tourist attractions western australia

• Membership & Benefits
• Discounts and special offers
• Competitions
• Become a member
• Have your say
• About your membership
• Change my details
• Pay or renew
• Member News blog
• Online shop
• Log into myRAC
• myRAC Frequently Asked Questions
• 5%* off purchases in-store and online
• Savings on gas for your home
• Save 4 cents per litre off fuel
• Car & Motoring
• Roadside Assistance
• Car insurance
• Caravan loans
• Motoring for businesses
• Motorcycle insurance
• Caravan & trailer insurance
• Car servicing & repairs
• Car Buying Service
• Electric vehicle products and services
• Electric SUVs available in Australia 2023
• WA's cheapest cars to own and run
• Some of the best cars for towing
• Home & Life
• Home insurance
• Boat insurance
• Life insurance
• Health insurance
• Home security
• Investments
• Personal loans
• Pet insurance
• Small business insurance
• Home services
• Pre-purchase building inspection benefits
• Learn to save a life in 30 minutes
• How secure is your home?
• Travel & Touring
• Our holiday parks & resorts
• Find a travel centre
• Travel & cruise deals
• Travel insurance
• Car hire & driving holidays
• WA holidays
• International driver’s permits

Cruise packages

• WA’s best road trips and long distance drives
• Endless things to see and do in Perth and WA
• WA’s top destinations and places worth visiting

Top 20 must-see tourist attractions in WA

Travel & Touring  |  WA Destinations

27 September, 2022  By: Monique Ceccato

No matter which part of WA you're planning on visiting, there'll  be no shortage of incredible wonders to keep you busy.

There are so many unique things to see and do in Western Australia, from sprawling forest and rugged coastlines to ancient gorges. Not sure where to start sightseeing? These top 20 WA tourist attractions are a great way to begin planning your trip.

1. Ningaloo Reef

Covering some 300km from Carnarvon’s Red Bluff, all the way around the tip of the cape, to Exmouth Gulf’s Bundegi Beach, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef is the world’s largest fringing reef system, much of it accessible close to the mainland. It’s also the home of the world’s biggest fish, the whale shark .

Anywhere between 300-500 of these plankton-feeding giants frequent the reef throughout the year. From mid-March through to late July, the chances of seeing them swim along the reef are high. Watch them from the air or witness them gliding through the water in their natural habitat on a thrilling whale shark swim.

The whale sharks are in good company, with manta rays, turtles, and humpback whales also frequent visitors to Ningaloo’s waters. If you’re lucky, you’ll see them on a snorkelling, diving, or whale shark swim, too.

2. Valley of the Giants

If anything in WA is going to make you feel small, it’s the towering Tingle trees of the Valley of the Giants, between Denmark and Walpole . Endemic to the South West and Walpole Wilderness Area, the eucalypts can grow up to a whopping 24m in circumference and 45m in height.

The best living example is aptly named the Giant Tingle Tree. Follow the 1km loop trail from the Hilltop Lookout carpark, and you can walk through the hollowed-out base of the 400-year-old tree.

For a different perspective, head out on the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk . The 600m-long circular walkway is suspended 40m above the ground, enveloping you in the canopies as you wander your way around.

3. The Pinnacles

Taking a drive through Nambung National Park, 190km north of Perth near Cervantes , is as close as you’re going to get to feeling like you’ve just landed on another planet. Thousands of jagged natural limestone structures known as The Pinnacles jut out of the park's yellow desert landscape.

Formed 25,000 to 30,000 years ago from sea shell deposits left behind when the ocean receded, The Pinnacles have been whipped into their irregular shapes by wind and sand erosion. There are column-like structures that reach 3.5m in height and others that are shorter, smoother, and more like small domes.

4. Bungle Bungle Range

Until 1983, the orange and black striped domes of the Bungle Bungle Range were known only to the traditional custodians of the land, the Karjaganujaru people. Shortly after a film crew ‘discovered’ the ranges, the Purnululu National Park was established, and, in 2003, the Bungle Bungles and park received their UNESCO World Heritage status.

Approximately 300km south of Kununurra , the sandstone cones – some up to 250m tall – are remote, accessible only by four-wheel drive or on a scenic flyover with Helispirit or AviAir. From above, trace the deep canyons and gorges as they snake through the Bungles. On the ground, don’t miss Cathedral Gorge, a red rock amphitheatre with near-perfect acoustics and a serene pool of water.

5. WA Museum Boorla Bardip

After four years of downtime and $400m worth of upgrades, the impressive WA Museum Boola Bardip (meaning ‘many stories’ in Nyoongar language) reopened to the public in 2020. At four times the size of the old museum, there are almost 7,000 square metres of gallery to explore.

Eight permanent exhibitions are on display, each centring around either the people of Western Australia and their stories, the beautiful landscapes and fauna of the state, or Western Australia’s place in and impact on the world.

Taking pride of place in the gallery hall is Otto, a 24-metre blue whale skeleton that’s more than 120 years old. It joins many more displays of WA’s unique flora and fauna, installations on the state’s most recognised landforms, and information on the prehistoric creatures that once roamed the land.

6. Kings Park

The best views of Perth city come courtesy of Kings Park . Sitting atop Mount Eliza just to the west of the city, the 400-hectare park looks out over the Swan and Canning Rivers, the city skyline, and the Darling Ranges in the distance.

Soak up the views by picnicking on the manicured lawns or wandering the Lotterywest Federation Walkway, pausing on the bridge for happy snaps. Keep following the many trails and walkways to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of native bushland, which covers two-thirds of the park. The final third consists of playgrounds, grassed areas, and the native flower-filled Western Australia Botanic Garden.

Head up from late August to October to see the flower beds blooming with carpets of everlastings, kangaroo paws, and all kinds of West Australian acacias.

RELATED: Top 20 things to do in Perth »

7. Fremantle Prison

Only decommissioned as a maximum-security prison in 1991, the Fremantle Prison has a long history with some of Western Australia’s most hardened criminals. Built by convicts in the 1850s, the site now stands as the largest convict-built structure in all of WA. It’s also known as the best-preserved convict-built structure in Australia.

Entry to the site is free and allows visitors access to the museum, cafe, gift shop, and prison gallery, where you can peruse art created by current inmates in Western Australia. For a more in-depth introduction to the prison, three daytime tours are on offer. Each walks you through the stories of convict and prisoner life within the prison walls. Those with nerves of steel can opt to do a tour of the tunnels deep beneath the prison, including some water-filled sections of tunnel where you’ll make your way through in replica convict punts. (Prices vary).

8. Rottnest Island

Rottnest – or Wadjemup in Whadjuk Nyoongar language – has garnered plenty of international attention thanks to its cute, furry quokka population. But, the 19km2 island has so much more to offer than just a cheeky selfie with its most famous residents.

The shores of Thompson Bay are just 25-minutes by ferry from Fremantle (RAC members can purchase discounted tickets ). There, you’ll find the newly refurbished Isola Bar e Cibo, Hotel Rottnest, and Samphire Rottnest. Choose any one in the trio for an indulgent long lunch in the sun, complete with quokka visitors and impeccable ocean views.

Hire a bicycle from the nearby Pedal and Flipper, and spend the day bay-hopping around the island. There are plenty to choose from, but snorkelling fans should make a beeline for The Basin and sun-soakers, the stretch of sand at Pinky Beach.

9. Busselton Jetty

Wagin has the giant ram, Harvey the big orange. Busselton , 45-minutes south of Bunbury , is famed for its king-sized jetty. At 1.841km, the Busselton Jetty is officially the southern hemisphere’s longest timber piled jetty.

There’s a 90-seat electric train that runs the length of it, transporting passengers from the shores of Geographe Bay out to the underwater observatory at the end. It’s one of only six natural underwater observatories in the world and allows you a first-hand glimpse into what lies below the surface.

There, 8m down, you can watch southern calamari, decorator crabs, and, if you’re lucky, southern fiddler or eagle rays going about their daily business among the pylons.

10. Wave Rock

Known as Katter Kitch to the Nyoongar people, Wave Rock near the town of Hyden is a significant site for many reasons. Not only was it a keniny (dancing ground) for the Ballardong custodians and an important part of their Dreamtime stories, but its unique formation was some 270 million years in the making.

Standing at 15m tall and 100m long, the multi-coloured granite landform gets its name for its likeness to a crashing wave. Even if you’re not a regular Kelly Slater, standing at the base of the wave for a photo ‘surfing’ it is customary.

Just 800m away you’ll find the Wave Rock Salt Bath. It’s a 6m-deep gypsum pool the colour of jade, with a higher salinity than the Dead Sea. Slide in for a relaxing, weightless float.

RELATED: Perth to Wave Rock road trip (3 days) »

11. Kalbarri National Park

Experiencing the beauty of Kalbarri National Park is now even more accessible, thanks to the dual cantilevered platforms of the Kalbarri Skywalk. Extending 25m out from the rim of the Murchison River Gorge, the universally accessible platforms project sightseers over the 100m high chasm for a view you just wouldn’t get otherwise.

To see the red and white banded gorges from a different angle, take the 9km grade 4 Loop Walk. It starts along the edge of the cliffs and winds its way down to the river bank below before climbing back up to end at the iconic Nature’s Window. Temperatures in the valley can reach 50 degrees in summer, so the trail is closed after 7.00am from November to March. It’s best to attempt it in spring and autumn.

RELATED: Perth to Kalbarri road trip itinerary »

12. Karijini

Tranquil, fern-lined swimming holes, arid plateaus, and deep rock chasms are hallmarks of Karijini National Park, a desert oasis 1,400km to the northeast of Perth.

Karijini is one of WA’s most unique and picturesque national parks, one that needs to be seen to be believed. Explore its deepest crevices and hidden swimming holes by taking one of the many walking trails that weave through the park. Fern Pool and Hamersley Gorge’s Spa Pool are some of the most popular routes. Fed by a small waterfall and surrounded by curved rock, the iridescently blue waters of the latter are an unforgettable place to take a dip.

It’s best to save your visit until late autumn, winter, or spring, avoiding the blistering heat and the deluge of rain the summer (and wet season) brings.

13. Albany’s Gap and Natural Bridge

Albany’s southern-facing coastline is one of the most exposed in the state. It’s also one of the most spectacular. Enjoy panoramic views from Bald Head to West Cape Howe from universally accessible lookout points at The Gap and the Natural Bridge.

At The Gap, a meshwork platform allows you to stand 40m above the surging Southern Ocean and watch it as it smashes against the granite cliff face below. In winter, a spraying of seawater is expected, so prepare well with ponchos and raincoats. For a less turbulent and altogether drier experience, the equally scenic Natural Bridge is a short walk away.

RELATED: Perth to Albany road trip itinerary  »

14. Stirling Range and Bluff Knoll

If you thought it didn’t snow in Western Australia, think again. When the conditions are just right, a light dusting covers the Stirling Range’s tallest peak, Bluff Knoll , 415km from Perth. It’s a spectacle that draws tourists and hikers in from all around the state.

Climbing to the top of Bluff Knoll is a healthy challenge, the 6km round trip taking around 3 hours to complete. If you’re not up to the climb, there is a 42km scenic drive (on unsealed roads) that winds through the Stirling Range National Park, with plenty of lookout points along the way.

A short drive away is the Granite Skywalk in the Porongorup Range, another challenging uphill hike with a spectacular vantage point at the top.

15. Dolphins at Monkey Mia

There are few places in Western Australia where you can get a close-up look at dolphins in their natural habitat. At Monkey Mia a small resort town fringing Francois Peron National Park on the Coral Coast, morning meetings with the bottlenose are a daily occurrence.

The wild dolphins cruise into the bay in the early morning, past a line-up of people in ankle-deep water, hoping to catch a glimpse. Anyone that’s paid the reserve fee on entry to the site can join in on the viewing, but spots are limited, so it’s best to arrive early.

Post-dolphin interaction, cool off in the bay's calm waters, have a bite to eat up at RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort’s  Boughshed Restaurant or take a hiking trail through the national park.

RELATED: Things to do in the Shark Bay region »

16. Aboriginal rock art of the North West

Western Australia’s most prized art collection isn’t housed within the Art Gallery of Western Australia; it’s in the caves and on the rock faces of Murujuga National Park, 5km northeast of Dampier.

