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Let us take you on a journey across the state through extraordinary Western Australia from sunrise at Lake Ballard, to a morning dip at Emma Gorge, lunch in the Southern Forests, a sophisticated night out in Perth and finally to the stunning night sky at The Pinnacles.
Advertiser content for Tourism Western Australia
Let us take you on a journey across the state through extraordinary Western Australia from sunrise at Lake Ballard, to a morning dip at Emma Gorge, lunch in the Southern Forests, a sophisticated night out in Perth and finally to the stunning night sky at The Pinnacles.
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See the sunrise over a vast open-air gallery at Lake Ballard and visit the fascinating goldfields district
A dawn in WA
Video byColin Legg Photography
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Surely it must be a mirage: those can’t be human figures shimmering above the salt pan that is Lake Ballard, can they? No, you’re not dreaming. You have just stumbled across Australia’s most unusual art installation, Antony Gormley’s 2003 sculpture ‘Inside Australia’, 51 steel pieces set into this stunning environment.
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Seeing these statues is a remarkable sight at any hour of the day, but dawn at Lake Ballard is a truly special time. As the sun’s first rays sweep across the salt pan, they light up the 51 sculptures by internationally-renowned sculptor Antony Gormley. Each of the figures – spread over 10 square kilometres – is modelled on a local resident.
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A trip to Lake Ballard is an old-school adventure. Expect dusty roads and a place far removed from the routines of normal life: the nearest township, Menzies, is 50km away. If you plan to camp near the lakeshore, you will need to bring your own supplies, including plenty of water. Don’t forget to drop in at the nearby township of Kookynie. Mosey on up to the bar at the Grand Hotel pub, and ask them to tell you about Willie, the stray horse that often drops by to say hello.
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Around Lake Ballard is the fascinating goldfields district, filled with strange sights and unique characters. At Kalgoorlie, not everyone who flocked to the mining town during the gold rush made their fortune. Visitors who come looking for unusual attractions, however, are guaranteed to hit the jackpot.
Despite its elegant heritage architecture, there’s an appealing touch of the Wild West to Kalgoorlie, a town that, in its heyday, was home to 93 hotels and eight breweries. For a taste of times past, enjoy a cool brew at the Metropolitan Hotel, then discover what mining looks like today at the Super Pit, Australia’s biggest open cut gold mine.
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The deserted townships around Kalgoorlie are testament to the many dashed dreams that accompanied the Gold Rush. Abandoned settlements such as Broad Arrow and Ora Banda are atmospheric places to visit, but perhaps the most fascinating is the well-restored town of Gwalia.
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If you are after a beach break at the end of your outback adventure, the lovely coastal town of Esperance is well worth the journey. Surrounded by azure waters and a string of untouched islands, Esperance’s inviting swim spots include Lucky Bay, where kangaroos usually outnumber people, and where the sands have been named the whitest in Australia.
Photography aerialVista Photography
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Dan Paris is a photographer, local television presenter and camping enthusiast who lives on a 10-acre property in Esperance, part of Australia’s Golden Outback. Esperance is around a 7.5-hour trip from Perth. Dan suggests travelling inland through the Wheatbelt, breaking up the drive with a night in Hopetoun before arriving at the beautiful beaches of Esperance.
Fitzgerald River National Park
First, if you’re coming from Perth, stop and spend the night at Fitzgerald River National Park, about 200km out of Esperance, in Hopetoun.
Esperance
Next, on to Esperance to spend two nights exploring the town. The coastline and the beaches are incredible. Two or three days wouldn’t be enough, obviously, there’s a lot to do!
Lucky Bay
Lucky Bay is the reason most people come to Esperance. It’s absolutely sensational. Even the kangaroos like to hang out on the beach.
Savour the joys of this untamed wilderness and wander through ancient landscapes to discover lush retreats
A morning in WA
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There’s no other word for it: the Kimberley is magical. Visitors are amazed by its eye-popping landscapes, from rust-red shores lapped by bright blue water to rugged gorges concealing verdant oases. The lush landscapes, courtesy of the annual wet season deluge, come as a surprise to many, but one the most alluring part of the Kimberley is the many inviting swimming holes that stud the verdant bush.
