If you are planning a trip to the Philippines and are looking for pristine quiet beaches, untouched nature, and crystal-clear water. You NEED to visit the Balabac islands! 

As beautiful as popular tourist places like El Nido and Coron are, they don’t even compare to how beautiful the Balabac Islands are. I believe these are the most beautiful islands that I am ever going to see in my lifetime. 

Balabac is a group of 31 islands, which many are uninhabited. They have vibrant corals, plenty of marine life, pristine beaches, and friendly locals. The Balabac Islands currently aren’t extremely popular with tourists (written in 2024), due to its off-the-beaten-path location. This however may change in the coming years as they are planning on building an airport in the area.

• The Balabac islands are NOT a luxury get away – the accommodation, transport and food are very basic.
• You will be spending a lot of time on a boat island hopping, so if you don’t like being on the ocean, this isn’t for you. 
• The Balabac islands are very remote. There might not be reception, no access to shops and limited medical care. 
• The tours are a lot of beaches, swimming, and snorkelling. You will also be in the elements quite a bit. 
• You will be on Filipino time – so not everything might run smoothly or to schedule. 

At the time of writing this blog, it is nearly impossible to visit the Balabac islands independently. It is not like other places in the Philippines where you can easily island hop and rent a scooter to visit spots on your own. You will need to have a boat to take you to the islands, the coast guard is also extremely strict, there are no regular ferries, and you will need permission to visit most of the islands. For this reason, I recommend you book a tour if you wish to explore this slice of paradise. 

I booked my tour with Lagum Adventures, and I can highly recommend them. Lagum Adventures has a 3D/2N, 4D/3N AND 5D/4N tour. I completed the 4D/3N tour which I found to be plenty of time to explore the islands. I wouldn’t recommend a shorter expedition, as you have a bit of travel to and from the port.

What is the tour like? 

There are only a few tour companies that currently operate in the Balabac Islands, and they all run the same itinerary, but on different days of the week. This means you and your tour group will be the only ones on each island you visit. This is of course unless it is another groups basecamp island (each company has a different one). 

I found the tour to be very well organised and the crew were excellent. As I mentioned before there is a lot of time spent on a boat during the island-hopping days. You will also spend a lot of time in a van on the first and last day with travel between Puerto Princesa and the port (about 6-7 hours). I should also mention the 2-4am pick up time on the first day, as I know some people might struggle with this! Overall, this is the best activity I have done so far on my travels for my World Tour, it was the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen. 

The tour from Lagum Adventures includes. 

• Tour Guide 
• Pick up and drop off in PPS
• Boat rentals and fuel 
• Environmental Fees 
• Full board meals (Except breakfast day 1) 
• Drinking water 
• All entrance fees to the islands 
• A beachfront campsite 
• Tent with thin sheet
• Use of generator between 6-7am (to charge electronics such as phone/drone) 
• Tour insurance 
• Life Vest 

How much did it cost?

The 4D/3N expedition cost me 15,500 Pesos which is around $415 AUD. I didn’t buy any snacks or alcohol on the islands which does cost extra. In saying that, a Smirnoff Mule, cider, or beer cost around 50-80 pesos $1.50-$2.50 AUD. Snacks were $1-$5 AUD and a bottle of rum was around $10 AUD. 

If you want to drink on the islands, I would budget a total of around $500 AUD for the whole experience. This will also give you enough for tips, which are expected at the end of the trip. 

What is the accommodation like? 

The accommodation is VERY basic, but if you have camped before, you will quite enjoy it. There were two types of accommodation on my expedition – tents and huts. The huts were for the bigger groups of 3-4 people and the tents for couples or solo travellers. Both accommodations had thin mattresses, a thin blanket, pillow, and fans. There were also plugs to charge your electronics either outside your tent or in the huts. 

As the camping is on the beach, I found the tents to not get too hot during my stay. I also wasn’t equipped with a fan in my ‘singles tent’, but still slept extremely well for the duration of my trip. 

There are bucket showers and toilets on the island. If you’ve never had a bucket shower, it is exactly what it sounds like – you use a bucket to wash yourself. You also use a bucket to flush the toilets. You will need to bring your own toilet paper and dispose of it in the bins NOT the toilet. 

There were also plenty of seating areas for meals and relaxing at my campsite island. 

What was the food like? 

Even though the food was basic, it was still delicious! It contained a lot of freshly caught seafood, so if you are allergic, you may have a slight issue with food on this trip. I am a vegetarian mostly when I travel, and they did cater to my needs. This was mainly stir-fried vegetables, rice, and fruit – which is fine to me because I am not a fussy eater.

Do not expect luxury meals on this trip, there are very limited supplies on the islands, so they must use what they have. 

• Sunscreen 
• Insect repellent 
• Hat and sunglasses
• Bathers, 2 pairs 
• Pyjamas 
• Dry Bag 
• Snorkel (can also rent on the island) 
• Flip Flops, Teva’s, water shoes – something easy to take on and off (or your walk around barefoot like I did)
• Light clothing, preferably one pair of light pants to protect from mosquitos at night.
• Toiletries 
• Sea Sickness tablets 
• Lightweight towel
• Toilet paper 
• Portable chargers 
• Camera or drone 

Most of the accommodations in Puerto Princesa will allow you to leave your big luggage at the accommodation for the duration of your expedition. I do recommend packing light and if you can pack it all into a small backpacker or dry bag, this will be the best option. Trust me you don’t want to be lugging your big backpack around, so make sure to book accommodation before and after your trip. 

Best time to visit the Balabac Islands? 

The best time to visit the Balabac Islands is during the dry season which is between October and May. However, like most tropical destinations, the weather can be unpredictable. I completed my trip in March, and we had perfect weather for the 4 Days, it was very hot during the day, but clear at night. 

Best Islands in my Opinion!

Although all the islands in this region are beautiful, there are defiantly a few that stand out and if you are thinking of doing a shorter expedition, I highly recommend seeing if your tour includes these. 

The BEST Island by far. This is one of the islands that was furthest away from our campsite, taking 2 hours to reach. Once approaching this island, we all knew it was going to be worth it. The water was a vibrant crystal-clear blue, you could see so many turtles swimming just from the boat. The island itself was the definition of a tropical paradise. 

A small sandbar with hundreds of star fish. It wasn’t a complete sandbar when we visited, but it was still a beautiful experience to see that many star fish in one spot. It also looked beautiful from above! 

Another sandbar that wasn’t quite a sandbar but was still a fun place to go for a dip. There was a slight current when we visited, but this just brought out our inner child, racing each other and seeing who the current brought to the end quickest. Don’t worry it wasn’t a super strong current that you were going to get swept to sea, but I would recommend knowing how to swim for this one. 

This island had pristine beaches with shallow waters for swimming. There were also a few good snorkelling spots. The island also had a bar and small shop if you wanted to relax with a beverage in hand. It was also beautiful from above. 

This was our basecamp island, and it was beautiful. There were bioluminescent algae at night, incredible sunsets, white beaches with shallow waters. It was the perfect place to start and end each day. 

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If you are planning a trip to the Philippines and are looking for pristine quiet beaches, untouched nature, and crystal-clear water. You NEED to visit the Balabac islands! 