Aboriginal engravings (known as petroglyphs) in this region have been estimated to be up to 40,000 years old, providing a pictorial record of anything that held meaning to the Ngarluma-Yindjibarndi, Yaburara-Mardudhunera and the Woon-goo-tt-oo Aboriginal people of the Pilbara at that time.

The most popular site to see the ancient artwork is Ngajarli Gorge. A 700m accessible boardwalk winds through the rock piles where you can find human figures, marine life, and birds etched into the stone, as well as other historical artifacts. Remember to tread lightly, respect the artwork, and, due to cultural restrictions, avoid taking photos of any petroglyphs of the human form.

RELATED:   Aboriginal rock art of the North West »

17. Horizontal Falls

Western Australia’s Kimberley region is home to a rich Aboriginal cultural heritage, a long pearling history, and some of the most striking landscapes in the country. It can also lay claim to Australia’s largest tides. At its most extreme, the tidal difference can reach 10m or more, causing a rushing effect as the water ebbs and flows over the course of the day.

The fast-moving water can be seen all around the Buccaneer Archipelago, but it’s in Talbot Bay where the tide really puts on a show. Each day, water gushes through the narrow gaps in the McLarty Range, forming what’s known as the Horizontal Falls (or Garaanngaddim to the Dambimangari people). Witness it from the air on a scenic flight from Broome or Derby, or land on the water before jetting through the falls on a high-speed boat.

RELATED: Great drives in the Kimberly and Pilbara »

18. Abrolhos Islands

Rottnest isn’t the only idyllic island that lies off the west coast. The Houtman Abrolhos – better known as the Abrolhos Islands – is a chain of 122 small islands and islets 90-minutes from Geraldton by fast ferry or even closer by light plane. With most of the islands nothing more than brilliantly white sand, turquoise waters, and coastal scrub, they’re a day-trip destination only.

Pack a snorkel and take to the waters, where seagrass meadows and tropical coral reef meet. The islands are home to the southernmost tropical reef in the Indian Ocean, a product of the warm Leeuwin current passing through the otherwise temperate waters. On dry land, get to know the infamous history of the islands (it includes shipwrecks and mutiny), and watch the sea lions and tammar wallabies bask in the sunshine.

19. Lake Argyle

Technically classified as an inland sea, the mammoth Lake Argyle is Australia’s second-largest artificial reservoir. The freshwater system just out of Kununurra covers approximately 1000km2 and holds 32 million cubic litres of water – that’s some 20 times larger than Sydney Harbour.

Fed by the fertile Ord River, the lake is a thriving marine environment. A wildlife cruise along the lake’s shoreline, its 70 islands, and up the Ord River will expose you to the region’s plentiful native flora and fauna, including wallabies, freshwater crocodiles, and more than 240 species of bird. Cruise at sunset and the odds of ticking them all off the ‘spotto’ list increase exponentially. But, to truly appreciate the size of Lake Argyle, it’s best seen from the air.

20. Mitchell Falls

There are arguably no Australian falls more beautiful than the Kimberley’s Mitchell Falls (known as Punamii-Uunpuu to the Wunambal people). An intercept along the Mitchell River’s path, the falls tumble down a series of red rock tiers, collecting in deep, emerald-coloured pool after pool.

Swimming is permitted in the top pools, where it’s safe to cool off without the threat of the local wildlife. A dip comes as a welcome treat after the 4.3km walk out to the falls, taking the Punamii-Uunpuu walking trail from the campground.

Less energy is expended seeing the icon by air, either on a scenic flight or helicopter tour departing from Kununurra.

Need a place to stay in the Kimberley?

RAC members enjoy exclusive discounts across RAC holiday parks and resorts* including RAC Cable Beach Holiday Park.

Find out more

*Terms and conditions apply. RAC member discount not applicable on already discounted rates. Discounts available on direct bookings only made online or via phone. For more information visit our website.

Image credit: Tourism Western Australia

Related articles

11 of the best things to do in broome.

Unwind in luxury, explore the spectacular landscape or get to know the locals.

The Kimberley by land and water

The Kimberley is one of Australia’s last frontiers - and there are two ways to see it that are both very different.

15 lesser-known WA places that are worth a visit

Try something a little different during your next WA holiday by visiting these lesser-known gems.

RAC member benefits

As a member you get access to great WA travel discounts & offers

RAC Parks & Resorts

Apollo motorhomes, rent freedom with sixt australia and nz, experience wa, national park passes, rottnest fast ferries.

• Advocating change
• In the community
• Help centre
• Frequently asked questions
• Find a branch

RAC Products & Services

• Pay or Renew
• Holiday Parks and Resorts
• Home Security
• Car servicing & repair
• Home Services

Information & advice

832 Wellington Street, West Perth, Western Australia, 6005

This website is created by The Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc.). © 2024 The Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc.).

RAC acknowledges and pays respects to the Traditional Custodians throughout Australia. We recognise the continuing connection to land, waters and community.

• Accessibility
• RAC on Instagram
• RAC on Facebook
• RAC on Twitter
• RAC on LinkedIn

Must-see attractions in Western Australia

West Coast Australia

The multicolored cresting swell of Wave Rock, 209 miles (336km) east of Perth, formed some 60 million years ago by weathering and water erosion. Streaked…

The most arresting sight in the Horrocks/Port Gregory area is Hutt Lagoon, which is more commonly referred to as 'Pink Lake'. Yes, the saltwater here is…

Purnululu National Park

Broome & The Kimberley

Looking like a packet of half-melted Jaffas, World Heritage Purnululu is home to the incredible ochre and black striped 'beehive' domes of the Bungle…

Cable Beach

WA's most famous landmark offers turquoise waters and beautiful white sand curving away to the sunset. Clothing is optional north of the rocks, while…

National Anzac Centre

Opened for Albany's Anzac centenary commemorations in late 2014, this superb museum remembers the men and women who left by convoy from Albany to fight in…

Southern WA

One of Australia's top beaches, Lucky Bay has sand so white and so fine that is squeaks underfoot like rubber. Good for kite- and windsurfing. Tame…

Murujuga National Park

Murujuga is home to the world's largest concentration of rock art (dating back more than 30,000 years), stretched out along the rocky hills of the heavily…

Mornington Wilderness Camp

Part of the Australian Wildlife Conservancy, the superb Mornington Wilderness Camp is as remote as it gets, lying on the Fitzroy River, an incredibly…

Turquoise Bay

This perfect sweep of powdery-white sand, lapped at by cerulean waters, is considered one of the top beaches in Australia. If snorkelling at the reef near…

Hamelin Pool

Twenty-nine kilometres along Shark Bay Rd from the Overlander Roadhouse is the turn-off for Hamelin Pool, a marine reserve with the world's best-known…

Western Australia

Some 48km west of Cue via unsealed road, this granite monolith is Australia's second largest after Uluru (Ayers Rock). The shallow cave here is the…

Inside Australia

Imagine: the salt crust crunching underfoot as you approach one metal sentinel after another, or the white of the salt meeting the red outback dirt and…

East Pilbara Arts Centre

This state-of-the-art gallery is home to one of the state’s most successful art collectives, Martumili Artists, and is a beautiful setting in which to…

Hancock Gorge

Karijini National Park

The trail through Hancock Gorge is one of the shortest (400m, 80 minutes return) but also one of the most challenging in the park. A steep descent (partly…

Gnaraloo Bay

Some 7km north of Gnaraloo Station, past the airstrip, this crescent of white sand is as gorgeous as beaches come. You can snorkel in the cerulean waters,…

Tulyurru Regional Gallery

This terrific art gallery is Australia's largest Aboriginal-owned collection of Aboriginal art. The focus is on Ngaanyatjarra paintings by dozens of…

Kings Park & Botanic Garden

The 400-hectare, bush-filled expanse of Kings Park, smack in the city centre and enjoying epic views, is Perth's pride and joy. The Botanic Garden…

Fremantle Prison

With its forbidding 5m-high walls, the old convict-era prison dominates Fremantle. Various daytime tours explore the jail's maximum-security past, give…

WA Shipwrecks Museum

Located within an 1852 commissariat store, the Shipwrecks Museum is considered the finest display of maritime archaeology in the southern hemisphere. The…

Western Australian Museum – Maritime

Significant West Australian boats are suspended from the rafters of this sail-shaped museum building. There's the yacht that won the America's Cup race in…

Art Gallery of Western Australia

Founded in 1895, this excellent gallery houses the state's preeminent art collection as well as regular international exhibitions that, increasingly, have…

Western Australian Museum – Geraldton

At one of the state's best museums, intelligent multimedia displays relate the area's natural, cultural and Aboriginal history. The Shipwreck Gallery…

Valley of the Giants

In the Valley of the Giants, the spectacular Tree Top Walk consists of a 600m-long ramp rising from the valley, allowing visitors access high into the…

Nambung National Park

Around 14km from Cervantes, Nambung is home to the eye-popping Pinnacles Desert, a vast, alien-like plain studded with thousands of jaunty limestone…

Monkey Mia Marine Reserve

It's hard not to smile as Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins start arriving for a breakfast snack. Note that during feedings, visitors are restricted to the…

Dales Gorge

From the Fortescue Falls car park, a trail descends steeply via a long staircase to stunning Fortescue Falls (the park's only permanent waterfall; about…

Mitchell River National Park

Leave early if walking to Punamii-unpuu (Mitchell Falls; 8.6km return). The easy trail meanders through spinifex, woodlands and gorge country, dotted with…

The main ticket office for Lake, Mammoth and Jewel Caves has excellent displays about caves, cave conservation and local fossil discoveries. You'll also…

This hidden valley in Pickering Brook has sustained apple orchards since 1939. Take a one-hour tour through the trees on a tractor-pulled carriage, a 45…

Museum of the Great Southern

Encompassing the Eclipse building, the Residency Museum and Brig Amity, this regional museum is a terrific introduction to Albany's history. The Eclipse…

Dolphin Discovery Centre

Around 60 bottlenose dolphins live in the bay year-round, their numbers increasing in summer. This community-led centre teaches visitors about the…

Tunnel Creek

Sick of the sun? Then cool down underground at Tunnel Creek, which cuts through a spur of the Napier Range for almost 1km. It was famously the hideout of…

On a spectacular headland 8km south of Denham, this family-friendly attraction features an artificial lagoon where you can observe shark feedings, plus…

James Price Point

The striking red pindan cliffs of Walmadan (named for the proud warrior who once lived here) are worth a visit even if you're not camping; they're 35km…

Hamersley Gorge

Away in Karijini's northwest corner, this idyllic swimming hole and waterfall (400m; allow about an hour for the return walk) makes a lovely stop if you…

Mimbi Caves

One of the Kimberley's best-kept secrets, this vast subterranean labyrinth, 90km southeast of Fitzroy Crossing, on Gooniyandi land, houses a significant…

Bilya Koort Boodja

Next to the 117m pedestrian suspension bridge over the Avon, this striking black-clad centre honours the history, culture and environmental know-how of…

Norval Gallery

Kimberley art legends Mark and Mary Norval have set up an exciting gallery in an old tin shed on the edge of town. Featuring striking artworks, exquisite…

HMAS Sydney II Memorial

Commanding the hill overlooking Geraldton is this moving, multifaceted memorial commemorating the 1941 loss of the Sydney and its 645 men after a skirmish…

Caves Road Collective

A spectacular location on a private lake, Black Brewing Company, Ground to Cloud winery and Dune Distilling have joined forces at this tastings temple…

More destinations you need to see

10 iconic wonders to see in Western Australia

Carla Grossetti

Sub-Editor & Journalist

16 February 2023

Flip through WA’s look book and you’ll find everything from beautiful beaches to soaring sand dunes and some of the most dramatic rock formations in Australia. Here are 10 iconic wonders you need to see.

1. wave rock.

Wave Rock is a granite inselberg that has been weathered by wind and water over an estimated 2.7 billion years. Located near the Wheatbelt town of Hyden, the landform looks like a sepia-toned still from The Big Wave Project II produced by ocean cinematographer Tim Bonython. Follow the Pathways to Wave Rock self-drive trail to see the forces of erosion that have sculpted the 15-metre high granite formation, which lies 340 kilometres southeast of Perth.

