Western Australia is a diverse state making up much of the western side of Australia. There are pristine surf beaches, deserts, natural wonders, great food and wine areas and vibrant cities. There is also plenty of wildlife to get up an close with. Imagine having a selfie with a Quokka or swimming with Bottlenose Dolphins and Whale Sharks! How special would that be? With all that Western Australia has to offer how do you choose what to see and do? Well, if you are looking for some inspiration, here is my list of the best things to see and do in Western Australia to help you.

People visit Western Australia in different ways. It could be for a weekend Perth city escape, a 1 week Western Australia itinerary or travelling around the state for a month or two or indefinitely. Whichever your reason for a Western Australia holiday, there are plenty of great things to see and do in Western Australia in this post.

Please note that suggestions are listed in alphabetical order and have been offered by fellow travel bloggers.

Best Places to visit in Western Australia

Visit some wonderful places in Western Australia

1. Broome

Best place to Visit in Western Australia on a road trip of Osamma @ Awesome Traveler

Cable Beach, Broome

If you are looking for a place to visit in Australia, then look no further than Broome. Situated in Western Australia, this enchanting city offers plenty of things to do for first time visitors. Why you should add it to your road trip, you might ask. Broome is known for having the largest Pearl Port in the world.

You can enjoy pearl diving at Roebuck Bay. It is also a good hope for snorkeling and scuba diving. Therefore, you can enjoy its richness in marine life and uncover its beauty. There is something. You can also roam around Roebuck Bay Caravan Park, which is the only park on Australia that is located on a beach. There are many hike trails to choose from, so make your research.

Many visitors like to sit back and relax at the beach while soaking in the sun. The best activity that I tried was a sunset camel ride at Cable Beach. It is quite relaxing, which makes it a great escape from the hustle and bustle of a busy life. The camel ride tour price range from 30 dollars to 90 dollars. You will ride a camel from 30 minutes to an hour. 

I would recommend you to stay in Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa. You can enjoy a luxurious stay at the shore of Cable Beach. You cab also relax at the pool and enjoy a spa day that they have to offer. It is a great escape for couples who seek a romantic getaway.

If you are wanting to experience a camel ride on Cable Beach check this 1 hour sunset tour.

It is often best to book accommodation in Broome in advance as it gets quite busy and books out. Check out accommodation options here.

2. Busselton Jetty

A favourite spot in WA of Sharyn @ Live Work Play Travel

Busselton Jetty

Busselton Jetty is found on the foreshore at Busselton. But why would you want to see a jetty? Well this jetty extends 1.8 kilometres over Geographe Bay and is the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere and is a World Heritage listed site. So well worth a look. Why not jump aboard the train and travel along the jetty. The train ride takes 45 minutes to do the return 1.7 km journey. It stops every 5 minutes or so to disembark so you can take photos. You may see dolphins frolicking and the view is pretty incredible. But what makes a visit to Busselton Jetty even more special is the underwater observatory. Yep, beneath the jetty is an underwater world waiting to be explored.

3. Cape Leeuwin

Best place to visit in Western Australia of Sharyn @ Writing About Travel

where two oceans meet

If you love light houses then you will love the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse. The lighthouse is the tallest on mainland Australia and should be included in a road trip around Western Australia. Why? Well, what makes this lighthouse so special is that it has two oceans to watch over as this is where the Great Southern Ocean meets the Indian Ocean. I did not know this before I visited and came away totally impressed!

The Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is a limestone lighthouse constructed in 1895. And it is a working lighthouse watching over vessels navigating the cape. A visit will introduce you to the maritime history of the area which you can discover in the interactive experience located in one of the original lighthouse keepers’ cottages. Then, and after climbing the 176 steps to the lighthouse viewing deck you will get great views over the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse precinct heritage listed area. If you are visiting from May to September the lighthouse transforms into one of the best land-based vantage points for spotting migrating whales – pretty cool!

