Zella Pike

Mark two or three beaches or lookouts that matter most, and verify the last bus from each before getting off.

Check rental desk opening and any after-hours fee before assuming collection on arrival is easy.

Compare total trip cost across several weeks, including accommodation and any school-holiday demand, rather than flight price alone.

Check luggage storage on the transfer day and airport travel from the final base. Seven nights give room for a split, but it should improve the trip rather than just follow an arbitrary ratio.

Plot each entrance against the station, harbour, restaurants and the streets you expect to use at night. The best location depends on whether you prefer waterfront walks or a lively centre.

Calculate usable time after baggage collection, travel back and the airline's check-in deadline. Eight hours on a ticket may yield a much shorter sightseeing window.

Choose accommodation near groceries and a practical transport route, then check each attraction's actual holiday calendar. Christmas Day and New Year's Day can differ from the days between.

Ask rental companies for exact model or luggage dimensions, driver licence requirements and excess cover. Compare a larger vehicle with two smaller cars if parking and driving are manageable.

Use appropriate repellent and keep food covered at picnic stops. A breezy beach and an inland still day can feel very different.

Book a return taxi or driver in advance if you have a fixed evening plan. Ask the winery for its exact pickup point and closing time.

Allow extra range for regional driving and have a backup charging stop. Compare the total rental and charging convenience with a petrol car for your actual route.

If you hire a car for only part of the week, use those days for harder-to-reach nature stops. Keep central and Fremantle days for walking and public transport.