Visitors snap selfies in the barrel of the giant wave that has brush strokes of ochre, yellow, brown and grey feathered into the sandstone, adding to the illusion of it moving like water. While there, check out other interesting formations within Wave Rock Reserve such as King Rocks, the Hippo’s Yawn and Mulka’s Cave, where you’ll find examples of ancient rock art.

Wave Rock is a granite inselberg that has been weathered by wind and water over an estimated 2.7 billion years. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

2. Ningaloo Reef

The seas around Ningaloo Reef are so blue and so clear you will feel like you’re floating through space when you’re swimming here. Of course, most visitors come here to catapult into the waters to swim with whale sharks between March and July each year. But the world’s largest fringing reef system is also a destination in its own right and one lesser-known fact is that you can also swim with humpback whales between August and October each year.

Stretching in an azure-fringed ribbon some 300 kilometres from Carnarvon’s Red Bluff to the Muiron Islands, Ningaloo Reef was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Area site in 2011, a listing that loops in Ningaloo Marine Park as well as Cape Range National Park. Meaning ‘promontory’ or ‘deep water’ in the language of the Baiyungu, the name Ningaloo takes on new meaning when snorkelling through the coral gardens in an aquarium of colourful fish as the continental shelf comes closer to dry land than at any other point on the mainland. Don’t worry about buying postcards, you’re pretty much in one.

The world’s largest fringing reef system is also a destination in its own right. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

3. Horizontal Falls in Talbot Bay

The Horizontal Falls are formed by fast-moving tidal currents that thunder, tumble and rage through two narrow gorges of the McLarty Range in Talbot Bay, in the Buccaneer Archipelago. There are no roads to this section of the coastline so most visitors see this wonder from the air via seaplane, or for a best-of-both-world’s experience, Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures allows you to see them from both the air and the water. When luck is on your side there are whale-spotting opportunities in winter, which just adds to the thrill of soaring over this section of the Kimberley coastline.

Described by Sir David Attenborough as ‘one of the greatest natural wonders of the world’, the phenomenon occurs as torrents of water are sucked through a narrow gap between the gorges, creating a variation in sea level of up to about four metres. During an extreme high tide, about one million litres of water funnels through the two towering cliffs every second, creating currents that appear to pull the large volume of water sideways.

For a best-of-both-world’s experience, Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures allows you to see this icon both from the air and the water. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

4. Kimberley Rock Art

The crumpled, ancient terrain of the Kimberley region in the most northern part of Western Australia is home to more than 100,000 pieces of Aboriginal rock art that date from the Palaeolithic to the modern era.

The images have been painted, engraved, sculpted and even moulded out of blobs of beeswax and spinifex resin in shades of ochre, sienna and rust in the sprawling gallery that covers an area of about 423,500 square kilometres. For context, that’s almost twice the size of the UK, making it one of the largest cultural landscapes on the planet.

The images have been painted, engraved, sculpted and even moulded out of blobs of beeswax and spinifex resin in shades of ochre, sienna and rust. (Image: Garry Norris Photography)

The rock art sites are sacred to the Traditional Owners of the Kimberley whose ancestors carried out ceremonies in the caves. Visitors to the area can take a self-guided tour of the significant rock art sites along the Kimberley coastline, from the Mitchell Plateau to Kimberley Coast and Gibb River Road, but the best way to see the art sites is on a tour with a cultural guide from the Worrorra language group who can explain the significance of the many images and motifs.

Jilinya Adventures ’ Rock Art by Air helicopter tour dips and dives around the dramatic sandstone scarps to access hidden caves where you’ll learn the ways of the Wandjina (Rainmaker Creation Spirit) that is depicted in caves all over the Kimberley.

The rock art sites are sacred to the Traditional Owners of the Kimberley. (Image: Garry Norris Photography)

5. Lucky Bay

You can’t get more Australian than seeing kangaroos bouncing over a sugar-white sandy beach edged by dunes carpeted in wildflowers, which is one of the reasons Lucky Bay regularly ranks in lists of Australia’s best beaches. While the beach is renowned for its encounters with mobs of kangaroos, who appear to flutter their eyelashes at the mere hint of a photo op, it is equally popular for snorkelling in the crystalline waters and sprawling out under the sun doing not much of anything.

Located 45 minutes from Esperance in Cape Le Grand National Park, the area is rich in Indigenous history and brimming with wildlife; if you’re visiting between July and October there’s a high chance you’ll see migrating whales. During the day you can swim, fish, surf, while at night Lucky Bay Campground invites stargazing as you camp out under an ancient canopy of planets and stars.

Lucky Bay regularly ranks in lists of Australia’s best beaches. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

6. Staircase to the Moon

Time your visit to Broome to coincide with a full moon between the months of March and October and there’s a good chance you will witness the natural phenomenon that is the so-called Staircase to the Moon, when the Earth’s natural satellite lights up the corrugated tidal flats of Roebuck Bay. The lunar light show occurs during a low tide when the ridged flats transform into a dramatic golden staircase that looks like it is ascending to the heavens.

This stunning setting is an unofficial meeting place for locals who come as much to browse the stalls at the night markets (held on the first night of each full moon) as they do to wax rhapsodic about the night sky, pin-cushioned with stars. You can sample food that speaks to the multicultural heritage of the area, and buy souvenirs that range from candles to confectionery.

You can also see the Staircase to the Moon at Onslow, Cape Keraudren and Dampier Peninsula, Cossack, Point Samson and Port Hedland.

Time your visit to Broome to coincide with a full moon. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

7. Orcas at Bremer Bay Canyon

Local intel has it that you’re almost guaranteed a sighting of orcas at Bremer Bay Canyon over summer. According to Naturaliste Charters’ marine biologist Pia Markovic, more than 150 orcas and other apex predators gather off the coast of the township of Bremer Bay between January and April each year to feast on squid and pelagic fish. It is, says Markovic, “the largest known aggregation of orcas in the Southern Hemisphere”.

Bremer Bay is about a two-hour drive from Albany and the list of species you might encounter off the continental shelf, some 45 kilometres from the harbour, also includes sunfish, beaked whales, oceanic dolphin species, great white and hammerhead sharks, albatross and sperm whales. One of the best ways to observe orcas hunting in stealth mode, breaching and socialising, spy-hopping or slapping the surface of the water with their dorsal fins is by boarding Naturaliste Charters ’ 20-metre catamaran, Alison Maree, to Bremer Point, one of the least-explored places on the planet.

More than 150 orcas and other apex predators gather off the coast of the township of Bremer Bay between January and April each year.

8. Margaret River’s Cave System

The labyrinthine network of tunnels, caves, and caverns in the Margaret River Region are estimated to be about one million years old and are one of Australia’s true lesser-known treasures.

Self-guided tours nudge visitors deep inside these gothic cathedrals, which have jagged stalagmites jutting upward from the cave floors and crystallised stalactites dripping down from the ceilings. You can also enter the caves like an action hero via an abseiling rope or tour the twisted tunnelways with a guide. Some of the real gems of the cave system include the giant stalactites in Jewel Cave, the ancient fossils in the aptly named Mammoth Cave and the passageway dubbed the Tunnel of Doom that you can crawl through at Ngilgi Cave.

Lake Cave is one of around 100 limestone caves that lie beneath the surface of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge and is, like one of Gaudi’s works of art, both strange, beautiful and grotesque. See the ‘Suspended Table’ reflected in the ‘lake’ like a crystal chandelier in this haunting hall of mirrors that reflects the misshapen pillars and melting walls of the chamber; the soundtrack of drips reminds visitors this is still a work in progress.

The labyrinthine network of tunnels, caves, and caverns in the Margaret River Region are estimated to be about one million years old. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

9. The Pinnacles

The Pinnacles are stunning other-worldly structures that, according to WA’s Parks and Wildlife Service formed about 30,000 years ago when the sea receded and left deposits of seashells.

The landscape here is like an open-air museum, an archaeological wonderland studded with thousands of limestone pillars on the golden sands of the Pinnacles Desert, just south of Cervantes and about 200 kilometres north of Perth.

Visit this wild and beautiful location in Nambung National Park as the sun is setting and watch as the Pinnacles are painted pink, then gold, then as navy as the night. In the stillness, the columns resemble the remains of an ancient temple complex. In fact, when the Dutch explored this chunk of WA in 1650 they thought the craggy spires were the ruins of a lost city.

‘Nambung’ is said to mean ‘crooked’ in the language of the Noongar peoples, the Traditional Owners of the land, and is a possible reference to the seasonal river that twists around the formations that spike out of the shifting yellow sands like giant shards of honeycomb.

The Pinnacles are stunning other-worldly structures. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

10. Bungle Bungle Range

Located within Purnululu National Park in the rugged Kimberley region, the quizzical Bungle Bungle Range is like an oversized children’s stacking puzzle rendered in rock. The orange and black beehive-like mounds, formed over 20 million years, rise and fall in hypnotic, undulating patterns across 450 square kilometres. As might be expected from such a wondrous anomaly, there is much to explore, discover and appreciate, all of which can be done by foot on a tour of its nooks and crannies, or from the air on a (seriously) scenic flight.

The orange and black beehive-like mounds, formed over 20 million years. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

LEAVE YOUR COMMENT

Cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Comments (10)

I’m shocked. I had no idea WA was such an Interesting place.

Really hope to see some of these one day

I’m amazed you didn’t feature the oldest living things on the planet. The Thrombolites at lake Clifton and Stromatolites up at Shark Bay. These are only found in WA and one or two other places in the world. The are older than dinosaurs and they needed to supply the oxygen for all later forms of life. I’ve just returned to Melbourne after time in Perth and made sure I went to Lake Clifton.

We have seen 50% of the top 10 sites in WA but look forward to doing more. A cruise up the Kimberley Coast would be good as well. Cheers Warwick Nelson

Amazing places and photos well done, I hope soon I will be able to visit all these places regards Bella

Simply fantastic & we’ve had the privilege of experiencing most of them. Aren’t we lucky!

The Bungle Bungles would have to be one of the least known and most speculator sites in Australia. The colours and the walks, and then Cathedral George. Just amazing.

One day! One day! Before I die,

What a most amazing beautiful place Western Australia is. How lucky are we in Australia to have such beauty. My husband and I Have been to 8 of these places and we definitely want to go back to see the others.

You might also like

What’s on around Australia in June 2023

There’s no shortage of things to do in Australia this month. If anyone knows that it’s us, so here is what’s happening in your state this June. ...

The Central Coast and Margaret River become certified ECO Destinations

The NSW Central Coast and Western Australia’s Margaret River region are Australia’s newest ECO Destinations after receiving certification with Eco...

A complete guide to Australia’s incredible UNESCO World Heritage sites

Historical convict sites, jaw-dropping wilderness, amazing sand formations and cultural sites where earth and memories exist as one, are just the tip ...

How many of these eccentrically Aussie experiences have you had?

Get your Akubra out, chuck your thongs on and head down to Bunnings for a snag sanga. It’s time to show just how Aussie you are. In Australia, we d...

Australia’s best outback road trips

Take a journey into the vast, red heart of Australia and discover the magic of the outback. Here are seven of Australia’s best outback road trips to...

Find all 100 Amazing Road Trips here

Discover Australia's top 100 Amazing Road Trips. Start planning your next road trip by reading our 100 Amazing Road Trips by experience below. Coast...

© Australian Traveller Media 2024. All rights reserved.

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

18 Unique And Amazing Experiences In Western Australia

• Australia and South Pacific
• Destinations

I sat motionless waiting for a small, teddy bearlike marsupial to investigate the fallen rubber fig fruits that littered the ground around me. After about 15 minutes, a curious female ventured over, scooping up berries and popping them into her mouth. As if noticing a mysterious new statue, she turned, placed her tiny, taloned front paws on the edge of my sneaker, and looked up at me, lips smacking.

