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If you want an extraordinary trip you will never forget, have the opportunity to explore as vast and varied a landscape as you could imagine, and see unspoilt places without as many other travellers around you, then Western Australia is the place to go.

You can find unspoilt beaches – from the long peaceful beaches of the North-West to the cliffs and surf beaches of the West and South – you can dive with some of the largest fish in the world. You can sleep under the stars in the outback, or explore amazing and rugged wildness. You can discover the friendly atmosphere and culture of Fremantle and the South-West and create some great memories.

Albany

Albany was named Western Australia’s Top Tourism Town in both 2000 and 2006, and it is a town many just not want to leave after they have been there.

Albany has an old convict history, and gives you the opportunity to go back in time and explore convict jails, old taverns, whaling ships and more.

There are a lot of the old colonial buildings left in Albany, many of them now home to museums, restaurants and galleries, and they are definitely worth a visit.

The best way to explore the history in and around Albany is to follow the Amity Trail, a self-guided 30 minute walk that will give you an enjoyable tour of the historical buildings.

Also when you are in Albany, you should jump aboard for a guided tour on the Brig Amity, a replica of the ship that brought the first Albany settlers and convict cargo to the area.

While you are on board, remember to keep an eye out for Humpback whales. The Brig Amity is quite popular, especially when the whales are more common, so you have to remember to book in advance.  You can also take one of the magnificent whale watching cruises and get to see Southern Right and Humpback whales as they journey down the coast.

King George Sound is one of Australia’s most spectacular harbours. The bay varies from sandy beaches to cliffs, and is an excellent place to watch whales as Southern Right and Humpback whales are often seen here between July and October. Take the Middleton Beach boardwalk trail and enjoy the best views of the sensational King George Sound.

If you are into scuba diving then you should explore the sunken HMAS Perth in King George. This intentionally-sunk shipwreck is home to an abundance of different fish and marine life, and Humpback whales often visit Kings George during their migration. You can easily obtain a map of the shipwreck with suggestions for which path to follow from local dive shops and tourist centres, but it is up to you to decide how you want to investigate the wreck.

15 minutes drive from Albany, the Torndirrup National Park is the most visited national park in Western Australia, and is home to some amazing natural wonders. A drive through the park will take you down to the southern coastline. There are several different walking tracks in Torndirrup National Park.

If you are up for a shorter walk, then we recommend you see the Gap and Natural Bridge. The Gap and Natural Bridge have been formed over hundreds years ago by the ocean, wind and rain, making a large gap in one of the one rocks and an arch in the other. If you walk 20 minutes further you get to the blowholes, where the constant waves force jets of air and water shooting out the top.

If you want to explore the park further, then you can take a bush walk through the park and see some of the amazing wild flowers (when in season). If you are more an adventurous walker, then take the medium-grade coastal walk to Bald, which guides you through the King George Sound.

Broome

If you are up in the northern part of Western Australia then Broome is worth a visit. Originally known for its pearling industry, Broome has developed a lot over the last forty years and is still growing fast. With a tropical climate of wet and dry seasons, the dry season in Broome is from May to November and the wet season, with high humidity, is from December to March.

Go the 22.5 kilometre Cable Beach - with white sand and amazing clear blue water it is stunning and famous for a reason - if you are into nude beaches there is an area for that too, up the north end of the beach towards Willie Creek. If you go to Cable Beach from November to March however, then you must be aware of the jellyfish. If you want to see the beach in a more relaxing way than walking yourself you can actually get on a camel ride, a Cable Beach tradition. Beautiful at sunset and something of a must, it is a really fun 
experience!

There are a lot of different tours and sights to see in Broome, such as experiencing and learning about the aboriginal culture, 4WD-rides (if you decide not rent your own), boat cruises in the crystal clear waters and much more.

It is usually easy to find a hostel, but be aware that tourism in Broome is increasing every year, and during the peak tourist season the population in Broome can triple, from 15,000 to 45,000 people.