If wanting to stay in the area, the nearest town of Augusta has accommodation.

4. Esperance

Esperance

If you are looking for a beach paradise in Western Australia, look no further than Esperance. Located on the south-west coast there is plenty of white sand, turquoise water and wild landscapes to captivate you. If you ever wanted to camp on the beach, then Esperance is one of the best spots in Australia to do this.

To add to the fabulous beach life, check out some of best beaches with a visit to Lucky Bay, a beach very popular not only with humans, but kangaroos. If you ever wanted an iconic photo of a kangaroo on the beach, then this would be the place.

As well as the numerous beaches offering, surfing, scuba diving, fishing and swimming, there are five major national parks offering some great hiking. One of the most popular is the Cape Le Grand National Park, where you will find a large granite terrain on the sheltered white sand beaches. It looks wild! This is a particularly appealing park to four while drive enthusiasts who love to drive on the beach. I can definitely recommend including a visit to Esperance on any road trip around Western Australia – is truly is one of the best places to visit in WA.

There is plenty of accommodation in Esperance if you are travelling in a van, with a caravan or car camping. If not, check out these Esperance accommodation options.

5. Exmouth

Favourite WA place of Natalie @ Snorkel Spots

Green Turtle on Ningaloo Reef

Exmouth is 1200km north of Perth and should be on every itinerary when you plan a Western Australian road trip. It is the gateway to Ningaloo Reef, the largest fringing reef in the world. From April to September, Ningaloo is home to the world biggest fish – whale sharks. A whale shark tour is a definite bucket list activity.

There are also many easy access shore based snorkels where you can spot everything from turtlers and colourful fish to rays, dugongs and (harmless) reef sharks. Check out snorkel spots like Lakeside Sanctuary Zone, Turquoise Bay, Oyster Stacks and South Mandu.

Another feature of Exmouth is Cape Range National Park. You can do short but spectacular walks into Mandu Mandu or Yardie Creek Gorge where you can spot osprey eagles and rock wallabies. For early risers, a sunrise at Charles Knife Canyon is a stunning experience.

The spectacular ULF radio towers, Mildura Wreck, Krait and Potshot Memorial and an excellent visitor centre also provide plenty of interest if you are a history buff. And the visitor centre has an aquarium if venturing onto the water isn’t your thing.

If you want to see Exmouth on your WA road trip, plan ahead. Accommodation and whale shark cruise spots book out months in advance for the peak season from May to October.

Check out these accommodation options.

6. Fremantle

Favourite city in WA of Emma @ Emma Jane Explores

Fremantle Gaol

The historic town of Fremantle absolutely must be on your WA road trip itinerary. Spending two days in Fremantle is enough to whet your appetite and see the main sights, however you’ll likely fall in love with this charming seaside town and want to spend much longer there. There’s so much to love about this part of WA including the ocean-front walking trails, the incredible food scene and learning about the history of the area.

No trip to Fremantle would be complete without a visit to the ominous Fremantle Prison. This was built by convicts in the 1850s and only ceased operations in 1991. There are many different tours you can do at the facility depending on whether you’re more interested in the early convict history of the prison or the more contemporary inmates and stories. The UNESCO World Heritage listed prison also offers tours by torchlight or tours through the tunnels under the prison for those feeling a bit more adventurous.

Fremantle also has a fabulous food scene with many amazing restaurants to visit. The Sunshine Harvester Works food hall is a delicious night out where you can roam the hall tasting everything from tacos to dumplings, gelato to jerk chicken. The Little Creatures brewery is also located in Fremantle and you are able to enjoy a beer tasting overlooking the water – a great lunch option.

Fremantle is also the perfect jumping off point to do a day trip out to Rottnest Island to visit the unique, smiley quokkas that have made WA famous.

Fremantle is a quick train trip from Perth, but if you decide to stay in Fremantle, check out these Fremantle accommodation options.

