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Published Aug 2024
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Travel & Touring| WA Destinations
29 September, 2022 By: Monique Ceccato
Keen to explore the best of Western Australia but not sure where to go? A handy list of the state’s favourite holiday spots should help.
There’s a city, town, or tourist attraction for everyone in the great state of WA, from the sun-seeking family to the self-certified gourmand. If you need some guidance and where to go and what see while you’re there, we’ve picked out 20 WA holiday destinations that should definitely be on your radar.
1. Perth
The city of Perth is easy to navigate and has something to interest any holiday-maker. Bring the whole family along to explore the Cultural Centre, home of the recently redeveloped WA Museum Boola Bardip, the Art Gallery of Western Australia, and PICA gallery. Follow it up with a peddle or paddle about the Swan River to burn off any excess energy post-museum visit.
Nature lovers can enjoy the river, too, with a picnic on its banks or looking out over it from high above at Kings Park. Spend some time orchid spotting in the park’s native flower beds while you’re there, or change things up with a trip to the coast for some snorkelling at the Mettams Pool reef.
RELATED:Top 20 Things to do in Perth »
2. Broome
Just a 2.5-hour flight from Perth, Broome is the most easily accessible town in the Kimberley and one of the most exciting holiday destinations in the region.
Before moving on to the more remote destinations around Broome, a sunset camel ride along Cable Beach, dinner and a mango beer (for the adults only) at Matso’s Brewery, and a movie at Sun Pictures Cinema – the world’s oldest operating garden cinema – are a must.
After exploring town, hire a car and drive the 210km to Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm on Cape Leveque. The farm sits on Bardi Jawi country and employs local Bardi Jawi people in its operations. Learn all about the pearl trade on a tour with Terry Hunter, or the rare art of Riji (pearl shell carving) with Bruce Wiggan, before sampling pearl shell meat back at the Cygnet Bay cafe.
RELATED:11 of the Best Things to do in Broome »
3. Margaret River
You can describe a Margaret River getaway in many ways, but ‘indulgent’ is probably the most apt. The bush-flanked town and surrounding region live up to the label in every way, boasting an unhurried lifestyle full of surfing, long-lunches, and wine tastings.
The town centre is charming, with most of the buzz centred around the Margaret River Bakery, Settlers Tavern, and the Margaret River Fudge Factory. Venture just outside the town limits, and there are hundreds of wineries producing some of WA’s best wines, along with breweries and distilleries, but Stella Bella Wines and Voyager Estate are two of the closest. Go for just a tasting or stay for lunch; the choice is yours.
In summer, the beaches are unmissable. Drive 10-minutes west of town to reach the Margaret River river mouth, Gnarabup Beach, or Surfers Point. The latter is less of a swimming beach than a spot to sit and watch pros riding the waves.
RELATED:11 Unique things to do in Margaret River »
4. Busselton
Just 45-minutes south of Bunbury, the easy-going seaside town of Busselton has all the nostalgia of family holidays past.
Spend your days paddling in the calm waters of Geographe Bay by the famed Busselton Jetty. A train ride down the length of it will get you to the underwater observatory, where octopi, angel fish, and spotty sea slugs call the colourful corals of the jetty’s pylons home.
Walk or train the 1.8km back before finding a shady spot beneath the Norfolk pines. Let the kids run amok on the slides and climbing ropes at the nearby Sea Play on the Bay. Post-play, hot chips and a soft-serve cone from the kiosk will keep the kids happy. For the adults, a pizza and beverage at Shelter Brewing Co should do the trick.
RELATED:7 Family-friendly things to do in Busselton »
5. Albany
Nature-lovers will have a field day in Albany, Western Australia’s southernmost city. Not only is it known for its impeccable beaches – Little and Middleton being two of the favourites – it’s a whale-watching hub.
June to October is whale-watching season in Albany, with King George Sound one of the only places in the state where you can see both the humpback and southern right whale migration. It’s also the site of the Historic Whaling Station; a former whale processing plant turned museum. Just a 2-hour drive away in Bremer Bay, you can board a tour to see the less-commonly seen orca.
Back on dry land, feel the might and fury of the Southern Ocean at Torndirrup National Park’s The Gap and Natural Bridge. Visit in winter for the ocean at its dramatic best, or hold off until the wildflowers bloom through the park in spring.
RELATED:7 of the best hikes in Albany »
6. Mandurah
Come summer, the coastal city of Mandurah is abuzz. Towels and eskies line the beaches, families picnic along the foreshore, and BBQ boats putt through the canals. It’s the ideal holiday destination for any water-loving family.
Drive the Kwinana Freeway an hour south of Perth City, and you’ll land yourself in the heart of the action. Bring your own boat, hire a vessel, or jump aboard a tour to see the best of Mandurah from the waterways. Dedicated dolphin cruises bring you side by side with the population, and, from December to January, Christmas light cruises take you past the sparkling displays of the homes on the canals.
