The 12 best places to visit in Western Australia

Rottnest Island is the absolute favourite spot our Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley has visited in Australia. Just a speedy 30-minute ferry ride from Fremantle (or 90 minutes from Perth CBD), this island is quite literally heaven on Earth. Out-of-towners may know Rottnest for its friendly population of quokkas, but the island is also home to the most crystal-clear waters you’ll come across, and nowadays, it has a selection of top-notch eateries and luxe accommodation, as well as camping grounds, cafés and low-key restaurants for the budget-conscious. While a day trip is doable, we highly recommend staying a few nights – trust us, you won’t want to leave.

EAT: Southeast Asian fusion restaurant Lontara. The menu has flavours hailing from Indonesia, Malaysia, China, Vietnam and more, sprinkled with local seafood, including Shark Bay prawn skewers cooked over a robata grill and soft shell crab karaage. 

STAY: For something chill and charming, it’s hard to go past the quaint yellow, beachside cottages at Geordie Bay. 

DO: Go snorkelling. Thanks to the Leeuwin Current streaming down from Indonesia, the water temperatures around the island are approximately four degrees warmer than Perth's coast. This creates the perfect conditions for tropical coral to flourish in every colour of the rainbow. The inviting shallows of Salmon Bay and Parker Point are great for snorkellers starting out. 

Famed for being one of Australia’s greatest (and youngest) wine regions, this charming pocket south of Perth is a must-visit on your next west coast getaway. You’ll want to dedicate a full day to exploring its 90-plus cellar doors, which have built quite a reputation for their cab savs and chardonnays. Margaret River is also an epic spot to catch a wave for total beginners to World Surf Lifesaving champs. After wining and dining, spend time wandering through the region’s fairytale forests, along stunning coastal trails, or into the depths of sparkling crystal caves. 

EAT: Glenarty Road, for farm-to-table, seasonal and sustainable dining.

STAY: Splash out and stay at Empire Retreat and Spa in Yallingup. 

DO: Start at Leeuwin Estate, one of the region’s five founding wineries, to sample their flagship Art Series chardonnay. Next, head ten minutes down the road to Xanadu Wines for a taste of their exclusive cellar door offerings. Finish your wine tour at Voyager Estate, where you can explore their sustainable vineyard or enjoy a five-course seasonal tasting experience.

The drop-dead gorgeous region of Exmouth is a popular launch pad for exploring Western Australia’s Coral Coast. Sitting adjacent to Cape Range National Park, this nature lover’s playground offers endless opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and hiking. Just offshore lies the 300-kilometre Ningaloo Reef – one of the world’s longest fringing reefs –  where you can tick off a true bucket list adventure: swimming with whale sharks that grow up to 18 metres in length.

EAT: If fresh seafood, cold beers and friendly service are what you’re chasing, Whalers Restaurant is where it’s at. Renowned as one of Exmouth’s best restaurants, seafood is undoubtedly king here.

STAY: If you want to see a different side of Exmouth, drive one hour south to Bullara Station Stay. This charming Aussie outback station is set on 250,000 acres of red, sandy land, known as Punurrba by the local Yingarrda people. Other than camping, travellers can also escape to their own private retreat, with safari huts, glamping tents and cosy cottages available. 

DO: The Yardie Creek Hike in Cape Range National Park (AKA Australia's 'Grand Canyon').

Australia’s sunniest capital city is a living postcard, showcasing the best of our glorious country. Once solely known for its pristine beaches and warm weather, Perth is now a booming hotspot – thanks to its thriving restaurant and culture scenes, and its trendy sister city, Fremantle (located just 30 minutes from Perth). First-timers need at least three days to tick off all the essentials: a swim at Cottesloe Beach, a sunset picnic at Kings Park, browsing the Art Gallery of WA and a visit to some of the city’s coolest rooftop bars.

EAT: Post Osteria and Bar, an upscale all-day Italian eatery that honours tradition while showcasing WA's finest seasonal bounty.

STAY: COMO The Treasury brings luxe vibes to the city's historic heart.

DO: A sunset picnic in Kings Park and Botanic Garden.

Located at the tippy top of Western Australia, this laid-back beach town is well worth the journey (around a 2.5-hour flight from Perth). Broome is best known for its blazing sunsets, striking red dirt and azure waters, but visitors also have the chance to uncover its fascinating history as a pearling port and dive into a melting pot of Japanese, Aboriginal and European cultures. 

EAT: Roebuck Bay Hotel for ice-cold beers and hearty pub grub.

STAY: Mangrove Hotel for its lovely pools, sunset views and Scandi-inspired fit out.

DO:  Embark on a sunset camel ride along Cable Beach, catch a flick at Sun Pictures, have a ginger beer at Australia’s most remote brewery, and if you’re lucky, witness the Staircase to the Moon phenomenon.

Stretching 1.8 kilometres over the tranquil waters of Geographe Bay, the heritage-listed Busselton Jetty has cemented this charming coastal town’s place as a must-visit in WA. It’s an all-in-one playground for snorkelling, fishing or simply strolling along the shore. Continue following the footpath inland, and you’ll arrive at Busselton Cultural Precinct, where beautifully restored buildings reveal secrets of the city’s past. As the sun sets, head to popular watering holes like Shelter Brewing Co, Rocky Ride and Busselton Pavilion – each offering the perfect spot to soak in the day’s adventures.

