The Best Places to Visit in Western Australia – A Bucket List

Last Updated on 19 January 2026 by Ariana Svenson

As Western Australian locals we have travelled a lot through this magnificent state.  And, if you want to know the best places to visit in Western Australia –we are here to help!  Without an incredible landscape of diversity, it was extremely hard to narrow down the top things to visit.  Plus, it really depends what your interests are! 

Unlike the east coast of Australia many of WA’s popular attractions are not very touristed and a lot of the time you will feel like you have the place to yourself.  Yes, if you want to get off the beaten track there are plenty of dirt roads.  I’ll actually go as far to say that the main attraction of WA is the wide open spaces!

Western Australia is Australia’s biggest state by far, with a total land area of 2,527,013 square kilometres (975,685 sq mi).  From the red north with its tropical climate, Broome and the Kimberley are incredibly different than any other place on earth… and the wonders of Western Australia don’t stop as you travel down the coast.  The amazing Ningaloo Reef is rich and thriving, the colour of the turquoise water and white sands against the red of the Cape Range National Park quite extraordinary.

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Interested in Exploring Western Australia Further?

These are the Best Road Trips from Perth

Here are the Best Family Destinations in Western Australia 

Check out the Best Western Australia farm stays

The capital of Western Australia, Perth itself is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city.  Centered around the picturesque Kings Park and Swan River, but with plenty of Indian Ocean beaches and parkland to make it eminently livable.  Perth also is a great place to visit with a mild mediterranean climate.  We totally believe that Perth is an excellent place to start your exploration of the west coast.

If you are short of time, make sure you don’t miss Kings Park Botanic Garden.  It offers an incredible overview of the amazing floral diversity of Australia’s largest state.

As you head further south the landscape is unrecognizable and still there are more amazing things to do in Western Australia.  Margaret River is famous for its great surf and world class food and wine.  However, it’s just one pocket of beauty, amongst many.  The tall trees of the southern forests are literally a world away from the dry, arid north of Western Australia but equally as unique and captivating.

By the time you hit the south coast you could think you have seen it all – especially if you have been exploring Western Australia for a while.  But, guess what, more beauty is coming your way!  The rugged and isolated coastline of the south coast is amongst our favorite places in the world.  Wild, isolated and windswept it is truly beautiful.

Enough waxing lyrical – I order to make the most helpful bucket list; we decided to divide our lists of the best places to visit in Western Australia into regions.

Are you going to put the WA big 5 on your Western Australian bucket list?

The West Aussie Big Five includes the very cute quokkas seen at Rottnest Island and also at the Tree Top Walk on the South Coast, endangered whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef, playful humpbacks all along the coast from Augusta to Albany, incredible orcas at Bremer Bay and iconic kangaroos … which you can see everywhere!

Best Places to Visit in Western Australia:  South of Perth

The Beaches of Esperance Far South Coast

With kangaroos posing on picture perfect white sands at the Iconic Lucky Bay against a backdrop of turquoise waters, you can’t go past the beaches in Esperance and the Cape Le Grand National Park.  Read our Best Things to do in Esperance and Top Accommodations in Esperance here.

While in Esperance you should take a scenic flight to see the unique Pink Lake in the Recherche Archipelago. And remember, the best way to explore all the beautiful beaches there is to check out the Great Ocean Drive Esperance.

How to get to Esperance?

An Awesome Perth to Esperance Road Trip and Esperance Beaches
The Spectacular Albany to Esperance Road Trip Guide

If you are interested to see ‘killer whales’ – also known as Orcas they we highly recommend a visit to Bremer Bay.  Check out our The Best Things to do in Bremer Bay WA.

Historic Albany – In the Great Southern

Albany has an amazing amount to see and do – not only for history lovers, but those who love a bit of an adventure climbing mountains or surfing down on the coast. 

The National Anzac Centre and other historical attractions centered on King George Sound are fascinating, as is the Natural Bridge in Torndirrup National Park.  Its’ also rumored to be Western Australia’s emerging gourmet and foodie hotspot with great farmers markets to buy local produce.  Get there while it’s still a bit of a secret, read  Amazing Things to do in Albany WA.

How to get to Albany

Best of South Coast of Western Australia – A Margaret River to Albany Road Trip
An Insider Guide; A Perth to Albany Road Trip

Denmark

So, what is the best place to visit in Western Australia?

