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Exploring WA: Road trip highlights from an international student

Student Stories
15th July 2025 StudyPerth
Student Stories
15th July 2025 StudyPerth

Hi, I'm Joshua and I'm an international student from China! I am currently studying a Master of Professional Engineering (Software Engineering) at The University of Western Australia. 

I chose to study in Perth for a few reasons. First, the comfortable lifestyle. Living here offers the perfect balance between academic growth and a relaxed way of life, making my study experience both enriching and fulfilling. Second, the beautiful weather. Coming from Harbin, China, where winters are long and temperatures often drop below -35°C, Perth's warm climate and vibrant atmosphere have been a refreshing change. 

Beyond the pleasant weather, Perth's affordable living costs and no time difference with China have made life much easier and more balanced. 

But living in Perth has given me more than just a great place to study, it's also opened the door to some unforgettable adventures.

One of my favourite ways to relax and recharge is by going on road trips with friends. Western Australia is full of natural beauty, and I feel lucky to have so many places to explore, just a road trip away. 

Every time I travel with friends, it feels like we're escaping from the noise of the city and entering a different world. We talk, play games, and enjoy the journey together, so even long drives never feel boring. These moments have helped me feel closer not only to Australia, but also to the people around me. 

Margaret River

One of my favourite destinations in Western Australia is Margaret River. A group of close friends and I took a day trip there. It's about a 3-hour drive south of Perth - long, but very enjoyable, with beautiful countryside views along the way. 

In the morning, we visited a local farm where we could gently brush and feed friendly animals like cows, sheep, and even a few cats and dogs. We got to take some great photos and enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere. It reminded me of my childhood and made me feel connected to the animals. 

 

Local farm in Margaret River

 

At lunchtime, we had an amazing meal at an Italian restaurant. The food was fresh and full of flavour, especially the pasta and woodfired pizza. 

In the afternoon, we went to Injidup Natural Spa. Waves crash over the rocks to form a natural pool, where we relaxed and enjoyed the stunning ocean views. It was a peaceful and unforgettable experience. 

 

Injidup Natural Spa

 

Nambung National Park

Another road trip destination I love is Nambung National Park, home to the Pinnacles Desert! I took a half-day trip there with friends who share a love of nature and hiking. We travelled by car - it's about a 2-hour drive north of Perth. 

First, we stopped at the Lancelin Sand Dunes, where you can go sandboarding down the massive dunes! Unfortunately, we arrived a bit too late to try it out ourselves, but we were lucky enough to catch some incredible views from the top of the dunes. The sunset, and even a rainbow in the distance, made the scenery feel magical. 

 

Lancelin Sand Dunes

 

Later, we arrived at the Pinnacles Desert. After sunset, we stayed a bit longer to watch the night sky. Seeing the stars in such a quiet and open space made me feel calm and connected to nature. It was one of the best night skies I have ever seen. 

 

Pinnacles Desert

 

What's next?

The next place on my WA bucket list is Albany, especially Little Beach. I have seen photos of its white sand and clear blue water, and it looks absolutely beautiful. I'm really looking forward to exploring it. 

My road trip tips

If you're studying in Perth and thinking about getting out there and exploring WA, I definitely recommend it. Western Australia is famous for its stunning landscapes and it's one of the best places in the world for road trips. You can discover small towns and meet local people, which gives you a better understanding of Australian culture. 

For example, when I visited Margaret River, I met a lovely local woman who shared her life story with me. She talked about why she chose to leave the fast-paced life of a big city and move to a quieter town, where she could focus more on what truly mattered to her. It reminded me that life has so many possibilities, and there is no single path we must follow.

And if you don’t have a driver’s license, don’t worry! You can book a tour through a reputable company, or you can join StudyPerth’s day-trip adventures. We sometimes organise day trips for students, and it’s a great way to explore Western Australia and meet new people. I hope to see you at one of our events!

 

Roadside views in WA