My close encounter with the animal kind, on Rottnest Island, lasted only a few seconds and was just one of the memorable moments of my trip to Western Australia (WA), which was sponsored by the region’s tourism board. The largest of the country’s six states, WA is also the least known to American tourists. Here is one of the world’s 36 biodiversity hotspots. You don’t have to look far for unforgettable experiences.

Western Australia is teeming with outdoor recreation and plenty of opportunities to glimpse endemic wildlife in its 100 national parks, 3,500 beaches, and 17 marine parks. The state also has rich cultural activities and a lively food and drink scene. Here’s a guide to 25 unique and amazing experiences you can have in Western Australia.

Pro Tip: When booking a trip to Australia, remember that its seasons are opposite to ours. Spring runs from September through November, summer is from December through February, fall takes place in March through May, and June through August marks winter.

1. Mullaloo Beach 

Recognize the hard truth that you can’t see every sandy shore, then schedule a trip to Mullaloo Beach , about 20 minutes northwest of Perth. One of the region’s more popular and easiest-to-access beaches, it features a strip of pristine white sand juxtaposed against turquoise water. 

2. Smiths Beach

If dramatic surfing — and great surfing — are more your speed, head to Smiths Beach in Yallingup. It’s a favorite among surfers admiring the crash of the swells and for photographing candy-colored sunrises.

3. Rottnest Island

About 11 miles off the coast of WA and accessible by ferry , you’ll find Rottnest Island. A stunning getaway from the mainland with lots of beaches, a lighthouse, and a “downtown” where you can eat and sip. Little Salmon Bay, one of 20 bays and 63 beaches on the island, is beloved for its calm waters — perfect for swimming and snorkeling among tropical fish swept in on the warm Leeuwin Current and vibrant coral reefs about 300 feet offshore. 

The Best Passport Covers (Review 2022)

Rottnest is known for its population of quokkas, or short-tailed scrub wallabies. Although quokkas once roamed around the WA mainland, very few exist there today. The largest population — somewhere between 10,000 and 12,000 — lives on Rottnest Island , 

While celebrities helped bring needed attention to the threatened species with quokka selfies, it’s both unethical and illegal — and could incur fines from a couple hundred to tens of thousands of dollars — to pet, otherwise touch or interfere with, or feed the animals. Keep your distance and ask a friend to snap your picture rather than trying to get close enough for a selfie.

4. Cape To Cape Track

The 75-mile Cape to Cape Track spans the southwestern coast from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin. Multi-day hikes with camping allow for a fuller experience; Cape to Cape Explorer Tours will handle the logistics for you, as well as provide local guides who are knowledgeable about the region’s geology and native plant species.

Day treks along the Cape to Cape Track are also possible. We walked a lovely easy-to-moderate section that starts above Smiths Beach. The trail winds through extraterrestrial-looking red rocks before plunging into a thick forest canopy and includes several scenic overlooks.

5. Gloucester National Park

In Pemberton’s Gloucester National Park , take one of five bushwalking or mountain biking trails — from a half mile to 7.5 miles long — through a forest of karri trees, an iconic Australian species that can grow over 300 feet tall. If you’re in a daring mood, climb the 153 iron pegs to the top of the 173-foot Gloucester Tree, which once served as a fire lookout. 

6. Dryandra Woodland National Park

Animal lovers should make a special stop at Dryandra Woodland National Park in Dryandra, about two hours south of Perth. The park was created to conserve a variety of threatened native species, which are protected from predators like feral cats. Book a guided night tour of the Barna Mia sanctuary within the park to glimpse elusive nocturnal species like the bunny-eared bilby, gerbil-like woylie, and the chubby-cheeked boodie.

During the day, look for impossible cuteness like the numbat (a striped-and-spotted anteater about the size of a squirrel), tammar wallaby (a sort of shrunken kangaroo), tawny frogmouth (a squat, dome-headed bird that camouflages itself against tree bark), and the echidna (a long-snouted, quill-covered mammal that looks like a cross between an anteater and a hedgehog).

7. Busselton Jetty

For a tamer nature experience, head to Busselton and the 1.2-mile Busselton Jetty , the longest timber-framed water structure in the southern hemisphere. Walk or take the quaint, old-timey train to the end of the jetty. Then take the stairs or elevator to the 360-degree underwater observatory. Here, 26 feet below the surface, you can watch 300 species of marine life, including bright tropical fish, weave through the artificial reef created by the jetty’s piles. 

8. Margaret River

This slice of Down Under is best known for the Margaret River , its famous wine-producing region. One of the world’s youngest and brightest grape producers, Margaret River is the location of Australian pioneers like Vasse Felix , Cullen , and Voyager Estate . All three make a range of flavorful wines, especially chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, and the country’s marquee vino, shiraz.

For a unique experience, head to Leeuwin Estate . Visit their gallery of original label art then head up to the dining room for a leisurely lunch paired with Leeuwin’s wines. Of the four inventive courses served at our meal, the scallop crudo with horseradish, kohlrabi, and elderflower, served with Leeuwin’s 2021 Art Series Riesling, was my favorite.

9. Fremantle Prison

WA boasts museums dedicated to everything from maritime history and shipwrecks to art. Fremantle Prison , originally built to house convicts exiled from England, is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Touring its cellblocks, perimeter walls, and tunnels offers a poignant perspective into how prisoners were treated. The original art painted on some of the cells and yard walls by residents is especially fascinating.

10. WA Museum Boola Bardip

In the Perth Cultural Centre, the recently opened WA Museum Boola Bardip — “many stories” in Wadjuk Nyoongar, the language of the Aboriginal peoples who settled the land — features eight permanent galleries plus temporary exhibition space. The indigenous hall, developed to reflect the perspectives of dozens of groups around the region, is particularly noteworthy. I found myself transfixed by the dreaming stories of the Ngarda-Ngarli.

11. Go Cultural Aboriginal Tours

Another highlight from my trip was a tour of Kings Park in Perth with Walter and Meg McGuire of Go Cultural Aboriginal Tours and Experiences . Walter and Meg are Nyoongar and Kungarakan, respectively. They told us a wealth of stories from, and what the land signifies to, their people.

Walter assigned each of us the name of an animal guide. Mine was koolbardi, the Western magpie, thanks to our shared preference for rising with the dawn. Later in the tour, as we sat in a semicircle in the grass learning about traditional wooden tools, the magpies began to gather. First one and then an entire group, cocking their heads, and listening to Walter. He turned and addressed the birds in his native language. They drew closer, seemingly spellbound. Although it happened in front of the group, it felt like the moment was meant for me.

12. Bushfood Experiences

Although I didn’t have an opportunity to book one, I’ve heard rave reviews of Dale Tilbrook’s bush food experiences. She’ll guide you through tastings of a variety of wild foods, like quandong, sandalwood nuts, and native lime. Tilbrook also discusses the medicinal properties of plants and spices. Snap a picture with the local emus, then sit down to sweet and savory dishes, like bush tucker pie.

13. Twilight Didgeridoo Cave Tours

Koomal Dreaming offers private twilight tours of Ngilgi Cave, a 128-foot-deep cavern full of stalagmites and stalactites. The tour is led by a cultural custodian of the Wadandi people who introduces you to the dreaming spirits that have long been a part of the lives of the Wadandi and Bibbulman tribes. Pause, deep inside the earth, to listen to the playing of a didgeridoo. 

14. Truffle Hill

Did you know that Western Australia is one of the world’s most successful cultivators of superior Périgord truffles? Neither did I until I visited Manjimup, about 1.5 hours from Margaret River. Although the loamy soil and climate have something to do with it, no one is exactly sure why the region has such alchemical fungus-growing qualities.

However, mine is not to question. Mine is to find and taste. That’s exactly what I did at Truffle Hill , where I went on a guided fungus search-and-rescue mission with master hunter Adrien Mielke and Armani the truffle-sniffing black Labrador. I even got to excavate one of the earthy gems myself, but sadly, I was not allowed to keep it. To be fair, the golf-ball-size specimen probably retailed for over $100.

15. Lamont’s Restaurant 

Owned by top chef Kate Lamont, this restaurant, at Smiths Beach Resort , is a farm-to-table delight. Lamont makes use of native foods like wattleseed, macadamia nuts, and Kakadu plum in her savory appetizers and entrees. Save room for the sky-high pavlova topped with a juicy passionfruit and banana compote and drizzled with crème anglaise.

16. Ampersand Estates

Soon after landing in WA, I knew I’d met my cocktail-sipping compatriots. Aussies love spirits, especially gin, which is experiencing a renaissance in the region. Lots of small-batch producers have sprung up, among them Rainfall Distillery , located on the vineyard property of Ampersand Estates . Ampersand also offers tastings of their young, crowd-pleasing wines; bespoke picnics featuring local cheeses, charcuterie, and jams; and luxury accommodations in their newly renovated farmhouses.

17. Gage Roads 

The region has several prolific craft breweries. The new Gage Roads , in a light, bright, and industrial-chic warehouse in Fremantle, is led by a rare female brewmaster. Tour the facility then sit down to a tasting and a casual lunch of pizza, fish and chips, oysters, or tacos. 

18. Shelter Brewing

Over in Busselton, lively, collegial Shelter Brewing serves refreshing summer sours, pale ales, and more. Their food game — featuring juicy burgers, handmade pizzas, and even poké bowls — is strong. If you’re a dessert aficionado like me, get the choc tops, a cone of mint ice cream covered in a hard chocolate shell, and served alongside the oddly delicious triple-dip combination of chocolate sauce, popcorn, and M&Ms.

For more articles about traveling to Australia, check out these articles:

• The Unique Ways To Experience The Coastal Vineyards Of South Australia
• 8 Unique Native Ingredients Making An Impact On Australian Menus
• 7 Unique Foods To Try In Northern Australia, And Where To Find Them

A specialist in coastal travel, the northeast U.S., and Spain, Robin is a travel journalist and the writer behind the travel blog Once More to the Shore . Her work has appeared in National Geographic , Travel + Leisure , TIME , Smithsonian , Conde Nast Traveler , AFAR , Hemispheres , and a range of other publications, both national and regional.

A New Englander by birth now living in the Hudson Valley, Robin understands the call of the sea, and the allure of rock-strewn beaches and shrouded forests. She also knows that a Maine-style lobster roll — the one true lobster roll — is best paired with a crisp hard cider, and that nothing beats a Rhode Island clam cake.

An honorary Spaniard by marriage, Robin visits Spain at least once a year, and has never met a town or tapa she didn’t like. When she’s not writing about travel, she can usually be found exploring regional lakes in her inflatable kayak, hiking the Taconics, or attempting to snap the perfect photo of the wildlife around her home.

Home » Travel Guides » Australia » 15 Best Places to Visit in Western Australia

15 Best Places to Visit in Western Australia

Western Australia is a hidden treasure of Australian sightseeing; many international tourists only visit the Eastern states, and aren’t aware of the gorgeous natural beauty that WA has to offer.

From the stunning Jewel Cave to a bright pink lake, and the friendliest dolphins you’ll ever meet, WA is a great spot for ecotourism, as well as boasting some exciting urban centres you won’t want to miss!

Lets have a look at the best places to visit in Western Australia :

1. The Pinnacles

The Pinnacles are probably the first thing that comes to mind when most people think of Western Australia (well, other than the quokka selfies phenomenon!) It’s a vast expanse of limestone formations in the middle of the desert; you can walk for hours in what really does feel like another planet!

Scientists aren’t entirely sure how the Pinnacles were formed, but one thing is for sure: they’re incredible.

They’re one of Australia’s most popular regional destinations for tourists, with approximately 150,000 visitors per year.

The best season to visit the Pinnacles is Spring, before the WA summer gets too hot, and when you can enjoy stunning wildflowers on your drive through the desert.

The best time of day is early morning or late afternoon, when you can enjoy the effect of the silhouettes of the limestone formations; if you’re lucky, you might even see a kangaroo or emu!

2. Monkey Mia

Monkey Mia is a childhood favorite of many “sandgropers” (the nickname for Western Australians); bottlenose dolphins have been swimming up to the shore for over half a century, to play and interact with human visitors (and to get a good feed!) It used to be possible for anyone to swim with and feed the dolphins, but as the site became more popular, the dolphins were spending too much time at shore and getting a bit too much to eat, so the site is now regulated by the Department of Parks and Wildlife and the number of people who can swim with the dolphins is limited, but you still get a very up-close-and-personal view even if you don’t have the chance to swim, so it’s well worth doing!

