Marek Tully

Check the rental branch's staffed hours and late-arrival policy against your flight number before reserving.

Choose a destination by the experience you want: coast, wine region or a slower town stay.

Compare the train's convenience with the river experience you want; the cheapest way to reach Fremantle may not be by boat.

Keep outdoor plans flexible and check the forecast each morning. A wet day does not need to cancel the whole trip.

Choose one direction beyond Perth. Those destinations lie on very different routes, and trying to connect them all would turn five days into a driving exercise.

Keep the last transfer into the CBD simple and check your rental return and hotel parking plans. Moving the car in central Perth can cost more time than expected.

Keep the last stop near a reliable airport route and allow for ship or road delays. A flexible short itinerary is safer than a fixed full-day checklist.

Ask restaurants whether they have a high chair and space for a pram; availability varies by venue. Reserve a suitable table if the meal is time-sensitive.

Choose by weather and walking ability: Rottnest offers a flexible island day, while the Pinnacles involves more driving and exposed ground. Keep the longest regional destinations for an overnight trip.

Look for a sheltered, supervised area suited to your swimming ability and enter with a companion. Ask a local dive shop about that day's visibility and conditions.

Choose a realistic turnaround point instead of trying to reach every landmark in one short trip. Carry water, food and a fuel plan between towns.

Use official road-condition updates before departure and avoid driving at dusk or after dark when wildlife risk rises. Carry water and an offline map.