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With soaring mountain ranges and plains studded with spinifex and boab trees, the East Kimberley, centred around the town of Kununurra, has an awe-inspiring beauty.
Emma Gorge sums up everything we love most about the Kimberley’s favourite swimming spots. There’s the scenic walk that takes you there, the soaring cliff walls that shelter the pool, and the 65 metre high waterfall that plunges into the tranquil waters. Sheer bliss.
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Emma Gorge sums up everything I love most about the Kimberley’s favourite swimming spots. There’s the scenic walk that takes you there, the soaring cliff walls that shelter the pool, and the 65 metre high waterfall that plunges into the tranquil waters. Sheer bliss.
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Not far away from Emma Gorge, Zebedee Springs is an aquatic delight of a different sort. These thermal springs ripple through a series of rock pools shaded by towering pandanus trees: the perfect place for some time out.
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It’s hard to get your head around just how vast Lake Argyle is. This man-made reservoir is 18 times the size of Sydney Harbour, and is a haven for birds and other wildlife. And it just happens to be spectacularly beautiful, too.
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© Tourism Western Australia
It’s hard to get your head around just how vast Lake Argyle is. This man-made reservoir is 18 times the size of Sydney Harbour, and is a haven for birds and other wildlife. And it just happens to be spectacularly beautiful, too.
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Head out from the hub of Broome on the Kimberley’s West coast and you will find kilometres of perfect coastline, dramatic gorges and a rich indigenous heritage.
Even David Attenborough was awed by the sight of the Horizontal Falls, perhaps the most famous feature of beautiful Talbot Bay. Every day the massive Kimberley tides build up between two narrow gorges, creating a remarkable waterfall-like effect.
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Even David Attenborough was awed by the sight of the Horizontal Falls, perhaps the most famous feature of beautiful Talbot Bay. Every day the massive Kimberley tides build up between two narrow gorges, creating a remarkable waterfall-like effect.
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For an Indiana Jones-style adventure, roll up your trousers and get ready to wade through the Kimberley’s very own subterranean river. Exploring the underground stream at Tunnel Creek is an unforgettable thrill, while the nearby Windjana Gorge is another must-visit.
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For an Indiana Jones-style adventure, roll up your trousers and get ready to wade through the Kimberley’s very own subterranean river. Exploring the underground stream at Tunnel Creek is an unforgettable thrill, while the nearby Windjana Gorge is another must-visit.
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It’s no wonder that the Mitchell Falls are one of the most photographed sites of the Kimberley. This series of falls cascading into picturesque pools is an irresistible sight, and makes a great place to cool off with a refreshing swim.
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The best base from which to launch yourself into your Kimberley adventure – or relax afterwards - is the quirky coastal town of Broome. Explore the city’s historic streets, watch the sun sink into the ocean from iconic Cable Beach, and bar hop your way through Chinatown’s buzzing venues, before treating yourself to a touch of luxury at one of the town’s five-star retreats.
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Craig Makepeace is co-founder of YTravelBlog.com, where he and his wife Caroline publish travel tips and personal stories from their travel experiences. They know Broome well, having travelled the area and lived there for six months.
Cable Beach
Broome’s got a lot of things going for it, but the highlight would probably be Cable Beach. It’s one of the best beaches in the world, with sand dunes rolling down to the flat, white sand that leads into the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
Willie Creek Pearl Farm and Gantheaume Point
Willie Creek Pearl Farm is just a bit out of Broome, heading north towards Cape Leveque. Spend the day here taking a tour of a working pearl farm, then head to Gantheaume Point.
The Horizontal Falls
We’d never heard about the Horizontal Falls before living in Broome. The half-day trip by seaplane will take you over some absolutely amazing scenery. You take off over Cable Beach and fly up the Kimberley coast, then over the Buccaneer Archipelago.