The dolphins are very used to people, and very interactive; it’s also one of the only sites in the world where dolphins are actively coming to shore to play with humans.

The Department also provides a fascinating educational commentary about dolphin society and about the site itself.

While you’re in Monkey Mia, you can also take an Aboriginal cultural walk, ride a camel, or visit a working pearl farm.

Monkey Mia is part of the Shark Bay Marine Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage listed site, so there’s plenty of other exciting places to explore while you’re around this part of WA.

3. Mount Augustus

Mount Augustus is the world’s largest rock; Western Australians like to joke that they’ve got no need to see “that other rock” (Uluru, aka Ayers Rock), because despite Uluru’s fame, WA has got a rock twice as big at 860 metres! It also appears to be different colors depending on the time of day (from a deep indigo to a bright pink), and it’s heavily vegetated, making it particularly eye-catching during wildflower season.

There’s also ancient Aboriginal rock art, and stunning native flora and fauna in the area.

4. Jewel Cave

Jewel Cave is WA’s largest tourist cave, and as you can see from the photo, it is very aptly named! Its scenery is extraordinarily ethereal, and it is truly a sight to see in person.

The spectacular array of stalactites and helictites are awe-inspiring, and you will be amazed by this beautiful work of nature thousands of years in the making.

The cave also boasts one of the world’s largest straw stalactites! Guided tours are available, and they’re very informative.

If you’d like to see more, there’s quite a few other beautiful tourist caves in the region: ask at the Margaret River tourist information centre for more information.

5. Horizontal Waterfalls

Nicknamed the “Horries”, these waterfalls are exactly what the name suggests: waterfalls that are horizontal, rather than vertical! This extremely unusual site was described by David Attenborough as “one of the greatest natural wonders of the world”, and it’s an intriguing and unique sight that you’ll never forget.

6. Esperance

Esperance is a favorite holiday spot for locals and tourists alike.

The beaches are stunning, with Twilight Beach voted the best in Australia! The atmosphere of the town is great, and there’s plenty of natural and cultural attractions to keep you occupied.

The Historical Museum Village is a lot of fun, and gives you an insight into life in the early days of the town, as well as some fascinating architecture.

It’s also a very child-friendly destination: there’s a bird and animal park, Adventureland Park, and a very authentic mini steam train.

There are three national parks in the Shire of Esperance, boasting stunning natural beauty, and it’s a favorite spot on the WA wildflower trail as well.

7. Kings Park

Smack-dab in the middle of Perth city centre, you’ll find a massive park that’s a favorite respite from the rat race for local city-dwellers, and a must-see for tourists as well.

The botanic gardens are a great introduction to native flora, much of which is unique to WA! 80 bird species also reside in this park, so it’s a treat for birdwatchers.

Two-thirds of this 4  km2 park is bushland, made accessible by walking trails, and giving you a taste of what the land was like before the city was built.

As the park is high upon a hill, you’ll also get a picture-perfect view of the city and the Swan River from the Fraser Avenue Precinct area, and it’s worth coming back again at sunset to enjoy the panorama of city lights.

8. Margaret River

Margaret River is a quaint little tourist town that’s famous for wineries and surfing, but has much more to offer: the town boasts many local artisan crafts and gourmet delights, such as the Margaret River Fudge Factory, and 9 local breweries (and a thriving bar scene, of course!) You’ll also find delicious heirloom fruits and vegetables at the farmers’ market.

Margaret River is a great place to base yourself while exploring the attractions of the wider region: Jewel Cave, Busselton Jetty, and the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse are all a short drive away.

There’s often interesting events going on in the town or nearby; check at the tourist information centre or online to see what’s happening during your trip.

9. Scarborough Beach

This is one of Perth’s most popular beaches, and it’s great fun for a swim in summer or to enjoy the Perth tradition of beachside fish and chips.

It’s a popular spot for people in their teens and early 20s to catch up, relax and sunbathe; it can get a little busy, so if you’re traveling with little ones in tow, you might want to check out Mullaloo Beach a bit further north up the coast.

Broome is a beach resort town that’s a popular base for exploring the Kimberley region, but the town has a lot to offer too! The town is a great spot to learn about Aboriginal Australian culture, and it’s also known internationally for its high-quality pearls, whale-watching and kayaking.

You can even ride a camel here! Nearby Cable Beach and the Dampier Peninsula are gorgeous, and the Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park and Animal Refuge are a great way to see some Aussie animals; watching the crocodiles get fed is a lot of fun!

11. Denmark

Just over 400km south of Perth, this little town is a beloved getaway for locals, and a popular wedding spot.

There’s lots to see and do in Denmark: Bartholomews Meadery boasts a great range of mead and other honey products (the chocolate honey is particularly delicious!), and Dinosaur World has a collection of skeletons that includes the only T-Rex in Australia.

The nearby Valley of the Giants treetop walk boasts some stunning scenery as you walk through the forest canopy at 40m high.

There’s also lots of delicious local produce and wines to enjoy, and at the Wine and Truffle Company you can even go on a guided truffle hunt!

12. Fremantle

Fremantle is a funky cultural centre just south of Perth city centre, with beautifully preserved heritage buildings, a vibrant bar scene, and great boutique shopping and restaurants.

There’s plenty of tourist spots to enjoy: Fremantle Prison does spooky guided night tours, the award-winning Little Creatures Brewery is a hipster hangout with delicious food and beer, and at the Fremantle Markets there’s an eclectic range of stalls, from stylish vintage clothes to cronuts.

13. Bridgetown

Bridgetown is a gorgeous, little-known town about 3 hours south of Perth, with a very arty culture and very Aussie architecture! Have a wander around the town centre and enjoy the atmosphere, and then check out the Brierley Jigsaw Gallery (home of the world’s smallest wooden jigsaw!). There’s a Christmas shop that’s open all year round, and an adorably old-world candy store called Ooh la Lollipop that’s a feast for the eyes and tummy alike.

Wag Walters Emporium is another adorable vintage goods store that is a fun place to find some souvenirs for your friends back home.

14. Wolfe Creek

This national park was relatively unknown until the very creepy horror movie, Wolf Creek, gave it perhaps more publicity than any other national park in the country.

The movie was inspired by an actual murder in the area, and while it was mostly filmed in South Australia, the Wolfe Creek crater does feature in the movie and its sequel.

The crater itself is a truly eerie sight: it is almost 900 metres in diameter, and was created by the impact of a meteorite around 300,000 years ago.

It’s considered the second most ‘obvious’ (un-deformed by erosion) meteorite impact crater on Earth, and is well worth a visit.

It’s particularly beautiful to see during sunrise or sunset.

The site doesn’t have much in the way of tourist facilities, and no water is available, so stock up before you go on the barren desert drive, especially in summer!

15. Kalbarri

Kalbarri is located at the mouth of the Murchinson river, and boasts a wide variety of gorgeous natural scenery, from seaside cliffs to inland gorges and stunning beaches.

The local pelican colony is adorable, and well-fed by tourists, and you can also find the largest free-flight parrot aviary in the country here! There’s also a thriving art scene for you to pick up some knick-knacks.

In Spring, this is a great spot for wildflowers and whale and dolphin-watching, and in Summer the town is a great place to relax on the beach with your family.

Visit the tourist information centre for information on walking tours and nature trails, and don’t forget to visit the Pink Lake, an amazing natural phenomenon (exactly what it sounds like – a bright-pink lake!) that’s a perfect backdrop to make your friends on Instagram and Snapchat wish they’d come along for the trip!

15 Best Places to Visit in Western Australia:

• The Pinnacles
• Mount Augustus
• Horizontal Waterfalls
• Margaret River
• Scarborough Beach
• Wolfe Creek

Welcome to Western Australia

Tourism Western Australia acknowledges Aboriginal peoples as the traditional custodians of Western Australia and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We celebrate the diversity of Aboriginal West Australians and honour their continuing connection to Country, culture and community. We recognise and appreciate the invaluable contributions made by First Nations peoples across many generations in shaping Western Australia as a premier destination.

• Places to visit in Western Australia

Western Australia is HUGE and there is so much to do. Here are my tips for the best places to visit in Western Australia.

Written by Michael Turtle

Michael Turtle is the founder of Travel Australia Today. He has been a journalist for more than 20 years and loves exploring different parts of Australia.

Michael Turtle is the founder of Travel Australia Today and has been a journalist for 20 years.

Last updated: December 22, 2021

The best places to visit in Western Australia

Use this table of contents to jump down, or keep reading to see my suggestions for the best places to visit in Western Australia.

Margaret River

East kimberley, west kimberley.

It should probably be no surprise that the country’s largest state, Western Australia, has one of the most impressive collections of sights to see. With so little mass development along the coast or in the harsh central landscapes, some of the country’s best natural sights have been left untouched here.

There are lots of places to visit in Western Australia and the distances between them are enormous. This is not a state where you pop in for a quick trip and see everything.

I would recommend either just concentrating on one region – or giving yourself several months for a proper road trip.

When it comes to the best things to see in Western Australia, you can take your pick of the sort of experience you’re looking for.

Perth and the surrounding regions like Margaret River have a great focus on food and wine, and you can taste some of the best produce in the country.

Along the south coast, there are beautiful beaches and the legacy of some interesting history. If you head up the west coast, you’ll come to some of the most important natural systems on the planet, including two World Heritage Sites.

And then there’s the outback, where there’s a combination of remote towns and dramatic landscapes.

All in all, there is so much to see! Here are my suggestions for the best places to see in Western Australia.

As Australia’s western capital, Perth is famous for its dramatic sunsets over the water… but during the days, it’s also the country’s sunniest major city.

The raw beauty flows in from the landscapes surrounding Perth – the beaches, the Swan River, and the wineries. In recent years, though, the growth in cool new bars and restaurants has given the city an urban hipster feel.

This is on top of cultural attractions like museums and art galleries – and the historic Perth Mint and Fremantle Prison (which is part of a World Heritage Site).

The nearby Swan Valley may not be as famous as Margaret River but, seeing as it’s only 25 minutes from Perth, it’s much easier to reach. Swan Valley is the state’s oldest wine region and has about 70 restaurants and cafes where you can do tastings and try the local produce.

And, of course, how can you visit Perth and not pop over to Rottnest Island to see one of the country’s cutest animals, the Quokka, and take a selfie with these smiley little guys!

Margaret River has truly become an international name and deserves its reputation as one of the world’s top wine regions. There are more than 100 wineries here, producing over 15 per cent of Australia’s premium wine.

From Perth, Margaret River is about three hours away and it’s definitely deserving of more than just a day trip. As well as wine tastings and top restaurants, there are art galleries, craft breweries, and lots of food festivals throughout the year.

Aside from the wine, the Margaret River region is known for its excellent big-wave surfing, although there are also calm beaches for those who just want to relax. There aren’t many places in the world where you can get from a winery to the ocean so quickly.

Inland, there are hardwood forests to explore, ancient limestone caves you walk through, and other adventure activities like canoeing, rock climbing, and mountain biking.

Further along the dramatic coast is Albany, the spot where the first European settlers set foot on the state, and you’ll find remnants of the colonial history here.

But there’s also the heritage of what came after, particularly the whaling industry. The Historic Whaling Station at Discovery Bay is a fascinating site.

One of the most important landmarks in Albany is the National Anzac Centre, the museum that tells the emotional stories of the ANZACs – the first of which left for the First World War from here.

The landscapes around Albany are beautiful but not as harsh as the regions further north in Western Australia. There is good hiking along the coast at Torndirrup National Park, where you’ll find some of the region’s most famous natural attractions, like Natural Bridge and The Gap.

For something a bit lighter, there’s the boardwalk at Ellen Cove and the nearby cafes and beaches – or try some of the oysters and fresh seafood at Emu Point.

Beaches don’t get much better than this, and there’s a good reason why Esperance is famous for its white sand and turquoise water along the vast stretch of coast. The best known is Lucky Bay, which is said to be Australia’s whitest beach. (No, it’s not Cronulla).

