Discover the best places to visit in Western Australia, including Perth, Rottnest Island, Margaret River, Broome and the Pinnacles. Plan your WA adventure.
Discover Western Australia: Beaches, Wildlife, Wine and Unforgettable Adventures
Western Australia is a destination of extraordinary contrasts. From Perth’s lively waterfront and the turquoise bays of Rottnest Island to Margaret River’s vineyards, Broome’s tropical coastline and the mysterious Pinnacles Desert, the state offers something for almost every kind of traveller.
Whether you are planning a relaxing beach holiday, an Australian road trip, a family adventure or an escape into the wilderness, Western Australia delivers memorable experiences on a truly impressive scale.
Explore Perth and Its Beautiful Surroundings
Perth is the natural starting point for many Western Australian holidays. The state capital combines a modern city centre with attractive beaches, riverside precincts, parks and easy access to surrounding destinations.Spend time walking through Kings Park, where elevated viewpoints overlook the city and the Swan River. Explore the historic port city of Fremantle, discover its markets and heritage buildings, or enjoy a relaxed afternoon beside the ocean at Cottesloe or Scarborough Beach.
Perth is also an excellent base for day trips, coastal drives and longer journeys through Western Australia.
Meet the Quokkas on Wadjemup/Rottnest Island
A Western Australian holiday would not be complete without visiting Wadjemup, better known as Rottnest Island.Located just off the Perth coast, the island is famous for its friendly-looking quokkas, sheltered bays and clear blue water. Cycling is one of the most popular ways to explore, allowing visitors to travel between beaches, lookouts, lighthouses and snorkelling locations at their own pace.
Popular activities include swimming, snorkelling, cycling, walking and wildlife spotting. Visitors should remember that quokkas are wild animals and should be observed respectfully without feeding or touching them.
Rottnest can be visited as a day trip, although staying overnight gives you more time to enjoy the island after many daytime visitors have returned to the mainland.
Discover Wine, Food and Surf in Margaret River
Margaret River is one of Western Australia’s best-known holiday regions, attracting wine lovers, surfers, food enthusiasts and travellers searching for a peaceful country escape.The surrounding area is filled with vineyards, cellar doors, restaurants and local producers. Visitors can spend the day sampling regional wines and food before watching the sun set over the Indian Ocean.
The coastline is equally impressive. Margaret River is internationally recognised for its surf, with dramatic beaches and powerful waves attracting experienced surfers from around the world. Those who prefer a slower pace can explore the region’s forests, coastal walking trails, caves and small towns.
Margaret River works particularly well as part of a longer South West road trip, with nearby destinations including Busselton, Dunsborough, Yallingup and Augusta.
Experience Broome and Cable Beach
Far to the north, Broome offers a completely different side of Western Australia.This tropical coastal town is known for its pearling history, multicultural heritage and spectacular sunsets. Visitors can learn about Broome’s historic pearl industry, explore the town’s attractions and experience the distinctive landscapes of Australia’s North West.
Cable Beach is Broome’s most famous attraction. Its long stretch of sand provides a memorable setting for swimming, walking and watching the sun disappear over the Indian Ocean. Sunset camel rides are also one of the experiences most closely associated with the area.
Broome is an excellent gateway for travellers planning to explore more of the Kimberley, although the distances and remote conditions mean that careful planning is essential.
Walk Among the Pinnacles
The Pinnacles Desert is one of Western Australia’s most unusual natural attractions.Located within Nambung National Park, thousands of limestone pillars rise from the yellow desert sand, creating an almost otherworldly landscape. Visitors can explore the formations on foot or follow the designated drive through the desert.
The Pinnacles are especially atmospheric when the lower light of early morning or late afternoon creates long shadows across the landscape. The nearby discovery centre also explains the area’s geology, natural environment and cultural significance.
Nambung National Park can be visited on a day trip from Perth or included as a stop on a longer journey along the Coral Coast.
Plan an Unforgettable Western Australia Road Trip
Western Australia is ideally suited to road trips, but travellers should not underestimate its size. Destinations that appear close together on a map may involve several hours of driving.Before travelling through regional or remote areas, plan your route carefully and check:
- Driving distances and realistic daily travel times
- Fuel availability between towns
- Accommodation and campsite availability
- National park alerts and road closures
- Weather and seasonal conditions
- Mobile phone coverage
- Food, water and emergency supplies
Avoid packing too many distant destinations into a short visit. A holiday focusing on Perth, Rottnest Island and the South West will feel very different from a journey through Broome and the Kimberley, and each region deserves enough time to be properly explored.
Why Visit Western Australia?
Western Australia appeals to travellers because of its remarkable variety. In one state, you can:- Relax on uncrowded beaches
- Meet unique Australian wildlife
- Visit wineries and regional restaurants
- Explore ancient deserts and rock formations
- Experience Aboriginal culture and history
- Discover tropical towns and remote wilderness
- Enjoy scenic drives and epic road trips
Join the Western Australia Travel Discussion
Are you planning a trip to Western Australia?Share your itinerary, ask for accommodation recommendations, compare road-trip routes or tell the community about your favourite places. Whether you need advice about Perth, Rottnest Island, Margaret River, Broome, the Pinnacles or another Western Australian destination, create a post in the forum and ask fellow travellers for help.
Already visited Western Australia? Tell us where you went, what you enjoyed and what advice you would give to someone planning their first trip.
Visit the Western Australia Forum
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