As beautiful as popular tourist places like El Nido and Coron are, they don’t even compare to how beautiful the Balabac Islands are. I believe these are the most beautiful islands that I am ever going to see in my lifetime. 

Balabac is a group of 31 islands, which many are uninhabited. They have vibrant corals, plenty of marine life, pristine beaches, and friendly locals. The Balabac Islands currently aren’t extremely popular with tourists (written in 2024), due to its off-the-beaten-path location. This however may change in the coming years as they are planning on building an airport in the area.

Couple things to keep in mind before visiting

• The Balabac islands are NOT a luxury get away – the accommodation, transport and food are very basic.
• You will be spending a lot of time on a boat island hopping, so if you don’t like being on the ocean, this isn’t for you. 
• The Balabac islands are very remote. There might not be reception, no access to shops and limited medical care. 
• The tours are a lot of beaches, swimming, and snorkelling. You will also be in the elements quite a bit. 
• You will be on Filipino time – so not everything might run smoothly or to schedule. 

How to visit the Balabac Islands?

At the time of writing this blog, it is nearly impossible to visit the Balabac islands independently. It is not like other places in the Philippines where you can easily island hop and rent a scooter to visit spots on your own. You will need to have a boat to take you to the islands, the coast guard is also extremely strict, there are no regular ferries, and you will need permission to visit most of the islands. For this reason, I recommend you book a tour if you wish to explore this slice of paradise. 

I booked my tour with Lagum Adventures, and I can highly recommend them. Lagum Adventures has a 3D/2N, 4D/3N AND 5D/4N tour. I completed the 4D/3N tour which I found to be plenty of time to explore the islands. I wouldn’t recommend a shorter expedition, as you have a bit of travel to and from the port.

What is the tour like? 

There are only a few tour companies that currently operate in the Balabac Islands, and they all run the same itinerary, but on different days of the week. This means you and your tour group will be the only ones on each island you visit. This is of course unless it is another groups basecamp island (each company has a different one). 

I found the tour to be very well organised and the crew were excellent. As I mentioned before there is a lot of time spent on a boat during the island-hopping days. You will also spend a lot of time in a van on the first and last day with travel between Puerto Princesa and the port (about 6-7 hours). I should also mention the 2-4am pick up time on the first day, as I know some people might struggle with this! Overall, this is the best activity I have done so far on my travels for my World Tour, it was the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen. 

The tour from Lagum Adventures includes. 

• Tour Guide 
• Pick up and drop off in PPS
• Boat rentals and fuel 
• Environmental Fees 
• Full board meals (Except breakfast day 1) 
• Drinking water 
• All entrance fees to the islands 
• A beachfront campsite 
• Tent with thin sheet
• Use of generator between 6-7am (to charge electronics such as phone/drone) 
• Tour insurance 
• Life Vest 

How much did it cost?

The 4D/3N expedition cost me 15,500 Pesos which is around $415 AUD. I didn’t buy any snacks or alcohol on the islands which does cost extra. In saying that, a Smirnoff Mule, cider, or beer cost around 50-80 pesos $1.50-$2.50 AUD. Snacks were $1-$5 AUD and a bottle of rum was around $10 AUD. 

If you want to drink on the islands, I would budget a total of around $500 AUD for the whole experience. This will also give you enough for tips, which are expected at the end of the trip. 

What is the accommodation like? 

The accommodation is VERY basic, but if you have camped before, you will quite enjoy it. There were two types of accommodation on my expedition – tents and huts. The huts were for the bigger groups of 3-4 people and the tents for couples or solo travellers. Both accommodations had thin mattresses, a thin blanket, pillow, and fans. There were also plugs to charge your electronics either outside your tent or in the huts. 

As the camping is on the beach, I found the tents to not get too hot during my stay. I also wasn’t equipped with a fan in my ‘singles tent’, but still slept extremely well for the duration of my trip. 

There are bucket showers and toilets on the island. If you’ve never had a bucket shower, it is exactly what it sounds like – you use a bucket to wash yourself. You also use a bucket to flush the toilets. You will need to bring your own toilet paper and dispose of it in the bins NOT the toilet. 

There were also plenty of seating areas for meals and relaxing at my campsite island. 

What was the food like? 

Even though the food was basic, it was still delicious! It contained a lot of freshly caught seafood, so if you are allergic, you may have a slight issue with food on this trip. I am a vegetarian mostly when I travel, and they did cater to my needs. This was mainly stir-fried vegetables, rice, and fruit – which is fine to me because I am not a fussy eater.

Do not expect luxury meals on this trip, there are very limited supplies on the islands, so they must use what they have. 

What to Pack for the Balabac Islands? 

• Sunscreen 
• Insect repellent 
• Hat and sunglasses
• Bathers, 2 pairs 
• Pyjamas 
• Dry Bag 
• Snorkel (can also rent on the island) 
• Flip Flops, Teva’s, water shoes – something easy to take on and off (or your walk around barefoot like I did)
• Light clothing, preferably one pair of light pants to protect from mosquitos at night.
• Toiletries 
• Sea Sickness tablets 
• Lightweight towel
• Toilet paper 
• Portable chargers 
• Camera or drone 

Most of the accommodations in Puerto Princesa will allow you to leave your big luggage at the accommodation for the duration of your expedition. I do recommend packing light and if you can pack it all into a small backpacker or dry bag, this will be the best option. Trust me you don’t want to be lugging your big backpack around, so make sure to book accommodation before and after your trip. 

Best time to visit the Balabac Islands? 

The best time to visit the Balabac Islands is during the dry season which is between October and May. However, like most tropical destinations, the weather can be unpredictable. I completed my trip in March, and we had perfect weather for the 4 Days, it was very hot during the day, but clear at night. 

Best Islands in my Opinion!

Although all the islands in this region are beautiful, there are defiantly a few that stand out and if you are thinking of doing a shorter expedition, I highly recommend seeing if your tour includes these. 

The BEST Island by far. This is one of the islands that was furthest away from our campsite, taking 2 hours to reach. Once approaching this island, we all knew it was going to be worth it. The water was a vibrant crystal-clear blue, you could see so many turtles swimming just from the boat. The island itself was the definition of a tropical paradise. 

A small sandbar with hundreds of star fish. It wasn’t a complete sandbar when we visited, but it was still a beautiful experience to see that many star fish in one spot. It also looked beautiful from above! 

Another sandbar that wasn’t quite a sandbar but was still a fun place to go for a dip. There was a slight current when we visited, but this just brought out our inner child, racing each other and seeing who the current brought to the end quickest. Don’t worry it wasn’t a super strong current that you were going to get swept to sea, but I would recommend knowing how to swim for this one. 

This island had pristine beaches with shallow waters for swimming. There were also a few good snorkelling spots. The island also had a bar and small shop if you wanted to relax with a beverage in hand. It was also beautiful from above. 

This was our basecamp island, and it was beautiful. There were bioluminescent algae at night, incredible sunsets, white beaches with shallow waters. It was the perfect place to start and end each day. 

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Venice, an iconic city in Italy which is so high on everyone’s Italian itineraries. This cities history dates back over 1500 years, and it has played a significant role in shaping the culture, architecture, and politics of Italy and Europe.