Fancy a feast of fine food and wine in scenic surrounds? Then head to Margaret River. Thanks to the coastal Mediterranean climate, this verdant area south of Perth is heaven for foodies. The gourmet delights don’t stop there: there is more fabulous produce on offer in the adjoining Southern Forests region, famous for its soaring forests of karri and tingle trees.
An afternoon in WA
Video byWillesee Productions
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Supercharged by endless sunny days, the fruitful soils of the Southern Forests offer up a rich bounty. Head to the farmers’ markets for plenty of paddock-to-plate options, before dropping in at a cellar door or two to discover the area’s acclaimed wines
Manjimup Farmers Market is the place to pick up everything from freshly-baked sourdough loaves to heirloom vegetables, local olive oil and Pink Lady apples, which were first bred right here in Manjimup. The market is held on the first and third Saturday of every month.
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Good food deserves good wine, and Pemberton’s wineries are here to help. Drop in at acclaimed cellar doors such as Salitage Wines and Lost Lake Wines to sample their cool-climate wines, including rich pinot noirs, crisp chardonnay and smooth cabernet sauvignon.
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For a true taste of the Southern Forests, give local delicacies such as freshwater trout or marron - a crayfish celebrated for its delicate flavour – a try. If you are visiting between June and September, you will be able to feast on another local treat, fragrant black truffles.
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For a true taste of the Southern Forests, give local delicacies such as freshwater trout or marron - a crayfish celebrated for its delicate flavour – a try. If you are visiting between June and September, you will be able to feast on another local treat, fragrant black truffles.
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There’s something magical about these great southern landscapes. Thick forests where trees soar 40 metres into the sky, reed-fringed wetlands, and coastal cliffs with dramatic views are just some of the scenery that is waiting to be explored.
One of the world’s great walks, the Bibbulmun Track runs for more than 1000km, with the southern section running through gorgeous coastline. On its way through the Southern Forests, it takes in ever-changing scenery, from misty valleys to hardy heaths. Smaller sections of the walk make for great half-day or full-day hikes.
Blazing carpets of colour fill the Southern Forests from September to November, when the area’s wildflowers spring to life. While the vivid red and green of kangaroo paws and the magnificent purple of native wisteria are eye-catching, keep an eye peeled for more delicate blooms, including many species of wild orchid.
Know this: when we talk about tall tree forests, we’re talking TALL. The forests around here are filled with centuries-old karri trees and tingle trees, some of which soar as high as 70 metres. Gaze up at them in awe or, for a different perspective, venture up one of Pemberton’s climbing trees, originally used as fire lookouts.
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Know this: when we talk about tall tree forests, we’re talking TALL. The forests around here are filled with centuries-old karri trees and tingle trees, some of which soar as high as 70 metres. Gaze up at them in awe or, for a different perspective, venture up one of Pemberton’s climbing trees, originally used as fire lookouts.
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From the charming colonial quarter to the bustling waterfront, Albany is never boring. The town has a fascinating history: as well as being the place where the first European settlers set foot in Western Australia, Albany has been home to whaling stations and convict prisons.
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If you are keen to explore the area’s white-sand beaches and sheltered inlets, Denmark makes a great base. Wine buffs take note: this former timber town is also an easy drive from some of the area’s award-winning wineries.
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Surrounded on virtually all sides by national park, Manjimup makes for a great green retreat. Work up an appetite by bushwalking or with a spot of trout fishing, then feast on the area’s farm-fresh produce.
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Nestled in the heart of tall timber country, Pemberton has a thriving local craft scene; take time to check out some of the woodwork galleries. The area’s forests and streams offer plenty of opportunities for fishing, swimming and hiking.
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It’s always picnic o’clock in the Southern Forests, with temperatures that stay firmly in the 20s for much of the year. Grab a blanket and basketful of goodies, and find yourself a tranquil picnic spot - preferably one that offers some inviting pre- or post-lunch strolls. These hidden treasures fit the bill.
