This is a guest post by Irene Seah.
The Land Down Under is among the top travel destinations on everyone’s bucket list. Both holidaymakers and world nomads wish they could make at least one trip here. No wonder! Australia is an amazing travel playground for experienced and not really, big city lovers and adventurers seeking to explore the Outback, first-time visitors and those who live in this country.
But what many people do not realize is that Australia is much more than just Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. To open a whole new dimension of Australia, we have compiled the list of must-see destinations in the West.
Table of Contents
Western Australia Destinations – an experience not to be missed
The state of Western Australia is taking up the western third of Australia’s territory, which means it is even larger than western Europe altogether. Therefore, it would be strange if there was nothing special for this region to offer.
Western Australia is home to some of the most spectacular nature’s creations in Australia, including Karijini National Park, Rottnest Island, Greens Pool, Ningaloo Reef, Lancelin Sand Dunes, Monkey Mia, Shark Bay and many more.
Besides breathtaking beaches and incredible wildlife, Western Australia offers a fascinating mixture of cosmopolitan perks and a laid-back lifestyle at the same time. Interested to learn more? Let’s dive into the main destinations to visit in Western Australia.
Perth
Perth, the capital of Western Australia, is considered to be one of the most liveable cities in the world. With so many things to do in Perth, it is not possible to have just an ordinary day here. The bar and restaurant scene in Perth is vibrant, with new places and events coming up all the time.
Only a 30-minute drive from the city center will take you to the most incredible places that cater to everyone’s taste. Rottnest Island with more than 80 beaches and bays is a must-see when visiting this area. If you are looking for an eco-adventure, head to the Perth Hills that have some of the best trails in Western Australia and wildflowers blooming in spring. Have some energy for more fun? Visit the lunar-like Pinnacles Desert and go sandboarding afterward.
Margaret River
The Margaret River region is only a 3-hour drive from Perth and should be your first stop when traveling in the South West of Australia. A paradise for food lovers, Margaret River frequently holds food and music festivals and offers premium Western Australia wine tasting experiences.
Margaret River was also blessed with stunning beaches, here you can choose from activities like snorkeling, swimming, surfing, diving, boating, paddle boarding and more. For a surreal experience, check out the breathtaking magnitude of the Jewel Cave. On your way to Margaret River, make sure to stop by the Busselton Jetty and Bunbury for a fabulous view.
Exmouth
If you are looking for incredible beaches and aquatic adventures in Western Australia, visiting Exmouth should be on the top of your list. The best way to explore the Coral Coast is taking a road trip from Perth to Exmouth and stop by remarkable places along the way.
In the Shark Bay area, you just have to visit Monkey Mia, Shell Beach, and Hamelin Pool. Encounter playful dolphins in their natural habitat in Monkey Mia, step on the unique Shell beach and see how the Earth looked like million years ago at the Hamelin Pool. Continue further to the Ningaloo Marine Park and experience swimming with whale sharks or watching humpback whales depending on the season. Jump on one of those bottom-glass boats if not feeling like getting into the water!
Broome
The Kimberley region welcomes you in the North West, and Broome is a spot you simply cannot miss when visiting the region. Known for the Cable Beach sunsets and pearl farms, Broome is much more than just that. The city is rich in the Aboriginal heritage and offers multiple cultural and theme tours that take you 40,000 years back in the history.
Another fascinating thing to do in Broome is observing the Staircase to the Moon that appears above the Indian Ocean as the sun goes down. For a unique experience, head to the Horizontal Waterfalls and embrace the beauty of nature.
Bungle Bungles
Bungle Bungle Range, also known as the Bungle Bungles, is a part of the Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park. Being formed from orange and black sandstones, this magnificent site looks like a maze of giant beehives. Some of the must-sees in the area are Cathedral Gorge, Lake Argyle, El Questro, the Ord River Irrigation Area, Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek, and Piccaninny Trail.
Want to experience something special? Try glamping or camping at the Bungle Bungles and take in the beauty of this spiritual place. Aboriginal people have been living here for thousands of years, so joining one of the Aboriginal tours is a good idea if you want to learn the Bungle Bungles’ secrets.
Travel Tips for Western Australia
- Travel a little bit out of the high season
This one is true for most places. During the peak season, Australia gets super expensive and the variety of hotel/restaurants/tour options become a subject to availability. To get a better flight deal, book well in advance, shop around and track the prices.
