Coral Bay

by Ella | Oct 1, 2024 | Western Australia

Exploring
Coral Bay

Western Australia

Coral Bay is a tourist gold mine. I think there would be 200 locals and 2000 tourists at one time, and with a new caravan park being built, this will only expand. Traveling to Coral Bay as a family is worthwhile, even if the cost seems high.

Things to do in Coral Bay.

For those with a 4wd there are two main spots to explore. 5 Fingers Reef is an exceptional snorkeling, swimming and fishing spot and a lot of fun driving to. There is probably one section on the return that is a bit tricky, but if Brad can manage it, most people can. You can go abit further south to Turtle Rock, but there wasn’t much there apart from a lot of fun 4wding.

Oyster Bridge and the Lagoon are north of Coral Bay and are a bit tougher of a drive. There are multiple sections we had to have multiple attempts on BUT it was well worth it in the end. Both spots have amazing snorkeling and swimming (no fishing) and are worth doing a full day at.

There is so much on offer if your wallet is full and your up for adventure. Boat tours, diving, snorkeling, glass bottom boats, ATV’s and more.

Getting to Coral Bay.

This is an easy drive from both directions, with a turn off the highway and easy drive into town.

Things to know.

Coral Bay is expensive. The fuel is expensive. Groceries are more expensive than Exmouth (no idea why). So budget accordingly. Once your there though, you may never want to leave. So if your driving from Carnavon or Exmouth, stock up.

The bakery is a treasure. Good food. Decent coffee. The local pizza place does great pizza too.

Traveling to Coral Bay as a family was one on the spots list we had to tick. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

Exmouth

by Ella | Aug 13, 2024 | Locations, Western Australia

Exploring
Exmouth

Western Australia

Exmouth, Western Australia, is a hidden gem for nature lovers and families alike. Known for its breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary marine life, it offers an unparalleled experience for those traveling to Exmouth as a family. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or someone looking to unwind amidst nature, Exmouth has something for everyone.

Where We Stayed

During our time in Exmouth, we had the pleasure of staying in various locations that perfectly suited our family’s needs. We began our journey by settling into a spot just south of Exmouth on the East side, recommended by a friend of a friend. This location became our home for the first week and the final three weeks of our trip. It offered a peaceful retreat close enough to the town while still allowing us to immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of the area.

Off Grid Adventures

For a more adventurous experience, we also spent six nights at Osprey and five nights at Mesa campgrounds within the Cape Range National Park. These off-grid sites were a dream come true for snorkelling enthusiasts. We swam with turtles, explored vibrant coral reefs, and enjoyed fishing and easy access to boat and diving tours. The proximity to these activities made our stay truly unforgettable.

Things to Do in Exmouth

Exmouth offers an abundance of activities, from snorkeling in crystal-clear waters to canyon hikes that reveal stunning vistas. Families will love the diversity of experiences available, with something for every budget. While Exmouth is known for its premium-priced activities and accommodations, there are still plenty of affordable options for those looking to enjoy this spectacular destination without breaking the bank.

The town itself is RV-friendly, with ample dump points and a convenient water filling station (just 5c per litre). However, due to its remote location, be prepared to pay a premium for essentials like petrol and groceries. Despite this, we found a gem in the Whalebone Brewery, where we enjoyed incredible food, great drinks, and surprisingly reasonable prices—a welcome break from the typical high costs in the area.

Getting around Exmouth

Getting around Exmouth is a breeze, thanks to its small-town layout designed with tourists in mind. Towing a caravan or maneuvering an RV here is far easier compared to similar tourist hotspots on the East Coast.

Traveling to Exmouth as a family is an experience like no other. With its unique blend of adventure, natural beauty, and family-friendly amenities, it’s a destination that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Nullarbor

by Ella | Jul 31, 2024 | Locations, Western Australia

Exploring
The Nullarbor

Tasmania

Like any rational person living in Australia, we had some queries (or straight-out anxiety) about crossing the Nullarbor. It’s one of the most significant challenges for anyone doing a lap or traveling from the East to the West Coast, but it’s easier than you think it will be. With proper planning, traveling across the Nullarbor as a family can be a breeze. Here’s how we did it.

