We're a couple from the UK and we are looking at coming over mid Jan to mid Feb, maybe a little longer. Starting off at Perth and surrounding. Hiring a 4x4 to drive north, stopping off at spots.

Maybe getting as far up as Exmouth?

Dunno, but with 4 - 6 weeks, it gives us some options.

We both kite, she's TT and I'm surfboard.

The wind is still there during Feb? more wind the further north we go? Is there a cut off point?
We will be bringing 5.5m, 7, 9, 10, 12 & 14m kites with us, so hopefully catch a lot of wind play time.

Anything we should do?
She wants to visit the quokka's. Is there anything that is a must see and do? It's a one off holiday, so if we're there we want to take in the full experience.

She's a little worried about sharks & crocs. Is it something to worry about? I know to avoid the river mouths at dusk...

Any other islands worth a visit, that don't involve too long a flight?

Looking at the prices for a 4x4. $4000

Will I need a real 4x4 or can I get by with a Rav4 or something like that?

I'm not looking for off roading out in the bush, just being able to drive onto some of the beaches.

If you have 6 weeks and want to make a good holiday you can travel
from Augusta or Albany up the way spending a few days at each spot. Or come the other way as the wind starts to fire down south in January. If you are planning on making a holiday off it and sleeping in the car back packing you could get a camper. Take your time and plan it right. Don't miss kiting Augusta, Lancelin, brennos wall, and corros, I suggest a week in Lancelin as it's an epic location got the flat and the waves and down winders to wedge Island, it will give memory's off biblical standard :-) there is a place there called the Lancelin lodge it's got the kite vibe ????????

Bring fly net, fly spray, fly squatter, fly zapper, flame thrower, insect repellant, sunscreen with insect repellant, beer

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SonnyRider said..
Looking at the prices for a 4x4. $4000

Will I need a real 4x4 or can I get by with a Rav4 or something like that?

I'm not looking for off roading out in the bush, just being able to drive onto some of the beaches.

You can easily get by with out a 4x4 plenty of great spots to see without the need for a 4x4.

I wouldn't be comfortable dropping on to an unfamiliar beach in a fully loaded Rav4.

A camper would be a lot more comfortable.

Hi SonnyRider, some answers to your questions;

wind in Perth (and South) will be 15-20 knots thermal wind in the afternoon most days in Jan/ Feb. will be typically 5knots stronger from Lancelin to Geraldton. You may not need a 14 or even a 12m. I am not sure what happens around exmouth though I suspect the wind is lower as you go further north.

the odd croc sighting as far South as Exmouth and Carnarvon, though getaldton and Kalbari are too far south I believe. There are sharks of course, though liklihood of a kitesurfer encounter is extremely low and perhaps unprecedented in WA. You may see one on the surface if you kite Lancelin and around the south coast and if you do, just steer away from them. Ive seen 2 in 20 years of kiting.

The Abrohlis Islands off Geraldton maybe worth a visit.

Quokkas on Rottnest Island, though kitesurfing difficult in most bays. Could try Salmon Bay.

i agree with Pin Puller, lancelin and wedge island are aweome and if you can organise a downwinder with others who have done it, its well worth it.

a soft roader 4wd (subaru forester, rav4 etc) will get you to heaps of great spots a 2wd wont. obviously you need to be selective where you drive it. Check with the locals if your not sure. Take a tyre guage, a shovel and a tow rope and youll be fine. Dont take those things and expect to lose lots of respect from the people towing you out when you get bogged! Also expect to need towing out often ;)

Expensive to hire cars for that long but you can buy + sell a cheap 2nd hand one if your car saavy. Bit of a pain in the arse (especially selling in a rush at the end of the trip) but perth is a good place to both buy and sell. Use gumtree to find them.

No crocs anywhere south of exmouth. As per above post thereve been a few weird case where one had come south on holiday but thats as rare as tits on a bull.

Sharks everywhere but not really an issue for kiters. Just try to avoid long self resuces in deep water ;)

Sounds like you are only bringing one chick?
Bring more.


For Jan-Feb, up north is too hot and maybe no wind.
I would just do lano and gero for kiting, and a bit of sightseeing in perth to gero.

Exmouth in early Feb could kill you.

Thanks for the replies, really helpful.

At 95kgs, I need most kite sizes.
I ride a Converse 6'1 for stronger winds and a FW Evo 5'3" for anything less than 22kts. I was thinking of just taking the converse, but if the wind is 15 - 20 & 20 - 25 then I guess the Evo wins and is going to be brought along. I might see if I can get both boards and kites in the bag...


Helpful to know it's not worth the effort not to go too far north, that way we can spend more time around spots and not waste time driving.
The camper is a possibility, but a hotel or B&B will be needed at times as well. For the comfort and respite from the heat.

