No Accom, No Worries! Take The Horsepower Highway To Esperance With Crikey Campers
We’re ready to hit the wide open road this summer – feel the wind in our hair, the sun on our back and see some sights along the way. There’s never been a better time to explore WA, although it can get a little tricky when accommodation starts to book up!
Enter Crikey Campers, with depots in Perth, Broome and Darwin, Crikey can set you up with a fully-equipped 4WD and camper trailer that’s ready and raring to go with all the camping gear you’ll need. Before you set off on your trip they’ll run you through the simple set up and packdown process, and in the blink of an eye you’re on the wide open road.
The best part about booking a 4WD and camper trailer combo is you’re able to park up the camper trailer, and explore some of the less accessible areas around our state in 4WD mode. They’ve got plenty of availabilities over summer for you to embark on your own journey. Plus if you’re looking for some road trip inspo, their website offers a fantastic list of different itineraries to tackle around the state, including road trips to Mt Augustus, all over the southwest of the state, the beautiful Coral Coast, the Gibb River Road and many more.
This summer they’re recommending a summer trip south to Esperance, which should take you just over a week – check out the itinerary below:
Leg 1: Perth – Katanning
Get some miles in from the get-go with your first leg from Perth to Katanning – if you start nice and early, you can make it in time for an A-grade brunch and gorgeous wool products at the Williams Woolshed. From there take in the historic town’s technicolour street art, part of the Public Silo Trail. You won’t be able to miss two other grand buildings in town: the Kobeeyla House and the Premier Mill Hotel. The imposing 17-bedroom Kobeeyla was built in 1902, and was the first home in WA to be connected to electricity. The Premier Mill Hotel has become one of WA’s foremost boutique hotels – you can treat yourself to a luxe stay for your first night on the road, or just stop by the cellar for a drink at the Cordial Bar.
Leg 2: Katanning – The Horsepower Highway
Just outside of Katanning you’ll see the start of a really unique part of WA that’s not as talked about as some of the more mainstream journeys – The Horsepower Highway. Set along the shadows of the Stirling Ranges, The Horsepower Highway is a trail that follows Broomehill-Gnowangerup Rd, itself littered with vintage tractors each telling stories of the region’s agricultural history.
Some are on display in their original state, while others have been restored in a way that honours the local community from which they come. It’s a really fun, educational way to continue your journey south, with a handy interactive map available for you to track your trip. You can also get more info via the The Horsepower Highway Facebook Page.
Leg 3: The Horsepower Highway – Stirling Range National Park
As you follow the tractors, you’ll find yourself at the Stirling Range National Park: home of stunning landscapes and the highest point in the South West, Bluff Knoll. Camp up at one of the private campgrounds to the north of the park, or at Moingup Springs within the park and explore the surrounding areas with your 4WD. If you’re really feeling the need for adventure, you can summit the Bluff – just make sure you’re prepared.
Where to camp: Mt. Trio Bush Camp & Caravan Parks or Moingup Springs Campground
Leg 4: Stirling Range National Park – Fitzgerald River National Park
As if Stirling Range National Park wasn’t impressive enough, you’ll continue on through the picturesque roads to UNESCO-recognised biosphere reserve Fitzgerald River National Park. Reaching all the way to the coast, it’s host to a huge, impressive variety of landscapes and flora. You can explore much of the park on four wheels, with plenty of 4WD-only tracks that you’ll be able to access during dry weather.
Where to camp: Hamersley Inlet Campground or St. Mary Inlet Campground
Leg 5: Fitzgerald River National Park – Ravensthorpe
Squeeze in a visit to the blow holes at Hopetoun and try and spot a few whales before it’s onwards to Ravensthorpe. A must visit? Check out the mammoth, 25 metre tall silos that feature a set of banksia murals by Freo-based artist Amok Island.
Where to camp: Four Mile Campground or Hopetoun Beachside Caravan Park
Leg 6: Ravensthorpe – Esperance
Perhaps one of the world’s most beautiful roads, you absolutely have to jump onto the 40km Great Ocean Drive: an epic, breathtaking loop that stops by countless stunning beaches. Drive right onto the beach at Cape Le Grand National Park, climb to the top of Frenchman’s Peak, and hop your way right on over to the resident kangaroos in Lucky Bay – truly an iconic Australian moment. Further east, you’ll find Wharton Beach: one of WA’s most pristine, breathtakingly beautiful beaches (and number two on our top 50!)
Where to camp: Lucky Bay Campground or RAC Esperance Holiday Park
Leg 7: Esperance – Hyden
Head back inland towards Hyden, where you’ll be witness to the magic of Wave Rock, and Mulka’s Cave – two truly unique geological formations. Plus, the area is also where you’ll find Lake Magic: a super salty lake with some pretty snazzy views.
Where to camp: Wave Rock Caravan Park or Tressie’s Museum Caravan Park.
Leg 8: Hyden – Perth
A must-visit on the home stretch is Kokerbin Rock, a 122 metre high monolith and the third largest in Australia, with some amazing views at the top. And finally it’s a quick layover in York – one of our favourite day trips from the city, it’s filled with stunning heritage-listed buildings and there are countless walking trails for every ability that surround the town, including along the glorious Avon River.
Crikey Campers have an array of 4WD, caravan and camper trailer combos to explore, head to their WEBSITE and start planning your next adventure today.
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