Best Things to Do in Western Australia

Western Australia’s size is its defining characteristic: driving the 3,000km from Perth to Broome along the coast road is a serious undertaking, yet the journey passes through some of the continent’s most extraordinary landscapes. The things to do in Western Australia are concentrated in three geographic zones: the Southwest (Perth, Fremantle, Rottnest Island, Margaret River wine country, the tall karri forests of the Pemberton area, the Stirling Ranges), the Mid-West and Coral Coast (the Pinnacles Desert of Nambung National Park, the Batavia wreck site at Abrolhos Islands, the Monkey Mia dolphins, the Ningaloo Reef), and the Kimberley (Broome’s Chinese pearling history and Cable Beach, the Bungle Bungle Range of Purnululu National Park, the gorges of the Gibb River Road, and the Montgomery Reef).

Best time to visit

Perth and the Southwest: October through May (spring and summer). The Margaret River region is best for food and wine in autumn (March-May). Rottnest Island is best in spring and autumn to avoid the peak-summer heat. The Ningaloo Reef: whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) aggregate at Ningaloo March through July; manta rays are present year-round; humpback whales migrate north May-November. Coral Bay and Exmouth are pleasant April-September; the wet season (November-March) brings heat and cyclone risk. The Kimberley: dry season (May-September) is the only practical time; the wet season (November-April) closes many roads and attractions due to flooding. Broome’s Staircase to the Moon (a full moon tide reflection phenomenon visible March-October, select nights) is a calendar event worth timing around.

Getting around

Perth Airport (PER) is the main gateway, with direct flights from Singapore, Dubai, London, and all Australian capitals. Virgin Australia and Qantas regional services connect Perth to Broome (2.5 hours), Karratha (1.5 hours), and Exmouth (Learmonth Airport, 2.5 hours). A rental car is essential for virtually all Western Australian travel beyond Perth. The distances are extreme: Perth to Exmouth is 1,270km (14 hours driving), Perth to Broome is 2,200km (25+ hours). For the Kimberley Gibb River Road, a 4WD is required (most vehicles are restricted on parts of this corrugated dirt road). The Indian Pacific train (Perth to Sydney, 4 days) is an iconic rail experience.

What to eat and drink

Western Australia has Australia’s most rapidly improving food culture. Perth’s dining scene has changed dramatically in the last decade: the Fremantle food market, the Northbridge restaurant strip, and the Swan Valley food trail all reflect a city that has developed genuine culinary identity. Margaret River is one of Australia’s top three wine regions: the varietals best suited to the Mediterranean climate (Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and the Margaret River blends) produce wines of genuine international quality. The seafood is outstanding: Rottnest Island crayfish (spiny lobster), Shark Bay blue swimmer crabs, Exmouth tiger prawns, and Fremantle’s fresh daily catch at the Fishing Boat Harbour fish-and-chip restaurants.

Top things to do

Ningaloo Reef whale shark snorkeling – The most accessible reliable whale shark encounter in the world. The Ningaloo Reef aggregates whale sharks (the world’s largest fish, up to 12m) March through July as they feed on the annual coral spawn. Licensed operators from Coral Bay and Exmouth run spotter-plane-guided snorkel encounters: snorkelers enter the water near the shark and swim alongside it. Success rates are near-100%. A full day tour costs $350-450; book weeks in advance for the March-June peak.

Rottnest Island – A car-free island 19km offshore from Fremantle, accessible by 30-minute ferry. Famous for the quokka (a small marsupial that appears perpetually cheerful, making it the world’s most selfied animal), excellent snorkeling in crystal-clear bays, and uncrowded beaches. Bikes are the transport on the island. The main settlement (Thompson Bay) has accommodation from glamping to heritage lodges.

Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungle Range) – The Kimberley’s most extraordinary landscape: the Bungle Bungle beehive-dome sandstone massif, with orange and black striped sandstone formations, cathedral-like gorges (Echidna Chasm, Cathedral Gorge), and ancient Aboriginal rock art. Accessible only by 4WD from the Turkey Creek/Warmun junction (53km corrugated track) or by scenic flight from Broome or Kununurra. UNESCO World Heritage.

Margaret River wine and food – The Margaret River wine region (270km south of Perth, 3 hours drive) produces around 3% of Australia’s wine but 20% of its premium wine. The top producers (Leeuwin Estate, Moss Wood, Cullen, Cape Mentelle) make wines of international standing. The township of Margaret River and the surrounding farms also have excellent surfing (Surfers Point and Margaret River Pro), artisan cheese and chocolate, and the Karri forests of the south (Pemberton’s 60m-tall karri trees are among the world’s tallest hardwoods).