Australia's largest state covers an impressive 2.246 million square kilometres and is approximately 10 sizes bigger than the United Kingdom. Discover over 60 national parks, more than 2050 beaches, 3747 islands, and the world's largest fringing reef. With the longest coastline of Australia, covering a jaw-dropping 20,781 kilometres in length - Western Australia is a world of wonder.
Be welcomed by friendly locals to Perth, Australia's sunniest capital. Discover a place where the Swan River meets the South Coast, featuring untouched beaches, natural attractions, and urban adventures. Take a wander around Kings Park, a 400 hectares park overlooking the Swan River. Here, you will find lots of grass areas to enjoy, barbecues, a great view, and the best playgrounds!
Enjoy a cup of coffee at a café and savour local produce on the Swan Valley Food and Wine Trail. Visit Reabold Hill for a different kind of lookout over the region of Perth. The raised boardwalk is surrounded by native bushland and provides views over Perth City, the Indian Ocean, Rottnest Island, and Kings Park.
The WA Shipwrecks Museum is a maritime archeology museum where you will find more about the ships wrecked along the WA coastline, like the Dutch Batavia. Or if you are feeling active, conquer Syd's Rapids & Aboriginal Heritage Trail, a 6.5 kilometre trail through Walyunga National Park. Have a look at the rapids and finish it off with the Aboriginal Heritage Trail, which will give you an insight into the Noongar connection to Walyunga National Park
Visit the Perth Stadium (also called Optus Stadium) in Burswood and cheer on the Fremantle Dockers or the West Coast Eagles. Enjoy a cricket match at WACA or Perth Stadium or play a game of golf with a view overlooking the Indian Ocean at Seaview Golf Club.
Just 20 minutes south of Perth, you will find the little harbour town of Fremantle. A hip and colourful place with plenty of things to do and see! Here, you will find a prison built in 1850, which is one of the most infamous prisons in the British Empire. Be sure to visit the Fremantle Markets for some local delights or enjoy a cold beer on an outdoor terrace!
Rottnest Island is a protected nature reserve that is located just 19 kilometres off the coast of Perth. This place is a must-do while you are visiting this part of the country. A popular recreational area where you can spot quokkas and marsupials. Spend the night here and experience the tranquil setting. Be sure to explore Pinky Beach, Little Salmon Bay, and The Basin.
Immerse yourself in the wonders of Australia’s Golden Outback. This region makes up 54% of Western Australia and got its name because gold was found here. In the north, you will discover the rugged red earth landscape of Mount Augustus and the Kennedy Ranges.
Discover the snow-white beaches of Esperance or in the centre, the modern mining hub of Kalgoorlie. Here, you can uncover the history and heritage of the wild gold rush era. In the west is the Wheatbelt, admire rolling farmland, quirky rural townships, granite outcrops, and of course, Wave Rock.
Visit outback pubs, go on a road trip or experience a farm stay! This place has the world’s most extensive collection of wildflowers too. Follow a wildflower trail in the spring and view the spectacular sight of colours.
Uncover the mystery of one of Australia’s biggest waves, which is not found in the ocean! Wave Rock is a well-known natural phenomenon. Located near the Wheatbelt town of Hyden, a charming 340-kilometre drive from Perth. This multicoloured granite rock was formed over 2,700 million years ago, and today, it is a popular tourist destination.
The cliff is characterised by its shape, which remarkably resembles a massive wave about to crash into the bush. Admire the wave from various vantage points, including from the top, where you will be rewarded with a fantastic view over the outback.
Nearby, you can also visit a collection of ancient rock paintings. This artwork covers the walls of Mulka's Cave and tells the story of a local Aboriginal legend. Explore Lake Magic and the circuit walk, situated about one kilometre to the north of Wave Rock.
Discover one of the earth's natural treasures, a beach, and a nature lover's dream - Esperance. Located on the Southern Ocean, 720 kilometres southeast of the capital city, Perth. A gem filled with wondrous beauty, white sand beaches, turquoise water, and untouched islands.
Visit Lucky Bay and admire squeaky-clean sand, arguably one of Australia's whitest sandy beaches. There are over 100 rocky islands scattered throughout the Esperance coast, nestled in the navy water. A short drive from Esperance is Blue Haven Beach and Twilight Cove, two idyllic spots for undisturbed swimming and snorkelling.
If you're looking for the waves, travel to West Beach, Fourth Beach or Observatory. Visit a bright pink lake, Lake Hillier on the edge of Middle Island. Or go on a 4WD adventure and explore all that this spectacular place has to offer!