7. Kalbarri

Best places in WA on a road trip of Holly @ Four Around The World

Nature’s Window archway in Kalbarri National Park

Kalbarri is somewhat of a hidden gem in Western Australia, simply because of its remote location, around 6 hours north of Perth, but if you’re road-tripping your way around, it’s a must-visit! Located on the spectacular Coral Coast, Kalbarri offers a perfect blend of nature and adventure.

One of the main attractions is the Kalbarri National Park. Here you will find the Kalbarri Skywalk, with two viewing platforms that hang 300 metres above the Murchison River. The popular Z Bend lookout provides an epic view of the Murchison River Gorge, while the iconic Nature’s Window gives visitors a unique perspective through a natural rock archway. Tip: Go early to beat the crowds for this popular Instagram spot!

There are many different hikes of varying lengths within the National Park. The short Pot Alley walk was one of our favourite things to do in Kalbarri. While not a swimming beach, it’s a stunning spot within a rocky gorge.

The Kalbarri Blue Holes is a popular snorkelling area or enjoy a more relaxed beach session at Kalbarri Foreshore. Here you can hire water activities such as kayaks, SUPs and pedal boats.

And just 40 minutes from Kalbarri is the famous Hutt Lagoon in Port Gregory – a bubblegum pink lake that is something you certainly don’t see every day!

Kalbarri is definitely a nature lovers’ paradise and somewhere that you can easily spend one day or several enjoying the beautiful wild coastline and quiet small-town vibes.

There is plenty of accommodation available in Kalbarri if needed, check out these options.

8. Kalgoorlie

Best place to visit in WA of Sharyn @ Discover Australia Now

Kalgoorlie mine

One of the most interesting places I visited on my road trip around Western Australia was a visit to Kalgoorlie-Boulder. My main aim was to visit Wave Rock and after I did that, I kept driving and was pleasantly surprised at this city in the Goldfields region of Western Australia. I found it to be a vibrant hub built on the mining industry as the area is rich in minerals including gold, nickel, lithium and iron ore.

And you can see the mining by visiting The Super Pit. The Super Pit is one of Australia’s largest open pit gold mines. You can visit the viewing platform and watch the goings on of a working mine which is so interesting watching the trucks and other vehicles moving around the pit. You may even get to see a ‘blast’! Then head to Hannans North Tourist Mine where you will get to see blast footage, a decommissioned truck and a scale model of the Fimiston Open Pit.

After checking out the mining, head into town and walk up and down the main street discovering the old buildings. Hannan Street is the main street stretching some 3.2 km (2 miles) long and was named after one of the founding fathers of the town, Paddy Hannan who was an Irish prospector who discovered gold there in 1893. There are many significant buildings located along Hannan Street with grand turn-of-the-century architecture including the Kalgoorlie Hotel, Exchange Hotel, Palace Hotel, the Kalgoorlie Miner Building and the York Hotel. There is plenty of signage along the street explaining the history of some of the buildings.

Also visit the Museum of the Goldfields showcasing the history of the eastern goldfields. It shows how the gold rush transformed this region and you will get to see some of the biggest gold bars and nuggets in the state. Plus step back in time and discover how the prospectors lived and worked in the early 1900s. Very similar to a visit to Bendigo and Ballarat Goldfield’s Way in Victoria to discover their gold mining days.

For accommodation options in Kalgoorlie, check out these.

9. Karijini National Park

Favourite place of Maja @ Away with Maja

Joffre Gorge in Karijini National Park

Karijini National Park is an incredible destination, located in the Pilbara region of northwest WA. Give yourself at least three to seven days to explore the natural beauty of the area. It has some of the most unique and spectacular scenery in the whole country. The red-dirt views and wide, open spaces are classic outback Australia! 

Hike around Weano and Hancock Gorges, swim down the river at Joffre Gorge, and find the insta-famous Hermit Pool at Hamersley Gorge. If you visit Dales Gorge, be sure to do the loop hike around the area and swim at Fortescue Falls and Fern Pool. 