I kinda get the idea to buy a vehicle, as it'll be cheaper,but if we purchase the wrong thing I don't want to just leave a vehicle at the side of the road when we go.
The vehicle thing is something we need to work out.
What's public transport like?

Why the Fck would I want to be with more than one chick?

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SonnyRider said..
Anything we should do?
She wants to visit the quokka's. Is there anything that is a must see and do? It's a one off holiday, so if we're there we want to take in the full experience.

It really depends whether you want to kite the majority of the trip, 50/50 or more time seeing Western Australia. Kiting is great and all but how much is it costing you to come over? 15-20K probably?

If you just want to kite all day you might as well just go to Gero and Lancelin but if you want to see some of the great stuff that WA has to offer you sure as hell aren't going to find it in those places and it would be both a waste of time and money.

Public transport is ok in Perth, its not world class but there are worse places. Outside of Perth you'll need a car.

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SonnyRider said..
Thanks for the replies, really helpful.

At 95kgs, I need most kite sizes.
I ride a Converse 6'1 for stronger winds and a FW Evo 5'3" for anything less than 22kts. I was thinking of just taking the converse, but if the wind is 15 - 20 & 20 - 25 then I guess the Evo wins and is going to be brought along. I might see if I can get both boards and kites in the bag...


Helpful to know it's not worth the effort not to go too far north, that way we can spend more time around spots and not waste time driving.
The camper is a possibility, but a hotel or B&B will be needed at times as well. For the comfort and respite from the heat.

I kinda get the idea to buy a vehicle, as it'll be cheaper,but if we purchase the wrong thing I don't want to just leave a vehicle at the side of the road when we go.
The vehicle thing is something we need to work out.
What's public transport like?

Why the Fck would I want to be with more than one chick?

It's always been a fantasy of mine

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MDSXR6T said..

SonnyRider said..
Anything we should do?
She wants to visit the quokka's. Is there anything that is a must see and do? It's a one off holiday, so if we're there we want to take in the full experience.

It really depends whether you want to kite the majority of the trip, 50/50 or more time seeing Western Australia. Kiting is great and all but how much is it costing you to come over? 15-20K probably?

If you just want to kite all day you might as well just go to Gero and Lancelin but if you want to see some of the great stuff that WA has to offer you sure as hell aren't going to find it in those places and it would be both a waste of time and money.

Public transport is ok in Perth, its not world class but there are worse places. Outside of Perth you'll need a car.

We want to kite and if there is other stuff to do, then we are happy to take on board suggestions.

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SonnyRider said..
We're a couple from the UK and we are looking at coming over mid Jan to mid Feb, maybe a little longer. Starting off at Perth and surrounding. Hiring a 4x4 to drive north, stopping off at spots.

Maybe getting as far up as Exmouth?

Dunno, but with 4 - 6 weeks, it gives us some options.

We both kite, she's TT and I'm surfboard.

The wind is still there during Feb? more wind the further north we go? Is there a cut off point?
We will be bringing 5.5m, 7, 9, 10, 12 & 14m kites with us, so hopefully catch a lot of wind play time.

Anything we should do?
She wants to visit the quokka's. Is there anything that is a must see and do? It's a one off holiday, so if we're there we want to take in the full experience.

She's a little worried about sharks & crocs. Is it something to worry about? I know to avoid the river mouths at dusk...

Any other islands worth a visit, that don't involve too long a flight?

Matey
You'd be hard pressed to find anywhere as consistently windy as our region in Midwest Wa, also water conditions so pristine, great bump n jump, flatwater, surf and downwinders of epicness,
At that time of year I'd guarantee 4/5 weeks out of 6 up to 30 plus knts, if you bring a 17 10 6/7 you'll be kiting all day as the wind builds, I've had a mate coming over from uk for a few yrs now and has been blown away by our conditions, tbh our state isn't all kiting so plan a great trip, be warned WA gets under your skin especially if you love nature and the outdoors, it's a great playground,
hit me up if you want a run down of some must go spots on your travels etc
regards mick

^^ cheers, will do.

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cauncy said..

SonnyRider said..
We're a couple from the UK and we are looking at coming over mid Jan to mid Feb, maybe a little longer. Starting off at Perth and surrounding. Hiring a 4x4 to drive north, stopping off at spots.

Maybe getting as far up as Exmouth?

Dunno, but with 4 - 6 weeks, it gives us some options.

We both kite, she's TT and I'm surfboard.

The wind is still there during Feb? more wind the further north we go? Is there a cut off point?
We will be bringing 5.5m, 7, 9, 10, 12 & 14m kites with us, so hopefully catch a lot of wind play time.

Anything we should do?
She wants to visit the quokka's. Is there anything that is a must see and do? It's a one off holiday, so if we're there we want to take in the full experience.

She's a little worried about sharks & crocs. Is it something to worry about? I know to avoid the river mouths at dusk...