The Nullarbor Plain covers an impressive area of 200,000 square kilometres. Starting in Norseman, Western Australia, and ending in Ceduna, South Australia. Renowned for being one of the world's most spectacular drives. Discover a flat landscape with blue bush, mulga scrub, and even wildflowers after it rains.
Did you know? Australia has the longest stretch of straight road in the world at 148 kilometres. The Eyre Highway in Western Australia is approximately 1675 kilometres long and links Western and South Australia. It takes about two days to cross and there are plenty of weird and wonderful things to discover along the way. Including the Great Australian Bight and the remoteness of the Great Victoria Desert.
Get off the grid in Kalgoorlie, located approximately 595 kilometres east of Perth, off the Great Eastern Highway. This gem is within the Goldfields–Esperance region, and is known as Australia's largest outback city! The name Kalgoorlie is derived from the Aboriginal Wangai word Karlkurla, meaning 'Place of the silky pears.' Spend your days visiting the Museum of the Goldfields, Hammond Park, or conquer the Golden Quest Discovery Trail.
Be inspired by nature’s open-air art gallery - A stunning region located in the southwest corner of Western Australia. Admire rolling vineyards, pristine surf beaches, tall-timber forests, and spectacular coastal scenery.
Enjoy a glass of world-renowned wine together with local truffles or freshly caught crayfish. Visit Karri Forests and go hiking, bird watching or take a scenic drive. Spot killer whales in Bremer Bay (January to April) and maybe even large orcas.
If you’re lucky, you may also see whales at Point Ann in Fitzgerald National Park. Go swimming in one of mother nature’s most remarkable swimming holes, Greens Pool. An adventure playground with endless natural beauty to be discovered and hidden gems to be found.
Be entranced by a natural oasis, an ancient landform and a biodiversity 'hotspot' – Stirling Range National Park. Located in the great southern region of Western Australia, 337 kilometres southeast of Perth. The national park and mountain ranges are an astounding 1000 metres above sea level.
The only place in Western Australia to ever see snow! Rich in Aboriginal heritage, the Indigenous name for the range is Koi Kyenunu-ruff, meaning 'mist rolling around the mountains'.
Boasting over 12,000 different species of wildflowers, some of which are found nowhere else. A bushwalker's haven with an abundance of nature and wildlife to discover, one of the richest floras in the world. Spot parrots, emu's, kangaroos, and wallabies.
Join one of our live and informative presentations, hosted by one of our travel specialists. And find out how to travel to Australia in a uniquely local way. There are also plenty of opportunities to ask questions!
Register nowUnearth the deep history of a port city – Albany. An Australian gem located on the rugged south coast, 418 kilometres southwest of Perth. Discover a past rich with stories, from Aboriginal heritage, convicts and settlers, whaling and sailors. This is the place where Europeans first set foot in Western Australia.
Visit the Albany Whaling Museum to hear tales about the whaling industry, or go to The National Anzac Centre and learn about Australia's war history. Albany holds a strong significance to World War I because it was where the Australian and New Zealand soldiers met and the ANZAC concept was formed.
See massive granite outcrops at Torndirrup National Park and the Gap. Or dip into some of the best beaches on this side of the country! Conquer one of the world's great long-distance walking trails, the 1000 kilometre- Bibbulmun Track.
Fitzgerald River National Park is one of Australia's largest and most botanical national parks. The park is characterised by undulating plains, rugged peaks, and headlands around bays and coves. It is home to unique plant species from Western Australia, some of which are found only in the park.
Fitzgerald is divided into two areas because the core of the park is closed to all traffic, to protect the pristine nature. The roads from the north, Quiss Road and Hamersley Drive are passable for regular cars. The southern part of Hamersley Drive winds along the coast, Four Mile Beach, Barrens Lookout, and Cave Point.
The road ends at Point Ann, where you can watch migrating whales. They migrate in winter with their newborn calves. To the east, you can climb East Mount Barren, one of the three peaks of the Barren Range, or hike inland trails at Sepulcralis Hill and No Tree Hill.
Tucked away in Australia’s southwest corner is one of Australia’s premium wine regions. Margaret River - where rolling vineyards meet the wild ocean and the spectacular forest. Located three hours drive south of Perth, in Western Australia.
Discover world-class beaches, ancient caves, award-winning wineries, and tall-timber trees. A gourmet escape with over 120 wineries to savour, boutique breweries, fine restaurants, local cheese, and divine chocolate. Visit art galleries, go surfing, mountain biking, or whale watching (seasonal).