Venice sadly was not one of my favourite cities in Italy, and honestly I felt it is a bit over hyped. Nether the less, I don’t regret my visit here and I do think it is somewhere you should have on your Italian itinerary, especially if this is your first visit! I think Venice is a one and done type of city. meaning once you’ve seen it all, you don’t need to go back. But hey, that’s just my opinion!

If you are looking for things to do in Venice, you can visit my blog post here.

This blog post contains affiliate links, I may receive a small compensation if you use them – don’t worry at no extra cost to you! Thankyou for your ongoing support.

There are three ways to get to here: Bus, train or flying. I recommend taking the bus or train if you are in Italy already, as it is cheap and efficient. If you are coming internationally, I would look into flying into Venice Marco Polo airport. When catching the bus, I would look into companies such as FlixBus. I have used them multiple times and found every journey smooth.

If you are catching the train into Venice there are two train stations: Venice Mestre and Venice Santa Lucia. Venice Santa Lucia is the closest train station to the iconic Venice attractions. This is just something to keep in mind when planning your travel days! If you can only get a train to Venice Metre, don’t worry it’s very easy to catch a train to Venice Santa Lucia. It’s a 1.45 Euro one way ticket, which can be purchased at the ticket booths at the station. This is the way you will get into Venice if you plan on staying near Venice Mestre Station.

You will most likely walk around on your visit. There is the option to catch water taxis or ferries to certain parts of Venice, which is extremely helpful if you have heaps of luggage and are staying in the main district. However, if you are there to just explore I would recommend walking. This way you can visit hidden alley ways and stumble across restaurants and shops that you usually wouldn’t find.

Where to stay?

If you have money to spare and want to stay somewhere over looking the canals, I would make sure you stay in Venice on the island. I would make sure of this by using the maps feature on booking websites. These types of accommodation, although closer to the main attractions, do tend to be a little more expensive. I personally recommend staying near the Venice Mestre train station. This is still a part of Venice, so It means you don’t have to pay visitors fees (explained below), but it is a lot more affordable. The train into Venice from here only takes 10 mins, so its not to far to travel in and out each day.

I stayed at Anda Venice hostel, and I highly recommend it. It is a 4 min walk to the Venice Mestre train station, has good facilities, clean beds, plenty of space to relax and a kitchen. It isn’t just for backpackers, there are plenty of private and family rooms too. Best of all, it was an extremely affordable price. For three nights in a 6 bed female dorm, it cost me $150 AUD – $50 AUD a night, this is extremely cheap for Europe standards.

Is two days enough?

I believe two days is plenty of time to see everything Venice has to offer. Two days will give you enough time to see everything in the main area and head off to some smaller islands such as Burano for a day. I do believe any longer in this area, and you will get bored. Venice is a very small city compared to other cities in Italy, it can mostly be explored by foot in one day. If you want to visit places at a slower pace, and add in long meal times, I would extend it to three days. However, personally I believe tow is plenty.

Other Important Notes

Venice has recently rolled out a tourist tax of 5 EURO per person, during peak times and weekends. You will have to fill out a form with the days you intend on travelling, pay the fee and have the receipt ready to show on your arrival to the area. This is only for people who place on visiting for a day trip. If you plan on staying in Venice, either on the main island or near the Venice Mestre train station, you are exempt. This means you don’t need to pay the fee, and can complete the form once you arrive at your accommodation.

You can find the form here.

Pickpocketing is also a massive problem in here, so it is wise to take precautions. Especially if you are visiting during the busy season. I would make sure to have a bag that zips up, and can be worn on the front of your body. Either a backpack or cross body bag. If you can buy a buy with anti theft features that is even better – I recommend Pacsafe. There are also a lot of scams in Venice, so just be careful and don’t let anyone put anything on you (bracelet etc) or take photos for you as you may not get your phone back.

Venice – 2 Day Itinerary

For the first day in Venice we are going to explore the main tourist attractions! The order of the sights seen on this itinerary are if you have headed into Venice and got off the train at Venice Santa Lucia train station. Make sure you have comfortable walking shoes, as you won’t be catching any public transport today, expect for the train. These are just the attractions listed below in the best order to visit – I haven’t included lunch stops so please make sure to do this!

• First Stop: Grand Canal
• Second Stop: Doges Palace (aim for the 9 am entry)
• Third Stop: Bridge of Sighs (Included in Doges Palace)
• Fourth Stop: St Marks Basilica
• Fifth Stop: Gondola Ride
• Sixth Stop: Liberia Acqua Alta
• Seventh Stop: Suso Gelato
• Eighth Stop: Rialto Bridge
• Ninth Stop: Home

One day two of this Venice Itinerary, we will head to the islands off the main island: Burano, Murano and Torcello. These islands can easily be visited as a joint package tour, or by yourself. I recommend the tour as it takes the hassle out of organising transport and it also includes a glass making demonstration on Murano. You get adequate time at each stop to wonder around and do as you please. There are plenty of beautiful spots to check out, resturants and cafes. It is also a lot quieter than then Venice, which will be nice, especially if you travel during the peak season.

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Tongariro National Park is an adventure lover’s paradise, offering active volcanic valleys, incredible hikes and in winter, snow activities. And of course, the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing. 

I only spent 2 days in this national park, with my main attraction being the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. I did get to explore some beautiful waterfalls while I was there, but I recommend you spent 2-3 days in this national park. Especially if you plan on doing the crossing, as the extra day or 2 will give you some wiggle room in case there is bad weather. 

Where to stay in the National Park

If you are travelling in a campervan, I recommend staying at one of the DOC campsites in the national park. They have basic camping facilities but are also very close to hikes and the shuttle service for the crossing, leaving from National Park. 

If you are looking for something a bit cosier, you can opt to stay in the Whakapapa Village or in National Park. 

This is New Zealand’s best day hike and is well worth doing. Along this track you will hike through volcanic valleys, lava flows, to craters and vivid crater lakes. This day hike is 19.4km long and will take you roughly 5-8hrs to complete. 

Although I did not have the amazing experience and views you get along this hike, it was still incredibly beautiful is some spots. You can find out all the information you need to plan the hike and my experience here. 

2. Hike to Taranaki Falls 

This is an epic waterfall, and easily accessible. This hike is 6km return, leaving from the Whakapapa Village. It will take you roughly 2-3 hrs to complete, depending how many photos stops you get along the way. 

Although my crossing experience didn’t go as planned, I was treated to the most incredible views along this hike. On a clear day you will get views of Mount Ruapehua and Mount Ngaruruhoe (which you may know as Mt Doom from Lord of the Rings). 

The trail is well marked and flattish. There is one set of steep stairs which leads you to the waterfall. You can get up close with this waterfall, so much that you can feel the mist! 

3. Mangawhero Falls 

Another short walk from the car park. I unfortunately missed this one on my travels, but it is said to be stunning. This is also another one for the Lord of the Rings fans!

4. Short walk to Tawahi Falls 

This walk will only take you about 10-15mins and is located on the road to the Whakapapa Village. The walk down to the falls is very easy and has two points where you can see the falls from above or below. The falls is a beautiful turquoise colour, offering some great photo opportunities. This is well worth doing as it won’t take you very long to complete! 

5. Ski Down an active Volcano 

If you are visiting in the winter months, Mt Ruapehu becomes a hub for skiing and snowboarding, with two large ski fields on the mountain. 