7. Esperance
The southern town of Esperance is abundant with natural beauty. It’s a place where stretches of blindingly white beach are the norm, the water is so clear that goggles and snorkel are rendered useless, and in late spring, wildflowers brighten up the low-lying coastal scrub in a spectrum of colour.
Conveniently, you can find all of the above within the bounds of Cape Le Grand National Park.
Set the GPS for Lucky Bay – the stretch of beach famed for its friendly kangaroo population often seen sunbathing on the snow-white sand. It takes 45 minutes to get there from the RAC Esperance Holiday Park or the town centre. The more adventurous can take a detour to Frenchman Peak, where a 3km grade-5 walk is waiting. It’s a sharp climb to the top, but the views over the bays are well worth all the huffing and puffing to get there.
RELATED:10 best things to do around Esperance »
8. Exmouth
If swimming, snorkelling, and fishing are your holiday activities of choice, Exmouth is your go-to destination. At the very tip of the North West Cape, the town is the gateway to Cape Range National Park and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef.
Access the reef just offshore at Oyster Stacks, an hour’s drive from RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park. It’s a unique section of the reef with many ledges for sealife to shelter beneath. You’ll have to join a whaleshark or humpback swim to see sections of the Ningaloo further afield. These tours are also the only way to get close to the giants in their natural habitat.
Back on dry land, explore Charles Knife Gorge and Shothole Canyon before returning to town to settle into a night of live entertainment, pizza, and local beers at one of the busy brewhouses.
RELATED:10 of the best things to do in Exmouth »
9. Karijini
Pack the car with a tent and plenty of fresh water, and set the GPS for Karijini National Park in the Hamersly Range. It takes just over 14 hours to drive there from Perth, but the promise of deep gorges and cool swimming holes on arrival is enough to encourage anyone to make the trip (with an overnight stay on the way, of course). Karijini is one of WA’s most unique holiday destinations. The stunning rust-red gorges and fiery sunsets here will take your breathaway.
It’s an easy, 15-minute walk from Dales Campground to Fern Pool, a hidden oasis in the desert. If you came for the views, drive to Oxer Lookout, where the Hancock, Joffre, Red, and Weano gorges meet. It’s a breathtaking sight, even more beautiful as the sun sets and lights up the rockface in a brilliant shade of red.
10. Kununurra
Kununurra is almost as far north east as you can get in the north west.
The remote town is most known for the sprawling man-made lake nearby, Lake Argyle. Its size classifies it both as an inland sea and the Southern Hemisphere’s largest freshwater lake. Explore its many islands and lengthy coastline on a boat cruise where you’ll spy freshwater crocodiles and wallabies, or get a bird's eye view on a scenic flight over the area.
Most flights also cover the nearby Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park. But it’s worth driving out there to see the many gorges and swimming holes up close, too.
11. Bunbury
With the recent unveiling of Koolambidi Woola, Bunbury’s new youth precinct on the waterfront, the city has upped its already high family appeal. Kids can spend all day climbing the beach net, dropping into the skate bowls, and putting their way around the mini-golf course, while parents sit back and enjoy the view of the inlet.
Younger kids might prefer the playground on the Koombana Bay foreshore, right by the aquariums and interpretive centre at the Dolphin Discovery Centre. Keep an eye out for volunteers heading towards the water, as this means the dolphins have come up to shore. If being ankle-deep in water with them isn’t quite enough, the centre also runs dolphin swims from November to April.
Bunbury’s kookiest family attraction is just outside of town in Geographe wine country. Take the 20-minute drive to the Ferguson Valley to an area filled with garden gnomes known as Gnomesville, stopping for lunch at Saint Aiden Wine on the way back.
12. Geraldton
There’s plenty for the history and culture buff to dive into in Geraldton, starting with the Greenough Historic Settlement 20-minutes south of town. Once a thriving agricultural community, the collection of 11 buildings give a glimpse into the life of settlers in the 1800s.
Stops number eight and nine of the Yamaji Drive Trail are also in Greenough. The 195km driving trail leads through 14 significant Yamaji sites across Geraldton, the Chapman Valley, and Mullewa. You can find more information about the traditions and culture of the local Aboriginal people at the Museum of Geraldton.
Artifacts from the region’s most famed shipwreck, the Batavia, are housed in the museum too. The ship ran aground in 1629 on the Wallabi group of islands in the Houtman Abrolhos, a stunning but rugged island chain off the coast of Geraldton. Its skeleton can still be seen on the reef from the air, along with 19 other known wrecks.
13. Kalbarri
The dramatic sea cliffs of Red Bluff are a spectacular welcome into Kalbarri, a 575km drive north of Perth. They materialise on your left as you come over the crest on George Gray Drive and continue for 13km up the coastline to the Kalbarri National Park’s southern boundary.
But, the red rocky cliffs and gorges don’t stop there. Within the park, the Murchison River has carved out a deep ravine that extends for around 80km. Adventurers can hike to the belly of the gorge on the 8km class-4 Loop Trail, abseil down the rockface at the Z Bend, or even canoe through the valley along the river (December through April only). The less adventurous can still enjoy the Murchison’s beauty from the cantilevered lookout points at the Kalbarri Skywalk or Nature’s Window.
