Go west to the State that sits proudly on the edge of the majestic Indian Ocean and you’ll find adventure lies at every turn. There are incredible sights to see, warm-hearted people and a chilled-out pace to life that you will find so easy to get used to.
Sun, adventure, an awesome natural environment and friendly people – it’s what you’ll find on a holiday to Western Australia whatever time of year you visit.
Nowhere else in the world can you experience and interact with such unique natural attractions.
Dive with the world’s largest fish - the whale shark, snorkel with manta rays, swim with wild dolphins, walk amongst the tree tops of ancient trees, sleep under a canopy of stars in the desert, or explore the beehive-like formations of the Bungle Bungles with the help of an Aboriginal guide.
The big variety of landscapes and climates in Western Australia means there is always plenty of sunshine, making it a perfect year-round destination. It is a land blessed with spectacular diversity where the deep reds of ancient interior rock formations contrast with the sparkling blue of the Indian and Southern Oceans and the lush greenery of the stunning southern regions.
Western Australia is the authentic experience you’ve been looking for – the real Australia.
The tall-timber town of Pemberton in the south of WA offers the Great Forest Trees Drive. This 48km run is simply magnificent, taking in the stunning old-growth Karri Forest, Marri and Jarrah forests, heath and granite outcrops. The route starts north of South Western Highway and is peppered with picnic spots along the way.
No trip to Western Australia is complete without a pit stop at Margaret River. Originally a chilled out surfie town, Margaret River has evolved into the ultimate smorgasbord of good food, fine wine and spectacular scenery – just a three-and-a-half hour drive from Perth.
There’s a fine supply of world-class wineries, boutique breweries, and restaurants overlooking sweeping vineyards and surf breaks. The drops are definitely top notch – the region produces less than one per cent of Aussie wine, but wait for it – over 15 per cent of the country’s premium wine.
Untamed, adventurous, authentic Kununurra is the gateway to some of Western Australia’s remarkable natural attractions. Spend a week or two in Kununurra and get a taste for life in the outback and the thunderous power of nature. The mighty Gibb River Road begins here. This red dirt track journeys through a landscape of gorges, waterfalls and cattle stations the size of small European countries. It’s easy to think you’re the first person to visit the area - that is until you stumble across ancient Aboriginal rock art.
Fremantle is home to an eclectic and creative community. The weekend markets are filled with colourful characters, the freshest fruit and vegetables, local arts and crafts. Here, you can tap your toes to the music of talented buskers and discover treasures such as handcrafted didgeridoos, indigenous art works, intricate hand-made jewellery and vibrant mosaics. Visit the Fremantle Arts Centre to peruse world-class exhibitions. Be sure to stop past its celebrated craft shop where you’ll find handcrafted ceramics, glassware, wood and textiles.
Beach & Coastal Encounters
Take a dive with hundreds of tropical fish and colourful coral at unspoilt Ningaloo Reef. Best of all, the reef is just a few metres from the shore. No overcrowded pontoons here – it’s just you, a mask and fins, and the most amazing marine life you’re ever likely to see. Nothing can compare to the thrill of swimming beside the biggest fish in the world, the whale shark. You’ll feel like a minnow, but luckily these creatures, which can grow up to 14 metres long, eat only plankton. Swim with graceful manta rays – these beautiful creatures can grow up to 5 metres wide and weigh several hundred kilograms.
Shark Bay is one of only a handful of places on Earth that meets all four criteria for World Heritage listing. Sharks Bay’s natural beauty, number of threatened species, amazing wildlife and geology draw people from all over the planet. Check out the Hamelin Pool stromatolites - the oldest and largest living fossils in the world, as well as Shell Beach - made up of millions of tiny white shells. Monkey Mia’s local population of friendly dolphins visit the shore almost daily to be hand fed. You’re also likely to see whales, manta rays, turtles, sharks and rare marsupials. The contrast of red earth, white sand and blue sea is like nothing you’ve seen before.
Itineraries – Britz The Savannah Way Navigate your way across the Top End on this 14-day ultimate adventure journey from Cairns on the east coast to the white sands and blue water of Broome in the far north-west.
State Facts – Western Australia Western Australia is Australia’s largest state and renowned for its unique natural attractions and diverse wildlife.
Australian Tourism Offices Head to the Britz Base for links to Australia’s official State Tourism websites for details on local events, attractions and must-sees.