Bunbury

Bunbury is the third largest city in Western Australia. Located about 175 kilometres south of Perth it is a popular holiday destination.

Bunbury is home to both Bottlenose Dolphins and Blue Manna Crabs. Because of the many dolphins the Dolphin Discovery Centre on Koombana Beach is a very popular visit, and at the Dolphin Discovery Centre you might get an opportunity to swim and snorkel with some of the dolphins.

The Discovery Centre Interaction Centre also offers a cruise (running from December to April) where you have the opportunity to go and swim with the Dolphins - if you prefer to watch the dolphins from a dry distance on the comfort of the deck then you can of course also do that.

You can also visit the Big Swamp Wildlife Park, which has over 60 varieties of Australian native birds and more wildlife. There should be a little bit for everyone to see, and you can easily spend a day there, enjoying some lunch or perhaps a BBQ.

Besides the beautiful surrounds and the animals that live around Bunbury, there are also several art galleries and museums, like the Bunbury Regional Art Galleries and the Kings Cottage Museum.

Coral Bay

Coral Bay is a smaller town which primarily survives on tourism, but they also have a great little fishing industry, and Coral Bay is one of the few places in the world where you can catch black marlin, blue marlin, and mahi-mahi sailfish on a regular basis. It is about 1,100 kilometres from Perth (about a 2 hour flight) and has a fantastic reef, the Ningaloo Reef.

The Ningaloo Reef is a really popular place to snorkel and dive - you have the opportunity to get a close-up view of the wild underwater life, corals and fish, and perhaps get the chance to swim with the world’s biggest fish - the whale shark. Whale sharks visit Ningaloo Reef between April and June every year to feed in the warm waters.

You can also see these magnificent natural wonders from the sky on a scenic flight, which run regularly during the season. Or you may choose to jump onboard a catamaran and see whale sharks, humpback whales, turtles and many other magnificent creatures.

The atmosphere in this small coastal town is very calm and chilled, and the people are very welcoming and always ready to help you or just have a friendly conversation. It is easy to get a hostel in Coral Bay, but if you are visiting during the peak season you are advised to book in advance.

Denham

If you are interested in fishing you can make a quick stop by the small city of Denham. Denham is located in Shark Bay about 840 kilometres north from Perth, and attracts many tourists every year (mostly from April till September), mainly because of the Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort.

Monkey Mia is famous for being visited by dolphins every day – and the sight costs nothing. It is an amazing experience, with the totally white sand and crystal blue water and the backs of the dolphins visible. You can get up close and personal with the dolphins at the Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort.

There is a water airstrip that flies to Denham city and Monkey Mia. Just north from Denham is the Francois Peron National Park. A 4WD is needed to get further than the visitor information centre, but if you have the opportunity to explore the park deeper you will experience amazing wilderness. There are several basic campsites available for use around the Francois Peron National Park.

Geraldton

 Geraldton is a big city located on a windy coast 420 kilometres from Perth. 

With long, clean beaches on a wide bay and the warm and sunny weather all year, Geraldton has a lot of water activities. A mecca for windsurfers and kitesurfers, surfing and diving can also be recommended.

Geraldton is well known for its horse racing industry, including the annual Geraldton Gold Cup. They are also reputedly the crayfish capital of the world - though this is self-proclaimed.

At the Western Australian Museum, Geraldton houses the relics of ships wrecked on WA’s notoriously dangerous coast, and there is a memorial to the 645 crew members who were lost when the HMAS Sydney II went down in 1941.

Geraldton has a lot to offer and from July to November becomes the heart of the wildflower season, which is just amazing explore and attracts hordes of tourists every year, arriving by the bus load to see the incredible variety of wildflowers in the area.

Denmark

Denmark is a small town all the way down south of Western Australia, some 420 kilometres from Perth. It has about 5,200 inhabitants and is a very popular destination for nature lovers.

