Arrival in Perth – The Adventure Begins!

It’s late at night when we land in Perth – tired and sweaty. After a long journey and the usual immigration marathon, we finally stand at the exit with our luggage, ready for the final step: getting to the hotel.

Only… no shuttle in sight.

“Alright then, let’s grab a taxi,” we think – not knowing our driver is about to unveil his very own pricing logic. With a strained smile, he listens to our destination and mutters: “Seventy dollars.”

“Seventeen?” we ask, confused.

“No – SEV-EN-TY,” he repeats dryly. One glance at our suitcases is enough: we have no choice.

After some negotiation acrobatics, we settle on 60 AUD. The taximeter? Naturally turned off.

At the hotel, we tell the receptionist about our nighttime taxi rip-off. He just shakes his head: “Half that would’ve been fair. And by law, all taxis in Perth must use the meter.”

Well – one for the memory book.

Next Morning: New Energy, New Adventure

After a good night’s sleep and breakfast, the hotel shuttle takes us back to the airport to pick up our rental car. The young woman driving? Full of energy – and quite… athletic behind the wheel. As she parks, the rear tire slams firmly into the curb.

Her reaction? A cheerful grin:

“Hey, I’m Canadian! Can’t help it if you all drive on the wrong side here!”

We laugh – and realize: our Australian road trip has officially begun.

Off to the Rental Car – and a Little Scavenger Hunt

We hop out of the shuttle, ready to roll – only to find… a note at the rental desk:

“Pickup on the parking lot.”

Which one? Where exactly? No further instructions. Not a soul around.

After some wandering, we finally spot a tiny sign with the Alamo logo – jackpot!

The biggest relief once we’re in the car? Apple CarPlay is working! Thanks to our eSIM and navigation, we’re not only mobile – but oriented.

Driving through Down Under without GPS? No thanks.

In the car, everything suddenly feels reversed: steering wheel on the right, road on the left, and I keep reaching for the seatbelt on the wrong side. But Reinhold? As if he’s done this all his life. While I’m still wrestling with traffic logic, he’s calmly cruising through the Perth suburbs.

Alright then: challenge accepted!

 

📍 Perth – Hyden – 350 km / approx. 4 hours

From Perth to Hyden – Across the Wheatbelt

Our first destination after Perth: a true natural wonder – the famous Wave Rock in Hyden.

We leave the city behind and head straight into the heart of the Wheatbelt, the vast grain-growing region of Western Australia.

The drive? Long, straight and… let’s say: meditative. Endless fields to the left and right. We couldn’t help but wonder:

How on earth do they water all this?

The answer? Came a few days later – from a retired farmer, laid-back and sipping his coffee.

A Dog Cemetery in the Middle of Nowhere

Just before Corrigin, a moment that made it official: we had truly arrived in the Outback.

On the edge of town, we spotted – not kidding – a dog cemetery. Over 200 graves!

If something like that becomes a tourist attraction, you know you’ve crossed a line.

The story behind it is touching: in 1974, the favorite dog of a well-known local farmer was killed in an accident. The town decided to give it a final resting place – and the cemetery was born. Whether the honor was for the dog or the farmer remains unclear. But one thing is: it’s got heart.

Arrival in Hyden

After many kilometers through the golden outback, we finally reach – and more importantly: find – our accommodation.

A cozy little cottage, just as described. Or… almost.

“Please note: We have three properties on the same street. If your key code doesn’t work, you may be at the wrong one.”

Great. A door-lottery in the middle of the bush.

But – all’s well that ends well. The code worked, the cottage was perfect for us: quiet, welcoming, cozy. The kind of place you don’t want to leave.

Wave Rock – Nature’s Art in Stone

And then we’re standing in front of it: the famous Wave Rock.

A massive, curved granite cliff that looks like a frozen ocean wave.

It formed over millions of years: water seeping into the base of the rock kept the soil moist, slowly eroding the stone. The salty moisture did the rest – while minerals and algae created the iconic striped appearance.

A natural masterpiece – patient, powerful, and spectacular. Like a gallery – but with no entry fee, and lots of wow.

 

Next stop

➡️ From Hyden to Esperance – and a Culinary Misstep