Tale end of a whale shark as it swims away.

Western Australia

Home to the city of Perth, the wilderness landscapes of the Kimberley and the underwater world of the Ninagloo Reef.

Western Australia is often less visited due to its distance from the bustling cities of Sydney and Melbourne and some of the more classic sites. However, this vast area is well worth exploring and is a stand out Australian holiday destination in its own right.

Perth is an easy city to explore, located on the scenic Swan River with the cosmopolitan port town of Fremantle close by. To the south lie the vineyards and sunny beach culture of Margaret River and stretching north is an extensive coastline, home to the coral reefs of the Ningaloo and the tidal extremes of the Kimberley.

Vineyards, Margaret River, Australia
Margaret River vineyard

Margaret River Fare

A short drive south of Perth this area is responsible for producing less than 1% of Australia’s wine but over 15% of Australia’s premium wine. Boutique beer breweries, exquisite cheese products, jams and condiment producers, a marron (freshwater crayfish) farm, olive groves and even chocolate and fudge factories add to the gourmet experiences. Couple this with an array of art and craft galleries for a fabulous opportunity to experience local producers and artists.

Eastern Side of King George Falls, The Kimberley, Western Australia
King George Falls, The Kimberley

The Kimberley

In the far northwest this is an ancient land-form of rugged ranges with deep, spectacular gorges, pristine sandy beaches and mighty river systems that produce cascading waterfalls during the wet season. Unexplored caves hide ancient Bradshaw rock paintings, and cattle stations are so large that your nearest neighbour can be two hours away. One of the most rewarding ways to explore this remote region is on an expeditionary cruise with access to the coastal mangroves, creeks, gorges and waterfalls. Alternatively, take to the skies for an aerial view of this vast wilderness.

Whale shark underwater with snorkeller alongside.
Swimming with whale sharks

The Ningaloo Reef

For many travellers, the most surprising discovery in Western Australia is the Ningaloo Reef, one of the world’s longest fringing coral reefs, located just a few metres from a white sand beach that stretches for hundreds of kilometres. In part because of its isolation, this reef is in magnificent condition and home to a huge variety of corals, fish and marine mammals. From April to July, it is possible to swim with whale sharks or join humpback whales in the water from August to October.

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Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Sal Salis £££££

  • Australia
  • Tented Camps

Hidden in the dunes overlooking a pristine beach, this exclusive and environmentally friendly bush camp has the most isolated and stunning location. The corals and the magical underwater world of the Ningaloo Reef are just metres away.

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Cape Lodge £££££

  • Australia
  • Boutique

Cape Lodge is a small luxury hotel located in the heart of the Margaret River wine region. The 22 classically elegant rooms and suites are romantic and airy in style with either a patio or balcony offering lake or garden views.

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Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa £££££

  • Australia
  • Wellness and Spa

Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa is the only resort in Broome located on the spectacular Cable Beach. Set in gardens, there is a range of accommodation options including studios, bungalows, private villas and luxury suites complete with a private butler. All combine colonial and Asian styles. There are two swimming pools – one for families, and the other reserved solely for adults and additional facilities include a spa and four distinctively different restaurants and bars.

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COMO The Treasury £££££

  • Australia
  • City

COMO The Treasury is a 48 room boutique hotel housed in a group of late Victorian buildings. Beautifully renovated, these important historical buildings once served as a post office, treasury as well as being home to the cities original seat of government.

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El Questro Homestead £££££

  • Australia
  • Wilderness

El Questro Homestead is dramatically perched above the Chamberlain River, amidst a million-acre wilderness park in the Kimberley’s. Accommodation is in nine suites which occupy cliffside settings with a wonderful garden and river views and private decks. Some have freestanding outdoor baths. The kidney-shaped pool is also positioned to take full advantage of the river views.

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Experiences

What do you really love doing? We curate your itinerary especially for you.

True North Boat, Eagle Falls, The Kimberley, Western Australia
Western Australia

Cruise The Kimberley

Cruise the vast and wild Kimberley coastline, with its rugged cliffs, mighty river systems and Aboriginal heritage.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Underwater shot of snorkeller on Ningaloo Reef.
Western Australia

Snorkelling on the Ningaloo Reef

Walking 50 metres from soft sand into another world to snorkel with turtle and ray on the Ningaloo Reef.

Orca Whale
Western Australia

Killer Whale Expedition

Join a marine biologist between January and April to search for orca when they return to the Bremer Canyon on Australia south west coast each year.

Mitchell Falls, The Kimberley, Western Australia
Western Australia

Discover The Kimberley

Walk on untouched beaches, swim in natural freshwater pools and discover ancient rock art in the Kimberley on Australia’s west coast.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Whale Breach off coast of Western Australia
Western Australia

Whale Watching

Witness humpback, southern right and even blue whales as they migrate along the west coast of Australia en route to Antarctica.

Manta Ray on the Ningaloo Reef
Western Australia

Manta Ray Research Experience

Join a local Marine Biologist on the Ningaloo Reef between March and October to learn about manta ray before getting hands on to snorkel with, photograph and help identify individuals and record behaviour.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Dawn at the vineyards, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia
Western Australia

Margaret River Artisan Produce

Visit some of the many artisan food and beverage producers in the region, from chocolate to olive oil and of course wine.

Whale Shark, Exmouth, Australia
Western Australia

Swim with whales

Stay at Sal Salis and swim with whale sharks or humpbacks on the Ningaloo Reef.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Gibb River Road, Kimberley, Western Australia
Western Australia

Drive the Gibb River Road

Self-drive along the Gibb River Road in the secluded Kimberley region of Western Australia, where wide open spaces offer an incredible sense of remoteness and freedom.

Summer holiday at Margaret River, Western Australia
Western Australia

Bush Tucker Kayaking Tour

Canoe the Margaret River on a bush tucker tour with an expert local guide.

Quokka, Rottnest Island, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
Western Australia

A day trip to Rottnest Island

Take a ferry from Perth to Rottnest Island, hire a bike, buy a picnic lunch and meet a quokka.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Clare Higginson

It was my passion for languages that first encouraged me to leave the UK behind and grab my rucksack. Since then, it’s been a mixture of intriguing cultures, jaw-dropping landscapes and the wonder of seeing animals in their natural habitat that sees me continuously extending my travel wish list.

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