Any other islands worth a visit, that don't involve too long a flight?

Matey
You'd be hard pressed to find anywhere as consistently windy as our region in Midwest Wa, also water conditions so pristine, great bump n jump, flatwater, surf and downwinders of epicness,
At that time of year I'd guarantee 4/5 weeks out of 6 up to 30 plus knts, if you bring a 17 10 6/7 you'll be kiting all day as the wind builds, I've had a mate coming over from uk for a few yrs now and has been blown away by our conditions, tbh our state isn't all kiting so plan a great trip, be warned WA gets under your skin especially if you love nature and the outdoors, it's a great playground,
hit me up if you want a run down of some must go spots on your travels etc
regards mick

For all the blustering and bashing, you really are a great ambassador for your region. I have no doubt that if any one made the effort to come your way you would share your part of the world with them and offer tips that would be really helpful. I hope to get over there myself one day. It sounds truly epic.

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SonnyRider said..We want to kite and if there is other stuff to do, then we are happy to take on board suggestions.

A few suggestions SunnyRider;
South West: Albany to Margaret River. Great food and wine everywhere, caves to explore, old growth Karri Forest to explore (Pemberton), rock and beach fishing, hiking the cape to cape walk or any leg of the bibbleman track, check out the stars, canoe the Murray or Blackwood Rivers, swim with dolphins in Bunbury.

Perth: Rottnest Island, a cruise along the swan River or sailing from one of the many yacht clubs, early morning kiting at Point Walter on the easterly wind, kiting 'the pond', gentle downwinder swanbourne to trigg beaches, watch a 20/20 match, cycle around the river, catch a few shows at the amazing 'fringe festival' in Northbridge and around the city, visit fremantle and the fishing boat harbour.

North: Lancelin to Kalbarri. Ride a motor bike or beach buggy in the lancelin sand dunes, eat crayfish at the endeavour pub, kiting galore, visit the pinnacles, camp in the sand dunes along an isolated beach (wedge island), have a coffee on the beach in Dongara, kite til you drop in geraldton, visit Kalbarri and hike the Murchison Gorge, fishing, check out the stars.

Kalbarri to Exmouth: visit Shark bay, pat the dolphins near Denham, drive to Useless Loop just to say you have done it, go snorkelling or diving at Coral Bay, diving at exmouth (too late for the whale sharks not sure about the manta rays), visit a cattle station, check out the stars.

Just another day in WA!

Forget the 4 x 4 , way too expensive to rent and keep full of fuel. I rented a soft roader ( 2 wheel drive thing that looks like a Rav 4) for about $35/day ( that included extra insurance). Remember to bring a set of soft racks so you can strap your gear to the roof of the car.
Id stick to the stretch of coast from Corronation beach (just outside Geraldton) to Albany at that time of year, there is more than enough spots that can be accessed by a normal car ( and a short walk) .
I would not recommend Rottnest as a particularly good kite destination, not many suitable launch / landing spots and could go bad quickly if you had any equipment failures.
Be careful if you kite around Margret river, there are some very big waves that are easy to access with the kite but could kill you if your game is not up to it.
Lancelin is a great spot, good launch spot, flat water, waves, close to Perth but quiet mid week. Accomodation options there are basic and there is not much else to see or do in town

Great advice above ....

just make sure you have your long mile driving goggles on.

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cauncy said..
Matey
You'd be hard pressed to find anywhere as consistently windy as our region in Midwest Wa

If you just want to kite, i'd do this and forget about driving up and down the west coast. Base yourself in Geraldton, it's not great but its got everything you need and head a bit south or a bit north and you have some great spots. Dongara, Horrocks, Port Gregory etc are all close and if you decide to go north to Shark Bay, Exmouth or exploring it's not so bad.

Maybe a week in Perth to do the holiday tourist stuff, quokkas etc and if you get a kite its a bonus.

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THE DONG said..
Bring fly net, fly spray, fly squatter, fly zapper, flame thrower, insect repellant, sunscreen with insect repellant, beer

you forgot one thing - lock everything up!!!!

Especially your meth supply if you plan on basing yourself in Geraldton.

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eppo said..
Especially your meth supply if you plan on basing yourself in Geraldton.

Oh dear. Really?

Is crime rife for tourists? Because we're the easy target?

Some handy info from chillout, thanks. Gives us some ideas.
We were thinking a few days in Perth, to acclimatise and get over the jetlag. Then work our way up the coast after we're no longer zombies.

Will we need wetsuits? A 2mm shorty? Or is it warm enough for shorts and a rashie?

I wear a vest only in summer though plenty of people just with a rashie and boardies. If the wind is 25-30knots it can feel cool so a 2mm shorty will work well and keep you on the water longer.

