{"id":6180,"date":"2023-11-01T06:27:00","date_gmt":"2023-10-31T19:27:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastover55\/?p=6180"},"modified":"2023-09-18T22:30:18","modified_gmt":"2023-09-18T12:30:18","slug":"western-australia-road-trip-perth-to-albany-adventure-for-over-55-travelers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastover55\/western-australia-road-trip-perth-to-albany-adventure-for-over-55-travelers\/","title":{"rendered":"Western Australia Road Trip: Perth to Albany Adventure for Over 55 Travelers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Very Freo Containers Sculpture<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Words by Dorian Mode Photography by Lydia Thorpe<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We embark on a captivating road trip through the enchanting Margaret River wine country, extending all the way to Albany in Western Australia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After picking up our rental at Perth Airport, we head straight to Novotel on Murray St, a sleek new hotel in the heart of Perth. Mrs. Pictures and I do enjoy a refreshing swim after a flight, so we lounge in the rooftop pool like beetles floating on their backs, with fragrant frangipani trees surrounding us. We can feel the excitement building up as we soak in the chlorinated waters, knowing that our road trip from Perth to Albany awaits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once dry, we set our sights on Cottesloe Beach, a coastal gem that reminds us of Bondi but with free parking. Remember finding a park in Bondi? Surprisingly lively, it has the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, especially with the final day of the Sculptures by the Sea event in full swing. We weren\u2019t expecting this! We fully immerse ourselves in the art scene and later treat our taste buds to a tantalising meal at Indigo Oscar. This Latin American treasure not only serves up delicious cuisine but also impresses with its breathtaking location. It\u2019s like having Rockpool transplanted to a Bondi\u2026 well\u2026 rock pool. We sit back with our cocktails, watching swimmers basking in the warm embrace of the Indian Ocean against a sky painted like a Tequila Sunrise. But for those on a tighter budget, a simple fish and chips feast on the beach at sunset would be just as satisfying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The next day, we venture south to Halls Head, eager to see the imposing Mandurah Giant. This woody sculpture, majestically crafted entirely from pallets, stands tall and proud amidst the coastal landscape. As we stroll through the white sagebrush, the undulating terrain blurs the boundaries between earth and sea, creating a ambiance that reminds us of the Australian rendition of the Rapanui Moai statues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our next stop is \u2018bustling Busselton\u2019, where we treat ourselves to lunch at Shelter Brewing Co. This unique establishment combines a boutique brewery with a vibrant restaurant, creating a fun atmosphere. Here we paddle our beer canoe to Ale Falls and then enjoy the foamy crest of a Surf Wax Sour before taking a leisurely stroll along the nearby jetty. The whole experience is bliss\u2013on\u2013a\u2013stick (with long legs).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Busselton lies in a remarkably shallow bay. So in 1865, they built the longest jetty in Australia, now leading to the Busselton Underwater Observatory Experience at its end. It\u2019s one of only six such observatories worldwide and offers a mesmerising display of dappled light dancing off sub\u2013tropical fish. This visual delight is a result of the narrow band of warm water brought by the Leeuwin Current, caressing the coastline. Unfortunately, we didn\u2019t have our togs with us, or else we would have mistaken the warm turquoise waters of \u2018Bussy Beach\u2019 for the Med.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse guide, Paul<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Anne Luxury Tours<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For the next two nights, we settle into the luxurious glamping bungalows at Olio Bello in Margaret River. At first, we were sceptical about glamping, but we soon discover that these lavish safari\u2013style accommodations, nestled amidst a picturesque lake on a sprawling three\u2013hundred\u2013acre farm, offer the best of both worlds. With rockstars bathrooms and king\u2013sized beds, the gentle rustling of the canvas roof as the wind sweeps through the olive farm is our only reminder of the camping experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That evening, we indulge in a feast at Lamont\u2019s Smith\u2019s Beach, which sits on the stunning Yallingup coastline. It\u2019s here we meet Anthony, a Frenchman who has relocated to Margaret River for its wineries. The irony isn\u2019t lost on us as he now imports French wines into the region. \u201cBringing coals to Newcastle,\u201d I remark, savouring a Chardy. He shrugs, unfazed, and raises a toast to the meeting of cultures in the pursuit of palate\u2013pleasing pleasures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While glamping offers a glamorous way to connect with nature, our adventure with the environment continues with Walk into Luxury: a guided tour along the Cape Trail, led by the energetic grandmother, Anne. Tramping through the bush, we pant like Labradors keeping up with this spritely sixty\u2013eight\u2013year\u2013old. Like most, Anne labours under the misapprehension that travel writers are all seasoned bushmen. I\u2019m mostly at the computer with Kettle Chips. But Anne\u2019s the best guide for the Cape Trail as she actually grew up here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anne suddenly crouches to disgorge her backpack to make morning tea. Nothing luxurious: teabags and bogan dust (instant coffee). When we remark on Anne\u2019s extraordinary fitness, she laughs, saying that on family walks with her grandkids they now ask, \u201chow far really is the walk, Nanna?\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next Vas Felix, the oldest winery in Margaret River. Whoo\u2013hoo! (Psst! NSW drivers note that often single\u2013lane roads in WA are 110ks. Interesting when someone suddenly turns into a winery in front of you.) Here we have a wine tasting guided by Sarina, a former food writer. Mrs. Pictures helps me appreciate the subtle flavours. At the tasting proper, Sarina hands me a red and asks, \u201ccan you taste \u2018struck match\u2019 and \u2018kerosene\u2019? \u201cNot since Cracker Night,\u201d I reply. We then indulge in a degustation meal with a magical vineyard view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next, we explore Ngilgi Cave with Josh from Koomal Dreaming. The cave\u2019s formations amaze us, and Josh\u2019s didgeridoo performance resonates within our souls. Psst! in 1911 Dame Nellie Melba performed in the cave, complete with grand piano! God, what a horrid lug!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
