The coronavirus pandemic has changed the world in ways most of us could not imagine. And these changes will remain, not just in the short-term.
Healthcare is not the only industry that has been hit. Travel and tourism have also experienced devastating effects. Any means of travel had to stop temporarily until the situation was fixed, or at least managed.
Many economies are starting to get back up while normal life will soon resume in different parts of the world. At some point, we all know that industries will come back online, and people will go out once again.
In Western Australia, easing of restrictions is slowly taking place, with the state soon to be in Phase 4.
Facilities that have recently reopened include:
- Food courts and restaurants
- Salons, saunas, and wellness centres
- Gyms and health clubs
- Museums and art galleries
- Cinemas
- Playgrounds and parks
Travel is now allowed throughout the state and into the Kimberley region. Of course, physical distancing remains a requirement even after lifting some restrictions.
Top Hotspots You Can Visit
When travelling, planning and preparedness are both crucial. Book a reliable hire car to ensure you have a stress-free ride. You can choose the car you want to drive around, such as a modern luxury car. You deserve it, after all.
When you are ready to drive around Western Australia, here are some of the places you know you should see:
Margaret River
With over 40 surf spots all over the coast, including these popular surf breaks, Margaret River is Western Australia’s surfing mecca. Now that restrictions have been removed, surfers will be flocking to see the thrilling big-wave breaks.
Margaret River has some of the best beaches in Western Australia.
But Margaret River is not just about surfing. While here, you should take the chance to tour around different galleries. All around, there is beautiful scenery to marvel in. Tall timber forests abound, and you can even find a limestone cave, such as Jewel Cave with their prehistoric fossils.
Try other popular activities, as well, such as rock climbing, fishing, kayaking, and mountain biking. Depending on the time you visit, you can also go on a whale watching tour.
Kalbarri
If you have not seen the famous Pink Lake, now is a great opportunity. The area will stay tourist-free for a while so only a few locals will visit. The Pink Lake’s real name is Hutt Lagoon and true to its moniker, the water is indeed pink.
Stunning Hutt Lagoon (pink salt lake) near Kalbarri.
The science behind this puzzling wonder is actually quite simple. It has Dunaliella salina, which is a type of algae. It contains an abundant amount of beta carotene, which you may know as a food colouring compound. The lake has been a favourite subject on Instagram, where the water can go from orange to bright pink. We suggest you drive there between 10am to 2pm to see the lake in its full glory.
But the Pink Lake is not the only thing you should see after staying in quarantine. The national park has over 183,000 hectares of land where you have the chance to witness river gorges, which have been around for about 400 million years.
Kalbarri is sunny and warm almost throughout the whole year, so you will surely enjoy more than six hours drive north of Perth.
Dunsborough
Dunsborough is a magnificent location located along Geographe Bay. It is a tranquil destination, which is why you may want to add this place to your list of stopovers. Dunsborough has beautiful beaches with calm, clear water.
Dunsborough is popular with families, especially in summer.
The beaches are mostly ideal for swimming, but you can also find spots for diving and snorkelling. For the more adventurous, some areas have water sports available, including kayaking and surfing.
Aside from the white sandy beaches, the area going to town is marked by lush greenery, from grass to trees. The environment is bustling with businesses starting to reopen. You will find cafes and boutique shops. If you happen to be around at night, you will find wine bars and pubs as well. They usually have live music to offer, which can make you feel relaxed before going to bed.
On the northwest, you will see the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park where Cape Naturaliste is, Dunsborough’s lighthouse.
The area is excellent for family holidays, and it is easy to get to Dunsborough from Perth. It should take about less than three hours in ideal cases.
Broome
Broome is dubbed as the pearling capital of the country. As the pearl of the north, it is where you can find the South Sea pearls, which is a variety of pearls famous around the world. It is the west’s gateway to the Kimberley region.
You can get here in less than three hours from Perth if you fly. However, it is best to drive to see the tropical oasis with your own eyes. You will witness the striking contrasts of hues on the way, which is an experience you never want to miss.
There is also a rich culture in the area, and the vibe is simply relaxing. Many visitors are interested in Broome pearls. If you have not seen how they are harvested and cultured, you should visit a local pearl farm. From there, you can immerse yourself in stories of the past. Watch how the luggers work on the pearls. You can even get a memento of your trip.
For accommodation, we recommend Eco Beach Resort: an award-winning eco-resort with villa, eco tents, beach house, and safari-style room options as well as a wide variety of activities and a spectacular ocean-front to enjoy.
During the quarantine, when everyone was told to stay at home, you may have missed going to the theatres. One of the best ways to catch up is through Sun Pictures in Broome. It is the oldest outdoor cinema that still operates to this day.
Another popular tourist destination in Broome is Cable Beach. Here, you can enjoy some of Australia’s best sunsets. We recommend enjoying one evening on a camel ride.
Enjoy a gorgeous sunset atop a camel on Cable Beach.
Albany
Albany has a rugged coastline that bolsters its natural beauty. Through the Albany Highway, you can get here from Perth in just five hours.
The city has its unique charms, being the first in Western Australia to have European settlers. Much of the legacy remains with about 50 colonial buildings in Albany. You will find them as museums, restaurants, and galleries, among others.
One of the most exciting places in the city is King George Sound, which was where the first ANZAC convoy left to participate in the First World War. You can learn more about the history with the high-tech interactive displays on site.
There are several other things that you can do while in Albany. For instance, you can take a scenic walk around Torndirrup National Park. It is where you will see the Natural Bridge and The Gap, which the Southern Ocean has carved naturally.
Albany has some of the most rugged, and beautiful, coastline in Western Australia.
Monkey Mia
Witnessing wild dolphins frolic around the waters is undoubtedly an unforgettable experience. Monkey Mia is precisely the place to go to where the water mammals have been visiting almost daily for over 40 years now. For this reason, Monkey Mia is listed in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area. It is one of the best sites to go to if you want a real dolphin interaction experience.
You can feed dolphins in Monkey Mia, only a few metres from the beach.
Monkey Mia is just 30 minutes from Denham by car. Denham is about a day’s drive from Perth or a two-hour flight away. It is worth the wait and the journey because this destination is where you can meet the gentle creature known as the bottlenose.
The area has always been a favourite hangout of dolphins since the early 1960s. During that time, the wild dolphins just appeared and were ready to interact with humans. Since then, Monkey Mia has become a tourist destination, especially for those who want a close encounter with bottlenoses and other kinds of dolphins.
Fremantle
For a more vibrant location, Fremantle is a city that stands out. It creates a perfect amalgam of new and old experience. Visiting Fremantle will truly enrich your cultural knowledge. You can easily explore its vast history in the maritime and colonial background through the preserved spots around the city.
Fremantle offers plenty of activities and places to see if you are new here. It is just near Perth so you can quickly drive to the city to discover buzzing markets and energetic bars when they open. You will also find casual street cafes, which will show you how the locals love the 21st-century life.
Some hotspots to drop by in are the Western Australian Maritime Museum, Fremantle Prison, and the Roundhouse. These places showcase the history of the city. When you are ready to relax, you can drink your favourite cup of coffee on the Cappuccino Strip.
The historic Fremantle Prison is a must-see when visiting the area.
Things are Different from Your Last Visit
Western Australia has several world-class hotspots waiting for you to discover. If you have already visited some of the mentioned areas above or any other destination in the state, you will notice there are remarkable differences.
Although attractions, including beaches and parks, are ready for your enjoyment, physical distancing should be observed. When going to restaurants, cafes, and museums, take note of the distancing and hygiene rules. Of course, don’t forget to pack essentials and make sure to have fun!