This is a hike I would love to do one day! It’s one of New Zealand’s great hikes. It is a 42km loop, tracking through some of the best volcanic scenery of the national park. It includes to Tongariro Alpine Crossing and Tama Lakes, however you will also get to some secluded sections only this track follows.  

Click here for a detailed two week North Island itinerary!

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Japan is one of those places which has absolutely stolen my heart. I have heard so much about how everyone loves Japan when they visit and was told I would too. I wasn’t sure as I am not much of a city girl and prefer nature destinations but was I wrong! Japan is such a beautiful country, rich in culture, amazing food, beautiful scenery, and incredible history. And we can’t forget the shopping! 

I loved Japan so much that I ended up making plans to visit the following year, while I was still there! Now, I was very nervous to explore Japan for the first time as I was extremely overwhelmed with what I should do with my 2 weeks there. I spent hours research blogs, watching YouTube and social media – I then decided on this itinerary. This itinerary is great for first time visitors who aren’t 100% sure where to go or just want to follow an easy route. 

I have included some basic information about how to travel around Japan, but if you would like a more in-depth guide to travelling around Japan – please let me know in the comments! 

This blog post contains affiliate links, I may receive a small compensation if you use them – don’t worry at no extra cost to you! Thank you for your ongoing support. 

How to travel around Japan?

The best way to travel around Japan is by the Shinkansen (bullet trains). This will be the quickest and most efficient way to travel on this itinerary and is how you will get from each destination to the next. The best way to travel internally in each destination is by public transport. Japan has one of the most efficient public transport system I have ever seen.

Booking the Shinkansen is easy, you can book it through third party websites such as Klook. Or you can use the SmartEX app to book your tickets directly and link your transport card for easy boarding. 

You can also book your ticket directly at the train station at one of the ticket machines. These machines are very easy to use as they are all able to be put in English. I wouldn’t recommend doing this option if you are travelling during the busy season such as Cherry Blossom or Golden Week, as you may miss out on seats.  

How to stay connected in Japan? 

There are several options to stay connected in Japan, via an Esim or pocket WIFI. I personally am not a fan of pocket WIFI, as you must send them back once you have finished using them, plus carry them around. Every time I travel, I always get an Esim when I travel, as it means I can be connected as soon as I land in a new country. I only ever use one brand of Esim and that is Airalo.

They have great options for Japan Esims – keep in mind all sims are going to be extremely expensive in Japan. Japan, however, does have a lot of free WIFI spots too so you won’t use too much of your data! 

I also highly recommend downloading Google maps for your trip. This will be the best way to understand how to get around, and it will help you plan travel routes with all the public transport information needed. 

Best time to visit Japan? 

The best time to travel to Japan is during Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Spring is when the Cherry Blossom season and Golden week occur, so expect it to be very busy during these times. I personally think it’s best to head to Japan 2 weeks after Cherry Blossom season, you still may see some cherry blossom trees, but it isn’t as crowded! 

If you visit during Autumn, expect beautiful scenery with the landscapes changing colour and lovely temperatures. 

2 Week Japan Itinerary

Starting off this itinerary strong with Tokyo! Tokyo is such an incredible place, I thought I was going to be overwhelmed here, but ended up loving it so much. That’s a lot coming from someone who isn’t a big fan of cities! There Is so much to do in Tokyo, I’ll be honest you are barely going to scratch the surface within the 5 days on this Japan itinerary. However, 5 days is the perfect amount of time to explore the main areas of Tokyo, and further out to some country towns on day trips. 

I have written an in-depth blog for a 5 day Tokyo itinerary, which can be found here.

My most favourite destination on this Japan Itinerary! Kyoto is an incredible city, with endless things to do. Having over 2000 shrines and temples, rich cultural experiences, and amazing culinary experiences. You won’t get bored for the three days you are exploring this incredible area. 

I have written an in depth blog on how to spend 3 days in Kyoto, which can be found here. If you are just looking for things to do with your time in Kyoto, you can read my blog here which has 12 wonderful things to do.  

DAY 10 – 11: Hiroshima 

Hiroshima is a must visit for your first Japan trip. It is only a short visit in this Japan itinerary, but it is plenty of time to see the main attractions, learn a bit of history and enjoy the outskirts. I have written a blog here which has all the amazing things I recommend you do with your time in Hiroshima.

I highly recommend taking a day trip to the Miyajima Island, especially if you love hiking and nature! 

You will finish off your Japan itinerary in Osaka, Japan’s second largest city. This city is full of life and is a great place to get your final feast on! You can either have 1.5 full days here, flying out on the 14^th day. OR you can have 2.5 full days here and fly out on the 15^th day. I personally would add the extra day and fly on the 15^th day of this itinerary, because this means you can explore Osaka for 1.5 days, then head over to Nara for a day trip. 

If you are looking for things to do in Osaka, you can read my blog here.

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Japan is one of those places which has absolutely stolen my heart. I have heard so much about how everyone loves Japan when they visit and was told I would too. I wasn’t sure as I am not much of a city girl and prefer nature destinations but was I wrong! Japan is such a beautiful country, rich in culture, amazing food, beautiful scenery, and incredible history. And we can’t forget the shopping! 

I loved Japan so much that I ended up making plans to visit the following year, while I was still there! Now, I was very nervous to explore Japan for the first time as I was extremely overwhelmed with what I should do with my 2 weeks there. I spent hours research blogs, watching YouTube and social media – I then decided on this itinerary. This itinerary is great for first time visitors who aren’t 100% sure where to go or just want to follow an easy route. 

I have included some basic information about how to travel around Japan, but if you would like a more in-depth guide to travelling around Japan – please let me know in the comments! 

This blog post contains affiliate links, I may receive a small compensation if you use them – don’t worry at no extra cost to you! Thank you for your ongoing support. 

How to travel around Japan?

The best way to travel around Japan is by the Shinkansen (bullet trains). This will be the quickest and most efficient way to travel on this itinerary and is how you will get from each destination to the next. The best way to travel internally in each destination is by public transport. Japan has one of the most efficient public transport system I have ever seen.

Booking the Shinkansen is easy, you can book it through third party websites such as Klook. Or you can use the SmartEX app to book your tickets directly and link your transport card for easy boarding. 

You can also book your ticket directly at the train station at one of the ticket machines. These machines are very easy to use as they are all able to be put in English. I wouldn’t recommend doing this option if you are travelling during the busy season such as Cherry Blossom or Golden Week, as you may miss out on seats.  

How to stay connected in Japan? 

There are several options to stay connected in Japan, via an Esim or pocket WIFI. I personally am not a fan of pocket WIFI, as you must send them back once you have finished using them, plus carry them around. Every time I travel, I always get an Esim when I travel, as it means I can be connected as soon as I land in a new country. I only ever use one brand of Esim and that is Airalo.

They have great options for Japan Esims – keep in mind all sims are going to be extremely expensive in Japan. Japan, however, does have a lot of free WIFI spots too so you won’t use too much of your data! 

I also highly recommend downloading Google maps for your trip. This will be the best way to understand how to get around, and it will help you plan travel routes with all the public transport information needed. 

Best time to visit Japan? 