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If you were asked to picture the perfect beach, you would come up with something very like Greens Pool, near the town of Denmark. A perfect curve of pure white sand, sheltered on either side by protective rocks and lapped by clear green water, this sheltered cove is picnic heaven. After lunch, take a dip, explore the rock pools, or enjoy the gentle stroll to Elephant Rocks.
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They weren’t kidding when they named it Valley of the Giants. Near Walpole, this tingle forest is home to some of the tallest trees in the Southern Forests. To work up an appetite, follow the Ancient Empire boardwalk which meanders around, and even through, massive tree trunks; if vertigo is not an issue, admire the view from on high from the Tree Top Walk.
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Calm one minute, raging the next. That’s the transformation that the tranquil Lefroy Brook undergoes at a spot called The Cascades, outside Pemberton. The rapids are at their most spectacular in winter, but this quiet spot surrounded by karri forest is a lovely place to relax in any season.
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Virginia Willcock is the chief winemaker at Vasse Felix winery, where she turns beautiful Margaret River grapes into delectable wine. She lives in Margaret River town, walking distance from the main street and close to the river and bush. The Margaret River region is just a three-hour drive south from Perth, and for anyone thinking about visiting the Margaret River region for five days (or more), Virginia shares her tips on some places you shouldn’t miss.
Yallingup
Land in Perth, grab a hire car and head south – it’s an easy three-hour drive. For your first couple of nights, for a bit of luxury, you could stop off at the award-winning Cape Lodge country estate or Injidup Spa Retreat, which are around half an hour north of Margaret River town close to Yallingup.
Margaret River Town
Next, head into Margaret River town. The great thing about Margaret River town is that it is halfway from the top and bottom of the Margaret River Cape (Cape Naturaliste at the top near Dunsborough or Cape Leeuwin in the south).
Cape to Cape Track
If you’re looking for adventure, bring your camping gear and walk the Cape to Cape Track. Guided tours are available with Cape to Cape Tours, who offer both luxury and camping options.
A night out in Perth is all about the highs and lows. From basement bars hidden in art-strewn laneways to rooftop eyries sitting high above it all, some of Perth’s best venues are tucked away in unexpected corners. There’s a lot to explore when it comes to drinking and dining: take yourself on a tour of discovery, go on a rickshaw-driven culinary adventure, or simply sink a beer as the sun sets into the sea. From classic cocktail bars to hipster dens, our guide helps you plan the perfect night out.
An evening in WA
Video byWillesee Productions
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Ready to raise the roof? It’s no wonder that Perth has such a rich selection of rooftop bars: on a balmy evening, there is no better place to be. When you’re in the mood for an al fresco cocktail, try one of these.
It has perhaps the best view in the CBD, but that’s not the only reason Wildflower is a favourite spot for a pre-dinner drink. The excellent wine list is a major draw, as is their carefully-curated selection of classic cocktails.
Photography Sabine Albers Photography
The only bar we know where the bottles are suspended from the ceiling, the quirky Greenhouse is an oasis in the CBD, with a “living wall” festooned with plants. Here it’s all about sustainability, from the recycled timber interiors to its championing of local spirits and the rooftop veggie garden.
Photography Sabine Albers Photography
There’s a knockabout charm to Bob’s Bar reminiscent of its namesake, former PM Bob Hawke (some of his more memorable quotes feature on the walls). Unlike the sleek Print Hall downstairs, up here it’s all Astroturf, cheery yellow chairs, and jugs of Pimms.
Photography Sabine Albers Photography
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You won’t have to go far to find a hipster hang in Perth; the city has a rich choice of bars and cafes with a serious cool factor. When you’re ready to chillax, try one of these beard-friendly destinations.
Talk about hipster heaven: the tiny Henry Saw café is a vegan espresso bar famed for its coconut milk chia puddings and vegan pies. It is one of the biggest draws in Grand Lane, along with the grungy Toastface Grillah, which dishes out perfect toasted cheese sandwiches.
