Your Ultimate Guide of Things to do in Western Australia

Step outside of the everyday and into a dream in Western Australia. A place brimming with wondrous, otherworldly, and dreamlike adventures. A special place, where connecting with the land helps you reconnect with yourself. This is a land of natural wonders, supernatural contrasts of colour and texture, and rare experiences. Leave your everyday behind, get away from the well-known and well-trodden and reconnect with something unspoilt. Be inspired by these unmissable experiences and create your dream holiday.

NATURE & WILDLIFE EXPERIENCES

Meet the Quokkas

You won’t find these quirky and curious marsupials anywhere else on the planet! The adorable quokkas await your visit, just off Perth’s (Boorloo’s) coastline, residing on enchanting Rottnest Island (Wadjemup). This island paradise boasts 63 pristine beaches, 20 picturesque bays, and an abundance of coral reefs, all inviting you to relish in some of Australia's most splendid swimming spots and snorkelling trails. Whilst exploring the island's terrestrial wonders, you'll have the chance to encounter, and take a selfie with the world-famous quokka, a pint-sized marsupial found exclusively in Western Australia.

Pink Lakes

The pink lakes and lagoons of Western Australia are nothing short of mesmerising. These natural wonders paint a vibrant and ever-changing canvas, turning Hutt Lagoon into an extraordinary spectacle. 

Whale Sharks

Swimming alongside a whale shark is an unforgettable and truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. These majestic creatures are drawn to the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef (Nyinggulu) by the annual spawning of over 200 coral species. You can encounter these gentle giants of the sea between March and July each year. Despite their impressive size, with lengths of up to 16 metres and weighing around 30 tonnes, they maintain an effortless elegance as they gracefully cruise along the reef.

Explore the Caves

Explore Western Australia's hidden subterranean wonders, from limestone caves in the Margaret River Region to the ancient Tunnel Creek cave in the Kimberley. Join guided tours or self-guided expeditions to reveal soaring stalagmites, peculiar rock formations, and Aboriginal stories. Yanchep National Park boasts the captivating Crystal Cave, a short drive from Perth.  A short drive south of Perth, the Margaret River Region harbours 150 limestone caves, each with unique features. Mammoth Cave preserves fossils, Jewel Cave has vast chambers, and Lake Cave offers an eerie ambience. In the Kimberley, Mimbi Caves are five and a half hours east of Broome (Rubibi) by car. This unique network was carved from a fossilised reef. Nearby Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek) National Park allows wading through underground pools and discovering cultural significance.

LUXE EXPERIENCES

Kimberley Cruising

Discover one of Earth’s last remaining pristine wilderness areas whilst cruising luxuriously through the Kimberley. Experience the majesty of Horizontal Falls (Garaanngaddim), navigate untouched archipelagos, and take a dip in some of the most secluded gorge pools.

Wine Tastings

In Western Australia's picturesque landscape, eight distinct wine regions await.  These regions are home to internationally acclaimed wineries, carefully tended by some of Australia's finest winemakers. Wander through the historic vineyards of the Swan Valley and ascend into the Perth Hills and Peel regions, before exploring the Margaret River Region, where the rugged surf coast meets lush forests, a region synonymous with world-class wine. Here, amidst the perfect climate for viticulture, you'll discover sophisticated wines that leave a lasting impression on your palate and memory. As you journey through the south, you'll find yourself in a paradise for wine enthusiasts. Then, venture further south to Blackwood Valley, Southern Forests, and the Great Southern for the ultimate wine-trail experience.

Scenic Flights

Discover Western Australia's awe-inspiring landscapes from a fresh and exciting vantage point. Embark on a helicopter tour through canyons to uncover hidden pools or drift serenely above the Avon Valley in a hot air balloon. For those seeking an exhilarating thrill, consider skydiving along the Coral Coast or embarking on a seaplane escapade above the mesmerising Horizontal Falls.

