The 10 best places to visit in Western Australia

Australia’s sunniest capital city is a living postcard, showcasing the best of our glorious country. Once solely known for its pristine beaches and warm weather, Perth is now a booming hotspot – thanks to its thriving restaurant and culture scenes, and its trendy sister city Fremantle (located just half an hour from Perth). First-timers will need at least three days to tick off all the essentials: a swim at Cottesloe Beach, a sunset picnic at Kings Park, browsing the Art Gallery of WA, and a visit to some of the city’s coolest rooftop bars.

Rottnest Island is the absolute favourite spot our Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley has visited in Australia. Just a speedy 30-minute ferry ride from Fremantle (or 90 minutes from Perth CBD), this island is quite literally heaven on Earth. Out-of-towners may know Rottnest for its friendly population of quokkas, but the island is also home to the most crystal-clear waters you’ll come across, and nowadays, it has a selection of top-notch eateries and luxe accommodation, as well as camping grounds, cafés and low-key restaurants for the budget-conscious. While a day trip is doable, we highly recommend staying a few nights – trust us, you won’t want to leave.

Located at the tippy top of WA, this laid-back beach town is well worth the journey (around a 2.5-hour flight from Perth). Broome is best known for its blazing sunsets, striking red dirt and azure waters, but visitors also have the chance to uncover its fascinating history as a pearling port and dive into a melting pot of Japanese, Aboriginal and European cultures. Our top picks? Embark on a sunset camel ride along Cable Beach, catch a flick at Sun Pictures, have a ginger beer at Australia’s most remote brewery, and if you’re lucky, witness the Staircase to the Moon phenomenon.

If adventure is your calling, look no further than the wild reaches of the Kimberley. Whether you do it by road trip, cruise or helicopter, this vast and incredible region is full of ancient Indigenous and geological history, glorious waterways and towering red rocks. A particular highlight is the shocking pink waters of Lake Hillier. Three times bigger than England, this is an absolutely huge area of land, so we recommend doing it either with a tour or with someone who knows what they're doing.

Famed for being one of Australia’s greatest (and youngest) wine regions, this charming pocket south of Perth is a must-visit on your next west coast getaway. You’ll want to dedicate a full day to exploring its 90-plus cellar doors, which have built quite a reputation for their cab savs and chardonnays. After wining and dining, spend time wandering through the region’s fairytale forests, along stunning coastal trails, or into the depths of sparkling crystal caves. Margaret River is also an epic spot to catch a wave for total beginners to World Surf Lifesaving champs. 

The drop-dead gorgeous region of Exmouth is a popular launch pad for exploring Western Australia’s Coral Coast. Sitting adjacent to Cape Range National Park, this nature lover’s playground offers endless opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and hiking. Just offshore lies the 300-kilometre Ningaloo Reef – one of the world’s longest fringing reefs –  where you can tick off a true bucket list adventure: swimming with whale sharks that grow up to 18 metres in length.

Stretching 1.8 kilometres over the tranquil waters of Geographe Bay, the heritage-listed Busselton Jetty has cemented this charming coastal town’s place as a must-visit in WA. It’s an all-in-one playground for snorkelling, fishing or simply strolling along the shore. Continue following the footpath inland, and you’ll arrive at Busselton Cultural Precinct, where beautifully restored buildings reveal secrets of the city’s past. As the sun sets, head to popular watering holes like Shelter Brewing Co, Rocky Ride and Busselton Pavilion – each offering the perfect spot to soak in the day’s adventures.

Located 419 kilometres north of Perth, this pretty little town is easily accessible via a 4.5-hour scenic drive or a quick one-hour flight from the state’s capital. Geraldton’s Coral Coast landscape means spectacular turquoise waters and plentiful sea life for those after a splash, while the dusty red desert sands are right around the corner, too. Highlights include dining in front of a grand Roman cathedral, cruising through a breathtaking island archipelago and road-tripping beside the surreal hot-pink hues of Hutt Lagoon. You won’t be bored anytime soon.

Every year, 100,000 travellers flock to Monkey Mia and the World Heritage-listed Shark Bay for one unforgettable experience: to witness wild dolphins swimming just metres from the shore. For half a century, Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins have been visiting daily, making for one of the greatest and most reliable wildlife experiences on Earth. Ranger-run feeding sessions take place up to three times each morning between 7.45am and midday, with visitors invited to watch from the boardwalk. For even more wildlife magic, hop on a cruise to spot sharks, manta rays, turtles and dugongs. Fun fact: Shark Bay is home to ten per cent of the world’s dugong population.

This lesser-known coastal gem in the Great Southern region of WA delivers just as much beauty, minus the crowds. Albany is home to many of Australia’s bluest beaches – including Middleton Beach, Emu Point and Little Beach – all just minutes from the CBD. Sun and sand aside, the rugged coastline is dotted with striking rock formations, peaceful nature trails and panoramic lookouts perfect for spotting whales in winter. Meanwhile, those looking to take it easy can explore its historic museums and sample local brews and bites.