Australia
Western Australia
Western Australia is a land of breathtaking landscapes, home to four UNESCO World Heritage sites and countless natural wonders. From bubble gum pink lakes and horizontal waterfalls to towering timber forests, the scenery is as diverse as it is stunning. It is also a brilliant place for a safari, with spine-tingling wildlife experiences in the wild, from meeting quokkas, dolphins and kangaroos in Perth to swimming with whale sharks, manta rays and humpback whales at Ningaloo, the world’s longest fringing reef.
Whether you want to wander through vibrant wildflower blooms, marvel at the magical staircase to the moon, or trek through untouched wilderness shaped over billions of years, Western Australia truly offers an unforgettable journey through nature’s finest creations.
When to visit
It is always summer somewhere in Western Australia making it the ideal destination to visit year-round. For optimal wildlife and weather:
- Visit Perth and the Southwest between September – April
- Visit Broome / Rubibi and the Kimberley between April – October
- Visit Ningaloo Reef / Nyinggulu between March – October (whale shark season is March – July)
Discover the rich stories of Western Australia through the eyes of its locals. Explore Perth’s vibrant urban laneways and scenic parks, or take a walk on Country with an Aboriginal guide to connect with the world’s oldest living culture. Indulge in the Margaret River Region, where lush forests blend seamlessly with turquoise oceans, and sip your way through some of Australia’s finest wines. For a unique adventure, cruise to Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) and meet the quokka, famously known as the happiest animal in the world.
Explore Perth
Set between Indian Ocean beaches and winelands, Perth offers great city living nestled in nature. Discover unique wildlife encounters, vast scenic parks, 19 stunning beaches, and the sparkling Swan River / Derbarl Yerrigan but also a thriving metropolis of small bars, creative restaurants, and street art. It’s all here, in Australia’s sunniest capital city, filled with friendly and welcoming people.
Visit Rottnest Island
Just a 30-minute ferry ride from Perth, Rottnest Island is a nature lover's paradise and a protected reserve. With 63 stunning beaches to choose from, you can relax on the white sands or snorkel among spectacular marine life. This car-free paradise can be explored on foot, by bike, or on a segway. And, of course, no visit is complete without meeting the island’s most famous residents—the smiley quokkas.
Take a roadtrip through the South West
Hit the road by car, motorhome, or campervan and explore the unforgettable South West Edge - where unique wildlife, towering forests, and world class wine country come together. A highlight is Australia’s most premium wine region of Margaret River, where you can discover wineries, hike or mountain bike along forest trails that hug the coastline, surf world-class breaks, watch migrating whales, and be awed by other native wildlife.
Visit Ningaloo Reef
World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef is a marine wonderland of over 500 species of fish and 200 species of coral including manta rays, humpback whales, and gentle whale sharks. Either fly direct from Perth in just 2 hours, or roadtrip along the Coral Coast Highway. Along the Coral Coast Highway, you can walk amongst the mysterious moonscape of the Pinnacles Desert, marvel at the dreamlike pink lake of Hutt Lagoon, hike through Kalbarri’s / Wurdimalu’s dramatic 400-million-year-old river gorges and meet friendly wild dolphins at Monkey Mia.
A Kimberley Safari
Visit the ancient and untouched Kimberley region for otherworldly adventures and natural landscapes. Explore the 350 million-year-old, World Heritage-listed Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park, take an expedition cruise to spot saltwater crocodiles, dingoes, and unique bird species, hunt for dinosaur footprints, or partake in an Aboriginal experience.
Rock Lobster
Western Australia is renowned for its world-class rock lobster, prized for its sweet and succulent flavour. A visit to Rottnest Island offers the chance to experience this delicacy up close with the Myris Rottnest Cruise, where you can catch your own lobster and enjoy it freshly prepared on deck. Alternatively, head to The Lobster Shack in Cervantes, where you can savour fresh lobster alongside stunning coastal views.
Margaret River wines and local produce
Margaret River is renowned for its exceptional food and wine with many dining options to choose from. Vasse Felix is the region's oldest winery, known for its premium wines, complemented by seasonal locally sourced dishes. Alternatively Swings & Roundabouts offers a relaxed vibe, with fine wines paired with delicious platters of local gourmet produce.
Fish and chips in Fremantle
Head to Fremantle’s / Walyalup’s iconic Fishing Boat Harbour to indulge in some of the best fish and chips in Western Australia, freshly served right by the water. Pair your meal with a cold craft beer from one of Fremantle’s renowned local breweries like Little Creatures or Gage Roads for the perfect coastal dining experience.
Black truffles
Pemberton, nestled in Western Australia’s Southern Forests, is renowned for its high-quality black truffles. Pemberton’s truffle delicacies are shipped to the US, UK and France for their quality. Dine at Silkwood Estate for truffle infused dishes, complimented by a range of wine and other local produce. Local truffle farms also offer unique experiences, where visitors can join truffle hunts with trained dogs to find truffles for themselves.
Aboriginal food tours
Aboriginal food tours offer an immersive way to explore traditional cuisine. Dale Tilbrook leads tours in the Swan Valley in Perth, showcasing Noongar bush foods like wattleseed and kangaroo. Koomal Dreaming, run by Josh Whiteland, offers guided experiences in Margaret River, teaching about native ingredients.
Smiths Beach Resort
Smiths Beach Resort offers a luxurious escape in the heart of the Margaret River Region. Set on the pristine sands of Smiths Beach, the resort features elegant beachfront villas and apartments with views of the Indian Ocean. These spacious self-catered accommodations can sleep up to 8 guests, with expansive living areas and full-sized kitchens. With direct beach access, nearby wineries, and breathtaking views, Smiths Beach Resort is the perfect destination for relaxation and adventure.
Ningaloo Reef - Sal Salis
Nestled among sand dunes and just steps from the pristine waters Ningaloo Reef, Sal Salis offers 16 unique safari-style, tented camps. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking wilderness of this remote paradise, where you can enjoy activities such as snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and guided nature walks. As a proud member of the ‘Luxury Lodges of Australia’ collection, Sal Salis is the ultimate retreat for nature and adventure enthusiasts.
Heyscape Tiny Cabins
For the ultimate eco-friendly getaway, Heyscape tiny cabins are situated across the South West from Perth to Esperance / Kepa Kurl. They are thoughtfully designed to offer stunning landscapes while supporting local farmers and producers. Enjoy local wines, fresh produce and wildlife spotting as you unwind off-grid in nature. The Esperance cabins are on the doorstep of the Cape Le Grand National Park for prime kangaroo spotting, and the others are situated within the South West Biodiversity hotspot, filled with an abundance of flora and fauna.
El Questro
El Questro is located in the heart of the Kimberley, providing a stunning home base to explore the vast and ancient region. There are four unique ways to experience the Kimberley here: Indulge in luxury at the El Questro Homestead, camp in style at Emma Gorge with safari tents and modern comforts, or enjoy family-friendly fun at The Station with air-conditioned rooms and spacious campgrounds. All properties feature world class dining, stunning natural landscapes and incredible natural adventures.
Savannah Lodge
Savannah Lodge offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the heart of Purnululu National Park. Spend your days exploring the 350-million-year-old Bungle Bungle Range and return to the lodge for relaxation and comfort. The eco-friendly accommodations include private ensuite cabins designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, complete with a refreshing pool and chef-prepared meals infused with native ingredients. By night, enjoy stunning stargazing opportunities, witnessing the Milky Way and Southern Cross in one of Australia’s most pristine skies.