- Get yourself a SIM card
Being connected to the Internet makes everything so much easier when you are traveling. Must-sees, where to stay, best restaurants, etc…all these make our trip complete. If you are lucky to be able to spend a few weeks or months traveling in Western Australia, get a SIM card! Best providers are Optus, Telstra, and Vodafone.
- Research about Free Things to Do
From free entry museums to Christmas festivals, there are so many opportunities to have a great day without spending much. Google it up and check local websites to see what’s happening in the city you are traveling to.
- Look for vehicles to use for free
Often vehicle rental companies need help to relocate their cars and campervans from one city to another. To save money, they publish the availability of vehicles that need to be relocated online, hoping that someone is heading the same direction. This way, you can rent a car for free or for super cheap!
- Obtain an Australia Sightseeing Pass
If you are planning to travel a lot, it might be a good idea to get a tourist pass for discounted sightseeing tickets or transportation. Inquire about it at the local tourist and visitor centers.
- Go on an Australia Working Holiday
There is no better way to travel and integrate into the Australia community than going on a Working holiday. Choose from a range of different jobs, this is definitely a great opportunity to settle in Australia for a while and travel along the way.
Conclusion
If you are lucky to be able to travel to Western Australia for a month or longer, make sure to check out all the places above! If not, better choose one of the directions – the Coral Coast, North West or South West, and save the rest for your next trip to Western Australia. It always feels better to focus on a specific journey and embrace it than do the hop-on & hop-off!
What other Western Australian destinations can you recommend?
About the Author: Irene Seah has been traveling non-stop for the past three years. Two of her biggest passions include inspiring others to travel and visiting new places during the off-season.
Pin me for later!
Lady Fi says
Sigh – so gorgeous!
Kelleyn Rothaermel says
Never been to western australia! Looks beautiful! Have been to Sydney and loved it! Have a great week!
http://travelingbugwiththreeboys-kelleyn.blogspot.de/2018/01/strasbourg.html
image-in-ing: weekly photo linkup says
Such beautiful photos! I would love to visit Australia some day. What a fascinating place!
Thanks for linking up at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2018/01/fun-with-textures-in-photoshop.html
Carol says
Wow, Ruth, your photography is amazing. Australia has incredible blue skies.
Sara says
I feel like you would need at least a month to see all the different facets of Australia. I have some friends who worked in Perth for awhile (most oil and gas companies are there), and I was so jealous!! That would have been a dream for me if I hadn’t switched careers. 😉 I can’t get over how clear that water is. (I actually feel like the water in Australia is on a whole different dimension as far as beauty. Maybe it’s a southern hemisphere thing? IDK, lol.) At any rate, I must find a way to convince my husband that the longgggg flight to Australia is worth it. Maybe we can do a cruise there like my grandparents did? lol.
Lillian Small says
oh wow! It looks beautiful! I regret not going to Western Australia when I was there on student exchange. I only went up the middle and down the east coast… still an amazing trip. But you make Western Australia sound beautiful. #wanderfulwednesday
Sarah says
Wow – so many great places on this list! Personally I would love to go to Exmouth because I lived near the UK counterpart 🙂
Christine Keane says
This is a great guide! Dying to get to Australia (maybe for our honeymoon!). The only city I know in West Australia is Perth, I didn’t know about all the other beautiful destinations!
beatravelling says
Unfortunately I had to leave Western Australia out of my plans when visiting, Not enough time. I’ve realised after the fact that I missed out. Did want to visit Broome, but time was up. #wanderfulwednesday
Courtney {Alkeks Abroad} says
I still haven’t made it to Western Australia, but I really want to! I actually lived in Broome when I was a toddler and I would love to go back and see it now. Everything I have heard and seen sounds amazing!
Anna says
I’m really interested in visiting Perth, because it’s the most isolated city in the world. But there seems to be so many other great Western Australia places too. Exmouth sounds like something right up my alley because I’d love to see dolphins in the wild!
Vanessa Brune says
All of these places seem amazing! I think I’d have to spend an entire year in Australia to see everything the country has to offer… or maybe 10 years, lol!
Katherine says
I’ve lived in one of these places and been to three of them. That seems like a low number considering I was there for just under a year. I love WA. Sure it’s slow and a little like stepping into 1963, but it’s just so gorgeous! #FarawayFiles
Nancie says
I spent a month in Australia way back in 1980. I know a lot has changed. I didn’t didn’t make it to the Western region. If I get to go again Perth and some of these other destinations will be on my list to visit. Thanks for co-hosting this week. #TPThursday
California Globetrotter says
This looks like a beautiful road trip!! I love it! That beach is absolutely stunning! Would love to visit Australia one day! #FarawayFiles
Lydia C. Lee says
We loved Margaret River – I’d add in Esperance – just loved it there!
