by Ayla Johnson-Gustowski
As someone growing up participating in challenging sports, I was nothing but excited to take on a 35km hiking challenge (especially in a place as beautiful as Margaret River) - although the fundraising side was something I’ve never tackled before.
My Coastrek experience was nothing short of magical: beautiful beaches, gorgeous wildlife, sweaty skin, salty hair, and sandy toes.
I've been working at Coastrek for just over two years now, and after travelling to Margaret River in 2024 to work the event (and suffering from serious FOMO), it was a no-brainer to come back as a trekker.
My Perfect WA Itinerary
As a Sydney girl, I couldn’t wait for a week away in Western Australia. And as a planner, it was my mission to create the perfect itinerary for my Coastrek trip.
Sunday – From Sydney to Scarborough Beach
We flew in bright and early – yes, that meant a 5:30am airport arrival!
After a five-hour flight and a lovely three-hour time difference, my partner and I hired a car and headed straight to Fremantle Markets. We spent a few hours wandering through the stalls, snacking on freshly baked pastries, before making our way to the highly recommended Cottesloe beach. After a walk along the sand, we checked into our hotel, Rendezvous, on the beautiful Scarborough Beach and finished the day with a delicious dinner at Samari Cambodian Restaurant (honestly 9.5/10). 
Monday – Caves, Coastlines & Koalas
We started early to catch the sunrise with a coffee and pastry from the local Harvest Boulangerie Patisserie – the perfect fuel for a big day ahead.
We spent Monday exploring Yanchep National Park, wandering the trails, visiting Crystal Cave and strolling the Koala boardwalk.
After a full day of adventure, we treated ourselves to margaritas and Mexican food at El Grotto’s (solid 8/10). 
Tuesday – The Bliss of Rottness Island
This was the day I’ve been waiting for... Rottnest Island!
I finally put to use the scuba masks I’d recieved three years ago for Christmas (thanks mum!) and packed them, along with some snacks and sunscreen, for a full day on the island. We caught the ferry over, rented bikes and set off to explore. We only made it halfway around the island – between swimming, snorkelling, and spotting quokkas, it was pure bliss.
After a day of sun and salt water (and a much-needed shower), we dined at La Capannina. Super tasty – but be prepared for a long wait (6/10). 
Wednesday – City Wandering & Comfort Food
Today was supposed to be a beach day (surfboard hire and all), but the weather had other plans.
After a morning stroll and breakfast at the lovely Knead Bread and Coffee, we decided to explore Perth city. We stumbled upon the charming St Martins Centre laneway and found an old bookshop selling $5 “blind date with a book” bundles – a hidden gem!
We grabbed a light lunch at Something French on Hay St, where I had the best pumpkin soup of my entire life.
Later, we wrapped up the day with a cosy pub dinner at, The Galway Hooker – midweek special parma, 7/10.
Thursday – Chasing Coastlines on the Road to Dunsborough
We woke early for one last Scarborough sunrise (and coffee, of course), before packing upt he car for our road trip to Dunsborough.
What was meant to be a two-and-a-half-hour drive turned into five as we stopped along the way to explore the coastline. A highlight was our visit to Perth Wildlife Encounters, where we took a Penguin Island boat tour and spotted sea lions and seabirds.
After checking into Club Wyndham Dunsborough, we had an early dinner at Bobcha – 10/10, easily our favourite meal of the trip – to fuel up for the big day ahead. 
Friday – 35km of Coastrek Magic
WOOHOO - Event Day!
The day was a whirlwind of excitement, exhaustion and exhilaration. I kicked things off with an energy drink (thank goodness I did), and seven hours later, we crossed the 35km Finish Line at beautiful Dunsborough Beach.
After visiting the BlackRoll recovery station to stretch and massage our legs, we hobbled back to the hotel for a blissful hour in the hot tub. That evening, we celebrated in style in wood-fired pizza, baked camembert cheese (if you know, you know), and local wines at Lentedal Wines – complete with live music. It was the perfect way to end an unforgettable day. 
Saturday – Slow Mornings & Salty Goodbyes
We woke up sore but smiling! Breakfast at Meelup Farmhouse (8.5/10) was the perfect start before heading back to revisit some of the beautiful beaches we’d hiked the day before.
With sandy toes and sun-kissed, we had one final meal at Claudio Bakehouse (10/10) pastries.
Finally, we made our way to the airport, ready to head home with a camera roll full of memories and a heart full of gratitude.
It doesn’t end there...
Just when we thought the adventure was over... It wasn’t!
After boarding our flight (and stuffing our faces with top-notch pastries), we got word from the pilot that the plane’s brake lines had failed. After an hour of delays, everyone piled off and collected their luggage again. We managed to snag third place in the queue, where we were handed a mysterious green ticket – which, as it turned out, was for a bus ride all the way back to Perth.
After sitting on hold with the airline for over an hour, we finally rebooked for the next day and settled in for the road trip, laughing over episodes of Brooklyn 99. To our surprise, the bus dropped us right outside the Hilton – our unexpected (and very comfortable) accommodation for the night. We treated ourselves (again, thanks Jetstar!) to some room service before collapsing into bed.
The next morning, after one of the best sleeps of the trip, we wandered through Perth City and Kings Park, coffees in hand, before finally making our way back to the airport. This time... we made it!
A special place in my heart
Western Australia will always hold a special place in my heart. The nature, the food, the people – it's a dream. We ate incredible meals, drank perfect coffee and wine, and saw breathtaking wildlife along the way.
Any nerves I had about Coastrek melted away as soon as I hit the trail: ocean to my left, greenery to my right, rugged cliffs ahead. It was pure magic.
Reaching our fundraising goal made it all the more special – knowing that my community had ralised behind me to support a cause I care so deeply about.
Now... to find my next challenge. I think the 50km is calling my name!
Ayla is our resident Marketing Coordinator! She loves trying new hobbies, being outdoors, and playing sports. Aside from creating epic content for our socials or cheering on Coastrek teams, you'll find Ayla at the gym, kicking a ball or - if it’s the weekend! - out at a bottomless brunch with her friends.
Register for Coastrek and join the adventure today.