The nature is amazing in Denmark with its wild flowers, old woods, gigantic trees, beautiful beaches and a well-kept all-native landscape. Everything in Denmark is very well looked after and preserved by the proud Denmarkians (the locals).

The city of Denmark is very proud of their town and their culture, and they regularly hold festivals with art markets, cultural gigs, shows and workshops for their community. The climate in Denmark is mainly dry in summers and wet in winter.

Perth

Perth is the capital of Western Australia and has a population of about 1.6 million people, more than two-thirds of WA’s population. Including the suburbs, this makes Perth the fourth largest city in all of Australia.Perth is also known as the ‘City of Light’, because the astronauts in the space shuttle Friendship 7, orbiting above in 1962, could actually see the streetlights and the light from people’s houses from the shuttle.

The Perth City centre is located on the Swan River, and it is here you can do your shopping if you are in need of a good shopping spree. A bit south of Perth and downriver you will find the old port of Fremantle, which is now a very popular and vibrant place with markets, cafés, all kinds of entertainment, bars and some great eateries – although the markets are generally only open on weekends. Fremantle is also the heartland of a rich musical culture in the west, with bands such as the John Butler Trio emerging from Fremantle.

If you want to explore the nightlife in Perth, then the Northbridge district is where you will find a buzzing nightlife with a wide range of nightclubs, bars, pubs and all kinds of interesting places – even the streets have their own party.

If you are interested in a more relaxing environment, or just need a few days off then you should consider Rottnest Island, approx. 18kms from Fremantle. It is a very popular place to relax and has some beautiful surroundings, including some tunnels and gun batteries that survive from the Second World War. Rottnest Island is virtually car-free – bikes are the most common transport – and is home to unique wildlife including the Quokka, a type of very small Kangaroo. Rottnest Island is easily accessible via ferries from Perth or Fremantle. Without leaving the city though you can also go to the white sandy beaches of the Perth 
Sunset Coast to swim or surf on a nice warm day.

On the other hand, if you are into bushwalking or hiking in the beautiful nature then this is also possible in Perth. In the Perth Hills you can walk around in the hills and valleys and see the impressive sight of the sprawling Perth city centre down before you. On a hiking trip you may come across some of the many old vineyards that are still open for business. 

Perth has about 40-50 vineyards close by, many of which are still run by the families that started them many years ago.

The summers in Perth are generally very hot and dry (December-March) but occasional rain is not out of the question. The winters are wet and a bit milder, and between May and September the harder rainfalls occur.

Cervantes

Cervantes is a small, laidback fishing town surrounded by ocean and white sandy beaches where you can swim. The main tourist destination is the nearby Pinnacles Desert, which is a part of the Nambung National Park.

Pinnacles Desert and Nambung National Park is a major natural attraction, and has an amazing stock of bird and animal life. There are several operators to offer tours of the Pinnacles and the Nambung National Park. It is an absolutely must to visit if you are in Cervantes. Amazing natural formations of limestone standing five metres high and formed about 25,000 to 30,000 years ago, the Pinnacles are definitely unique.

You can enter the park with a two wheel drive vehicle, but it is recommended to take a 4WD if you want to get most out of it. You also have to bring your own food, and although there are BBQ facilities and toilets available you are not allowed to camp the night in Nambung National Park.

If you visit the Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre, you can also find more information about other national park and nature reserves. Besides visiting the Pinnacles Desert, you can see some Australian sea lions around the offshore reefs near Cervantes.

Jurien Bay

Jurien Bay is ranked among some of the best fishing spots in Western Australia and is it a great place to fish.

Besides fishing Jurien Bay has some great beautiful beaches where you can go for a swim, surf or windsurf.

You can also visit the Lesueur National Park, one of Western Australia’s most significant reserves for wildflowers with over 900 identified species in the park. A visit during the wildflower season is a magnificent experience. If you drive to the top of Mount Lesueur you will get an amazing panoramic view, across the park and up the coastline to Green Head.