Producing 15% of Australia’s wine, including the world-renowned Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. With an abundance of sunshine, it is one of the most geographically isolated wine regions in the world. If you are lucky, there may be a local food festival happening too!
Approximately 220 kilometres west of Perth, on the tip of the southern coastline, is Busselton. Nearby, Margaret River and Dunsborough, this region is renowned for its whale watching opportunities. Between May and December, tens of thousands of whales make their journey past this vibrant place on their annual migration.
Operated by a non-profit community organisation, the Busselton Jetty is 1.841 kilometres long. Heritage-listed, it is the longest timber piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. The jetty's construction commenced in 1864, and today is one of the region's biggest tourist attractions.
Be sure to visit Geographe Bay, Tuart National Forest, the Busselton Foreshore, or The Busselton Museum. The Underwater Observatory and Marine Conservation can be reached by the train ride along the Busselton Jetty. Descend 8 metres below the ocean's surface and discover more than 300 individual marine species in their natural habitat.
Explore Dunsborough, a coastal town located in the southwest, approximately 254 kilometres south of Perth on the shores of Geographe Bay. An award-winning tourist destination, this town is also popular amongst the locals. Spend your days here going beach hopping, visiting the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, or sampling local wine at the wineries.
Are you ready to discover one of the last true wilderness areas on earth? The North West is bursting with billions of years of history, Indigenous culture, and endless natural wonders. From the pearl capital of Broome, the gateway to the Kimberley to Gibb River Road, the Milky Way, and beyond. An outdoor playground that is ready to be explored - hop in a 4WD and let's go!
Broome – where red dirt meets the ocean! A gateway to the wild Kimberly region, this Aussie gem is located 1681 kilometres north of Perth. This coastal town is buzzing with tourists, tropical vibes and a laid-back ambience. With a rich and colourful history, it was initially founded by pearl fishermen and is now a melting pot of multiculturalism.
Try on the perfect white orbs of cultured Broome pearls, or hold one plucked fresh from the sea. Ride a camel and watch the sunset, along Cable Beach, a spectacular 22 kilometres of glossy white sand.
Spot rare snub fin dolphins on an ocean cruise, or explore the creeks and mangroves of Roebuck Bay. Here, you can go boating, swimming, fishing, or birdwatching. Sample the local cuisine outdoors, and try a mango craft beer and smoked barramundi.
Spread across Australia's entire north-western corner is the Kimberley. One of the world's last wilderness frontiers is located in Western Australia. This region has an abundance of wildlife and natural beauty to be discovered. A place bursting with fresh swimming holes, outback stations, wide rivers, ancient rock formations, and gorges that have eroded over millions of years.
Admire mystical waterfalls such as Mitchell Falls. Try some local bush tucker or stop by the iconic Bungle Bungles. Get better acquainted with the Aussie Outback at El Questro Wilderness Park. Stop by Windjana Gorge National Park, Tunnel Creek National Park, or King Leopold Ranges. Here, you can also find Boabs, a tree species with a gigantic thick trunk that can live to be more than 2000 years old. A unique part of this region.
Go on a 4WD adventure down a red dirt road and discover an Aussie gem, Cape Leveque. One of the world’s most remote places - where golden red-rock cliffs meet the white sand and turquoise ocean. Located at the tip of the Dampier Peninsula, north of Broome, a little treasure in the Kimberly.
Immerse yourself in the quintessential feel and colours of the Cape Leveque road. Rich in Indigenous culture, dating back over 7,000 years. You can visit local Aboriginal communities along the way. Learn more about their traditional way of life and custodians. Find out how they sourced bush tucker too!
Go snorkelling and admire colourful fish or try your luck at some mud crabbing. This region is renowned for world-class fishing - mackerel, tuna, cobia and sailfish are all found in these waters.
Unlock the treasures of a natural phenomenon, the World Heritage Listed - Bungle Bungles. Located within Purnululu National Park in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. This 5000 square kilometre park is characterised by bee-hive striped domes, rising 300 metres from the grassy plains.
Estimated to be over 350 million years old, discover this fascinating place on foot, via a scenic flight or have a 4WD adventure. Rich in Indigenous culture, The Djaru and Gija Aboriginal people are the custodians of this region with a rooted past.
Here, you can find ancient rock paintings, over 130 different species of birds, unique native animals such as the Nail-tail wallaby, and short-eared rock wallabies. Admire narrow chasms, hidden gorges, waterholes, and endless wilderness. A real Aussie gem!
