Must See in Western Australia

A Coastal Road-Trip in Western Australia

If you're already going to the other side of the world, why not go big or go home! To take full advantage, we suggest a dream road-trip alond the Western Australia coast, where you can discover all of the "must-see" areas of this region, overflowing with idyllic and varied landscapes. Take off with a group of friends or family and travel this region by motorhome, campervan, 4x4, or profile van!

Having a hard time deciding between a lazy day on beach burying your toes in the warm sand, going on a hike in the lucious national park with cascading waterfalls, or going on a marine life viewing adventure? Why choose just one when you can do them all! On the west coast of Australia, you can do it all. 

To start out, we propose picking up your motorhome, campervan, or 4WD in Boome and heading straight to Cable Beach to ease over your jet-lag. There, you will find a 22km beach of immaculate white sand, bordered by turquoise water with a backdrop of amber cliffs. After catching a tan on this beach paradise, take in a beautiful sunset over the Indian Ocean on camel-back. 

   Cable Beach_                                                                                                          Karijini National Park_

The next day, head to Karijini National Park, an true oasis in the desert. The second largest national park in Australia, it boasts several waterfalls and natural swimming holes. Set out on one of the spectacular hiking trails, and rest up by camping at Dales Campgound (10A$ per person), or opt for the more luxurious Karijini Eco Retreat Campground (20A$ per person). 

After a great night of sleep, direct your motorhome to Ningaloo Reef, the little sister of the famous Great Barrier Reef (Queensland). This reef spreads out over 300 km between Coral Bay and Exmouth. Consisting of over 250 species of coral, it is home to marine wildlife such as dolphins, turltes, tropical fish, and sharks. A snorkeling epedition offers you a truly beautiful spectacle. The most impressive show however, is swimming with whale-sharks between March and July! Rest-assured though, these marine mammals which can grow up to 50 feet long, are completely harmless and only feed on plankton and larvae. Finally, with a water temperature of around 70 to 80 degrees, Ningaloo Reef is one of the last places on earth where you can encounter dugongs, a very rare and endangered cousin to the manitee.  

    Ningaloo Reef_                                                                               Monkey Mia_

If you still haven't had enough of your animal friends, drive another 600 km to the Monkey Mia nature reserve, and Shark Bay. This 5.4 million acre protected zone is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The dolphins are the main attraction here, they even swim up to the beach to interact with their visitors. With supervision from the park rangers, you can even have a chance to feed them in the morning. 

Now for a complete change of scenery, we suggest a detour to The Pinnacles Desert, in Namburg National Park. In this arid desert of golden sand, take in the fascinating sight of the famous Pinniacles, limestone columns which reach up from the sand to the blue sky above. The forest which surrounds this desert has more surprises in store for you, such as kangaroos, emus, and even more beautiful white sand beaches on the coast. 

       The Pinnacles Desert_                                                                                                        Quakka family in Rottnest Island_

Next up, make a visit to the only metropolis of Western Australia, Perth! Enjoy the wonderful city park, "Kings Park," spreading out over 1.5 square miles and covered with flowers. Here you can also take the ferry from Perth to Rottnest Island, a paradise completely detatched from civilization which holds a spiritual signifigance for Aboriginal Australians. The white sand beaches are teeming with quokkas, a small marsupial that can only be found in this part of Wester Australia. 

After your stop in Perth, head further south and explore the region of Margaret River, famous for its delicious wines and magnificent caves. There are hundreds of wineries, and some even have tasting rooms (highly recommended!). You can also visit the beautiful caves of the area, and discover huge openings of stalactite covered ceilings. 

   Margaret River region's caves_                                                            Valley of the giants - tree top walk_

Finally, top off your dream road-trip with a visit to Valley of the Giants National Park. Don't miss the "tree-top walk", a 2,000 foot walkway suspended over 130 feet in the air, allowing you to walk among the tree-tops of the oldest trees in the park, your head in the clouds! This walkway is designed for kids and their grand-parents alike. 

Now that there is no question about it, hop in your motorhome, campervan, or 4WD and discover this amazing and varied region, starting in Broome or Perth!