Swimming and snorkelling are a great way to spend your time here, but there are also some good surf spots if you’re keen to try the waves. Fishing its pretty popular too.

Although it’s the nature that captures people’s attention at first, it’s also nice to realise that there are galleries and museums here – a fun exhibit is the remains of the NASA Skylab that crashed back to Earth near here.

The locals have also developed a really interesting tourism industry here so there’s plenty to do – Indigenous cultural tours, sand boarding, island cruises, and four-wheel-drive beach safaris.

Oh, and there’s also the famous Pink Lake, which sits just next to the dark blue of the Indian Ocean, with just a thin strip of lush green forest between the two. For photographers, it’s definitely one of the most striking places to visit in Western Australia.

Head north from Esperance and, about 400 kilometres later, you’ll reach Kalgoorlie.

Founded during a gold rush in the 1880s, Kalgoorlie is the biggest city in the Australian outback and offers a true insight into life in the middle of the country.

The city has a rich legacy of architecture from the golden days, and there’s a (perhaps surprisingly) vibrant food and nightlife scene. To see where this all started, you can visit the Super Pit, one of the world’s largest open cut mines.

There’s quite a bit to see here, including the Kalgoorlie-Boulder WA Museum, the Royal Flying Doctor’s Visitor Centre, and Indigenous art galleries. There’s also a large outdoor art gallery at Inside Australia and the ghost town of Gwalia.

If you can time your trip, I would suggest visiting in spring when the dazzling wildflowers fill the land and bring the whole region to life in rich colours.

I used to say that I wanted to go on a trip to explore the Kimberley. It was only when I really started looking into the details that I realised how enormous the Kimberley is (it’s about double the size of the whole of Victoria).

Unless you’ve got a lot of time, you’ll need to break up the region into a couple of trips, so let’s first look at the east.

Kununurra is the gateway to the eastern side of the Kimberley. While there’s not too much to do in this young outback town, you can use it as a base to visit the neighbouring Lake Argyle, the largest manmade lake in the southern hemisphere, with plenty of water activities.

Probably the highlight in the region is the World Heritage Site of Purnululu National Park and the famous Bungle Bungle Range. These orange and black sandstone domes are one of geology’s greatest fascinations and you can explore by foot or do a helicopter trip over the top.

Also in the eastern part of the Kimberley is Gibb River Road, a special 4WD track that takes you through the Australian outback to untouched wilderness, ancient gorges, and epic cattle stations.

Passing through Halls Creek, you’ll also be able to see what remains of the town that boomed when gold was found here but was eventually abandoned.

 On the western side of the Kimberley, the main city is Broome.

Broome itself is a charming place, where eco-retreats and chic resorts mix with hostels and camping vans. As the pearling capital of Australia, there’s a blend between the industrial and luxury elements that go with that.

Cable Beach is one of the best things to see in Broome , and the camel rides along the sand are iconic. But there’s also Sun Pictures – the world’s oldest operating outdoor cinema – and the weekly markets.

Not too far from Broome is the Dampier Peninsula, with the stunning red-rock cliffs and a wealth of Indigenous heritage to discover.

You can cruise the 1000 islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago, fly over the incredible Horizontal Falls , or adventure in the Mitchell Plateau where tropical rainforests meet wild escarpments.

Inland, you can also base yourself the outback town of Fitzroy Crossing and use that as a great base for exploration of the nearby Devonian National Parks – Tunnel Creek, Windjana Gorge and Geikie Gorge.

Coming back down the coast, you’ll eventually get to Exmouth, the springboard for one of the most stunning places to visit in Western Australia – Ningaloo Reef.

Listed as a World Heritage Site, Ningaloo Reef is the world’s largest fringing reef and is home to an amazing collection of animals, including dolphins, manta rays, turtles, humpback whales, and the whale shark.

You can experience Ningaloo Reef by snorkelling, diving, or in a glass-bottom boat. The Great Barrier Reef gets all of the attention with tourists normally, but there’s something very special about this place as well.

Exmouth itself is pleasant but there’s not a lot to do in the town. You can use it as a base to go inland and explore the Cape Range National Park, with rugged red gorges and canyons.

Further down the coast, you’ll reach another World Heritage Site, Shark Bay, where the only town with accommodation is Denham.

The natural wonders here are quite incredible and there are lots of ways to explore and experience Shark Bay.

The most famous attraction is Monkey Mia, where wild dolphins come to shore to interact with people in the shallow waters. But Shark Bay is also home to the largest population of dugongs in the world.

There’s Francois Peron National Park, which protects some of Australia’s most important wilderness, and off-shore you can visit Dirk Hartog Island National Park, which has rare animal species.

It’s hard to know how you will fit everything in, because Shark bay also has beautiful beaches, the stromatolites known as the world’s oldest living fossils, fishing, 4WD adventure tracks, and lots of Indigenous heritage activities.

And finally, if you keep going south, a few hours before you reach Perth you will get to Cervantes. It’s another coastal town with stunning beaches and islands, with great snorkelling and fishing.

But the main reason to stop at Cervantes is to use it as your gateway to visit the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park. This unique landscape with the eerie limestone spires rising up from the ground feels like another planet.

Cervantes for founded to support the local cray fishing industry and you can still taste some of the fresh seafood here. There’s a decent range of accommodation and dining options.

Heading south, you can also stop at Lake Thetis to see the collection of stromatolites that have been created in the high salinity levels of the water here.

More Western Australia stories

• Things to do in Broome
• Taking a Horizontal Falls tour

Follow on facebook:

Subscribe for news and deals:.

top stories:

THE 10 BEST Western Australia Sights & Landmarks

Western australia landmarks.

• Points of Interest & Landmarks
• Monuments & Statues
• Historic Sites
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Scarborough
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Couples
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Fremantle Prison

2. The Perth Mint

Recommended Sightseeing Experiences (322)

3. Busselton Jetty

4. The Bell Tower

5. State War Memorial

6. Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse

7. HMAS Sydney II Memorial

8. Gantheaume Point

9. Elizabeth Quay

10. Yanchep National Park

11. The Superpit

12. Albany Wind Farm

13. Vlamingh Head Lighthouse

14. Lotterywest Federation Walkway

15. Fraser Avenue Lookout

16. St. Mary's Cathedral

17. Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse

18. The Fremantle Round House

19. Chainsaw Sculpture Drive

20. Great Ocean Drive

21. South Perth Foreshore

22. Desert Mounted Corps Memorial

23. The Loop and Z Bend Gorge

24. Carnarvon Blowholes

25. Gloucester Tree

26. Red Bluff

27. Caves Road

28. Kalbarri Skywalk

29. Optus Stadium

30. Staircase To The Moon

What travellers are saying

Australia Recommends 2024

Come and Say G'day

G'day, the short film

Discover your Australia

Travel videos

Deals and offers

Australian Capital Territory

New South Wales

Northern Territory

South Australia

Western Australia

External Territories

The Whitsundays

Mornington Peninsula

Port Douglas

Ningaloo Reef

Airlie Beach

Kangaroo Island

Rottnest Island

Hamilton Island

Lord Howe Island

Tiwi Islands

Phillip Island

Bruny Island

Margaret River

Barossa Valley

The Grampians

Hunter Valley

McLaren Vale

Glass House Mountains

Alice Springs

Uluru and Kata Tjuta

The Kimberley

Flinders Ranges

Kakadu National Park

Eyre Peninsula

Karijini National Park

Great Barrier Reef

Blue Mountains

Daintree Rainforest

Great Ocean Road

Purnululu National Park

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Litchfield National Park

Aboriginal experiences

Arts and culture

Festivals and events

Food and drink

Adventure and sports

Walks and hikes

Road trips and drives

Beaches and islands

Nature and national parks

Eco-friendly travel

Health and wellness

Family travel

Family destinations

Family road trips

Backpacking

Work and holiday

Beginner's guide

Accessible travel

Planning tips

Trip planner

Australian budget guide

Itinerary planner

Find a travel agent

Find accommodation

Find transport

Visitor information centres

Deals and travel packages

Visa and entry requirements FAQ

Customs and biosecurity

Working Holiday Maker visas

Facts about Australia

Experiences that will make you feel like an Aussie

People and culture

Health and safety FAQ

Cities, states & territories

Iconic places and attractions

When is the best time to visit Australia?

Seasonal travel

Events and festivals

School holidays

Public holidays

How to get to Australia's most iconic cities

How long do I need for my trip to Australia?

How to travel around Australia

Guide to driving in Australia

How to hire a car or campervan

How to plan a family road trip

How to plan an outback road trip

Perth, Western Australia

Guide to Perth

Aboriginal name:  Boorloo (pronounced Boor-loo)

• Share Share on Facebook Share on Messenger Share on Twitter Share on WhatsApp Copy Link
• Getting to Perth
• When to visit
• Accessibility

Embrace the best of both worlds in Perth, where soft-sand beaches and scenic parks meet a thriving metropolis of small bars, creative restaurants and curated street art.

Australia's urban oasis of Perth is nestled within the vast nature of Western Australia – and that's why the locals love it! Here, not only can you relax on the serene white-sand beaches, but you can immerse yourself in the bustling art galleries, historic neighbourhoods and epic events. Just outside of Perth, you can find idyllic local wineries and unique wildlife.

Perth/Boorloo stands on the ancient country of the Whadjuk Noongar people, one of the 14 clans of the Noongar nation, who have been the Traditional Owners of the south west of Western Australia for at least 45,000 years. Experience Aboriginal culture with the many First Nations tours operating in Perth all year round.

• Traditional name: Boorloo (pronounced Boor-loo) 
• Indigenous Peoples: Whadjuk Noongar people
• Traditional lands: Whadjuk Noongar Nation
• Traditional languages: Noongar language
• How to say g’day in Noongar: Kaya

Perth Airport is easy to access both from international and domestic transit hubs. If you are flying from Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne, you can get a direct flight into Perth with an average flight time of five hours. 

• Perth Airport (PER) is 12km (7.5mi) from the city and services domestic and international arrivals
• Hire cars, taxis and rideshare services as well as shuttle buses are available to book prior to your arrival, or on the day 

Cycling is the most popular mode of transport for residents, but the city also offers an efficient and affordable public transport system. Read more about getting around Perth .

The weather in Perth is very consistent all year round. Enjoy a hot, dry summer between December and February, and a mild winter between June and August. 

From September to November, not only is the weather dry and warm, but it is also the perfect time to spot whales migrating along the coast as the females with newborn calves are on their way back from the nursery grounds.

• High season: Dryer seasons (September to January)
• Low season: Wetter seasons (March to May)
• Don’t miss: Whale watching in spring (September to November)

Perth welcomes visitors of all abilities and offers a range of accessible facilities and experiences.

• Arrival: Travellers with disabilities, including hidden disabilities , can receive special assistance with baggage and travel throughout Perth Airport.
• Getting around: The Transperth website helps you navigate Perth’s many accessible buses, trains and ferries.
• Accessible experience highlights: Travellers with limited mobility can join Go Cultural Tours to explore Aboriginal art and history. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, head out for a day of fishing with Fishability .
• Helpful resources: Travellers who are blind or have low-vision can access audio guides to Perth and surrounds via the Vacayit app .

Top restaurants in Perth

Must-try restaurants

Top coffee shops

Cheap eats in Perth

Best cocktail bars

Best breakfasts

Wineries in Swan Valley

Trip essentials.

Where to stay

Weather in Perth

Suburb guide

Getting Around

Destinations near Perth

Cottesloe Beach

The Coral Coast

Albany & Denmark

Trips and Itineraries

3 days in Perth

10 days along the Coral Coast

10-day trip of colourful attractions

14 incredible days on Christmas and Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Explore another city.