Dongara

Dongara is located about 350 kilometres from Perth, in the mouth of the Irwin River. A fantastic little fishing town, it is also called “Rock Lobster capital of Australia”. There are some great beaches, where you can do all kind of water activities. Across the

Irwin River is Port Denison, which is a perfect place for all birdwatchers.

July to October is the best season for the wildflowers, although there are some species that are present all year round. The wildflower season really brings the region to life, and you can get some remarkable photos to take home with you.

Dunsborough

Dunsborough is a pretty town on the West Australian seaside. With beautiful clear water and great beaches for all kind of water activities, Dunsborough is one of the most popular destinations for family holidays in Western Australia. You will find some great beaches at Meelup, Eagle Bay and Bunker Bay. Compared to many other great beaches in Australia, such as those on the east coast and near cities, these beaches are not crowed.

The HMAS Swan, located in Dunsborough, is the largest accessible dive wreck in the Southern Hemisphere. It is a great diving spot most times of year.

The town also has some great walking trails in and around Cape Naturaliste, where you can find a vantage and see dolphins, Hump Back whales, Southern Right whales and much more incredible animal and marine life.

Beside a range of activities and views of the water, Dunsborough also has a number of impressive vineyards and wineries in the Margaret River Region. Margaret River is gaining a reputation world-wide for its wines.

Lancelin

Lancelin is small fishing town with a population of around 700, located about 120 kilometres north of Perth.

It is best known for its marine activities with different beaches, some calmer waters great for swimming and also an offshore reef, which gives the perfect conditions for surfing. You can also dive and snorkel here.

Windsurfing and kitesurfing are popular on the beaches of Lancelin especially from October to March, when the weather conditions are perfect.

East from Lancelin are the endless snow-white sand dunes, a great place for sandboarding and 4 wheel drive. The sand dunes also offer an amazing panoramic view of the town, sand hills, coastline, island and ocean around Lancelin.

On Lancelin Island you can find sea lions and from the beach you can see dolphins, if you are lucky.

Kalbarri

Approximately 100 kms north of Geraldton is the holiday town of Kalbarri and the Murchison River. A small coastal town of some 2,500, the population of Kalbarri swells to nearly 10,000 over the Christmas, Easter and Australia Day holiday periods. With swimming beaches and a large inlet perfect for kitesurfing, Kalbarri is also home to Jake’s Point, a well-known surf break.

Kalbarri is a good place for getting away and it has about everything you could need to relax, be active and explore with beautiful beaches, bushes and a lot of different activities. For the active, you can swim, water ski, kayak, hire paddleboats and on the river foreshore you can go windsurfing and kitesurfing. You can also go for a hike through the dramatic gorges.

The Murchison River is the second largest river in Western Australia with a length of 780 kilometres. The river has a remarkable bird life, and it is also one of the best places to go fishing in Western Australia.

You can get an amazing view though sandstone cliffs and out to the ocean. It is also a good place to go bushwalking, hiking, trekking, cruising and canoeing, and while you are doing it remember to enjoy the nature and everything around it.

Kalbarri National Park is one of Western Australia best place to watch colourful wildflowers the season for these wildflowers are from July to October. Besides watching wildflowers Kalbarri National Park also has red rock gorges you can see from the many lookouts. There are different activities you can do as well like bushwalking, gorge hiking and canoeing.

Kalgoorlie

Kalgoorlie is an old and large town in the mid-west goldfields of WA. It has kept its amazing grand old buildings and is surrounded by old gold mines and settlements, many of which are now no more than ghost towns. It has kept the frontier style from back in time, with lively pubs and great characters still living their dream.

Kalgoorlie is still an active mining town, producing about 800 000 ounces of gold every year, which is amazing to think about. 3.5 kilometre long and 1.5 kilometre wide, the Super Pit Mine is a massive hole in the earth as deep as Uluru.

