Whether you are just visiting or living here, you need to check out these breathtaking destinations in Western Australia!
Australians are the number one market for the Australian tourism industry, and it is not surprising. Why travel anywhere else if there are so many places to visit and things to experience in your own country?
Diving at the Great Barrier Reef or a campervan journey across Queensland are on the bucket list of most travellers. But what they don’t realise is that there is so much more to Australia than just its eastern states. If you happen to be lucky to spend some of your expat years in Perth, make the best out of it!
Western Australia – the jewel of the Land Down Under: spectacular beaches and bays, breathtaking scenery of the national parks, fascinating bushlands, premium class wineries, and much, much more! From scenic views at the Purnululu National Park to unique places like Shell Beach, Western Australia is the jewel of the Land Down Under.
For those who are wondering what the must-see destinations in Western Australia are, here is the list of top 5 places to visit during your expat year in Perth:
1. Perth
One of the sunniest cities in Australia and the capital of Western Australia, Perth has grown into a vibrant and beautiful cosmopolitan over the past few decades. It is usually the first stop in Western Australia for many travellers, as it is the main gateway to the state.
Voted to be one of the most liveable and friendliest cities in the world, Perth offers a variety of things to do including water activities at pristine beaches, local wine tours, eco-trails through Western Australia bushes, and a rich historical background to learn about the region. While you reside here, do not be lazy to travel around the Perth area and make short trips during weekends.
Must-see attractions: Fremantle, Kings Park, Swan Valley, Cottesloe beach, the Pinnacles Desert, Rottnest Island, Penguin Island.
2. Margaret River
A 3-hour drive from Perth will take you to the Margaret River region, which is absolutely worth your time. If you are thinking of a road trip in the South West of Australia, do not miss this spot! You have probably seen those beautiful photos of huts on the water when looking up Western Australia on Google. Why not stop by the Busselton Jetty on your way from Perth to Margaret River and see them yourself?
With so many incredible food festivals, Margaret River is a paradise for gourmet adventures. Premium quality wines are produced locally. A great idea would be to join one of the wine tours and learn more about the wine making in the region. One of the biggest highlights is Jewel Cave, it will bring you a surreal experience, as you explore the nature’s creation from the inside.
Must-see attractions: Lake Cave, Mammoth Cave, The Grove Experience, Hamelin Bay, National and State forest trails, Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.
3. Exmouth
If you are a fan of beaches and aquatic adventures, the drive along the Coral Coast from Perth to Exmouth should be on the top of your list when visiting Western Australia. On your way to Exmouth, a leading destination for eco-tourism, make sure to stop by the Shark Bay and visit the top attractions: Monkey Mia, Shell Beach and Hamelin Pool.
Wildflowers blooming is a nice bonus you get to experience while driving along the Coral Coast. Look out for the prettiest patterns in Lesueur National Park, Cape Range National Park and the Shark Bay World Heritage Area.
Ningaloo Marine Park, another major attraction, is a World Heritage-listed site located in the mid north coast of Western Australia. This is the best place to swim with magnificent creatures that are the size of a bus – whale sharks, as they are migrating here from April to July. From June to November, you can join one of the whale watching tours and observe humpback whales with their calves moving further to the Kimberly.
If you feel adventurous, jump in the ocean to swim with manta rays or book an eco-tour to see the green and loggerhead turtles hatch. At the Coral Bay, you can swim and snorkel with thousands of fish species, as well as encounter friendly manta rays and dolphins. For a unique experience, join the glass-bottom boat tour and enjoy your voyage!
Must-see attractions: Ningaloo Reef, Coral Bay, Jurabi Turtle Centre, Mangrove Bay Bird Hide, SS Mildura Wreck, The Big Prawn, Vlamingh Head Lighthouse, Cape Range National Park.
4. Broome
Broome welcomes you in the Kimberley, and it is best to start exploring the region from here. Watching the sunset at Cable beach and visiting pearl farms are among top things to do in Broome. However, there are many more things to do and secret places in Broome that you should experience.
For example, very few tourists know that here you can find dinosaur footprints in the rocks, and the Roebuck Bay is home to rare snubfin dolphins. At the Sun Pictures, you get to enjoy a piece of living history while watching modern movies in the open-air cinema.
For a perfect ending of your day, head to observe the Staircase to the Moon. There are not so many places in the world where you get to experience something similar!
Must-see attractions: The Staircase to the Moon, Roebuck Bay, Cable Beach, Sun Pictures, Willi Creek Pearls, Horizontal Waterfalls, Kooljaman.
5. Bungle Bungles
Bungle Bungle Range (the Bungle Bungles) is located in the Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park and was only opened to the world in 1983. Nowadays, this labyrinth of sculptured black and orange sandstone formations that look like giant beehives is one of the most fascinating sites in Australia.
Aboriginal people have lived in this area for more than 40,000 years, so make sure to learn more about the site’s Aboriginal heritage. The breathtaking magnitude of the Bungle Bungles is best observed from a scenic helicopter flight that provides a bird’s eye view. Definitely once-in-a-lifetime-experience!
Must-see attractions: Bungle Bungle Savannah Lodge, Cathedral Gorge, Lake Argyle, the Ord River Irrigation Area, El Questro, Echidna Chasm, Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek, Piccaninny Trail.
It can take months and even years to explore the state of Western Australia. To optimize your time and have the best experience during your expat year, try to visit at least some of the above-mentioned destinations.
Follow one of the directions at a time – the South West, the Coral Coast or the North West region. And trust us, once you discover a little bit of Western Australia for yourself, you will always long to return there!
