Sun, Sand and Sea life
Pick any time of the year and there’s a part of Western Australia sure to be bathed in warm sunshine. Powdery white beaches stretch the length of the coast, and the ocean dazzles with sunlit shades of blue.
Wind and Waves
Water sport fans should head here for ideal conditions, with reliable sea breezes eager to fill yacht and windsurfer sails. The Swan River and Geographe Bay host colourful regattas and twilight sailing, and windsurfers rave about the great spots along the coast to Lancelin, where the sport reaches world-class levels. Surfers return time and again to favourite spots from Exmouth to Esperance for consistent swells and beautiful beaches, especially in Margaret River.
Underwater Adventure
Under the surface, the Ningaloo Reef is an unbeatable diving experience. Relatively untouched, it has incredibly diverse marine life. In some spots it’s just metres from the shore, so snorkelers can easily access it too. Snorkelling and wreck diving at Rottnest Island, Dunsborough, Albany and around the south coast are other huge attractions for lovers of marine sports.
A Feast of Fishing
But the state’s largest recreational activity is fishing. Famous for its exquisite fresh seafood, Western Australia offers a wide range of fishing experiences for beginners and old salts alike. Charter a fishing boat, take a rod down to the beach, or join a barramundi tour in the State’s far north. The rivers and inlets around Mandurah are the place to head for crabbing and prawning, or try your hand at crayfishing along the coast. In the Kimberley – criss-crossed with rivers and waterfalls – you can even catch a few oysters while on a luxury cruise.
Sheer Relaxation
Throughout the North West region there are vast ranges, carved by rivers and dotted with refreshing swimming holes filled by waterfalls. For a more invigorating swim, Perth’s beaches are the spot, where bodyboarding brings shrieks of delight, and play areas and cafes complete the day. If it’s escape you’re seeking, tranquil houseboating and silent canoeing along the wooded rivers of the south-west is a superb choice. Or simply relax on an uncrowded beach under Western Australia’s vast blue sky.
Outback Adventure
Western Australia’s outback landscape provides a dramatic backdrop for an unforgettable wilderness adventure. Vast and rugged, it’s wide open spaces, fresh clean air and roads that seem to extend forever beyond the horizon.
Western Australia’s outback landscape provides a dramatic backdrop for an unforgettable wilderness adventure.
Vast and rugged, it’s wide open spaces, fresh clean air and roads that seem to extend forever beyond the horizon.
From gold mining towns and deep caves to cattle stations and the ancient lands of the Kimberley, a holiday in the Western Australian outback will deliver experiences of a lifetime.
Outback Hospitality
Country hospitality is at its best in the outback.
Stay on a farm or pastoral station for a first hand look at the workings of a Western Australian sheep or cattle station, where you can get right into the mood and, if the mood takes you, pitch in on some day-to-day activities.
And after a day on the land, relax under the starry night sky, fill your lungs with fresh air and feast on a wholesome home cooked meal.
Rocky adventures
Discover sheer-sided gorges and secret limestone caves with a visit to Australia’s North West and South West regions – home to some of the oldest landscapes on earth.
Fly over the World Heritage listed Purnululu National Park or take a guided tour through Margaret River's underground caves.
For more energetic activities, trek through Karijini National Park or try abseiling the kilometre-high gorges of Bluff Knoll near Albany – the adrenalin will be rushing through your veins in no time.
Head to the Wild West
With its pioneering history and colourful characters, Kalgoorlie epitomises Australia’s “wild west”.
Mining heritage comes to life as you pan for gold, or tour the surrounding ghost towns for a glimpse of life during Western Australia’s thriving goldrush era.
And for an unrivalled wildflower display, head to the Goldfields between July and September where you’ll find yourself immersed in a sea of vibrant colour.
Forests and Flowers
Western Australia’s diverse landscape and climate has evolved an amazing range of natural attractions across the state.
Wildflowers Sweep Across the State Each Year During Spring Time
Many species can be found in Western Australia’s national parks, which give visitors the chance to get up close to our remarkable natural gifts.
And then there are the stunning coastal areas and inland waterways. Surging water courses in the north and lazy rivers in the south make for a big variety of water based activities.
Bushland and Wildflowers
Wide open spaces, clusters of white-barked gum trees along river lines, soft green spinifex clumps starkly contrasted against the red dirt of the Australian landscape – this is Western Australian wildflower country.
Visitors from all over the world are drawn to see these spectacular blooms which extend across the state for about nine months of each year. Many come especially to photograph and experience what is often referred to as Western Australia’s snow season.
