Western Australia offers varied experiences for anyone, whether you want to splurge or explore on a budget. You will find a diverse array of animal and plant life, as well as incredible hotspots renowned across the world. It’s also where you can sample delicious food and wine, and enjoy stunning beaches and walking trails.
While Western Australia is a huge state (the second biggest in the world), a lot of tourist attractions are located within 4-5 hours of the capital city, Perth.
When you are ready to embark on a trip from Perth, here are the places you do not want to miss:
Bunker Bay
If you want to kick off your journey somewhere sheltered and calm, Bunker Bay is a suitable stop. The white sands are enticing, and the waves are perfect for snorkelling and swimming. You can even go swimming if you have a boat or rent one.
Bunker Bay is located within the Margaret River Wine Region. The beach is exceptional because it is among the rare beaches in Western Australia that face north. Bring your family along or go on a retreat for a relaxing day.
Carnamah-Eneabba Wildflower Drive
It’s hard to beat one of Western Australia’s largest wildflower displays. The Carnamah-Eneabba wildflower Drive is an excellent option if you plan to enjoy at least an hour of a self-drive tour. You will see the natural beauty of Mother Nature’s floral exhibition. Also, the route provides a fantastic opportunity to go on a photography spree.
Start with the drive along Coolimba and head to Carnamah. It’s just a three-hour drive north of Perth, and it is worth every minute. You can witness almost 200 fauna species in the region as well. Coolimba is also a wonderful stop where you can take a break and go swimming, snorkelling, or other water activities you may be interested in.
Granite Skywalk
About 1.1 billion years ago, Castle Rock was born. On it is the granite outcrop where you can walk about 670 metres until you reach the peak. It is where the Granite Skywalk is located, which is a suspended walkway. If you are in Albany, you only have to drive 45 minutes north. However, it is a long drive from Perth, taking more than four hours when you take the Albany Highway.
It can take more than two hours to get to the peak. But it will surely take longer because you will want to get a closer look at the plant and animal life in the area. It is filled with Karri and Marri trees, along with almost 80 species of birds and several hundreds of rare varieties of orchids.
Mundaring Weir
If you are searching for a destination to spend the afternoon picnicking with your friends or bushwalking, we suggest you experience Mundaring Weir. It plays a crucial part in WA’s heritage and offers a scenic drive as you journey along Perth Hills’ natural bushland.
Mundaring Weir is an engineering project completed in 1903, which began as the water pipeline for Kalgoorlie goldfields. Today, it is an exciting piece with a driving trail known as the Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail. The area is easy and quick to access if you are in Perth, which is only 40 minutes away.
Wave Rock
One of the biggest waves in the country does not have anything to do with the ocean. Wave Rock is an incredibly unique sight, standing tall at 15 metres above the plain. It has been around for more than two billion years now, and about 100,000 people visit every year.
You will find Wave Rock near Hyden, in the Wheatbelt. If you drive from Perth, it will take about three to four hours. However, there are rolling farmlands that will charm your eyes with pleasing vistas of fields filled with canola and wheat.
Noble Falls
This beautiful spot is great for nature lovers and families planning on a picnic. Noble Falls is surrounded by a variety of trees, such as marri and jarrah. It is located less than six kilometres outside Gidgegannup, which is only a 30-minute drive from Perth.
Visiting in the spring is probably the best option because you can see wildflowers in their full bloom. You can stroll amongst them, including those you cannot find anywhere else. But if you are here during the winter, be sure to walk the trail along Wooroloo Brook, leading to the falls. It tumbles and bubbles best during this season (and in the spring, as well).
A Quick Note
Before you start your trip, be sure to plan it from start to finish. Book a hire car that’s suitable for the number of people you have travelling with you.
If you’re visiting other parts of the state, we recommend visiting these 7 amazing destinations.