You know how some destinations are about their beaches? And others offer up epic wildlife encounters? And some are so foodie focused that a jar or bottle of something is the main tourist souvenir? We’re here to remind you that there is one destination in our backyard with all that and then some. With an adventure for everyone, it’s time to Wander out Yonder in WA!
With ancient landmarks, stunning beaches, exhilarating adventures, gourmet treats, and beyond-your-wildest-dream wildlife encounters, it’s no wonder we’re back to drooling over Western Australia. And having a healthy office debate on our fave destinations in WA.
We’ve laid out our top picks below. What adventure will you try first?
Wander out Yonder in WA
Western Australia is an adventure playground, with wildlife you won’t find in many other parts of Australia and geographic wonders you won’t find in other parts of the world! It has Australia’s longest coastline, sunniest capital, the whitest beach, the world’s oldest and largest art galleries, and some of the world’s unique-est (okay, we made that word up) natural wonders. In short, it’s got the wow factor that every vacation needs and an adventure for everyone.
Perth: All Kinds of Adventures, Right on Your Doorstep
It’s no surprise that Australia’s sunniest capital city is host to every kind of outdoor adventure right on its doorstep. When the days are that good, you’ve got to make the most of them!
Aside from its impressive 19 pristine beaches, one of the world’s largest inner city parks and the scenic Swan River, cosmopolitan Perth’s western position makes it one of the best places in Western Australia for spectacular Indian Ocean sunsets. Then there’s Swan Valley, the only wine region found within an Australian capital city!
No visit to Perth is complete without a trip to Rottnest Island to snap a selfie with Earth’s happiest animal, the quokka. You’ll also want to save some time to swim with dolphins in Rockingham and enjoy the charming port city of Fremantle.
The Kimberley: Outback, Outstanding, Out of this World
One of the world’s last true wilderness areas, the ancient landscape of the Kimberley touches the heart and soul in a way that few places will ever manage. Alongside the ochre-hued soil and unusual rock formations formed over billions of years, there’s the natural phenomenon of a sideways waterfall, the distinctive domes of the Bungle Bungle Range, and ancient rock art depicting Aboriginal Dreamtime stories.
Covering nearly half a million square kilometres, you could spend years reconnecting to nature and exploring this vast and varied land. To narrow it down, travel to the enticing bucket-list-worthy items. These include a flight over the World Heritage-listed Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park, a boat ride through the globe’s only Horizontal Falls, and a 4WD road trip along the truly wild Gibb River Road.
The Margaret River Region: Where Adventure Meets Indulgence
We recently waxed lyrical about the Margaret River Region, but we’re happy to sing its praises once again when a destination has so many spectacular attributes.
It’s well-known that good food is a perk of travelling. The Margaret River Region offers an abundance of fresh produce that makes tasteseeing as relevant as sightseeing when visiting this southwest pocket of WA. The 150 wine producers, and 90 cellar doors, don’t hurt one’s enjoyment, either. Nor does the fact that the Margaret River Region is only 2.5 hours from Perth. It’s an obvious add-on to any WA itinerary.
Alongside culinary delights, the rugged coastlines, stunning beaches, ancient caves, lush national parks, and world-renowned surf breaks contribute to a raft of outdoor activities that thrill. Rock climb, hike, bike, kayak, canoe, go caving or skydive. Alternatively, you can take it easy on one of the Margaret River Region’s secret beaches.
Ningaloo Reef and the Coral Coast: The World’s Most Exhilarating Marine Adventures
You don’t need to be a marine biologist to appreciate the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef. It’s one of the globe’s most biologically diverse marine environments and one of the closest coral barrier reefs to land. This means you can walk straight from the beach and snorkel amid hundreds of species of fish and coral! In fact, there’s nowhere else on the planet where you access such a large coral reef (it’s over 300 km) so easily! And it’s right here, in WA.
Swimming with the gentle whale sharks is a major reason to visit Ningaloo Reef, though you can also hang with humpback whales, turtles, and manta rays. In Jurien Bay, witness frolicking sea lions; in Shark Bay, take an Aboriginal-guided ocean kayak tour. Or head to Monkey Mia and experience the dolphins who visit the shore daily. (Psst: we recently reported how luxe Sal Salis is opening early in 2023 – book now to get ahead of the pack!)
For an extraordinary land-based adventure, hike the 400-million-year-old Kalbarri’s river gorges. Be prepared to have your mind blown by the vistas at the famous Nature’s Window, Z Bend, and Hawk’s Head lookouts.
Esperance: Where the Golden Outback Meets Australia’s Whitest Beach
On the south coast of WA, the lesser-known Esperance is waiting for your arrival. With Australia’s whitest beach (Lucky Bay; it’s dazzling), crystal-clear waters, and sunbaking kangaroos, this is the kind of destination where you’d consider going full Tom Hanks in Castaway. It’s that gorgeous!
The best excursions in Esperance get you among its impressive natural wonders. From scenic flights over the pink tones of Lake Hillier, 4WD adventures along jaw-droppingly beautiful beaches, and cruises to spy migrating whales, Esperance puts on a show. Whether planning a road trip or flying in from Perth (95 minutes), add an extra day or two because this is a hard destination to leave.
The Deets
Bookmark Western Australia’s trade page in preparation to book your clients early for a Wonder Out Yonder to WA. For travel trade enquiries, reach out to wa@walshegroup.com.
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