Photography Sabine Albers Photography
If it weren’t for the graffiti wolf on the wall, you might walk right past Wolf Lane bar. One of Perth’s best-loved bars – located in the eponymous Wolf Lane – rubs shoulders with The Spaniard, a sleek split-level tapas bar where slice of jamón and jugs of sangria are the way to go.
Photography Sabine Albers Photography
It’s hard to think of a hipper spot than the north end of King Street. At Uncle Joe’s Mess Hall, you can have a coffee or a haircut; across the road, the speakeasy-style basement bar, Varnish on King, is known for having one of the town’s best ranges of whiskies.
Photography Sabine Albers Photography
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Ready for a two-wheeled gourmet adventure through one of Perth’s hippest dining hubs? Then hop aboard a rickshaw for the Leederville Food Safari, where your three-course meal takes in three different restaurants.
Rikshaw
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Your first two courses are an Asian odyssey, with Malaysian classics and street food flavours at Ria Malay Kitchen and Kitsch Bar Asia. Hot and sour, salty and sweet; your tastebuds are going to be tingling!
Photography Sabine Albers Photography
Have room for dessert? The fresh-baked pastries at Foam Coffee Bar are seriously tempting, accompanied by sensational seasonal drinks such as Vietnamese iced coffee in summer and beetroot hot chocolate in winter. Drink up!
Photography Sabine Albers Photography
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Fleur Bainger is a freelance travel and food journalist who also writes features and food for Perth’s local glossy, The Sunday Times Magazine. She lives in the inner-city village of Leederville, which she loves for its cool vibe, wide open spaces, hip cafes and boutique clothing shops. Here she shares her local tips if you've got three days to spend in Perth.
The Perth–Fremantle line
The Perth–Fremantle train line is a great way to get around. It leaves from the city, then passes through Subiaco and Cottesloe on its way to Fremantle.
Fremantle
Fremantle has such a beautiful, eclectic, artsy vibe and the local markets are chaotic and fun. Duck into the Little Creatures brewery, or explore one of the hidden pockets of restaurants and bars in the west end.
Rottnest Island
I recommend cycling around the stunning beaches of ‘Rotto’. It’s a beautiful spot to spend a day, and if you want to know a bit of history, I love the free guided tours run by the yellow-shirted volunteers. You should also try to get a selfie with a quokka. So cute!
Scattered throughout the state, WA’s best sites for stargazing offer dark skies unpolluted by artificial lights, where every single star appears in high definition glory.
A night in WA
Video byColin Legg Photography
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By some estimates, there are 100 billion stars in the Milky Way. Head to WA’s best sites for stargazing, where no artificial lights pollute the darkness, and you will feel like you can count every individual star.
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You don’t have to travel far to find the perfect place to unleash your inner astronomer. Just three hours north of Perth, The Pinnacles in Nambung National Park is known for its dazzling night skies. The days are pretty remarkable, too.
There are few better places to see the Milky Way in all its glory. Photographers come here to capture astonishing nightscapes featuring Magellanic clouds and the vibrant Jewel Box cluster.
PhotographyColin Legg Photography
© Tourism Western Australia
© Tourism Western Australia
© Tourism Western Australia
© Tourism Western Australia
© Tourism Western Australia
© Tourism Western Australia
© Tourism Western Australia
There’s plenty to see during the day, too. The striking rock spires known as the Pinnacles jut out from yellow sand dunes, some stretching more than three metres into the sky. Made of ancient shells, a relic of the days when this area lay beneath a giant sea, they have an eerie, otherworldly beauty.
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© Tourism Western Australia
© Tourism Western Australia
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Base yourself in the fishing village of Cervantes, where options range from camping to cosy motelsand even apartment-style accommodation. If you can drag yourself away from the reef-fringed white-sand beaches, keep an eye out for wildlife: you may encounter kangaroos, emus and flocks of galahs.
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Nambung National Park is not the only place made for soaking up starry nights, WA’s vast landscapes offers plenty of other places to gaze up in awe, due to low levels of light pollution across the state.
