Hi there. We are Christina and Luis, we live in Switzerland and took some extra time off to come to Australia. After quite some fun buying a 4wd camper and getting it ready, we are curious to start a trip up North and down South to explore and kitesurf in beautiful WA. We wonder what the best plan would be. We have between now and mid March and would love to see Esperance and Exmouth as points furthest away from Perth. Considering the weather, the wind, the season, what is best to do first and last? We would appreciate any feedback from this group to help make our trip an amazing one. Best, Christina and Luis

Hi.. a 4wd camper is great to reach the more remote far north spots and camps
(parkstay.dbca.wa.gov.au/search-availability/information/). RAC breakdown etc recommended (yes they are in Exm) and not sure what model it is but car parts are not so simple to find up here..

At this precise moment exmouth is at its peak in temperature ..and February will probably be warmer... on saying that the west side can be 15degrees cooler !
Avoid the school holidays like the plague that will be respectfully 'their' time .(not these ones..too hot)..
If you are after diving and whalesharks also then march is better for the north
Bear in mind it's cyclone season now also but you can normally see them coming after formation ten days in advance....and know if they may effect you 3/4 days in advance ..
The marine life rejuvenates alot in jan and Feb as there are not so many people and the nice sharks come in closer and the snorkelling is better as they are not so scared off by so many people..
As for Esperance personally I would vote for Esperance in march.
It's really dependant on if you are chasing the whaleshark thing. They make a #veeeery# big deal of it in exm and a massive industry takes off at the end of February involving spotter planes etc buses and boats with runners going out earlier seeing if they can find them to 'kick it all off'.then they hype it up I got a bit bored seeing so many and moved on to other things
If you want decent time as a couple without so many packs and groups now is the time .i've met some lovely couples lately and am pretty happy for them that they are making the most of what I consider ningaloos most beautiful time.. the time it gets to 'recover' ..and yes allthough it can be gusty whatever you are doing foiling/windsurfing etc five days of the week you can be out there
Please note at this time of year working is cut down for everyone so be financially prepared as a can of chick peas is nearly double...not surprising because of the transportation required etc etc...
Also they have mass promoted the April eclipse so for sure things will be more difficult then..and prior to that(march)......even though there was a pretty similar one in Cairns several years ago and it didn't get so smashed
There are also stations you can stay at if you search around (and get on the water&snorkle at) that are not governed by the newish booking system above which is done with an honesty box and 'koha' (donation) as it was done before mass promotion
Goodluck

Thank you so much Considering your notes, we are considering going up North but not further than Gregory for now - seems heat and wind are ok. From there, heading down South to male the most out of Augusta and Esperance during the hottest time; then heading back North end of Feb until mid/late March to Exmouth. Loads of travel, but hopefully a good plan?!

Hi Swisskite,

Esperance is beautiful, as is the whole southern coast and a must see. Do the south now, but look for a High in the bight which gives a South Easterly along the coast.

spend time in Geraldton who enjoys an extended season after Perth has ended. You can follow further north but realistically, Come May, there is no wind anywhere. Wind comes back in September in the Northwest. The NW is beautiful in our winter and there is great diving, great surfing whilst you wait for the breeze.

if you have light wind specific gear of foils and ram air kites, the season doesn't really end regardless of where you go, in that case chase the warm water.
Enjoy W.A., the most beautiful state in Australia, and the most beautiful beaches in the world. We have space, beauty and no pollution. ????????

DM

I'd say it's a bad plan. You've got to recognise the scale of W.A., it's huge! Imagine driving to Portugal then Poland only to drive to Spain, it doesn't make sense, and the people who drive the most tend to enjoy their holiday the least. Go south now, it's nice at this time of year, then go north, easy.

Hiya..he's actually right..(psychojoe)..both are brilliant and you would be best off doing one..and then the 'other'
Either way it will work out for you and Darren's just chucked in some interesting information about high pressure systems nice thanks
Besides the things to do in Esperance area Denmark as a town is lovely&creative and surf is better down there at the moment allthough nasty sharkey..and the Nannup music festival that is kind of nearby and things like that are there beginning of march ..
And u can go and see what all the drama in Augusta rivermouth is like..
I wouldn't know whenever I am there on the inlet side I just launch near the shed 1km up towards the lighthouse and go out and round and maybe back in and up from there to avoid all the shenanigans it sounds really bad...sorry to hear this .waaaaay too congested..feel sorry for them..

Anyway !....wishing you luck on your dream

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swisskite said..
Thank you so much Considering your notes, we are considering going up North but not further than Gregory for now - seems heat and wind are ok. From there, heading down South to male the most out of Augusta and Esperance during the hottest time; then heading back North end of Feb until mid/late March to Exmouth. Loads of travel, but hopefully a good plan?!

I think follow the forecast is the best plan. If you make it to Horrocks (70km north of Geraldton) let me know and I'll show you the spots to kite.

Hope you have a great trip!

Thank you, everyone, for sharing your insights. We are on our way south now and can not wait. Hope to see you on the boards :)