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience.  Find out more . By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

• New Zealand (English)
• United States (English)
• Canada (English)
• United Kingdom (English)
• India (English)
• Malaysia (English)
• Singapore (English)
• Indonesia (Bahasa Indonesia)
• Deutschland (Deutsch)
• France (Français)
• Italia (Italiano)
• 中国大陆 (简体中文)

*Product Disclaimer:  Tourism Australia is not the owner, operator, advertiser or promoter of the listed products and services. Information on listed products and services, including Covid-safe accreditations, are provided by the third-party operator on their website or as published on Australian Tourism Data Warehouse where applicable. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Please visit the operator’s website for further information. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD). Tourism Australia makes no representations whatsoever about any other websites which you may access through its websites such as australia.com. Some websites which are linked to the Tourism Australia website are independent from Tourism Australia and are not under the control of Tourism Australia. Tourism Australia does not endorse or accept any responsibility for the use of websites which are owned or operated by third parties and makes no representation or warranty in relation to the standard, class or fitness for purpose of any services, nor does it endorse or in any respect warrant any products or services by virtue of any information, material or content linked from or to this site.

16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Australia

Written by Karen Hastings Updated Jul 22, 2023

Australia is a land of dreams. According to Aboriginal legend, in the Dreamtime, the great spirits created its thriving coral reefs, luxuriant rainforests, and red-earthed deserts. Today, these spectacular ecosystems host some of the quirkiest wildlife on the planet and lure nature lovers and adventure seekers from around the globe.

Australia is also a land of staggering contrasts and spectacular beauty. Along the coast, you can explore vibrant cities, vast sand islands, and one of the planet's most awe-inspiring natural wonders: the Great Barrier Reef. In the Outback, rugged national parks and remote deserts offer the ultimate travel adventures rich with Indigenous history.

Top it all off with a laid-back feel and friendly people, and it's no wonder Australia scores top billing on bucket lists around the world. Bring your travel dreams to life and plan the best places to visit with this list of the top attractions in Australia.

1. Sydney Opera House, New South Wales

2. great barrier reef marine park, queensland, 3. uluru-kata tjuta national park, northern territory, 4. sydney harbour bridge, new south wales, 5. blue mountains national park, new south wales, 6. melbourne's culture, victoria, 7. bondi beach, new south wales, 8. daintree national park, queensland, 9. k'gari (fraser island), queensland, 10. kakadu national park, northern territory, 11. great ocean road, victoria, 12. broome, western australia, 13. kangaroo island, south australia, 14. cradle mountain-lake st. clair national park, tasmania, 15. horizontal falls & the kimberley region, 16. train trips across the outback.

Mention "Sydney, Australia" and most people think of the Opera House. Shaped like huge shells or billowing sails, this famous building on Sydney's Bennelong Point graces the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is one of the world's great architectural icons.

The location is stunning. Water surrounds the structure on three sides, and the Royal Botanic Gardens border it to the south.

Danish architect, Jørn Utzon won an international competition for its design but withdrew from the project after technical and financing problems. Construction was finally completed in 1973 at a cost of 10 times the original budget. By this time, Utzon had left the country, never returning to see his magnificent creation.

Today, you can enjoy a performance here, dine at one of the restaurants, or see the highlights of the Sydney Opera House on a guided tour. The structure encompasses theaters, studios, a concert hall, exhibition rooms, and a cinema.

Touring the interior of the Sydney Opera House is rewarding, but its striking architecture is perhaps best appreciated from a distance. One of the best sites to photograph this top Sydney tourist attraction is Mrs Macquarie's Chair in the Royal Botanic Gardens. Better still, hop aboard a harbor cruise or ferry and capture a photo from the water as you glide past.

In 2023, the Sydney Opera House is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a packed calendar of special events. During your visit, be sure to check out the newly renovated Concert Hall, part of an almost $300-million "Decade of Renewal."

Author's Tips: If you're visiting Sydney in late May/early June, you can see the white sails of the opera house light up after dark at the Vivid Sydney festival each year.

You can't leave Australia without seeing the Great Barrier Reef. This World Heritage-listed natural wonder is one of the largest living structures on the planet . It's so vast, you can see it from outer space. For divers, snorkelers, island aficionados, and nature lovers, it's a bucket list destination .

In 1975, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park was established to protect its fragile ecosystems. These include more than 3,000 coral reefs; 600 continental islands, including the beautiful Whitsunday group ; 300 coral cays; and inshore mangrove islands.

One of the seven wonders of the natural world , the park stretches for 2,300 kilometers along the state of Queensland, on Australia's east coast (that's about the distance between Mexico and Vancouver).

Not surprisingly, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the best places to visit in Australia for diving and snorkeling. The astounding array of marine life includes soft and hard corals, more than 1,600 species of tropical fish, sharks, dugongs, dolphins, turtles, rays, and giant clams. Prefer to stay dry? You can see the reef from underwater viewing stations and glass bottom boats.

Travelers have many options for visiting the Great Barrier Reef . You can cruise around the islands, hop aboard a sightseeing flight, take day trips to the islands, or snorkel and dive the reefs. On the mainland, the main launching points for tours are Cairns , Port Douglas , and Airlie Beach .

Deep in the heart of Australia's Red Centre, Uluru ( formerly Ayers Rock ), is one of the most photographed natural wonders in the country. The striking red monolith forms the centerpiece of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park , a World Heritage Site jointly managed by Parks Australia and the traditional landowners, the Aṉangu people.

Uluru, meaning "shadowy place" in the local Aboriginal dialect, rises to a height of 348 meters from the surrounding plain. Most of its bulk is hidden beneath the Earth's surface.

Also in the park, about a 30-minute drive from Uluru, are the red dome-shaped rocks called Kata Tjuta (formerly called the Olgas). Equally impressive as their more famous neighbor, and often less crowded, they should not be missed while you are in the park. You can admire their beauty on the 2.6-kilometer-return trek to Walpa Gorge or the 7.4-kilometer Valley of the Winds circuit.

Prime time for photographing these striking landforms is at sunset, when visitors gather to watch the colors of Uluru and Kata Tjuta transform in the shifting light.

Note: In 2019, the Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park board outlawed climbing Uluru out of respect for the Anangu people, the traditional owners. The best way to appreciate these sacred sites is on walks led by Aboriginal guides and rangers.

Along with the Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of Australia's top architectural icons. Affectionately called "the Coathanger," this impressive feat of construction is the largest steel arch bridge in the world . It was completed in 1932, 40 years before the Sydney Opera House.

Rising 134 meters above the harbor, the bridge spans 500 meters, connecting Sydney's North Shore to the central business district. In addition to the pedestrian path, two railway lines extend over the bridge, as well as eight lanes for road traffic, and the direction of each lane can be switched to accommodate traffic flow.

One of the top things to do in Sydney is a guided ascent to the top of the bridge. Standing on its summit, connected only by a carabiner, you can breathe in spectacular 360-degree views of the harbor and city. It's a great way to truly appreciate the layout of the city as you gaze out over the fingers of water that snake their way into beautiful blue bays.

For an overview of the bridge's history and construction, visit the museum on the southeastern pier.

Fun fact: Paul Hogan, of Crocodile Dundee fame, worked as a painter on the bridge before rocketing to international stardom.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Sydney

A UNESCO World Heritage Site , beautiful Blue Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise and a popular day trip from Sydney . It lies an easy 81-kilometer drive west of the city.

Named for the blue haze emanating from the many eucalyptus trees, this stunning park protects more than 664,000 acres of wilderness. On a visit here, you can explore dramatic gorges, waterfalls, Aboriginal rock paintings, and 140 kilometers of hiking trails.

The most famous attractions in Blue Mountains National Park are the towering sandstone rock formations called the Three Sisters . Other highlights include the Katoomba Scenic Railway , the world's steepest, which whisks passengers down the Jamison Valley through a cliff-side tunnel into an ancient rainforest; and the Skyway, Scenic Cableway, and Scenic Walkway, which all offer elevated views of the dense forests.

Hiking, abseiling, rock climbing, mountain biking, and horseback riding are all popular things to do in the park.

Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city, is a popular stop on many Australian itineraries — especially for culture vultures. Galleries, theaters, restaurants, shops, and its distinctly European feel are the main draws of this sophisticated city on the Yarra River.

It's also a green city, with parks, gardens, and open spaces occupying almost a third of its total area.

The cultural highlights of Melbourne are many. Gape at the masterpieces at the National Gallery of Victoria , watch a performance at Arts Centre Melbourne , or head to Federation Square . Here, you can browse Australian artworks at the Ian Potter Gallery and learn about the nation's screen culture at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) .

Feel like getting back to nature? Follow the Aboriginal Heritage Walk at the Royal Botanic Gardens . And if sports culture is top of your agenda, catch a game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground . In summer, cricket is the sport of choice; in winter, it's Australian Rules football.

Melbourne is also rich in history. You can see it in the Grand Victorian buildings funded by the Gold Rush, and you can feel it as you shop in the elegant arcades and Queen Victoria Market , which has been selling goods to Melburnians for over a century.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Melbourne

Bronzed bodies, blond sand, backpackers, and surf — throw it all together and you get one of the world's most famous beaches. Only 15 minutes by car from Sydney's city center, Bondi Beach is a great spot for a taste of Sydney's beach culture. Bask on the golden sands, surf the breaks, or take a cool dip on a hot summer's day (but stay between the flags).

Few cities in the world lay claim to such an enticing slice of sand and sea so close to the city. No wonder it's one of Sydney's best beaches . And you'll find some history here, too: Bondi hosts one of the oldest Surf Life Saving Clubs in the world .

Away from the shore, you'll find plenty of things to do in Bondi. Take a stroll along the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk. It begins at the southern end of the beach and follows the coastline for six scenic kilometers along sandstone cliffs. You can also hunt for bargains at the Sunday markets or swim some laps in the ocean pool. And if you work up an appetite, you'll find plenty of cafés and restaurants nearby.

One of the best places for a meal with a view at Bondi Beach is the famous Icebergs dining room. The menu spotlights modern Italian cuisine, and you can enjoy a meal of fresh-cooked fish watching the waves wash over the ocean pool.

Bondi also has a wild side. Crowds of tourists and locals gather here to celebrate Christmas and ring in the New Year. It's a favorite spot for travelers.

A word to the wise: If you're taking a dip at Bondi, make sure you swim between the red and yellow flags. Strong rip tides often sweep unsuspecting swimmers out to sea, especially at the southern end of this kilometer-long strand. There's a reason the Aussies made a reality TV show called Bondi Rescue .

A Wet Tropics World Heritage Area , Daintree National Park in Far North Queensland is among the most ancient ecosystems on Earth. The area belongs to the Eastern Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people, and many of its natural features hold great spiritual significance.

The park encompasses two main sections: Mossman Gorge, where crystal-clear waters gush over granite boulders, and Cape Tribulation, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Australia. Here, rainforest meets reef along the white sandy beaches of the Coral Sea. This stunning stretch of coast is one of the few places in the world where two of the planet's richest ecosystems converge.

The park's astounding biodiversity includes more than 18,000 plant species and a vast array of animal species, including the cassowary, crocodile, giant blue Ulysses butterfly, and the secretive Bennett's tree kangaroo.

The resort town of Port Douglas just south of the park, is a great base to arrange wilderness safaris into the park.

World Heritage-listed K'Gari (Fraser Island) is one of the most unique places to visit in Australia. Sitting between Bundaberg and Brisbane off Australia's east coast, this is the largest sand island in the world . Here, you'll find seemingly endless stretches of sand and sea, turquoise lakes, emerald rainforests, rippling dunes, and fascinating wildlife.

Looking for an adrenaline rush? A 4WD trip along its surf-thrashed shores is one of Australia's top outdoor adventures . Along windswept Seventy Five Mile Beach , you can see the rusted hulls of shipwrecks, the colored sandstone cliffs of The Cathedrals , and the bubbling fish-filled rock pools called Champagne Pools .

Thirty years ago, you could drive for miles and not see another soul. Today the beach can feel like a sandy highway, with a steady stream of 4WD vehicles and tourist buses plying the sands.

Venturing inland on the rugged tracks is a good way to escape the beach traffic during the peak summer months. Highlights include crystal-clear freshwater creeks and lakes, some fed by springs, others perched amid towering sand dunes; and ancient rainforests filled with an amazing diversity of plants and animals.

Sharks, dolphins, and whales swim these waters, and on land, you can see dingoes, bats, sugar gliders, and more than 300 species of birds.

