Western Australia is the largest Australian state, covering a 3rd of the country.
Here you can see all Oz has to offer. However, don’t be put off by the size, the vast nature and less tourists (compared to the East), makes Western Australia the place to be. The phrase West is Best is often used in the US, but it’s definitely applicable to this continent too.
Here are 6 reasons to visit this vibrant and breath taking part of the world. I hope you enjoy your trip.
1. Perth
Firstly, when you think of Australia, you automatically picture the Opera House in Sydney or if you are a little more hip, maybe you fancy taking those all-important pictures of Melbourne’s graffiti walls? Well, whilst I definitely did this, I found myself falling quickly in love with the much smaller, quieter, yet exciting city of Perth.
The Botanic Gardens (King’s Park) rival those in other state capitals- yet have half the crowds. Not to mention the waterfront, vintage stores and Asian restaurants in the cool suburb of Northbridge. Whatever your scene, Perth has it all and I haven’t even got to the main attraction.
Fremantle or Freo as the locals call it is just a short train ride away from the city centre and it feels like you’re in a movie. There’s a gourmet café, Italian vibe with Victorian era buildings from postcolonial Britain. Just take a walk to the prison, go to a brewery (Little Creatures) for a cold beverage, or simply sit on the greens or beaches.
You’ll likely want to soak up the rare atmosphere.
Rottnest Island is one of the dreamiest locations; it makes you wonder why people bother with the East coast beaches at all. This island, an affordable ferry ride from Fremantle, is like a dream. You can hire bikes and explore the many idyllic beaches.
The island is full of wildlife too, the moment we stepped off the ferry, dolphins greeted us and you know the famous Quokka selfie? Well this is the place to get that shot.
2. Broome
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to enjoy a perfect sunset on a beach?
Now imagine that but over and over again. Now imagine it with camels… Because that’s what Broome can offer. You’re probably thinking, why would I want to see camels on a beach? Trust me, you’ll soon forget that when you join to see the sky turn orangey pink over the iconic blue water. But remember there could be crocs lurking, so stay alert if you decide to go for a dip!
Indeed, if you are a beer lover, you must check out Matso’s Brewery, the most remote brewery in Australia! We recommend the Mango and Ginger beers, a bit strange but definitely worth trying. This is a family owned buisness and distributes all over Australia, so why not try it in its birthplace?
Tip: Rent a scooter and explore Broome this way? It’s like being in Asia, but with significantly less traffic but still a lot to see. For instance, you can ride to the beaches; see dinosaur prints in the red rocks, explore Bohemian markets, and stop at calming coffee shops, all for $35 per day.
3. Esperance(Cape le Grand National Park)
I’m sure you’ve seen the influencer’s pictures from this spot. In particular, they’re probably sitting on white crystal beaches, with idyllic crystal water behind them, right? Oh and there’s a Kangaroo with them too?
Well for once, I can confirm that this is not photoshop. Whilst Esperance is out of the way for the generic West Coast trip, there is no surprise that it is high on every traveller’s list. As a result, you haven’t seen Australia’s best beach- until you’ve been to Esperance.
Tip: don’t get stuck all day in Lucky Bay. Explore further, and most importantly do not miss Hellfire Bay. It is Paradise.
4. Turquoise Bay (Exmouth)
What if I told you that you don’t have to pay $200 to visit a spectacular reef full of colourful coral and tropical fish? Now, picture the scene, with almost no people, white sands and crystal clear, shallow, warm water.
That is what to expect from Australia’s best top secret. Trust me, you don’t have to go to the Great Barrier Reef. You don’t have to go a boat. Instead within a few metres from shore, you can explore the Ningaloo Reef. This feeling is one of liberation –you deserve to have this too.
5. Pinnacles & Lancelin Sand Dunes
Fancy a day trip from Perth to see a desert or dunes like no other? Or perhaps you’re already travelling up or down the coast?
The Pinnacles are a yellow delight of limestone structures formed over thousands of years. It’s over 17,000 hectares so you’ll easily get lost in Western Australia’s most visited attraction. The unique flora and fauna prove that it’s not just beaches that make Western Australia so special.
Lancelin Sand Dunes– If you’re into sand boarding, 4 wheel driving, quad biking or perhaps you just fancy a stroll. Therefore, there’s something for every adrenaline junkie or traveller on this huge, vast, territory of white sand.
6. Kalbarri, The Pink Lake and Hutt River Province
6 hours north of Perth, you will be able to go on an adventure. You might have already seen the famous Nature’s Window in Kalbarri National Park. It’s hot, but worth it (bring water). But there’s definitely more than meets the eye in Kalbarri.
Venture towards the second National Park and you can feast your eyes on the West Coast’s version of the Great Ocean Road… but this is much smaller, so you can do it quickly and still see magnificent views and of course relax on the beaches.
Nearby, there is the Pink Lake (Hutt Lagoon), which again, I’m sure you’ve seen on Instagram. If you’ve never seen a pink lake, then maybe you’ll have the same thought as me… ‘oh it’s actually pink’. Unlike it’s cousin in the south, this lake is how it appears. Morevover, don’t be put off by online haters saying ‘it’s not pink, don’t bother’, I can confirm, they just saw the wrong lake.
Finally, did you know there’s a ‘sovereign state’ hidden in Western Australia that looks a lot like an old farm? You didn’t read that wrong. The Principality of Hutt River was founded in 1970 and whilst strange, can certainly add to your Western Australia adventure. For example, here you can meet a Prince and get a stamp in your passport.
So, whilst its doors are closed for now, keep an eye out for when they open again, because this experience will leave you with the thoughts ‘did that really happen or did I dream that place exists?’.
In addition, if you want to know how to travel cheaply in Australia, then read some tips here.
