Top things to do in Western Australia

Rolling ocean waves

The breakers of the west coast are a surfer’s delight, especially at Broome’s Cable Beach. While exploring the Kimberley Coast, visit the Horizontal Falls, where fast-moving currents squeeze through the narrow gorges of the McLarty Range.

Then make your way to Ningaloo Reef and spot whale sharks gliding through clear water. And at the top of every bucket list for Western Australia, is a journey to Rottnest Island. Activities for your itinerary include meeting a super cute animal, the quokka. 

Urban adventures

Fremantle is a bustling port city born from the goldrush. Museums such as the WA Maritime Museum and WA Shipwrecks Museum, tell tales of the early settlers.

Moving on to Perth, this metropolis is adorned with bold street art alongside the Art Gallery of Western Australia. Looking for things to do in Perth city? Kings Park and Botanic Garden is the ideal spot for relaxing among scented flowers. Family-friendly Perth tourist attractions include SciTech and Perth Zoo, home to unique wildlife.

Natural wonders

Set off to Pinnacles Desert at Nambung National Park, where thousands of limestone pillars jut out of the sand. Plus, try out a few things to do on Margret River. There are underground marvels like Lake Cave, with a spiral staircase leading to a sunken forest. 

In Purnululu National Park, the Bungle Bungle Range of banded sandstone domes is a sacred landscape to the indigenous people. You can also head to Fitzgerald River National Park to swim, snorkel and fish amidst breath-taking scenery. 

Kalgoorlie Opal mines

The finest gems in the world come from the opal mines of Kalgoorlie, where workers live in underground houses to escape the harsh environment of the Outback. The jewels they uncover are used across the globe and are some of the rarest on the planet. There’s gold out there too, and you’ll see plenty of prospectors heading out to the Bush to find that elusive ‘big one’ and make their fortune.

Phenomenal sites

Wave Rock is one of Western Australia’s most famous landmarks. This striking rock formation – named after its resemblance to a rolling wave – is sacred to the Ballardong people, who call it ‘Katter Kich’.

In Walpole-Nornalup National Park you’ll unearth the Valley of the Giants, famous for its Tree Top Walk. Climb 40 metres up to a suspended walkway that takes you above the canopy of the ancient forest. The walkway is a sturdy steel structure overlooking the valley’s tingle trees.

Fossils and fauna

Mammoth Cave, at the heart of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, lives up to its name. Thousands of giant fossils were discovered in this subterranean setting, promising an epic experience. There’s even a 50,000-year-old jawbone embedded in the cave wall.

After exploring, take a five-minute ferry ride across Shoalwater Bay to Penguin Island, where you’ll find a colony of adorable feathered friends. This award-winning eco-attraction is near to Perth and fabulous for a family day trip.

River escape

Wondering which other places to visit in Perth, Australia? Swan River takes a meandering route through the centre of the city. Enjoy boat rides and sunset cruises, complete with fine dining and entertainment as you float lazily down one of Western Australia’s most beautiful waterways.

This brings you full circle, making Perth the start and finish of your Western Australia adventure. With so much to see and do, you have every reason to come back again.