Western Australia · 28 Places
Western Australia is Australia's largest state, covering more than one-third of the continent and offering an extraordinary range of landscapes from pristine coral reefs and red outback deserts to verdant wine regions and cosmopolitan coastal cities. Home to Perth, one of the world's most isolated yet vibrant capital cities, Western Australia rewards adventurous travellers with World Heritage sites, unique wildlife, and some of the planet's most spectacular natural wonders.
Western Australia stretches from the tropical Kimberley region in the north to the cool Southern Ocean coastline, encompassing the world-class Ningaloo Reef, the surreal Pinnacles Desert, ancient granite formations like Wave Rock, and the globally acclaimed Margaret River wine region. Perth, the state capital, sits on the Indian Ocean and offers a relaxed, sun-drenched lifestyle with excellent food, beaches, and arts scenes. The state's sheer size means visitors are rewarded with solitude and untouched landscapes rarely found elsewhere on Earth.
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
The 28 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
One of the world's largest inner-city parks covering 400 hectares on the edge of Perth CBD. Features 3,000 species of WA native plants, sweeping views of the Swan River, the Perth city skyline, and the Dandjoo Walk through ancient bushland. The State War Memorial and ANZAC memorial are also located here. Spectacular wildflower displays occur September to October.
A car-free island 19km off the coast of Fremantle, famous for its friendly quokkas (small marsupials), crystal-clear turquoise bays, and relaxed holiday atmosphere. Visitors arrive by ferry and explore by bicycle, renting bikes at the ferry terminal. The island has 63 beaches and bays, excellent snorkelling at The Basin, and fascinating WWII military history.
One of Australia's most eerie and photogenic landscapes — thousands of ancient limestone pillars rising from golden desert sand, some reaching up to 3.5 metres tall. Located 245km north of Perth near Cervantes, the Pinnacles formed over thousands of years from shells and fossils. Best visited at sunrise or sunset when the low light creates dramatic shadows.
An extraordinary natural granite formation near Hyden, 340km east of Perth, that resembles a giant ocean wave frozen in stone. The rock face is 14 metres high and 110 metres long, stained in vivid bands of red, brown, and grey from water seeping over the granite for millennia. Estimated to be 2.7 billion years old, it is one of the oldest exposed rock formations on Earth.
One of the world's largest and most pristine fringing coral reefs, stretching 260km along WA's northwest coast. Unlike the Great Barrier Reef, Ningaloo is accessible directly from shore. It is the world's best place to swim with whale sharks (March-August), as well as offering snorkelling with manta rays, humpback whales, and sea turtles. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 2011.
A world-famous dolphin feeding experience in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, where wild Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins have been voluntarily coming to the beach to interact with humans since the 1960s. Rangers supervise daily feeding sessions at 7:45am, 9am, and 11am. The wider Shark Bay area features unique stromatolites — living fossils dating back 3.5 billion years.
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Perth's flagship luxury hotel at Elizabeth Quay on the Swan River, featuring stunning water and city views, a rooftop pool, three world-class restaurants including Hearth, and 205 elegantly appointed rooms and suites. The spa is exceptional and the location allows easy walking to the CBD and ferry terminal.
A boutique luxury hotel housed in WA's beautiful 1879 heritage-listed Treasury and State Buildings, combining Victorian Gothic architecture with contemporary luxury. Home to Perth's finest restaurant, Wildflower, and the award-winning Post restaurant. Only 48 suites ensure an intimate, personalised experience.
Part of the Crown Perth entertainment complex on the banks of the Swan River, Crown Towers offers 500 rooms and suites, multiple signature restaurants, a casino, theatre, 25-metre pool, and one of Perth's best spas. The Crystal Club rooftop pool on Level 26 is outstanding.
A design-forward boutique hotel in the heart of Perth CBD, QT Perth combines eclectic interiors, bold art, and genuine hospitality. The rooftop bar Lucky Chan is one of Perth's best, and the ground-floor Santini Bar & Grill is a local favourite. The hotel is exceptionally well located above the Rialto shopping arcade.
