Our beautiful state has so much to explore from Australia’s best beaches to outback wonderlands and the most picturesque wine regions, and a good old road trip is absolutely necessary to see it all. 

Before you get all excited and jump straight into the car to hit the open road, you’ll need to plan out a few pitstops along the way so you’re not caught yawning behind the wheel. 

Why? Because 80% of fatigue-related crashes are on country roads. Yep, that’s a rather alarming statistic. So it’s important to know how to recognise fatigue while driving so you know when you need to make a stop.

Signs of fatigue

• Slow reactions and slower decision-making response times.
• Decreased levels of tolerance.
• Trouble staying in your lane.
• Difficulty maintaining a constant speed.
• Decreased levels of alertness.

Reasons you might get fatigued while driving

• Working night shifts.
• Too much on your plate, eg: overloading themselves with work, studying, and socialising.
• Averaging less than 7.5 hours of sleep per night or poor quality of sleep.
• Sleeping during the day.
• Frequent night-time driving (especially between midnight and 6:00 am).
• Use of medications that can cause drowsiness.
• Driving after being awake for more than 15 hours.
• Driving for extended periods of time.

How to avoid driving tired

When you are driving tired, you can drift in and out of sleep without even knowing.

This is called a micro-sleep, and just three to five seconds of this can be catastrophic. So what steps can you take to guard against fatigue?

You should also know the amount of sleep you need and get it regularly — 7.5 hours every night is the ideal amount.

When planning a long drive, never set off without getting a good night’s rest beforehand. Once you’re on the road, take a break every two hours and if possible, swap drivers regularly so that you can catch a break and make sure you’re always fully alert.

Top WA pitstops for your next road trip

Sometimes the best and safest way to get from A to B is to go via C, D & E.

On your next road trip, why not pre-plan some added stops to ensure you not only stay alert and safe on the road, but can also explore more of our great state on the way to your destination?

Going North

Perth – Geraldton

Lancelin

Stop in at Lancelin for stunning beaches, rolling sand dunes, a bakery for your sweet treat fix, and a pub with 10/10 ocean views to sit down and enjoy lunch. It’s a mix of adventurous activities and chilled-out beach vibes, so take your pick on whichever one you crave. 

Jurien Bay

A usual family fave, Jurien Bay is the perfect little coastal town to soothe those ‘sitting too long in the car’ feels. Recharge while relaxing on the beach or jump in for a quick snorkel, and while you’re there, drop in to see The Pinnacles — it’s one of those bucket list places that we’d recommend you see at least once. 

Don’t forget to grab a Lobster Shack Roll as well.

Geraldton – Shark Bay

Kalbarri

Kalbarri has got it all. Red cliffs, breathtaking nature, crystal clear waters, and a small-town feel that will instantly have you feeling refreshed. Visit the iconic Nature’s Window to take in the views across the Murchison River, or get up high on the Kalbarri Skywalk for one of the best experiences in WA. Finish off with a dip and a bite to eat in town and you’re all set to get back on the road. 

Shark Bay – Coral Bay

Carnarvon

If a place is referred to as the ‘food bowl’ of Western Australia, you best believe we’re dropping in to check it out on our way to Coral Bay. The laidback lifestyle here will be a warm welcome to help you unwind, and there is, as suggested, plenty of fresh food to perk you up. For a quick photo opportunity, head to Carnarvon’s Cactus Garden along South River Road or get in front of the ​​iconic big banana at Bumbak’s.

Going South

Perth – Margaret River

Crooked Carrot

We’ll let you in on a secret — some of the tastiest pies, rolls and slices can be found at Crooked Carrot. It’s the best spot to fill up if you’re getting peckish, and they have a huge play area for the little ones to burn off some steam on the drive (thank us later).

Busselton

Stop off for a stroll along the longest timber-piled jetty in the southern hemisphere and enjoy the vibrant beachfront lifestyle with a heap of shops to browse and foodaries to enjoy.

Origin Markets

The ultimate foodie? Need a retail therapy stop-off? Origin Markets has you covered. It’s the best of WA under one roof, with over 100 vendors featuring everything from distillers, speciality butchers, local jewellery makers, a dumpling bar, potters, and award-winning gelato makers.

Perth – Pemberton

Bridgetown

Quaint shops and historic quirks, you’ll be transported with country charm, tranquil forests, and the Blackwood River Valley backdrop. It’s artsy, scenic, wine-filled, and a purveyor of gorgeous fresh produce. 

Bunbury

Don’t forget to drop into Bunbury as you head South. It’s WA’s biggest regional city, and there’s a tonne to see and do from the playful dolphins to cosy bars and top-notch coffee stops. Or, go and see Black Diamond Lake and Honeymoon Pool.  

Perth – Albany

Katanning

Experience the rural lifestyle and soak in the history with a stop at Katanning. The Wheatbelt country town is home to people from all walks of life, and there’s almost always some community event or art exhibition to catch while you’re there.

Going East

Perth – Kalgoorlie

Northam

Lying in the heart of the Avon Valley, Northam is a great spot to set up by the tree-lined river banks with a book for a peaceful stopover. You can also take a trip down memory lane with over 185 heritage-listed buildings including Morby Cottage, the home of one of Northam’s first families. 

Merredin

Merredin is a good spot to stretch those cramped limbs and explore the little cafes and all the attractions and sights of the West Australian Wheatbelt. You can also explore and learn at the Military Museum or visit the Rabbit Proof Fence.

Southern Cross

Get a little bit of WA mining history knowledge under your belt at this historic gold mining town on the edge of the Wheatbelt. It’s also got a notably large pub to stop at for lunch, situated on the Great Eastern Highway.

Perth to Esperance

Pingelly

You may not have heard of it, but Pingelly is quite a charming little rural spot that gives you a peek into WA’s colonial Town Entrance heritage. The highlight is a few stunning nature reserves where you can take a breather with a colourful mix of flora and fauna. 

Lake Grace

A more popular stop on the Perth to Esperance route, Lake Grace provides panoramic salt lake views and a slice of outback life history as you visit one of Lake Grace’s two Australian Inland mission hospitals. 

Ravensthorpe

Pull in at Ravensthorpe to marvel over thousands of beautiful flowering plants (at their best between August and November) or follow a trail into the pristine green bushland to stretch your legs. If you happen to stop by in winter you might be lucky enough to catch one of the world’s best whale-watching shows in Fitzgerald River National Park from the cliffs at Point Ann.

Want to know more about arming yourself against fatigue? Visit wa.gov.au/fatigue or check out this advice from Destination WA https://youtu.be/E0r0udVW7ck.

This is a sponsored post for the Road Safety Commission – endorsed by So Perth.