Journey across fiery red soils and pearly white sands. Swim, dive, snorkel or float above the brilliant turquoise-coloured waters. With a history and culture as colourful as its landscape, there’s nothing quite like Western Australia. Combine this with fresh produce, premium wines, an abundance of sunshine and a thriving capital city and you have all the essential ingredients for an extraordinary holiday.
Perth
Nature and urban life exist in harmony in Perth. Here, where the locals soak up more sunny days than in any other Australian capital city, walk in leafy Kings Park one of the biggest city parks in the world, take a dip in one of the beaches lining Perth's long coastline, experience Swan Valley's vineyards Aboriginal art, food and history.
Sitting pretty on the shores of the Swan River, the ever-expanding metropolis of Perth has welcomed new cultural, entertainment and sporting precincts, with plenty of new bars and restaurants. Kick off the day at one of the city’s 19 pristine beaches, followed by a meal at a seaside venue like Island Market. Head into the city for a taste of Perth’s lively bar scene then dine on locally foraged produce at rooftop restaurant Wildflower Perth. This year also saw a revamp of Fremantle’s Kings Square, for some new retail and dining experiences.
A new zip-line and climb structure at Perth’s iconic Matagarup Bridge opened to the public in early 2021. The zip-line allows thrill seekers to travel 400 metres (1,312 feet) at up to 75 kilometres (47 miles) per hour from the bridge launch platform, across the Swan River, landing on the Burswood Park foreshore. The bridge climb includes a 314-step trek up the bridge’s main arch, ascending about 70 metres to the ‘sky view’ platform.
Immerse yourself in West Australia’s unique culture and scientific collections with free entry to Perth’s WA Museum Boola Bardip (formerly Western Australian Museum). The new Aboriginal name means 'many stories' in Noongar language and the museum shares West Australia’s many stories, encouraging discussion and debate about the state’s present, future and role in the world. Visit Search and Stay for holiday houses to rent around Perth.
Rottnest Island
Kick back on soft sand beaches, see abundant marine life and meet the happiest little animal on earth, all on Rottnest Island. During summer, families make the weekend pilgrimage to Rotto – as it's affectionately known by the locals – to escape the rush of the city and swim in the clear, calm waters. The island is a car-free zone, and the best way to get around is by bicycle, which can be hired through the ferry company or once you're on the island. Visit Search and Stay for holiday accommodation on Rottnest Island.
Ningaloo Reef
World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef is the world’s largest fringing reef, meaning that visitors can access it by simply stepping off the beach. A nature lover’s dream, this 260-kilometre long coral reef is swarming with turtles, tropical fish, manta rays and humpback whales, and the only place in Australia you can swim with the majestic whale shark.
Margaret River and South West
Margaret River is the only premium wine region in Australia where you can hop from award-winning wineries and restaurants to stunning beaches, tall-timber forests, world-class surf breaks and ancient caves.
Sample your way through the south-west with hundreds of vineyards, orchards, farms and groves, Western Australia’s South West region is a one-stop shop for all things gourmet. Visit world-renowned wineries in Margaret River, such as Vasse Felix, Cullen and Leeuwin Estate, and between June and August, you can also indulge in the region’s finest delicacy, black truffle, grown on farms in the Southern Forest area and celebrated every year at the annual foodie event Truffle Kerfuffle.
Origins Market is a space for growers, artists and creators in the region to showcase their produce to visitors. In addition to more than 100 stalls, Origins includes a microbrewery, tastings, long-table dining, demonstrations, edible gardens and more. Visit Search and Stay for holiday houses around Margaret River.
Remote and utterly remarkable, the town of Esperance has a coastline that would rival any in the world. Fine quartz sands edged by tumbles of rounded boulders and endless islands. Esperance is also the closest town to the sandy white beach of Lucky Bay, where kangaroos regularly visit. Lake Hillier, on Middle Island, is a must-see; the pink lake neighbours the dark blue waters of the Indian Ocean to create a surreal sight.
The Kimberley and Broome
Three times larger than England and with a population of less than 40,000, the Kimberley region – spread over Australia's entire north-western corner – is one of the world's last wilderness frontiers. Here you'll find wildlife, majestic canyons, freshwater swimming holes, several outback stations and the tropical pearling town of Broome. One of Australia’s great road trips drive the Gibb River Road, this 660-kilometre journey takes red dirt roads through the heart of the Kimberley. Following an old cattle droving trail, the trip from Derby to Kununurra gives you access to some of the most remarkable scenery, including red rock gorges, dramatic waterfalls, Aboriginal culture and ancient forests. Holiday rentals around The Kimberley and Broome, visit Search and Stay.
Witness nature at its best in Broome a tropical oasis of striking contrasts in both colour and culture, Broome is home to white beaches, turquoise water, rust red cliffs, rich Aboriginal heritage and a melting pot of Asian flavours. Affectionately known as ‘pearl of the north’, stroll along the extraordinary 22-kilometre Cable Beach, or discover Australia's only horizontal waterfalls or ancient dinosaur footprints. While in Broome visit Moontide Distillery, this boutique craft distillery uses pure monsoonal rainwater mixed and native botanicals to create unique spirits.
Venture beyond the edge at the Kalbarri Skywalk
The breathtaking twin skywalks in Kalbarri National Park, Western Australia, are now open, providing visitors with a stunning vista of the Park’s gorges, rust-red cliffs, flowing waterways, and bushland from high above. Located a six-hour drive from Perth, the Park is well known for its coastal cliffs which provide an excellent vantage point to view humpback whales and access to some of the state’s most spectacular wildflowers. The newly opened Kalbarri Skywalk is a welcome
addition to the National Park. Located at West Loop lookout, the structure features two cantilevered viewing platforms that offer soaring views of the Murchison Gorge, river and surrounds. The platforms project 17m and 25m beyond the gorge rim (this is further than the Grand Canyon Skywalk in America) and more than 100-metres above the River. Art by the local Indigenous Nanda people has been incorporated in the design of the project including play areas and the walkway leading to the platforms. Don't forget you can find all your Western Australia holiday accommodation needs at Search and Stay.
For more information, https://www.westernaustralia.com
Credit: Tourism Australia www.australia.com @australia