Western Austalia Camper Van

Snowkitesoldier · Since 14 Nov 2006 72 Posts Boise, Idaho

Headed to Western Australia for Nov/December and was wondering if anyone has rented a camper van down under and if so, where and how much? I've kited Perth and Lanclin but don't know what is south of Perth (been as far as woodies) Maybe Margaret River. Has anyone kited these areas? Is there a post that has already "been there, done that" so I can use it as a reference. Any pointers in the right direction would be much appreciated.

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

Are you going for flat water or waves? Margaret River is big, fast, and burly. It's a one hit wave and then try to escape. Still fun, but not a great performance wave (not long and peeling). If you're serious about waves I can PM you some more info. Check Seabreeze forum for more local info.

Snowkitesoldier · Since 14 Nov 2006 72 Posts Boise, Idaho

PM me. I'd love more info. There are two of us. One of us is an intermediate looking for flatwater and the other is looking to get a little scared from time to time.

brass · Since 15 Jul 2006 152 Posts Stoked

check out Jucy Rentals, jucy.com.au. It's a new Aussie company so their fleet is pretty new although the vehicles are a little gaudy lookin. Can't find anything but the converted mini van at with a quick glance at the website but I have seen the Toyota HiAce conversion campa too.

jblum · Since 13 Jul 2008 307 Posts The Gorge Obsessed

I rented a Wicked Camper a few years back and had great service and experience:

http://www.wickedcampers.com.au/

It was a bit pricey, but they all are for rentals. They had great service and we met a lot of cool people as the grafitti attracts quite a lot of attention. Reliable car that we drove more than 8000km and had no problems.

Have fun.

Jackal · Since 17 Dec 2005 147 Posts WS Stoked

I rented our van from Apollo in Perth, a 5 minute taxi ride from the airport. Drove to Esperance and back. Apollo was a good stand up company with quality camper vans and a little cheaper at the time.

As for kiting that area of the world, there's some great kiting to be found just by driving along the coast. Many times you'll be all alone- which can be good or bad depending on what type of session you have. Unfortunately for me it was really stormy, so the kiting was less than optimal.

Cape Le Grand just past Esperance has a beautiful bay and amazing camper camping- bring some fresh fish from Esperance and cook it on the BBQ's at the park. The kiting there can be great too, just a bit of a walk, but the reward is worth it. An isolated cove with breathtaking scenery and crystal blue water.

You'll be there just in time for the black fly season, lucky you. Just a hint, when hiking through the forest/beaches and your partner's back is covered with 500 black flies, don't brush them off. They'll just come after you. Luckily they don't bite, they just annoy the shit out of you.

Take a stop at the canopy walk down in the giant Keri Keri forests (spelling?) About an hour from Denmark- again, breathtaking.

Enjoy

Snowkitesoldier · Since 14 Nov 2006 72 Posts Boise, Idaho

Thanks for the tips! I'm looking into it. Good to have a direction and a plan. Jackal, sounds like you had an epic trip, black flys and all. I'll just hope for nuking winds so those pesty black flys can't stick to me. How much wind can those little buggers take before they fall off? I'v heard great things about Esperance and am getting super excited for the scenery and kiting. Great tips, thanks everyone.

not on board · Since 08 May 2009 39 Posts United States

You should really be asking on seabreeze.com.au. Lots of kiters there in perth to answer your questions including what areas have cell coverage or wireless etc.
If you are going to go as far as Esperance, then check out this site.
http://www.esperance-kiters.com.au

also the western au kitesurf assoc site is http://www.waksa.com/
it has descriptions of the beaches in the area.

This company has been recommended
Backpacker campervans in Perth
471 Great Eastern Hwy
Redcliffe W.A 6104
Ph: (+61) 8 9479 5208

I did an 8 day kite trip north of Perth back in 2005 and loved every day.
Cheers.
Tony