The Best Places To Visit in Western Australia
Western Australia is huge. It takes up a third of the country, so choosing where to go can feel overwhelming. I’ve lived here for years and explored it from top to bottom. To help you plan, I’ve narrowed it down to the places that stand out — the ones that make people fall in love with WA.
From rugged coastlines to ancient gorges, here are the destinations that make WA unforgettable.
Perth & Surrounds
Perth is more than just a stopover. Stroll through Kings Park, one of the world’s largest inner-city parks, and take in skyline views.
Wander down to Elizabeth Quay for riverside dining, or spend the day at Cottesloe Beach with its golden sand and sunsets.
Wine lovers should head out to the Swan Valley, WA’s oldest wine region, only 30 minutes from the city.
Rottnest Island
Rottnest, or “Rotto” as locals call it, is all about cycling, snorkelling, and meeting the famous quokkas.
Hire a bike, find your own quiet bay, and spend the day in paradise.
My tip? Stay overnight. When the day-trippers leave, you’ll have the beaches almost to yourself.
Margaret River & the South West
This is WA’s gourmet heart. You’ll find world-class wineries, craft breweries, and farm-to-table dining.
But it’s not all food and wine — there’s the towering Boranup Karri Forest, the dramatic Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, and the iconic Busselton Jetty.
The coastline is dotted with surf breaks and hidden beaches.
Coral Coast
If you only visit one natural wonder in WA, make it Ningaloo Reef.
Here you can swim with whale sharks, snorkel over coral gardens, and watch manta rays glide by.
Inland, Kalbarri National Park offers deep gorges and stunning lookouts, while Monkey Mia is famous for its friendly dolphins.
The Kimberley
Remote and spectacular, the Kimberley is WA at its wildest.
Ride a camel on Cable Beach, take a seaplane to the Horizontal Falls, or hike into the ancient Bungle Bungles.
Driving the Gibb River Road is the ultimate outback adventure, with waterfalls, swimming holes, and red dirt tracks.
Practical Tips
- Best Time to Visit: March–May and September–November.
- Distances: WA is big — driving from Perth to Broome takes 24 hours without stops.
- How Long: Give yourself at least 10–14 days to see one region properly
Ready to start planning your trip? This free Western Australia Planning Guide provides essential information to make the most out of your time in WA.