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Startrails and Milky Way over The Pinnacles, Nambung National Park, Western Australia

The Top 10 Spectacular Experiences in Western Australia

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By Emily Hatchett


From stunning white sand beaches to astounding wildlife, out-of-this-world natural wonders to gourmet food and wine, Western Australia is a treasure trove of riches just waiting to be explored. Here we take a look at 10 of the most unmissable experiences in this land of plenty...

1. Discover Perth’s Sunshine and Beaches

Nestled between Indian Ocean beaches and winelands, Perth / Boorloo offers great city living nestled in nature. Discover unique wildlife encounters, vast scenic parks and the sparkling Swan River but also a thriving metropolis of small bars, creative restaurants and street art. It’s all here, in the one sunny city, filled with friendly and welcoming people. With 19 stunning beaches within easy reach of the city, relaxing by the ocean is never far away.  


 

Aerial Cottesloe Beach, Western Australia
Cottesloe Beach, Perth - ©DanAvila/TourismAustralia

2. Experience vibrant Fremantle

Although only a few miles apart from Perth, Fremantle / Walyalup is worlds apart in character. Known locally as ‘Freo’, this vibrant port city is full of quirky culture, bustling markets, fresh seafood, gorgeous beaches and microbreweries along with the rich history of the convict built and World Heritage listed Fremantle prison.


 

Aerial view of Leighton Beach in North Fremantle, Western Australia.
Fremantle - ©TourismWesternAustralia

3. Escape to Rottnest Island

Just off the coast lies the natural wonderland of Rottnest Island / Wadjemup. Accessed by a short ferry from Fremantle or Perth, this car-free paradise with its 63 beaches and 20 bays is most famous for the quokka. Considered the happiest animal on Earth, these lovable marsupials with their diminutive size and adorable faces are just one of Rottnest Island’s draws. Alongside the quokkas, Rottnest Island is home to a whole host of other wildlife including dolphins, whales, seals and sealions, plus stunning coastal walks, pink salt lakes and adventure cruises. 


 

Quokka on Rottnest Island, Western Australia
Quokka on Rottnest Island - ©JamesVodicka/TourismAustralia

4. Swim with Wild Dolphins or Sea Lions at Rockingham

Just 45 minutes from Perth, Rockingham offers an unforgettable chance to swim with wild dolphins and sea lions. Encounter playful bottlenose dolphins as they glide through the water, while curious Australian sea lions provide a unique opportunity for up-close encounters. With crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life, Rockingham is the ideal way to see wildlife in their natural habitat. 


 

Sea lion Rockingham near Perth Western Australia
Sea lion, Rockingham - ©TourismAustralia

5. Embark on the Southwest Edge Road Trip

Margaret River offers a blend of award-winning wineries, stunning beaches, tall-timber forests, world-class surf breaks and ancient caves. Spot migrating whales in Busselton, enjoy fine wine tasting at Vasse Felix, discover local culture with Koomal Dreaming tours or hike part of the Cape-to-Cape track. For an unforgettable road trip, continue along the South West Edge, where dramatic coastlines, local cuisine, striking landscapes, and sunbathing kangaroos lead you to the pristine paradise of Esperance / Kepa Kurl.


 

Aerial view of Windows Estate, Margaret River Wine Region
Windows Estate, Margaret River Wine Region - ©TourismAustralia

6. Swim with Whale Sharks at Ningaloo Reef

Dive into the stunning, UNESCO-listed Ningaloo Reef / Nyinggulu, one of the planet’s richest marine ecosystems with over 500 fish species and 200 types of coral. It’s the only place in the world where you can swim alongside the big 3: gentle whale sharks, majestic manta rays, and even magnificent humpback whales, as well as an abundance of dolphins, turtles and dugongs.


 

Swimming Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus), Ningaloo Marine Park, Western Australia
Whale Shark, Ningaloo Marine Park - ©TourismWesternAustralia

7. Coral Coast Highway Adventure

Travel the breathtaking Coral Coast Highway from Perth to Exmouth, passing through two of Western Australia's three World Heritage Areas. Witness the mysterious moonscape of the surreal Pinnacles desert, admire Hutt Lagoon’s vivid bubblegum pink waters, hike Kalbarri’s ancient gorges and meet wild dolphins at Monkey Mia and endangered sea lions in Jurien Bay. Finish the awe-inspiring roadtrip in the marine wonderland of Ningaloo Reef.


 

Aerial view of Hutt Lagoon, near Port Gregory. Australia
Hutt Lagoon, near Port Gregory - ©TourismWesternAustralia

8. Take in the spectacle of the Bungle Bungle Range

The Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park is a World Heritage gem, famed for its distinctive beehive-shaped domes with vivid orange and black bands. Best witnessed from above on a scenic flight, the range reveals Cathedral Gorge’s natural amphitheatre. Visitors can also hike its trails or camp beneath the stars, soaking in the region’s rich Aboriginal heritage.


 

Aerial View of the Bungle Bungle Range, Purnululu National Park, Western Australia
Bungle Bungle Range, Purnululu National Park - ©TourismWesternAustralia

9. Discover Broome

Broome / Rubibi, in Western Australia’s vast and ancient Kimberley region, is famous for its stunning Cable Beach, fascinating pearling history, 130 million-year-old dinosaur footprints and rich Aboriginal culture. While in Broome, enjoy an Indian Ocean sunset from an unhurried camel ride, or witness the remarkable Staircase to the Moon – a natural illusion of stairs created by the rising full moon reflecting over tidal flats on Roebuck Bay. Cruise through Roebuck Bay to see rare snubfin dolphins and migrating humpback whales, or head north in a four-wheel-drive to immerse yourself in the incredible Aboriginal culture and saltwater country of the Dampier Peninsula.


 

Broome Sunset, Australia
Broome Sunset - ©TourismAustralia

10. The Kimberley Expedition Cruise

Along with the Arctic and Antarctica, The Kimberley is considered one of the world’s last great wilderness areas, with its rugged beauty best experienced on a luxury expedition cruise. Sail to secluded bays, thunderous waterfalls, coral atolls, and remote tropical islands while soaking in the region’s extraordinary landscapes and ancient history.


 

Ord River Kununurra, Kimberley, Western Australia
Ord River Kununurra, Kimberley - ©WesternAustraliaTourism

For more inspiration, take a look at our Western Australia Holidays pages.

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Written by Emily Hatchett

Emily is the Assistant Manager of our Content Team, based in our Kensington head office. Emily has worked at Trailfinders since 2018 and has travelled to 31 countries. Her favourite destinations include Vietnam, Italy and the Maldives.

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