Cycling the Wild West
At Wanderlust Travel Experts, we believe in travel that immerses, inspires—and occasionally pushes the limits. For one of our brokers, Kim Payne, that meant trading airports and hotel check-ins for cycle gear and long, dusty roads on an unforgettable 2,974km adventure from Perth to Broome.
Yes, you read that right. Almost 3,000 kilometres. On a bike. Across some of Australia’s most remote, beautiful, and diverse landscapes.
What made this journey even more impressive? Kim didn’t switch off completely. She continued working along the way—checking in with clients, calling into meetings (including our first birthday celebration!), and showing that being a travel broker doesn’t mean choosing between work and wanderlust.
We asked Kim to share a few of her trip highlights—and while it’s safe to say this was no ordinary holiday, her reflections show just how rich and rewarding travel in Western Australia can be.
Kim’s Story
Western Australia isn’t always the first-place people think of for a cycling journey—but after riding almost 3,000 kilometres from Perth to Broome, I can say with confidence: it should be.
This journey wasn’t just about endurance. It was about perspective. There’s something unique about experiencing a destination slowly, with no windows between you and the world. The ride took us through beachside suburbs, ancient desert, remote mining towns, and breathtaking national parks—and along the way, I gained a new appreciation for just how vast, diverse, and magical this part of Australia really is.
Sunday Mornings on the Perth Coast
We kicked off in Perth, a city that knows how to embrace the outdoors. One of my favourite memories from those early days was cycling along the coast on a Sunday morning.
“There’s something so uplifting about the energy of locals getting out early to enjoy the coast. By 7:30am, the beaches were buzzing, and the carparks were full. It felt like the whole city was up with the sun—and made for some beautiful coastal cycling.”
A Quick Stop at The Pinnacles
Just north of Perth, we made a short but memorable stop at the Pinnacles Desert. Set within Nambung National Park, these limestone spires rise dramatically from the yellow sand and create an otherworldly landscape.
“We didn’t wander too far in our cycle shoes—but even a short stop here was worth it. A brilliant day trip from the city.”
Golden West Coast Sunsets
As the kilometres ticked over, the landscape began to change. Red dirt replaced green fields. Horizons stretched endlessly. And every evening, the sky put on a show.
“The sunsets were just incredible—open skies, stunning colours, and no buildings to block the view. A daily reminder of how special this part of Australia is.”
No matter how challenging the ride, the final hour of daylight brought calm and clarity. Sunsets in WA have a way of making even tired legs feel grateful.
A Dolphin Surprise at Monkey Mia
There were plenty of wildlife moments on this journey—emus, eagles, kangaroos and even sea turtles—but one encounter stood out. After the official morning dolphin interaction at Monkey Mia, I returned to the resort’s open-air restaurant to catch up on some work.
“While the official morning dolphin experience was great, it was the unexpected visit later in the day that really took my breath away. I was working from the restaurant when six dolphins swam up and down the beach for nearly 45 minutes—so close to shore. It was one of the most special moments of the whole trip. I’ve told all my Aussie friends to take their kids—if it were easier for Kiwis to get to, I’d recommend it over some of the more commercial beach resorts.”
From Coastal Charm to Desert Strength
As we cycled north, the distances grew, the towns got smaller, and the terrain became more rugged. Some days stretched beyond 170km. Others tested us with heat, headwinds and isolation. But those same conditions revealed the heart of WA: wild, remote, and rich in natural beauty.
In Karijini National Park, we swapped bikes for hiking shoes and explored ancient gorges and rocky trails. At Coral Bay, we joined a snorkelling trip to spot whale sharks (they ghosted us, but the dolphins and turtles made up for it). Along Highway 136, we pedalled through mining country and spoke with truck drivers hauling road trains over 60 metres long. Every day offered something different.
Small Encounters, Big Impact
Some of the most memorable stops were in WA’s iconic outback roadhouses. Places like Bullara Station, where we enjoyed coffee and scones in a dusty garden oasis, or Pardoo, where the rooms were basic but the stars were bright and the sky felt never-ending. We passed cattle stations bigger than small countries, stopped for photo ops beside termite mounds, and shared many laughs over roadside packed lunches with our fellow riders.
The Final Push to Broome
Our last few days brought renewed energy. Maybe it was the knowledge that Broome was getting closer—or maybe it was the tailwinds, finally. We cycled past salt pans and even caught a glimpse of a live kangaroo (a rarity given the unfortunate amount of roadkill along the way).
Our arrival into Broome was emotional. After 23 days on the road, we rolled in, legs weary but spirits soaring. We celebrated with a glass of bubbles and a stroll down to the water. Watching the sunset over Cable Beach that night felt like the perfect end to this remarkable adventure.
Reflections
Would I do it again? Ask me on a cool, flat day and the answer is yes. More than anything, this journey reminded me why I love being a travel broker: it's about connecting people to real places, not just ticking boxes.
For anyone considering a different kind of adventure, Western Australia is full of surprises. From the pristine coast to the red heart of the outback, it’s a place that stays with you long after the ride is over.”
Travel Tips from Kim
Even the most seasoned travellers pick up a few lessons on the road. Here are Kim’s essentials if you're planning your own WA adventure:
Fly net – You’ll thank me later.
Physical ID – WA’s bottle store rules are strict. You’ll need ID even if you’re not buying anything—and digital ID doesn’t cut it.
Allow time at Perth Airport – From the NZ terminal to Qantas, it’s either a 2 hour 20 minute walk (yes, really) or a 20-minute shuttle ride. Plan ahead.
Not Your Average Escape
Kim’s journey is a reminder that travel doesn’t always mean luxury or leisure. Sometimes, it’s about the thrill of the unknown, the beauty of wide-open spaces, and the quiet pride of doing something few others would attempt.
At Wanderlust Travel Experts, we’re proud to support brokers like Kim who live and breathe what it means to travel meaningfully—and we love that she continues to bring these stories back to her clients.
If you're dreaming of an adventure (maybe a little less intense!), talk to Kim or one of our travel experts today. Because when your broker understands what it means to truly explore, you know you're in good hands.