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Perth's most celebrated fine dining restaurant on the sixth floor of the Como The Treasury hotel, helmed by executive chef Jed Gerrard. The menu follows the six Noongar seasons (the local Aboriginal calendar) and showcases native WA ingredients including lemon myrtle, wattle seed, Geraldton wax, and wild mushrooms. The views over the Perth skyline are extraordinary.
Part of the Treasury complex, Petition Kitchen is a sophisticated all-day restaurant and bar in the beautiful heritage State Buildings. Known for its thoughtfully sourced WA produce, excellent wine list focused on WA producers, and a menu of beautifully executed share plates. The adjoining Petition Beer Corner is one of Perth's best craft beer bars.
One of Perth's longest-running and most respected fine dining restaurants, Balthazar is celebrated for its exceptional wine list (over 1,600 labels including the finest WA wines), impeccable service, and a menu of refined contemporary dishes. An institution for Perth's wine and food lovers since 1999.
A beloved Perth institution on Beaufort Street in Highgate, Must Winebar has been one of WA's finest dining destinations since 2004. The cellar holds over 3,500 wine labels with a phenomenal WA selection. The food is French-influenced modern Australian — rich, indulgent, and beautifully executed. One of the best atmospheres of any Perth restaurant.
Perched in Kings Park with panoramic views over the Swan River and Perth city skyline, Fraser's has been offering some of Perth's most scenic dining for over 25 years. The menu showcases WA produce — Margaret River beef, Fremantle fish, WA truffles in season — with a style that is elegant but relaxed. The Sunday brunch is legendary.
A Fremantle icon operating in a beautifully converted warehouse with exposed brick, timber tables, and an open kitchen. Bread in Common bakes its own bread in a wood-fired oven and serves communal share plates of seasonal WA produce. One of WA's most popular restaurants, with long communal tables encouraging conversation and sharing. Reservations essential.
Perth has an excellent public transport network (Transperth) covering trains and buses. Regional Western Australia requires hiring a car or taking domestic flights due to vast distances. A 4WD vehicle is recommended for outback and Kimberley travel.
Daily spend by tier in AUD, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $30 | $100 | $250 |
| Food (per day) | $20 | $50 | $100 |
| Transportation | $15 | $20 | $30 |
| Activities | $15 | $20 | $30 |
| Daily total | $80 | $180 | $400+ |
Carry plenty of water in the outback — a minimum of 4 litres per person per day
Tell someone your travel plans when heading into remote areas
Wear SPF50+ sunscreen year-round and reapply every 2 hours
Avoid swimming at unpatrolled beaches and observe shark warning flags and shark alerts
Watch for kangaroos, emus, and cattle on rural roads, especially at dusk and dawn
Respect marine stinger warnings — box jellyfish are present October to May in northern WA waters
Do not approach or attempt to handle snakes or spiders
Check fire danger ratings before bushwalking, especially in summer
Triple Zero (000) is the emergency number for police, fire, and ambulance in WA
Carry an EPIRB or Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) for remote travel
Check cyclone warnings December to April if travelling in northern WA
Download the Emergency WA app for real-time fire, cyclone, and emergency alerts
Crocodile danger in the Kimberley — never swim in rivers, waterholes, or estuaries without local advice
Be aware of rip currents at WA beaches
Ensure your hire vehicle has adequate fuel range before driving remote WA roads
Entry requirements follow Australian federal rules. Most international visitors need an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or tourist visa obtained before arrival. New Zealand citizens can enter visa-free. Check the Australian Department of Home Affairs website for current requirements. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
The currency in Western Australia is the Australian Dollar (AUD). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
The main language(s) spoken in Western Australia: English. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
The top attractions in Western Australia include Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Rottnest Island, The Pinnacles (Nambung National Park), Wave Rock, and Ningaloo Reef. Each offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.
Western Australia's vast size — 2.5 million square kilometres — means that transport planning is critical. Perth has an excellent metropolitan public transport network (Transperth), but regional travel requires hiring a car, joining guided tours, or taking domestic flights. Distances between towns in the north and outback can exceed 500km with few fuel stops, so careful planning is essential.
