A DAY TRIP FROM PERTH: GIANTS OF MANDURAH AND BUSSELTON JETTY

There are days that start simply, almost without a precise plan, but end up gifting you unforgettable emotions and memories. That was my December 26th, an adventure born thanks to an ad I posted on social media. That’s how I met three extraordinary people: Erminia, Irene, and Isacco. Strangers until just a few hours earlier, we shared a journey aboard Limoncino, my trusty yellow Hyundai Getz, to discover two magical places: the Giants of Mandurah and a paradisiacal beach near Busselton.The day started early, with a mix of curiosity and excitement.

Despite being an improvised group, there was a pleasant calmness among us: Irene and Isacco, both quiet and thoughtful, exuded a serene energy that blended perfectly with Erminia’s liveliness and her contagious smile. With water, snacks, and a desire to explore, we set off from Perth heading towards Mandurah.

Mandurah is famous for the Giants of Mandurah, spectacular works of art by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, known for his recycled wood sculptures scattered across the globe. The giants, part of a project that combines art and nature, are hidden within the local landscapes and invite visitors to a kind of treasure hunt.

After following the GPS and signs, we arrived at the first giant: Santi Ikto, an imposing figure that seemed to come straight out of a Nordic legend. According to the story created by the artist, Santi Ikto is a traveler walking between worlds, carrying the message of the importance of taking care of nature. With its intricate wooden details and reflective pose, it seemed to observe us with a peaceful and ancient gaze.

Continuing along the trails, still guided by maps and signs, we reached the second giant, Yaburgurt Winjan Cirkelstone, a figure inspired by the local Noongar culture, the Indigenous people of this region. This giant celebrates Yaburgurt, a leader of the Noongar community, and the circle he holds in his hands symbolizes the connection between humans and the Earth. It was an almost spiritual moment: in that silence, surrounded by nature, we felt the profound importance of the stories these giants aim to share.

After exploring Mandurah, we headed toward Busselton without a clear idea of what we would find. The GPS led us along roads alternating between small towns and natural landscapes until, almost by chance, we stumbled upon a stunning beach a true paradise. The soft white sand seemed to glisten under the sun, and the crystal clear waters embraced us with their beauty.

We dove into the fresh, transparent water, letting ourselves be captivated by the pure and untouched beauty of the place. Between swims, we decided to capture those moments: we took photos of each other, laughing and joking, and even used a drone to take pictures from above. Watching the panorama from above with the deep blue sea meeting the white sand made us feel small in the face of such grandeur.

After the swim, we sat on the sand to relax and share foods and stories. In that moment, gazing at the horizon and listening to the sound of the sea, I thought about how incredible it was to have found such a perfect spot purely by chance.

The journey back to Perth was filled with laughter and relaxed silences the kind of silence that happens when no words are needed to appreciate the company of others. Those three strangers, in just 24 hours, had become something more: companions on an adventure, each with their own uniqueness and way of enriching the experience.

If there’s one thing I learned from this day, it’s that the beauty of life is often found where you least expect it. All you need is the courage to follow your heart, trust what’s new, and let yourself be surprised by what the world has to offer.