A road trip to western Australia

A family road trip to Western Australia sounds like a wonderful adventure. 

1. Stargazing at Pinnacles Desert: One of the highlights of our road trip was stargazing at the Pinnacles Desert. As we wandered through the otherworldly limestone formations, we were amazed by the clear night sky and the sight of the Milky Way above us. It was a truly unforgettable experience.

2. Lobster Shack visit: Another memorable stop on our trip was the Lobster Shack in Cervantes. We learned all about Western Australia's famous rock lobster and even got to sample some for ourselves. The fresh seafood was delicious and made for a great lunch break on our road trip.

3. Sandboarding at Nambung National Park: We also had a blast sandboarding at Nambung National Park. Despite a few falls and wipeouts, we had a lot of fun sliding down the towering sand dunes and taking in the stunning coastal views from the top.

4. Beach car trouble: Of course, not everything on our road trip went smoothly. At one point, our car got stuck in the sand on a beach. We had to work together to push it out and get back on the road, but it ended up being a funny and memorable moment from our trip.

5. Wildlife sightings: Along the way, we also had some incredible wildlife sightings. We spotted a kangaroo on the side of the road, as well as several koalas snoozing in the trees. We even caught sight of two rainbows at the same time, adding to the magical feel of our trip.

6. Lighthouse visit: We also visited a lighthouse along the coast, where we climbed to the top and took in the panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding landscape. It was a great way to stretch our legs and soak in some of the natural beauty of Western Australia.

7. Car trouble and BBQ: One evening, our car's battery went flat and we had to improvise with a BBQ for dinner while we waited for a tow truck. Despite the setback, we were able to make the most of the situation and enjoy a delicious meal together under the stars.

8. Winery and chocolate factory visit: Finally, we stopped at a winery and a chocolate factory near the Margaret River region, where we sampled some of the region's famous wines and chocolates. It was the perfect way to cap off our road trip and treat ourselves after a long journey on the road.

Here are some tips and advice you can include in your blog post, specifically focusing on how to budget for a road trip:

1. Plan your route and calculate fuel costs: Before you hit the road, plan out your route and estimate how much fuel you'll need to get from one destination to the next. Fuel prices can vary depending on the region, so it's important to factor in these costs when budgeting for your road trip.

2. Pack your own food and drinks: Eating out every meal can quickly add up and become expensive. Instead, pack your own food and drinks for the trip. This can include snacks, sandwiches, and drinks that you can keep in a cooler in the car. Not only is this more cost-effective, but it also gives you more control over what you eat and can be healthier than constantly eating fast food.

3. Camp or stay in budget accommodations: Accommodation can be a significant expense on a road trip. Consider camping or staying in budget accommodations such as hostels or motels. This can save you a lot of money compared to staying in more expensive hotels or resorts.

4. Research free activities and attractions: Western Australia has plenty of free activities and attractions that you can enjoy with your family. Do some research before your trip to find parks, beaches, and other attractions that you can visit for free.

5. Set a daily spending limit: To help stay on track with your budget, set a daily spending limit for your family. This can include a set amount for food, activities, and any other expenses you'll encounter on the road.

6. Keep track of your expenses: As you travel, keep track of your expenses to ensure you stay within your budget. This can include using a budgeting app, writing down your expenses in a notebook, or keeping receipts in an envelope.

7. Be flexible: Finally, be flexible with your budget and adjust it as needed. Unexpected expenses can come up, and it's important to be able to adapt your budget accordingly.