Top 21 – Western Australia Must See Destinations

Lucky bay near Esperance Western Australia

Looking for inspiration on what to do on your Western Australia holiday? We have you covered! Here is our round up of Top 21 Things to do in Western Australia.

1. Perth

The capital of this beautiful state is known for its pristine beaches, parks and rivers. It is positioned on the banks of the Swan River, and is a fantastic tourist spot to visit with many attractions stretching in every direction. Kings Park is ideally centrally located and is a great place to picnic and enjoy the river views.
Further inland, visit the Swan Valley which is home to peaceful wineries, art galleries and festivals throughout the year, and the Hills district. With such a close proximity to Fremantle and Rottnest Island on the coast, and coastal towns dotted in either direction, Perth is a fantastic holiday destination and is easily explored with car rental Perth.

2. Fremantle

Fremantle is a trendy, port city located just south from Perth. It is a must for a day trip or extended holiday and it is steeped with history, culture, heritage buildings, markets, art galleries and fishing boat harbour, which are all great for a wander and shopping spree. The Maritime Museum will give you a perspective on the regions history, and the convict jail and Fremantle prison will take you on a journey back through time. You will love this attractive and interesting region because you will never run out of things to do!

3. Rottnest Island

Located west of Perth, Rottnest Island would have to be one of the most visited attractions in the region. The wonder of Rottnest Island capture your hearts and will never be forgotton, with coral reefs, white sandy beaches and cycling just some of the attractive drawcards. A unique marsupial called the Quokker also makes its home on the island, and there is plenty of underwater marine life for everyone to enjoy. There are daily ferries from Fremantle and plenty of accommodation on the island if you want to stay longer.

4. Mandurah

Mandurah is a tranquil, cultural city set on the waters of Mandjar Bay, where many of the locals and tourists flock to enjoy the pristine views and waterfront cafes and restaurants. The Mandurah Ocean Marina is an experience on its own, with incredible fishing vessels and parklands suitable for a great family outing. Located just a short drive south of Perth in the Peel region, it is perfect for a day trip with beautiful scenery along the way. Further out into the Peel inlet you will come across many dolphins, pelicans and water birds which frequent the area. There are plenty of water activities to choose from.

5. Swan Valley

Perfect for a couple’s getaway, Swan Valley has vineyards, bushwalks and fantastic restaurants to attract visitors from all over the world. There is an abundance of art galleries, and panoramic views of the valley which will make your trip all that more enjoyable. The valley can also be visited on a cruise up the Swan River, and you can even head into Guildford and take a horse drawn wagon, or jump on a horse to explore the region at a slower pace.
The Darling Range is located just a little further inland, with the beautiful John Forrest National Park offering plenty of bushwalks, camping and canoeing activities.

6. Coral Bay

The seaside town of Coral Bay is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the ideal coastal surroundings. Only a two hours flight from Perth, Coral Bay sits adjacent to the Ningaloo Reef which is just off the beach. This area is fantastic for keen snorkellers and scuba divers, as there is an abundance of marine life here Humpback whales, turtles, manta rays, dugongs and the impressive whale shark call this place home making for a spectacular marine experience for you. As you would expect, fishing is a favourite past-time here, with coral trout, blue marlin and sailfish hooked regularly. This is an ideal place to visit for any lover of the sea.

7. Broome

Broome is highly regarded as the gateway to the Kimberley, and is marked with an incredible history and spectacular beaches. The popular Cable Beach is an ideal place to stay, as it has many resorts and long stretches of white sand and crystal blue waters inviting visitors worldwide. If you are lucky enough you may even fins some South Sea Pearls, which can be seen mostly in Chinatown. Another natural attraction is the Staircase to the Moon, an illusion during full moon on the silver mudflats which lasts for most of the year. This is a truly cultural, diverse and memorable place to visit. You can pickup a Broome motorhome hire or 4WD rental and explore far and wide.

8. Kalgoorlie

Kalgoorlie is one of the state’s largest and most prosperous cities, making it a fascinating place to visit. Since it is one of the world’s most important mining regions there are plenty of attractions and smaller ghost towns which make an interesting day trip. It also features the states largest indoor pool, which is a great place to escape the heat. September brings the Boulder and Kalgoorlie Cup, which is a horse race with a difference! There is every type of accommodation available if you want to stay longer and enjoy all this top city has to offer.

9. Monkey Mia

Home to the bottlenosed dolphin, and located on the world heritage coastline, Monkey Mia simple must be on your to see list. It is located only a 30 minute drive north from Denham, and has a large number of animals and bird life, making it a haven for nature lovers. What makes it most attractive is the unique ritual performed by the wild bottlenosed dolphins. Every day they swim into the shallows of the bay to interact with thrilled humans, bringing tourists from all over the world to discover such a unique experience.
Denham also offers great accommodation and activities which will make your stay here an unforgettable experience.

10. Kalbarri

Two hours drive from Geraldton, Kalbarri is one of the prettiest holiday destinations in the state, with multitudes of wildflowers and a perfect climate all year round. In Kalbarri National Park you will find most of the States wildflower bushland, which is home to over 800 blooming species. There are spectacular cliffs, clear blue waters, plenty of fishing spots and friendly and cute dolphins and whales close to the coastline. The parrot breeding centre is also a must see, and the daily pelican feeding is always great to watch. You can also visit the offshore Abrolhos Islands for a fun filled day trip. Located on the Murchison River, Kalbarri is recommended as one of the favourite top spots.