The best time to travel to Japan is during Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Spring is when the Cherry Blossom season and Golden week occur, so expect it to be very busy during these times. I personally think it’s best to head to Japan 2 weeks after Cherry Blossom season, you still may see some cherry blossom trees, but it isn’t as crowded! 

If you visit during Autumn, expect beautiful scenery with the landscapes changing colour and lovely temperatures. 

2 Week Japan Itinerary

Starting off this itinerary strong with Tokyo! Tokyo is such an incredible place, I thought I was going to be overwhelmed here, but ended up loving it so much. That’s a lot coming from someone who isn’t a big fan of cities! There Is so much to do in Tokyo, I’ll be honest you are barely going to scratch the surface within the 5 days on this Japan itinerary. However, 5 days is the perfect amount of time to explore the main areas of Tokyo, and further out to some country towns on day trips. 

I have written an in-depth blog for a 5 day Tokyo itinerary, which can be found here.

My most favourite destination on this Japan Itinerary! Kyoto is an incredible city, with endless things to do. Having over 2000 shrines and temples, rich cultural experiences, and amazing culinary experiences. You won’t get bored for the three days you are exploring this incredible area. 

I have written an in depth blog on how to spend 3 days in Kyoto, which can be found here. If you are just looking for things to do with your time in Kyoto, you can read my blog here which has 12 wonderful things to do.  

DAY 10 – 11: Hiroshima 

Hiroshima is a must visit for your first Japan trip. It is only a short visit in this Japan itinerary, but it is plenty of time to see the main attractions, learn a bit of history and enjoy the outskirts. I have written a blog here which has all the amazing things I recommend you do with your time in Hiroshima.

I highly recommend taking a day trip to the Miyajima Island, especially if you love hiking and nature! 

You will finish off your Japan itinerary in Osaka, Japan’s second largest city. This city is full of life and is a great place to get your final feast on! You can either have 1.5 full days here, flying out on the 14^th day. OR you can have 2.5 full days here and fly out on the 15^th day. I personally would add the extra day and fly on the 15^th day of this itinerary, because this means you can explore Osaka for 1.5 days, then head over to Nara for a day trip. 

If you are looking for things to do in Osaka, you can read my blog here.

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Looking to plan a day trip from Tokyo to Nikko? Then this blog is for you! 

As much as I loved Tokyo, after a few days in this busy city, I was craving a bit of nature. My friend who lives in Tokyo was the one who suggested that I visit Nikko for a day trip, a mountainous area in the Tochigi Prefecture. I will say, I am glad I did.

Nikko was such a beautiful experience and a wonderful day trip! It is a little far from Tokyo and will require a full day for exploring and travel. But trust me, it will be worth it. This blog will have all the information you need to plan your day trip to Nikko from Tokyo – and a day trip itinerary!

How to get to Nikko from Tokyo? 

Nikko is located around 150km North of Tokyo, it takes around 2-3 hours to get here from Tokyo. There are two ways you can get from Tokyo to Nikko; JR Pass Route or Tobu Nikko Line. 

If you are using a JR Pass during your time in Japan, then this is the route you would choose. From Tokyo or Ueno Station, you can take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen to Utsunomiya, then catch the JR Nikko Line to Nikko Station. 

There is a shared line, which JR and Tobu share from Tobu Asakusa Station. Unfortunately, the JR pass is invalid on this line, and for this part of the journey – so you will need to pay an additional fee. 

This is the route you will choose if you don’t have a JR Pass. This route takes you from the Tobu Asakusa Station to Nikko on the Tobu Nikko Line. It takes around 2 hours if you use the limited express trains, which can be booked in advance online or at the station. I would recommend this service if you were planning on visiting for a day trip. 

If you buy the Nikko Pass (explained below), this includes a return ticket from Tokyo to Nikko not on the limited express trains, but by using the local trains. This takes a little bit longer, around 3-3.5 hours of travel. The Nikko pass also covers the basic fare if you choose to purchase a limited express train ticket. 

Is it worth getting the Nikko Pass? 

I got the Nikko Pass for my day trip, and I think it is worth it. It can easily be purchased online and has simple instructions on how and where to pick up the physical pass. It also makes the day trip much cheaper, then if you were to do it yourself. The Nikko Pass includes all transport on the Tobu Bus lines and Tobu Railway lines between Shimo-Imaichi, Tobu Nikko and Shin-Fujiwara stations. It also includes some discounts on admission fees to some attractions in Nikko. Depending on what pass you choose, it also includes sightseeing activities such as a cruise.

For more information visit here.

There are two passes you can choose from, World Heritage or All Areas. I chose the “All Areas” because I wanted to visit some areas that were in the mountains, outside the limits of the World Heritage pass. However, if you want to just see the main temples and pagodas, you will only need the World Heritage pass. The World Heritage pass is 2,120 yen (roughly $21 AUD), and the All Areas is 4,780 yen (roughly $47 AUD). 

The World Heritage pass can only be used for 1 or 2 days, whereas All Access pass is valid for 4 consecutive days. You also get free sightseeing cruise on Lake Chuzenji with the All-Access pass – just make sure the cruise is in operation! Before choosing which one you want to buy, I would look at what places you want to visit in Nikko first.

Nikko One Day Itinerary 

To optimise your time in Nikko, I would recommend jumping on either the first or second limited express train. If you are picking up your Nikko pass the day of your day trip, you will need to catch one after 8am, as this is when the tourist office where you pick up your pass opens. Another option, if you want more time, is to pick up your pass the day before your day trip – you can the catch the earliest train.

If you’ve purchased the ‘All Access’ Pass, follow this itinerary from the beginning. If you have purchased the ‘World Heritage Pass, skip to number 3.

Once you have landed in Nikko, catch the first bus heading to Lake Chuzenji (towards Chu Zenji Onsen). Take the short 15 min walk to the cruise port and hop on the one-hour cruise around the lake. Marvell at the sights and the amazing beauty of this area. Once the cruise is done, it will drop you off at the same area you started. 

Make sure you check when the cruise is in operation! This is something I was looking forward to doing but I didn’t check the cruise starting times. So, when I got there, I found out the cruise wasn’t operating till 3 days after my visit! It is still a beautiful lake and is really lovely to walk around. 

This beautiful waterfall is about a 25-minute walk from the cruise port. There is a free observation deck that gives you a beautiful view of Nikko’s most famous waterfall. Kegon Waterfall is the only exit for the waters of Lake Chuzenji. It is spectacular all year round, but in autumn is when it is at its best as it is surrounded by vibrant colourful trees. If you want a closer look you can pay to access the lower observation deck (570 yen). This is a nice 15 minute stop, and if you are hungry there are a few shops you can purchase food.

A short bus ride down the mountain, you will get off a stop outside the Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park. From here you will walk around 25-30 minutes, following signs for Kanmangafuchi abyss. This is such a quiet and scenic spot, compared to other parts of Nikko – so I do recommend you stop here. 

The narrow valley was formed after Mount Nantai erupted many many years ago, it is now a lovely walking trail near the river. Lined with stone statues of Jizo Bosatsu (the guardian of travellers and children), wearing crocheted hats. You can walk along this trail for as long as you’d like, I followed for around 20 minutes before heading back and having lunch in the small seating area at the beginning of the trail. 

