Destination overview

Western Australia is Australia's largest state with almost 8,000 miles of beautiful coastline. Known for its friendly residents and perpetual sunshine, this is one place that is not only vast in area, but full of things to do. From the capital city of Perth up to Broome, you’ll find that there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this wonderful place full of history, charm and natural wonders. From the wide open spaces of the Outback to the Margaret River wineries, you’ll want to fit in as much as you can while you’re here.

Perth is home to 75 per cent of Western Australia's residents, but there are treasures all over this interesting state. Located on the banks of the beautiful Swan River, Perth offers an easy going lifestyle and relaxed, natural atmosphere. There is much to see and do in this part of the state and it's easy to see why two thirds of the population resides here. Take advantage of the beautiful weather by swimming in crystal clear ocean waters, or enjoying some fresh air and a cold beer at an outdoor pub.

Western Australia's history dates back more than 40,000 years with a rich Aboriginal history, making it one of the oldest lands on Earth. European explorers came much later and while it is widely believed that Portuguese sailors plied the waters as early as the 1500s, the first recorded European visitors to Western Australia were the Dutch in the 1600s. European settlement didn't officially take place in Western Australia until 1826, when the southern port of Albany was settled as a military outpost. Western Australia's history is unusual, in that it was one of the few Australian states that was not settled as a penal colony.

The Real Australian Outback
The tough pioneering years of Western Australia's gold rush era have produced a strong, warm and colourful people, whose character is epitomised by Kalgoorlie - the hub of Western Australia's 'wild west'. Set among majestic architecture, Kalgoorlie's buzzing community maintains outback lifestyle with pride and energy.

In Kalgoorlie you can see the world's biggest working open cut mine and enjoy a beer on the verandah of an historic pub. The celebrated buildings and hotels, the 100 year-old Racing Round, the wide streets that catered for camel trains, the museums and shop frontages all give a glimpse of its unique past. Mining heritage leads into adventure when you take the time to pan for gold, tour the ghost towns or head out bush to explore the wide open spaces.

Beaches
Australian beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world and Perth beaches are a stunning example. You will be able to see the Indian Ocean gleaming under a deep blue sky and warm southern sun at many beach locations right across Perth. With over 12,000 kilometres of pristine coastline, there's a great beach to suit everyone.

Cottesloe is one of the most popular of all Western Australian beaches. The clean, clear coastline and smooth terraced lawns provide a heavenly respite from a busy schedule.

The Basin at Rottnest Island is also ideal for swimmers and snorkellers of all ages. For teens and young adults, Scarborough Beach is a firm favourite. This historic seaside town is popular with surfers and offers some impressive surf breaks.

Those who love a quiet spot of beach fishing or an afternoon of body-boarding may prefer the clean, quiet waters of City Beach or Floreat Beach. Meanwhile, surfers seeking Perth's gnarliest waves should head to Trigg, where shifting sand banks over rocky ledges creates powerful surf.

Children and novice swimmers will love the tranquil waters of Mettams Pool, between Sorrento Beach and Trigg where the calm, deep blue water is perfect for snorkelling and paddling.

Forty minutes south of the city, Rockingham offers a range of beaches to suit everyone. For scuba divers there’s also a wreck dive trail in 18 metres of water located just an easy swim from the shore. Snorkellers can explore the reefs around Point Peron or if you’re into kite surfing try Shoalwater or Safety Bay.

Margaret River
Margaret River and its premium wine region is the place for indulging many passions. It's the only wine region in Australia where you can hop from award-winning wineries and restaurants to stunning beaches, tall-timber forests, world-class surf breaks and ancient caves. From Perth, it's an easy three and a half hour drive via coast or country.

Blessed with mild weather and abundant sunshine, Margaret River has evolved from a chilled-out surfie town into a popular base for enjoying the region's fine flavours and spectacular scenery, where rolling vineyards sit against a backdrop of ocean and forest. Producing over 15 per cent of Australia's premium wine, the tastings are top notch. And besides over 100 wineries, you'll be spoilt for choice with many fine restaurants, boutique breweries, art galleries and fresh produce, from divine cheeses to chocolate.

Broome
The pearling capital of Australia, Broome is the western gateway to the Kimberley wilderness - home to world famous Cable Beach sunsets and the natural phenomenon of the Staircase to the Moon.

Just a two and a half hour flight from Perth transports you to this tropical oasis of striking contrasts in colour and culture. Affectionately known as the 'pearl of the north' it's the home of South Sea pearls - among the largest and most coveted commercially harvested cultured pearls in the world. Their discovery in the 1800s fuelled a mass migration almost as epic as the gold rush. Japanese, Filipino and Malay pearl divers arrived in droves seeking their fortune, creating a melting pot of cultures that makes Broome the multicultural town it is today.

You can witness first-hand how Broome pearls are cultured on a cruise to a local pearl farm, then immerse yourself in the romantic tales of the original pearl luggers, or pick up a memento of your trip in the dazzling pearl showrooms of Chinatown.

Rottnest Island
Perth's idyllic island playground, Rottnest is just a short ferry ride from the mainland and a world away from city life. For such a tiny island, this car-free and carefree Class A reserve packs a lot of pleasure into a day.
Just 19 kilometres off the coast, ferries depart regularly from Fremantle, Perth's Barrack Street Jetty and Hillarys Marina. Tours on land and sea offer insightful experiences from wildlife encounters with quokkas, seals, ospreys and whales to history and cultural tours bringing Rottnest's colourful maritime, convict, colonial and World War II heritage vividly to life.

Western Australia is such a huge state that you’ll need to plan ahead to try and fit in as much as you can. And, the sheer beauty of the region and the myriad attractions will keep you coming back again and again.