Perth is Western Australia’s star attraction. Hailed as the country’s ‘sunniest' capital – and blessed by the lapping waters of the Swan River as well as miles of coastline – it attracts foodies, fashionistas and fun lovers alike. Visit Kings Park and Botanic Garden; the city’s splendid cultural precinct where you’ll find art galleries, the Western Australian Museum, and the State Ballet and Opera; head down to the beach to swim with dolphins; saunter down the King Street precinct for a taste of Gucci, Louis Vuitton and company; and if you’re into anything vintage, visit Guildford for some retro retail therapy.
Set in the heart of the Wheatbelt of Western Australia, this lovely farming community is best known for its star tourist attraction, the iconic Wave Rock. This world-famous rock is a granite cliff, standing 15 metres high, 110 metres long and shaped remarkably like a massive wave. The popularity of this extraordinary geological attraction has resulted in the development of several excellent tourist facilities in the little town of Hyden. These include some charming cafes and restaurants, a bakery, an 18-hole golf course and a pub with a serene outdoor beer garden. Travellers to this diverse area can admire the indigenous rock art at eMulka’s Cave and The Humps, watch the koalas and rare white kangaroos go about their day at the wildlife park and gain insight into the area's rich history at the pioneer museum and observatory.
Resting in the Goldfields-Esperance region of Western Australia, with vast clear skies and a dramatic landscape, Kalgoorlie is a charming historical mining city with plenty to offer the adventurous traveller. Experience some exhilarating outback adventures, encounter the traditional Aboriginal way of life, and learn about the Australian pioneers. As Australia’s largest and possibly most famous outback city, Kalgoorlie is brimming with authentic Aussie pubs, many of which occupy some of the town’s well preserved historical buildings. With its unique nightlife and grand colonial architecture, Kalgoorlie makes an excellent base for touring the many attractions of the magnificent desert surrounding this vibrant regional centre.
Aptly dubbed ‘The Bay of Isles’, Esperance is a picturesque town where the golden outback meets the glistening turquoise Southern Ocean. Esperance’s pristine powder-white beaches, scenic coastlines and idyllic offshore islands of the Recherche Archipelago make this seaside town a popular holiday destination for travellers looking to escape the stresses of the city. Visitors can unwind in the tranquility of untouched beaches, and the coast's enthralling national parks (such as the exquisite Cape Le Grand National Park). Don’t miss the renowned Pink Lake, the spectacular coastal lookout points along The Great Ocean Road, and the town’s numerous little museums and art galleries.
From the magnificent coastal scenery and the rugged cliff-top beauty of Torndirrup National Park to the stunning swimming bays dotted with idyllic islands, Albany is a must-see for travellers touring Australia’s South West region. As the site of Australia’s first European settlement, the picturesque city boasts a rich cultural heritage matched only by its wealth of natural coastal attractions. Albany is renowned for its vibrant harbour, spectacular vistas, magnificent National Parks, and its abundance of animals and wildflowers, many of which are unique to the area. Enjoy a range of leisurely and adventurous activities - from hopping between world-class wineries, elegant restaurants, and charming art galleries to hiking the extraordinary and often snowcapped surrounding peaks.
Affectionately known by locals as simply ‘Margs’, this lovely laid back coastal town in the South West of Western Australia, rests in the peaceful valley of the eponymous Margaret River. The town is set apart by its diverse natural surrounding landscapes including: spectacular beaches with world-class surf breaks, magnificent timber forests, and fascinating ancient caves. The town is also renowned as a food and wine hotspot due to its numerous award-winning restaurants and countless wineries. With its year round pleasant climate, Margaret River is a delight to visit any time of the year. Spend your days: hopping from one winery to the next; eating fabulously fresh local seafood; snorkelling, diving or swimming off the exquisite coast; or exploring ancient forests and caves. The perfect place to relax, you can do as much or as little as you like in Margaret River.
Located just 30 minutes southwest of Perth, where the Swan River meets the Indian Ocean, Fremantle is a vibrant port city known for its bohemian atmosphere and impressive colonial architecture. While the West End of town is deemed one of the best examples of a Victorian port streetscape globally, the leafy suburbs boast countless magnificently restored 19th-century homes. Locals are proud of their well-deserved reputation for friendliness, eccentricity and creativity, which is expressed through their tireless support of busking, street art, festivals, concerts, and markets. With its thriving arts scene, lively nightlife, rich cultural heritage and seemingly endless opportunities for sumptuous al fresco dining, there is never a dull moment in this cosmopolitan city by the sea.
The charming coastal town of Geraldton is a centre for all things aquatic. Sandy beaches and tropical waters are perfect for diving, fishing and surfing. The warm and windy climate makes it an ideal destination for watersports, especially windsurfing and sailing. As if the beaches were not inviting enough, away from the shoreline are rolling green hills resplendent with displays of wildflowers in spring. Geraldton artfully combines the services of a big city with the friendliness of a small town, providing plenty to do with a relaxed pace of life. In recent times it has been cultivating a lifestyle of trendy cafes and art galleries, with a range of culturally significant attractions. Eight hours of sun a day in winter make “Gero”, as the city is fondly known to locals, a popular seaside destination all year around.
Set roughly 900 kilometres north of Perth, in Western Australia, Monkey Mia offers visitors a rather unique experience - the opportunity to interact with wild adult dolphins that come to the beach to be fed almost every day of their own free will. While most people are drawn to Monkey Mia for this world-famous wildlife encounter, the area surrounding the beach is a treat in its own right. Rusty red sand dunes stand in striking contrast to the white sandy beaches and glistening turquoise bay, offering a spectacular photographic opportunity. A public boat ramp, jetty, barbecue and picnic areas add appeal for families. Other highlights include extraordinary Dirk Hartog Island and the world’s oldest and largest fossils at the Hamelin Pool Marine Nature Reserve.
Kalbarri lies 154 kilometres north of Geraldton and is one of the most popular destinations on Western Australia’s Coral Coast. Situated at the mouth of the Murchison River and a stone’s throw from the Kalbarri National Park, this retreat is home to some wonderful outdoor activities. The Murchison River offers fishing and pelican feeding, and is a magnificent place to watch the sun sink into the Indian Ocean. This area is also known for its rich birdlife and spectacular wildflower displays in Spring. Meanwhile, the Kalbarri National Park is home to dramatic sea cliffs and some truly unique geological formations, such as the arch known as Nature’s Window and the snaking gorge called Z Bend.
As previously described