11. Exmouth

Exmouth is the gateway to the Ningaloo Marine Park and Cape Range National Park and is located on the North West Cape of Western Australia . However, the reef isn’t the only attraction as there is plenty to do within Exmouth, with extensive bushwalking, fishing and water sports available. The reef is home to many species of marine life, with the whale shark and sailfish the most sought after. There is every type of accommodation available, and with perfect weather, attractions and parks, it truly is an incredible destination for all travellers.

12. Ningaloo Marine Park

Although often overshadowed by the Great Barrier reef, the Ningaloo Reef is one of the largest reefs in the world that can be reached just by stepping off the beach. It is home to the whale shark and is an incredible place to visit. You will also find dolphins, manta rays, turtles, dugongs and humpback whales. There are also plenty of safe swimming beaches that the whole family can enjoy. Stretching from the Exmouth Gulf down to Amherst Point, this protected region is well worth visiting.

13. Carnarvon

The coastal town of Carnarvon is famous for its banana plantations, but there is so much else to see and do here. Located in the top end of Western Australia, this is a great place for snorkelling, fishing and swimming all year round. The Rocky Pool and Chinamans pool are popular, and it has escaped the tourist crowds to keep the local, friendly atmosphere. There are all types of tropical fruits grown further out of town, and a wide range of seafood available. There are also a number of farm stays for those who wish to embark on a rural experience. For a relaxed, enjoyable holiday this is a great option.

14. Kennedy Range National Park

For those who want to get off the beaten track to the outback, the Kennedy Range National Park is just the place for you. Drive through Meekatharra and Wiluna to meet the locals and enjoy a pub meal. With wildflowers blooming in every direction, and rocky outcrops dotting the horizon, it is an experience of landscapes that you will never forget. For an unforgettable adventure, embark on the hike to the Murchison River, which is located three hours drive north from Geraldton.
One of the great attractions is Mount Augustus, which is twice the size of Ayers Rock and not so packed with tourists. With a sea of stars at night and incredible panoramic vistas at daybreak, your outback adventure will bring a lifetime of memories.

15. Kununurra

This is truly where outback adventure begins. Located in the state’s far north region, Kununurra produces most of the state’s fruit and vegetables and has perfect year round weather. The ‘Hidden Valley’ and Mirima National Park are beautiful places to visit, while other popular attractions include Bungle Bungle, Lake Argyle, Gibb River, Mitchell Plateau, Ord River and the Argyle Diamond Mine. Due to the remoteness of the area it is best to explore the surrounding outback by four wheel drive or air. You will be rewarded with absolutely incredible scenery and rugged natural wilderness which is hard to match anywhere else in the world.

16. Esperance

For all those sun lovers out there, this is the place for you. It is located on the Esperance Bay, and one of its drawcards are the hundreds of islands which dot the coast making up the Recherche Archipelago. There are all types of adventure sports available, with island cruises, four wheel drive safaris and abseiling just some of them. The four main National Parks in the area promise unrivalled beauty and will simply take your breath away. One of the most popular spots is Lucky Bay, with Blue Haven Beach and Twilight Cove great for snorkelling. Tanker Jetty is ideal for fishing, with local seals an added attraction.

17. Margaret River

The Margaret River is most famous for its winders, with over 60 in total. This makes it an extremely popular location for an indulgent, relaxing getaway. Located just three and half hours south of Perth, the Margaret River offers incredible restaurants, cheeses, jams, olives and even a local chocolate factory. Natural attractions include a number of underground caves, beaches, forests and bushwalking tracks, which all reward you with magnificent lookouts. Augusta is ideal for for whale watching, and there are plenty of surfing competitions to watch along the beach. With such a diverse number of attractions, Margaret River is right on top of the list of musts in Western Australia.

18. Geraldton

Situated on Champion Bay, just over 400km north from Perth, Geraldton is a popular coastal village and often known as the gateway to the north. Think of a water sport and you are almost guaranteed to find it here. A great time to visit is July to November during wildflower season. Geraldton is also a great base to visit the Kalbarri National Park, Murchison River gorges, Monkey Mia (famous for its friendly dolphins) and the Abrolhos Islands. Here you will also find plenty of museums, parks, lookouts and art galleries. The Point Moore Lighthouse is a well known landmark made from steel, while the Western Australia Museum is a more recent attraction.

19. Shark Bay

Shark Bay encompasses over 1500 km of Western Australia’s coastline and is a world heritage listed area, offering stunning natural attractions such as Zuydorp Cliffs and the Wooramel Seagrass Bank. Other unique features of this bay include Shell Beach, which is the ultimate beach for shell lovers with six kilometres of shells alone, over 10 metres deep. Travellers flock to the Shark Bay region to experience its marine and coastal wonders It is also perfect for boating, diving and snorkelling enthusiasts.

20. Port Hedland

This is a friendly, coastal town known for its magnificent weather, fishing, crabbing and history. It is a two hour flight from Perth and has plenty of attractions. Within the city you can visit Dalgety House Museum, the Open Air Train Museum and the Koombana Lookout which promises beautiful views. The creeks at Pretty Pool and Six Mile Creek are also great for a day trip and the ever present wildflowers make this a pretty place to visit. You can’t miss the big ships and trains which are in and out of the Port, which make it a unique destination.

21. Albany

You won’t want to leave Albany. With its wild scenery, dark seas and rugged coastline it is steeped in history with convict jails, whaling ships and cottages dotting the landscape. On the south coast of Western Australia, Albany is a five hour drive from Perth. The Amity Trail is one of the best ways to see the city, which winds past historical buildings and interesting landmarks. The Torndirrup National Park is worth visiting, plus the Natural Bridge on the coast. There are whale watching cruises which bring you up close and personal with these gentle giants of the sea.

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