Nature lovers will find plenty of other things to do on K'Gari Fraser Island . Hop aboard a whale watching trip, take a sunset cruise, hike the rainforest trails at Central Station , float down Eli Creek, or soar over the striking landscapes on a scenic flight.

Access to Fraser Island is by ferry from Rainbow Beach and Hervey Bay , the two main gateway towns. Four-wheel drive vehicles are essential, as the island has no sealed roads.

When it comes to wilderness areas, Kakadu National Park showcases the best of Australia. Covering more than 19,840 square kilometers in the Northern Territory, it's the second-largest national park in the world .

Within its borders, you can explore monsoon rainforests, mangrove swamps, rivers, gorges, ancient rock paintings, wetlands, and waterfalls.

Kakadu is also home to an astounding diversity of wildlife. In addition to the many mammals, reptiles, and fish, more than 300 different species of birds make their home here, and both freshwater and saltwater crocodiles lurk in the wetlands.

To explore the park's diverse ecosystems, hop aboard a cruise along the waterways, or hike the vast network of trails. You can also take a scenic flight.

Visiting Kakadu National Park from Darwin is easy during the dry season. It's about a three-hour drive from the Northern Territory capital. In the wet season (Nov-April), many roads and attractions close due to heavy flooding, but the waterfalls and wetlands can be at their best.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Australia's Northern Territory

Great Ocean Road is one of the world's top scenic drives. Built to provide employment during the Depression, the road stretches for 300 kilometers along Australia's rugged southeast coast, winding along plunging sea cliffs. It stretches from the surfing town of Torquay to the town of Allansford , near Warrnambool .

One of the top attractions of Great Ocean Road is Port Campbell National Park . This is where you can see the wind- and wave-sculpted rock formations known as the Twelve Apostles , London Bridge , the Arch , and Loch Ard Gorge . From the air, these rock formations look like giant puzzle pieces adrift along the coast, lashed by the pounding surf of the Southern Ocean.

You'll find plenty of rewarding things to do along Great Ocean Road. Stop by the Australian National Surfing Museum at Torquay, surf the famous swells at Bells Beach, linger in the seaside resort of Lorne, or go whale watching in Warrnambool .

Nature lovers will also enjoy exploring the eucalyptus forests, fern-filled rainforests, hiking trails, and waterfalls in Otway National Park .

Author's Tip: If you're short on time, my favorite way to experience Great Ocean Road is on a helicopter ride along the coast. Gazing down at the giant rock formations carved from the coast by wind and water is a humbling experience. Lashed by the pounding surf of the Southern Ocean, the rock formations look like giant puzzle pieces adrift on a turbulent sea.

Broome, in Western Australia's north, was once the pearl capital of the world. Today, it's a booming tourist town and the gateway to the spectacular Kimberley region.

Broome's star tourist attraction is Cable Beach. This seemingly endless stretch of white sand and turquoise water is one of Australia's best beaches , and riding camels at sunset is one of the most popular things to do here.

Tourists also flock to Town Beach to witness the Staircase to the Moon. This phenomenon occurs during certain conditions between March and October, where the moonlight creates an optical illusion of steps leading to the moon.

Other Broome highlights include the red cliffs of Gantheaume Point, and the Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park, where you can get up close to crocs, cassowaries, and kangaroos. If you're looking for things to do in town, you can brush up on some local history at the Broome Historical Museum or catch a movie in a deck chair under a star-studded sky at Sun Pictures.

Pearl farm tours, whale watching trips, and Kimberley adventures are also high on the things-to-do list in Broome.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Western Australia

Nature takes center stage at Kangaroo Island. On this unspoiled island off South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula, kangaroos hop along the powdery shores, sea lions and penguins frolic in the crystal-clear waters, and koalas cling to the fragrant eucalyptus trees.

Diving is also excellent. You can spot sea dragons in the temperate waters, and dive shipwrecks off the island's coast.

Kangaroo Island's top attractions are made by Mother Nature. See the striking, wind-sculpted rock formations, known as the Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch in Flinders Chase National Park . Explore vast cave systems. Surf towering dunes and look for wildlife on scenic hiking trails along soaring sea cliffs and through pristine forests.

Foodies, too, will be in heaven. Creamy cheeses, Ligurian honey, and fresh seafood grace the plates in local restaurants.

To get here, you can fly direct to the island from Adelaide, or catch a ferry from Cape Jervis on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Kangaroo Island is recovering well from the 2020 bushfires. In fact, several new eco-friendly lodges are slated to open here in 2023.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in South Australia

Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park is one of Tasmania's tourism treasures and a nirvana for nature lovers. Sparkling lakes, serrated dolerite peaks, alpine heathland, and dense forests characterize the raw, glacier-carved wilderness here. One of the park's most distinctive features is the 1,616-meter Mount Ossa , the highest point in Tasmania.

As you might expect, hiking here is fantastic. Favorite trails include the Weindorfer Walk , a six-kilometer loop through dense forests, and Lake Dove Walk , with breathtaking vistas of Cradle Mountain (1,545 meters). Stand on the summit of Cradle Mountain, and you can soak up stunning views of the central highlands. Experienced hikers can also tackle the famous 80-kilometer Overland Track , which runs south from Cradle Valley to stunning Lake St. Clair , Australia's deepest lake.

While you're exploring the park, keep an eye out for Tasmanian devils, wombats, wallabies, pademelons, and platypus among the many species of weird and wonderful wildlife.

Adventures abound in the Kimberley. Covering Australia's northwest corner, this remote and rugged region of red rocks, gaping gorges, scorched deserts, and cliff-fringed coast is ripe for exploring.

One of the top adventures in the Kimberley is the Horizontal Falls. Powerful tides of up to 11 meters gush through two narrow gorges, creating this jaw-dropping phenomenon. Hop aboard a jet boat and zoom across the sea through the seething falls.

Broome is the gateway. From here, you can soar along scarlet sea cliffs and gaze down upon the 800-plus islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago. Fly farther north to the wild beaches of Cape Leveque, and visit remote pearl farms and Aboriginal communities. Take a 4WD safari along the Gibb River Road , one of Australia's most famous 4WD tracks.

The Kimberley is also home to the spectacular Mitchell Falls and UNESCO-listed Purnululu (Bungle Bungle) National Park . These spectacular beehive-shaped rock formations were only discovered in 1983. Hike the trails, visit sacred Aboriginal ceremonial sites and rock paintings, or soar over the park on a scenic flight and visit the Argyle Diamond mine.

Driving through the Outback can be tough logistically — the distances are vast across this sun-scorched desert region, and you can drive for days without seeing another soul. But gliding through on a luxury train makes exploring Australia's red-hot heart a breeze. It's also a great way to see multiple Aussie attractions in one trip.

You have several train trips to choose from depending on where you want to go. One of the best is the Indian Pacific , Australia's longest train journey. This four-day luxury train trip travels between Perth, Adelaide, and Sydney, whisking you across three states in four days.

Highlights include the Blue Mountains, Broken Hill's art galleries, South Australia's pink lakes, the seemingly neverending Nullabor Plain, and a series of mouthwatering foodie experiences. You can also upgrade your experience with a post-trip tour of vibrant Perth.

Hop aboard The Ghan for another iconic Aussie train trip. From the comfort of a luxury cabin, you can gaze out on the elemental beauty of the desert, while you traverse some of the most remote areas in Australia, including the opal-mining town of Coober Pedy and the Flinders Ranges. Choose between three different routes : Adelaide to Darwin (three days and two nights), Adelaide to Alice Springs (two days and one night), or Darwin to Alice Springs (two days and one night). All these trips can also be taken in reverse.

And if a shorter trip is more your style, opt for the Spirit of the Outback . This 26-hour journey travels from Brisbane to Longreach , in Outback Queensland, where you can delve into some Aussie nostalgia at heritage mining towns like Blackwater and Emerald and visit the Stockmen's Hall of Fame in Longreach.

More on Australia

• Travel Updates
• Travel Stories

Seven Aussie tourist attractions make world’s ‘most boring’ list

Australia appears to be home to seven of the world’s ‘most boring’ attractions and not everyone is happy about it.

‘We hate Australia’: Brits trolled for video

Passenger’s sweet plane act goes viral

Passenger busted ‘cheating’ on flight

Australia appears to be home to seven of the world’s “most boring” attractions, according to a contentious new global study.

The research — conducted by Solitaired in March — has listed the Top 100 Most Boring Attractions Worldwide and it’s already got some Aussies fired up after iconic hotspots across Perth, Melbourne, Sydney and Tasmania made the cut.

“We analysed 66.7 million Google reviews of 3,290 popular tourist attractions worldwide, spanning 384 cities across 71 countries, focusing on 11 keywords indicative of tiresome, lifeless, and downright boring impressions,” Solitaired wrote on its site.

As such, researchers ranked the attractions by the frequency with which tourists mentioned boredom-related keywords, comparing the mentions to the total reviews for each spot.

The study did not focus on the star-rating of Google reviews, but rather identified the number of times words such as “tiresome”, “lifeless,” and “boring”, were written by reviewers.

American attractions took up the top seven spots, while Shrek’s Adventure London snagged eighth place.

Four Legoland Discovery Centres made the top 25, with Melbourne’s coming in at 24th alongside a ‘boredom score’ of 2.30.

The other Melbourne attraction to make the list was Luna Park at 80. It had a ‘boredom score’ of 1.90, i.e the number of times the boredom-related keywords were mentioned in its 7996 reviews.

Some West Aussies were shocked to learn the WA Museum Boola Bardip ranked 16th on the global list, with the unique Bell Tower scraping in at 92.

“Naw I thought the museum was good. Maybe it needs a better name that makes it sound more exciting,” one person wrote on Facebook.

“Fantastic museum, got something for everyone in here. Lots about the history of Perth/ Western Australia as well as some really interesting geology exhibits,” another wrote in their Google review.

“I love the museum!!” a third proclaimed, while others also defended Bell Tower.

“Bell tower times is an absolute belter though,” one said.

However, not everyone was of the same view with many agreeing the only four-year-old $400 million WA museum is “underwhelming”.

“Yup I’d agree. Spent so much money on it and now there’s nothing left in it to see. Such a shame,” one local wrote.

“It was a great museum when my kids were little. There was a great kids area with lots of activities and some very interesting collections. Now you need a torch to go round,” wrote another, while others blamed the location.

“It’s not only the museum but where it is,” one person added.

It’s also worth noting that out of the 3515 Google reviews, it has a 4.5 star-rating.

But the Northbridge-based attraction wasn’t the only “boring” Aussie museum on the list with Melbourne’s Immigration Museum raking at 52 and the Museum of Sydney at 32.

They had a 4.4 star-rating based on 2,659 Google reviews and 41 star-rating based on 2345 reviews, respectively.

Meanwhile, WA Museum CEO Alec Coles argued the findings were at odds with other “credible” sources, insisting feedback on the Perth-based museum has been largely complimentary.

“The results of this supposed ‘survey’ contradict all credible data sources, all of which suggest that visitors are overwhelmingly positive about Boola Bardip,” Mr Coles told Perth Now .

He considered the museum’s dynamic calendar of events as key to attracting both new and repeat visitors.

“Each year WA Museum Boola Bardip develops and presents a range of captivating local and international exhibitions, interactive displays, diverse programs, and events.

“Last year’s Discovering Ancient Egypt exhibition attracted over 135,000 visitors and people have come over the last two weeks in their droves to visit the To the Moon exhibition.”

Another well-known attraction that also made the list was MONA in Berriedale, Tasmania.

More Coverage

It ranked 76th out of 100 with a ‘boredom score’ of 1.90 based on 11,067 reviews.

However, it has a Google star-rating of 4.4 with those giving it top marks describing it as ‘fantastic’ and ‘amazing’, while others branded the popular museum ‘strange’ and ‘tasteless’.

Meanwhile, the world’s most boring mantle went to Branson Scenic Railway in the US state of Missouri with 3341 total reviews and a maximum boredom score of 5 out of 5.

Two British travellers who made a video slamming the country, calling it “overrated” have been trolled online.

A man has been filmed doing something very sweet mid-air as he took over the plane’s PA system.

A passenger has been roasted online after a fellow flyer caught the woman “cheating” — but not in the way you might first think.