Experience a real outback expedition on one of Australia’s most unique 4WD routes - Gibb River Road. Get ‘off the grid’ for an Aussie adventure through the vast untouched landscapes of the Kimberly in Western Australia. A notorious trek from Derby to Kununurra, discovering the secluded wilderness, a galore of natural gorges, and cattle farms the size of a city.
The route owes its name to the Gibb River, which is almost 650 kilometres long. The region is rich in Indigenous culture, practiced here for many thousands of years. Some highlights along the way are Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek, Lennard Gorge, Bell Gorge, Galvans Gorge, Manning Gorge, Drysdale River Station, Home Valley Station, and El Questro Wilderness Park.
Uncover the secrets of Mitchell Plateau, one of the most spectacular parts of the Kimberly. A pure gem, rich with Aussie nature and an abundance of waterfalls. Mitchell Falls is a waterfall with no less than four plateaus, situated in the far north of the Kimberley.
The waterfall is 80 metres high, making it the third-highest waterfall in Western Australia. The falling water emphasizes the rugged character of the Australian Outback and completes the Mitchell Plateau environment. You can reach the waterfall by helicopter or by a six-hour walk during the dry season.
Visit Little Merton's Falls, Big Mertens Falls, and Aboriginal art near the King Edward River. During this trip, it is also possible to enjoy the Mitchell River, a river that makes its way through the sandstone of the Mitchell Plateau.
This lively city is surrounded by large rivers, gorges, and spectacular waterfalls. A large amount of fresh water can be found in this area, held by the Kununurra Diversion Dam and the Ord River Dam. Both are part of an irrigation plan, which ensures that agriculture is possible in this area all year round.
Kununurra owes its existence mainly to the construction of this dam. It was initially built as a service centre for the government. The dam also provides the area with the third-largest artificial lake in Western Australia. The vast Lake Argyle lies close to Kununnura in the middle of the rolling landscape.
The town of Fitzroy Crossing is located in the Kimberley region, at the fertile floodplains of the Fitzroy River and downstream of Geikie Gorge National Park. Geikie Gorge is a wide gorge carved out by the Fitzroy River in 350 million years, and when it floods, it is one of the world's largest rivers.
Fitzroy Crossing is also close to Windjana Gorge National Park, where you can admire the high walls of the gorge formed by the Lennard River. In some places, the walls are more than 300-metres high.
At the foot of the canyon are deep freshwater lakes and in Tunnel Creek National Park, you can find crocodiles. Here, you will also find the oldest caves in Western Australia. Don't forget to bring a flashlight and wear a pair of old, but comfortable shoes if you want to visit the caves.
Be enchanted by the Coral Coast and beyond, a destination with the perfect blend of nature, adventure, and friendly locals. An open-air playground and outdoor enthusiasts haven, there is an abundance of things to do and see here. From relaxing on wide stretched beaches to swimming with the world's largest fish. Which activities are on your bucket list?
Spread over kilometres of pristine beaches on The Coral Coast, discover the waters of the Indian Ocean. Visit Shark Bay and Ningaloo Reef, two UNESCO World Heritage sites. Shark Bay is known for its Monkey Mia dolphins. The 300-kilometre long Ningaloo Reef is one of the few places in the world where you can swim (from April to July) with the ocean's largest fish, the whale shark.
The coral reef has no less than 250 different types of coral, 500 species of fish, sea turtles, manta rays, and giant manta rays. From coastal towns such as Coral Bay and Exmouth, you can discover the reef while sailing, flying, snorkelling, or diving.
Stop by Carnarvon, known for its seafood, banana plantations, and farms where farmers sell fruit and vegetables directly from the land. For a taste of the outback, visit Mount Augustus and the Kennedy Ranges.
Port Hedland is a city with a rich history and cultural heritage. The Aboriginal people of Kariyarra are the owners of this area. They call the region 'Marapikurrinya', referring to the hand-shaped water channels that enter the country from the coast. Port Hedland is located on the north shore of Western Australia and forms with 20,000 inhabitants.
A characteristic of Port Hedland is the port, wherein 1863 the first ship docked under the command of Captain Peter Hedland. Meanwhile, the port has great economic significance for Australia, as one of the largest export ports in the country.
During your stay in the region, you can visit the large white salt mountains of Dampier Salt at Nelson Point. Or take a walk along Cooke Point. Here, you can admire the 'Staircase to the Moon' from May to October, a natural phenomenon where the moonlight reflects a staircase on the water.