Glamourous Escapes

Western Australia beckons with a diverse array of luxury accommodations that promise unforgettable moments. From lavish city hotels and upscale holiday residences to serene beachfront hideaways and charming boutique lodgings set in stunning natural landscapes, there's a luxury escape for every taste. If you seek opulence and sophistication, the wine regions of the South West deliver, ensuring a glamorous retreat. Alternatively, for a truly remarkable experience, awaken amidst the untamed beauty of the Kimberley wilderness camps, where dramatic vistas provide a breathtaking backdrop to your stay.

CITY & CULTURE

Perth Cultural Centre

Step into a vibrant communal hub brimming with a dynamic blend of cultural and artful encounters. Nestled amidst the backdrop of state heritage structures and striking contemporary architecture, Perth's enthralling cultural precinct is a haven for performance venues, art galleries, and a remarkable new museum. Here, you'll be enveloped in the narratives of Australia's traditional custodians and their profound spiritual bond with the land.

Dining & Culinary Delights

With over 20,000 kilometres of pristine coastline, Western Australia is synonymous with exceptional seafood. Local chefs embrace the art of crabbing, grilling scallops, and savouring Akoya oysters. One standout is Chef Adam Rees of Madalena’s in Fremantle, where seafood reigns supreme, and dining is an experience as cherished as indulging in school prawns and sipping Swan Valley Chenin Blanc. Explore more seafood delights across the state and dive into the culinary adventure.

Perth Festival & Fringe World Festival

Perth Festival (February to March) and Fringe World Festival (mid-January to mid-February) set the stage for a vibrant celebration of the arts, embracing diversity, culture and sheer fun, both locally and internationally. These festivals feature a dazzling array of events spanning art, dance, theatre, literature, film and more ensuring there's a delightful experience for everyone to enjoy.

Heritage Buildings 

Embark on a journey through time as you explore Western Australia's iconic heritage buildings, delving into the state's rich history encompassing the gold rush, colonial era, and pearling heritage. Architecture enthusiasts will find joy in Perth's collection of heritage buildings, such as the Old Mill and Anzac Cottage. Meanwhile, in Fremantle (Walyalup), stories come to life at the Fremantle Prison and the Round House. Trace the echoes of the gold rush in the ornate museums, monuments, and architecture of Kalgoorlie (Karlkurla) in the Golden Outback, before exploring other Goldfields towns. Or immerse yourself in Broome’s pearling heritage, evident in its cuisine, culture, and structures. To fully immerse in this atmosphere, consider booking a stay at a heritage hotel like COMO the Treasury in Perth or Premier Mill Hotel in Katanning.

UNTOUCHED WILDNERNESS

Cape to Cape Track

Western Australia's stunning coastline is your ever-present companion along the Cape to Cape Track, an iconic hiking trail tracing the Leeuwin-Naturaliste ridge. This scenic route, connecting the lighthouses at Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin offer breathtaking vistas from sweeping clifftops to pristine sandy beaches and ancient forests. Whether you're embarking on a long-distance trek or a leisurely day hike, this trail showcases some of the Margaret River Region’s most awe-inspiring scenery.

Resorts & Retreats

From luxurious resorts nestled amidst the South West's majestic timber forests to exquisite retreats overlooking untouched beaches, Western Australia presents a wealth of options for unwinding and rejuvenation. Immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters of a serene swimming pool, pamper yourself at a tranquil day spa, or embark on a revitalising journey at a health retreat. Whether you're seeking the sophistication of a city hotel or the seclusion of a retreat in the Perth Hills, a slice of paradise awaits you.

Aboriginal Experiences

Unearth Western Australia's ancient heritage guided by Aboriginal custodians, revealing over 50,000 years of stories. Explore sacred sites, ancient rock art, and traditional bushcraft, with evenings around campfires beneath a starlit sky. Across the state, engage with the world's oldest living culture, from art galleries to cultural centres, where contemporary works, music and dance bring this ancient connection to life.

Are you ready to step into a dream? Click here to view our range Western Australia holidays. Alternatively, please contact us on 1300 854 897 or holidays@holidaysofaustralia.com.au 

All images courtesy of Tourism Western Australia.