You will now head into the World Heritage Area of Nikko, you can either opt to walk here from Kanmangafuchi Abyss or catch the bus. You can easily spend several hours exploring this area, depending on whether or not you’d like to enter the temples and pagodas. I didn’t enter anything, as I was trying to save money – but I did spend an hour and a half walking around the area and seeing everything from the outside. There are so many temples to see, so I would recommend doing your own research to see which ones you’d like to visit the most.

Looking for something extra? Check out this tour here to really make you’re experience in Nikko unique! This one of a kind experience incudes an horseback archery experience at Nikko Toshogu Shrine. This experience is led by instructors from the Ogasawara school of samurai arts, dating back to the Kamakura period (1185-1333). This tour also includes a guided tour of the shrine – I wish I knew about this experience when I visited!

You will pass this bridge on your way to the first stop on this itinerary. This is one of Nikko’s most famous sights, it is only a 5 min bus ride from the train station or a short walk from the World Heritage Area. This bright red bridge dates back to 1636, almost 400 years old! The legend goes that when the first head priest of Nikko asked the mountains for a way to cross the river, two snakes appeared and turned into there bridge we see today.

You can simply admire the bridge from afar or you can pay a small fee to access the bridge and walk across it.

On your way back to the train station, spend some time exploring the town. There are so many cute cafes and restaurants along this main strip, so it’s the perfect time to stop in for some late lunch or snacks. It is about a 20-30 minute walk from the Shinkyo Bridge to the train station.

Finish off this itinerary by catching a late afternoon train back to Tokyo. Even though you haven’t explored all areas of Nikko, you have see some beautiful nature spots, a bit of history and culture! If you have more time to spare, I would head towards the Tobu World Square.

If you finish all your activities early or later then expected – you can easily change the time of your limited express train online, using your confirmation email.

Is it worth visiting Nikko for a day? 

Personally, I think it is, especially if you are short on time in Japan but still craving to see a little bit of the Japanese countryside. On a day trip you are not going to see all that Nikko has to offer, so if you want to explore more of the area, I recommend spending more than a day here. Next time I go to Japan, I would love to spend a night or two exploring here. 

But in the end yes, I think it is worth a day trip from Tokyo. It takes a while to get there, but like all travel in Japan, it is a comfortable trip. 

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Hiroshima is a beautiful city which has a complicated and quite sad history. It is most famous for its devastating nuclear attack close to World War II. However, despite this devastation, the city promotes peace and understanding. There is a lot to offer here from amazing shopping, good food and historic monuments.

This list is compromised of the 5 attractions which I highly recommend you visit with your time in Hiroshima. As well as some basic information on how to get around and how long to spend here.

Photo by David Warner on Pexels.com

The best way to get around Hiroshima is by public transport, mainly using the streetcars. You will need to pay with cash or using a transport card when you exit/end your trip on this transport – unlike paying before on trains.

It is much easier to have a transport card, to simply tap on or off. If you don’t have one of these, you can look into the Hiroshima Tourist Pass, which includes unlimited transport on street cards, some buses and ferries. I have written a blog post here to determine if it is worth it or not.

How long to spend here? 

You can easily visit Hiroshima and the tourist attractions in the centre of the city in one day. Especially if you are travelling from Osaka. However, I recommend spending at least 2 days here. This will give you time after you’ve arrived to see the attractions in the town centre (Atomic Dome, Museum, etc). This also gives you a full day to explore Miyajima Island, which is a highlight when visiting Hiroshima. 

1. Atomic Bomb Dome

The Atomic Bomb Dome is the only structure left standing in the area where the first atomic bomb exploded on August 6^th, 1945. Through many efforts, it has been left preserved in the same state as it was at the time of the bombing. It serves as a powerful symbol of the most destructive force ever known to mankind and as hope, in the elimination of nuclear weapons.

2. Peace Memorial Park

Photo by Zane Holmes on Pexels.com

After the bombing, the Japanese government felt it was important to do something to commemorate it. That is why it decided that this park should be built and dedicated to this tragedy. The epicentre of the bomb was at the spot where the park is now. There are a few monuments in this park and it is within walking distance from the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Museum.

3. Peace Memorial Museum 

This is somewhere you must visit when in Hiroshima. The Peace Memorial is a very confronting museum, I wouldn’t attend here if you are easily triggered, but also recommend you do as it is important to learn about this sad part of human history. The museum has many levels, with information from the impact of the bombing, to how the bombs were made. It is both educational and extremely confronting. They recently added a new section which has diaries from young children that went missing during the bombing. I felt a lot of emotion in this part of the museum. 

The museum visit will take anywhere from 1-3 hours, depending on how much time you spend in each area. A visit for one adult will cost 200 yen. 

4. Hiroshima Castle 

The Hiroshima Castle, also called the Carp Castle, is a 5-story castle built in the centre of town. The castle grounds also have a shrine and some ruins, as well as being surrounded by a moat. The original castle was built in 1589 by feudal lord Mori Terumoto and was an important seat of power in western Japan.  The original castle was destroyed by the atomic bomb in 1945, it has since been rebuilt since then.

You can wonder around the grounds of this castle for free, or you can enter the castle for 370 yen. 

5. Miyajima Islands 

This was one of my favourite activities in Hiroshima. Miyajima Island is an island known for its shrine and large torii gate in the ocean. It is a small island located roughly one hour outside the main city of Hiroshima. It is a beautiful spot to visit for a day trip, or even stay overnight (much quieter). There are plenty of shrines and temples to visit, nature paths and wild deer. The deer are very similar to the ones you will find in Nara, but to me were much nicer (and not as demanding for food). 

While on Miyajima Island, I recommend completing these activities.

• Itsukushima shrine (300 yen) 
• Daisho-In Temple
• Mount Misen: Either cable car up or walk up via the Daisho-in Course 
• Momijidani Park
• Senjokaku Pavillion 

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Camping solo can be a bit of a daunting thing at first, but it can also be so much fun! I personally love camping solo. I do often get asked questions about how I keep myself safe or what to precautions I take while camping.

This was a very requested blog post from my followers on instagram (@beckkyhamilton). So, here are a few safety and precaution tips I have learnt which camping solo.

If you want to learn more tips for specifically travelling around Australia you can read my blog here.

Absolutely. I’ve camped solo in both developed campsites and extremely remote campsites, and I’ve never had a problem. I was always taught to trust my instincts, so If I roll up to a campsite and I get a bad vibe – I will not stay there. I’ve been taught what signs to look out for, what to be aware of, who to trust/not trust and how to talk to strangers. All of these come with experience too.

I started solo camping when I was 19, and have been camping all around the world and Australia for the past 7 years. I have never run into a problem – especially in Australia, as camping culture is massive here (and everyone on the road is generally really nice).

I always give my family a copy of my itinerary when I go camping, and let them know what campsites I plan on staying at. This itinerary doesn’t have to be exact, especially if you like travelling without a plan. I’d just swing a friend or family member a message to let them know where you end up.

Another tip is if you are travelling to somewhere which is most likely going to be out of service, let your family or friends know. This way if you don’t contact them for a few days they know the reason why.