For a truly epic experience, hike up to the summit of Mount Bruce. This is the second-highest mountain in Western Australia and is an incredible spot to catch the sunrise! If you have a good 4WD, head to Kalamina Gorge. Due to the access roads, it sees far fewer visitors than the other more-popular gorges. 

Note that there are only two accommodation providers in Karijini. Karijini Eco Retreat (which has glamping tents and unpowered campsites), and Dales Campground, which has unpowered sites and basic facilities. There are a number of good free camps in the national park as well.

10. Mandurah

Favourite spot in WA of Charlotte @  10 Day Traveller

Mandurah Giant

Most people would go to Perth when visiting Western Australia, but just an hour away down south is the coastal city of Mandurah. A great destination if you’re looking to skip the usual tourist trail while still enjoying what Western Australia has to offer.

In Mandurah, you can visit the incredible Giants Sculptures. These are a series of wooden sculptures created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. These whimsical, giant figures are hidden in natural settings around Mandurah, designed to encourage exploration and appreciation of the outdoors.

Made from recycled materials, each giant has its own unique story and is part of a larger global project by Dambo aimed at promoting sustainability and environmental awareness. There are a total of five Giants which are not located next to each other. Making it a perfect day adventure during your road trip.

For those looking to enjoy the beach, Madora Bay is a relaxing strip of sandy beaches, an amazing spot for the golden hour. For boat tours, there are trips you can take such as dolphin watching or riding a boat along the Mandurah Canals out of Dolphin Quay.  And if you’re visiting in March, you can join the Annual Crab Fest where you can try out local dishes in food stalls and live entertainment.

For accommodation options in Mandurah, check out these.

If hoping to go on a dolphin watching cruise, check out these tours.

11. Margaret River

Jewell Cave, Margaret River Region

Head south from Perth via Mandurah and Bunbury and a couple of hours later you will arrive in Margaret River. Once known for being a chilled out surfy town, and still is with world-class surf breaks, this area is now also a thriving smorgasbord of fine food, wine and scenery. If you don’t have your own vehicle don’t worry as you can rent one or your can join a tour through beautiful vineyards, visit many cellar doors and taste gourmet delights. Even though I enjoyed visiting the wineries, one of my favourite places is the Margaret River Chocolate Factory, almost as good as the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery.

If wine and food isn’t your passion check out the waves or the caves in the region. Lake Cave, Jewel Cave, Mammoth Cave and the ancient Ngilgi Caves. Or visit Cape Leeuwin and the sea cliffs of Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.

Don’t have a car, no worries, go on a tour and discover the wineries of Margaret River. And if looking to stay in Margaret River, check out these options.

12. Monkey Mia

Getting up close and personal

The World Heritage listed Shark Bay Marine Park stretches some 1,500 kilometres of Western Australia coastline. Monkey Mia, in the marine park, provides the opportunity to see wild Bottlenose dolphins. Every day, at different times of the day, numbers of wild dolphins swim into the clear shallows to interact with humans. What an experience!

Access to the conservation park is subject to a reserve fee. Get all the details you need to enter and spend time in the park at the Shark Bay website.

To truly discover the area, go on a flight over the coastal area. You never know what you might see – sharks, turtles, rays or a humpback whale! You can organise your flight here.

13. Norseman

Best spot to visit in WA of Sharyn @ Discover Australia Now

Norseman the Horse

I stumbled upon Norseman. I thought it was going to be a small town I would drive through on my way from Kalgoorlie to Esperence, but I found it to be much more than a drive-through town! The town actually takes its name from a horse. Yep, Laurie Sinclair’s horse ‘Norseman’ scraped the ground with his hoof and unearthed the first gold nugget in 1894. This then led to many more and also the discovery of the richest quartz reefs ever mined in Australia. What a clever horse!

