Western Australia

What You Should Know More About Western Australia

• About the destination

  Western Australia (WA) is often regarded as Australia’s final frontier. Reason? Perth’s distinction as the most secluded capital city, immense dimensions and its meagre population. Together all this account for a spectacular finale to what Australia has on offer. Up in the north, you’ll come across just about every type of photogenic landscape. Near the obscure town of Broome on Cable Beach, you can experience the flaming red sunsets while at Karijini National Park you’ll experience scenic waterfalls and gorges. In the South West end, you’ll come across equally expansive wildflowers, impressive beaches and lush green forests brimming with life. For surfing and water sports lovers, Margaret River is the ideal spot. Further, the connoisseur grub of the restaurants nearby coupled with world class finely crafted wines will please every visitor. Irrespective of where you go in WA, wildlife opportunities are extra ordinary. Off the coast of Albany, you can spot the migrating whale pods, enjoy the one of a kind flora and fauna that precedes the russet-red outback and feed, watch and play with the dolphins at Monkey Mia. However, it does not end with the flora and fauna. Neighbouring Fremantle and Perth are both metropolitan cities that have retained its lax and laid back feel which usually comes from the abundant beaches and parks. On top of all this, Western Australia is huge enough to get lost in. So, jump in and explore WA on your next vacation.

  
  

• Travel Advice

  • Do not entertain the beggars.

  • Keep touts at bay.

  • Drink only bottled mineral water.

  • Buy a mineral water from the brand you recognize.

  • Do not buy a water bottle that does not have a seal intact.

  • Do not let anyone mislead you.

  • Always gather enough information about the place before you visit it.

  • Do not go to bars or nightclubs alone especially if you are a local.

  • Do not book taxis without negotiating the fare. If possible, opt for the prepaid taxis or cabs.

  • Carry with you at least one ID proof.

  • Do not leave any of your important documents such as the passport, licenses or other identification documents back in the hotel room.

  • Enquire about the room safe before booking a hotel.

  • Do not get a hotel in a secluded region.

  • If you suffer from a medical condition, carry with you the medication that you may possibly need.

  • Nudity is prohibited.

  • Adhere to the local laws.

  • Do not flaunt your cash and valuables in the public. If you are going to a place that is crowded, it is advisable that you only carry with you the cash that you need for the night.

  • Do not go to any new or secluded area without a company.

  • Do not get over friendly with your hotel staff or the guide.

  
  

• Drinking Law

  The legal age for drinking in Western Australia is 18 years.

• Our Recommendations: What you can't afford to miss?

  Perth
  
  

  There is probably no Australian capital which has changed so much in the recent decades as Perth, the capital of Western Australia. Given the boom in the mining sector, Perth today is the largest city of Australia. It is surrounded on the west by the Indian Ocean and the foothills of the Darling Range on the east while Perth is nestled aside the windy Swan River. Water sports here are a part of routine life. Some prominent activities cherished by the locals and the visitors include swimming, surfing and sailing. These are carried out at few of the city’s most prominent beaches like Peppermint Grove, Cottesloe, Rockingham and Scarborough. The city boasts of its wealth in its unique potpourri of gourmet restaurants, galleries, high-rise office blocks and glitzy boutiques. Some of the most prominent tourist attractions here include Kings Park and Botanic Garden. It is home to the Kings' Park War Memorial. Locals and tourists who visit this attraction can admire over 1200 species of the native plants along with the vivid display of the wildflowers especially in the spring season.  

  
  

  Margaret River
  
  

  Margaret River is a home to several gourmet restaurants and galleries. It is one of the most loved holiday resort and a playground for the surfers. This beautiful town is situated just a 3.5 hour drive south of Perth making it one of the best tourist attraction especially during the weekends. Surfers swamp the place in large number as it is known to have over 40 surf spots sprinkled along the coast along with the stable big-wave breaks.  Tourists also admire the beautiful scenery of the place that is embellished with the white sand beaches and the tall timber forests. The region is also famous for its impressive limestone caves like the Mammoth Cave, Lake Cave and Jewel cave. Other prominent adventure activities in the region include whale watching, kayaking, rock climbing, biking and fishing.   

  
  

  Broome and the Kimberley
  
  

  The pearling capital of Australia, Broome today is a burgeoning tourist town located south of the Kimberley region. One of the striking attractions of the town include its Cable Beach. This beach has an impressive strand stretch for 22 km and is backed by the alluring red cliffs, sweeping white sands and azure waters. Visitors can enjoy camel rides here post sunset. Broome Historical Museum projects a story of pearl fishing as well as the several Malay, Japanese and Filipino divers who settled here to make a fortune. Other places to see include the Sun Pictures, Malcolm Douglas Wilderness Wildlife Park, Staircase to the Moon, local pearl farms, outdoor cinema, and more. Broome is also the hub of the Kimberley adventures such as the Mitchell Falls, Cape Leveque, Purnululu (Bungle Bungle) National Park, Horizontal Waterfall and Gibb River Road.   