Fuel Planning

Fuel is a critical concern when traversing the Nullarbor. To ensure you make it across, you need to:

Know your vehicle’s range on a full tank: Calculate how far you can drive before needing to refuel.
Research fuel stop hours: Make sure they align with your travel plans.
Use apps like Fuel Spy: This can help you save some dollars along the way, as fuel prices can be steep.

Adding a can of fuel for the trip might be a good idea, but with careful planning, it’s unnecessary. However, having one could make you someone else’s hero if they run out of fuel.

Food Options

For lunches, we pre-made chicken and rice wraps, which our kids call burritos. For dinners, we pre-made pasta and heated it up at each stop. This approach saved water for washing up, time cooking, and made the trip food-wise a breeze. We also had plenty of snacks for both days.

You could eat at the roadhouses, but for a family, it gets quite expensive. Remember, you’ll need to dump all your fruits and veggies before the border, so eat those as snacks before heading into WA.

Do You Need a UHF Radio?

The short answer is no. Ours broke beforehand. Despite the amount of traffic, especially road trains, there is plenty of empty, straight road for overtaking. Using your indicator to signal when it’s safe for trucks to overtake is sufficient.

How Much iPad Time for the Kids?

We aimed for the first 3-4 hours without iPads. After lunch, they could watch a movie or two, which helped keep them entertained during the long stretches.

Duration of the Trip

With young kids (under 5), you’ll likely need a minimum of 2 nights, depending on where you start and end. When we traveled from Streaky Bay to Perth, we realized it would have been better to do 3 nights. Here’s a breakdown of our journey:

Day 1: Streaky Bay to Eucla (7 hours)

Filled up at Streaky Bay.
Stopped at Caiguna for a toilet break and stretch.
Stopped at Yalata for fuel.
Filled up again at Eucla.

We camped for free near the beach at Eucla. This part of the trip was the best as we hugged the coastline, experiencing some truly unique parts of Australia.

Day 2: Eucla to Norseman (7 hours)

Fueled up at Caiguna and Balladonia.

We stayed at a free camp 5 km before Norseman. This was the most monotonous part of the trip—very straight, very boring, with not much to see.

Day 3: Norseman to Perth (10 hours)

Fueled up at Norseman.
Stopped for lunch and fuel at Southern Cross.
Fueled up at Kellerberrin to ensure we had enough for Perth.

This was the longest leg of the trip, but it was more enjoyable than the day before. The first three-quarters of the drive had varying scenery and less straight roads. About 90 minutes out of Perth, the traffic increased, and we had to be more driver aware as we reentered civilization.

Traveling across the Nullarbor as a family is a big task, but it’s not insurmountable. It’s a true adventure and one we’re excited to do again on our way back to the east coast, this time leaving from Esperance and stopping at Fowler’s Point to cut down the travel time. The Nullarbor is more than just a road—it’s an experience, and with the right preparation, it can be an unforgettable journey for the whole family.

Bicheno

by Ella | Jul 29, 2024 | Locations, Tasmania

Exploring
Bicheno

Tasmania

Traveling to Bicheno as a family is an experience filled with seaside charm, outdoor adventure, and memorable moments. This stunning seaside village offers excellent fishing, good surf, and plenty of activities for all ages. We stayed at the Bicheno Holiday Park, one of the best parks we’ve encountered on our travels, as it didn’t charge extra for showers. The large sites were conveniently close to town and the beach, making it easy to explore everything Bicheno has to offer.

Exploring Douglas-Apsley National Park

Our adventure began with a visit to Douglas-Apsley National Park. The 20-minute walk to the large freshwater swimming hole was well worth it. We spent a wonderful day exploring and swimming with the kids, who loved the refreshing water and the natural surroundings. The park’s beauty and tranquility made it a perfect spot for a family outing.

Surfing at Redbill Beach

Next, we headed to Redbill Beach, a cute, small beach that offered excellent surfing conditions. For a few days, the beach worked as a point break with a low and slow right, perfect for our surfing sessions. The gentle waves provided a fun and safe environment for everyone, making it a highlight of our stay in Bicheno.

Dining at the Lobster Shack

No trip to Bicheno would be complete without a visit to the Lobster Shack. The boys were thrilled to taste crab, calamari, lobster, and fish. The seafood feast was a hit, and the amazing ice cream we had for dessert was the perfect way to finish off our meal. The Lobster Shack’s delicious offerings and friendly atmosphere made it a must-visit spot.

