Must-do

Take a boat to Rottnest Island to meet its cutest resident, the quokka. This small, russet-coloured animal looks a bit like a miniature kangaroo, and its perpetual “smile” has earned it the unofficial title of the “happiest animal in the world”. On the island – itself full of scenic walking and cycling trails – you’ll see quokkas just about everywhere.

I’d also recommend the two-hour drive to Pinnacles Desert. This extraordinary landscape is made even more special by the stone formations formed thousands of years ago. The view at sunset is beautiful and, once the sun goes down, the sky becomes filled with stars. It’s an amazing experience.

Must-eat

Perth’s old port town, Fremantle, is famed for its seafood. It’s also where to catch the boat to Rottnest Island, so I suggest stopping there on your way home. You’ll find the restaurants are affordable and the catch is as fresh as it comes. Fremantle is also home to several breweries, so you’ll have the chance to try some real Australian beer.

Must-pack

When taking photos in the desert, having a professional camera, or even just a good phone, makes a big difference. It’s hard to capture the beauty of the place otherwise – as I learned from my attempts to photograph the night sky using my old-school phone. I would also recommend taking a selfie stick for getting cute photos with the quokkas.