As well as checking out the statue of Norseman, take a look at the Tin Camels standing in town as a tribute to the camel trains that carried mail in the early days of settlement. To discover the region’s mining history, pay a visit to Phoenix Park, and walk the winding pathways to relics and informative signs telling the stories of Norseman’s past. You can also drive to Beacon Hill Lookout for a panoramic view over the town and surrounding countryside. And maybe drive 20 minutes or so to Dundas Rocks to see rocks dating back 550 million years. Or use it as a rest stop as Norseman is the last major town in Western Australia if leaving, or the first major town in Western Australia if coming from South Australia. Whichever way you are headed, Norseman is a welcome stop marking the start, or the end of the Eyre Highway for people crossing the 1,675 kilometres across the Nullabor Plain. And is worth a visit on any Western Australia road trip.

If needing accommodation in Norseman check out options here.

14. Perth

Favourite place in WA of Sharyn @ Live Work Play Travel

Take in the views of Perth City From Kings Park

If you are going to visit Western Australia don’t miss out on visiting the capital city, Perth. Depending on your time frame take the Perth Tram Explorer, a hop-off hop-on bus that takes you to all the best sites to see. Definitely visit Kings Park with its natural bush setting and panoramic views over the city. Or maybe take a cruise on the Swan River, the river along which Perth is built. If feeling relaxed, why not spend your day lazing at one of Perth’s 19 beaches to swim, snorkel or surf. If shopping is on your agenda, Perth has many great shops to explore in it’s inner city neighbourhoods so you can shop in till you drop. Or you could easily catch a train to Fremantle, situated on the mouth of the Swan River and walk along the waterfront to see the yachts in the harbour. Visit the Maritime Museum, the Fremantle Prison and the Round House. Then end your days in Northbridge, a vibrant part of Perth town with many retail stores, restaurants, bars, pubs and accommodation.

One of the best ways to see Perth is to go on the Perth Hop on Hop off bus. It will take you to all the best spots and tell you about them so you can hop off to explore them more.

Perth is a great base to explore in and around, if needing accommodation for your stay, check out Perth accommodation options here.

15. Pinnacles

Best place in WA of Raksha @ Solo Passport

Spectacular Pinnacles

Situated around 200 kilometres north of Perth, The Pinnacles is in the Nambung National Park. It is one of the most stunning and striking natural wonders in Western Australia. Known for its thousands of limestone pillars that rise dramatically from the desert sands, The Pinnacles is said to have been formed around 25,000 to 30,000 years ago when seashells were broken down into sand. They then compacted over millennia and these formations were formed due to the erosion by wind and rain.

You can either take a self-guided drive or hike along the trails in the Pinnacles. The Pinnacles Lookout is a must-visit to get panoramic views of the desert which also offer great photographic opportunities. The best time to visit Pinnacles is during sunset as you can see the sun rays casting over the formations to create a magical spectacle.

The national park is also home to diverse flora and fauna, including grey kangaroos and emus. The park’s coastal dunes and beaches, such as Hangover Bay, are also worth exploring for their pristine beauty and opportunities for swimming and picnicking.

With captivating landscapes and unique rock formations, The Pinnacles is surely worth having on a road trip in Western Australia. As it is closer to Perth, you only need a couple of days to visit.

16. Rottnest Island

Favourite spot in WA of Kate @ Australia Travel Hub

Rottnest Island Lighthouse stands tall against a clear sky, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into the island’s rich history.

Rottnest Island, located just off the coast of Perth, Western Australia, is a gem perfect for a road trip around WA. Known for its stunning beaches and unique wildlife, Rottnest offers a special blend of natural beauty and laid-back charm. Just a short ferry ride from Fremantle, Hillarys Boat Harbour, or Perth City, it’s easily accessible and makes for a memorable day trip or an extended stay.

