10 - 14 days north of Perth, WA

[Carsten]

I have a favour to ask of our well travelled members.  Some friends and us are planning a West Australian trip in April 2016 and are aiming for 10 - 14 days north of Perth and then returning to Perth or Kalgoorlie.  Can anyone suggest an itinery based on their experiences as a starting point for us.
Thanks
Carsten

[West Aussie Glen]

some more details would be helpful in making some suggestions.
What are they travelling in?
How many?
How old?
How active, do they like walking?
Interested in history?
Into fishing?
Happy to get off the beaten track?
Do they like driving/riding? There can be some longer distances to travel if they want to get up to the Pilbara.
There is some fabulous scenery, interesting history, great walks.
April can still be reasonably hot and also the end of cyclone season depending on how far North.

[alans1100]

I'm trying to imagine anywhere 10-14 days North of Perth still being in WA. Karratha @ 1600km North was for us an overnighter by either car or bike but then we didn't have the time to stop other than for fuel and food.

[Carsten]

Thanks Glen.  There will be 4 to 5 road bikes and we're in our 50's  A little bit of "good" dirt wont hurt, one of us on a K1600GTL might disagree so we are pretty much road oriented.  We will have travelled from Tassie.  Thinking up the coast and back inland.  Being conscious of the hot weather and how it knocked a couple in the group around on a recent trip to Alice Springs, would try to take small steps (200-300 km) and have a good look around.  Hoping to park the bike for a few days and check out the local scenery/beaches. Not sure how far north to go, doesnt seem to make much sense to keep going north and "frying".  We have 5 weeks all up so might be able to lose a few days north and spend a few more leisure days south of Perth.  Going south from Norseman looks like - Norseman/Albany, Free day at Albany, Albany/Margaret River via Augusta, Margaret River/Perth. Free day in Perth.
Appreciate your thoughts.

[alans1100]

This fairly close to my route I'm taking to see my sis/rally in 2016. Normally I would just run the shortest route via Boulder (overnight with bro in law) and do the last 700kms to my sis the next day.

South from Port Augusta and follow the coast via Port Lincoln to Ceduna (something different) across to Norseman, south to Esperance as the direct dirt road to Wave Rock from Norseman is a no go for my 1100. Back down to Albury and I placed a marker near the tree top walk for you guys (we've done before) and then to my sis.

As for north of Perth I'd like to do the Indian Ocean Drive when I go over which was only being talked about when we were there 2007-2010.

[West Aussie Glen]

Carsten,
That gives me a little more to work with but a couple of more questions then I will put some thought into it. What are you doing for accommodation, camping, motels caravan parks? What fuel range will you have? Have you locked in dates yet?

Alan,
Don't be too fussed about the Indian Ocean Drive, nothing like the Great Ocean Road, more like crossing the Nulabor where you have glimpses on the Bight put mostly need to go to viewing points. OK for getting to Jurien Bay or the Pinnacles but not as a ride in itself.
Some far nicer rides around the Darling Ranges.

[Carsten]

Hey Glen,
We've got all of April and first week on May 2016.  Week 1 and 2 ish to Perth.  North and 1 week to get home from WA.  Accommodation will be anything that doesnt involve a tent and if a pub, has secure bike parking.  Fuel range is around the 300 km mark at a minimum.  Interesting exercise as I have images of sunsets on iconic beaches but the reality might be different as we are on road bikes and possibly not able to access these areas.  Looking for quality over quantity (km's).
Appreciate your help.

[Yorkie]

I would suggest you get a map of WA, there are a lot of small fishing villages up the coast, most with sealed roads and accomadation for tourists in hotels, motels etc, you could spend time at quite a few, most are off the main highway.