I bet you’re thinking, but Beck we all know you travel and camp alone all the time? This is true, however I don’t advertise on my social media accounts where I am at the exact moment I am there (more on this later). People know I travel alone who either follow my blog or other platforms, strangers do not. I don’t advertise to strangers that I am camping alone, especially if it’s just someone I have run into taking to a petrol station or in a town. Defiantly do not let strangers know where you are camping for the night or what campsite number you are in!

People will usually know you are travelling alone at a campsite, mainly your neighbours. This is hard to hide, but in Australia I have never had an issue. It’s usually a couple or grey nomads and I usually get the “good on you” comment from them. OR people see I am alone and leave me alone. Unfortunately I can’t really say this is the case in other countries!

As mentioned above, I usually post stories or updates a day after I have left my campsite. This is just for safety as you can never be too sure about who is following you or what their motivation is. Even if you don’t have a following, it’s best to do this.

I always recommend even if you don’t travel solo to learn a little bit of self defence. It’s a great skill to have regardless but an excellent to one to have while travelling. It doesn’t have to be anything major, just the basics. You can also carry self defence tools on you if the country prohibits it.

If you rock up to somewhere and you have alarm bells going off – don’t stay there. This could be from the campsite or from other campers. If you don’t like the vibe you can move. This is one of those things I can’t really give you pointers to look out for, you just have to trust that your body and mind know when something feels off.

This is more for people who are new too camping or are still feeling a bit uneasy staying in a campsite by themselves. If it’s a bush or free campsite and you don’t feel comfortable being there alone, find one with other campers. This will give you a bit of confidence as you will have other people around you.

TIP: If you are bush camping in Australia and don’t want to stay at a campsite alone, look for grey nomads – these are usually the safest people to be around.

Now what do I mean by this? I mean if you show that you know what you are doing, that you have solo camped before and that you are confident being alone – I do believe that you will be left alone. Also most of the time when you are camping alone, most campers realise that you are probably alone because you want to be alone.

Also, if someone is bothering you please remember that you can tell them to politely go away and if that doesn’t work and they keep harassing you, tell them to ‘f**k off’. You can also tell people no, if they ask to join you or to come have some drinks etc, if you don’t feel safe or just don’t want to.

If you have done everything you can and someone is still harassing you or doing things that feel off/making you feel unsafe, contact someone. This doesn’t have to be the police, this can be the campsite host, caravan park or the department in control of where you are camping (DPAW for example).

These people are here to make sure you enjoy your experience and will want to make sure you feel safe. If you don’t want to do this you can also go have a chat with another camper in the campsite. Don’t put the expectation on them to do anything for you, but they might just be able to keep an eye and ear out for you.

If you are worried about camping in a tent, sleep in the back of your car. This way you can lock your doors at night and if something spooks you – you can easily drive away.

Most people who go camping are not there to cause any issues, they are there for the same reason you are! They just want to get out into nature, enjoy a couple of bevies around a fire and have some chill time.

Don’t stress going into camping thinking everyone is dangerous, because majority of the time they are not!

Now some of these tips I don’t consider necessary, but unfortunately do need to be done in some countries. These tips can be done if you want some extra safety precautions. I have never done any of these because I haven’t deemed them necessary, but I have met some campers who have.

• Leave an extra pair of shoes outside your tent – this will give the impression that you are not alone.
• If someone asks if you are alone just say “my friend is sleeping/gone for a walk etc”
• Get a safety alert bracelet or necklace – this is one that I think is actually a great idea and will be getting for the World Tour.
• Wearing a wedding or engagement ring – I will say this isn’t a big one in Australia but seems to be a big tip in America.
• If you are camping in a car or van, keep the windows closed.
• Stick a you are being filmed sticker on your car or van – gives the impression if someone is doing something sus around your vehicle that they are being filmed.

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There are plenty of things to see along West Australia’s coral coast from Perth to Exmouth, and this itinerary can easily be stretched out to a month or two. This itinerary stops at places that I think are worthy of a visit, and some that most people drive straight past! This itinerary gives you a different range of scenery from ranges to coral reef, white sand beaches to the largest rock in the world. Like all my itineraries, this is relatively quick pace.

DAY 1&2: Perth to Jurien Bay

To begin with, a short drive to star this itinerary. 219 km or a 2-3hr drive from Perth you will find the small town of Jurien Bay. This small town offers white sand beaches, great fishing, skydiving and swimming with sea lions. If you ever wanted to go swimming with sea lions, this is the place to do it. Approximately 21% of WA’s sea lions live and breed in Jurien bay. Jurien Bay is a great place to spend a day or two.

Places to stop along the way:

• Lancelin sand dunes: 128 km or roughly 1.5hrs from Perth. This is a great place to stop and do some exploring. These white sand dunes provide plenty of fun for everyone. Activities include, off-roading, sandboarding and quad biking.
• Pinnacles Desert: 1hr from Lancelin or roughly 2hrs from Perth. The Pinnacles are natural limestone structures, which formed roughly 25,000 to 30,000 years ago and range in height and dimension. This National Park costs $15 from entry, you can either explore the park by foot or car.

Things to do:

• Turquoise safaris: These guys offer Sea lion tours ranging from $85-$105 for adults and fishing charters which will cost you $300pp for the day.
• Skydiving: SkyDive Jurien Bay offers a range of different tandem jumps, ranging from $299 to $449.

Day 3,4 & 5: Kalbarri

Today you have a moderate drive to Kalbarri, 352 km or roughly 4hrs from Jurien Bay. Kalbarri has so much to see and do which is why I recommend spending 2-3 days here.

Places to visit on the way:

There is only one place I recommend stopping at on the way and that is Hutt Lagoon. I highly recommend stopping at this pink lake in Port Gregory. This lake is best to visit during midday as the colours are brightest, keep in mind the colours can change from bubble gum pink to red.

TIP: The best places to get photos are at the pink lake view point, from here, if you drive a little further north, venture onto one of the 4WD tracks, these will get your car nice and close to the lake. There are also a few 4WD tracks along George Grey Drive which will take you to the cross sections of the lake (where you see the two different colours). These are difficult to find so keep your eye out or use google maps satellite view.

Things to do:

• Kalbarri National Park: Where to begin….Plenty of hikes, gorges, lookouts, cliffs and beaches to explore. This National Park is split into two parts, one is more inland where the other is by the sea a little south of Kalbarri town. Must see attractions; Natures window, Z-Bend river trail, Kalbarri skywalk (great for sunrise), island rock, natural bridge and red bluff (great for sunset).
• Whale watching, fishing, beaches, snorkelling (highly recommend blue holes).

Kalbarri Skywalk Natures Window Z bend River Trail Hutt Lagoon

Day 6: Monkey Mia

Another 4 hr drive today (400km). Monkey Mia is a great destination for nature lovers and families. This is a reserve so you will need to purchase a reserve pass which is different to a National Park pass. I only recommend 1 night here as I believe it is enough time to see and do everything. To be honest I got quite bored on my 1 day trip, so I wouldn’t recommend any longer unless you plan on using this a base to explore Francois Peron and Denham.

Places to see on the way:

• Hamelin Pool Stromatolites: I’ll be honest, they look better from above. It’s on the way though so worth it to pop in and have a look. EDIT: the viewing platform has been damaged due to Cyclone Seroja and is currently inaccessible.
• Shell beach: This beach is located on the way to Monkey Mia, where the sand is made completely up of tiny white shells! It’s worth having a stop to learn about the history behind this beach and go for a bit of a wander.

