When you say Australia, most people imagine Sydney, the Opera House, or the Great Barrier Reef. But those who long for true adventure and untouched nature go elsewhere – to Western Australia. This vast country, covering 2.6 million square kilometers, is home not only to the continent’s sunniest city, Perth, but also to some of the most beautiful natural wonders on the entire planet.
Western Australia is a place of contrasts, where you can sip chocolate cappuccinos in hipster cafes beneath skyscrapers and a few hours later, you’re camping under the stars with no mobile signal at all. It’s a land where you can snorkel with manta rays on a coral reef in the morning, observe kangaroos on the beaches in the afternoon, and watch the sunset over the endless vineyards of Margaret River. In this guide I will share with you Western Australia: 7 Best Places for Your Holiday, because it’s the only way to discover and experience places you wouldn’t otherwise reach.
TL;DR
- Ideal time to visit: March to May or September to November, when the weather is pleasant with no extreme temperatures.
- Road trip duration: At least 10-14 days for comfortable exploration of the most beautiful places from Perth to Esperance.
- Getting around: Your own or a rented car is a necessity, distances are vast (over 1400 km in total).
- Unforgettable experiences: Snorkeling with dolphins in Monkey Mia, quokkas on Rottnest Island, kangaroos on Lucky Bay beach in Esperance, whale watching in Augusta.
- Accommodation: hotels, campsites, or houseboats/cabins in national parks.
Western Australia: 7 Best Places for Your Holiday
Western Australia hides treasures that often surpass even the most famous Australian icons. Each place has its own unique character and offers a different perspective on the diversity of this continent. Let’s look at 7 tips for the most beautiful places in Western Australia.
Perth and its Surroundings
Perth, often referred to as the world’s most isolated major city, will charm you with its relaxed atmosphere and endless sunny days. Kings Park with its botanical garden offers the most beautiful view of the city and the Swan River, which flows through the city. From there, it’s just a short ferry ride to Rottnest Island, home to the planet’s cutest animals – quokkas, who are happy to pose for a photo with you.
Fremantle, a port city near Perth, attracts visitors with its historic buildings, lively markets, and great restaurants. It’s here you’ll feel the true Australian laid-back vibe: coffee by the ocean, a stroll through historic streets, and dinner with fresh seafood.
Nambung National Park
About two hours’ drive north of Perth lies one of Australia’s most interesting natural phenomena. The Pinnacles Desert is a desert dotted with thousands of limestone pillars that rise from the yellow sand like ancient monuments. Some reach a height of five meters, while others are only a few centimeters tall. Science still doesn’t know exactly how they were formed, but their beauty is undeniable.
It’s most beautiful here at sunset, when the entire landscape is painted in orange and pink hues.
Kalbarri National Park
Kalbarri National Park will amaze you with its dramatic landscape of deep red canyons, through which the Murchison River has wound for millions of years. The most famous is Nature’s Window – a natural sandstone arch that frames the view into the valley.
There’s also the new Kalbarri Skywalk attraction, which takes you above the edge of the canyon on a glass platform, from where the view into its depths will take your breath away. For the more adventurous, there are trails leading to the bottom of the canyon, where you can discover hidden lakes and waterfalls.
Monkey Mia
Imagine standing knee-deep in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean with dolphins swimming around you. In Monkey Mia, this dream becomes a reality every morning. Dolphins have been coming to the shore here for over fifty years, and experienced guides will allow you to feed them and even touch them.
Just as breathtaking as the dolphins are the local white sand beaches, where there’s not a soul in sight. Monkey Mia Resort offers accommodation right by the water, where you fall asleep to the sound of waves and the occasional splash of dolphins in the water.
Shark Bay and François Peron National Park
Shark Bay isn’t just about sharks, as the name might suggest. It’s an area with red desert and turquoise lagoons, where you can spot a variety of marine life. Shell Beach is a beach made exclusively of tiny shells that have accumulated here for thousands of years.
François Peron National Park is a true gem. From a bird’s-eye view, it looks like an abstract painting full of red and turquoise strokes. Scenic flights from here are among the most beautiful experiences in all of Australia.
Margaret River
The Margaret River region is synonymous with excellent wine, superb food, and waves. Over 150 wineries here produce over 20 percent of Australia’s premium wine. Tastings take place in the beautiful setting of the vineyards, with ocean views.
Surfers come here for some of the best waves in the world, while gastronomy lovers discover restaurants that are among the best in the country. Margaret River is also a place where you can experience coasteering – a sport that combines climbing, jumping, and swimming along the coast.
Esperance
If you were to find the definition of a perfect beach, you would probably end up in Esperance. Lucky Bay, with its flour-soft white sand and water in shades from turquoise to cobalt blue, hosts unexpected visitors – kangaroos, who love to relax here in the sun.
