Parts of Australia have been seriously impacted by bush fires and our thoughts are with those affected. All major tourism destinations in Western Australia remain unaffected by bush fires. For up to date information visit www.australia.com.
In partnership with Tourism Western Australia.
1. Quokka spotting at Rottnest Island
The happiest animal on Earth can be found on Rottnest Island, an island paradise just 19km off the coast of Perth. These cute little marsupials have risen to fame on social media thanks to their cheeky grins. Head to Rottnest Island to spot these gorgeous creatures, found only here, before enjoying the island’s laid-back atmosphere, pristine bays and white sandy beaches.
Rottnest Island, Tourism Western Australia
2. Drink wine in the Margaret River wine region
You’ve probably already heard of the wines from Western Australia, so it’s time to find them at the source. Just two hours south of Perth you’ll find the Margaret River wine region, where premium wines are paired with world-class surf and scenery. Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are the most popular varieties here, and you can taste test them at one of the many cellar doors. If you’ve only got a short visit to Perth, don’t worry – the Swan Valley has more than 100 cellar doors sitting on the city’s doorstep.
Leeuvin Estate Winery, Tourism Western Australia
3. Cheer on England at the world’s most beautiful stadium
The next Ashes series will take place in Australia in 2021 but first, there is the Women’s and Men’s Twenty20 World Cups which will be played out Down Under in 2020. Watch both England sides play their first game in Perth. The women’s tournament kicks off in February and will be played in the intimate WACA, feared for its fast pitch, while the men’s match will take place in the Optus Stadium, recently voted the world’s most beautiful stadium. England are ranked second in both the women’s and men’s so there is a good chance of glory. Celebrate post-match with a craft beer at the adjacent Camfield, one of Perth’s many microbreweries.
4. Swim with dolphins in Rockingham
Located just 45 minutes south of Perth are the sheltered waters of Rockingham’s bays and islands which are home to over 200 local bottlenose dolphins. Rockingham Wild Encounters can take you on a swim with these playful locals or on a boat trip which takes in dolphins, sea lions and a chance to meet little penguins.
Rockingham, Tourism Western Australia
5. Share a beach with kangaroos at Lucky Bay
This is one of those once in a lifetime experiences – head down to Australia’s whitest beach, Lucky Bay, to enjoy it’s squeaky-clean sand, turquoise water and perfect swimming conditions. It’s so beautiful, you’ll have to share it with the kangaroos who can’t resist lazing on the sand!
Esperance, Tourism Western Australia
6. Fly over Lake Hillier (the Pink Lake), Esperance
This is the stuff of Pinterest dreams. ‘Take a flight over a vibrant bubblegum-pink lake, which has to be seen to be believed. Situated on Middle Island, Lake Hillier is separated from the Southern Ocean by just a thin strip of sand creating a burst of contrasting colours that are best snapped from above.
Esperance, Tourism Western Australia
7. See the world’s largest outdoor art gallery, Antony Gormley Statues
Lake Ballard is home to 51 of Antony Gormley’s statues – it’s a completely outdoor art gallery on Lake Ballard, a 70 mile long lake which acts as a blank canvas for Gormley’s work. There are serious differences in how the gallery looks depending on the seasons. It’s so impressive that Sir Ian McKellen described it as ‘one of the greatest artistic instillations I’ve ever seen’.
Menzies, Tourism Western Australia
8. Visit the world’s longest fringing reef; Ningaloo Reef
Ningaloo Reef is one of the most active reefs in Australia and the largest fringing reef in the world. Just footsteps from the beach you’ll find an underwater playground complete with coral gardens, tropical fish, sea turtles, manta rays and much more!
9. Swim with whale sharks
Australia’s Coral Coast is one of the best places to swim with whale sharks. These gentle giants can grow up to 16 metres long and weigh 30 tonnes or more. And whilst they might look a little intimidating, it’s very safe to swim with them. Between March and July, they spend their days basking along the reef and feeding on krill, giving snorkellers the extraordinary thrill of swimming along side them.
Snorkelling with a whale shark (Rhincodon typus), Tourism Western Australia
10. Walk on the moonscape of the Pinnacles
The Pinnacles is just 2 hours north of Perth, but it feels like you’re entering another world in this mellow-toned moonscape. You can walk or drive around the Pinnacles – make sure to take snacks, SPF and water if you plan on a hike. On the way back, stop in Cervantes to try some of the best rock lobster this side of Australia!
Cervantes, ©Tourism Western Australia
11. See the Bungle Bungles up close
The Purnululu National Park, also known as The Bungle Bungle Range, offers some of the most unique rock formations in the world. It’s estimated that this 250ft formation dates back 350 million years, but they were only ‘discovered’ in the 1980s making these beehive shaped rocks one of the best kept secrets in history.
The Bungle Bungle Range, Purnululu National Park, Tourism Western Australia
12. Drive the Gibb River Road
Does a 4WD challenge sound good?! If so, check out the river crossings, gorges and wilderness parks on this unique drive. It’s a 660 kilometre route originally used by stockmen herding cattle, but now it’s a favourite with travellers wanting to get into the outback and explore Australia’s beautiful and rugged landscape.
Gibb River Road, Tourism Western Australia
13. Treat yourself to El Questro’s 1 million acres of untamed beauty
Right in the heart of the Kimberley, amid the vast and ancient landscape sits the untamed natural beauty of El Questro. From deep gorges and majestic mountains to thermal springs, rainforests and cascading waterfalls, everything the Kimberley has to offer is located across the El Questro’s 1 million acres.
El Cuestro National Park, Tourism Western Australia
14. Ride a camel on Cable Beach
Fly or road-trip north to the beautiful pearling town of Broome to discover where the outback meets the ocean. While in town, hop on a camel ride across 22-kilometre Cable Beach, this is one of the most spectacular spots for an Indian Ocean sunset.
Cable Beach, Tourism Western Australia
15. Witness the Broome staircase to the moon
This natural phenomenon occurs over Roebuck Bay every full moon. There’s usually a market on during the full moon too, so you can pick up picnic supplies and head to the beach.
Broome, Tourism Western Australia
16. Visit Nature’s Window in the Kalbarri
Nature’s Window is a natural rock formation in the Kalbarri National Park, formed by layers on layers of sandstone, cemented over the past few thousand years. There’s an easy 1 kilometre walk to see the vantage point, so it’s an accessible hike if you’re travelling with a timeframe or little ones in tow!
Kalbarri, Tourism Western Australia
17. Explore the markets at Fremantle
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday the historic markets in Fremantle come to life with vendors selling fresh produce, crafts, clothing and jewellery. Bike around the city and make a day of it, visiting the Prison and Roundhouse too!
Fremantle, Tourism Western Australia
18. Take a boat over the Horizontal Falls
Venture deep within the pristine environment of Talbot Bay to find one of the greatest natural wonders of the world, the Horizontal Falls. Experience the incredible tidal power with a heart pumping boat ride or a view this natural phenomenon from above by seaplane.
Talbot Bay, Jewels Lynch Photography
19. Whale spot near the Humpback Highway
Between May and December, humpback, southern right and blue whales make their way along Western Australia’s coast, often coming so close to shore with their calves you can see them with the naked eye from coastal vantage points. The best time to observe these gentle giants is at midday when the sun is directly overhead.
Dunsborough, Tash Press
20. Visit new heights at the Valley of the Giants
Dance amongst the tops of the tingle trees on the Valley of the Giants treetop walkway. This 20 minute walk is elevated 40 feet off the ground, so you’re in the best spot for bird watching – there are 550 species in Western Australia alone.
Walpole-Nornalup National Park, Jean Leggat
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