In season, wildflowers can literally cover the ground with a tapestry of vibrant blooms, making a patchwork of colour across the bushlands. As well as these showy blossoms, there are hundreds of species of flowers and bushes just as beautiful but less obvious. Scarlet featherflowers, summer coppercups, pompom heads and others dot the landscape at different times of the year.
The cooler southern climates see native orchids, grevilleas and banksias, and Western Australia’s floral emblem, the kangaroo paw.
To the east, the Golden Outback region has drier weather, which creates a different pattern again. Seasonal wildflowers combine with the hardier desert flowers such as the sturt desert pea and the tall, striking mulla mulla with its pink cones of flowers.
In season, these flowers transform arid deserts into carpets of colour, which stand in vibrant contrast against the ochre reds and yellows of the desert landscapes.
Enchanting Forests
In the South West region majestic stands of karri trees rise more than 50 metres from the leafy floor of national parks. Dirt paths weave between these giants, which provide a home to wildlife, from small parrots which live in the tree canopies, to grey kangaroos.
Discovering these age-old forests is an enriching experience. Take the time to enjoy pure air, wildlife and the simple sounds of nature.
Rivers and Lakes
The rivers and lakes of the North West region come to life with seasonal waterfalls and surging tides making for excellent sport fishing, boating and birdwatching.
The majestic Swan River is Western Australia’s most famous waterway. Meandering through wineries and farms in the Swan Valley, joined by the Canning River then running to the coast of Fremantle, the river weaves a path through the heart of Perth.
South of Perth, the rivers are perfect for relaxation, with excellent fishing, crabbing, canoeing and houseboat holidays.
Food & Wine
Western Australia’s reputation as a gourmet paradise continues to travel across the globe.
World Class Wines
Visit the premium wineries of the South West region, or drop into the delightful vineyards of the Swan Valley and prepare to sample some of the world’s premium wines.
While you’re there, stop at a chocolate, cheese or fudge factory for an unforgettable taste sensation, or join a wine and food trail for an indulgent feast. Go on – you’re on holiday!
And if you’re a beer lover, you’ll appreciate the many boutique breweries scattered around the state.
Café culture
With more cafes per head than any other city in the world, no-one ever goes hungry whilst holidaying in Western Australia.
There are restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets, so head to the bustling centres of Perth city, Northbridge, Fremantle and Subiaco for a rich blend of cultural flavours.
Most pubs around the state offer extensive contemporary menus, which make for a delicious al fresco dining experience. Combine this with a wide range of international beers and wines, as well as local favourites and boutique brews, and you have all the essential ingredients for a perfect night on the town.
Local produce
From lush orchards to the deep blue ocean, Western Australia is bursting with the freshest fruits, vegetables and harvests of the sea.
You’ll find everything from syrupy sweet mangoes, berries and papaya to flavoursome olive oil, crusty bread and delectable rock lobsters for a mouth watering holiday of gastronomical proportions.
Local Lifestyle
Western Australians will tell you that our state offers the best lifestyle in the world. With a fantastic climate ranging from temperate in the south to tropical in the north, the natural environment is in a league of its own.
Relaxing water-side
Around Perth, sand, sea and sky sparkle in the warmth of a sunny climate.
Clean white beaches and the dazzling Indian Ocean are within easy reach of the city and are rarely crowded.
When the sea breeze blows in, wind and kite-surfers take to the waves and picnickers move to the Swan River for more sheltered relaxation. Free barbecue facilities, picnic tables and playgrounds along the river, and in all major parks encourage our celebrated alfresco lifestyle.
Sailing is a big draw in the lower reaches of the Swan River, the Margaret River area offers world class surfing, while Lancelin and Geraldton are where you’ll find top spots for windsurfing.
Shopping and dining
Shoppers in Western Australia are spoiled for choice. Combine retail therapy with regular stops at one of Perth's popular cafes and restaurants and make a day of it.
Many restaurants capitalise on our beautiful weather, stunning ocean sunsets and waterside lifestyle to provide picture-perfect dining spots.
Or head into the bustling nightlife hubs of Northbridge and Fremantle for clubs and pubs. Sunday sessions are popular with locals, who stroll up from the shore to beachfront cafes and pubs for live music over lunch.
Summer time is party time
The pace picks up during summer, when live music and performing arts spectacles pop up throughout the metropolitan area and beyond for the Perth International Arts Festival.
Regional street and beach festivals add to the summer party theme, with Australia Day celebrations (26th January) attracting thousands to the banks of the Swan River for entertainment and fireworks.