Road Trip Itinerary Tip for Western Australia (from Perth to Esperance)
How to experience Western Australia firsthand and make it an experience for the rest of your life? Go on a road trip. There are many popular routes through Western Australia, but we ultimately chose the route from Perth to Esperance and back. This road trip will take you through the most beautiful places over 12 days, covering approximately 1400 kilometers full of unforgettable experiences.
For the trip, we rented a campervan, in which we could cook and sleep, and set off on an adventure. And now you can too, following our itinerary.
Days 1-2: Perth and Rottnest Island
Start in Perth, where you pick up your rental car and acclimatize to the Western Australian time zone. Dedicate the first day to a walk through Kings Park, visiting the city, and preparing for the trip. On the second day, take a ferry to Rottnest Island, where you’ll spend the day cycling, swimming, and most importantly, taking photos with quokkas.
We recommend accommodation in Perth at one of the hotels near the city (e.g., XXX) or in beautiful Fremantle, from where ferries to Rottnest Island depart regularly.
Day 3: Perth – Bunbury – Busselton
The next day, head south. The first stop is Bunbury, a quiet town where you can walk along the beach or visit the local dolphin center. Then continue to Busselton, where the famous Busselton Jetty awaits you, the longest wooden jetty of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.
Days 4–5: Margaret River
Margaret River is a paradise for gourmets, surfers, and nature lovers. Taste wines at one of the dozens of wineries, walk to the coastal cliffs, or visit fascinating caves like Ngilgi Cave. And if you’re in the mood for adventure, try surfing or go for a hike in Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.
Day 6: Augusta – Lighthouse and the Southernmost Tip of Western Australia
The journey to Augusta is a pleasant drive through forests and vineyards. The town is located at the very south of the state, where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet. Visit the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, walk along the coast, and with a bit of luck, you’ll see whales migrating along the coast (in season). And if you want to help your luck, then book a whale watching boat trip; most companies guarantee a 99% chance of spotting them. 😄 Just be prepared for seasickness.
Day 8: Albany
In Albany, visit the historical museum, drive to the natural arches and cliffs in Torndirrup National Park, or simply go for a walk along the tranquil bays.
Day 9: Albany – Bremer Bay
Bremer Bay is a lesser-known but all the more beautiful corner of Western Australia. This small coastal town is known for its beautiful beaches, peaceful atmosphere, and, in season, even orca sightings.
Days 10–12: Esperance
The road trip concludes with one of Australia’s most photogenic places. Esperance and the surrounding Cape Le Grand National Park offer beaches with incredibly white sand and turquoise water. In Lucky Bay, kangaroos often bask right on the beach, while Twilight Beach offers perfect swimming conditions. Visit the Frenchman Peak lookout, drive along the coastal Scenic Drive, and end each day with dinner overlooking the ocean. It’s worth it.
Camping in Australia: where and how to Camp
I’ve never been a huge fan of camping, but some of the campsites I experienced in Australia could be compared to nice hotels. Whether you sleep in a car, tent, or campervan, Australia truly has superbly equipped campsites, clean showers, kitchenettes, and often views that money can’t buy.
You can choose between:
- Commercial campsites – you’ll find them in cities and tourist areas. They offer everything from kitchens to pools and are ideal for your comfort.
- National parks and bush campsites – these have basic facilities, but are often right in the middle of nature.
- Free campsites – places for free or for a symbolic fee, often without facilities, just with a toilet
Don’t forget to check in advance if camping is allowed in the given area. Apps like Wikicamps, CamperMate, or Park4Night will help you find the ideal spot based on facilities, price, and reviews.
Where to Rent a Campervan
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time for a road trip through Western Australia?
The best time to visit Western Australia is March to May and September to November. During these months, temperatures are pleasant (20-25°C), there are fewer rainy days, and nature is in full bloom. Avoid December to February due to extreme heat (often over 40°C) and June to August due to rain and colder weather.
How much money do I need for a road trip through Western Australia?
For a twelve-day road trip, budget 3000-5000 AUD per person, including car rental, fuel, accommodation, and food. Car rental will cost 80-120 AUD per day, fuel 600-800 AUD in total, accommodation from 100-300 AUD per night, and food 50-100 AUD per person per day. Prices vary depending on comfort level and season.
Is an international driving permit required?
Yes, to drive in Australia, you need an international driving permit along with your Czech driving license. You must obtain the international permit in the Czech Republic before departure at the locally competent municipal office with extended powers.
Are there dangerous animals in Western Australia?
Western Australia is a relatively safe area. You’ll most often encounter kangaroos and emus on the roads, especially at dusk and at night. Venomous snakes and spiders do exist, but attacks on humans are very rare. When swimming, be aware of sharks and venomous jellyfish. In the Esperance area, there are warning systems on the beaches.
What equipment to take on a road trip?
Don’t forget quality sunscreen (SPF 50+), a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of water – the sun in Australia is very intense. Take comfortable hiking shoes, quick-drying clothing, and a light jacket for evenings. A camera is a must, as is a power bank and an adapter for Australian power outlets. For some activities, you can rent equipment on site.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
