As cool places go, there’s nowhere in the world quite like Western Australia and here we feature 10 of our favourite things to see and do in this amazing part of the world. Offering a charming mix of nature and coastal experiences, including World Heritage-listed national parks, swimming with dolphins and even the country’s whitest beach, Western Australia has a little something for everyone. So without further ado, let Travelphant take you on a journey around 10 of the coolest things to see and do in Western Australia.
1. Kings Park and Botanic Gardens
Larger than New York’s Central Park, Kings Park and Botanic Gardens is visited by over 6 million people annually. The park and gardens are one of the largest inner-city parks in the world at more than 400 hectares (988 acres). You need about 3 or 4 days to cover the park which includes Western Power Parkland, DNA Tower, Botanical and Water Gardens, War Memorial and Lotterywest Playground. Showcasing some of the world’s most unique flora, here you will find towering trees, natural bushland, lakes, grand lookouts and sculpted botanical gardens.
Here’s a short video showcasing the park and gardens.
2. Bungle Bungles
350 million years in the making, the amazing Bungle Bungles range in the World Heritage listed Purnululu National Park, Western Australia is the most unique range in the world and a must see either by foot or even better…a flight over it!
3. Ningaloo Reef
Ningaloo is one of very few regions in the world where Whale Sharks gather regularly in coastal waters and are easily accessible to visitors.
Western Australia has one of the longest whale-watching seasons in the world, running from June until December each year and stretching the length of the West Australian coast. The largest population of Humpback Whales in the world migrate along the pristine waters of the Kimberley coast, using the area as a breeding and calving ground. In many places along the coast you can see whales from shore, or join one of the many whale watching tours.
4. Turquoise Bay, Western Australia
The aptly named Turquoise Bay is one of Western Australia’s best beaches. Located near the town of Exmouth, Ningaloo Reef featured above is just a few meters away and is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon relaxing, swimming and snorkelling.
Try your hand at the popular drift snorkel by swimming out to the reef on the southern end of the beach, then letting the current wash you north to the sand bar. You’ll see colourful coral and plenty of fish – more than 500 fish species reflecting every colour of the rainbow live in and around the reef.
5. Monkey Mia
Monkey Mia is famous for its amazing 40-year wildlife ritual where wild dolphins come close to the shore every day to the delight of visitors. It’s one of the best and most reliable places for wild dolphin interaction in the world – the dolphins visit almost daily, not just seasonally.
6. The Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk
10 minutes north of Walpole on Western Australia’s south coast is the first walk trail of its kind in the world. At 600 metres (656 yards) long and 40 metres (44 yards) above ground, it has been specially designed to minimise impact on the forest. Walking amongst the tall forest trees is a breathtaking experience.
7. Lucky Bay
Located near Esperance in Western Australia, Lucky Bay is Australia’s whitest beach and rated one of Australia’s best beaches for its pure white sand, clear turquoise water and perfect swimming conditions.
8. The Pinnacles
The Pinnacles at Nambung National Park, near the town of Cervantes, Western Australia are regarded as one of Australia’s most unique landscapes. You can walk amongst these incredible limestone spires that rise eerily out of the sand, some several metres tall.
9. Karijini National Park
Karijini National Park has some of the oldest rock formations in the world dating back a mind blowing 4 billion years. The park is one of Australia’s largest and most spectacular with amazing gorges and waterfalls. A visit to Karijini National Park is a must when holidaying in Western Australia and is best accessed by joining a 4 wheel drive tour from Exmouth, Karratha or Port Hedland.
10. Perth
Perth, the capital of Western Australia is an amazing city whether you visit by day or night. It’s the perfect place for a special day out or stay with excellent shopping, eating out, entertainment, culture, leisure and sport are all within close proximity to each other.
If you believe this following map, you would think the only interesting thing in Western Australia is the sharks!