Pat says
I’d love to return to Australia someday. I visited Sydney and some surrounding areas and loved it
Jesh StG says
It would be a hard choice ! It seems like (from TV programs) Americans and English speaking countries are interested in living in Australia because it’s more casual and slower paced living. Am so happy you’re getting back to the meme/challenge!
About my post. Amador County – it is East from the well known Napa Valley in California. Nevertheless there are many vineyards here, from small to big. Amador is also know, for the ain vein of the Gold rush (highway 49 ) in 1849 goes through this county.
Jesh StG says
Hello Ruth, thanks for your comment. When you asked for Murietta, I stumbled on a mistake I made. Ugh, too bad, for a moment I thought maybe we could get together for coffee or something!
The Murietta I referred to is actually called “Rancho Murietta.” The other Murietta , you are probably referring to is in Southern California, is between Los Angeles and San Diego (7 hrs. South from Sacramento, which is close to me), close to Elsinore and Temecula.
San Diego is really worth seeing (Balboa Park, Fisherman’s village, Old Town, etc.), so would be nice combine with your friend.
Oh, and you had heard about Norco – it’s a small town, and where hubs did his photo assignment is a ranch with old buildings on it – the Wild West backgrounds are props on the ranch for the photographers. (so the town in itself is not wild West).
Hope this helps:)
Paul and Carole says
Great guide for western Australia, love the name Bungles Bungles and would love to do an aboriginal tour! #feetdotravel
Anne says
West is best! There are so many wonderful things to do in WA it is hard to narrow it down.
amanda obrien says
Nice to see WA covered vs the usual australian classics! Margaret River is my absolutely favourite place in WA
Allison says
I knew someone from Perth who used to live in the US. I feel like most of the time when I hear about Australia, it’s always about Sydney or Brisbane. I don’t often hear about Western Australia. #FlyAwayFriday
jill says
Oh my – such beauty! Always adding things to my list – and now Western Australia is on it! #travelphotothursday
Melina says
Wow! Looks like I’m adding places to my bucket list. It looks so beautiful there! Love your tips at the end! #FlyAwayFriday
Deborah Regen says
Almost visual overload! Breathtaking! And so interesting in history, culture, nature. This part of the great country and continent that is Australia. I.must.go.there! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Trippin' Turpins (Kelly) says
I was lucky enough to spend 6 month traveling the entire coastline of Western Australia (and some inland). we were towing a fishing boat and living in a tent and it was the best experience ever! WA has some of the most beautiful places I have ever visited.
Rob+Ann @TravelLatte(.net) says
It would be so tempting to try and squeeze everything in, but you’re right – best to focus on one area and plan on a return visit. Then the really hard part is deciding what area! I think the Bungle Bungles would be a great choice – the look so interesting! But then, exploring Perth for a week or two would be awesome, too. Agh! So much to see! Thanks for sharing with us on #WeekendWanderlust and #TheWeeklyPostcard!
Shona says
W.A. is certainly a beautiful part of the world and a huge piece of it too!
hilary says
Wonderful photos and a great post. I’ve never heard of most of these places, but now i’m intrigued! The tip about the rental cars was great! Thank you for sharing on #farawayfiles
Hannah says
Wow your photos are gorgeous! I’d love to make it all the way out to Western Australia someday 🙂
Anisa says
I have to admit I don’t know much about Western Australia so this post is really interesting. I would love to have a chunk of time to just explore the area since it looks like there is plenty to see. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard
Corey | fifi + hop says
I would really love to make it to Australia some day, so saving this for when I do. I love the name Bungle Bungles! #farawayfiles
Lyn @ A Hole in my Shoe says
Thanks for sharing this post on Western Australia. As the comments have shown not many know much about my beautiful and diverse home state. Unfortunately those who do take the long flight to Australia mostly venture to the eastern states and give Perth and the rest of the state a miss. The thing most people don’t realise is just how huge our state is. 12 hour drive non stop or 1246kms / 775 miles just to get from Perth to Exmouth.
