Planning a site visit from the East Coast

Seeing the land in person is worth the trip. You’ll understand the scale of a 2.5 acre lot, see the coast and get a feel for Dongara and Port Denison in a way no plan or photo can give you. Here’s how East Coast buyers can plan a visit that’s practical and enjoyable.

Step 1: Choose your timing

Seasons

• Autumn (March to May): settled, pleasant weather. A favourite time to visit.
• Winter (June to August): mild, with most of the year’s rain. Good for seeing how the land handles wet weather.
• Spring (September to November): wildflower season across the Mid West, roughly July to October depending on rainfall.
• Summer (December to February): warm to hot and dry. Walk the lots early or late in the day.

School holidays

Accommodation in Dongara and along the coast can be busier in school holidays. Book ahead.

Construction

Construction at Hidden Valley is commencing in October. Ask Terry what’s happening on site when you plan to visit.

Step 2: Book with Terry

Call Terry McBratney on 0408 554 444 or send an enquiry with your dates. He’ll arrange a time to meet you on site and show you the available lots.

Step 3: Book your flights

From	Approximate flight time to Perth
Sydney	Around 5 hours
Melbourne	Around 4 hours
Brisbane	Around 5 to 5.5 hours
Canberra	Often via Sydney or Melbourne
Hobart	Usually via Melbourne

Westbound flights to Perth are usually a little longer than eastbound flights home. Remember WA is 2 or 3 hours behind the East Coast, so you gain time on the way over.

Step 4: Choose how to get from Perth to Dongara

Option A: Drive from Perth

Dongara is about 3.5 hours north of Perth. Hire a car at the airport and choose your route:

• Indian Ocean Drive: the coastal route through a string of beach towns. Scenic and relaxed.
• Brand Highway: the inland highway, straightforward and direct.

Read the drive from Perth to Dongara for stops along the way.

Option B: Fly to Geraldton

Geraldton Airport has flights from Perth. Hire a car in Geraldton and you’re 45 minutes from the estate. This option saves driving time but adds a connection.

Step 5: Plan your days

A sample 3-day trip

1. Day 1: fly to Perth and drive north via Indian Ocean Drive, or connect to Geraldton. Check in to accommodation in Dongara or Port Denison.
2. Day 2: meet Terry and walk your shortlisted lots in the morning. Lunch on Moreton Terrace. Afternoon at Port Denison Marina and the beach, 900m from the estate. Sunset over the ocean.
3. Day 3: revisit your favourite lot, then drive back to Perth or fly from Geraldton.

A relaxed 5-day trip

1. Day 1: fly to Perth and stay overnight.
2. Day 2: drive north, stopping at the Pinnacles near Cervantes and Jurien Bay.
3. Day 3: walk the lots with Terry, then explore Dongara and Port Denison.
4. Day 4: day trip to Geraldton and Greenough, or a fishing charter.
5. Day 5: a final look at the land, then home.

Step 6: Prepare for the site visit

• Ask Terry for the contour survey plan and aerial photos beforehand.
• Shortlist your lots on the lot plan.
• Bring closed shoes, a hat, sunscreen and water.
• Bring a phone with a compass app and plenty of storage for photos and videos.
• Write down your questions.

Our site visit checklist has a full list.

Step 7: Make the most of the day

• Walk each lot slowly. Notice the slope, vegetation and outlook.
• Use your compass to work out north.
• Take a 360° video from the middle of each lot.
• Picture where the house, shed and driveway would go.
• Ask Terry anything.

Step 8: Explore like a local

You’re buying into a community as well as a lot. While you’re there:

• Shop at the supermarket.
• Have a coffee and chat to locals.
• Visit the marina and watch the fishing fleet.
• Walk on the beach at different times of day.
• Drive the route to Geraldton if you’ll use it often.

Budgeting for the trip

Your main costs will be flights, car hire or a connecting flight, accommodation and meals. Booking early and travelling outside school holidays usually helps.

After the visit

Rank your lots while they’re fresh, review your photos and videos and talk to Terry about next steps. If a lot you like is under offer, ask to be registered as a back-up buyer.

If you can’t visit before buying

That’s fine too. Many buyers secure a lot first and visit before settlement, expected in mid-2027. Read buying land sight unseen.

Stops worth making on the way up from Perth

If you drive from Perth via Indian Ocean Drive, the trip itself can be a highlight.

• Lancelin: known for its huge white sand dunes.
• Cervantes and the Pinnacles: the limestone pillars of Nambung National Park are one of WA’s most photographed landscapes.
• Jurien Bay: a coastal town with a long jetty and a marine park.
• Green Head and Leeman: quiet fishing towns with sheltered bays.
• Dongara: journey’s end, with Hidden Valley 10 minutes from town.

Allow extra time if you want to stop at each.

Driving tips

• Watch for wildlife, especially kangaroos at dawn and dusk.
• Plan fuel stops on longer stretches.
• Take breaks. The drive is about 3.5 hours without stops.
• Check road conditions before you go.

Making the visit count for your build

If you’re planning to build soon after buying, use the visit to:

• Confirm the lot you like best
• Note where you’d place the house, shed and driveway
• Meet a local builder if you can
• Visit the Shire of Irwin offices with any planning questions

Combining the visit with a holiday

The Coral Coast is a popular holiday region. Some buyers add a few days in Kalbarri, Geraldton or the Abrolhos Islands. Read day trips from Dongara and the Abrolhos Islands.

Visiting with kids

Families often bring children on a site visit, and the beach, the marina and the drive-in all help make it a holiday. On the estate itself, keep children close and in sturdy shoes, and avoid any construction areas.

Visiting more than once

Many buyers visit twice: once before buying and once before building. The second visit, ideally with a builder, is where plans become real.

A packing list for the trip

• Comfortable closed shoes
• Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
• Light jacket for coastal breezes
• Phone, charger and power bank
• The survey plan and your list of questions
• Swimmers for the beach
• Driver’s licence for car hire

Common questions

How long is the drive from Perth?

About 3.5 hours.

Is there an airport nearby?

Geraldton Airport, 45 minutes from the estate, with flights from Perth.

Where should I stay?

Dongara and Port Denison have accommodation options. Book ahead in school holidays.

Which route is better from Perth?

Indian Ocean Drive is the scenic coastal route. Brand Highway is the direct inland route.

Can I see the Pinnacles on the way?

Yes, they’re near Cervantes, just off Indian Ocean Drive.

How long should my trip be?

Three days is enough to see the lots. Five days lets you explore the region too.

Do I need to book with Terry?

Yes, so he can meet you on site and show you the lots.

What’s the best time of year?

Autumn and spring are especially pleasant, and spring is wildflower season.

Should I bring a builder?

If you have one in mind, it can help. Let Terry know who’s coming.

Can I visit during construction?

Ask Terry. Construction areas have safety rules.

Can I bring my kids?

Yes. Keep them close on the estate and away from construction areas.

Should I meet a builder while I’m there?

If you plan to build soon, it’s a great opportunity. Organise it in advance.

Can I visit the Shire while I’m in Dongara?

Yes. The Shire of Irwin can answer planning and building questions.

What should I pack?

Closed shoes, sun protection, a light jacket, your phone and charger, the survey plan and swimmers.