What makes Rottnest truly special is its population of quokkas. These adorable, small marsupials are incredibly friendly and photogenic, making them a visitor highlight. The island is also car-free, giving it a peaceful atmosphere ideal for cycling. With over 63 beaches and 20 bays, plenty of spots to swim, snorkel, and dive.

For those interested in history, the island offers the Wadjemup Museum and numerous historical sites, including old military installations and lighthouses. Adventure seekers can enjoy skydiving, surfing, and paddleboarding. Several walking trails offer stunning views of the coastline and inland lakes.

Including Rottnest Island on your road trip around WA is a no-brainer. Its proximity to Perth makes it an easy detour, and the island’s diverse activities ensure something for everyone. From relaxing on pristine beaches to exploring underwater worlds, Rottnest Island is a must-visit destination in Western Australia.

Accommodation on the island is limited with most coming on a day trip from Fremantle or Perth, but here are some accommodation options.

17. Wave Rock

Favourite natural wonder in WA of Sharyn @ Discover Australia Now

Wave Rock, just one of the natural wonders west of Perth

Head east from Perth and you will arrive in what is referred to as the Golden Outback in Western Australia. Many natural wonders exist out here including Wave Rock. Australia’s biggest wave, made from hundreds of thousands of years of natural erosion to make the wave formation. Though local Aboriginals believe it was a creation of the Rainbow Serpent who dragged her swollen body over the land after she had consumed all of the water!.

Wave Rock is about 45 feet (14 meters) high and 360 feet (110 meters) long. It is much larger in real life than I expected. The entrance fee is well worth it to discover Wave Rock, the local Aboriginals and early settlement stories and other things on the 3.6 kilometre loop walk. Don’t forget your walking shoes! See other natural wonders of the countryside on the walk including Hippos Yawn which resembles a hippo yawning. And if there at the right time of year, you may see the beautiful wildflowers.

Extend your stay at Wave Rock by staying in the closest town of Hyden.

Organise Your Visit to Western Australia

Now you know what to see and do in Western Australia, it is time to organise your trip.

Best Time to Visit Western Australia

Anytime is a good time to visit Western Australia however, there are certain parts that are best to visit at certain times of the year because of the best weather conditions. Most prefer to stay in the south of the state during the spring, summer and autumn months as this is when the weather is nice. With warm days and great beach weather if you are on the coast. Most visitors to Western Australia will head to the north of the state during the winter months (June, July, August) as the weather is better there at this time. During the summer months there can be wild weather with a cyclone or two. So if you are looking to visit during the best weather, stay in the southern half during the summer and head to the northern half during the winter.

How Long to Spend in Western Australia

How long have you got to spend in Western Australia? If you only have a couple of days to spend in WA I would choose a spot and spend it there. Like a few days in Perth, Margaret River or Broome. If you have longer, I would suggest you hire a car and travel around Western Australia visiting a few spots. There are many fabulous road trips in Western Australia to help you discover the state. Some spend months travelling around the state.

How to Get to Western Australia

You can get to Western Australia a number of ways. These include by air and by land. Western Australia has a major airport in Perth where many domestic and international flights land. There are also some 40 or so smaller airports like in Esperence, Broome, and Kalbarri to name a few. Check out flights on Skyscanner. 

Western Australia can be reached by rail and road network. Many travel aboard the Indian Pacific train or travel from the Eastern States via car or bus. Crossing the Nullabor is a very popular option.

Accommodation in Western Australia

If wondering where you will stay in WA, well, there are plenty of accommodation options. These range from budget hostels to resorts, with everything in between including bed and breakfasts, serviced apartments, caravan parks and free camping. Best to check out websites such as Booking.com to see what suits you and your budget.

Are You Ready to Visit Western Australia?

So there you have it, if you are thinking of holidaying in Western Australia there are some must-see things. Too many really to list here but I am sure my list of 11 things to see and do in Western Australia will get you started. I’d love to hear about your favourite places to visit and things to do from your adventures in Western Australia in the comments following.