  
  

  Purnululu (Bungle Bungle) National Park
  
  

  One of the best preserved secret of the planet since past many years is the spectacular rock formation of this park in Kimberley which was concealed from the public eye until the year 1983. However, today this park graces not only the National Lists but has also found a place for itself in the UNESCO World Heritage lists. Visitors who come here can explore the key sites here by undertaking the walking tours which maybe of varying difficulty. Some of the key attractions here include the Echidna Chasm, Cathedral Gorge and Piccaninny Gorge. Taking sightseeing flights is another significant way to appreciate the magnificent structures.

  
  

  Ningaloo Reef Marine Park
  
  

  Ningaloo Reef Marine Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is also the world’s largest fringing reef and is also one of the few places where the visitors can swim with the whale sharks. The park extends south to some 260 km from the Amherst Point and to Exmouth Gulf’s Bundegi in the north. From there on, it envelopes the Cape Range National Park’s coastal area. You can come across a vivid array of marine beings here including the humpback whales, manta rays, turtles, whale sharks, dugongs along with 300 species of coral and 500 species of fish.

  
  

  Rottnest Island
  
  

  Take a ferry ride from Fremantle or Perth to reach the Rottnest Island. The island is a car-free nature reserve and a prominent spot for those seeking a break from the city life. There are a number of reasons for you to visit this island. Phenomenal opportunities for water sports like snorkelling and swimming, sparkling bays, coral reefs and white-sand beaches are few of the many reasons that will lure you to the island. Some fascinating places to see here include the Vlamingh Lookout, Rottnest Museum and Parker Point Marine Trail. You also have a number of things to do here including boating, taking walk tours, bicycling and enjoying a game of golf, tennis or bowing.

  
  

  Karijini National Park
  
  

  Karijini National Park is one of the most beautiful and the largest national parks of the Western Australia. There is a lot to see in this national park that you’ll just not regret taking a trip to the place.

  
  

  Shark Bay
  
  

  Shark Bay is a site listed in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is the world’s biggest and the richest sea grass beds and is prominently known for its population of mats of algae, dugongs and stromatolites.  Enveloped by the beautiful beaches, Denham is certainly the most vital town of the Shark Bay. However, the most attractive tourist attraction in the Shark bay is the Dolphins of the Monkey Mia. Monkey Mia is situated some 25 km from Denham. Besides dolphin watching, visitors can also enjoy other activities like kayaking, diving, camel rides, Aboriginal cultural tours, fishing and swimming.  

  
  

• What you will like there?

  Coral reefs
  
  

  You simply cannot go under without taking an advantage of water sports like diving and snorkeling opportunities on the country’s coral reefs. While most tourists will be flocking the Great Barrier Reef in the east, the West Australia’s Coral Coast has some show stopper reefs of its own. Right from Coral Reef, you can take a swim to the Ningaloo Reef which is also the world’s largest fringing reef. You can experience fascinating marine life here all round the year. During the months of April to June, the whale sharks frequent the reef. On the other hand, if you make a visit during the months of June to November, humpback whale can be a great site. Finally, in the months of January to March which is the hatching season a large population of flat back turtles and hawksbill call WA’s reef their home.

  
  

  Horizontal Waterfalls
  
  

  Be it anywhere in the world, waterfalls are a sight to behold. However, there are no falls as unique as the Kimberley’s Horizontal Falls. The incredible power of the Kimberley tides builds up pretty quickly and thereafter squeeze through a minor canyon gap within the McLarty Range. These striking landmarks of the Kimberley coast can be reached just by a day excursion tour from Derby or Broome. 

    

  Jewel Cave
  
  

  Augusta, the sleepy town is the home to the largest cave show, Jewel Cave in the Western Australia. You can venture into the three magnificent chambers to explore the vivid network of caves as well as the intricate vine-like helictites and stalactites. The Jewel Cave also has one of the longer tubular stalactites of the world. You can take a guided tour to fully understand the history and the meticulous work here.  

  
  

  Abundant Sunshine
  
  

  Perth is the sunniest city of Australia. Head to one of the Perth beaches and you can enjoy a relaxing day sunbathing with the backdrop of the magnificent beaches fringed with palm trees.

  
  

  Wine and dining
  
  

  Despite the fact that there are a number of adventure and activities to be enjoyed in Western Australia, you still will find time for romance and relaxation. If you are out on a vacation with your partner, you can head to the Swan Valley wine region where the two of you can eat, drink and shop while exploring the history of the area. Post that you can indulge in the lip smacking food at one of the nearby restaurants.

  
  

  Panoramic beaches
  
  

  Your trip to the Western Australia is incomplete without relaxing on the magnificent beaches here. The beaches are scenic and the azure turquoise waters here offer a sight to behold. You can swim or carry out the humongous water sports here. Once done you can simply sit by the beach and unwind in the glory of the sun. 

   

  Outback adventures
  
  

  Western Australia is known to possess the largest area of outback in the country. This makes it an ideal spot for the adventure seekers who come here seeking some thrill and adventure. Kalgoorlie that lies east of Perth offers a mix of colonial architecture with the 19th century mines. You can also marvel at the Kalgoorlie's Super Pit Mine that produces over 800,000 ounces of gold on annual basis. Those who wish to experience the wild west of Australia can take a road trip down the Gibb River Road.

  
  

• Recommended reads for destination (govt. websites, travel forum articles)?

  Forum: Trip Advisor Forum

  Website: Offical Website