EAT: Have an excellent brunch at The Good Egg. 

STAY: Want something affordable and family-friendly? Try glamping at Mandalay Holiday Resort and Tourist Park.

DO: Go brewery hopping, keep your eyes peeled for passing whales and go on an urban art safari. 

If adventure is your calling, look no further than the wild reaches of the Kimberley. Whether you do it by road trip, cruise or helicopter, this vast and incredible region is full of ancient Indigenous and geological history, glorious waterways and towering red rocks. A particular highlight is the shocking pink waters of Lake Hillier. Three times bigger than England, this is an absolutely huge area of land, so we recommend doing it either with a tour or with someone who knows what they're doing.

EAT: Sample barramundi, bush foods and native ingredients that pop up in eateries in the region, but, if you're in the National Park, make sure to a) bring your own food in, and b) visit the Wild Mango Café. 

STAY: El Questro Homestead, an expansive 700,000-acre property, housing a maximum of only 20 guests. It opens seasonally from April to October, offering a relaxed escape from the daily hustle and bustle.

DO: Goggle at the amazing, world-famous Bungle Bungles and cruise between the wild rapids of Horizontal Falls. 

This lesser-known coastal gem in the Great Southern region of WA delivers just as much beauty, minus the crowds. Albany is home to many of Australia’s bluest beaches – including Middleton Beach, Emu Point and Little Beach – all just minutes from the CBD. Sun and sand aside, the rugged coastline is dotted with striking rock formations, peaceful nature trails and panoramic lookouts perfect for spotting whales in winter. Meanwhile, those looking to take it easy can explore its historic museums and sample local brews and bites. 

EAT: Hooked On Middleton Beach Fish and Chips. Not just a “fish and chip restaurant”, Hooked is a celebration of the sea, serving up the freshest daily catches from local fishermen in Albany, Denmark and Bremer Bay. 

STAY: The Beach House at Bayside for an award-winning, luxury experience that's a three-minute walk from the beach.

DO: Swim at Elephant Rocks, a mind-blowingly perfect swim spot with turquoise water. 

If you’re all about striking sandy beaches, staggering hillsides, and bushwalks in the company of native flora and fauna, look no further than Esperance, or Kepa Kurl, as known to the Wudjari Nongar Traditional Land Owners. Esperance sits 700 kilometres southeast of Perth, reachable by a scenic seven-hour drive or a 1.5-hour flight, if time is of the essence. Fixed along Western Australia’s southern seaboard, this hotspot is a smorgasbord for outdoorsy folk regardless of its remote locale. 

EAT: Venture to Yirri Grove Esperance Olive Farm and Restaurant for award-winning oil and paddock-to-plate pairings.

STAY: Esperance Chalet Village for beachy simplicity, close to stunning nature. 

DO: Visit Lucky Bay, one of the best beaches in the world.

Western Australia's second-biggest national park is something special. Located in the remote Pilbara region, a whopping 1,400 kilometres from Perth, Karijini is a vast and dramatic playground with a history that extends back far beyond human memory. Wild red rock formations that are more than 2.5 billion years old, crystalline swimming spots and lush waterfalls all make this a national park well worth your attention. 

EAT: There's no food, other than the Outback Restaurant at the Eco Retreat. Make sure to bring your own.

STAY: Book a campsite, or luxe out at Karijini Eco Retreat for glamping tents and a focus on sustainability.

DO: Visit Karijini's aptly-named Kermit Pool for the vibrant green water. 

Located 419 kilometres north of Perth, this pretty little town is easily accessible via a 4.5-hour scenic drive or a quick one-hour flight from the state’s capital. Geraldton’s Coral Coast landscape means spectacular turquoise waters and plentiful sea life for those after a splash, while the dusty red desert sands are right around the corner, too. Highlights include dining in front of a grand Roman cathedral, cruising through a breathtaking island archipelago and road-tripping beside the surreal hot-pink hues of Hutt Lagoon. You won’t be bored anytime soon.

EAT: We mentioned dining in a Roman cathedral. Meet Laian Restaurant, which is best experienced at dusk. This Middle Eastern eatery sits in the shadow of the cathedral, and you can dine outside looking up. How’s that for a meal with a view?

STAY: For a little dash of elevated hotel vibes, check out the Gerald Apartment Hotel. 

DO: Day trip to the Abrolhos Islands. Made up of 122 island clusters, the beautiful briny Abrolhos are coral-decorated and dance with ocean creatures, like dolphins, whales, sea lions and subtropical fish. It's a dream come true for swimmers and anglers alike. 

Every year, 100,000 travellers flock to Monkey Mia and the World Heritage-listed Shark Bay for one unforgettable experience: to witness wild dolphins swimming just metres from the shore. For half a century, Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins have been visiting daily, making for one of the greatest and most reliable wildlife experiences on Earth. Ranger-run feeding sessions take place up to three times each morning between 7.45am and midday, with visitors invited to watch from the boardwalk.

EAT: The Old Pearler Restaurant for a quirky, seashell-encrusted seafood feast.  

STAY: Check out Oceanside Village in Shark Bay, self-contained villas that are perfectly located to all the best natural sites. 

DO: For even more wildlife magic, hop on a cruise to spot sharks, manta rays, turtles and dugongs. Fun fact: Shark Bay is home to ten per cent of the world’s dugong population.