Top off a busy day with a garlic prawn dinner and a pint of small-batch beer at Finlay's Kalbarri.
14. Dunsborough
A luxe getaway lies just a 20-minute drive from Busselton. Nestled into bushland along Geographe Bay, Dunsborough is to WA what Byron Bay is to NSW. Brimming with boutiques, cafes selling coconut milk lattes, and restaurants well versed in fine food, the town has everything a loved-up couple or luxe-loving group could need.
Post morning coffee, spend some time browsing through a local boutique, before driving along the region’s most picturesque road, the Eagle Bay-Meelup Road. Park and enjoy the calm waters at the bays either end for a few hours, then make a beeline for lunch at Meelup Farmhouse, Wise Wine, or Eagle Bay Brewing Co. Dinner reservations at Yarri or Blue Manna Bistro are a must.
15. Denmark
Denmark is Margaret River’s more southern sibling. The town has got everything holiday-makers so love about Margaret River – the beaches, the bush, and the fresh produce. But, at a slower pace.
Elephant Rocks is perhaps the town’s most recognisable attraction; a series of granite boulders in the water near Greens Pool in William Bay National Park. Swimming in the calm water around the boulders is permitted, but you might get your feet wet trying to access a stretch of beach to lay your towel on. More great swimming spots include Lights Beach and Parry Beach.
In town, stop by Forest Hill Vineyard for a bottle of Chardonnay, Bartholomew’s Meadery for some local honey, and Ravens Coffee for some freshly roasted beans before heading off to dinner at Boston Brewing Co.
RELATED:9 things to do in Denmark »
16. Pemberton
Winter is when Pemberton truly shines; the perfect destination for a romantic couples retreat. The town’s surrounding karri forests are at their lush best; the truffle and persimmon seasons are in full swing; and a low-lying fog often covers the many valleys running through the region.
Wake early to witness the morning fog over the lake at RAC Karri Valley Resort before taking the walking track to see the nearby Beedelup Falls in full flow. On a mild winter’s day, book a boat cruise down the Donnolley River or a four-wheel drive adventure through the forests and beaches.
Finish the day with a wine and gin tasting at the cosy Ampersand Estates.
RELATED:11 things to do in Pemberton »
17. Jurien Bay
Staying in the coastal towns of Jurien Bay and Cervantes is the epitome of a relaxed, beachside holiday.
Start your trip with a few days at RAC Cervantes Holiday Park before making the 20-minute drive up to Jurien Bay, pit-stopping at the otherworldly Nambung National Park as you go. Known as ‘The Pinnacles’, the thousands of limestone mounds and columns formed 25,000 years ago when the sea receded and left seashell deposits about the land. Plan your trip for Djilba (the Noongar season that runs from August to September), and the scrubland surrounding the structures will be alive with native blooms.
For something a little different, head out on the water with Sea Lion Charters or take to the air with Jurien Bay Skydive.
18. Yallingup
The world-class beaches are just one of many reasons to book a stay in Yallingup; there’s the local vineyards, the South West’s best woodfired bread, and gaping caves too. Though it’s just a tiny coastal town, it’s got a heck of a lot going for it.
Start the day with an early morning dip at Injidup’s natural spa, followed by a visit to Ngilgi Cave. There’s the option to join a one-hour semi-guided tour with the team there or set out on a longer, 2.5hr experience with Josh ‘Koomal’ Whiteland, a local Wardandi tour guide.
At 3.30pm, get in line for a freshly baked fruit loaf from Yallingup Wood Fired Bread before tackling a short section of the Cape-to-Cape hiking trail. End the day as the locals do with a session at Caves House.
19. Monkey Mia
Despite its name, you’re not going to find any furry primates in Monkey Mia. Instead, families flock to the relaxed holiday hotspot to glimpse the bottlenose dolphins that make their way to shore each day.
But, they’re not the only wild animals you’ll spy while you’re within the bounds of the Monkey Mia Reserve and Francois Peron National Park. Stay at or stop in for lunch at the RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, and you’ll come face to face with the curious emus. Board a boat cruise, and you also have a chance to see rays, turtles and the elusive dugong in the bay's crystalline waters.
Remember: all the animals and sealife around Monkey Mia are wild. Please refrain from feeding or touching them for both your safety and theirs.
20. Manjimup
The epicentre of WA’s truffle trade, Manjimup is a must-visit for any food lover. Come winter, the soil beneath the oak and hazelnut trees is peppered with pungent black perigord truffles, hunted out by the truffle farms’ diligent truffle dogs. Pop on some gumboots and join them on their mission, or head straight for a meal laden with the goods at the cosy Tall Timbers in town.
Visit outside of truffle season, and you can fill your basket and stomach with cherries, corn, broccoli, apples, and more. The town is the birthplace of the Pink Lady and Bravo apple varieties, so you’ll find plenty of them at the roadside sellers. In December, it’s all about cherries when the season kicks off with the popular Cherry Harmony Festival.
Image credit: Tourism Western Australia
