Occupying a massive third of Australia with stretching beaches of white sand, gourmet wine regions, vast red deserts and unique rock formations, Western Australia is the perfect place to holiday. Here are our top 5 highlights of its south-west region featured on our exclusive Best of WA charter holiday.
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PERTH & SURROUNDS
With its food and culture scene continuing to grow, Perth is becoming a vibrant hub that rivals any other Australian capital city. Swan Valley provides an easy to reach wine destination while Fremantle buzzes with popular cafes, bars and restaurants, in addition to a World Heritage-listed prison and colourful maritime history. Get into action with plenty of water sports and activities on offer, plus from September to December you also have the chance to spot mighty humpback whales near the Perth coast. Explore Perth’s burgeoning food and wine scene in Northbridge and Subiaco or head to Elizabeth Quay for festivals and dining on the picturesque waterfront. The capital is also known for its amazing beaches such as Scarborough or Cottesloe Beach for a spectacular coastal sunset and incredible dining.
ROTTNEST ISLAND
Hop across the water from Perth via ferry to the isolated Rottnest Island where not only will you enjoy a myriad of secluded beaches and captivating flora and fauna, including the resident quokka which has been labelled the “happiest animal on Earth”. Surrounded by the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean, here, simple island life is pretty good. Full of water and recreational activities, in addition to walking trails and iconic attractions such as Wadjemup Lighthouse, Henrietta Rocks, the majestic look-out point at the rugged Cathedral Rocks and Cape Vlamingh. Rottnest’s cultural and historical heritage ranges from maritime, colonial and military with exciting future developments also on the cards.
MARGARET RIVER
This picturesque and premium wine region of WA is one of world-class wines and gourmet produce, with stunning beaches and towering timber forests to walk through. Margaret River has quickly gained accolades over recent years for producing superb Cabernets and Chardonnays in addition to being home to some of Western Australia’s best beaches and gorgeous natural landscapes. If you happen to be here on a Saturday then don’t miss the local farmer’s market in the actual township for spectacular breads and pastries, gourmet cheeses, fresh fruit and vegetables, freshly brewed coffee and rustic cannoli that will immediately transport you to Europe! Here you can also follow the epic annual migration of humpback, southern right whales and the rare blue whale, from the food-rich Southern Ocean. Enjoy a walk or train ride over the Indian Ocean on the longest timber-piled jetty in the southern hemisphere in Busselton.
ALBANY
Albany is a must for a pristine coastline, convict and settler history, world-class hiking and an all-round gorgeous place to be. Enjoy a tour of Albany's highlights including the Whaling Station, The Gap - a spectacular sight stretching out over the granite sea cliffs and the rock wonder that is Natural Bridge, both a must see in Torndirrup National Park. More must dos include Padre White Lookout and ANZAC Centre. This is also the destination for premium craft spirits, being home to Limeburners Distillery producing single malt whisky and the Great Southern Distilling Co Cellar Door producing their Giniversity Gin.
GERALDTON
Although it’s located in the Mid-West region, another scenic coastal delight of a town, brimming with history is Geraldton, which is featured on the Best of Western Australia charter getaway. From the HMAS Sydney Memorial to the Geraldton Museum, housing a good display of the Batavia Wreck and the Abrolhos history, the pivotal past here is evident throughout. More sites include Greenough Historical Village and the Leaning tree, Saint Francis Xavier Cathedral, Geraldton Old Gaol Museum and Craft, Art Gallery and Horizon Glass Ball.
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WILDFLOWER SEASON
Depending on when you are travelling, Western Australia's famous wildflower season typically runs from June to October each year, beginning in the Pilbara the sweeping floral display then continues moving south to Perth and eventually down to the South West coast. It is considered one of the largest collections of wildflowers in the world with around 60% of the species only found in Australia. The spectacular and vivid floral spectacle is different every year with the annual variety of wildflowers dependant upon the preceding climatic conditions.
If you are staying in Perth, Kings Park and Botanic Garden in the city centre showcases an outstanding collection of Western Australia flora and unique display of wildflowers in spring, from one of the largest inner city parks in the world. More wildflower viewing locations from Perth and surrounds include; Ellis Brook Valley National Park, Hepburn Heights Conservation Reserve, Araluen Botanic Park, Bold Park, Kensington Bushland Reserve and more.
Click here for our Exclusive Best of Western Australia charter getaway or contact our Holidays of Australia team on 1300 854 897 or holidays@holidaysofaustralia.com.au.
Image credit: Tourism Western Australia, Tourism Australia, Amazing Albany, Rottnest Island Authority
