In the days before the introduction of petrol Bowsers, and for several years afterwards in the country, petrol was purchased in two, four-gallon tins packed in pine cases. Extra fuel for country trips was bought beforehand and carried on board, and all journeys planned around specific garages known to stock and sell fuel.
It was essential to knowing where to go and here, again, the Automobile Club of Western Australia took much of the stress out of long distance motoring by compiling and distributing this vital information, as well as the general condition of the roads, in their yearbooks.
“…the State can offer some of the finest jaunts to be had in Australia, the distances extending from 25 to 600 miles [40 to 965 km], and even more … In many places they are exceedingly rough, and at times degenerate into mere bush tracks, but for the most part good workable roads are met with, and with a well-equipped car such a trip as that from Perth to Albany can be entered upon without fear.”
The Motor Car in Western Australia, 1908
Perth to Albany
“This tour has been made by several motorists, who report no great trouble in getting through … As near as possible by following the old coach road to the southern port and returning via Kojonup, Bridgetown, Greenbushes and Bunbury, the distance is 600 miles, and the duration of the journey can be limited to four days or extended to ten, just as the motorist desires. The road to Albany passes through some of the most pleasant country lands of the State. Leaving the GPO Perth, the route lies across the Causeway, through Cannington, Kelmscott, Armadale, Williams, Kojonup, Tenterden and Mount Barker.”
“The road is, on the average, in fairly good to middling order. There are, of course, in the 264 miles [425 km], stretches of heavy, sandy and hilly country, but the motorist who is ‘in form’ would not for a moment fear to face the tour …”
“The return journey can be made along the same route or via Kojonup and Bunbury, the road being generally in fair condition, with the exception of a very bad sand patch on the Perth side of Pinjarrah. Those who have made this tour speak in the highest terms of its pleasures.”
The Motor Car in Western Australia, 1908
Route Map, Perth to Albany, from The Motor Car in Western Australia, 1908.
Closer to home was the ‘Round the River Trip’:
The Round Trip - Perth to Fremantle and Back, from The Motor Car in Western Australia, 1908.
“Those who desire short trips suitable for an afternoon have a great variety to choose from, but one of the best is what is known as round the river to Fremantle and back, a jaunt of 25 miles over good roads, and embracing some of the prettiest views to be had within “coo-ee” of the city. Leaving Perth via Adelaide Terrace the Causeway is followed, and at its terminus the motorist strikes the Canning Road. By the new bridge he crosses the Canning River about six miles from Perth, and journeying past Applecross and Attadale, arrives at Fremantle, 12-1/2 miles [20 km]. The run back can be made via North Fremantle, Cottesloe, Claremont, and the King’s Park or Mount’s Bay Road. It is a delightful trip, and there is constantly changing scenery. Along the river, vistas of the inland sea are caught, and yet the road is through what is practically virgin bush. On the way back the Indian Ocean is glimpsed, and after leaving Claremont, the reverse side of the river presents itself.”
“For the motorist who desires nothing more than a few miles’ run over the finest roads in the State, King’s Park fills the bill. Entering the Park at the main gates opposite the observatory, a fine drive of three miles can be had to the Claremont side gates, with a return route along the May Drive. It is one of the finest tonics the jaded motorist can have to spend half an hour in the Park on roads that rival any racing tracks in the world. Another charming run is to Guildford and back about 22 miles [35 km], the roads being clean and firm.”
The Motor Car in Western Australia, 1908
A postcard depicting Cottesloe Beach in 1908, and the recently opened jetty. Courtesy The Grove Library.
“The most popular seaside resort within reasonable range of Perth is undoubtedly Cottesloe Beach … The ocean curls up lazily all through the summer, providing a splendid surf ... there is every facility for bathers and promenaders, and in summer it is one of the sights of the coast to see the ‘trippers’ and ‘dippers’ at Cottesloe Beach. The shore is thickly set with bathing houses, tents and machines, and under municipal control good order prevails even when the beach is crowded with people. Mixed bathing is indulged in, and so far no complaint has been made against it … With its natural beauty, its perfect facilities for the enjoyment of the summer-jaded city resident, and its steady improvement by the municipal authorities, Cottesloe Beach is likely to become throughout Australia famous as a seaside resort.”
The Motor Car in Western Australia, 1908
Some enterprising retailers, like Bon Marche, cleverly catered to weary travellers, enticing them to use their facilities:
“Whether to either freshen yourself before you complete your journey or rest, well, come in to us. Our Ladies’ Waiting Rooms, Lounge Rooms and Lavatories are now open and fitted up on the most elaborate scale for your use … Instruct your chauffeur to stop at our door … if a sale naturally follows we are pleased; if not, you get the same attention. Whether you purchase is a matter that rests entirely with you.”
Advertisement for Bon Marche Stores, The Motor Car in Western Australia, 1908
Motoring honeymoons also became fashionable from around 1905, a popular destination being Yallingup and Margaret River. There newlyweds, often in company with their families, stayed in the original(1903) opened Caves House, toured the countryside and visited the caves. Rather than being just the means to get there as it is today, in those days the drive was all part of the thrill and adventure.
Opened in January 1903, it was a popular honeymoon destination for motoring newlyweds. This wing suffered extensive fire damage in 1930. Courtesy State Library of Western Australia.
The original Caves House, Yallingup.
Where Was Perth’s First Petrol Bowser?
The Returned Maimed and Limbless Men’s Co Ltd installed Perth’s first petrol Bowser (named for its inventor, Sylvanus Bowser) at 905 Hay Street, near Milligan Street, Perth, in March 1921. It was immediately extremely popular with motorists for the speed and convenience at which tanks were filled with the filtered, underground fuel. Motoring was becoming easier.
There was resistance from the Perth City Council, to further Bowsers being installed in the years that followed, but this was matched by equally strong insistence from motorists. On 17 July 1922 they very cautiously voted to permit Bowsers to be installed on Perth’s footpaths. Jack Winterbottom was just a few steps away from the first Bowser and was witness to its instant success. In April 1923 he installed his own, larger Bowser at his premises over the road.
The Returned Maimed and Limbless Men’s Co Ltd advertisement for the first petrol Bowser in Perth. Sunday Times, April 3, 1921.
A postcard depicting Cottesloe Beach in 1908, and the recently opened jetty. Courtesy The Grove Library.
The original Caves House, Yallingup.
Opened in January 1903, it was a popular honeymoon destination for motoring newlyweds. This wing suffered extensive fire damage in 1930. Courtesy State Library of Western Australia.