Go West, they say. And we agree.
Western Australia is the land where it’s Summer all year long. Being the largest of the Australian states, its impressive size means there’s a lot to see and do. Whether escaping the heat down south in Summer or chasing the heat up north during winter, its vast landscape suits every type of traveller.
Perth, the state capital, is a vibrant, sophisticated city dotted with all the creature comforts of urban living. But just beyond its borders lay the wonders of the vast outback, as well as the hauntingly beautiful rugged coastline that stretches for over 12,000 kilometres. In between lay natural wonders including rugged red gorges, strange rock formations, beautiful forests and fields of wildflowers as well as exotic fauna and thriving sea life, and not to mention the world’s largest fringing coral reef.
So, if you’re interested in discovering all that Western Australia has to offer, here’s a travel guide to get you started.
Famous for its wineries, breweries, gourmet restaurants and galleries, Margaret River is a popular travel destination in Australia’s West. Even local tourists from Perth flock to this picturesque town during the summer holidays and long weekends to get closer to nature.
Margaret River also has more than 40 surf spots all over the coast and is known for its consistent big-wave breaks, which is why it is frequented by surfers. There’s also lush scenery for you to enjoy in the Boranup Karri Forest where you can get lost in nature’s embrace and marvel at the tall timber forest.
To adventure beneath Western Australia, you need to visit one (or all) of Margaret River’s limestone caves, such as Mammoth Cave, Jewel Cave and Lake Cave.
Slightly east of Tom Price, Karijini National Park is the perfect location for adventure travellers wanting to explore rural Australia’s spectacular landscape.
Home to ancient geological formations and unbelievable rugged landscapes, Karijini National Park covers a large 627,422 hectares.
Travel further north and you’ll reach Millstream Chichester National Park. Surrounding the Fortescue River, the area features rugged gorges, meandering watercourses, tropical rock pools and wetlands full of water lilies.
The park has great Aboriginal significance, particularly for the Yindjibarndi people, and is said to be the home of the ‘Warlu,’ a mythological serpent. Picnic by Python Pool, swim at the Deep Reach Pool or explore the stunning rock formations at the Chichester Range escarpment.
There’s also a three-kilometre bicycle track at the Old Millstream Homestead if you fancy a bit of exercise. You may also opt to take a hike along the Homestead Trail, Murlamunyjunha trail to Crossing Pool, or the more challenging eight-kilometre Heritage Camel Trail.
Famous for its granite peak, Mount Frankland National Park comprises a vast 31,000 hectares of karri, jarrah and tingle forest, aside from large patches of treeless heathland. Located 29 kilometres north of Walpole, you and your family can picnic and have a barbecue at Mount Frankland.
If you’re fond of hiking, there are various trails on offer - all starting from the shelter. You can also head to the Wilderness Lookout which is a 600-metre universally accessible return walk. Here, you can enjoy unobstructed views of the vast wilderness.
For the convenience of all visitors, the shelter has a toilet, water and barbecue facilities.
Fancy a bit of culture?
Head from Perth to Geraldton where the Western Australian Museum is located. Here, you’ll find multimedia displays recounting Geraldton’s history, as well as the Shipwreck Gallery featuring the Batavia tragedy, and shipwrecks of HMAS Sydney II and the Kormoran.
And since you’re already in Geraldton, drop by Yamaji Art which is an aborigine-owned art gallery that features a wide variety of aboriginal art, including Badimaya, Wilunyu, Noongar and Wajarri. If you’re an avid art and craft collector, you’ll surely find the paintings, painted wooden emu eggs and other handicrafts on sale here refreshing and fascinating.
Awarded the title for being the No. 1 Mainland Beach in Tourism Australia's Best Australian Beaches for 2018, Horrocks Beach is a family-friendly white-sand beach featuring rock pools, sheltered waters and waves. Here, you can indulge your love for the sea whether it’s through diving, swimming, surfing or beach fishing.
You can also choose to just sit back, relax and take in the fabulous sea views.
You and your family could also head to Little Bay and Bowes River Mouth on a four-wheel drive and go picnicking, fishing, and exploring to see the various wildflowers and birds. The Bowes River Mouth is a haven for birdwatchers as pelicans, heron, black swans, egrets, eagles, ducks, terns and osprey are frequently seen here.
After you’ve had enough time to relax, jump back in the car and road trip to Kalbarri, north of Horrocks.
Time for a road trip north from Perth to Jurien Bay. Aside from the usual seaside activities that Jurien Bay offers, you can go for a bikepacking adventure along the picturesque 15-kilometre Turquoise Trail.
If you’re not up for a bike ride, you can also go for a hike along the Turquoise Way Path where you’ll get to see places such as Hill River Mouth (perfect for fishing in Jurien Bay) and the Jurien Bay Boat Harbour marking both ends along the way.
You can also go exploring and sandboarding at Sandy Cape, or explore the beautiful caves of Stockyard Gully.
Take a road trip from Perth to Esperance, with many amazing locations to stop along the way.
There’s so much to do in Esperance, with its blue lagoons, awesome beaches and impressive flora and fauna. Great Ocean drive, which runs from Esperance to Twilight Beach, is a hikers and bikers’ haven.
Meantime, Lucky Bay in the Cape Le Grand National Park is certifiably one of the country’s best beaches. This side of paradise, you can lounge around this ravishing beach or lie down on the stretch of sand in the company of wild kangaroos. You can also swim, surf, snorkel, fish or go on a beach safari.
There are so many places to see and explore this side of Australia, and the above list barely scratches the surface. With our range of WA caravan parks, you'll be spoilt for choice.
This diverse region has so much more to offer - whether you want to go on an adventuresome outing, a culinary adventure, a naturalist’s journey or a photography quest - there’s always something for everyone wherever you go.
So, Say Yes and Travel West.