Karijini National Park covers an area of 627,422 hectares and is the second-largest park in Western Australia. The park is home to the Banyjima, Jurrama, and Innawonga Aboriginal people. It is known for the Hamersley Range, which carries the Aboriginal nickname 'Karijini'.
Summer rains are interspersed with cyclones and are accompanied by temperatures around 40 degrees Celsius. The landscape has been shaped by erosion in the last two billion years and consists of flat valleys, massive mountains, and deep gorges. In the colder months, the land is covered with yellow, blue, and purple flowers that bloom after the rain.
The best way to explore the park – given the weathered landscape – is by 4WD. You can also swim in fresh, natural swimming pools or visit the waterfall, Fortescue Falls. This waterfall is located near Dales Gorge and is the only permanent waterfall in the park.
Discover one of Australia's best-kept secrets, Ningaloo Reef. Located off the coast of Western Australia is a coral coast. With 250 different types of coral, 500 species of fish, sea turtles, manta rays, whale sharks, and humpback whales. Here, you can make spectacular diving and snorkelling trips. While you are underwater, try to distinguish the difference between the patterns on the sharks, each one has its own unique design, like a fingerprint!
The Ningaloo Coast is on the World Heritage List and considered one of the most suitable places in the world to observe the world's largest whale shark. The dunes and canyons of Cape Range National Park are home to kangaroos and emus. In the Mandu Mandu Gorge, you'll find plenty of fossils in limestone formations.
Approximately 900 kilometres north of Perth is a popular tourist destination, known as Monkey Mia. Shark Bay Marine Park can be found, 25 kilometres northeast of the Aussie town, Denham. For more than 50 years, bottlenose dolphins have been visiting this World Heritage Site. Marvel at the rusty red sand dunes, pearled white sand beaches, and the large collection of wildlife found in the area.
On the coast of Western Australia, you'll find a town with a bit of Dutch flavour, Geraldton. During the VOC period, several ships' crew perished here off the coast, including the Batavia. Parts of Batavia can be seen in the Western Australian Museum in Geraldton.
Due to its stunning beaches and warm climate, Geraldton is a popular place for water sports enthusiasts. The location is also known worldwide for its windsurfing opportunities. At surf spots like Sunset Beach, Coronation Beach, and St. George Beach, you can see the windsurfers in action. What would a coastal town be without fish and seafood dishes?
Be sure to enjoy a fresh, locally caught lobster at one of the restaurants. If you have more time in Geraldton, then a visit to the Abrolhos Islands is worthwhile. With a day trip, you can experience the spectacular underwater world while diving or snorkelling.
Visit one of Australia's pink lakes, Hutt Lagoon. A marine salt lake, located near the Indian Ocean, approximately two kilometres north of the mouth of the Hutt River. The pink colour comes from the presence of the carotenoid-producing algae, Dunaliella salina. This is a great source of beta-carotene and Vitamin A and is widely used as a natural food-colouring agent. Swimming is not common in the lake but is not considered dangerous. Would you go swimming in this pink lake?
Feast on some freshly-caught lobster in the small fishing town, Cervantes. Located 198 kilometres north of Perth, the gateway to Western Australia’s Pinnacle Desert. The Pinnacles are one of Australia’s natural wonders, located in the heart of Nambung National Park, you can find thousands of limestone spires.
The bizarre pillars are unique because they have the quality of a moonscape and, without geological understanding, seem like they could be from another planet. Some of the formations can reach an impressive 12 metres tall.
Visit Lake Thetis, a place that features the oldest ‘living’ fossil in the world (thrombolites and stromatolites). Go swimming at Hangover Bay or go fishing at Thirsty Point Lookout. Pop by Kangaroo Point, a place where kangaroos gather on the beach at sunset.
Kalbarri is the place where the rough, red-coloured outback meets white sandy beaches. At the mouth of the Murchison River, there are plenty of outdoor activities to indulge in. A place where you can enjoy various activities along the coast or in the river. The weather in this region is pleasant all year round. Famous for its seaside cliffs, estuary beaches, and wild pelicans.
In the Kalbarri National Park, you will find an 80-kilometre long gorge carved out by the Murchison River. In the park, you can wander around and discover different viewpoints and unique rock formations. Kalbarri is also known for having a large collection of different species of colourful wildflowers that bloom from July to October.
At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.
Questions? Speak to one of our specialists by phone Mon - Sat 0900 until 2100. You can discuss your travel plans in detail where and when it suits you, also in the evenings and on weekends on a no obligation basis.
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