Things to do:

• Dolphin experience: Wild dolphins visit the shoreline of Monkey Mia everyday at 7.45am and 12pm for feeding.
• Sunset Cruise: This will set you back $50-$100, it is a great way to experience the Monkey Mia sunsets.
• There are plenty of other things to do around Monkey Mia, if you are choosing to base yourself here. To do’s include; Blue lagoon pearl farm, diving and 4WD tours.

Day 7: Francois Peron National Park

Only a short drive from Monkey Mia you will find Francois Peron National Park. For this part of the itinerary you will need a high clearance 4WD to get in and around the park. This national park is known for its red contrasting cliffs and white beaches. You are able to camp in this park and I highly recommend it. I’ve only stayed at Big Lagoon campsite and there are plenty of sites sheltered by the wind. This is only one of the many campsites in this national park. I recommend spending at least 1 day exploring this park.

TIP: If you visit this park during any of the months ending in ”ember”, expect to experience wind.

Things to do:

– Big Lagoon: This is a great place to canoe or kayak. Fishing is also allowed at the southern part of the lagoon. Do not fish in the northern lagoon as this is a protected sanctuary zone.
– Cape Peron: This is where you will see the red cliffs. From the carpark, walk to your left and you will find a sheltered beach. Be careful when swimming at this Cape as currents can be strong. If you walk to your right above the beach you can venture on a small hike to Skipjack point.
– Skipjack point: This is a lookout perched on the cliffs edge, a great place to fly the drone and look for wildlife. The beach to the left is where most of the photos of this park are taken. I didn’t venture down to this beach as I couldn’t find a path that didn’t rely on semi climbing the cliffs, however I did see people down there so venture at your own risk.
– Beaches: South gregories, Bottle Bay, Gregories and Herald Bright.

Cape Peron Big Lagoon Beach to left of Skipjack Point

Day 8,9: Quobba Station/Gnaraloo Station

Quobba Station is 4.5hrs (411 km) or Gnaraloo Station is 5.5hrs (478 km) drive from Francois Peron National Park. Keep in mind you will be driving along 4WD tracks out of the National Park so it will take a little longer. I’ve listed both of these stations as I believe they have both equal amounts to offer. Whichever one you visit will depend what attractions you wish to be closest too, and how long you want to drive on very bad corrugated roads.

Places to see on the way:

• Carnarvon: You honestly could spend a day or two in Carnarvon if you have the time. Carnarvon has some beautiful beaches, walks and food to offer. Visit the visitor centre for more.
• Carnarvon cactus garden: This is a cute little stop on the side of the road where a local has grown a pretty impressive cactus garden. It’s a good side stop to capture some cute pictures.

Things to do:

• Quobba Blowholes: This is closest to Quobba station.
• Quobba Beach: Great for snorkelling, drone photography and relaxing on the beach. This beach is found to the left of Quobba Blowholes.
• Red Bluff/Red Bluff Beach: Nice beaches, surfing and coastline.
• Big waves kill sign: A great photo opportunity.
• Fishing is available on multiple beaches along this coastline

Gnaraloo Station, 3 Mile campground Quobba Beach 3 Mile beach

Day 10: Kennedy Ranges

Today is the shortest drive time on this itinerary, roughly 2.5hr (176 km) to the Kennedy Ranges. The Kennedy Ranges are a elevated plateau, roughly 12-25 km wide and 75 km long. Here you will be treated with scenic landscapes, wildflowers, walking trails and an amazing night sky. I haven’t had the pleasure of visiting here yet but have heard good review. You can camp here, booking a dpaw campsite here.

NOTE: The 62 km from Gascoyne Junction are unsealed roads.

Things to do:

• Escarpment trail: A 3.4km return walk. Start at Temple Gorge campsite or Drapers gorge carpark, this trail ascends on top of the gorge for great views of the park. I’d recommend doing this trail for sunset.
• Escarpment base trail: A 5.8km return walk.
• Sunrise view trail
• Honeycomb Gorge

Day 11&12: Mt Augustus

I’ve given Mt Augustus 2 days as it will take you about 6.5-7 hrs (416 km) to get there from the Kennedy Ranges. Mt Augustus is the largest monocline in the world and estimated to be 1700 million years old, and yes you can climb to its peak. A lot of people miss this attraction in WA because it is very isolated, however is a very interesting landmark and it definitely deserves a spot on this list.

Things to do:

• Emu hill lookout for sunset. There are other look outs in the park however this is best rated for sunset.
• Summit Mt Augustus: A 12km return hike to the summit. This is best completed early in the morning to avoid extreme heat.
• Flintstone rock trail: A short walk that takes you to aboriginal rock paintings.
• Cattles pool: A fresh water swimming hole.
• There are alot of other walks in this park, to find out more visit here.

Day 13, 14&15: Coral Bay

Buckle in for a long drive today as you have roughly a 9 hr (700 km) drive ahead of you. It will be worth it once you arrive in the small beach town that is Coral Bay. There are a range of activities to do in Coral Bay from; snorkeling, diving, fishing, 4WD’ing, sailing and kayaking. All the beaches in and around Coral Bay are beautiful white sand beaches with amazing clear waters.

I’ve only given 2 full days to explore here, however, you could easily spend a week or more here. What I love about this place, is you can walk to majority of the beaches and great snorkelling is so close to the shore. This is also a great place to base yourself for day trips to Exmouth.

Things to do:

• Snorkelling and visit the white sand beaches.
• Go on a fishing Charter.
• Go on a cruise/tour.
• Swim with whale sharks, turtles, manta rays or dolphins (depends on the season).
• 4WD’ing Tracks.
• Go to the Dunes near the Boat ramp for sunset.

Bills Bay

Day 16, 17&18: Exmouth/Cape Range National Park

Cape Range National Park is one of my favourite National Parks in West Australia. This park is full of amazing snorkelling and beaches, Charles Knife Canyon also offers impressive views of the sunrise. Roughly a short 2-2.5hr drive today (203 km), you can either base yourself in Exmouth or at one of the DPAW campsites in the National Park. My favourite campsite in the National Pak is Osprey Bay campgrounds, some of the campsite spots are super close to the beach (See below), and you are very likely to see turtles 20m offshore.

Things to do:

• Turquoise bay and Oyster shacks: Good snorkelling beaches in the National Park
• Charles Knife Canyon: I think this place is best visited for sunrise, there are a few spots where you can park on the cliffs. You will have to get there early to secure yourself a spot. There is also a ridge walk somewhere in this park which looks really impressive. I tried to find it my last visit but had no luck.
• Yardie Creek: You can go hiking or on a boat tour to check out this gorge.
• Mildura Wreck: A shipwreck not far from shore.
• To conclude, there are heaps of beaches to explore around here. I have only mentioned the ones I recommend you definitely visit.

Osprey Campgrounds Turquoise bay Charles Knife Canyon

Day 20&21: Perth

I’ve put this as a 2 day drive as some people aren’t comfortable driving for 14rs straight. The best places to stop, other than designated stopping areas, are Overlander roadhouse or Geraldton.

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