Karratha to Perth: Fuel & Farmstays.

If you’ve ever done the up-and-down Perth run with kids, you’ll know it’s less of a “road trip” and more of a test of patience, snack reserves, and how many times you can say “we’re nearly there” before losing your mind.

We’ve just done the run — down and back — so here’s the real-world update on fuel, stops, and one absolute hidden gem I didn’t expect to find.

I’ll be honest — I hadn’t done the Perth drive in a while.

We’re pretty seasoned road-trippers. The kids have grown up doing Karijini, Exmouth, Coral Bay, Peedamulla and Broome, so long drives aren’t new to us.

But Perth? It’s the long one.

Normally I’d fly without thinking twice… but when flights for 5 are coming in at around $3,000 even at our special residents rates, suddenly the car keys start looking very appealing.

Add in needing to get down to Margaret River for Dad’s birthday, the thought of doing a hire car, and the decision was made.

Longer? Yes.
Cheaper? Also yes.
Slightly questionable life choices by hour 10? Also yes.

Fineally Farm Stay & Bird Park

Nothing dramatic on the way down. Fuel was fine. Roads were doing their thing. Kids were manageable.

But — we accidentally struck gold.

I don’t throw around “hidden gem” lightly… but this place absolutely is.

We stayed one night on the way down and it was the PERFECT one night stay!

The highlights:

• 2-bedroom unit with air con

• Proper kitchen and a great shower

• Animals everywhere — macaws (yes, I fed them walnuts), goats, donkey, llama, pigs, chickens, carrier pigeons, and about 30 guinea pigs. A pool turned coy fish pond, swinging chair. It was very cool.

We grabbed dinner in Northampton IGA, rolled in, wandered the farm for a couple hours, then actually relaxed.

Then it’s only a few hours into Perth the next morning. Even if you dont stay there youre welcome to just rock up and offer a donation to walk around.

Not sponsored. Just genuinely rate it. 10/10 for a family stopover. We’ve even got their flyers in store now because I know how hard it is to find good kid-friendly stops.

The Way Back: Fuel Hunger Games

Coming home though… different story.

Fuel supply wasn’t the issue — price and availability of the cheap stuff was.

Every town had fuel except Northampton, but the cheapest servo in each town was either empty or tagged out. Which leaves you with the expensive option.

Carnarvon hit 283.9/L. That was a week ago, I know its going up daily. 

Nanutarra Update (Big Change)

If you’re planning your usual stop, things have changed.

The two-storey section is gone and they’ve set up a small donga-style shop. Food options are very limited and fuel is prepaid only while renovations are underway.

Don’t rely on it like you used to. Pack snacks or plan your stop elsewhere. They werent advertising a open date, and the donga was so crowded in there, I couldn't get to the counter to ask.

The final say?

Yes you can look at fuel watch, but the cheapest option isn't alwasy on there, 7Eleven seems to drop put of you search diesel. Even if you get to the cheapest advertised place, doesn't mean the pump is actually in use, which was a huge pain in Gero! Pack more food than you think you’ll need. And if you can, break the trip up — it makes a huge difference.

The Perth run is still the Perth run its long with kids in the car, but get the big day out the way first, short day next. Give me Dave Grohl's 10h audiobook, and the kids an ipad and 1000 snacks each- its fine. 

If you’ve done the trip recently, I’d love to hear where you found fuel and any hidden gems along the way.