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Cottesloe Beach Sculptres by the Sea<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Mandurah Giant<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Then we savour a mind\u2013blowing culinary experience at Yari.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following morning at Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, we witness the meeting of the Indian and Southern Oceans. This remote location feels like the edge of the world. We then visit Ampersand, a charming cottage and distillery, before embarking on a Beach & Forest Adventure with Graeme form Pemberton Tours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The D\u2019Entrecasteaux National Park, with its old\u2013growth Karri Forrest, is majestic but the transcendent landscape of Yeagarup Dunes, the largest landlocked dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, is like stepping into the film, Lawrence of Arabia. As we hop out of the bloated Toyota, fellow tourist, octogenarian Pat, slides down a talc\u2013soft dune as tall as a skyscraper before climbing back up again like a spider. Mrs Pictures and I exchange wide\u2013eyed glances. Diets!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the evening, we dine at Jaspers in Pemberton, where I choose a steak so tender it brings me to the verge of tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The next day, we enjoy another delicious breakfast hamper at \u2018and\u2019 (i.e Ampersand) before heading to the Valley of the Giants in the Walpole\u2013Nornalup National Park. This renowned tourist attraction offers a treetop walk among the magnificent Red Tingle trees. Supported by a web of steel, the walk sways a little drunkenly, while a renovated ground walk allows for a closer encounter with these impressive giants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Continuing our journey, we arrive at Dam at Raintree, a luxury cattle and hemp farm with an upmarket restaurant. Here we meet the lively Steve Birkbeck, who insists we try his farm\u2013fresh Wagyu Beef. As we devour the meal, Steve shares his captivating life story, representing the spirit of the outback entrepreneur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next, we visit Albany and explore the National Anzac Centre, a remarkable museum where audio\u2013cards guide us through the experiences of soldiers during World War I. The museum\u2019s location overlooking the harbour evokes an eerie sense of the past, as we imagine the soldiers aboard ships, awaiting their fate. Alas, dinner awaits us at Liberte, a hip fusion restaurant at the London Hotel, offering a delightful blend of Parisian boho and Vietnamese flavours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After a long drive back to Fremantle, a vibrant port city, we check into the Trade Winds Hotel on the banks of the Swan River. Despite a brief power outage, the staff remains calm and hospitable, providing us with drink vouchers and directing us to the bar. We also enjoy a refreshing albeit slightly drunken swim in the hotel\u2019s pool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our final dinner takes place at Emily Taylor, situated within the historic Warders Hotel. This unique Asian fusion cuisine complements the bohemian atmosphere of Freo, enhanced by tall limestone walls adorned with Mao\u2013esque murals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The well\u2013maintained roads and relaxed driving culture in WA make road trips in sandgroper country a breeze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Handy Websites and Links<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We also embarked on a captivating walking tour of Fremantle with the amiable Michael Deller from Fremantle Tours. It felt like exploring a new city with an old friend as he shared fascinating stories and anecdotes about Fremantle\u2019s history. Here we learned about the city\u2019s past and listened to captivating family tales passed down through generations. Experience the charm of Fremantle with Michael at www.fremantletours.com.au<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Olio Bello offers more than just luxurious safari\u2013style glamping bungalows. Their Mediterranean Cafe Bistro and Farm Shop are popular among visitors. Here, you can find over 150 gourmet delights, including olive oil and organic beauty products made right on the premises. The highlight is their award\u2013winning, organic, estate\u2013pressed extra virgin olive oil, made from hand\u2013picked and pressed olives on the same day for the highest quality. Immerse yourself in the world of Olio Bello at
www.oliobello.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Walk into Luxury provides an exceptional opportunity to experience the best sections of the Cape\u2013to\u2013Cape Track in absolute luxury and comfort. Their boutique luxury walks combine the beauty of nature with gourmet food, wine, and exclusive accommodations. Immerse yourself in the splendour of the Cape to Cape Track with Walk into Luxury at www.walkintoluxury.com<\/a>. But do ask for Nanna Anne!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Very Freo Containers Sculpture Words by Dorian Mode Photography by Lydia Thorpe We embark on a captivating road trip through the enchanting Margaret River wine country, extending all the way…","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6181,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","episode_type":"audio","audio_file":"","cover_image":"","cover_image_id":"","duration":"","filesize":"","date_recorded":"","explicit":"","block":"","filesize_raw":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[78],"tags":[75,45,70],"series":[115],"class_list":["post-6180","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel","tag-article","tag-dorian-mode","tag-lydia-thorpe","series-coffee-with-a-coastie"],"episode_featured_image":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastover55\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/09\/Very-Freo_containers-sculpture.jpg","episode_player_image":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastover55\/wp-content\/plugins\/seriously-simple-podcasting\/assets\/images\/no-album-art.png","download_link":"","player_link":"","audio_player":false,"episode_data":{"playerMode":"dark","subscribeUrls":{"apple_podcasts":{"key":"apple_podcasts","url":"","label":"Apple Podcasts","class":"apple_podcasts","icon":"apple-podcasts.png"},"stitcher":{"key":"stitcher","url":"","label":"Stitcher","class":"stitcher","icon":"stitcher.png"},"google_podcasts":{"key":"google_podcasts","url":"","label":"Google Podcasts","class":"google_podcasts","icon":"google-podcasts.png"},"spotify":{"key":"spotify","url":"","label":"Spotify","class":"spotify","icon":"spotify.png"}},"rssFeedUrl":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastover55\/feed\/podcast\/coffee-with-a-coastie","embedCode":"

Western Australia Road Trip: Perth to Albany Adventure for Over 55 Travelers<\/a><\/blockquote>