Cities, outback, beaches and thrills
WESTERN CAPITAL
Perth and its surrounds offer a bounty of historical, natural and unusual attractions. Enjoy bushwalking through Kings Park and take a ferry to Rottnest Island where you can snorkel the reef and spot the native quokkas. Just out of the city are many amazing beaches or take the train Fremantle, a town known for its bohemian vibe. Visit its markets for local goods or explore the old prison, before heading to the jetty for fish and chips. Back in the city, visit the Perth Cultural Centre for the museum, art gallery and regular performances, exhibitions and festivals.
THE RED NORTH
Begin your journey in Lancelin, close to Yanchep National Park, the Pinnacles and Benedictine town, New Norcica. Lancelin is the place to be for surfboard or sandbord adventures.
Further north is Kalbarri, where you can hike and explore the natural wonders of the Murchison Gorges, including the Natural Bridge, Eagle Gorge, Nature’s Window, the Z-Bend and Loop Gorge.
Shark Bay is home to the famous Monkey Mia dolphins, which come to shore for food every morning. Spend some time away from the beach to explore the stromatolites and Shell Beach.
Continuing north, Exmouth is the hub for scuba diving and snorkelling. Part of the Ningaloo Reef, it is home to a variety of sea creatures, including whale sharks. Be sure to stop by WA’s hidden treasure, Karijini National Park. And of course, head up to Broome where you can spend days discovering dinosaur footprints, walking out to WW2 bomber planes that are usually hidden in the sea, ridging camels along the beach, watching the natural attraction ‘Staircase to the Moon’ form, or relaxing on Cable Beach.
Your final stop in northern WA is Kununurra, home to the Bungle Bungle Range, Mirima; Hidden Valley’ National Park and Lake Argyle. With spectacular gorges, waterfalls and caves, this place is better than any postcard.
THE WILD WEST
Drive, fly or take the train to gold mining town, Kalgoorlie. Pan for gold, be amazed by the size of the Super Pit (part of a current working mine) and visit century-old pubs that were built during the first gold rush.
THE GREEN SOUTH
Bunbury is a great first stop and home to entire families of dolphins – spot them from the shore or snorkel out to swim with them in the surf.
Heading down to Dunsborough, join a diving trip and explore the HMAS Swan shipwreck. A short drive will take you to Margaret River, famous for its wineries, exotic meats, cheeses and chocolates. Spend sunset at the beach watching the breaks that attract surfers from around the globe.
Augusta is at the very tip of the South West, where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet – check out the view from the top of the historical lighthouse.
Charming timber town Pemberton is surrounded by giant Karri trees, including the 61-metre Gloucester Tree. Once used as a fire lookout, the tree can now be climbed by anyone who is feeling brave. For those who love the bush, continue to Walpole for the Valley of the Giant Tree Top Walk – a bridge that snakes through the canopy of the trees.
Denmark is a thriving artist town with a mix of tranquil inlets along the coast as well as serious surf beaches. Further along the coast, Albany offers a range of activities including hand-gliding, abseiling and scuba diving. The Gap, Blowholes and Natural Bridge are must-sees.
The town of Esperance boasts pristine, perfectly white beaches, striking blue water and an abundance of wildlife. Take the time to explore Cape Le Grand National Park, bruise the islands of the Recherche Archipelago and see the Pink Lake.
