Text size
Published Aug 2024
Text size
19 April, 2024 By: Julia D'Orazio
Western Australians are lucky enough to live in a pretty photogenic state, with diverse landscapes, vivid colours all hugged by a spectacular coastline.
And while there are many vantage points on land to take photos, a drone's perspective gives us a new appreciation of just how incredible our big backyard is.
With the spectacular burnt-red gorges at Karijini National Park, the intense hues of Hutt Lagoon Lake and Perth's architectural marvels, there is never a dull angle from the sky.
RELATED: Drone photography of the WA coastline »
Perth
Perth beaches
Perth's coastline stretches for 123km, with 19 beaches along its pristine shores, each offering something different. Capture Perth's iconic Indiana Tea House, at Cottesloe, see kite surfers take flight at Leighton or Port Beach, spot marine life in Rockingham's Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, gaze out at Coogee Beach's Omeo Shipwreck just offshore, and admire Yanchep Lagoon's crystal-clear waters.
Fremantle
Eclectic port city Fremantle is full of colour with its Victorian-era architecture, an active harbour, and heritage streets. The town's coastline dazzles and is specked with landmarks such as the 12-sided Round House overlooking Bathers Beach and the WA Maritime Museum in Victoria Quay. Also not to be missed is the much-loved colourful shipping container art installation, 'Rainbow', along Canning Highway which overlooks Fremantle Port.
East Perth
Bustling East Perth is home to the state's award-winning Optus Stadium along the Swan River.
Adjacent to the world-class venue is Matagarup Bridge. The suspended pedestrian bridge's abstract design is open to interpretation. Is it two swans? A swimming dolphin? The Wagyl serpent? Or a bouncy ribbon connecting Optus Stadium to East Perth? Whichever your view, the aerial views of Perth's two icons, the Swan River and surrounding parklands, are a delight.
Areas to avoid: It is not permitted to fly a drone over crowds and sporting events, so check if Optus Stadium is in use before flying. Drones are not allowed within the stadium.
Approvals needed: All drone launches in the public domain, including the Swan River, require a film and drone permit (more below) and a current Remote Pilot License (RePL) if flying for commercial gain. All drone activity requires a safe site with a cone-marked hi-vis circle landing pad.
South Perth foreshore
Big, beautiful, and evergreen: that's South Perth foreshore. South Perth's sprawling parklands fringe the Swan River, with Perth's ever-expanding city skyline across the waterway. It is a great spot to appreciate how Perth's city centre intertwines with its natural surroundings.
Head to the large grassed area on either side of Mends Street jetty for great views across the water.
Greater WA
South West coastline
Western Australia's South West coastline is chockful of remarkable scenery. Take in heritage-listed landmarks (Busselton Jetty, lighthouses at Cape Leeuwin and Cape Naturaliste), blissfully blue waters, rugged cliffs, and gnarly rock formations such as Sugarloaf Rock. The region also offers ample marine life spotting opportunities, most notably in Hamelin Bay, where the ocean's black diamonds—sting rays—frequently frolic along the coast.
Hutt Lagoon Pink Lake
Western Australia is hardly short on unique attractions, with Hutt Lagoon’s Pink Lake one of the state's most photographed natural wonders. The gorgeous marine salt lake, 103km north of Geraldton receives its extraordinary hues from the algae dunaliella salina.
Although it's renowned for its bubblegum-pink tinge, the lake's colour changes depending on the time of day and season visited. It can sometimes appear red and lilac purple, with no two visits being the same. Regardless of shade, the best time to capture Hutt Lagoon's brilliance is in the middle of the day when the sun is at its highest, with contrasting bushlands and the coastline enhancing the spectacle.
James Price Point, Broome
See a riot of colour at this sliver of the Dampier Peninsula. James Price Point, 60km north of Broome, is Insta-famous for its intense red cliffs, sugar-white sands, and turquoise waters, which appear as a striking trio from above.
James Price Point is accessed via Cape Leveque Road and requires a four-wheel drive. The road is corrugated, and dropping tyre pressure is necessary.
Misery Beach, Albany
Its name may sound disheartening, but it is anything but. Voted Tourism Australia's best beach by in 2022, Misery Beach is Albany's secluded slice of paradise. Located in Torndirrup National Park, the small beach is protected by soaring granite outcrops.
From the car park, you can also see King George Sound and the granite headland.
Twilight Beach, Esperance
With some of its beaches rated Australia's best, Esperance is a must for serious drone shooters. Head off on the Great Ocean Drive to take in its granite cliffs, snow-white sands, and aquamarine waters. The 40-kilometre scenic loop's famous pit stop, Twilight Beach, is a must-see from the sky with a jumble of smooth granite outcrops just metres from shore.
Giant geoglyphs, Great Southern
The Great Southern region is full of large-scale attractions, with giant animal geoglyphs, the most unusual.
Several artworks designed by the area's traditional owners are part of the eco-cultural restoration program, Gondwana Link. Only visible from the air, each artwork represents a connection to country, with figures including the Karda (goanna) near the Stirling Range, Yonga (kangaroo) near Jerramungup, Ngow (mallee bird) in Nowanup, and the Karta-Wongkin-Jini (the place where people come together) in Nowanup.
Karijini National Park
Over two billion years in the making, the park is one of the state's most dramatic locations, known for its striking, red-layered gorges, impressive waterfalls, and swimming holes.
Drone use is not permitted within the gorges or immediate areas, however can be used elsewhere in the park.
PUBLIC Silo Art Trail
Have a drive-through art gallery experience on the PUBLIC Silo Trail. Dotted throughout the southern half of WA, the trail comprises six massive murals that colour the skyline in Northam, Merredin, Newdegate, Pingrup, and Albany. Each is distinct and painted by local and internationally renowned artists.
Before you fly
Before you see Western Australia's beauty from a bird's eye view, please ensure you comply with the Civil Aviation Authority (CASA) rules when using your drone for recreational purposes. Follow the WA Government's Drones in Parks guidelines when flying your drone in a national parks.
· You are only permitted to fly one drone at a time.
· Flying your drone more than 120 metres (400 feet) above ground level is prohibited.
· Your drone must be at least 30 metres away from other people.
· You must always keep your drone within sight. This means you must be able to see the drone with your eyes instead of through a device, screen, or goggles.
· You cannot fly your drone over a crowded area, including public spaces such as beaches, parks, festivals, events, busy roads and sports fields.
· Recording or photographing people without their consent may breach other laws.
· Drones weighing more than 250 grams must fly at least 5.5 kilometres away from a controlled airport.
· You can fly your drone within 5.5km of a helicopter landing site or a smaller airport without a control tower. However, if you know of crewed aircraft nearby, you must move your drone away and land it as quickly and safely as possible to avoid a potential collision.
· Do not operate your drone if it could be a hazard to an aircraft, person, or property.
· You can only fly your drone in daylight. Flying drones through clouds or fog is not permitted.
· It is forbidden to fly drones over or near an area affecting public safety or where an emergency operation is taking place. This includes firefighting efforts, road accidents, police activity, and search and rescue efforts.