Step back in time and visit the Australian Prospectors and Miners Hall of Fame. Travel 36 metres down underground where a guide leads you through tunnels and eventually back to the surface where you can witness a gold pour demonstration.

You also find Western Australia’s largest indoor pool in Johnson Street if you need to go for a quick dip after a day of sightseeing.

In September is the Kal Rocks festival where people come to watch the XXXX Gold Kalgoorlie Cup, the area’s biggest horse race.

Leonora

Leonora is a little town in outback Western Australia and a common stop for tourists on the way to Alice Springs or the northern parts of WA. The town is small, but there is still a variety of accommodation for your stop including hotels, motels, roadhouses and caravan parks.

Leonora has a wide main street sounding with old buildings some of them back from 1903, and you can get a good overview of Leonora from the top of Smoodgers Hill.

Gwalia

 Gwalia is small ghost town, even though some residents still live there and new people do come. If you are in the area Gwalia is worth a visit.

Gwalia will send you back in time, and you can see how the early miners lived. Many of the old buildings were kept and are now used for other purposes, like the Mine Manager’s house which is now an accommodation facility. On top of the hill is the museum, where you can see and learn about the early history and lifestyle of those living in Leonora and Gwalia.

When you visit Gwalia try to imagine how it was when the area was covered with the mines and houses where families lived.

Kununurra

Kununurra has one of Western Australia’s most remarkable natural attractions, with red soil, blue skies and fantastic bush scenery - what more can you ask for. The highest point in Kununurra is Kelly’s Knob Lookout, a great place to enjoy the sunset with a nice picnic.

If you looking for outback adventures visit Purnululu (Bungle Bungle) National Park, it has some of Western Australian’s most remarkable landmarks. Here you can hike through gorges, go for a 4WD through rugged terrain and sleep under the stars during the night. You can also view the Bungle Bungles from the air, admiring the orange and black stripes of massive sandstones structures and boulders.

Near Kununurra is the mighty Ord River. One of Western Australia’s most significant waterways, there is a local rumor that once you have tasted the waters of the Ord River you are destined to return. There are plenty of activities, such as canoeing between amazing gorges, seeing crocodiles, watching the incredible birdlife, fishing, swimming and much more.

A short drive from Kununurra is the Mirima (Hidden Valley) National Park. You can hike through the area and might be lucky enough to come across some of the Aboriginal rock paintings, engravings and artifacts. You are not allowed to disturb of damage any Aboriginal sites in Mirima National Park.

If you are in the area you should also visit Lake Kununurra, it has incredible wildlife and you can go out swimming, fishing, cruising, canoeing and camping on the riverbank during the night. There are waterfalls everywhere during the wet season.

Esperance

Esperance has a lot of things to offer including amazing beaches, incredible nature and a lot of different activities.

Esperance is located on the shores of Esperance Bay and surrounded by a lot of small islands. If you want to explore Esperance the real way, you should do it with a 4WD. Esperance is surrounded by four National Parks, showcasing the incredible nature, with seasonal wildflowers, granite headlands, coastal scenery and incredible views on offer.

Esperance has the best conditions for relaxation with beautiful and serene beaches. Especially Lucky Bay, rated as one of the best beaches in Australia well worth a visit. Besides enjoying the beautiful beach, Lucky Bay is also a great spot for fishing, and is surrounded by the amazing National Parks where you can enjoy incredible view from many lookouts.

West Beach, Fourth Beach and Observatory Beach are ideal surfing beaches, while central Esperance is a great swimming spot. For snorkelling the Blue Haven Beach, Twilight and the lagoon to the east of West Beach Cove are all great.

There are a lot of different tours from Esperance you can book. Just to mention a few, a four wheel drive safari, helicopter tours, island cruises and diving and fishing tours are all available and based out of Esperance.

Climate

Perth receives moderate though highly seasonal rainfall. Summers last from December to end March are generally hot and dry, while winters relatively mildere and wet.

Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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