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SonnyRider said..Oh dear. Really? Is crime rife for tourists? Because we're the easy target? Will we need wetsuits? A 2mm shorty? Or is it warm enough for shorts and a rashie?

Crime is bad but not like breaking into cars and stealing your stuff. Stick to beach and CBD / 'normal' areas and its fine.

What's a wetsuit?

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SonnyRider said..

eppo said..
Especially your meth supply if you plan on basing yourself in Geraldton.

Oh dear. Really?

Is crime rife for tourists? Because we're the easy target?

Some handy info from chillout, thanks. Gives us some ideas.
We were thinking a few days in Perth, to acclimatise and get over the jetlag. Then work our way up the coast after we're no longer zombies.

Will we need wetsuits? A 2mm shorty? Or is it warm enough for shorts and a rashie?

Plenty of wind up merchants here so take some of the comments with a pinch of salt!

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Dave Whettingsteel said..

SonnyRider said..

eppo said..
Especially your meth supply if you plan on basing yourself in Geraldton.

Oh dear. Really?

Is crime rife for tourists? Because we're the easy target?

Some handy info from chillout, thanks. Gives us some ideas.
We were thinking a few days in Perth, to acclimatise and get over the jetlag. Then work our way up the coast after we're no longer zombies.

Will we need wetsuits? A 2mm shorty? Or is it warm enough for shorts and a rashie?

Plenty of wind up merchants here so take some of the comments with a pinch of salt!

Yeh good advice dave

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SonnyRider said..

eppo said..
Especially your meth supply if you plan on basing yourself in Geraldton.

Oh dear. Really?

Is crime rife for tourists? Because we're the easy target?

Some handy info from chillout, thanks. Gives us some ideas.
We were thinking a few days in Perth, to acclimatise and get over the jetlag. Then work our way up the coast after we're no longer zombies.

Will we need wetsuits? A 2mm shorty? Or is it warm enough for shorts and a rashie?

Mate a fair bit of dramatisation in that post, I grew up near Liverpool and Manchester , crime here is nil in comparison , I've heard of crew leaving kites in cars at popular Kite spots and getting done over now and then, up here in 12 years I've known 1 instance of multiple kites at an event and I recovered the equipment and was returned,
3 of us did a downwinder last night and left all our equip on the beach whilst we recovered our vehicule
If you leave wallets phones valuables on display your asking for it in built up areas,
up here I rarely lock my house car , just use your common sense, water temps here get mid 20s a long sleeve 2 mm and board shirts or a 2 mm long arm short leg suit, all day on the water results in heavy sun exsposure, surf mud zinc is a must on the dial and I'd recommend a good fitting cap
A wagon ( estate) something like a Subaru will give you a good sleeping option and semi off-road capability, a 4x4
Will get you to some special remote Kite spots, an old triton/ ranger / bravo are down on budget but decent enough off-road, I'd plan a road trip starting in perth
up to Exmouth spending a couple of days in each, then on your way back you'll have a few favourites to spend time at returning back, I'd leave 7/10 days spare to do south too, by doing this your temperatures will be favourable as it's cooler ,
make sure your gear is in good nick and spares available, were a helpful bunch so you won't go short of a ride, Perth kitesurfing Gang is well worth joining on Facebook , this puts you in touch with like minded crew, meet ups , downwinders etc, repairs etc, might be worth getting the bksa ( British Kite Sports) worldwide insurance too, cheap as chips , check your holiday insurance as my mate discovered kiting wasn't included, but shark attack was

Yeh we are all just having an "in" joke.

Gero" nightlife goes off its dial.

Hey mate I live right on the beach in Scarborough, a popular spot for downwinders and not too far from decent flat water. We have a big house with a spare room and you're welcome to stay with us for a few days if you like. I work a week on week off so have heaps of time to show you the local spots and go for trips up to lancelin or down to margaret river. I mostly kite by myself on week days so would like a few kite buddies to go on adventures with!

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cauncy said..

SonnyRider said..

eppo said..
Especially your meth supply if you plan on basing yourself in Geraldton.

Oh dear. Really?

Is crime rife for tourists? Because we're the easy target?

Some handy info from chillout, thanks. Gives us some ideas.
We were thinking a few days in Perth, to acclimatise and get over the jetlag. Then work our way up the coast after we're no longer zombies.

Will we need wetsuits? A 2mm shorty? Or is it warm enough for shorts and a rashie?

Mate a fair bit of dramatisation in that post, I grew up near Liverpool and Manchester , crime here is nil in comparison , I've heard of ...

Sure, and I grew up in a war driven country, with snipers, shelling and cluster bombs. We never got a single scratch on our family car.

In Broome tho, over the Easter, 4 windows smashed with a brick on our 4x4 rental, city beach. The insurance not covering $1700 off my pocket. Shall I continue the stories I've heard from locals there? ;)