Western Australia

Western Australia is the country’s largest state, stretching from the north to the south of the west half of the continent. Needless to say this vast expanse varies greatly in landscape and climate, from the dry heat of the outback to the sparkle of the longest coastline in Australia.

This state is famous for its white beaches lapped by the clear waters of the Indian Ocean, making swimming, surfing, fishing and snorkeling popular activities for locals and visitors alike. Favourites include Broome’s Cable Beach, Surfer’s Point in the Margaret River region and Cottesloe Beach in Perth. Divers may encounter the majestic whale shark in the clear waters of the Ningaloo Reef on the mid north coast, as well as manta rays, sea lions, dolphins, sea turtles, as well as an array of tropical fish and coral.

The capital city of Perth has a relaxed, sun-worshipping culture balanced with the exciting cosmopolitan pulse of the inner city. The Swan River cuts through the centre of town and may be enjoyed from the bike paths, picnic spots and walk ways that line the shores. Hiring a sailboat is unique way for water enthusiasts to experience the river and the beautiful Perth skyline.

Perth’s food culture has the very best of world cuisine combined with incredibly fresh local seafood and fine wines. Night owls won’t be disappointed in the array of live music venues, sophisticated bars, pumping clubs and laid-back pubs to choose from. For those who seek a more artistic encounter, Perth has a thriving arts culture with museums, theatres and galleries, many of which specialize in exhibiting both traditional and contemporary indigenous art.   

The nearby town centre of Fremantle, just south of Perth, is an eclectic, colourful hub that attracts a mix of alternative personalities such as artists and designers. With a seven-day shopping week and a wide selection of cafes, markets and tourist attractions (such as the historic Fremantle Gaol), this is a worthy stopover. South again, the holiday-resort town of Rockingham is one of the earliest points of settlement in Western Australia, which today has become a historically-rich coastal retreat away from the urban bustle.

In the Southern corner of Western Australia is the Margaret River region, a holiday-makers haven which up until relatively recently was an obscure rural community. Wines may be tasted and purchased in the many quaint wineries dotted around the countryside, complimented by world-class restaurants and accommodation ranging from cosy bed and breakfasts to luxury chalets. A scenic drive through the Margaret River is a great way to absorb the Mediterranean ambiance of the area, particular during the wildflower season between August and October. For a memorable whale watching experience, majestic Southern Right and Humpback whales may be spotted off the coast in Flinders Bay during their migration season from June to September.

Western Australia is renowned for its stunning native flora, which is best experienced by hiking through one of the many national parks on a guided tour. Banksias, wattle flowers, orchids and kangaroo paws come into full bloom in early spring, spreading colour and vibrancy throughout the state’s forests. Kalbarri National Park, Stirling Range National Park, Walpole-Nornalup National Park and Yanchep National Park are just some parks in the Southern half of Western Australia that blaze with floral colour during the spring months. Slightly north of Perth is Nambung National Park in the Pinnacles Desert, whose landscape features not only wildflowers but also bizarre limestone rock formations.

The seaside township of Broome, located further north along the Western Australian coast, is a multicultural jewel that thrives on the back of the local pearling industry. Immigrants from all over Asia historically contributed to the growth of the town, which still harvests some of the most coveted pearl specimens in the world. The scenery in Broome varies from sparkling waters to ancient ochre cliffs, such as Gantheaume Point, a site famous for ancient dinosaur footprint fossils. Broome is also gateway to the Kimberly Region, an expanse of ancient gorges, rock formations and desert plains; some might recognize this scenery from Baz Luhrmann’s recent film ‘Australia’. Highlights include the majestic Mitchell Falls and the Purnululu National Park (the Bungle Bungles), best visited during the dry season between May and October.

Western Australia (WA)

WA the biggest state in Australia and Perth is the capital city. Summers in Western Australia are usually hot and dry with high temperatures, the hottest month is February.  Most of the rainfall occurs in winter and the season remains moderately cool and wet. Perth and the rest of WA is a thriving cultural scene. They have a very strong and supportive local music scene and the oldest running international arts festival.

The festival was created by the University of Western Australia and is known as the Perth International Arts Festival. It was established in 1953 and runs for three weeks in February.  The event conjures international interest in local artists while also inviting performers from around the world to contribute to the festival.
Popular spots in Western Australia include the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, a popular spot for tourists because of the clear, blue water and famous for their friendly bottle-nosed dolphins. Nigaloo Reef is a two hour flight north of Perth. It is one of the world’s largest fringe coral reefs.

A Family adventure to Western Australia

The largest state in Australia is big. Very big. So big that it's probably impossible for you and your family to see every last bit of it. However there are still a wide variety of attractions that you can all enjoy to make your stay in Western Australia memorable! So much of the state is untouched by humans which means a wide variety of natural scenery that is just waiting for you to explore. Up north you can take your kids on a fun four wheel driving adventure through the Kimberley region.

Here you will be surrounded by some monolithic red rocks that cower over you and get up close and personal with some stunning and haunting Aboriginal art work. If you are into surfing and want to take your kids for a lesson, find one of the numerous beaches across the state for some of the best surf anywhere in the world. You can even find places to walk amongst the trees in some tree top walkways. In the capital city of Perth you will want to get out of the sun, as the city boasts the title of the sunniest capital city in Australia.

Make sure you visit Adventure World which is the biggest water theme park in all of Western Australia. It has everything you can imagine from man made lakes, gardens, 30 different rides and even an island castle to explore! After your visit there, you can visit Whiteman Park and discover some amazing bushland, train and tram rides along with camel rides, motor museum, sheep shearing lessons and numerous walk and cycle ways for you to make a day out for you and your family. If you venture out of Perth you can go to the nearby Fremantle and make a visit to the Maritime Museum of Western Australia. Here your kids will learn everything to do with boats and see a real submarine and shipwreck! Whilst you are in Fremantle, head out to Rottnest Island to see some unique wildlife and amazing scenery. One of the best attractions when in Western Australia is Monkey Mia at Shark Bay.

Here you will be so close to Dolphins that you will be amazed that they aren't on land buying you a drink! Nearby you will also be witness to the world's largest and oldest fossils! So make sure you leave plenty of time to explore Western Australia and see what it is all really about!