We are going to put it out there and say our favourite place is Denmark Western Australia.  It has a laid back vibe, lots of family friendly activities and some beautiful natural wonders.  It is close enough to Albany to make a day trip over and learn about the history of the state.  While there are lots of Things to do in Denmark WA  and places to eat in Denmark we think that two of the biggest highlights are the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk or Elephant Rocks in William Bay National Park.

And, don’t forget that you can tick off one of the Western Australian Big five – the Quokka – if you are visiting the tree top walk.

World Famous Margaret River

Whether you speak to a surfer – or a wino, the Margaret River region is world famous for both great waves and world-class wine.  

In recent years an emerging food scene has meant that foodies and lovers of the finer things in life can be spoiled for days, wine tasting and eating! Beautiful Margaret River is wonderful year round, so be inspired for your next winter getaway by these fantastic things to do in Margaret River in Winter.

While many lists say Mammoth Cave is the best, we recommend looking at our comprehensive review of the Margaret River Caves – you will find that there is much more to these limestone caves than you ever suspected!

Another popular activity near Margaret River is watching the humpback whales during their annual migration.

How to get to Margaret River

Here we share How to Ace the Perth to Margaret River Road trip

Family Friendly Busselton

I think you can’t go past Busselton for a family friendly holiday.  With so many kid oriented activities you will keep the tackers entertained for days, plus some great natural attractions.  Busselton is a great spot for a Western Australian family holiday.  You’ll see people lump Busselton (and Dunsborough) in with Margaret River if they don’t know the subtle difference.  However, in my opinion, that’s a mistake!

Here is our complete roundup of Awesome Things to do in Busselton.

And because Busselton is SO incredibly family friendly, we were able to put together an entire blog of Things to do in Busselton for Families. 

Where to Stay in the South West?

Tried and tested (by us!) we have a comprehensive idea of the The Best Family Accommodation in the South West WA.

Best Places to Visit in Western Australia: Around Perth

Rottnest Island

Ok, if you are looking for the best things to do in Western Australia – you have got to visit Rottnest!  With pure white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, Rottnest Island is a short ferry ride from Perth.  It is often included as a must-see on many travelers itineraries.  We say: check your dates!  Avoid visiting during peak periods around Western Australian long weekends, New Year’s Eve, or the infamous schoolies/leavers week in November.  Otherwise, a trip over to Rotto (as the locals call it) is a unique experience.

Popular activities on Rottnest include, swimming and snorkeling from beautiful beaches, white sands, and bicycle-only access around the whole island, there is a remote frontier feel about Rottnest.  Not to mention the island’s most famous inhabitants the “rats” that the island is named for (rat’s nest).  Cute and very Instagrammable, the Quokkas are sure to be a winner with the kids.

For general Rottnest information and accommodation, check out the Rottnest Island official website.

We’d love to stay at the Karma Rottnest.  This looks like a great family accommodation to add to your Western Australia itinerary.

Penguin Island Perth

Alternatively, if you are looking for a unique island experience that can be visited from Perth and is significantly cheaper than Rottnest, consider Penguin Island.  It is just out of Rockingham.  With a boat ride, beautiful beaches, abundant birdlife, and  penguins, our kids think it is a magnificent day out.  Our full review can be found here in our post Penguin Island Western Australia.

Best Places to Visit in Western Australia: East of Perth

Wave Rock

From Albany, your time in Western Australia is likely coming to a close.  For those short of time they can make a comfortable trip back up the Albany highway to Perth in 4 hours.  However, we would highly recommend making the detour to Hyden, and one of Western Australia’s most iconic sites at the totally incredible Wave Rock.  Heading into this cropping country gives you a real sense of the vastness of this state.  Read our Best Things to do in Wave Rock WA & Hyden Accommodation.

Ghost Town of Gwalia & Lake Ballard Statues

If you are heading to the Goldfields of Western Australia there are two spots that should be on every best things to do in Western Australia list.  And, sadly, they are omitted from many lists.

The Lake Ballard Statues are incredible!  51 beautiful artworks installed in the barren and mystical landscape of a salt lake.  From Lake Ballard to Gwalia (just on the outskirts of Leonora) is about 2 hours’ drive.  We include here at these Great Things to do in the Goldfields WA.

