Exploring Western Australia – An Insider’s Guide

Western Australia is a breathtakingly beautiful part of the world and a must-see destination for anyone visiting Down Under. Boasting some of Australia’s most rugged and remote landscapes, it is a sensational place to explore. From pristine white beaches, to tall forests, and colorful deserts – Western Australia offers something for everyone.Located in the south of the Australian continent and covering more than two million square kilometres, it is the largest and most isolated state in Australia. It lies between the Indian Ocean, Northern Territory and South Australia, bisected by the Tropic of Capricorn, but is still far from being a tropical paradise.So, what are the must-see sights when exploring Western Australia? What does it have to offer for travellers who want to experience this vast and varied region?

Visiting Perth

When arriving in Western Australia from abroad, the majority of travellers will arrive in the state’s capital, Perth – situated alongside the Swan River. As well as a modern vibrant city with plenty of things to see and do, Perth is a great starting point when exploring Western Australia – offering a host of options for visiting attractions and sights nearby.A great way to familiarise yourself with the city is to take a cruise along the river itself, where you can take in the landmarks such as Perth Zoo, City Beach and Matilda Bay Reserve. There are also plenty of interesting neighbourhoods to explore, including Mount Lawley and Highgates in the northeast, or perhaps Leederville and Mt Hawthorn in the inner west.For an up-close view of the city’s skyline and skyline, be sure to make your way up to Kings Park – one of the largest city parks in the world and one of Perth’s top attractions – where you can also find some nature trails for a pleasant afternoons hike.

Day trips from Perth

When exploring Western Australia from Perth, there are plenty of nearby attractions and sights to visit. The nearby Swan Valley is one such example – situated just 25km north east of the city – offering boutique vineyards, bistro-style eateries, local produce markets and galleries that you can explore. A little further east of the Swan Valley lies Chittering Valley – one of Western Australia’s most popular tourist areas and well worth spending a few hours appreciating – whether taking a relaxing stroll through the nature parks or tasting wine from some of the local vineyards. To the North lies Lancelin – home to some spectacular beaches and sand dunes that are well worth a visit during your time exploring Western Australia. The sand here is so fine you can almost float on it when taking a dip in the bay. Heading inland from here you’ll find your way to New Norcia – an idyllic landlocked town that has been transformed into a monastery. This authentic colonial town houses some very well preserved buildings that date back centuries and is something not to be missed when exploring nearby attractions. Finally, getting further away from Perth, but still within reach of a day trip, are Margaret River in the south and Rottnest Island off the coast. Margaret River is famous for its wineries, stunning countryside views and natural landscapes, while Rottnest Island offers great opportunities for snorkelling, hiking and stunning scenery.

Exploring Beyond Perth

Western Australia isn’t just about visiting Perth and its surrounding attractions; there’s also plenty to explore further afield – from discovering wildflower-filled fields in springtime all the way up to coral-filled waters off the northernmost coastlines. Some popular destinations for visitors exploring outside of Perth include Shark Bay in the Gwoonwardu Mia region; a fantastic place to catch sight of marine life such as dolphins, dugongs and sea lions; or Purnululu National Park for some outback walking trails with incredible terracotta-coloured rock formations as far as you can see. Further north is Karijini National Park where hikers can explore dramatic gorges cut through ancient rock formations to witness waterfalls falling into crystal clear pools beneath their feet. Then taking a flight (or drive) up further still you arrive at Broome – the gateway to thousands of limestone pillars known as the Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park, as well as Cable Beach with its famous red sands stretching out over 22 kilometres – where visitors can enjoy watching magical sunsets over this wild landscape. Finally, venturing across to the northern tip of Western Australia offers more laidback coastal towns, renowned coffee spots in Exmouth, and opportunities to try delicious fresh seafood, as well as whale watching along Ningaloo Reef. For those looking for city vibes after a day out in nature, head down to Fremantle – just 30 minutes south of Perth – a town with plenty of trendy bars, eateries and markets for you to visit; or discover Carnarvon – one of the oldest towns on the north coast – known for its fruit production as well as its fascinating cultural history which adds another layer for visitors exploring Western Australia.

Conclusion

Western Australia is an underrated destination that offers much more than first meets the eye. From vibrant cities with plenty of modern attractions, to beautiful natural landscapes filled with creatures large and small – there’s plenty to keep visitors occupied throughout Western Australia. Whether planning on spending days discovering nearby attractions or venturing across borders into remote regions – Western Australia has something for everyone looking for an unforgettable experience and will not disappoint those who choose to explore this picturesque part of the world. For more destination inspiration when exploring Western Australia, be sure to check out – www.australiaplanyourtrip.com, which offers helpful information on lots of great tourist destinations throughout Australia.