Cape Leveque is the northernmost tip of the Dampier Peninsula in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, 200 km north of Broome. This pristine and remote area is a great place to see the cosmos.
PhotographyColin Legg Photography
Cape Leveque is the northernmost tip of the Dampier Peninsula in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, 200 km north of Broome. This pristine and remote area is a great place to see the cosmos.
PhotographyColin Legg Photography
Cape Leveque is the northernmost tip of the Dampier Peninsula in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, 200 km north of Broome. This pristine and remote area is a great place to see the cosmos.
PhotographyColin Legg Photography
Lake Ballard is a system of interconnected occassional salt lakes up to 70km wide in the Goldfields-Esperance area. Winessing the Milky Way reflected in its shallow waters is a unique experience.
PhotographyColin Legg Photography
Lake Ballard is a system of interconnected occassional salt lakes up to 70km wide in the Goldfields-Esperance area. Winessing the Milky Way reflected in its shallow waters is a unique experience.
PhotographyColin Legg Photography
Lake Ballard is a system of interconnected occassional salt lakes up to 70km wide in the Goldfields-Esperance area. Winessing the Milky Way reflected in its shallow waters is a unique experience.
PhotographyColin Legg Photography
Lake Ballard is a system of interconnected occassional salt lakes up to 70km wide in the Goldfields-Esperance area. Winessing the Milky Way reflected in its shallow waters is a unique experience.
PhotographyColin Legg Photography
Most visitors to Shark Bay, north of Geraldton, come here to get wet. Dolphins, manta rays, whales and dugongs are the draw for many; however, the bright starlit nights are an attraction in their own right.
PhotographyColin Legg Photography
Most visitors to Shark Bay, north of Geraldton, come here to get wet. Dolphins, manta rays, whales and dugongs are the draw for many; however, the bright starlit nights are an attraction in their own right.
PhotographyColin Legg Photography
Most visitors to Shark Bay, north of Geraldton, come here to get wet. Dolphins, manta rays, whales and dugongs are the draw for many; however, the bright starlit nights are an attraction in their own right.
PhotographyColin Legg Photography
Most visitors to Shark Bay, north of Geraldton, come here to get wet. Dolphins, manta rays, whales and dugongs are the draw for many; however, the bright starlit nights are an attraction in their own right.
PhotographyColin Legg Photography
Most visitors to Shark Bay, north of Geraldton, come here to get wet. Dolphins, manta rays, whales and dugongs are the draw for many; however, the bright starlit nights are an attraction in their own right.
PhotographyColin Legg Photography
It’s no surprise that the vast Kimberley region is prime star-spotting territory. A unique spectacle happens at Broome every full moon between March and October. Known as the Staircase to the Moon, this spectacular illusion occurs when the rising moon is reflected off the mud flats.
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Nambung National Park is not the only place made for soaking up starry nights. WA’s vast landscapes offers plenty of other places to gaze up in awe.
With spectacular falls, inviting waterholes and dramatic gorges, such as Knox Gorge, Karijini National Park in the Pilbara is one of WA’s best-kept secrets. Its dark nights make it a favourite with amateur astronomers, who often see meteor showers flashing through the sky.
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As a marine biologist Brad Norman has got to know Ningaloo Reef and the journey from Perth well, and shares his tips for the best places to stop along the way. The World Heritage listed Ningaloo Coast, around 13 hour drive from Perth, is best known for its whale sharks, and fringing coral reefs which are accessible from the shore.
The Pinnacles in Cervantes
Only a couple of hours north of Perth, this National Park is home to the very unusual limestone Pinnacles. You have to see them stretching out over the sand dunes to understand their strange appeal.
See the coastal and Murchison River gorges at Kalbarri
Further north up the coast is the town of Kalbarri, known for its fishing and stunning red rock gorges that frame the Murchison River.
Stop at the World Heritage area at Shark Bay and visit Shell Beach and Monkey Mia
I go to Monkey Mia more for the beach than the dolphins – but they are a popular attraction. As one of WA’s main tourist attractions, there are no issues with finding somewhere to stay.
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