Things To Do In Western Australia

December 12, 2022

Making up the entire western third of the country, Western Australia is the largest of the country’s five states, with so many incredible things to do and places to explore. The diverse beauty of Western Australia is unmatched, from the expansive desert to the gorgeous white sand beaches. 

But when you only have so many days to travel throughout this gorgeous region, it can be tricky to decide which spots should make it to the top of your to-do list. One important thing to keep in mind is the timing of your trip. Western Australia has a myriad of climates, so it is important to decide upon your travel goals before planning which time of year to visit. 

To help you explore all your options and create your perfect itinerary, we thought we’d detail some of our favorite things to do when visiting Western Australia. 

Ningaloo Reef

Ningaloo Reef is an exceptional destination along the Coral Coast. Located in the northwest coastal region, and it is one of the largest fringing reefs in the world. It is home to the whale shark, who visits every year between March and July. Not to mention all the humpback whales, manta rays, rare turtles, dolphins, and tropical fish that frequent the reef year-round. Multiple tours from Coral Bay and Exmouth offer the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim with whale sharks and plenty of snorkeling, diving, and kayaking tours to boot. And if you want to explore some solid land, the Cape Range National Park, with its stunning gorges and red rock canyons, is also located within the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area. Special tip: check out the amazing accommodations at Sal Salis to stay in an eco-friendly safari tent just meters from the reef.

The Kimberley 

Spread across the entire northwestern corner of the state, the Kimberley region is three times larger than England, with less than 40,000 residents! Known as one of the world’s last wilderness frontiers, the Kimberley comprises dozens of iconic landmark destinations such as the Horizontal Falls, the Bungle Bungles, and Purnululu National Park. In terms of places to explore, the list feels endless: from tucked-away swimming holes to picturesque beaches, expansive canyons and some of the best hikes in Australia to the unique wildlife, you’re sure to have an adventure of a lifetime. Whether you want to camp in the Outback or if indoor accommodations are more your speed, the Kimberley region has a wide array of accommodations, like those at the amazing El Questro.

Broome

Established in 1880 as a pearling town, Broome is rich in culture as it drew in workers from Indonesia, Japan, China, Malaysia, and Europe. Delve into the town’s history, tour a pearling farm, or even harvest your own pearl yourself! Broome is also home to one of Western Australia’s most iconic beaches, Cable Beach, where you can ride camels along the water. Other unique attractions in Broome include the historic and remote Matso’s Brewery, the Snubfin Dolphin cruise, fossilized dinosaur footprints, and the saltwater crocodile, to name a few.

Rottnest Island

Not only is Rottnest Island famous for being the hometown of the “world’s happiest animal,” the adorable quokka, but it is also known to have some of the best Western Australia beaches. Rottnest Island has something for everyone; there is a surplus of fun activities like biking, hiking, snorkeling, and diving, and plenty of white sand beaches perfect for lounging and relaxing. On the top of every travel list for Rottnest Island is the “quokka selfie,” which is inarguably a picture worth a million words. But there is so much more to the island: whether you want to book a biking or snorkel tour or explore the natural island beauty on your own, Rottnest Island undoubtedly has something for everyone. 

Margaret River

Located a few hours south of Perth, Margaret River is a picturesque small town known for its incredible wineries and gourmet cuisine. The most isolated wine region in the world, Margaret River is most famous for its world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Plus, the region hosts the Western Australia Gourmet Escape festival every November, featuring exquisite foods by world-class chefs. But there’s more to the Margaret River region than food and drink. There are beautiful beaches fit for surfing and lounging, luxurious resorts for relaxing, the gorgeous river perfect for canoeing, and spectacular limestone caves to explore. 

Perth

One of the most isolated cities of its size, Perth is the beloved capital of Western Australia. There is a vast array of things to do in Perth, whether you’d rather spend the day at the beach, stroll through the world-famous Kings Park, or visit one of the city’s excellent museums. Check out our Perth Travel Guide for some of our favorite spots in the city.

When it comes to things to do in Western Australia, the list could go on and on forever. This naturally beautiful and culturally rich state is one of our absolute favorite places to explore. If you’re looking for some more expertise to plan your dream trip, our Western Australia travel experts are eager to help. Check out our Western Australia’s Wine, Whales, and Quokkas experience, or contact us to plan a specialized itinerary for your perfect travel adventure.