Bicheno’s Glass Bottom Boat Tour

One of the most exciting activities we enjoyed was Bicheno’s Glass Bottom Boat tour. The one-hour trip on the water allowed us to see a variety of marine life, including fish, stingrays, and a seal colony. The kids were fascinated by the underwater views and had a fantastic time spotting different creatures.

Visiting the Bicheno Blowhole

We also took a small and fun walk to the Bicheno Blowhole. Watching the powerful bursts of water shooting up through the rocks was both thrilling and mesmerizing. It was a simple yet captivating natural attraction that everyone enjoyed.

Easy Drive from the Bay of Fires

Getting to Bicheno from the Bay of Fires was an easy drive down the highway. The smooth journey allowed us to relax and enjoy the scenic views along the way.

Traveling to Bicheno as a family was an adventure filled with fun, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences. From exploring national parks and surfing pristine beaches to indulging in delicious seafood and discovering marine life, Bicheno offers something for everyone. We can’t wait to return and create even more memories in this beautiful seaside village.

Bay Of Fires

by Ella | Jul 29, 2024 | Locations, Tasmania

Exploring
Bay of Fires

Tasmania

Traveling to the Bay of Fires as a family offers a truly unforgettable experience. Immersing you in one of Australia’s premier nature regions. With exceptional beaches, river systems, forests, waterfalls, and mountains, this area is a haven for nature lovers. We stayed at the Tasman Caravan Park in St Helens, which proved to be a fantastic base for all our adventures in the region.

Discovering The Gardens

Our journey began with a visit to The Gardens, the northernmost part of the Bay of Fires. This remote wilderness meets a stunning coastline, offering pristine beaches and captivating walks. The untouched beauty of this area made it a highlight of our trip, and we highly recommend spending time exploring its natural wonders.

Beach Bliss at Binalong Bay

Next, we headed to Binalong Bay, a charming small town with unreal beaches perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The crystal-clear waters and white sandy shores provided a picturesque setting for a family day out. The kids loved splashing in the waves, and we enjoyed the serene ambiance of this coastal gem.

The Fascinating Little Blue Lake

Located at South Mount Cameron, Little Blue Lake is a geological marvel worth visiting. The lake’s hyper blue color is due to abnormal mineral levels, creating a mesmerizing sight. Although swimming is not advised, the fun walk around half the lake provided plenty of photo opportunities and a chance to marvel at its unique beauty.

Mountain Biking in Derby

For a change of pace, we visited Derby, a small town dedicated to mountain biking. With several world-class trails, driving into town felt like stepping into a mountain biking movie. We also indulged in a visit to the floating sauna, a truly exceptional and unique experience that left us refreshed and rejuvenated.

Culinary Delights and Natural Wonders

No trip to the Bay of Fires is complete without a visit to the Pub in the Paddock and Pyengana Dairy Company. The pub, one of Australia’s oldest, served exceptional food, and the dairy company offered live cow milking presentations and some of the most incredible ice cream we’ve ever tasted. Just up the road, St Columba Falls, one of Tasmania’s premier waterfalls, provided a spectacular sight. Ella found a small water hole near the falls for a refreshing dip.

Surfing and Sand Dunes

Beerbarrel Beach was a great spot for a surf, and Ella caught a couple of waves in the afternoon. However, be mindful of the tricky currents. We also visited Peron Dunes, an exceptional spot for the kids to slide down on bodyboards and have fun running around the massive dune system right on the beach.

Surf Village Vibes at Beaumaris Beach

Our adventure continued to Beaumaris Beach, a little surf village where we spent fun mornings chatting with locals and watching surfers. The open beach, with its left break off a small headland, provided an exciting surfing experience.

Navigating St Mary’s Pass

On our way to St Helens, we drove through St Mary’s and down St Mary’s Pass. After our experience with Bulli Pass, we were initially apprehensive, but we found this pass manageable if you take your time. Set your brakes right and enjoy the scenic drive without too much fret.

Traveling to the Bay of Fires as a family was a remarkable experience filled with adventure, natural beauty, and memorable moments. We can’t wait to return and explore even more of this incredible region.