature meets city, city meets nature. Spent a lovely afternoon wandering around popular Kings Park, which provides unique opportunities to connect with nature in the heart of the city. I visited Kings Park the day I landed also, but it was pouring out so we just drove around. This is definitely a place I want to explore further and would spend a lot of time at if, no when, I go back to Perth.

Sneak peek image:

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Perth, WA: Exploring Perth, day & night

Today’s tidbit: “Unexplored paths lead to undiscovered treasures.” ― Constance Chuks Friday

Just a beautiful winter day in WA. After the road trip up north, the remaining time in Perth was spent exploring as much of the area and meeting with as many design firms (last weeks post) as I could. This was really the first full day where nothing was planned, just a fun Saturday driving and wandering around Perth + surrounding neighborhoods and parks.

Sneak peek image:

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Perth, WA: Leederville & Fremantle

Today’s tidbit: “What art offers is space — a certain breathing room for the spirit.” ― John Updike

Moving a short distance outside of Perth, sharing two new places: Leederville, a charming town, & Fremantle, a dynamic port city. Wishing I had more pictures from these areas. In Leederville I was focused on meeting with the owner of a design firm and Fremantle was so lively & artsy,  I was taking it all in while talking with locals and enjoying the busy markets. Guess I will have to go back! I can say they are full of character, charm, history, dining and art.

Sneak peek image:

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Perth, WA: city + nature | Heirisson Island, design firms & Marmion Marine Park

Today’s tidbit: “To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.” ― Bill Bryson

Last week I shared Exmouth, the last stop on the road trip up north which was absolutely incredible. I wish it didn’t have to end. Perth… where to begin? It is such a hidden gem and wonderful balance of city + nature. The list goes on and on, but today I’m sharing making friends with kangaroo, meeting with design firms and enjoying a delicious 3 course meal by the beach with spectacular sunsets. Reliving it again with you makes me want to go back. Who wants to come?

Sneak peek image: This picture says it all, city + nature

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WA road trip: Exmouth & Ningaloo Reef

Today’s tidbit: “At the beach, life is different. Time doesn’t move hour to hour but mood to moment. We live by the currents, plan by the tides, and follow the sun.” ― Anonymous 

From Coral Bay the road trip continued to our last stop up north. Part of Australia’s Ningaloo Reef region, Exmouth is known for the rugged gorges of Cape Range National Park that give way to the pristine white beaches, clear blue waters and vibrant coral reefs of the Ningaloo Marine Park. From hiking, beaches, snorkeling (video at the end), a glass bottom boat tour and more spectacular sunsets it was easy to fall in love with this beautiful place.

Sneak peek image:

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WA road trip: Coral Bay & Ningaloo Reef, part 2 | whale sharks

Today’s tidbit: “Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” ― André Gide

Yesterday was a day to reflect and remember 9.11. Never forget. I also realized exactly one year ago I was on a plane with my mom heading to South Africa, which was my first real international trip. That journey ended up being more life-changing than I could have imagined! Explore. Discover. Grow. Time just seems to fly by doesn’t it?

It’s been a busy week but finally getting my Coral Bay, part 2 post up. I’m excited to share this whirlwind adventure and ultimate wildlife encounter… swimming with whale sharks! Every year, between mid March and mid July, these gentle giants of the ocean congregate in the Ningaloo Marine Park following the mass spawning of coral. Harmless to humans, they are the world’s largest species of fish and can grow up to 18 metres in length. Really a hectic and amazing experience! (videos at the end)

Sneak peek image:

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WA road trip: Coral Bay & Ningaloo Reef | Snorkeling + sunsets

Today’s tidbit: “It’s hard for me to put into words why I like the beach so much. Everything about it is renewing for me, almost like therapy…Beach Therapy.” ― Amy Dykens
Yup, travel therapy and beach therapy!

The last two posts shared my birthday week and adventures in beautiful Colorado. Now traveling back to Western Australia, across the globe, the road trip continues from Carnarvon to Coral Bay. Coral Bay is protected from the Indian ocean by the Ningaloo Reef, which is a virtually untouched barrier reef. It is one of the rare places on earth where you are able to walk from the beach straight onto a coral reef. Really amazing. If you guessed most of our time here was spent on the beach and in the crystal clear water you’d be right!

Sneak peek image:

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Denver, Colorado + Birthday week, part 2 | Evenings out + 26

Today’s tidbit: “We turn not older with years, but newer every day.” ― Emily Dickinson

Hello September… new week, new month, new season! Although I refuse to accept summer is over yet, I love the feeling of a new month. Reflecting, moving forward and setting new goals. Time to wrap up August/10 day trip to Denver…

Last week I shared part 1, exploring the city + hiking. Continuing with Colorado, here is a taste of everything else from that visit… Allie & Brian’s new home, picnics + parks, evenings out, new restaurants + gluten free finds and 26th birthday celebrations.

Sneak peek image:

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