Today’s tidbit: “It is almost impossible to watch a sunset and not dream.” ― Bern Williams

Last week I shared the first of many AU posts, starting with a few days in Perth (read more). The next 16 days we did a road trip up north. Since everything is opposite there, it’s winter now and going north is warmer. The first week was planned/booked but I loved the spontaneity of the trip, booking as we went along/deciding on how long to stay. Getting to most destinations the drive was only a few hours but some were 6+ hours. I love road trips and didn’t mind it at all, that’s part of the adventure and there was plenty to see + fun stops/detours along the way. Of course, I was also lucky and had Chris as my chauffeur, since driving on the other side of the car and road would have been interesting (although I got used to it). Most of the places we went were new to him also though, so it was neat to explore together.

Here is the start of road trip adventures exploring Western Australia (WA), heading up north along the coast.

Sneak peek image:

Be sure to click below to read more and check out more pictures. Enjoy!

{driving} The first destination was Kalbarri, one of the longest drives. From Perth to Kalbarri it’s about 590 km/6.5 hours. It was a rainy winter day in Perth when we left and an hour into the drive I spotted this beautiful rainbow as the sky started to clear.

{Jurien Bay} Along the drive to Kalbarri we made a stop in Jurien Bay, which is about 223km/2.5 hours from Perth on the Indian Ocean Drive. Most places were new to us both, but this is one Chris comes to regularly. The rain cleared out and it was the perfect place to stop for a cappuccino and quick beach break.

Continuing driving along we passed a few horse farms. Chris knows I like horses and, although it was starting to rain again, pulled over so I could snap a few pictures and say hi.

The Galah is a member of the Cockatoo family and is one of the most common and widespread Australian birds. We saw them all over, but you often heard them first. They really are very noisy.

{Kalbarri Murchison View Apartments} We stayed in Kalbarri for 2 nights the beginning of the road trip and another 2 nights on our way back to Perth at the end. It really was a beautiful place and this accommodation was lovely (check it out).

{Kalbarri}

As the website states, “Located on the mouth of the Murchison River and surrounded by the Kalbarri National Park, Kalbarri is located 589kms north of Perth and is one of the most popular tourist towns in the Coral Coast region. There are coastal gorges, river gorges and the magnificent Murchison River all of which will captivate the visitors to Kalbarri. An unspoilt town, Kalbarri has attractions both land based and on the water.” Read more.

{sunsets} Picnics on the beach + breathtaking views and color + listening to (and of course capturing) the waves crash… nothing but peaceful and perfect!

Throughout the road trip we made a lot of afternoon stops and had a picnic, almost always with a variety of veggies & fruit, rice crackers, blocks of cheese, smoked salmon and dips. Delicious.

I wasn’t the only one snapping away, capturing the stunning views.

Isn’t it beautiful? The views, the people, the accommodation… loved Kalbarri, would definitely go again! Check back later this week as I share part 2, exploring Kalbarri National Park.