After a day’s exploring the we would stay at Hoover House Bed And Breakfast, Gwalia (near Leonora).  This unique house is definitely on our personal Western Australia bucket list for the next time we head this way.

The Mine Manager’s House was designed and built by Herbert Hoover, the manager of the Sons of Gwalia gold mine at the time.  Hoover would become the 31st President of the United States of America in 1929.  The internet tells me that it is the only president’s house located outside the United States.  Who wouldn’t want to stay in a President’s home!!  My brother and his wife stayed there a few years ago and said it’s a romantic way to step back in time and really feel the history

Next morning its just 2 hours back to Kalgoorlie, or you could head out to Laverton for the interesting The Great Beyond Explorers Hall of Fame.  This fairly new facility documents the exploration of the inland with stories of hardship and perseverance of the white explorers.

Also on our bucket list is to visit Kookynie, which the author last visited some 40 years ago as a kid.  Once a town of over 400 buildings, today Kookynie has a population of only 13 people and many interesting historical ruins to explore.

But the reason we want to visit is the horse in the pub.  Some years ago an ex racehorse called Willy wandered onto the verandah of the Grand Kookynie Hotel, and stayed.  He now wows visitors with his antics and I know my horse loving daughter would love it!

Best Places to Visit in Western Australia: North of Perth

The Lancelin Sand Dunes

I have to admit I had written of the Lancelin Sand Dunes as one of those places that have exploded in popularity since the emergence of social media and the gorgeous pictures you see there.  I imagined it very busy and touristed!  How wrong I was!

We visited on a Monday morning in winter and there were only two other groups there!  We didn’t sandboard but the kids had an awesome time running around on the dunes like maniacs.  I’ll definitely plan to visit in off season (and during the week) for a less touristed visit! Read our blog post on Things to do in Lancelin for more information.

The Pinnacles, Nambung National Park

Definitely one of the most iconic places in Western Australia, and only a short drive from Perth.  The Pinnacles Desert are a lunar like landscape – yellowy orange towers of sand; creating extraordinary shapes and mystery.  In reality thousands of years has worn away the sandstone, making for a very distinctive visit.

The best times for photographers are early morning or sunset.  The Pinnacles are located near Cervantes, where the stunning Coral Coast starts.  We have covered the best way to visit the Pinnacles in our post, Things to do in Jurien Bay.

Kalbarri and Natures Window

Located just 6 hours from Perth, what’s not to love about Kalbarri?  You feel like you have truly reached the outback when you explore the red canyons of the Kalbarri National Park.  The recently built Kalbarri Skywalk has really added to the overall feeling of WOW when you visit.  For everything you need to know about a visit A Guide to the Nature’s Window and Kalbarri Skywalk.

We love the red cliffs of the coast of Kalbarri just as much as the inland – spectacular coastal sites and plenty of good short walks really make this a wonderful place to explore.  As family destination it doesn’t get much better than Kalbarri.  Take a look at our Things to do in Kalbarri.

And of course the journey is half the joy.  For inspiration, take a look at The Perth to Kalbarri Road Trip Itinerary.

Monkey Mia and Shark Bay

Known all around the world as the place that you get up close with bottlenose dolphins in the wild is beautiful Monkey Mia.  Not only is the morning visit of the dolphins something you won’t experience in many places in the world, Shark Bay is also a stunning place to spend a few days.  Most people base themselves in the town of Denham.

By the way, if you are looking for a place to stay, check out our top Denham accommodation, Monkey Mia accommodation and the best accommodation in Shark Bay.

Apart from the brilliant contrast between the bright red orange landscape and blue water, you can visit the incredible Shell Beach, Dirk Hartog Island, Francois Peron National Park and of course the Hamelin Pool stromatolites.  They are all part of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area.

Ningaloo Reef and Cape Range National Park

The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ningaloo Reef, is a fringing reef that you can access from shore.  This makes it incredibly special as you don’t have to travel out by boat to experience the coral reef.  You can instead snorkel directly off the white sandy beaches.  While Ningaloo is not as big as the Great Barrier Reef, it is definitely one of the world’s healthiest reefs featuring a wide array of marine life .

Another feature of the Ningaloo Reef Marine Park is the fact that whale sharks visit each year.  Ningaloo has to be the ecologically respectful place on Earth to swim alongside a whale shark.  When joining a whale shark or humpback whale swim, you may also have the opportunity to swim with the manta rays.