Jessica @ Independent Travel Cats says
I have never been to Australia and it always seems a bit daunting to go as it is such a big place and places I want to see are scattered about. My husband spent a year driving around it and still didn’t get to see it all – in fact I think the part he spent the least time in was the west. It looks really beautiful – Irene’s (or are the yours?) photos are really lovely. Some day I’ll make it there!
Neha Sharma says
I don’t know why, but most of the travel blogs I’ve read about Australia have primarily talked about Sydney, Melbourne, the Ocean road and the Barrier reef. This is the first time I’ve read a nicely detailed post about Western Australia and it sounds really exciting. Margaret River really looks like the perfect holiday destination.
Pinned for later reference! #WeekendWanderlust
Tomas says
I spent few months in Australia, but I haven’t been in West Australia in Tasmania. Thanks for your tips. I hope I will visit WA soon 🙂 Definitely pinned for later! #TheWeeklyPostcard!
Angie (Feetdotravel) says
Sone seriously good tips here and as we intend to visit Perth this year, I read this with a smile on my face. I have to visit the Bungle Bungles, when I first heard it mentioned on my favourite TV show as a child, I thought it was made up! Pinned #feetdotravel
budget jan says
There are some beautiful photos of beautiful Western Australia in this post. We lived in Perth for 2 years and travelled extensively around the state. We would love nothing better than to return there. We hope to travel around Australia within the next couple of years. The sooner the better I say.
Kat says
Oh I LOVE Western Australia… I actually think I prefer it to the east coast as the beautiful scenery is so much more unspoilt and there are far less tourists. I never quite made it up to Broome, which is something that I would love to do if I went back, but I did get as far as Exmouth, which has possibly my favourite beach in Australia – Turquoise Bay. Truly stunning.
#FlyAwayFriday
Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields says
W.A is definitely my favourite state. It is brilliant for road trips.
Vicky says
The photo of the dolphins… wow!! And the moon on the water!… *sigh*
Thanks for sharing such an awesome guide… one day we will get to Australia!
#Feetdotravel
Yvette Benhamou says
Haven’t been to Australia (yet) but you make its natural beauty look incredible. Lovely post and photos.
Caity says
What beautiful photos! I love Australia and would love to see more of WA. I’ve only been to Exmouth but it was SO stunning! I was also astounded at how remote many of the towns are. Such a unique and beautiful part of the world! #flyawayfriday
Tracy says
We are enjoying exploring the east coast at the moment but we have Perth firmly in our sights! Can’t wait to do and see everything Western Australia has to offer!
Anda says
Australia is indeed an amazing travel destination. It also seems quite big. I guess it’s the ideal place for road trips. Western Australia is the less traveled part of this continent. I can only hope to make it there someday. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Lauren says
So dying to get to Australia! The thing is, I don’t want to go for just a short time, I need to really see and experience it! I was just working with a guy from Perth (And although I always giggled at the way he pronounced it) he made it seem like an amazing place!!
Stephanie (1AdventureTraveler) says
Wow, great list of the Top 5 places to see in Western Australia. I now have part of my itinerary set because I would love to see all these places. Stunning pictures and great tips. I like the one where to get a rental car for cheap sometimes if the car company needs to move the car from one location to another. Thanks for sharing! #feetdotravel
kiran v bakale says
Realy Great places
Draw a dolphin says
A nice piece of information and looking fabulous, Honest work and please update some more.
Nigel William says
Is it true I can find car rental services for free? How would that work? I am planning a trip to Australia soon.
Erin Gustafson | Oregon Girl Around the World says
I’ve been to Sydney and Melbourne and other points on the West side of Australia, but never to Perth and pretty Western Australia. Must get back! Great tip on the free car rental potential. Beautiful post! Thanks for sharing with #FarawayFiles, Erin
Janine Good says
These are great spots! I want to go to Broome to check out the pearls and see the Pink Lake 😀 Thanks for coming out to Fly Away Friday! See you tomorrow! 🙂
Kana says
Ooooooh! We’re planning on going to Australia next year and this is a great post for it – I’ll have to send it to my husband for him to check out. Plus, I completely trust your travel senses 😀 Thanks for joining Fly Away Friday, hope to see you again this week! xo
Gina Gomez @ Migration Expert Australia says
Surely these are the best places you want to spend your vacation with your family and friends. Thank you for sharing.
Wilcox says
This is great information for us who are planning a 2 weeks’ vacation in Western Australia this year. Thanks a lot for sharing this with us.
Maria Mitchel says
This will surely be part of my itinerary, it was really amazing and I am getting excited about it.