➡️I didn't have any cash for the whole trip, but it was fine.
➡️Pack a USB type C charger for your phone (for the rental car).
➡️Don't order iced coffee if you don't like it sweet. (Australian iced coffee has ice cream and cream on top lol).
➡️Some of the Australian wildlife is too friendly, so don't approach. (DO NOT FEED).
➡️Drive on the LEFT!!
➡️You must know how to drive roundabout!! I think this youtube video helps you.
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This is a photographer's trip, so I don't recommend doing the same as this trip.
I flew from Honolulu to Sydney and waited 5 hours for a domestic flight to Perth with Jetstar. I usually avoid LCC, but this time, I didn't think I could sit for 10 and a half hours in economy class. Plus, my carry-on bags were heavier than the economy class allowance, so I purchased business class, which comes with a 14 kg carry-on. Unfortunately, Jetstar business class seats don't go fully flat, but they were actually comfortable. I paid $1,500 for the trip from Honolulu to Perth and $1,300 for the return from Melbourne to Honolulu. (Economy was about $550). If you ask me if I'd pay for business class next time, maybe. I think it was worth it. Just remember, the meals weren't good lol.
Day 1
After 24 hours since I left home, I finally arrived at my first hotel in Perth at 12 am. I decided to stay close to the airport and rent a car the next morning, so I used the hotel shuttle to get to the hotel.
Day 2
Lazy morning. It was an easy day with only a few hundred kilometers to drive. I took the hotel shuttle back to the Perth Airport rental car shop and rented an SUV. I could have rented an economy car, but since I was going to drive 3,000 kilometers myself, I figured an SUV would be more comfortable and safer. It turned out to be the best choice.
I drove to Lancelin, WA, for the sand dunes. As a photographer, I was a bit disappointed. The sand wasn’t as white as I expected, and there were motorbikes and buggies everywhere, making it hard to find natural-looking sand to photograph.
There were a few tour companies at the entrance offering buggy rides and sandboarding, which seemed fun. I planned to stay here for two nights, but one night was enough.
I went back during sunset. Sunset always makes things better, but it was too cloudy. Hopefully, I’ll see a better sunset tomorrow.
Day 3: Lancelin Sand Dune
Thick clouds. :( Lancelin is a tiny village with nothing much to do. I drove to the sand dune during the day, but the wind was so strong it felt like a sandstorm. I went back to my room and rested all day.
During sunset, I went back to the sand dune without much expectation, but if you don’t go, you won’t have a chance to get that one shot. It was still a sandstorm and a bit of rain, but the good thing was almost nobody was there. I walked around, looking for a nice sand shape but I didn't take any shot I like so I was about to give up, I walked down the hill, heading home, but I still had hope. I turned and looked over the whole sand dune and took a few shots. These shots made me satisfied with the day.
Okay let's go home. but there is no parking lot I can see from where I was. The sun was already gone, and the light was fading. I felt a bit panicked, lost in the sand dune at night, but I knew the parking lot had to be nearby. I ran towards where I believed it was and finally found my car just before it got completely dark. It was a little scary, but I knew I wasn't truly lost.
At the end of the day, I was glad I stayed here for two days. You never know what you will see. Plus, after a long flight and dealing with jet lag, it was a good time to rest before the long trip ahead.
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To be continued
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