Even if you aren’t up for a swim with the whale shark, you will be wowed by the natural beauty of the beaches of Turquoise Bay in the Cape Range National Park, or staying at family friendly Coral Bay with its crystal clear water. vWe saw sea turtles swimming off the beach at both spots!  Truly amazing!

Check our resources below:

Awesome Facts about Ningaloo Reef

The Best Guide to Swim with the Whale Sharks Exmouth

Best Things to do in Exmouth WA

Karijini National Park

Karijini National Park is renowned for its steep gorges and canyons.  It has towering chasms up to 100 metres deep, dramatic waterfalls, rocky creeks, refreshing waterholes and colours ranging from pindan red-orange to deep blue-purple rocks and jade green water.  Without a doubt you feel that this is a special ancient place, and one that was very important to the local aboriginal people.  Hammersley Gorge is definitely one for the Instagrammers!

You can see the main sights of Karijini in three days, but you’ll need five days to experience what makes this pace so special.  Don’t hurry yourself and start early to avoid the heat.  There are no petrol stations within Karijini so it’s essential to bring ample fuel for travel within the park.  If flying in, you might want to look at flights to Port Hedland.

Best Places to Visit in Western Australia: North West

Broome and the West Kimberley

The Kimberly is the far northern part of Western Australia, three times the size of England, or almost as big as California.  Unless you are travelling around Australia on a “big lap” you are likely to need to break your trip to the Kimberley into a couple of visits.

The most well-known attraction is the city of Broome.  Famous for its’ camel rides along Cable Beach at sunset, a laid back multicultural lifestyle and being the home of a thriving pearling industry.  We cover it all at The Best things to do in Broome including the dinosaur footprints which can be seen at low tide at Gantheaume point.

Also, if you want to give some of the best glamping spots in Western Australia a go, Broome has some truly luxurious options which you can discover at Awesome Glamping in Western Australia.

Popular excursions in the West Kimberley region are the Horizontal Falls at Talbot Bay or the 1000 islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago, or take a trip to see the Horizontal Falls.

Inland from Broome you should put Tunnel Creek, Windjana Gorge and Geikie Gorge on your things to do.

To the North, Cape Leveque on the Dampier Peninsula is famed for its beauty and remoteness.

The Gibb River Road

The legendary Gibb River Road is famous around Australia for its stunning beauty and difficult conditions. Here is a great guide to Driving the Gibb River Road.

The Gibb River Road is 660km track that connects Derby and Kununurra.  The majority of the road is gravel and the condition is dependent upon the previous wet season.  It is only possible to pass through between April and October when the weather is favorable.  To experience the very best of the Gibb, allow 7-14 days.  One of the main attractions along the Gibb River road is El Questro, which is famous for its beauty and refreshing waterholes.

East Kimberly

While Kununurra itself is a service centre for the local tourism and agricultural industries, there is a lot to do in the surrounding area.  Don’t miss picture perfect Lake Argyle, the largest manmade lake in the southern hemisphere, with plenty of water activities.

The most popular attraction around Kununurra is the World Heritage Site of Purnululu National Park and the famous Bungle Bungle Range which are best viewed by helicopter flight.

Best Places to Visit in Western Australia – Perth City

Last, but definitely not least we have added Perth to your bucket list.  We know that most people will eventually make it to Perth.  Whether they are on a big lap or flying in, they will end up in Perth.  Our recommendations?

In the Perth city centre, don’t miss Iconic Kings Park or the beautiful Elizabeth Quay.  One of our favourite places to stay is in Fremantle.  With its fascinating maritime history, great foodie scene, accessible beaches (you’ll want to snorkel on the Omeo wreck) and also spooky Fremantle Prison.  You can also catch the Rottnest Ferry from Fremantle making it a really solid base within the greater Perth city.

Check here for all our Perth resources.
Check here for Best Waterfalls to Visit in Western Australia

The Verdict – The Best Places to Visit in Western Australia

We’ve done our best to provide a summary of the best places to visit in Western Australia.  As ‘the best’ is an exclusive group we have had to leave some pretty awesome places out.  However, this is a pretty detailed Western Australia bucket list.  It should give you an idea of what you really want to see and the links to our detailed post pages explaining how to do it.  All I can say – we sincerely hope you love WA as much as we do.  Have the best time ever!

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